Two new friends have made an impact on my life. A huge impact. I never thought I would like these friends, as they always seemed so cold and imposing....almost mean. So, I would always avoid getting together with them. I would send others from the family to see them, but I would shun their company.

At the beginning of April, I decided to take the plunge and meet with my adversaries. Tackle the giants, so to speak. But, I was too chicken to go alone to face them, so I took Kathryn along. She had met them before; she wasn't afraid. If she could face them, I should be able to, right?

Surprisingly, we have gotten along together very well. I see these friends at least 4 times a week now, although we don't have any set time for gathering. The rest of life still goes on around us. They have others to see, and I have more to do than spend my time in their company.

What is even more amazing is that while I dreaded meeting them for such a long time, I now consider them such close friends that I truly missed them when I was recently in Longview for 5 days. I saw them again tonight, for the first time since returning from our trip. Kathryn accompanied me again, even though she wasn't sure she really wanted to go tonight. I said that I would have my reunion with my friends, with or without her. It was a happy reunion. How I ever convinced myself that these friends were cold and mean, I'll never know. Others told me I would like them, if I gave them a chance. Now I am a firm believer that first impressions, while important, can be overlooked when you are willing to go the extra mile.

May I present my two new friends?

I am pleased to introduce Mr. Tread Mill and Ms Recumbent Bike.