Er
@TexasTee , can you actually see my ever expanding patoot from Texas? I actually used to be a gym goer, not because I ever liked it, but because I know it's good for me, but stopped when my knee got bad. I haven't been back yet because a) it's the gym b) i'm afraid to do something to make matters worse with my knee and c) it's the gym. ;-) But I went today.
@dogwheels ,
@hopefaith ,
@71Beetle thank you for the advice and encouragement. The gym actually does have bikes - der. So I rode an upright (I only have a recumbent at home) for 15 minutes on level 2 resistance on one of their pre-set programs, then I did some ab work (I think I still have abs, I can't tell anymore), some arm machines, and some leg machines. I tried the leg press at very low weight, the thigh abduction and adduction machines (i think that's what they're called) and that was about it. My knee protested a bit with the machines, so that made me nervous. I will go again tomorrow and try some different machines as well as try the eliptical as that used to be my cardio of choice. I'm terrified of the leg curls and such, so doubt that I'll try those anytime soon. I do think I need to wear my Patella strap tomorrow though as that's hurting again.
Although I didn't love it, I got to use Pandora on my phone and didn't look like a complete moron (or at least I hope I didn't). Head down, don't make eye contact..... As for swimming Chris, I can't really swim. The only stroke I was ever good at was the breast stroke and my knee does not like the leg motion involved with that one, so aside from hanging onto a 'noodle' or the side of the pool and doing a bit of kicking, swimming looks more like flailing about for me.
@Phil75070 , yes, being able to get out of bed while not having to stand there for a minute to make sure the knee will hold up does seem like exercise in and of itself sometimes.
As for meeting the entire family
@TexasTee , no need to be worried, I'm sure they'll love you. Even if they don't, oh well, who cares? You've already gotten your prize! I might suggest making your most popular paleo approved dessert for them. After all, people can't complain when their mouths are full, right? I LOVE farmer's markets. There was the best one ever when I lived in Boise. They shut down the entire downtown every Saturday during the summer and it was just huge. And wonderful! All organic and artisan - veggies, breads, meats, and yes, even the man who made mini cinnamon sugar donuts on site.... I miss all that. No way I'm going to a farmer's market when it's 110 here.
Ahh
@hopefaith , thank you for your nice post. I wish I could say that the clouds have parted for me, but this funk seems to be sticking around a lot longer than I had hoped. I think if I can just get one thing under my control (my work, selling the old house, loving the new house, the knee, my weight, my love life, my finances, ....) under control, it would help, but everything just seems so f*ing daunting (sorry, powers that be, for my dirty mouth, but it's the most fitting word) right now.
@Nana moon 27 , I'm okay. Things are just slow around here. Not much work, but the work I do have is spaced so that I can't even throw the dogs in the car and drive to the mountains for a few days. I really need to go to the ocean - that's what always centers me and makes me most happy. The closest beach is Rocky Point though and I won't drive into Mexico on my own....
Anywhoo, I think I will head to the pool to read for a bit and then maybe I'll actually tackle organizing my closets. Or not....who knows. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday! Thanks for always being there for me! xoxoxoxo
United States
You inspire me that I will get 
Let us know how it goes! 
as I never could before. 
