We were originally told the pool in Everett would be closed this week for project week, which was a relief. Last time we had project week, there was lots of cleaning and repair activity happening around us during classes and it was unpleasant to say the least. I'd rather have a day off than work in a natatorium with stuff everywhere and people getting in the way, or feeling like I'm in the way the whole time.
Then we heard there wouldn't be a closure after all, and Judy said she'd need a sub because she'd be in Colorado. I said I'd cover even though her class is at 11:15 on Tuesdays and I'd already be teaching my deep water class at 7:45 the same day. Since I'm not doing it all the time like I was a few months ago, a couple of classes in one day is doable. The timing isn't great, though. I basically had enough time to come home and eat a small extra meal between classes, then go back early because I was bored. I didn't want to watch TV because I was sweaty from the first class, but didn't want to take a shower because I'd be doing it again shortly. I put on a fresh tank top once I got back from the first one, but even so, I didn't feel like settling into my spot on the couch.
In spite of teaching five classes this week, I still wanted to go to the Y on Wednesday, my day off. Over in Marysville, where I got my start, one of the lifeguards who was interested in becoming a water fitness instructor when I got my start would be teaching. She's not on a schedule yet, but Connie, my mentor, is taking a lot of days off lately and needed coverage. Unfortunately, she'd already arranged for Wednesdays with Kathy, this new instructor, so I couldn't help at all because her other classes are at the same time as all of mine. But I got to go get in the water, try Kathy's class, and catch up with the people I know up there. It was a fun morning!
It'd been a while since I'd been tattooed and I decided it was time to have a session with Gage to work on my shoulder. I had him do the outline of a design a while back to claim the spot and stop me from changing my mind about what I wanted there. After all, by coming up with that idea I'd already stolen some space that would have been used for another. Once I confirmed with Gage that he was available for a 2-hour session yesterday, I decided I should get another tattoo within a few days before or after. Every session means a couple of weeks away from the pool, so a couple or a few sessions together is the way to go.
Airplane! (1980) is one of our favorite movies, and I recently decided to get a tattoo based on one of the funniest scenes in it.
My original idea was to get a typical pet memorial tattoo of a golden retriever named Shep. Garrett confirmed Nathan had some availability for a walk-in, and saved me some time by telling him the theme while I was getting ready to come to the shop. By the time I got there, he had something funnier drawn up. Most of it's in the ditch of my elbow, but it extends to either side, which means it'll be hard to get a still photo of. Here's a video instead:
Nathan's station is right under the shop TV and he played the movie while we worked. It was on mute because music was playing in the shop, but I've seen it so many times that it's still fun to watch without the sound.
I had a bandage on it during yesterday's class and didn't really feel like having that visible while I taught yesterday, so I got out one of my
Waffle House sport sleeves just like the ones employees at Waffle House wear to cover their tattoos. And because I didn't want to wear that with a tank top, I got out my YMCA "Everyone Belongs" shirt, which was perfect because we're running that campaign again this month! I knew I'd be even hotter than usual as I taught, so I packed a sweatband to wear on my forehead so I wouldn't have to wipe with my towel as much.
I wasn't sure I'd wear it, but when I decided to, I did the "keep going" motion while I grabbed it from my bag, then made a big show of putting it on like I was gearing up for even more effort. I got big laughs from the crowd. And honestly, it was nice not to have to constantly wipe. I have two, and think I'll wear them Tuesdays and Fridays when I'm in Everett. And now I may have to also look for funny sweatbands the same way I'm always on the lookout for funny tank tops.
We're lucky that the Seattle Men's Chorus decided to end the run of their new Dolly Parton tribute show with a Sunday matinee in Everett. Claire will join me but unfortunately Garrett can't come now because of the new job at the tattoo shop. But we can walk over and say hi to him there afterward.
