with my freeze ray, i will stop purple planet

Oh, if only I did have Dr. Horrible's Freeze Ray!
At least time keeps moving forward, giving hope that eventually we will be able to allow this scourge besetting us to fade from memory...
right?
I have to believe that is true.
I have to keep hoping.
That hope is the reason I put a freeze request on my Planet Fitness membership.
After my three days there, I simply could not get comfortable with the idea of returning there, with so many people breathing huge quantities of their body's tainted air into the indoor space.
Then, last Tuesday at his press conference, Mayor Johnson announced the one measure that has proven so effective against contagion everywhere else on Earth: the mandatory use of face coverings.
Hallelujah!
I made sure PF knew the new law of the land, sending them the following on July 1.
"Savannah now has an ordinance that face coverings are MANDATORY. That means that when inside a business establishment, such as Planet Fitness, EVERYONE should be wearing face coverings. The only exception is for exercise OUTSIDE, not in enclosed spaces. When will that policy become standard at Planet Fitness? I would like to feel SAFE when I work out."

Their emailed response was quick!
"2:31 pm 1 July 2020
Thank you for contacting the Planet Fitness Member Services team!
A member services representative will be in touch."

By week's end, no one had yet contacted me, nor had I returned to the gym.
When I still had no response on Monday, I had phoned, only to receive the automated message that their voice mail box was full.
Seriously... for a business???
So, I went by on this Tina Tuesday afternoon... which is just a little over two weeks since I first returned to the gym, though not yet two weeks since my last visit there on June 25.
I had thought I would have a look-see, determine if things were safer.
They were certainly talking the talk, even having signs posted that face coverings were to be worn at all times (though the exceptions were on the cardio machines, most dangerous of all for release of spittle-soaked coronavirus in heavy exhalations).
Since they were not walking the walk, I froze my membership.
It'll remain that way until October 9 of this year, unless I opt to thaw it earlier.
My guess is the gym will be closed due to a rash of COVID-19 infections.

When I checked my email tonight, this was waiting for me.
"Member Feedback Planet Fitness
11:26 AM 7 July 2020
Good Morning Faustina Smith,
We want to thank you for taking the time to fill out the online survey of our location. We value every member comment and concern and we are committed to providing exceptional customer service and giving each member the best experience possible. I tried to reach you by phone but was unsuccessful. I wanted to address any specific concerns or issues you had, so we can enhance your experience with us.
We have seen your feedback on the mandate for face masks. We wanted to let you know that we have been doing our best to ensure members are staying in compliance with the standards set out by the city to reduce the spread of the virus. All members entering our facility are required to have on a mask on before entering the facility. We are still encouraging everyone practice social distancing as much as possible as well.
We also understand the frustrations with people who might not be following proper procedures and would be more than glad to address situations as they come up.
We want to also let you know that if you are still feeling uncomfortable with the facility that you do have the option to freeze the membership.
We take your feedback seriously and would like to make concrete improvements. We value all feedback, whether it's something we need to work on or something we can do to better your member experience! I would like to discuss this with you further when you have an opportunity. Please feel free to reach out at your convenience using the number below, or you can simply reply to this email.
Thank you for choosing Planet Fitness to be a part of your fitness journey and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you for being a valued member!
D'Angelo Shaw
Assistant Manager – Savannah II
________________________________________
Planet Fitness | Home of the Judgement Free Zone®
Sunshine Fitness Management-Independent Franchisee
1100 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA., 31406
Phone: 912-200-4150"

