Keep smiling. Keep shining. Keep fighting. That's what friends are for.

I am very pleased to have achieved a level of proficiency in my new hobby, BodyCombat.  My hard work and commitment has paid off and I am no longer standing there sweating, clueless and breathless (I'm just sweating and breathless, for much of the 55 minute class).  I've been going three times most weeks, and I'm finding my feet.  I've found muscles I didn't know I had, but the reminders are briefer.  I think I'm improving.  My coordination perhaps more slowly than my stamina. 

I have a powerful incentive, which drives me into the studio and carries me through every class I attend.  I have a purpose.  I have engaged in an intense psychic battle with an uninvited and unwelcome alien invasion, and am giving it the very best shot I know how, to kick it out of my best friend's body.  I have pledged allegiance to the cause and nothing will deter me.  Little can stand in my way.  The classes assume a priority that my membership has never before been given.  My diary is arranged accordingly.  If I miss a class, I try to make it up.  Every punch, every kick, every jab, every cut is important.  I'm determined to make it count. 

That's What Friends Are For

by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager (1982)

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you

And if I should ever go away
Well, then close your eyes and try to feel
The way we do today
And then if you can remember

Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Well, you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you

Whoa, and then for the times when we're apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are comin' from my heart
And then if you can remember, oh

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times, in bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
Oh, that's what friends are for

Whoa... oh... oh... keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, oh, for sure
'Cause I tell you that's what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for (That's what friends are for)

On me, for sure
That's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'

Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross perform

'That's What Friends Are For'