Constantly Seeking Balance

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a text book type A personality. A scheduler. And I have trouble starting something new if I can't plan time to continue doing it for the foreseeable future.

For example, I wouldn't work out on a Wednesday if I knew I couldn't do it Thurs, Fri and Sat, simply because the lack of continuity would bother me. Not logical, but I'm just rigid that way.

One of my biggest challenges in going back to work is balance. And as much as I'm missing the time with the kids being out of the house 9 hours a day, I'm also missing time to work out, do pilates, etc. These selfish things are really important to keeping me happy with myself, and happier overall.

So today is one small victory in that I successfully got up early and hit the gym before work. Friday's are easier b/c I work from home, therefore can come home sweaty and don't have to budget in time for shower, make up, etc.

Hubby watched the kids before Paula got here, and I plan to go during nap time Sat and Sun.

While not yet ideal -I'd really like to get up to 5 days a week - it's a start. And with Juliet still getting up at night, it's likely all I'll realistically be able to squeeze in for now.

But it feels like a major achievement to make some time for myself.

Friday Night at the Playground

We had a big time at the playground Friday evening, running, sliding, and playing. A few final pics of the little man...

Waddle On

As a follow up to my post a few weeks ago regarding running, I'm thrilled to share that the our little morning circus (Ben, Stella and me) logged more than 80 miles in July!

I must admit, I'm pretty surprised. Given we are running just 3 or 4 miles, it really isn't much, but we've been out almost every day and it does add up over time.

And of course it's not like I look any different, as expected I'm bigger than a month ago, but so much happier to start my day this way. So. Much. Happier.

In fact, everyone seems happier. Stella has lost a few lbs and eagerly waits by the back door most mornings. Ben is a complete riot and seems to genuinely enjoy it - we pass the Metra AND the el tracks so on a good day we see 4-5 trains; he puts his milk and cereal dispenser-gadget out on the tray in front of him so he has snacks and refreshments; and once finished with his breakfast appetizer, he moves on to his books or calling out sights along our route and waving to everyone we pass.

Who knows how long we'll keep it up. I already feel myself slowing down. But it is so awesome to have the option back, and restore a little of my mental balance.

Oops...still working out a few kinks on the iPad. Hence the blank post. Haven't had much time to play with it while online.

Photos to follow from Turtle Lake this weekend. Nice time away from the city and enjoying the outdoors. The three of us ran everyday, we're potentially on a 3 week hot streak excluding one sick and travel day, hilly WI roads (bonus credit). Lots of boat rides and Ben playing with his cousins.

Hope you had a great weekend and enjoy one more day of relaxing!

Small Victories

This morning I finally put into motion a running plan I've been mentally working on for weeks (if only thinking about working out burned calories, sigh)...

I resurrected the crappy jogger stroller and took it for a spin around the hood.

I've been contemplating upgrading to a nicer, double jogger stroller, but realized I really should be sure I'm going to actually do this before making the financial committment. Seems logical but this is pretty in-depth analysis for an impulse shopper like yours truly.

So this morning we all packed up - Ben, Stella and me -- and hit the road for what turned out to be about a 2.5 mile run. Admittedly, 2 years ago I would have laughed at this meger effort and not considered it worth getting out of bed for.

Today I feel like I've conquered the world. I'm so grateful for anything I can get these days, and its better than nothing. I think we can easily build up to 3-4 mile runs without too much protest from the participants.

It's funny how ones mentality about working out shifts with opportunity -- from dreaded obligation to coveted pleasure.

And the bonus? I think the crappy jogger stroller may be just fine for this limited mileage, so I've potentially just saved myself several hundred dollars.

Not a bad start to the day considering I haven't even had coffee yet!

The Joy of Running

It's hard to say which one of us is more out of shape, Stella or me, but we lumbered through our first post-baby run this morning and it was glorious. We knocked out our old 3 mile loop and while it took longer than usual, we finished it with relative ease.

It is a beautiful spring morning, with the sun out, birds chirping, flowers blooming and everything is green. Is there anything better than running through the neighborhoods early in the morning when the rest of the city is sleeping?

Many more updates to come. The grandparents have all packed up after spoiling the little guy to death. Hubby is home from his trip to St. Louis.

I'm looking forward to getting back into our routine, which hopefully will now include a daily morning run. It just feels so good...