Sheer grit

It continues to be swelteringly hot, with humidity in to 200% or so range. I almost wish it would rain so we could have a refreshing break. Barring that, a good old thunderstorm would be welcome, since it tends to cool things off for at least a little while afterwards. Oh well--at least its not -30F. Running a fan is a lot cheaper than running a furnace.

I was up at the gym this morning, and despite the heat, put in a very solid effort, though it was grit and determination that really motivated me. Thirty minutes on the crosstrainer were followed by some time on the fitness ball, with my daughter tossing an 8 pound medicine ball at me to tone my arms. Situps were next, whilst holding the aforementioned 8 pound ball, and then I was rewarded with swim time. While yesterday yeildeda rather pitiful 5 laps, today I did a full quarter mile--9 laps. Not a bad gain for one day. My daughter blew me right out of the water with her new record: 37 laps in one day. Thats a full mile folks! We are hurting for grocery money until Thursday, so the pair of us are under par for calories as well. I'll eat an extra NS entree to make up a couple hundred calories, but my daughter is stubborn and is categorically refusing to eat NS food. I wouldn't care, but she does need to eat and is also refusing to eat peanut butter or tuna--the couple of foods I do have left on hand. I guess when she's hungry enough she'll eat.

On other news, I finished the new Harry Potter book today--its definitely setting up for the finale in the next book. I won't give any spoilers because I'm sure plenty of others have yet to read or finish it, but I will say I was bummed about the ending. It tied up some loose ends, but also created a bunch more to leave us in limbo for the next year or so. I like how the books have fleshed out the characters and evolved as the series has progressed, but I have to say that I'm not looking forward to the saga ending. I want to know what happens with the characters after they graduate from Hogwart's, and follow them as they grow into mature adults.