Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Moonlighting

So, I've got a secret blog. Back in September, I started trying to lose weight and was occasionally posting about it. Then, I took a break from blogging, those end of the year holidays came and went, and I gained all the weight back plus an additional four pounds. Heavy, heavy sigh.

Depressed and failure are some words that describe my feelings towards myself at the time. Fortunately, enough was enough, the clothes were getting WAY too tight, and I decided to stand up again, dust myself off and take charge over this part of my life.

Back in March, I refocused my efforts on getting healthy. I started taking note of portions and calories consumed, started incorporating exercise into a busy life, and chose to create a blog dedicated to this one aspect of my life. It's dull - just me keeping track of whatever goes into the pie hole, exercise, struggles, successes, and such. But, oh, it's so important to me. I'm posting daily, and it's helping me keep focused.

Unfortunately, this blog has suffered. Where are all the cute stories of the kids? I need to find balance between the two. So I now must offer a story, that incorporates both...

I need to exercise at home. Driving to some gym and putting the kids into a daycare while I work out is not my idea of fun. Yes, I gave it a try last summer, and I just didn't like spending 40 minutes on the road each day.

Exercising at home obviously takes away that 40 minute drive time, but there is a challenge: Laurel and Ian sometimes get in the way. I think it's so cute when they want to work out with me, but when I'm doing aerobics, I'm afraid I might jump on them, or my hand might hit them as they walk by. Actually, both kids have accidentally been whacked by me as they ran by at the wrong moment.

The solution was simple. Whenever I exercise, I divide the room with a long piece of yarn. The kids can work out or play on one side, while I sweat it out on the other. Does it work? For the most part, yes. Laurel still crosses the line to crawl between my legs while I'm stretching. To her, I'm a tunnel at that point and she just can't resist. I just hope I can keep my balance.



Ian doing the moves in the aerobics DVD with me.











Laurel tries to do lunges.














Ian holds wooden beads as his weights during strength training. He's having some fun.














*BTW: sometimes I have brain fart and forget to change my identity when leaving comments on your blogs. If you see someone by the name of Slenderella, that's me. :-)

5 comments:

Bloggy Mama said...

So cute!! Good for you, girl. I hope that you reach your goals.

Jennifer Swanepoel said...

I'm glad you found something that works for you! And don't discount the benefits of Aerobic Housework. :)

Kelly said...

Love the pictures of the kids working out with you...that is awesome! I hear ya on the weight thing...I myself and attempting to lose...fun isn't it?

Rachel (Crazy-Is) said...

I have the same problem. I've been working out at home and the kids definitely get in the way. Also, I have to deal with my husband being there most of the time and he looks at me funny, lol. The yarn thing is a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion!

Lady M said...

I love the name Slenderella! Good work on your healthy lifestyle.