I sit here with a guilty conscience as I think of the almighty dance partner in the corner that I avoided this morning. I finished the workout that keeps my shoulders standing tall and thought of the 45 minute dance that I still needed to get in. I knew he was patiently waiting on my arrival, but I didn't even look his way. I just finished my last sip of water and tucked my worn gloves into the pocket of my "overly pink" gym bag. I headed toward the double glass doors and stretched like a lazy cat in the warm sunshine. I could feel him luring and the temptation was too hard to resist as I knelt to tuck the strings on my "ready to run" shoes. I seemed to glide down the paths of green trees that ran into the little bridge that led me over the small creek. My chest became lighter as I relaxed and breathed in the fresh air of the outdoors. I saw a couple rabbits cross my path and smile at me as they showed off the speed their little feet could endure. I felt like a slower version of one of them as I ran freely without a care in the world. I knew I would give in to this affair again and again. I thought of the metal partner in the corner that would miss seeing me every day and I ran some more. I knew I would betray him time and time again. I finally came to the end of my run and smiled at the distance I'd covered with my new adventurous love. I walked to my car and saw the drops start to fall from the sky and hoped that my partner in the corner would forgive me on days like this and take my hand for our regular dance. I knew in my heart that he would understand and take me back in as I grabbed my water and saw him dancing another partner to a fitter set of legs. I smiled as I watched the kick in his step as he taught this new dancer the dance that would lead to a happier life. I saw the sparkle in his eyes as he pulled this new partner closer to the goals that she a few minutes before thought she'd never meet. I smiled to myself that I'd left him to guide her through the beginning of her journey. Another partner in fitness in the making; I was satisfied as I thought of her possibilities. Fitness is a journey friends it begins with a single step that will be rewarded with a million more. Life is so good, fitness makes it longer.

Finally, I sit and write you from the office of my little Missouri home. I truly thought I would never make it to the modest little town that sits before me. Change can be both an exciting and scary journey all in one. I've unpacked every box and put up every picture and comfy pillow that makes an empty house a home. I even baked two separate batches of cookies just to have the familiar smell in the kitchen; okay, and to keep the little red-headed monkey that lives here in smiles. It's what I do to help the little person that moves again and again to feel settled, grounded, home. I drove around a bit and looked at the mountains and the millions of trees that surround the town that disappears at every turn. Hidden in the valley's, there are beautiful creeks that makeup for the malls and fancy restaurants that are nowhere to be found. I wonder how I will pass my two year stay here.I Ask myself if the beauty that the Lord has before me will be enough to keep me happy with nothing to pass my time. I keep driving, trying to be grateful for the wonderful life he gives me move after move. I see the building I've been looking for in the distance as I drive. I make the final turn and park the car that I have driven all the way from Mexico to arrive here. I walk through the doors and say hello to the new faces that welcome me in. This place feels familiar although I have never walked through the doors before. I put in the earphones that have helped me survive cardio for millions of minutes of my life. I attach the final velco on the worn out smelly gloves that my mind thinks are bad luck to replace- and take a final deep breath as I pull myself up for the first pull-up- in the place that will build me for 2 years. I don't stop until an hour and 120 pullups later. I feel the familiar satisfaction in my gut, do the same familiar grin at the men that look at me like an alien, that just fell out the sky; and walk the familiar walk to the eliptical that now overlooks the track downstairs. I find the same song and do the same dance with this new partner that will help me sweat the 4 pounds of vacation yummy that found my hips. I dance song after song and sweat drop after drop on the new floors of my life. I think of the possibilites that await me here....think of the pull-ups that I have yet to add to my record in this place...I imagine crystal heels, rhinestone suits and theater make-up....I think about the first place I never got, and I dance... I imagine the blonde hair that I want to grow so I can wear it on stage...and I dance...I catch a glimpse of the one time chubby girl in the mirror with the beautiful pull-up back and I applaud...I put away the smelly gloves and dry off the sweaty earphones and float out of the glass doors that hold my fate. I wonder if two years will be enough time to do what I need to do in this place....I laugh as I think of myself wondering if I would have something to pass my time...Fitness friends it will always be a part of you no matter where you end up in this beautiful world...Life is so good