Sunday Digression--Why?

Why? That must be the ultimate philosophical question, because all of the rules rest upon the answer.

True story: my husband, a building contractor, was once confronted by the building inspector who claimed the footings for a house were not "to code." The footings for part of the house consisted of massive solid granite in which holes were drilled for bolts to connect to the frame of the house. The inspector wanted the granite blasted out so that conventional footings could be dug and poured. My husband simply, and politely, went over his head.
Q: What is the purpose of the footings? A: To support the house. Q: Which accomplishes this purpose the best?

Children tend to be very rigid thinkers. They are very rule-based and see things in black and white. Thus, the constant, "It's not FAIR!" complaint.

Eventually, however, humans were meant to transcend this level. The policy, the ethic of a thing, drives the rules. But, without an understanding of the basis, the policy, the value, which the rule is designed to further, we will never think outside the box.

That building inspector was locked into a rigid application of the "code" without apprehension of the purpose of its rules. By the way, after he retired, he chose my husband to design a structure for him.

Today, try to perceive the value protected and supported by each of the rules that you encounter. As long as we have common values with another group, or culture, the rules should not conflict but represent alternatives for achieving what is valued.

After The Lesson . . .

Okay, what's sore? Only my pubic bone and the muscles at the top of my inner thighs--whatever they're called. And my lower back feels tight, that's common for me when I'm doing a lot of posting after not riding for awhile. Might need to visit the chiro.
Now, I need to practice until next week!

Hey Hey Hey! Lesson 1

Actually, I've had a few lessons with this trainer before, but this was my first official personal lesson! And, the second time only, in my life, in an official English saddle! It was amazing how much more comfortable I was than the last time, about 2 months ago. That first time the seat was okay, but my feet and legs felt like they were hanging at the end of a spagetti! It probably helped that my Pony Club daughter rode Hope a few times--probably 15 since I owed her $150 towards her clothing allowance. My trainer even commented, several times, on what a nice working trot Hope was showing.

Sad to say, before we started I was thinking he was going kind of odd in the rear and daughter told he that's how he always went. I was thinking maybe I could get out of this lesson until I worked a little more with him. So, it was a really pleasant surprise to have the lesson really work out, even going over a crossbar with a flower box! Just like the Pony Club D1 riders!

Of course, daughter was taking a simultaneous lesson and went over some nice bounce jumps. Her horse was sweatier than mine. We will repeat this every Friday evening as long as both trainer and I am in town.

By the way, the horse with no job is looking good! Good good good! If all goes well, he may stay another month. Maybe next Friday, smart ass ... woops, I mean, precious daughter, will ride him!

My New Personal Trainer!

Yes, and it's Bob Green. So, maybe it's not in-person personal, but I've got a book and if it worked for Oprah, it'll work for me!

So here are the magic steps:

1. Exercise aerobically, 5 to 7 days each week, in the morning if possible.

2. Exercise should be in the "zone" (level 7--you know you can keep it up, but you don't want to talk).

3. Exercise for 20 minutes each session (working up to 60)

4. Eat a low-fat, balanced diet each day.

5. Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks each day.

6. Limit alcohol.

7. Stop eating 2-3 hours before bedtime.

8. Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.

9. Have at least two services of fruit and three servicgs of vegetables each day.

10. Renew the commitment to healthy living each day (and do Pilates 3x a week-my own addition).

Doesn't sound so hard, eh?

When am I going to Get With It?

I've just not been able to get a schedule going this summer, but the kids are back in school and so I hope, with the return of regularity, I'll be able to faithfully comply with my goals.