Sunday Stroll aborted for a Dolt
It was a glorious Sunday morning, and my bush walk beckoned. However, I decided instead to watch ABC1’s current affairs program Insiders, thinking it would exercise my mind. What a huge mistake and a monumental waste of time. Melbourne’s resident Village Idiot Andrew Bolt, whose bilious bilge can be found in the editorial columns of the Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper, was one of the three “guest journalists” supposedly providing stimulating commentary on the news of the day. Bolt takes over any discussion, because he is driven by self-righteous ideology and favourite obsessions. The other journalists, whatever their politics might be, are not so driven, and are easily drowned out by Bolt. The sooner the ABC ditches this stale and unproductive formula the better. Why can’t we have a depth of debate which the British and the Americans seem to have no trouble providing on their “quality” media?
I’ll know better next time – let that be a lesson to us all – if its a choice between a good walk on a beautiful day or staying in to watch the TV – GO FOR THE WALK!
Dynamic Duo in Planning Mode
Quirky and I did a quick circuit today, whilst Dina went off for a long lunch with “the girls”. Afterwards I volunteered to make the bookings for the Fat C’s Bruny Island adventure, to take place from 24th to 28th May. Little did I realize what angst I was letting myself in for, as neither Quirky nor Dina could organize a chook raffle, let alone their itineraries. Still, for the sake of harmony I won’t explore this topic further! The job is now done. Our star graduate Churchill will be joining us for the trip & will no doubt want to put us through our paces. The trick will be to make sure he has a generous portion of fine Tasmanian Pinot each evening so he doesn’t get too energetic! Churchill, like his namesake, is rather fond of good plonk (as we all are in the Fat C Walking Club)!
A Quick Circuit and an Interesting Plan
Dina and I completed a quick circuit along the Yarra River today, without Quirky, who was apparently home in bed [I'll say no more]. We didn’t see Churchill (our only graduate), but I did speak to him by phone to see if he is interested in accompanying Dina, Quirky and me next month on a 4 day walking trip to Bruny Island off Tasmania’s south-east coast.
I’ve been there once before and loved it – there are some spectacular coastal walks, several of which are quite challenging (challenging for Fat C’s, anyway). We need to coordinate dates, check accommodation and try & get some cheap flights…..
Global Warming and the Fat C’s
As an addendum to Quirky’s latest offering, I’d like to point out that the weather today was unseasonably warm, making the walk undoubtedly pleasant, but nevertheless bringing home the fact that not even simple pleasures are unconnected from one of the greatest challenges to face humankind. I just wanted to say this for I fear that Quirky often focusses too much on the trivialities of life. It is also worthy of note that the late Senator John Button was buried today after a State Funeral at St Michael’s church in Collins St. John Button was an unusually influential, honest and likeable Labor politician and a Minister in the Hawke and Keating governments during the eighties and early nineties.
Three originals take to the pavement.
Yes at last Dina, Pesky and I set out for the lunchtime stroll, re-introducing Pesky to the circuit route. Dina is so keen to add to the diary. I am slightly apprehensive she will tell a few truths about Pesky and I, although Pesky has more to be concerned about than me. The walk was uneventful, apart from the fact that we talked about future walks with the FCWC, possibility in Tasmania. More to follow.
A lone journey.
Today I ventured out on my own with Pesky being ill and Dina having other engagements. My company for the day was my trusty ipod filled with my favourite pod casts. A chance to listen to my favourite downloaded music.
I took the FCWC old route to the Swan Street Bridge, watching the joggers in groups pass me on “the tan” around the Shrine and park lands of Melbourne. To those joggers it seemed to be a performance. In the FCWC we walk for ourselves and dress individually nor do we conform to any dress code or stereotype. Pesky’s trademark for example is always an old long sleeved work shirt setting him apart from most walkers.
Indeed while walking today I listened to the old track from an Australian group The Angels – “Will I ever see your face again”. I thought to myself that was apt as Pesky had not been on the track for sometime and may be many days until he next makes an appearance. I am sure Dina would have appreciated the coincidence and smiled.
