Page 7 of Mr. Green

“Have you tried sage with eggs? I hear that’s really good.”

“I’ve been out of experimenting with food for a while, but I’ll try that one.”

“Any other questions?”

“I don’t think so.”

“You can always text me if something comes up. You ready for a workout?”

“Sure.”

He laughs due to my lack of enthusiasm, I’m sure.

We head out to the gym where we begin with weight machines that look like they’re trying to torture you. I try to focus on getting myself back instead of what Ireallywant to do—run away and hide under my bed covers.

Chapter 5

Lana

I’m so fucking sore. I’m dying. Jason is not trying to help me, he’s trying to kill me!

Workout one is complete, but I’m supposed to be up early for a run in the morning and then do this all over again.

What was I thinking?

It’s okay. This is good. Being sore means I’m making some headway on the goals I want.

I walk slower than a snail up to my apartment, passing identical building after building. There are pine and sycamore trees on the walkway outlined with strategically-placed plants and flowers. I have a two-bedroom place with access to common areas that have pool and foosball, a gym, and indoor pool. I’ve never been to this gym. I go to the gym I own, but it’s nice to have options. I reach the stairs, which have become enemy number one. How am I going to move come tomorrow?

I conquer each step, wincing at the burn in my thighs, and then walk into my two-bedroom apartment. I’m the youngest of five kids so I wanted to have a place if family came over. I’m happy to have my own space and decorated it with as much color as I could. My house growing up was covered with neutrals and earth tones, and I wondered when the rainbow would show up.

Every wall in the living room is painted a different shade. One is a subtle red, one is a pastel yellow, and the other is a sage green. I can’t change the carpet, which is a sandy tan. Then the pillows bring it all together with a colorful paisley pattern on my blue couch.

My kitchen is open to the living room and it’s paintedred. I display my dishes out on the island that separates the two areas with seating for three. My dishes are hand painted and have a plethora of white, red, yellow, blue, and green in a circular configuration.

It may be a lot going on for some people, but to me it’s a way to breathe an abundance of fun, energy, and character intosomearea of my life. No neutrals, boringness, or loneliness. Life isn’t supposed to be that way. Safe and predictable is nice and that doesn’t mean a life of routine is boring. It’s sure, like I thought Ryan and I’s relationship was.

It’s what I love about cooking. A recipe makes sure food will taste delicious, but it’s something new and colorful. You can add in flavors and colors to your plate creating a party in your mouth you can count on to taste good. At least, that’s how I used to feel about cooking.

I can’t think about why I don’t care anymore. My muscles ache so much. I need a bath.

I step into my bedroom, passing by a queen-size bed with a light blue comforter and decorative pillows of various hues of blues and purples. I continue into my bathroom, which is connected, so I kept the color scheme. Things from the sea like a picture of a dolphin, seashells, and a small statue of a whale’s tale embellish the space.

I turn the water on to fill the bath, while placing my clothes in a hamper. I add lavender bath salts and step into the tub. After a few minutes of soaking, I start reading an article on my phone from a workout magazine. I subscribed to a few through e-mail last night for inspiration and this is the first article they shared with me. It’s titled,Steps to Living a Happy and Healthy Life.

Step 1-Exercise-It’s one of the best free therapies to make you feel good.

Check. It’s debatable if I feel better, though. Sore and tired don’t scream happiness. Next.

Step 2-Eat Fresh and Healthy-Getting energy and water from things like fruits and vegetables are important for your body. Try choosing wild caught fish or free-range meat. Think open air foods instead of processed.

That’s in the cards now. Next.

Step 3-Go Outside-Take time to admire the trees, the birds, the endless sky, etc. Being

one with nature helps you be one with yourself.

Does walking around downtown count? The only time I feel “one with myself” is in or by water. I’ll have to think about that one. Next.