"I encourage everyone in the world not to assume that someone is being self-deprecating when they merely describe themselves accurately. I am a slow swimmer." Words to live by. From my esteemed fanny to your buoyant waist bag, good cheer!
I also brag tirelessly and tiringly about my ocean swims. Thanks for validating the impulse to brag about something low stakes. Also, I’m also extremely slow. Sometimes barely kicking. It’s a fact, nothing I feel any emotion about. Love your posts.
As "that person you don't know," I apologize for misinterpreting your braggadocio. I merely meant that it doesn't come across the way many social media "I went to the gym this morning" posts do. You don't talk all the time about how you PR'd this morning, for example. Even this post, in which you assure us that you are bragging, doesn't strike me as particularly boastful, except perhaps about your cool accessory. I'd accept that I am simply wrong, except that when you say you are "nearly intolerable," I believe it's you who are mistaken. Your swim talk isn't intolerable at all. It's oddly meditative and calming. Maybe this is an example on my part of what Bloom called a strong misreading.
Walking with the dog, I realized that we were both slowing each other down. So now I let him off the leash and we both walk a little quicker. He stays on the side of the road but can get further off it than when I'm attached to him which opens up a nearly endless supply of new things to stop and sniff at. But I'm reluctant to be out with him when the temperature has fallen into the 20s so I let him wander over the bottom portion of our 2-acre parcel. That part is officially in the floodplain and has been allowed to slide back into its natural state. Your descriptions of your morning swims are similar to his morning jaunts -- the same place is different every day.
I get it. I'm similar with my mountain biking. It's not a social activity, it's for me. But sometimes I need to share it, so I'll go on a group ride or talk about it if someone asks. Same reasons. I'm glad you're keeping the newsletter going and focusing on your swimming. For another friend, it's Pilates and hiking. She's amazing and her students have no idea that she would destroy them in the gym or on a hike.
Love the idea about having bragging rights to regular healthy habits BUT not writing. Also the difference between describing and complaining. And the lobbing of verboten words such as ‘fanny’.
"I encourage everyone in the world not to assume that someone is being self-deprecating when they merely describe themselves accurately. I am a slow swimmer." Words to live by. From my esteemed fanny to your buoyant waist bag, good cheer!
Instantly, I worry about my impropriety. Just a little. I am also tickled.
I am tickled, too!
Whew!
I also brag tirelessly and tiringly about my ocean swims. Thanks for validating the impulse to brag about something low stakes. Also, I’m also extremely slow. Sometimes barely kicking. It’s a fact, nothing I feel any emotion about. Love your posts.
I think we are both very impressive, Malena.
As do I.
Brag away, oh intrepid buoyant one.
A delightful entry, Elizabeth!
Thank you, dear Benjamin!
I wear my fanny pack in front. Perhaps I'll call it a belly bag.
As "that person you don't know," I apologize for misinterpreting your braggadocio. I merely meant that it doesn't come across the way many social media "I went to the gym this morning" posts do. You don't talk all the time about how you PR'd this morning, for example. Even this post, in which you assure us that you are bragging, doesn't strike me as particularly boastful, except perhaps about your cool accessory. I'd accept that I am simply wrong, except that when you say you are "nearly intolerable," I believe it's you who are mistaken. Your swim talk isn't intolerable at all. It's oddly meditative and calming. Maybe this is an example on my part of what Bloom called a strong misreading.
I'm going to start bragging more. Ok, here's my brag. I started running again. I'm also short, old and a little chunky.
Walking with the dog, I realized that we were both slowing each other down. So now I let him off the leash and we both walk a little quicker. He stays on the side of the road but can get further off it than when I'm attached to him which opens up a nearly endless supply of new things to stop and sniff at. But I'm reluctant to be out with him when the temperature has fallen into the 20s so I let him wander over the bottom portion of our 2-acre parcel. That part is officially in the floodplain and has been allowed to slide back into its natural state. Your descriptions of your morning swims are similar to his morning jaunts -- the same place is different every day.
I get it. I'm similar with my mountain biking. It's not a social activity, it's for me. But sometimes I need to share it, so I'll go on a group ride or talk about it if someone asks. Same reasons. I'm glad you're keeping the newsletter going and focusing on your swimming. For another friend, it's Pilates and hiking. She's amazing and her students have no idea that she would destroy them in the gym or on a hike.
Love the idea about having bragging rights to regular healthy habits BUT not writing. Also the difference between describing and complaining. And the lobbing of verboten words such as ‘fanny’.
All most tickling indeed.
I wondered how that float pack was working. And how do you like Bluesky? I’ve nearly given up all social media but this