Finding Pleasure in Pain

Is it really possible to find pleasure in pain? I'm the kind of guy who likes to look for good in everything but I'll be honest with you, I have failed miserably this week. Let me take you through the last several days. Sunday night I played basketball with a group of guys. I was the second oldest person on the court. We ended up putting the old guys on one team and the youngsters on the other. We played two games of full court basketball (each game played to 30 by one's and two's). I'm proud to say that the old geezers won both games but if the rest of my teammates are anything like me, the price of victory is steep. I woke up the next morning with two sore knees and a tired body. I spent the day in Auburn at an Education Fair and immediately went to work out with Baron upon my return to Montgomery. I was off work on Tuesday and ended up cleaning house during the morning, playing half-court basketball at lunch, and mowing my yard right after we finished basketball.

Now I enjoyed many of the previously mentioned activities with a few exceptions. However, my body ached so bad Tuesday night I was miserable. Why would I run up and down a basketball court with a bunch of teenagers? Why would I do an insane number of pushups, squats, bootstrappers, striders, and situps that result in my muscles and joints screaming at me? Why would I insist on playing basketball for an hour and jumping behind my lawnmower right after that? All of this was done in an attempt to stay in shape. The pain involved in all of these activities is supposed to be overshadowed by the pleasure of having a fairly fit body for a 38 year old.

But is it really worth it? That question ran through my mind on multiple occasions Monday night and Tuesday night. My answer then was "no". However, I'm strong and I will not give up. Baron will just have to continue listening to me complain about the exercises we attempt to conquer so that I may one day experience the pleasure of being able to outplay and outrun other men my age and maybe younger while singing Carly Simon's hit "Haven't Got Time for the Pain". Thanks for the motivation Carly.

Who Wants to Get Married?

No...I haven't reached the point of desperation where I post an open invitation for anyone who might be interested in wedded bliss. In fact, this isn't a wedding proposal at all. I came to a realization not too long ago and, being the servant that I am, I thought I would share it in an effort to help others. Looking back at recent years, I have discovered that almost all of the ladies I have dated are either married now or engaged to be married. I can think of only two who are not engaged...at least to my knowledge. But don't be surprised if you see engagement announcements in the Montgomery paper for a certain tall CVS pharmacist and a north Alabama paper with a picture of a curly-haired bride-to-be. That would keep my streak alive.

It seems like everyone that I date ends up finding the "right man" after dating me. Therefore, if you are ready for marriage just let me know and I'll ask you out. I'm 99.9% sure that you will be engaged within the next couple of years. More than likely, you will not be engaged to me but I'm pretty sure someone will come along and pop the question. Now, we will have to go on a minimum of two dates for this to count. The maximum period of time to date is four months. Somewhere between two dates and a four month serious relationship with me can result in a ring being placed on your finger...by another man.

Go ahead. Give it a try. I'm here to serve.

My New Roommate

I would like to introduce the newest member of the Adair family.  This is Hannah Elaine Adair.  Curious about the name?  Hannah is the name she had at the Humane Society where I adopted her.  In keeping with tradition, I had to give her a "Seinfeld" name since my last dog was named Kramer...therefore, Elaine.  I call her Lainey since that was Jerry's nickname for Elaine. 

I'm having a blast house-training her (he says sarcastically).  I feel like a single parent with an infant child.  Lainey is an Australian Shepherd and is supposed to be very intelligent.  Unfortunately, she hasn't shown any signs of that intelligence as of yet.  She's only 2 months old so maybe I should give her a little more time...ya think?  Meanwhile, I'll continue avoiding piles and puddles as I walk through my house and look forward to the day of rejoicing when she remembers that all activity regarding the expellation of waste MUST take place outside.  Your prayers are welcome.