or somewhere about that long ago while still living in Southern California, I went up the 110 to the 405 interchange and bought an olympic-sized weight set and a bench. It served me well for the first ten years; perhaps I should say I served it well for that period of time. I used to lift weights wih some regularity to stay in shape. It was never an objective to become Mr. Universe. I just alwas needed to work to counteract a DNA whose code for “muscle mass” became perversely inverted.
Back in 1988, I never thought I would go the shed and dig out that weight bench for my thirteen and twelve year old, who, unlike their father, do dream of being Mr. Universe. There it was — underneath a pile of stowed away Little Tyke toys — a basketball hoop. a blue swing that I swung all of the children in, a cardboard box with my old turntable, an electric edger, and a spare tire to a car I no longer own.
I pulled it out and wiped off the dust and spiderwebs. It still looks remarkably well. I found the bar up in the rafters of the shed. It was there in the eaves, wedged amid my surfboard, spare lumber, a Winnie the Pooh sleeping bag, and assorted camping gear. It did not weather nearly as well as the bench. It’s a little rusty from years of idleness. I may have to find some cleaner for it or pop for a new one.
While the boys were at swim I set it up down in their bedroom for them. It’s a little tight, but I think with some further re-arranging, it will work out okay there. For old times, I thought I’d try a few repetitions. Boy, just the bar at forty-five pounds felt heavier than I remember. I had a few ten pound plates in the room and slid one on either side and did five sets of ten. I am most confident that I will not be able to move in the morning. Even at my strongest the most I could ever bench was about 225-230. I think I mayjust have to start lifting again. Heaven knows, I certainly need it, and it’s another way to spend time with the boys.
Fortunately, their mother’s DNA is superior to yours truly. They are both good, strong lads who are strong, competitive swimmers.
Walked this morning for nearly an hour. It was a good walk with our youngest retriever, a female Golden, who is enthusiastic and not always coordinated. It began to rain about a mile into the walk, but it felt so good outside with the air so cool and clean. I listened to my iPod and the time went quickly.
It was a nice first day off since turning in my grades.
