Back in Business

It's been a while since I've worked on this blog and I've been trying to make the time to pick it up again.

So, here I am.

I had discussed in a previous post about how I had made some changes to my diet and exercise routine. Let's start there...

While the holidays added a few expected pounds, I've kept up with making smarter choices and exercising on a regular basis. But, I'd like to be very clear here, I HATE exercise. And yes, I realize that this is not a revelation. Many people hate exercise. Hell, it's the reason why we don't do it! I think my husband underestimates my hatred, though.

First of all, let's point out that men lose weight faster than women. My gradual changes have drawn out over the past two years and my husband dropped 30 pounds in three months as easily as he takes off his shirt. I've lost weight, but I feel like I'm wading through three feet of mud.

I don't enjoy the pain. I don't enjoy the sweating. The tired muscles, the gasping for breath, and the soreness the next day all add to the pile of reasons not to exercise. And yet, I trudge on. I swear at the TV the entire time. I tell the instructor to go do horrible things that I should not repeat here. It's how I cope. So what?

Whatever.

Recently, we were in a sporting goods store checking out the available equipment looking for something we can both use to change our routine. We came across the Supreme 90 Day workout package which was only $14.99. We certainly didn't want to drop over $100 on the P90X or other similar workouts. Our funds are not currently disposable, but our health is something we both want to improve.

It's actually a solid workout. My body is killing me. They do include a booklet on an appropriate meal plan, but I don't follow those. Yes, I want to get stronger and be healthy, but I'm not trying to get ripped like a body builder. You won't catch me ingesting any of those protein shakes, either. Blech.

Because I hate working out so much, I don't want to talk about it. I'd like to forget about it the second it's over. My husband however, is obviously enjoying his workouts and likes to check in with me. "This one wasn't too bad, huh?" or "I think this one's going to hurt tomorrow."

I scowl at him and agree with "Mmhmm."

"Oh, c'mon, it's not that bad."

Um, yes, at a matter of fact it is. I'm doing this because I'm requiring myself to do it. Having free will means making the decision to do something on your own, it doesn't mean you have to like it. So, I've been keeping up with it all, I'm just loathing every minute of it.

Don't get me wrong. This is NOT supposed to be a post of my whining about exercise. The moral of today's story is: No matter how much you hate it, you can still keep doing it. You can plow through and come out better for it. Hate it all you want if you have to, just don't stop doing it. 




*Please note: I was not compensated for mentioning Supreme 90 Day workout and purchased the package with our personal money. I am not a doctor and will always recommend finding exercise that suits you best with your physician's help. Also, we have not completed the full 90 days, so I would not give a full review of the program until I have had a chance to finish it. 

Today I Meet Bradley Cooper!!

Ok, no. I am not meeting Bradley Cooper today. But, I totally made you look, didn't I? I mean, who better to get you girls here than him?

WAIT! Don't go!!!

I have a point...just keep reading...

Moms. How many times have you gone grocery shopping in your pajamas? Don't lie! I know there are some of you that have. Hell, I've seen some in my grocery store.

Now, how many of you have run into someone while you were out running a quick, no-one-will-see-me errand while looking like you've just been the drop cloth for your child's Thanksgiving feast? Go ahead...I'm raising my hand, too.

Well, I'm drawing the line. I want you to do it, too.

Being a mom is hard. I get it. We can't always primp and fuss like we're going to the Oscars. We don't have the time between feeding and cleaning and working and everything else. Or do we? I think we just aren't allowing ourselves the time. Admit it.

The truth is, when you look better, you feel better and when you feel better, you are happier. When you are happier, guess what? The people around you will be happier, too. FACT.

So, here's what I want you to do. I want you to think before you leave the house. What if I run into (insert celebrity of your choosing here)? Is it possible? Yes. Probable? Who knows?! I live very near to Bradley Cooper's hometown. What if he's visiting the area? What if he happens to be at Starbucks when I stumble in with my torn concert tee and paint splattered jeans? And...*GASP*...no makeup.

O_O

Solution? If you don't like it, fix it. I'm not suggesting to go spend all your dough prettying up for something that may never happen. I'm unemployed right now. Not the best time to redo my wardrobe. But, don't be shy about spending a little cash on yourself. You DESERVE it. Did you hear that?

Moving on.

Get your hair done. Cut it. Color it. Do whatever makes you keep from yanking it back into that godawful ponytail you put it in every day.

Raid your closet. Get rid of what doesn't look right and build on what does. If it doesn't fit, get rid of it. If you have no clue what looks good, spend some time watching What Not To Wear on TLC. These people know their stuff. You don't have to be an expert. All you have to do is put a little effort in. Be smart...I can still shop the clearance racks and find good stuff. I just spend a few extra minutes. And I do NOT take the kids with me when I shop.

I'm not talking drastic changes here. One of my items to check off my list is improving my posture. I'm much more conscious of how I'm sitting and standing. No more slouching. No more rounded shoulders and looking defeated all the time. Small steps will lead to giant leaps. Tackle what you can, when you can.

So, maybe you don't have to always pretend you are going to run into a celebrity. But, it's very possible that you could run into SOMEONE. Someone you once knew. Someone you once dated. Someone that may have an impact on your life in the future..personally or professionally.

You aren't just a mom. Take care of yourself. Every day.

And for being a good sport and reading all this after I teased you with Bradley Cooper, I can at least offer you this...

SOS is for Save Our Sanity

My husband was away on business for six days. I was left with two kids for six days.

Six. Days.

 

Six days without adult conversation. Six days listening to whining, checking homework and breaking up fights by myself. It's surprising I have any sanity left. It doesn't matter if you have a full time job, or work from home, or you are a stay at home mom, it can be draining. And if you are a single parent, this is your regular day.

When my husband returned, I asked sweetly, "Do we have any plans tomorrow?"

"No? Good. I need to get out of here. For a few hours. Sans children."

Sometimes, the days turn into weeks, turn into months and I forget when the last time was that I had a break. Not a vacation. Not a date with my husband. Just a break. For me.

AKA....Alone time. AKA.....Me time.

It's important. It's NECESSARY.

Parents...I implore you. Make some time for yourselves. Don't forget to take care of you. We all need a break from the dependency. A moment to breathe. And think. You can go shopping, take a drive, go to a coffee shop and read your favorite book. You could take a blanket and lay out in a local park with your iPod and some sunshine for company. Spending money is not the key.

Having time to yourself to do something that you enjoy without the pressure of chores, demands or other interruptions is vital to keeping your life balanced. Make the time. Don't feel guilty about dropping the kids off with a friend or a relative. The time you give yourself is time to recharge. Without it, you may be more likely to yell at the kids more or get upset over insignificant issues.

Taking care of yourself is not neglecting your children. Taking care of yourself makes you a better parent. More tolerant, more rational. Too much stress can have a physical effect on you. Don't allow your selflessness to harm you in the long run. You are deserving. Your happiness is just as important as your children's.

***STAY TUNED....MAY MOMMY BLOG TOUR INFORMATION COMING SOON***
A 30-day blog tour is being arranged for May, the month of Mother's Day. Let's celebrate moms!!