I’ve become a fan of Netflix.com. I confess. Instead of writing my blog, it’s been constant catch-up on movies that I’ve missed over the last couple of years. What’s so addictive about it is that you can put on earphones and avoid disturbing anyone at all hours of the night and early morn. Then, when the movie (or two)is finished, I can catch the early-early morning news, say at 4 a.m., hear it repeated at 5 a.m., and finally go to sleep for a couple of hours warm in the knowledge that I am well attuned to the day’s happenings — worldwide. (Have you noticed that the same news gets repeated over and over again all day long ad nauseum?)
Time for discipline now that I’m becoming a little movie-saturated (I’m not a very dedicated addict). Time to put away childish things and enjoy the springtime. Now that’s an addiction worth savoring! That’s adult. Especially since my Vancouver daughter introduced me to urban poling (www.urbanpoling.com). Urban whatting? These are basically telescopic ski poles that adjust to various heights and sport springy rubber tips at the base. Hand in hand with the ski poles, you stride rhythmnically — after a little counting, the rhythm becomes normal — and conquer urban sidewalks, parks, and what-have-yous in a city environment. (In L.A., the what-have-yous tend to be cracks and hilly bends left in the sidewalks by our omnipresent little earthquakes.)Once you’re in stride, there is actually a sensation of gliding, of mastery. Shucks, it’s not a ski hill, but as a former skiier, I can tell you that it’s the next best thing. The young and hale among us can lengthen the poles and lengthen their stride. Aha! Now it’s power walking plus.
So, take a break from the computer, old literary mavens with your nose in a book like me, even a hip electronic book or one of the new, gory graphic novels about superheros! Save the repetitive stress syndrome afflicting your fingers for another day. Save Netflix for the appropriate evening hours. With urban poles adjusted to your own waist height, they’ll add balance and stability and the illusion, at least, that you’re a serious sports person enjoying non-bookish exercise that engages your arms as well as your legs. Have a fling with nature! Take a deep breath! It’s April.
