Fitness is a lifestyle

So, about 3 or so years ago, I joined my local gym - it was Bill's idea for us to join really. It had been many, many years since I had been a fitness person and boy was it showing. I worked out regularly back in college (hey, the gym was FREE there!), danced, performed and walked everywhere then.

Then I became a working person who sat a lot and got really lazy, frankly. Over the years I had gained like 40 pounds . I had never had to be concerned about my weight until I quit smoking (twice) and hit my 30's. So, I started going to the gym and I rekindled my love for working out. Heck, it was ?Bill's idea and I was the one going regularly. In about a year's time, working out at least 3 times per week and a plan that included the miracle diet called portion control and common sense, I lost 35 pounds! Yea!

Well, I've been seeing myself get a little lazy again lately. Not going to the gym quite as often - lucky if I get there once or twice a week, portions are creeping up too. I'm lucky to still not have gained weight back - it regularly fluctuates within a five pound range, though my original goal was to get by body fat percentage much lower and loose five to 10 more pounds.

I also started working out for another reason - my anxiety and panic attacks. I've apparently had these since I was at least in my teens, if not younger. But after the death of my parents and my sister, they really started kicking in. Money issues seem to be my triggers. Counselors told me that when things get really bad, I should get out and MOVE. Walk & move until I am too tired to freak out. I know that when I miss work outs, I seem to feel more anxious. If I do not take the time to take care of my body, I pay for it in more than one way.

So, tonight, instead of using the excuses, I made myself work out at home and feel less guilty about sitting here to type now. If you need a motivating work out buddy, here I am.

Heh, if you look below, I'm workin out at work! nope, gotta get my ass to the gym.

The things that I'll do for children

There are days when I think that maybe my staff don't worry about getting a good evaluation!

It's week 2 of Fitness Explorers. I named this week, "Under the Big Top." We moved like circus animals and the parachute was the circus tent. We had loads of fun, even tho we had no AC and it was really warm. This is me, trying to kick my back legs like a horse. If you don't get silly and do the stuff that you're asking the kids to do, well, they won't do it either.

This parachute is really cool. It's made to look like a spider's web and comes with little stuffed "bugs" to catch. But first we did traditional parachute activities.

Next week is "Yogakids." I am sure that my photographer will be better behaved then! humph!

Knitting

While doing a web search, I have discovered the merging of my two latest obessions. When I get out my knitting bag, Jake thinks it's time to snuggle - esp if I am working on the black crocheted skirt. It will not be completely mine unless there are some beautiful white hairs embedded into the fibers. The ecru yoga sweater project doens't seem to get the same responce somehow. The yellow & black Harry Potter "Hufflepuff" house scarf seems to get mild interest. All of the dogs know that it's the best time to ask for outs, cuz mom is all tied up and cannot ignore the nudging for very long.

Knitting, crocheting, embroidery have all taught me some patience. Something my mother would be quite proud of. I get my impatience gene from her it seems, along with "librarian spread." Now that the weather is getting nicer, I ought to put down the knitting occasionally and work on the spread a bit more often. I'm getting lazy about the gym.

Trying

This blogging thing is hard! I need a nap

Good Causes

Today, Bill & I dug out our old medieval clothes to help some old friends and a great cause. Royer Greaves School for the Blind in Paoli. The SCA helps out by putting on a Renn Faire as the annual fundraiser. Bill was the kids games master and I was "Lady Katerina, who knows all and sees your future!" It was a fun day, sunny and very windy - it made it pretty cold. I hope they made good money for the school.

If we had not been at the Faire, we would have been Hoofin with the Huskies at the Walk for Paws, benifitting the Chester County SPCA. They invite dog rescue groups to have space.

Hmmm, doggies or children....it's so hard to choose! We even have a few sight impaired huskies in rescue right now!

I guess the lesson here is help when you can, how you can - there is always someone who needs your love and support.

Playin outside

Puppies gettin silly in the yard on a pretty spring day

What a great day!

Just to prove that there is more to me than my dogs!
Yesterday was one of the very best days! We had our first series of "Fitness Explorers" programs for 2-3 year olds. What a blast. Even in the very warm library, everyone had fun. We actually did the rogram 3 times, once for a day care and twice for the public - one morning and one afternoon session. It was the more sedate of the plans for the 4 week session, just so I could see how things would go. Everyone had a good time and we got loads of positive feedback from the parents.

Later in the afternoon, I wrapped up a very positive project with a graduating graphic arts student at Cabrini College. Jeff was great to work with and did professional level logo work for the youth services department and the library. I also had an opportunity to see more of his work on display and this young man will definately go far.

The evening brought me to meet a new group of really cool and enthusiastic people. MontcoSitnKnit rocks! They meet every other week at a local restaurant, they talk, knit, eat, and just enjoy life. I can tell that I am going to have fun learning about knitting from them.
I am greatful for days like these.