This morning while perusing the internet in an (effective) attempt to avoid the dirty dishes, laundry and multitude of general chores in my house, a tidbit of info caught my eye. I tried to ignore it, I called the bank, called my mom, you know, trying to distract myself. In the end, however, I had to give in. That's right, I went swimming.
Now let me clarify this a little for you. I am not a water-baby. I was raised by a woman who did not enjoy water recreation either. I would never choose to take a bath if a shower was available. I've been known to go boating, but I prefer to watch the kids while everyone else takes the rides. I reluctantly go to the pool when my kids have field trips. I've even gotten in the water twice, you read that right, TWICE, out of a sense of obligation to help my children learn to enjoy it. I remember this one time in high school, I went swimming with 2 friends - it was toward the end of grade 10. Yup, that was the last time I remember getting in a pool because I thought it sounded like a fun way to spend some time. (Might be important to note here that those two friends grabbed my legs and sunk me - kicking, screaming, and sobbing - to the bottom at the deep end.)
I'm actually a fairly confident swimmer (thanks, grudgingly, to swimming lessons at the local pool growing up. Oh Phil, did you ever come to a realization of what a creepy swimming instructor you were?) and I do have some soft spots in my heart for swimming pools. I dated a lifeguard in high school and the chlorine smell makes me think of doing my homework on the carpeted 2nd floor bleachers while waiting for him to finish teaching a class. I love the echo-y-ness and the warm humidity. Maybe that's why if found myself drawn to the pool bleachers in university, where I'd eat lunch, study and nap between classes.
So I took myself off to the pool, shaking my head the whole way and even saying aloud at one point, "I can't believe I'm actually doing this." I steeled myself for the experience by choosing some specific cardio activities to do so that I could reinforce this incomprehensible decision with some purpose. In the end? I had a great time. So if you see me out and about this week still wearing my proof of payment waterproof wrist band like a badge of honour - well, now you know why.
(PS - did you know that the first Tuesday of the month is Toonie Tuesdays at the Leisure Center, now you do!)
