Perhaps I should be thankful because, other than finishing up the crazy that started last week, nothing too crazy has happened this week. Let me get you caught up. Tayden’s surgery was successful. He has two pins (or something like that) in his left wrist. There is an open wound under his cast because this apparently makes it easier to remove the pins later. Tessa had the “leave it in pins” in her ankle, but Tayden needed the “take them out pins.” Because the pins look huge on the x-ray, it makes sense, but now we need to really make sure that he doesn’t allow any moisture under there, so it doesn’t get infected. He is struggling to drive his manual transmission car because he has trouble steering with his left hand, and sometimes that is the only hand on the wheel, but he is almost there.

Also, Tayden’s Covid test was negative, which is a relief on many levels. Ma P (my friend Laura’s mom and my surrogate mom in college) picked up Pa P from the hospital and all is well there. 

Going back to the trip around the Upper Peninsula that was cut short, I gained five pounds on that trip. I am still trying to figure it out. During the week, we hiked 10 miles over sometimes questionable terrain, kayaked three hours, and biked a couple hours. I guess I thought we were staying ahead of the food going in. When I was younger, I never would have gained weight on such an active vacation. We barely drank anything (water or alcohol). I must admit that I ate quite a bit of fudge on Mackinac Island, but still. Review the activity list. How much fudge did I eat? If I’m honest, it was a lot, but really? I ate more fudge than I burned on a ten mile hike? I can do without this part of getting old. In the past, a physically active vacation was never a weight gain vacation. I only gained weight on the “sit on the beach and drink” vacations. 

Also, I didn’t work out while on vacation. I figured I was involved in physical activity the entire day, so there was no need to hit the hotel gym. Also, the motel we stayed in for a couple nights in Munising didn’t have a gym. No biggie! I will be crazy strong anyway from all that quality outdoor time. My new discovery? Now that I am fifty, I will ache after a workout like I haven’t worked out in a couple months, if I even take a week off. This seems like a cruel punishment. 

So, in summary, my new discoveries in being fifty include, but are not limited to:

• I will gain weight on vacation, no matter how much activity I do and how little I drink.
• If I take a week off of working out, I will hurt like a newbie upon resumption of the workout routine. 

I look forward to other new and exciting discoveries during my 50s. It beats the alternative, so I will keep a positive outlook. 

Have a great week everyone.