Gains and Losses

We changed the clocks last night or officially at 2:00 a.m. Does anyone set their alarm at 2 to change their clocks and watches? I know I don’t. Thank goodness most things are automatic these days. I remember days gone by when it took at least an hour to change all the clocks, the VCR (remember those?), the answering machine, and my watch.

This is the time of year we gain the hour we lost in Spring. But are we gaining an hour? It will still get darker earlier; the days will feel shorter, making me feel lethargic. Mugsy (like all other dogs, cats, hamsters, etc.) has no concept of daylight savings. He will wake me up at his usual time, bug me to go out, and then wait for his breakfast. I have no chance to feel I’ve gained an hour.

I am also attending the last day of tennis camp. This is probably my fourth camp, and I finally see gains in my tennis game. In fact, one of the camp’s coaches, who had given me some advice on my serve, commented that it now has more power, speed, and accuracy. I proved to him (and myself) that you can teach an old dog new tricks. But I probably lost more money paying for the camp than I’ve gained in serving skills.

The camp kept us in constant motion, which is good for burning calories. So, yes, I have lost a pound or two. I have gained aching muscles, a corn on one toe, and the realization that, despite my improved serve, I can’t beat the twenty-year-olds. Gaining confidence is good, but a dose of humility has its place.

I’m still eating the Peanut M&Ms and Dots left from Halloween. I am sure I will regain the pounds I lost on the court. Thankfully, Advil is non-caloric because that has been my appetizer and dessert every day.

Another benefit of attending tennis camp is making new friends; this year was no exception. Many came from Portland or Seattle, but some are local and will join our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning tennis games when possible. So, another “tick mark” in the gain column.

Lately, with camp, clock changes, clients, and life in general, I often think I may lose my mind. I am constantly looking for my keys and iPad, but mostly my phone. I must add 10,000 steps daily as I run around the house looking for it. The good news is that I am gaining on my friend’s number of steps, even if it is a pathetic way to compete.

There is a poem I was recently reminded of by Elizabeth Bishop, “One Art.” The first line is, “The art of losing isn’t hard to master; so many things seem filled with the intent to be lost that their loss is no disaster.” It ends with, “It’s evident the art of losing’s not too hard to master although it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.”

My losses, thankfully not disastrous. Although an hour gained in winter doesn’t compensate for the hour lost in Spring, I do anticipate the gains in the garden after another year of learning, trial and error, and maybe even good weather.