Writing Solutions

   June 27, 2008

Most important decisions are made at water aerobics

 I remember having lunch with a really funny writer friend several years back. He asked how things were, what I was working on, what was in the wings, etc. I said, “I am writing a regularly column again… periodically.”

 He cocked his head and said, “Who else could say . . . writing a regular column…. periodically.” I asked him if he understood what I had said. He scratched his beard and said something like. Okay, you have written a column in the past, taken breaks, done things like move back and forth across the country. When you’ve had the request and the desire you write a column regularly but at periodic times!

 “Exactly,” I had said. You get it, as I watched him choke on his olive pit. We sat over a lengthy lunch coming up with acronyms, oxymorons and other moronic things that two writers do when they get together. My favorite two word story came out of that luncheon: “Planned Spontaneity.”  And so it goes. 

Now some of the best ideas I’ve come up with are when I’m in the shower. I hate to cut down on the creative process but I am doing everything I can to conserve water. It has played havoc with my idea production.

 I think the first time I took a water aerobics class was in about 1986 when we were living in Solana Beach. As I recall, “Mayor Margaret” issued a proclamation that the frequent ingestion of ‘sticky buns’ was counter-productive to our self-imposed physical fitness program.

 Therefore, as an unofficial member of the mayor’s court, I was bound by her proclamation and signed up and PAID IN ADVANCE for a water aerobics class. Paying brings an urgency to follow through. The problem was it was an outdoor pool and ‘June gloom’ began in April. It was cold and damp and there we all were bobbing around trying to knock off the icicles.

 Then president of the San Diego County League of Women Voters, our friend Roni was more inclined to do things in a league-like-manner and study the issue before taking the plunge. Mayor Margaret found this lack of enthusiasm insubordinate. As we drove by to pick up the reluctant Roni, the mayor would tap Roni’s garbage bags to make certain there were no recyclables being co-mingled with the trash.

 This wasteful social indiscretion would bring the guilty party several fines: 1) He/she would have to pay a fine that would help support the recycling center, 2) be banned for chocolate for a month.

 Other than exercising through the freezing water, we would discuss the local and regional issues de jour and make plans to fix them. We discussed initiatives and how we thought they would play on the ballot and hoped that lots of qualified people would run for local office.

 We really did accomplish a great deal during these sessions. While are bodies were being exercised, or minds became energized to tackle what mountain was out there that needed to be climbed.

 Some things never change. Here I am, years later and still taking water aerobics classes. The reasons are similar- - - but different. Now I’m mainly trying to keep the defective and replacement parts in working order. The best way for me to accomplish that deed is in the water.

 I’ve met a great group of women taking water classes at Sun Lakes. We come in all sizes, ages and attitudes.  Our interests vary but we share a common goal: SHAPE UP! I’m older and the dialogue here is a bit different.

Recently, one woman was heard to say, “I’ve been coming to this class for sixteen years and I still have the flab in the same places.” Another nearly drowned me when someone almost got here face yet. “Be careful,” she chided. “You know I always put my makeup on before I go in the pool!”

 The instructor does her best to stay focused on teaching the class but it’s not always easy. After all, part of the exercise process is to talk; jawbones need frequent movement to keep functioning. Besides, water aerobics class is the place to find out what’s going on.

 Usually someone is there to announce some kind of meeting or event. My pronouncements tend to me about candidate forums or what is going on in local government. Many of the participants find this to be moderately interesting; however, who is fooling around with whom often takes precedence over who is running for the local water board.

 That said the people of Sun Lakes have an enviable turnout when it comes to voting. This is an example that should be followed by the rest of the community. If more people turned out throughout the community, there would never be a reason to think about dividing the community by districts.

The summers are the best for water class here in Banning. At 8 a.m. the sky is blue, the air clear and the water refreshing. You might not think so, but the expressions on the faces of some as they s-l-o-w-l-y enter the water is . . . priceless!

 When conversation is allowed, which is all through class, we learn about what is going on at local farmer’s markets, where the entertainment venues are and what’s playing and news of restaurant openings in the Pass: always of interest to people who are starved for new restaurants.

 Many people ask me what is going on in the community, as they know I participate in activities within Sun Lakes and the greater Banning area. I happily share the gems du jour.

 Those who know me well understand that I am fiercely political; just non-partisan. My focus is on local races, as these folks have as much or more of a dominant effect on my life then those we elect to go to Sacramento or Washington.

 “All politics is local” is attributed to former Speaker of the House Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neal, Jr. I agree. Land use decisions are usually made locally and that, other than school districts, is as issue that can motivate a community in a heartbeat.

 That is why who is running for the Banning and Beaumont city councils will continue to be discussed in water aerobics classes, pubs and living rooms throughout the community until the final votes are tallied on November 4, 2008.

I would like to take this opportunity to dispel any rumors that I am running for the Banning City Council. There are those who serve as council members and those who serve by watching the council. I’m a watcher.

 Leadership on the local level is critical. There are three incumbents in Banning and 2 in Beaumont. While the filing period doesn’t open until August, rumors continue to circulate as to who is/who is not running. Qualified residents in both communities are urged to consider service to their communities.

 Meanwhile, we will continue to discuss the virtues of ‘all things local’ at water aerobics. Have a subject? Send me an email at: info@writingsolutions.com and I’ll hurl it over the volleyball net to see if it floats!

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