...1...
I've started whipping myself back into shape. ;) I'm really really enjoying it. It always feels so much better to me when I'm living more healthfully, eatingwise and exercisewise.
So far my exercise has consisted of post-natal video workouts (namely, Erin O'Brien's and Shellie Blanks' after baby tae bo) and going on late night fastwalks with my mp3 player (I started off with just 20 mins and am now doing about 30). I have really been loving that alone time! The beautiful nights, the awesome music, the getting my heart rate up -- it's been amazing. I've even really noticed, after coming back in after taking a few wonderful minutes for stretching on the deck, that it's also doubling as a great stress reliever!
The only downside to my walking, though, is that I'm usually all paranoid because by the time I'm able to go each night it's 10:00 or after and dark. I'm generally pretty cautious and aware of my surroundings anyway, but it gets in my mind when my husband reminds me to be careful and not play the music too loud, etc. Maybe a little reworking of the schedule is in order, but I'm just not sure it's possible to fit it in otherwise. Oh, this would be the one time that owning a (big) dog would come in handy. :)
On the food side of things, I've cut my calories way back and I've begun recording them again. I've found counting and recording calories works really well for me. It's helpful when I know I'm eating way too much to keep track for a day to see how far over I've been going and then set my goal and go from there. After awhile it gets to be so it isn't necessary anymore, but I really need it in the beginning.
The only thing was that I was concerned about was whether cutting back my calorie intake would affect my milk supply, but so far so good. I'm setting my goal for about 200 calories higher per day than what it was when I was at my ideal weight and it seems to be a good, sufficient amount. Except that right now I'm feeling hungry. :) If I was sleeping right now like I should be, it wouldn't be an issue and my stomach would just be shrinking (like it needs to!) and I wouldn't notice at all! But, since I keep running short on hours in the day, here I am, awake, with water bottle at my side!
...2...
The other night while finishing off a great walk I had a really vivid and powerful and raw memory. I remembered another late night walk I had taken about a year ago. I remember that it had been a pretty emotional, hard day for me dealing with mom being gone, and I decided to go out by myself with my music for a walk that night. But I just remember being so ripped up inside that during the walk I just started running. I really didn't even know why or consciously decide to do it; it was like my emotions were operating my body. I was sprinting so hard that my feet were bouncing off the ground and I was crying at the same time. I was a mess. A big, hurting, confused, angry, lonely mess.
It really struck me because that memory seemingly came out of nowhere. But then when it came and I felt it all over again, I could tell that that's different from how I am now. It was really weird because I actually felt the contrast of how it was then and how I am now. It was sad and strange and a little bit of a relief all at once.
...3...
Yeah, speaking of not enough hours in a day. Wow. I grew up hearing people talk about that but I couldn't ever really relate until now. It's crazy! (I really do love it, though, and I wouldn't have it any other way.)
...4...
Since my little Cuddlebug was born, I've had several strangers comment on my full hands. I've only ever been able to agree with a big, happy smile. But I've finally thought of a wonderful response and I've just been anxiously waiting to be able to use it!
Stranger: Wow, you're hands are really full!
Me: You've got that right! I am a very rich woman.
...5...
That is how I truly, truly feel. Since Cuddlebug's been born, I have been feeling so incredibly, richly blessed and so incredibly thankful to God. I cannot express the joy that God has brought to me with the gifts of my boys. Wow! Seriously, I thank God several times a day for all of them.
...6...
I am in love with going to the farmer's market! Fresh, in season, fruits and vegetables put me in such a great mood. I can't help it, it's crazy, but they do. When I have a perfect summer meal loaded with them, it's like it can't get any better and I'm in Heaven. The boys and I walked to the one in town the other day and I only had four dollars in my pocket. What can you get at a grocery store for four bucks? Not much. At the farmer's market you can get: a huge red onion, a huge green pepper, a big bunch of carrots, four big cucumbers, a yellow summer squash, and a green zucchini! I'm addicted! I'm devising plans to drive to the farmer's market in another town tomorrow!
...7...
My home parish is having their annual fest this weekend! I always look forward to it because on Sunday the late Mass is a Polka Mass! I genuinely love Polka Masses. I know plenty of people who believe that this should (and/or does) constitute liturgical abuse, my husband is one of them, but I'm glad they're not. I think they're great.
FYI: This isn't really because I'm a huge polka music fan in real life. I believe it's because I grew up going to Mass every single Sunday, and it was the one Mass out of the year that I thought the music was exciting and fun to listen to. And, my grandparents had the cassette tape of the Polka Mass and whenever my family would frequently take car rides with them it (and other polka music) was usually always played.
And guess what. My children love the Polka Mass, too!
Have a great weekend, everybody! Visit Jen for more Quick Takes!
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