Odd, I had no missed calls from them.
Still, as they had reached out, albeit too late, I would certainly respond.
"12:18 AM 8 July 2020
Dear D'Angelo Shaw,
Thank you for contacting me.
I am sorry to have missed your call.
I had tried to phone the Eisenhower gym (912-200-4150) on Monday morning and received the message that the voice messaging system was full.
I have decided to freeze my program with Planet Fitness at this time.
When I stopped by there this afternoon, I immediately saw four people not wearing face coverings. One was on the treadmill and Christopher told me those people using the cardio machines were exempt from wearing the face coverings, even though those people's exhalations could have been loaded with SARS-CoV-2 molecules if they are contagious.
Christopher ignored the other three I had spotted - one (a woman) was in the lobby talking to the other (male) front desk attendant, one (a man) was just starting to use the Hammer Strength MTS Iso-lateral Row and the other(man) was just walking around in that area. While I was talking to Christopher, a woman entered the lobby from outside, with no face covering, and stayed near the front desk where I was talking to Christopher.
I cannot imagine how many others were being so casual about endangering the health of others.
When I understood that the personnel at Planet Fitness were not going to insist on safety, that's when I decided to freeze my membership.
I would have felt better about the situation if I had known everyone at least had been temperature-checked upon entry. I know the Savannah Bananas baseball franchise is doing that this season, for the 1400+ people they have had in attendance at each of their three home games. They also require the use of face coverings, in compliance with the City of Savannah's ordinance.
I strongly urge Planet Fitness to start checking temperatures before allowing entry. I know others who still exercise there who would appreciate a stronger stance on safety.
Meanwhile, I am still waiting out the two weeks since I was there, to see if I might have been contaminated, even though I wore my face covering the three days I was there.
As that is the only place I have been where I spent more than 15 minutes (about 90 minutes on each day) in the company of strangers, I will know for a fact where I became infected if I develop COVID-19.
Thank you."

If nothing else, perhaps they'll make sure the front desk staff follow their own rules.
I wonder if I'll hear aught back?
I wonder if I should report them to the Chatham County Board of Health?
I wonder when the first cases of COVID will show up with their employees?
After all, they are subjected to strangers' polluted breaths all day long...
and the face covering only provides a 30% safety margin for the WEARER...
and that's only for a 15 minute time span.
No one would be expected to be around a stranger for longer than that.
That's why everyone is to wear face coverings in public, whether inside a business or out on the sidewalk, the entire time they are exposed to strangers.
When everyone wears them, everyone has a 95% safety margin from infection.
This isn't rocket science, folks...
just plain math.

got face covering?

Thanks to Governor Kemp for acknowledging the need to extend our Public Health State of Emergency order until August 11.
That'll carry us through the summer until school begins.
Read all about it right here!
Basically, that means everyone is to maintain social distancing and...
no gatherings of more than fifty people.
Very good!
We definitely need that to not follow in the footsteps of Texas and Florida.
Thanks to Mayor Johnson and the Savannah City Council, for making face coverings mandatory.
Hallelujah!!!
And just what does that mean?
Well, here is the word, hummingbird!

--- * --- * ---

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson’s mandatory face mask order goes into effect

by: Alex Bozarjian, Jessica Coombs, Lauren Wolverton
Posted: Jul 1, 2020 / 08:19 AM EDT / Updated: Jul 1, 2020 / 02:59 PM EDT

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Mayor Van Johnson has issued an emergency order mandating face coverings in public in the City of Savannah.

The mandate will take effect on Wednesday, July 1 at 8 a.m.

“Frankly, and honestly, I do not believe that we have any other choice,” Johnson said, citing recent record case numbers in the City.

BREAKING: Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issues emergency order to mandate face coverings city wide. The mandate will take effect Wednesday at 8 am. It will apply to public spaces. @WSAV pic.twitter.com/QyYjOT33iV
— Alex Bozarjian (@wsavalexb) June 30, 2020

Under the order, face coverings must be worn inside all commercial establishments within City limits, such as restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, salons and pharmacies. These establishments must require employees to wear a face covering at all times while having face-to-face interaction with the public.
Johnson said anyone unable to safely wear a face mask due to old age or underlying health conditions, or who is unable to remove the mask on their own, is exempt. Children under the age of 10 will not be required to wear a mask.

Anyone not complying with the mandatory mask order will be subject to a civil infraction, which is punishable with a fine of up to $500, pursuant to Section 3-3015 of the City Code.

This does not apply to religious establishments. However, face coverings are highly recommended during religious activity.

Face coverings are not required in the following circumstances:

In personal vehicles;
When a person is alone in enclosed spaces or only with other household members;
During outdoor physical activity, provided the active person maintains a minimum of 6 feet from other people with whom they do not cohabitate at all times;
While drinking, eating, or smoking;
When wearing a face covering causes or aggravates a health condition;
When wearing a face covering would prevent the receipt of personal services; and
When a person is 10 years of age or younger.

