A very odd mix of emotions …

Tried on my Dad's old top coat for the first time in 30+ years … and damn … it fits! The shoulders might even be a touch big, but I also don't want it feeling "fitted". I seem to recall my Mom having the lining replaced for Dad in the late 80's, and thankfully they retained the original label. Bristol, Va makes sense, as it's the city where I was born, and my Dad was an ETSU / UVa guy. Tried it on tonight over a blazer, and gosh - I suppose you can say something about DNA - the cut & fit is damn near perfect for me. When I realized a button was missing, I thought to myself that if it'd happened to me, I'd have put the button in a pocket for safekeeping - exactly where I found it! My weight loss journey has been amazing, but tonight I was gobsmacked into silence, feeling a deep connection to my long departed Dad.

Damn …

Chasing The Flamingo

For those wondering if I'm "sticking to it" with this damn surfboard, the short answer is YES.

…but I gotta tell 'ya, this shit is HARD!

Developing a sense of balance, especially in a body that has recently lost 200+ lbs, my new geometry can be tough to figure out, and maybe it's just easier for kids and not-so-much for those of us (almost) in our mid-50's?

My routine is to attach the leash to the pool ladder (good tip Jason!), and practice paddling. Good shoulder workout, which I need, regardless. I start with 2 minutes of straight paddling, aiming for a certain point on the far wall of the pool (steering is hard). Then I practice dipping the board front/back & side/side and correcting as best I can. (Balance, you Fat Bastard!) Then I sit up on the board (which is a new center of gravity - ugh), and paddle / dip in each direction. I've gotten pretty good up to this point - regardless of the ab workout - but here - I lay down and try to knee/elbow plank … and … sploosh. Start routine again. 50 paddle strokes, dip/dip & side/side, sit & repeat, the plank & sploosh.

The pool robot is intent on attacking me, distracting me, and seems to enjoy inciting my rage. He's fired. Fred The Flamingo is seemingly intent on sneaking up behind me. Bastard. If he's not careful, he'll get deflated for the rest of the pool season. Clyde & Cyrus hear me cussing and they wisely keep their distance.

I do my 'routine' at least twice a week for 30 minutes. While I'm getting 'better', I've not really developed any noticeable proficiency yet. Sigh. Imagine if I had to load the board on The Jeep, drive to The Lake, put on a wetsuit, and practice in the waves? I'd give up for sure! Hopefully I can develop 'some' proficiency so I can have a small hope of actually catching a wave - which will make it all worthwhile!

…and just in case this all seems crazy & contrived, I was happy to see that 'real surf schools' teach things the same way. The only difference is how much I'm older, slower, stubborn & ugly.