My beloved watch

I have this digital stop watch that I got when I realised that having a stop watch to track work outs made sense. It is now about 9 years old and I found out the other day as to how much it means to me. I was returning from the Nike Run meet last Sunday and I got a flat tyre. I am glad it was a Sunday morning with thin traffic and a lot of time on hand.

I got the spare out of the boot and went down on all fours to jack up the car and replace the flat. I must have lost my touch for being a handy man with tools cause I suddenly realised I had broken the strap of my watch. I muttered under my breath and stowed it in my pocket. I got the spare replaced and reached home in a jiffy. Bryan, my dear son, on seeing the broken strap said, "Da-da, you can use my stop watch". It was a piece I'd got for him since he too had graduated into a distance runner:-) Also, the numerals on his watch dials are a lot bigger and I don't have to squint like I do with my watch - age! (I'm rolling eyes:-))

That night, I wanted to set the alarm as usual and found to my dismay that Bryan' watch alarm seemed to malfunction. Imagine my plight when I realised that the watch thats stowed next to my pillow for comfort, assured by the certainty that I'd be woken up, was no longer there. I had a fitful night' sleep and had to wake up to a "fire-alarm" ring from a bedside clock that was a spare in the house. I grumbled that morning as I made my coffee since I was woken up rather rudely - signs of becoming an old grouch?

I went to work that day and immediately got a watch repairer to restore my watch to its pristine glory - and he did it for a mere 50 rupees:-))) There it was on my hand that evening and I set the alarm once again that night and woke up to its gentle beep. I smiled as I pressed the start button for the stop-watch before beginning my run. After all, it had tracked 14 marathons so far and I need it around for a while. I am hopeful it will last; afterall, its a Japanese "Casio". While it will keep time without losing too many seconds in the coming years, I am not certain about my own times in the marathons to come. Brace yourself Dan; you will shuffle across the finish line some time - not too soon Lord, please!