Oasis

I just joined a gym.

I don't think I've EVER before joined a gym. The last time I worked out in a gym was at KU and that came "free" with my medical school tuition.

But I am the happiest gym member ever because yesterday after 9 months, I ran. After 6 months, I worked out. I can't say I haven't SWEAT in 6 months since I sweat on the drive over to the gym, sweat filling out the paperwork for membership, but you don't get the adrenaline rush from simple Haiti heat.

I found the gym after a recommendation from Dr. Charcot after I was bemoaning the fact that I didn't have my normal stress-relief outlet of running.

The "gym" is actually a sports center. It has a huge center building full of weights and weight machines, a floor where they have aerobics classes, and a ping-pong table. Outside the complex includes a gravel track, basketball court, soccer field, tennis courts, a playground, trees, flowers and a view of the mountains. They even have a gift shop and a restaurant (that served fried fish... LOVE it).

Last night I smiled for the first two laps around the track. After that I was doing more huffing and puffing, but smiling on the inside.

I could literally feel my joints groaning to life.

It will be a while before I'm back in shape again, but I've never felt so happy getting ready for the effort.

I've never been a work-out-a-holic, but exercise has been my alternative to prozac, liposuction and triple bipass. And in Haiti, I need the prozac effect.

I feel like I found an oasis in the city. Last night I went and signed up, then went for my first run. There was a nice breeze and the center was full of people. People jogging, walking, a soccer game going on, a basketball practice. There was an aerobics class underway and beefed up dudes lifting big heavy things. I have to admit it was lovely to be emmersed among a community of athletic, healthy Haitian people.

Yesterday was a good day. After really struggling this last week, today things shifted.

The day ended by enjoying a cold glass of water and watching the sunset with my cute son who had greeted my sweaty face with a gummy smile.

Happy Day.