The City of Savannah has clarified with News 3 that face coverings will not be required while exercising in indoor facilities, but social distancing must be practiced.

--- * --- * ---

(Drats on that last line.
I was really hoping for Planet Fitness to have to comply to protect all from the mouth breathing lunks.
Honestly, if surgeons can wear a mask for hours while doing a stressful operation, why shouldn't a healthy exerciser be able to wear a simple face covering for their workout?
Selfish vanity, in all its ugliness.
Seriously.)

i tawt i taw a bear

"Geez, Louise, you thinking you're Tweety Bird now?"

Nah, just trying to keep a lighter perspective on things.

"Well, that's a good thing.
Let me guess: this has something to do with the bfrb."

Spot on, dearie.
Part of me wants to think it was him, there at the purple Planet last night.

"Oh, so you've resumed going there?"

Eh, to an extent.
Tuesday and Wednesday, I went in the early afternoon.
This last time, I ventured there after 8 PM.
You know, after my two hours "Quantum Leap"-ing.

"Nice!
I know you like PF better in the late evening.
Is it still less crowded then?"

Oh, fairly comparable to what I see in early afternoon.
I had hoped for a bit less.
At least there were no teens this time.
Wednesday, I switched up my program because four teen boys took over the treadmills.
Nary a one of them bothered to clean those machines, either.
They left as abruptly as they'd swept in.
Naked-mouth heavy breathers, each one, of course.

"Of course.
The demographics are going to have to show a much bigger impact of COVID-19 infection on the under-30 crowd if the danger is to make any impact on their self-centered brains."

Yes, of that I am painfully aware.
That's part of the reason that I'm abstaining from the gym until Monday.
Hopefully, those selfishly not wearing face coverings will be at work.

"No doubt they will be, now that businesses are all wide open again.
Even the restaurants that just closed because of infection are throwing wide the doors once more."

Those all have their bars right near their front doors, too.
I've deliberately stayed out of them.

"I know, dear, and I know how tempting it has been to get a Spanky's pizza."

Well, they're the only ones who really do make an excellent cheese-free pizza.
Plus, I love all that meat on them!
I wanted to get one on Tuesday, but the parking lot was full when I drove by.
Nope, not gonna chance it!
I know the heavy drinkers that go there and hang out.

"And talk loudy, with no face covering, spewing virus-laden spittle in all directions.
Yes, I know that crowd, too.
So, let's go back to that 'part of the reason' you're taking a program break."

Well, you know that the other night I got dressed up and went to the Chart House?

"Yeah, I think it's safe to say I know about that."

Well, I had completely zoned on it being a PFS night!
I mean, completely!
Which is pretty wild, since Jim had said it would be one I would like.
He's been feeding horror films to those fans of late, so I've gotten out of the habit of going to his online viewing parties, especially those on Sunday, which is still not a regular thought for me on that night.
But you would think I would know to associate Wednesday with the Psychotronic Film group, right?
Nope, it was not even on my radar until the next morning!
That's when I woke up and realized I'd missed it.

"So you went on fb to grab the link before it left?"

You got that right!
Turns out it's a 1940's British film called "The Red House".
I still may not watch it, but at least I have that option.

"Choices are good to have."

Most assuredly they are.
(smile)

"Yes... but you still haven't answered my query about returning to PF."

My return to Planet Fitness...?
Oh, yes, sorry, I must be trying to block it from my mind.
It has to do with a friend's post, from CNN, that I saw tonight.
I had thought, it being Friday, that I had Odd Lot to look forward to, with Christina.
But, no.
I had looked forward to it all day, but when I sent the "Odd Lot time" alarm to her, she had immediately responded with "are they on after all?"
Shiite and hell fire.
No, as it turned out, they were not.
They have opted to vacate the Loft on Liberty and had spent the day moving out.
Shiite.

"Oh, no!
First out of Muse and now out of the Loft!
That's terrible!"

