Joining the Y

I came to exercise late in life. In fact, I had never really done any sport, or had any active hobbies until I was about 48.

What do you do at a sports club? What is in the back pack or sport bag that everyone carries? What is the protocol for the locker room? Showering with other people around---Not me!

Well, I did join the new Fredericton YMCA. I went with my friend, Janice. It was easy to follow along, but I had scouted the place out the week before, while she was away. I didn't want to show how dependent I was and frighten my only friend away!

The great thing about the Y, is that you have a meeting with someone who shows you around. And, just like the Running Room, there are people of all ages, sizes, shapes and fitness levels. There is something for everyone!

I discovered I love Aquafit! Me---who avoids getting my face or hair wet! But, the pool is warm, and once you get in, which I do immediately, you warm up pretty fast! Especially in Ashley's classes.

I have tried out the equipment, but am saving that for another time. There are some yoga classes that I tried out, and will go back to.

Best of all, I signed up for Fitness for Newbies. Joan put us through our paces, and upped the fitness level a little at a time. She prepared us for the types of steps we would encounter in Group Active and Group Power classes, so that we would feel confident.

And confidence is what it is all about. I have met another Janice, and we are becoming friends, with walking and talking visits. I try different classes and try to go to the Y four or five times a week.

And, the locker room, showers and even the steam room is just fine! I come out of the Y with a smile on my face, and a spring in my step. You can teach an old dog new tricks!

6 Months of Retirement

Well, we did it! We have made it through six months of retirement, and we are still smiling at each other! In fact, it has been quite delightful to have time to ourselves, and Tod and I have found that after 32 years of marriage, we still have the romance, friendship, and interest in each other.

Because, this has been a test. We moved here without knowing anyone. Luckily, our first tenants decided the location was so perfect that they bought the lot beside us. So, while they lived in our house, their house was being built. Being close to hand meant, that when they needed landfill, they called us up and we were able to benefit with a lower price, as well. A great basis for friendship.

But, our neighbors have turned in to more than sharing a few truckloads of earth. We watch out for each other, share the snow cleaning, pick up fly away garbage cans on windy days, and share in the making of a batch of wine! Good friends, indeed!

But still, not wanting to impose on the only people we know on a daily basis, meant that Tod and I have spent a inordinate time together--and it works! We both like to read, share duties in the kitchen, work on the landscaping and do a little exploring in our new province.

We also have time to do our own thing: Tod likes to train for half-marathons. I go to the Y. Tod does some engineering for a local company, and I work on the blogs, knit, and sew, and bake.

We keep in touch by email, phone and text messaging with friends and family, and have returned for one visit in November.

Our most exciting news is that our daughter and son-in-law are expecting their first child, so we now have a new role as Grandparents to be!

I am going to resume this blog, now that I figured out my username and password! Being retired is great--lots of time to figure things out!