spring

Proud Beginner

I was talking with some people recently about being a beginner. I have always been a champion of the idea that you can start anything at any age. There’s a quote I love that says:

Question: Do you know how old I’ll be by the time I learn to play the piano?

Answer: The same age you will be if you don’t.

However, I do believe the single hardest thing to be a beginner at is running. Every time I begin running (once every six months or so), it is the most uncomfortable and physically painful experience of my life. Inevitably I pick the wrong clothes – my shirt rides up, my pants fall down. My lungs feel like they’re about to give out at any moment and I think my heart may explode. I feel like everyone who drives by is gawking at me like “whoa, check out that chick with the bright red face who’s somehow tangled her headphones in her ponytail.” I can never breath when I done and I always develop a week long, hacking cough. Yet I still keep trying, every six months, because I really do want to be a runner.  So despite the horrendous wardrobe malfunctions and physical trauma, I am a proud beginner.

A Note on Michiganders

When it comes to weather, we Michiganders are notoriously stubborn.

A few days ago, it snowed. A lot.  However, at the beginning of the month when we were having a serious thaw and the thermometers hit 50, I shed my winter coat and boots with a sigh and vowed not to wear them again until at least October.  On the day of the snowfall I had woken up, excited to wear my new orange flats and a skirt.  Think my plans were deterred by a bit of snow and 7 degree temps?  Hell no!  I’m a Michigander.  When I declare winter is over, it’s over, whether or not the weather agrees to co-opperate.

I’m not alone in this.  For the past few weeks I’ve seen people out in shorts and tank tops with scarcely a winter coat in sight.  All around me people are packing away winter clothes and turning off their heat. Yesterday in a cafe the woman at the next table proudly announced, “I’m declaring it spring.  I’ve got my flip flops on and everything.”

Tomorrow I fully intend to wear sandals, whether it’s 55 degrees or negative 10.