Another (Week) One Bites the Dust

*Cue the beautiful bass line and Freddie Mercury’s beautiful voice*

A few homework assignments done and an exam already looming – feels like home again 😉 Surely we all read and used our adult coloring books to eliminate stress and ate healthy and exercised and meditated over the break, right? No? I’m with ya. When my boss asked me what I’ve been up to over the break, I smiled, looked out the window, and said, “Nothing; just hanging out with the kids and eating.” Granted, I’m on a quest to get to 170 lbs. I mentioned last semester my general plans to gain weight. The goal has gotten a little more specific, and since I’ll have to exercise in a more disciplined manner as part of this semester’s workload, I’ve put the lineman routine on hold. I’m in no rush – I’m here all life. I feel fantastic, the shoulder I injured in Muay Thai feels more mobile than ever, and… we’re making our own yogurt this week. That last part is obviously too exciting to hold in.

So about the break – it’s over, we’re in full swing, and nothing can stop us. I just shook off a little rust with 4 tabata (high intesity, 20 seconds work/ 10 seconds rest) round of rocket jump burpees, did some homework, and took my sleep stack (melatonin, vitamin D, Gaba, and tryptophan – do your research before trying!) in anticipation of tomorrow’s early morning class/workout. I’ve truly hit the lotto. Not only do I shy away from waking up early whenever possible (just ask the principal investigator I work for at the NIH), but I very rarely exercise when I do. Here I am, January 2017, taking Ryan Holliday’s advice (The Obstacle is the Way). Perhaps I can join that elite slice of the population that rises with the sun, meditates, and does slow, controlled handstands and things of the sort. It’s a good book, though – I listened to that and his other one, Ego is the Enemy, last semester. This semester? I’m finally reading The Count of Monte Cristo. So good.

Years ago, when I was a snotnosed knowitall with an afro that would make Angela Davis nod in approval, one of my teachers recommended it to me. Mr. Burkett, if you read this someday, THANK YOU. Also, if the greys weren’t slowly taking over like harem pants in 2012, I’d grow the afro back out. Until then, I’ll keep the Once Was Cool Dad look.