It's a jungle out there.

I prefer working out after dark - not really late at night, mind you, but around dusk. My main reason for this is that I really don't look my best when I'm working out - huffing and puffing while I'm jogging, or riding my bike with my pant leg rolled up (or worse, tucked into my sock - yeah, I've done that). And the thing is, when I exercise during the day I'm constantly being told by friends, "hey, I saw you jogging yesterday!" Then I have to ask in a semi-angry tone, "Oh, was that you who honked at me?" One of my pet peeves is being honked at when I'm on a walk or jog. It always scares me to death, and instead of waving at the person who honked, I always glare at them. Then I feel bad when it turns out to be my grandma, or someone from church. One time it was Kathy and I felt really bad when I realized it was her after I'd glared. I tried to wave to make up for it but I think she had already passed. Her husband was in the car, and I think that was his first impression of me. So I guess I have a few reasons for exercising after dark: 1) less visible, 2) less honking, and 3) less remorse for glaring.

The only problem is that many consider being out after dark dangerous. I usually laugh when I hear that because I live in a fairly safe town. The only real danger around here is the animals. It's not the wild or anything, but there's a surprising number of wild animals around here. You know, chipmunks, bunnies, skunks, deer, squirrels, and some coyotes. Some animals are less scary than others. I've known there were coyotes in the near vicinity for awhile, but so far they've let me be. But now I have a new reason to be afraid of jogging alone after dark: wild boar. You heard me correctly. There was an article about it in the newspaper today. They've been spotted right here. The article said that if you have a valid Michigan hunting license, you should shoot them if you see them. What!? That makes me a little nervous.

I went for a jog tonight and happily, didn't see any of those boars. I mean, I've seen Lost, people! I know the dangers of boars! Maybe I should re-watch the first season and get some tips on hunting boar. Although, I've never even held a gun, so I don't think watching a t.v. show for tips is going to get me very far.

Most women worry about jogging after dark because they're afraid of crazies who might abduct them, but oh no, not me. I mean, yeah, that scares me but I try not to think about it. But the boar...I don't know. Maybe I should just join a gym.