Dear Readers,
Today unfolded in a way that reminded me how unpredictable life — and the weather — can be. The morning began quietly, the storm from yesterday still whispering against my window. I was grateful that the power stayed on, and I let myself rest, lingering in bed for another hour before drifting back to sleep. It was one of those gray, slow beginnings that felt both calm and heavy at once.
When I finally got up, I dressed for work, swimsuit and all, even though I didn’t quite want to go. But I did — because sometimes, showing up is the quietest form of strength. While getting ready, Bisa and Bitey decided we should watch at least one episode of Game of Thrones. I was instantly hooked, of course, and a little part of me wanted to stay wrapped up in that world instead of facing the storm outside. But once it was time to leave, we pressed pause — both on the show and the morning — and I set out on the road, rain still falling hard.
When I arrived at work, things started as usual. We got everything set up, but I found myself once again speaking with the gym’s management about the pool’s ongoing issues. Nothing had been repaired, and maintenance still hadn’t shown up. I slipped into the water anyway, ready to teach my lessons, and for a while, everything felt light again. I laughed, I swam, and I remembered why I love what I do — it didn’t feel like work at all.
But by mid-afternoon, things shifted. Around 3:15, two of my instructors and I began breaking out in rashes — a burning, tingling reminder that something wasn’t right. I tested the water immediately, and the results were startling: chlorine at 10, pH at 8.0. Far too high, far too unsafe.
So I made the call. I canceled the rest of our lessons for the day, choosing safety over schedule, and informed management. The gym closed their pool as well. Later, when my boss told me that “we don’t cancel lessons for high chlorine,” I couldn’t help but feel frustrated. If you’ve ever worked around pools, you know — chlorine that high isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous. Thankfully, when I spoke to the franchise owner, he agreed with my decision, and that brought a quiet sense of validation.
By the end of the day, I was exhausted — physically and emotionally. I went home, took a long, much-needed shower to wash away every trace of chlorine, and finally let myself relax. I spent the evening curled up at home with Bisa, Woe, and Bitey, the storm still murmuring outside, but inside, everything finally felt calm again.
Some days test your patience, your instincts, and your ability to stand your ground — even when you’d rather stay quiet. Today was one of those days. And though it was far from perfect, I’m ending it with gratitude: for safety, for calm, and for the small peace that comes from doing what’s right.
Until next time,
Monique
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