Yes, it definitely is.
So, I had wandered around aimlessly on fb, then stumbled hard upon this.
Thank God other scientists are also graphing data.
However, I recognized at a glance the horror show depicted hereon by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
He has apples to apples here, so the word is clear.
The blue line is for all the countries which are part of the European Union; the red line is for all the states which are part of the USA.
Both groups have roughly the same population and are conducting about the same amount of testing.
Like I said, apples to apples.
The data tracked is the seven-day moving average, from February 29 through June 22.
It is clear that neither group has attained the desired-for status of 'no new cases'.
Both groups show similar initial curves, with a steep rise to about 30,000 new cases daily, but that high dropping after two months to about 20,000 new cases per day.
However, the data for the EU continued a steady decline for another month, eventually reaching a baseline of about 4000 new cases daily, a baseline which has held steady for the last thirty days.
The US had a short-lived decline to 20,000, and has steadily risen ever since.
Folks want to say we've entered a "second wave", but we would have had to have two weeks of baseline to be able to claim that.
No, we are still very much in the "first wave" of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 deaths and we are going to stay in that first wave probably through the rest of 2020.
Christina and I talked about this tonight, for about forty minutes.
Then Paul called and we talked about this mayhem for over an hour.
At least they are familiar with the graphs I've made to track the trends of several states.
They know my analytical skills and my care with the data.
They know to trust me when I say we are still in the 'first wave'.

"Damn."

Indeed.
And now it's sum-sum-summertime and many are going ahead with vacation plans and sporting events and big gatherings.
Coach's Corner, near me, has started having outdoor concerts!
Sure, they're a small place, but it's still not safe enough for that type of event.
And the Savannah Bananas start up on Wednesday, July 1st.
At Grayson Stadium, but "only with 2000 people in attendance".
Supposedly, they'll be checking the temperatures of all 2000 attendees, with an option of dismissing any fan with an unsatisfactory reading.
Scott has a ticket to that game.
I'll be curious to see what his take is going to be on their 'safety protocols'.
I do know that I will NOT be taking Mister Willie out there.
My first game ticket is for Tuesday, July 7th.
If I opt to go, my face covering goes with me, and on me.
And if things seem out of hand, I'm leaving.
That's if I even go.

"Damn."

I know.
I had so looked forward to so many things this year...
especially as spoiled rotten as I've been with so many theatre options...
in addition to the wealth of time with mi tres amigas, dining out and Bollywooding...
and let's not forget the Odd Lot, and the PFS at the 'Bean, and Tina Tuesdays, and whatever other shenanigans might arise.
Plus, there would surely be an occasion or two, at least, of 'waking up somewhere else", something I haven't had since last June.

"Damn."

You want to know just how little I've been driving?
This is the odometer reading from my trip to the VA center this morning: 213191.
That means I've driven a whopping 656 miles since Christina's birthday party at Olive Garden.
Only 656 miles.
For just over three months.
That's not quite 220 miles per month.

"Damn."

Exactly.

"So, maybe you can arrange a night away at some remote place?"

You mean, like Montana?

"Well, that's pretty far.
That'd require a lot of stops at strange bathrooms, so maybe somewhere closer."

Yeah, I don't see that happenin', Captain, as my first niece would say.
(smile)
I think I'll concentrate on having more meals from elsewhere.
I've cashed in a bunch of reward points for future dinners at three favorites: Olive Garden, Bonefish Grill, and Carrabbas.
I'll be hoping for a buy-one-take-one deal, too, to extend the dining experience.

"Good for you!
That's keeping a positive vibe going!"

Hey, I'm doing what I can.
You can't be a beacon if your light don't shine, you know.

"Yes, I do know.
Uncle Jimmy was always big on saying you had a light shining for others to see."

That's a light for me, too.
That optimistic girl keeps it lit pretty good, though she needs help finding a match from time to time.

"Yes, that Christina Ann sure raises your spirit, doesn't she?"

Say who?
(smile)
Yes, she does, yes, she does.
She's got mothering down pat after eight years as a foster parent.
I'm hoping the adoption of the littlest girl will finish up this year.

"Yes, let's hope so!
That would most certainly be a bright spot in this year!"

Indeed.
Okay, I'm going to watch some game show or other.
I've been test-driving "Match Game" and "To Tell The Truth" lately.
You know, nice and easy stuff, with a few laughs along the way.
I'm ready for a bit of that right now, so...
later.

"Later, dear.
Hope you'll have sweet dreams."

let's go, purple, let's go!

