Eleven Years Ago

On days like today, I always find myself looking back, remembering where I was in years past.

I’m sure many of us remember exactly where we were when the horrific events of 9/11/01 were taking place. I was in Mr. Castonguay’s eighth grade science class. Actually, I was between classes – his was next. There was a stir in the hallway, like something was going on, but we didn’t really know what. And then we walked into his classroom as the bell rang, and it all became a little clearer. He had about seven different TVs all rigged up together, and he was playing the news on all of them. I don’t remember exactly what I felt like in that moment, but I do remember what his face looked like. I would have to say that being a 12-year old kid who knew no one in New York City at the time, I probably didn’t comprehend the enormity of it then, but I’ll still never forget watching it happen; I’ll never forget his horrified, adult face.

Now, when I look back, I still have a hard time grasping the fact that I was around for something that took place eleven years ago. It’s weird; I’m 23 years old, but I just don’t feel old enough to have been present for something that far removed. And yet, I feel like it was yesterday. I remember seeing it play out and I remember exactly where I was, as if it has just happened. It’s like hearing your grandparents talk about how they felt when the war started, or where they were when JFK was shot: you don’t really understand it until you reflect on your own memories of some shocking historic event that took place during your own lifetime.

A year ago today, I was sitting on the couch with Billy watching all kinds of 10-year anniversary events on TV. We were recounting where we were when it happened, and we were absolutely amazed at the documentaries being played before us. It was almost surreal to see it all like that; to relive the events and to understand it in a completely different way. I may not have been as compelled by the atrociousness of it when it actually happened, but to think about it now, as an adult, it’s like an entirely different thing.

This morning on the news, I heard them talking about how many of the remembrance events today are shifting away from those of the past. Today, it’s less about resentment, anger, and fear, and more about remembering those we lost and looking toward a better future for our people, our nation, and even the world. And I think that’s important.  At some point we have to shift our outlook to something more positive, even in the face of such immense evil.  I’m sure that’s how those who lost their lives that day would want it.  So to all those of you who lost loved ones that day, I’m thinking of you.  And with my renewed knowledge and newfound perspective of it all, I’m wishing you peace and happiness.

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With summer shifting to fall, the mornings are getting cooler – which unfortunately only means it’s even harder to get out of bed.  I’m glad I did get up on time today though, because I got in a great workout, and I felt accomplished before I even left for work.

This summer, I’ve kind of gotten away from the routine exercise schedule I’m used to, but I always feel like the winter provides more structure for that type of thing. I’m hoping that by maybe going in to work a little later (to account for the darker mornings) and staying a little later at night, I can get in the routine of adding some treadmill cardio back into my plan.  Two-part workouts worked great for this summer, but I think getting the whole thing done in one shot is going to be where it’s at for the winter.

Today, I started off with an arm workout that looked like this:

Superset #1:

• 4×12 Bicep curls
• 4×12 One arm kneeling rows

Superset #2:

• 4×12 Alternating bicep curls to the side (each side)
• 4×12 Tricep bench presses

Superset #3:

• 4×12 Hammer curls
• 4×12 Skullcrushers

Superset #4:

• 4×12 Extended bicep curls
• 4×12 Standing tricep extensions

And then I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, alternating between running and walking every 2.5 minutes. It wasn’t the most intense treadmill cardio ever, but I’m easing back into it.  I love getting to exercise outside during the warmer months, but with my TV almost done getting repaired and my home gym really coming together, I’m excited about getting some intense workouts done inside my apartment too!

For breakfast, I brought a packet of instant maple brown sugar oatmeal with me to work: dumped it into a mug, added some hot water, topped it with strawberries… and voila!

Have a beautiful and reflective Tuesday!