Saturday, December 31, 2011

Well, Happy New Year to You Too..........

One of the best things I did this year was join the Y in October. It's only a couple of blocks away, and although the membership is costly, I still have plenty of things that I can give up in order to pay for it.



Fortunately, we STILL have nice dry sidewalks and temperate weather so far, compared to the 48 inches of snow we'd had at this time last year. I'm still doing a lot of my walking outside, but one the temp dips and the sidewalks ice up I'll be spending more time on the treadmill. In addition to steps, there will be speed and time figures to put on my spreadsheets

Today I stopped over about mid day, before going to see the Dragon Tattoo movie. The smaller equipment room, which I like to use, has 7 treadmills. You are supposed to sign up on a sheet, indicating which machine you're using and for how long. They were all empty so I didn't bother.

About 20 minutes along, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I was startled and nearly fell off the belt. A woman in her 20's said she noticed I hadn't signed up. I thought perhaps she was fond of the particular machine I was using, and offered to get off. She said, "Oh no, that's not it. I'm just tired of you fat old hags thinking you don't need to follow the rules".

Say what? Fat? True enough. My body mass index is 27, right in the middle of the overweight category. Old? Well, that's a subjective judgement. At 58.5 years, I prefer to consider myself "middle-aged". Hag? I think of a hag as somebody missing a few teeth, with a wart on her nose and whiskers on her chin. Hmmmmmmmm.

I gave her my ice queen stare. She then hit me on the shoulder with her water bottle. Hard. So, I hit her back. It was more like a light tap on her elbow with the back of my hand.

One of the heavily muscled trainers ran over and asked wha was going on. After a couple of explosive explanations, it was determined that we have to meet with the membership director next week and apologize to each other.

I went to get my coat and started to cry. One of the guys at the front desk came and gave me a hug and I left sobbing.

The tears really weren't because of that buffoonish little wench. They were because I spent all last night awake, wondering what the coming year will bring. Where will my health be in 12 more months. True, I've come a very long way this year and often surprised myself with the strength I've gained. But, 20% of all dialysis patients die each year, and I saw that myself with the deaths of patients who dialyze on my shift.
It's hard. So very hard.

Best wishes to all of my online friends, for peace, joy and fulfillment in 2012. Much love to you all.


8 comments:

Rachel said...

Ugh, that really bites to end the year with a situation like that. Some people's children...

I hope 2012 continues to find you in the best health possible all things considered.

Scott S said...

OMG, did that witchy woman realize there were like 6 other machines in there that no one was even using?! To me, that seems to defy all logic, but my only thought is that perhaps this person will actually learn something in the process!! Anyway, aside from that not-so-pleasant incident, I hope your 2012 is awesome!!

Pearlsa said...

I got so angry at the girl reading your post. Some people are just miserable and seek tp spread their misery. Please do not let her get to you.

Happiest of new years to you!

It is my prayer that 2012 be a year of health for you.

Kelly Booth said...

Kathy, I am really sorry that happened to you. I hope that 2012 is a great year for you and you don't bump into any little witches (trying to be nice about what I call her!).

Auntly H said...

Some people....

Love and health to you in this new year, Kathy! And perhaps a knitting/D-meetup?

Molly said...

Are. you. kidding. me ??!?!?!?

Unbelievable!

Here's to an easier 2012 full of peace.

Happy New Year!
Molly and Dixie

Steph said...

This is my first time reading your blog, and ironically, I saw Minnesota nice, and smiled because I recently moved back to MN and instantly felt both a connection to you and pride that I live here...
I'm sorry you were treated that way...obviously she has not been informed that in MN, we are NICE! Sheesh...

calkon said...

Kathy--I stopped by here after being reminded tonight that I owe you a long return email, and am appalled. Please tell me you've met with the membership director and this got straightened out. Why on earth should you apologize to someone who insulted you for no reason?

I hope 2012 has been healthy and happy thus far!