I'm giving them another try.
I'm a firm believer in second chances - must be the baseball lover in me.
Last week, they definitely had a swing and a miss -
STRIKE ONE!!!
But they were resolved in wanting to get a solid hit.
How do I know that?
My Planet Fitness called me yesterday morning to talk about making things right, i.e., safe for all.
Since they were sincere, I gave them another chance at bat this afternoon.
BALL ONE!
That one was a bit low, evidently.
Going in early afternoon, as I is my preference, is definitely better, but the place was getting busy by the time I left at 3:30 PM.
I had meant to go in about 1 PM, but I didn't actually end up there until an hour later.
I did my initial 27 minutes on the treadmill, bopping along at 2.4 mph, face covering on.
Oh, yeah, with all those naked-mouthed heavy breathers, I certainly did.
That's in addition to 'making it rain' disinfectant above, and on, the machine.
I did that for all five of the machines I used, just as I had last week.
No way I want some lunk's exhalations having access to my sinus passages.
All in all, I'm proud of myself for being able to complete my program with PPE in place.
That's right, folks, with face covering on, I was there and active for almost ninety minutes, working my way back to where I was three months ago.
Just what did I accomplish in today's program of muscle movement?
I spent 27 minutes on the treadmill, as I said, walking and dancing for 1.0 miles.
At the end of my time there, I spent another 12 minutes to move 0.5 miles.
(I would have been there longer, but the place was getting cluttered with lunks, to the right of me, in front of me, and behind me.)
My next machine was the Abdominal #5, where I did 60 reps of 50 pounds, or, as the bodybuilders say, I moved three thousand pounds.
That's what I was doing before they closed on March 20th!
Yeah, me!
Then I headed for the serious mouth-breathers region, where the heavy weights are.
The Hammer Strength MTS Iso-lateral Row was my goal, using 15 pounds on each side, but moving both arms in sync for a total of 30 pounds on the arm and back muscles.
That was done for 60 reps, as three sets of 20 each, so my arms moved 1800 pounds.
That should firm up my back again!
It's not quite as much as I was moving three months ago, but pretty close.
The last two machines are the ones I feel most comfortable with over in the weights area.
That's because they face the large glass windows, not the mouth breathers.
Those two are the hip adduction and the hip abduction, which were used at the 55-pound setting.
On the former, I only completed 40 reps, but on the latter I did 60 reps.
All in all, my hips, thighs, and butt moved 5500 pounds - almost three tons!!!
Not quite up to the former level, but certainly not bad!
I'm very glad I had recorded my PF program in the sands of my beach!
My little black book is lost, so I would have had no logbook of my program.
Now that I have compared today's accomplishments to those prior ones, I can adjust and move forward again.
I think I'll try that tomorrow...
starting at about 1 PM.
(smile!)
Now, though, it's time for "Quantum Leap" and it'll be another one I haven't seen yet.
Yesterday at 7 PM was one such, "The Color Of Truth", s1e7, with its "Oh, boy, I'm the black chauffeur of Miz Melny in 1955".
Today, at 6 PM, it'll be "Camikazi Kid", s1e8, with an "Oh, boy, I'm a hotrod driver in 1961".
How did I miss those the first time around?
Well, they would have aired on the same evening, which might have been a Tina Tuesday, just as today once would have been.
I'm hoping, when the cinema reopens on July 15th, that Tina Tuesdays may again be a "thing".
Meanwhile, I wish the bfrb happy fishing... maybe he needs a new lure?
He probably ought to be sure he lists his job as "youth psychologist".
Might attract more sea life that way.
(smile)

happy st. patrick's day, still

The psychologist was checking in on me and my mental health.
As we both attend PF, that provided a noncontroversial subterfuge.
Could I still smile through the phone line?
Did I appreciate his jokes and funny photos?
Was I able to respond in a suitable manner, maybe even with some wit?

