Expectations

It’s funny the things that stick in your mind. Years back, I heard Martin Mull (the comedian) talk about his birthday ritual. An avid Cleveland Browns fan, every year he would go down to the stadium and kick a field goal the length (in yards) of his birthday. I think he made it to 44.

I started doing something like that, although not kicking a football. It seemed like a good way to set the tone nd expectations upward for the coming year as opposed to accepting decline. I started with pushups but shoulder injuries curtailed that. The challenge became picking something I would have to stretch for but was still reasonable.

I was giving that some thought yesterday, which was not a good time for it. In addition to the usual assortment of physical issues that affect an active person of my years, I was enduring the aftereffects of celebrating the previous evening.

An opportunity presented itself as I had kayak pool practice that evening. I could roll 63 times. Not enough of a challenge, even with a hangover and balky joints. So, I set the bar higher by requiring they be hand or rodeo rolls.

That proved to be a sufficient test. I was rewarded with a sense of accomplishment. And, back spasms. Fortunately, my paddling friends surprised me afterwards with a celebration of my birthday that included chocolate. Chocolate cures everything.

I got home and found an email from a friend who had given me a gift certificate, inquiring if I had any idea what I was going to do with it. Not going to, I replied. Already did. I order a body board that I intend to use for surfing waves at a whitewater park and take with me on southern journeys to beaches.

“Have you done that before?” she responded. I said I had not. “I expect you’ll be getting good use from health insurance, getting up close and personal with the rocks.” I expect to have a blast.

This summer, I’m meeting a bunch of my high school friends at a South Carolina beach town. They said that they’re bringing golf clubs and fishing rods, in case they feel up to it. I’m bringing my body board and kayak because I do feel up to it. It’s mostly in your expectations.

I work at and expect to be in better shape every year. It works a lot better than thinking the other direction.