Fuzzy Details
Because I smoked a few cigarettes in Europe, do I have to start counting my smoke-free days from day one again? Am I still a nonsmoker? I haven’t had a cigarette since last Thursday morning. I really feel guilty.
Leaving work yesterday, I passed by a couple of smokers outside the building. They kindly held their cigarettes back, but oh…the smoke smelled so good.
People tell me cigarettes stop smelling and tasting good. (The smokes I had in Europe tasted great–just a little strong.) And I sure do smell tobacco smoke now that I’ve quit.
Full of Hot Air
We did a fair amount of hiking and hill or stair climbing when we were in Europe. The first test was the nearly 400-step climb, plus uphill ground, we hauled ourselves up to reach the castle above Heidelberg Germany. Although I’m out-of-shape and have lousy knees (heck, yes…arthritis), I ended the trek in far better condition than many others I saw stalled on the stairs and gasping for air. I wasn’t winded at all!
We also climbed all around Germany’s tallest waterfall on a mountainside deep in the Black Forest. I did fine with that too. The only thing that drove me cuckoo was the drive up the mountain–breathtaking beauty and hairpin turns. Jeff drove and I nearly punched a hole through the floor of the car, braking reflexively. I found it helps to unfold a map and wrap it totally around your head.
My success with climbing in Europe is encouraging me to think more about getting in shape–which I vowed to work on after the vacation. After all that “swine and spaetzle,” it’s a darn good idea.