Why, yes, I could, and I did, and I even slipped in a pun or two.
(smile)


bfrb: "I had a killer workout today. Elton says he's moving in the summertime."

me: "Damn. I like seeing his smiling face."


bfrb: "I know, right? He's a very encouraging fellow to have about."

me: "Yes, he is. Waved to me when I was on the bike today."

bfrb: "Well your bike wasn't going very fast."

me: "It was going fast enough, just not getting anywhere. :-) "

bfrb: "Maybe pedal faster next time? "

me: "LOL! Sure, I will try that and let you know how it goes. :-) "

bfrb: "I believe in you!
Good night. <3 "

me: "Good night to you, too, dear."

Thanks for checking on me, running bear.

assessing the PF change

I should have taken some body measurements when I joined Planet Fitness.
Should have, would have, could have... but did not.
So, for the moment, I'll consider the changes in the mass moved, changes in the number of repetitions performed at a machine, and changes in the time and distance traveled.

How about looking first at the treadmill?
That's the machine I begin with every time I perform my program at PF.
The farthest I can look back is January 29, as that is the date I began tracking in my little black book.
The entire reason I started taking notes was to remember what I had done from one day to the next, and to record special settings on the machines.
On January 29, I used the machine twice for 25 minutes, traveled 0.91 miles each time, and had a maximum speed of 2.6 mph.
Today, I traveled 1.08 miles during my 25-minute program, with a top speed of 2.8 mph.
Also, I began at 2.4 mph today, still dancing to the music as I walk.
(smile)

For the Hammer Strength MTS Row, I began with 20 lbs for a total of 40 reps.
In Kevinese, that equated to moving 800 pounds during each session.
(smile)
Today, the mass setting was a total of 40 lbs and I completed 60 reps.
That means I am now moving 2400 pounds per session!
No wonder my bra now fastens on the far left setting instead of the far right!
Those back muscles are shaping up quite nicely!
(smile)
I should note that I have discontinued the regular Row machine.
This MTS Row is definitely smoother to use.

What about the hand weights?
Those were begun with the 3 lb masses in each hand; by mid-February, I had graduated to the 5 lb masses.
When I had first begun, doing ten reps was my upper limit.
I have two types of movement that I perform with these weights.
The first is a mimic of schussing on a ski slope, hands at waist level and driving the invisible ski poles behind me as I ply the fresh powder.
The second maneuver involves using both hands to lift an invisible box from shoulder level to a higher shelf above my head.
(Imagination is a powerful ally in my program.)
Both were learned from the trainer, Elton, in a January class.
By January 29, I was able to complete 30 box lifts and 30 schussing with the 3 lb weights.
That means I was moving 180 pounds with each arm.
Today, with the 5 lb masses, I had 60 box lifts and 60 schussing.
My grand total for each arm was 600 pounds!!!
I'd like to say the arm wings are gone, but that would be a lie.
I can say that my arms are much more toned and shirt sleeves are loose on me.
Definite progress!
(smile)

Moving down to the lower body, I have had excellent progress on the hip adduction and hip abduction machines.
The first is toning those inner thighs; the second tones the derriere and outer thighs.
Looking at the first recorded date of 29 January, I moved 25 lbs for 40 reps and 30 lbs for 40 reps, respectively.
That meant my hips were adducting 1000 pounds and abducting 1200 pounds, respectively.
By February 5, I had increased the mass on each machine to 35 lbs, for 60 reps on each.
So, just a week later, I was moving more than a ton on each machine!
But wait - it gets much more impressive.
Today, the hip adduction mass was 60 lbs and I performed 60 reps at that mass.
Plus, the hip abduction mas was 60 lbs, with me doing 60 reps on that machine, too.
So, on each machine, I moved 3600 pounds - like, wow!!!
For the two machines, my hips had to juggle 7200 pounds...
that's more than three tons!!!
No wonder my panties are a bit loose and my butt is so much smaller!
Sure, my inner thighs are still not ready for beach season -
but just look at how much better my pants are fitting!
(smile)

As for the leg extension and the seated leg curl, progress has been slow.
I'm thinking I need another Lower Body class to work out why.
I've only been able to change the masses by ten pounds, from 20 to 30, and I'm still only able to complete 20 reps on each machine... and that's quite a struggle.
I think I have the seat at the wrong setting or something.
I'll sign up for a class this week to address that.
Perhaps I'll start cycling, as that will work those same muscles.
(smile)