Prior to leaving I received a telephone call from Pavarotti who also works with us. He was moaning about how much he had eaten on the weekend, feeling fat and of recent times had been scouring the stores for 5XL work shirts. I told him subtly, I had noticed that he had gained weight and he needed exercise and diet management. I know that Pesky has been urging him to join the club and walk but he steadfastly refuses. It is very difficult and in later entries we will outline the methods adopted to convince fellow workers to join us on our journey.I am sure Pesky will elaborate on this in the future.
A Fat C Talks!
The Fat C, Pesky, has spoken about the Fat C Walking Club.
Click each play button to hear the words of wisdom.
On the origins of the Fat C Walking Club:
On where the club members walk:
On the identity of the club members:
Weekend exercise – not so quirky !
Whilst Pesky took a walk near his rambling country estate, I engaged in a different exercise regime on the weekend. One which I am sure, readers will more closely identify with. Yesterday I walked for an hour around the streets and parks of my own suburb. Such a walk included a pleasant stroll along the creek which winds its way through extensive parkland. As will be apparent, areas of interest may always be found whilst exercising, even in the local suburban area.
Today I visited my local YMCA community Gymnasium . I used the machines and weights for strength and muscle toning. Afterwards I peddled on the exercise bike, then the treadmill & finally utilised the skiing machine.
I believe it is important to vary the exercise routine before returning to the weekly walks offered through the FCWC.
I can adopt brevity to convey my thoughts as well, but provide much more insight than Pesky.
Have I created a Monster?
Little did I think when I asked Quirky to provide some regular posts that he had verbal diarrhoea! Someone needs to tell Quirky that brevity is the soul of wit. And if he must go on at such inordinate length, at least pay lip service to the rules of grammar and the demands of truth! Whilst he and Dina have been plodding around the CBD, I was hard at work.
To compensate, today I went for a walk in the bush, just near where I live.
Some of us stride out again.
Yesterday Dina & I took off again to maintain the tradition that is now the FCWC. Once again Pesky had a lame excuse something about “needing to prepare for a meeting!’ As if !!
This excuse has been given on many occasions and as Dina remarked it is likely another lunch but as Pesky is aware his comments are now being monitored he was unwilling to tell us the truth. When planning an FCWC in your area you must be aware of excuses from seasoned members and challenge them, as peer pressure is vital in supporting your fellow members in their pursuit of health & well-being.
Pesky as you have already gathered needs considerable cajoling to commence these walks especially after consuming multiple scoops of ice cream as you will recall from my last entry.
It was a beautiful day yesterday as Dina and I strolled down our ever familiar route, of which dear reader, we never tire. We were also able to avoid the short route (which is a favourite of Pesky’s – for obvious reasons!).
We did the circuit crossing the Swan Street Bridge enjoying the river and watching the hustle past the Southbank area and feeling content that we were walking and exercising whilst those inside the many restaurants were eating large lunches. Both Dina and I chatted about the issues of the day and those issues playing on our minds at the time. The walk is extremely rewarding from a psychological point of view as well as can be clearly apparent.
The native bird life was out in force and we saw a number of birds fossicking amongst the greenery on the banks of the river searching for tasty morsels, no doubt similar to the ones Pesky was devouring at that stage!
Whilst we looked for Churchill at his “boot camp” he was not to be seen as Dina reminded me that was on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I thought maybe the Collingwood AFL Football Club might have been training as well, as their facilities at the Toyota Lexus Centre is very close by but it did not appear so. We have seen them conducting time trials during our walks over time.
The hint of summer is evident in the trees along the river, many are loosing their leaves or have done so. The Melbourne skyline changes with the onset of winter indeed Dina suggested she would need to review her sporting apparel soon to coincide with the changing season. I nodded wisely as Dina is very fashion conscious but regrettably I am not. In the FCWC we wear whatever is comfortable which is important as you create your own walking clubs in which area of the world you may live.
Pesky has a different style of clothing again peculiar to him and his personality but I am sure Dina will comment on that and other interesting aspects when she updates the site.
We returned back to our work site after a good 50 minute stroll feeling refreshed and relaxed and once more affirming how we enjoy the benefits the FCWC brings to us through the workplace.
Should you wish to ask us any questions feel free to do so in the comments box provided here. We are only too happy to assist you in answering any questions you may have about creating an FCWC in your own area.
