“Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.”
-Douglas Adams
Closed, we have no power
-was the notice pasted to the door of the gym when Spouse made a visit this morning. Not one of the machines would work without electricity, of course.
Disappointed, Spouse had no option but to walk back to his car and drive home again. He could not help but notice other patrons doing the very same thing: finding the note, expressing dismay, turning for home.
One minor difference must be noted here between Spouse and his fellow gym-goers: they were, each and every one, nestled inside their cars. They had all driven to the main door, as close as humanly possible to the threshold of the building, read the sign with surprise and continued motoring. Indeed, there was a line of cars, a convoy of people who had intended to wait for the nearest space to become empty. Those were the same souls who would, I expect, park indoors right next to the treadmills and weight machines if given permission.
This was no doctor's surgery or emergency wing of a hospital- but a gym, for exercise and bodily fitness; they were not invalids. It was not evening time but a few minutes after 6:30 in the morning, when generally the most determined and routine-driven people will rise from their beds, shake the sleep from their faces and struggle to their workout.
The phrase 'what is the world coming to?' has, I know, been thrown about for quite a long time, and likely has been overused to the point of commonplace banality.
Still, I do believe that this morning's episode, witnessed by a lone pedestrian Spouse, demands that we ask such questions of ourselves.
What are we coming to?
Where are we going?
Can we walk there?
9 comments:
Love that last question - can we walk there? Imagine how fit we'd all be!
Ha ha ha ha. I have witnessed the same thing. In fact I have been one of those folks driving to the gym and trying to find a spot close to the entrance. I corrected that - I quit going to the gym. We were without electricity during and after the storm. Makes you remember how much we depend on it. Pappy
Hehe...this is why I exercise the good ole natural way...up a mountain, in the woods. No electricity needed.
But it does require one to withstand heavy rainfall at times, not to mention wind, snow, fog, heat, bugs......maybe I should join a gym?
Perfect beginning and perfect ending.
And yes I think we can walk there.
Pauline, oh, we'd start walking and never stop. We'd never be tired or complain about lethargy. It would be good.
Texican, well, I'm sure most people have done that- the intent to use the gym was there, and a very fine intent but the contrast can be startling.
"I corrected that - I quit going to the gym." Problem solved then :)
Jaime, Up a mountain- lovely. And they never close for repair, do they? :) No! Don't join a gym. Stick with your mountain. So much better to have fresh air.
Hele, let's all walk there- to wherever it is. I'm sure we'll be better for it collectively.
Nobody asked why I let Spouse go there alone ;) I'm guilty of excessive sleeping sometimes.
"What are we coming to?
Where are we going?
Can we walk there?"
truly excellent questions that really made me laugh. however, it's actually pretty serious what with the oil reservoirs being tapped out, we may have to ask that question sooner than we think.
me, i think i'll get a pony.
Julie, I see people driving to their mailboxes. That is surely going to end soon. Things will change. I'd like to see widespread public transport here. I could go on about it but you said it best- it is a serious matter now.
If you get a pony, see if there's two for sale... I might be needing one also.
:)
I love this post. I'm fortunate enough that I have been able to give up my car entirely. I try to walk everywhere, every day, as much as I can.
It's so much more enjoyable to me than being forced into a sweaty room, treadmilling away like a mouse on a wheel, watching cable news.
With enough bundling up, a good hat and some boots, even a downpour can make a fun walk.
Tangobaby, wish we too could give up the car. Maybe after our next move, depending where we go- we are considering places that don't require cars. We'll see. I love to walk.
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