The Shoulder Press and the Chest Press have also been problematic.
So, for now, I have them off my program.
But I've added in some abdominal work, ever since the Core Class on February 6.
I tried three machines, but the one that has become a regular component of my program is Abdominal #5 in the 12-minute Abs Room.
It's a lot like doing sit-ups, but in a somewhat standing position.
I had started at 30 lbs, doing 40 reps, and felt the change right away.
Today, I set the machine at 50 lbs and did 60 reps!
That means I went from bending 1200 pounds to crunching a ton and a half!
(The Kevinese really does make it sound more imressive!)
I'm definitely liking the new side view in the mirror.
(smile)

What about my attendance at the purple planet?
Well, that is up to at least 7 days out of 10.
I had started at 3 days per week.
I keep my shoes, pants, a shirt, and my ponytail holder in the car.
That way, I never have an excuse to not go because I don't have my gear.
I guess I must be liking it.
Plus, I make sure to take a Tootsie Roll when I leave...
or one of those purple-ink pens!
Hooray for rewards!
(smile)

made the fireman smile!

There I was, diddybopping through the scattered raindrops and puddles back to my car in the South 40, post-PF, clad in my WW-meeting -weigh-in spring dress.
I also was wearing Halloween-themed socks and black shoes, with my hair loose and my face relaxed.
As I neared my car, I saw him.
The smiling fireman, stopped in his tracks by my happy vibe.
He even spoke to me!
Very nice!!!
(smile!)

trip thirty-three around the purple planet

Many thanks to the Publix at Twelve Oaks for the delicious paczki!
Happy Mardi Gras to them and to me and to everyone!
This year, I bought a box of apple pastries for me, plus another of those,
and one of custard-filled, for Mister Willie.
Hopefully, I'll get those to him tomorrow... so I won't eat them all!
(smile!)

Part of my reason for leaving my house today was to get the doughnuts.
Specifically, I knew I had a palindromic odometer reading nigh and wanted it
to coincide with a meaningful location.
After all, I'd found a penny after completing my routine at PF last night.
So, the penny had caught my attention with its right place, right time vibe.
Then, as I pulled into my driveway, I noticed the odometer: 212208.
Just another four miles to the palindrome, I'd thought.
Now, where did I want to be for that magic click over?

I had thought it would occur at the grocery store, but no.
That reading was only 212210.
Decidedly not enchanting.
Back to home would be too far and I'd miss the magic moment.
Mister Willie's house, like mine, was too far and not the place to go.
Well, I thought, the penny had been at Planet Fitness...
and I had my change of clothes and my shoes in the car...
and the time of day was near my usual afternoon outing there...
so, that's where I headed!
I think I may have made it fair and square, too, but I was too busy driving to check.
The photograph of 212212 was snapped at the red light at Waters and Stephenson.
I think if I had gone up Abercorn to Stephenson, I might have saved a tenth or two
and made it a legit arrival at the purple planet's parking lot.
Close enough for me!
(smile!)

Plus, this was my thirty-third trip to that site!
That's a palindromic number, too!
I'm not saying this is my 33rd time of working my program there - not at all.
This is only the 32nd time I've done any sweating on those premises.
(smile)
Today was different, though.
Today, I actually talked to the personnel there about the machines.
Good thing that I did!
My program has been making some progress, but I was wanting to streamline it.
After all, did I need to use both the Hammer Strength MTS Iso-lateral Row as well as
the regular Row?
Just what was the difference, if the same muscle groups were working in both?
And why was it that with the former machine I had it set to 20 pounds, but the latter
could be worked at ten pounds more and was easier to use?
Well, there was a reason for that difference.
Unbeknownst to me, the weights on the MTS machines, set for each side (i.e., lateral),
are to be combined if working both arms (or legs) together instead of singly.
In other words, for the Hammer Strength MTS Row, set at 20 pounds per arm, I have
actually been lifting 40 pounds, as I was working both arms simultaneously.
No wonder that machine took more effort than the 30 pounds on the Row machine!
So, basically, I have to keep in mind that if the machine requires me to adjust two sets of weights, but I am using both arms together, than I must add those two weights to get the
true total mass.
Knowledge is power to cause change for the better.
Sounds like I need to reassess my program and determine which machines to keep using.
That's a good project for this rainy, chilly week!
(smile)