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Thursday, June 16, 2011

My Commitment


Commitments are usually something I would never share with people.
Especially to bloggers that have become my friends.
Not even my family, new or old friends.

Yesterday I got to thinking about procrastinating on posting on my blog.
Today I thought what if I actually share something about myself with others?
Something I want to pursue. 
Understand I was feeling a bit fearful due to my past track record.

When I was a child I learned how to swim early in life.
Thanks to a dear man, the father of my best friend in the neighborhood.
I remember the day when her parents were digging this indoor swimming pool for their two daughters. 
Not many people had pools at that time.
Growing up in the 50's was different.
It was fun for me to swim daily with the girls.
First we were taught to float.
Then we were sort of dog paddling, and later real swimming.
In the deepest part it was six feet deep.
He would throw pennies to the deep end and we gladly would dive in to retrieve!
I think I was around five years old when all this started.
We wore bathing caps and nose guards, and cute little bathing suits with skirts.
What a gift for me to swim as a child.


What is my point ?
I started swimming again.
Today marks my fourth day back in the pool.
No nose guard, but I did add a snorkel so I could preserve my lungs until I can get back into side breathing without gasping for air!
So I could actually feel successful.
I am very impressed with snorkels of today.
Doing laps with it was a breeze and FUN.
I do an hour of swimming each day.
Laps and numbers are really not important to me for now.
I am grateful that I have access to three pools in my community.
One is a lap pool only.
Just one mile from my house.
Why did it take me so long?






The photo above was taken of me in May, after a hike I did with my husband.
It was up the Burma trail in Annadele Park of Santa Rosa, CA.
 I never thought I could do it.
I put it off, procrastinated about reasons why I couldn't do it.
I am trying to be healthier, and exercise has never been my thing.
I marked that trail off my list.
Truthfully I could see myself doing this hike again.





15 comments:

Laura~Pretty Pix said...

What a wonderful story, Janie, and wonderful pics. I'm so happy you shared them with us.
I grew up in the 50's, too. You brought back some fond memories, esp of learning to swim at an early age. Hugs.

Jill said...

Way to go, Janie! First, for blogging again today. Loved your post. Way to go on that hike and way to go on getting back into the water! You rock!

TexWisGirl said...

oh, that's awesome!!! i'm jealous you can swim so well and envious that you have found a way to exercise that you really enjoy (i've never taken to it well either...)

you go, girl!

Stefanie Rabenschlag said...

I'm grateful to that "great master" who teaches me to swim and to swim and to swim every day even if there's no water ...

Lela said...

Dear Janie,

wonderful story and wonderful pics.

Bay Michaela

MadSnapper said...

congratulations, swimming is so good for you, my husband was on a swim team i high school and we have a pool, 40 feet long, but not long enough for laps since he is a strong swimmer. for years he swam in our pool, but then 10 years ago, he joined a masters swim team at age 64 and started swimming an hour a day and has for 10 years. 3 years ago he had open heart surgery and came through it so fast he was called the poster child of the heart unit. doc said his chest bone was one of a 40 year old and his veins were those of a 40 year old and he said his swimming was the reason. i go to the gym 5 days a week and do excercise in our pool several times a day, but do not swim. i cand putt around and tread water, and get out if i fall in but can't swim because i refuse to put my face in the water. hae been afraid of water my whole life

Samantha said...

That's fantastic, Janie! :D

Janie said...

Swimming is a great way to get in shape! I admire your goal of getting back into that sport.

Jeneen said...

I am the girl who's dad hand dug that swimming pool...we had so much fun swimming everyday. I treasure those days and so happy th have you as my best friend..I am blessed to still have you in my life. I love you girlfriend

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Good for you. I wish you well in your new venture. I am not much of a water person but I see you are by the smile on your face. I like that cool looking swim cap you have. Good luck and watch out for sharks.

Janie said...

THANK YOU everyone, very assuring to read your comments. I will be emailing you personally.

JENEEN: Thanks for posting your note! I forgot to mention the pool was practically hand dug. I have visions of your dad with the shovel. I do think I saw some kind of backhoe at one point for the hard stuff. Then your mom, and how she baked in the sun, always looked so healthy for a women of that time. Can you imagine the noise we must of made in the pool room?! AKKK. Very fun memories to this day for me.

Betty Manousos said...

what a wonderful post!

seriously lovely pictures, too.
...and thanks for following CUT AND DRY. i'm following you right back!

hope you're having a great weekend
betty

kate condit zack said...

YAY! xoxo

Ninon Nickerson said...

Hi! I was in the pool this week too...last night the ear started up. Oh great! But..have to say...it is worth it.

Unknown said...

Super blog, beautiful pictures with a detailed description as if I was there.
You have a loving family, great grandchildren, and for sure you're happy. I am glad that I was able to appear on your blog
I wish you much health and happiness. Kissing, Irena
*********
My family is a husband Joseph, son Bernard, daughter Monika and beloved grandson, Nicholas, is 10 years old.