Tuesday, August 30, 2011

White Gloves and Walking Surface (OCD revisited)

I have a security blanket when I walk.   Except in the middle of summer, I wear white gloves when I walk.   I have convinced myself that the gloves are for blowing my nose, keeping my hands warm due to poor circulation, increasing my visibility and even a bathroom aid  (that's delicate).   The reality is they are the last things I put on before I take the dogs out the door and I feel naked without them.   It is more habit and mind comfort than any other contrived reason.

I have a young teacher in my school that says I must look like Minnie Mouse walking down the road.   She thinks she's funny.

Rituals are important to runners and walkers.   I must sleep in the t-shirt that I will wear in the morning to walk.   I never like to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.   My dogs must be on the same side of the road every walk..   I must wear a watch, even if I am not timing anything.   I am constantly checking the distance against certain landmarks even though I have walked past them hundreds of times.   I don't mind finishing in the light but I really like to start my walk in the dark.

I know that when walking, ruts and loose rock should be avoided.   Yet, I walk on a rough gravel road  every day.   Not a day passes where I don't slip a little or slightly turn my ankle.  

My dogs keep me walking and my mortgage company keeps me on the gravel.


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