Jogging

I do a lot of jogging on the beach, which is, by necessity, an out-and-back run, as opposed to a loop. My theory with out-and-back runs is that you only have to push yourself one way -- out. The way back is a given.

You need complex motivations to get yourself to make the "out" portion of the run. Things like, "I want to get exercise to develop my cardiovascular fitness," and "I need to take the dogs out in order to further their physical and psychological well-being," and "I am enjoying this beautiful day and communing with nature where land meets sea."

Your motivation on the way back is simple and instinctive: "I want to go home. I want hot shower, snacks, and TV."

Guess which way is easier.

Mr.Poopers

We caught our first mouse today in our humane, no-kill, HAVAHART mousetrap. I woke up this morning and checked the trap, and in the dim 6:30am light I could just make out the tiny, round shape of a little brown house-mouse. Mousius domesticus.*

I swiftly named him "Mr.Poopers," for obvious reasons, and transported him in his tiny metal holding cell out to my car. I meant to drop him off at the forest on the way to work, but since I am always short of time in the mornings, Mr.Poopers got to spend the morning in his cell in my car, gorging himself on peanut butter and making his peace with God, because, let's face it, Mr.Poopers probably doesn't stand a chance in the wild.

Then, on my lunch break, I stopped by the marsh near the sea and released Mr.Poopers into the shrubs, or, as I like to think of it, into the Cosmos.**


*This name has been made up by the author and in no way represents a real scientific species name.
**My term for anything that is beyond my sphere of influence or responsibility.