August... The Summer Doldrums

dol·drums /ˈdoʊldrəmz, ˈdɒl-, ˈdɔl-/ Show Spelled[dohl-druhmz, dol-, dawl-] –noun ( used with a plural verb) 

 The doldrums are defined as a several different things:

1. a state of inactivity or stagnation, as in business or art: August is a time of doldrums for many enterprises. 
2. a belt of calms and light baffling winds north of the equator between the northern and southern trade winds in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. 
3. the weather prevailing in this area 
4. a dull, listless, depressed mood; low spirits.

 I live in the south.  It is blazingly hot and humid here in the summer.  Up until the end of July, we have delightful sea breezes that keep shaded areas comfortable enough for us to enjoy our screened porches.  In August, however, the doldrums settle upon us and the breezes come to a virtual standstill.  Unless a big thunderstorm is rolling through, the air is as still and heavy as a wet wool blanket.  I know that image is a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason.  Our mornings are thick and wet and the air nearly drips with moisture.  When the sun comes up over the trees, it heats the dampness and the air seems to become even more heavily laden.  Breathing is a chore.  Some days, when the temperatures are especially high, the air holds so much moisture I think I must begin to develop gills. 

Exercise is essential.  Some feel that it's a necessary evil and dread each hour dedicated to feeling the burn.  I used to feel that way.  You all know that I have grown to enjoy exercising.  It is the principle method of my transformation.  I look forward to getting in the pool and running off my troubles and my fat.  Today, however, I looked at the pool with dread.  I felt the water this morning.  It was warm enough for me to break into a sweat just leaning over and dipping my hand beneath the surface.  If it weren't for truth of scientific impossibility, I could have sworn the water was simmering just below a boil.  I stared at the water, and I turned away.

I explained to the denizens of the pool area-the lizards and frogs, the wasps and one small snake-that I would not be swimming today.  I could not bear to immerse myself in that steaming cauldron of chlorine broth.  I would have emerged parboiled.  At my size, parboiling would be extremely unattractive.  Surely it would have caused a ruckus at work if my flesh began to peel from my bones like so much pulled pork.  Okay.. that was just a bit too far, right?  

Seriously, I nearly panicked this morning.  What will I do if I can no longer swim?  The weather will not change for another two and a half months.  I wanted to whine and carry on.  I have a friend who would sternly advise me to "keep calm and carry on."  And so I shall.  I need a new exercise for the days when it's too hot for the pool.  The gym will suffice for two or three days a week, max.  I am house sitting, and it's too far to drive there every day.  Stepping?  I can't step for an hour!  Not yet anyway.  Tae Bo?  I have a video somewhere.  Decisions, decisions.  I'll let you know what I decide.  The only thing I know for sure is that I will exercise.  I've come too far to stop now.

If you aren't exercising regularly, pick something and start doing it.  You'll find it's worth it  in the long run.  If you're lucky, you will even learn to enjoy it.  Get up and move!