Tailwaggers 5K

You know I'm all about doing family things...

Yesterday morning I was able to see my mom race, be outside on a fabulous fall day (high of 74!!), plus see friends and get free food. To top it off, the race was at the downtown park, and they brought in a Bounce King. The more energy my kids get out at the park, the less they'll bring home... right??

LOTS of doggies at the Tailwagger 5K and walk. Below, my mom crossing the finish line, first in her age group. My -super-athletic- Mom, and my super sweet second-cousin Lisa.

Mom, I'm so proud of you for running!!

Man, I'm starting to feel that urge to get back in shape. For awhile, we were doing P90X, running, eating well... and then it all went down the toilet. I started eating Papaw's apple pies for lunch, quit working out altogether, and didn't run all summer because of the unusual and intense heat. Bleh. I'm feeling the effects now! And, although I only put on about 4 lbs, my weight is shifting to the butt area. Eh. Not great.

So, with you as my witness, I am committing to get back in shape.

I need the energy that comes with exercise,

the health benefits of it, the stress relief.

Help hold me accountable!!

I want to run the next race, too, not just watch from the sidelines!

maybe this will wear them out!

So, we bought thisI'm not sure who is enjoying it the most.

I'd show you a picture of me doing the splits in mid-air, but it's just not pretty!

And, just so you know,

when you have this and you've had these,

you'll probably need to stock up on these

Exploring new creative paths

I've had some amazing and unusual experiences lately that are certainly helping the healing process, and also inspiring me to become more of who I am. I want to be the best version of myself, and fully develop the talents and gifts that God has given me, both artistically and through motherhood... and all other facets. Tall order.

On Thursday night I went to my first-ever ballet class. Gotta hand it to those ballerinas-- they work for their physique and flexibility!! If I'd known so many lunges would be involved, my running and racquetball afternoon regimen would have been postponed. Ballet is such a beautiful artistic expression, and I'm thrilled to be involved in a class now!

Then, last night, I went with Rochelle to a Living Room Session. I don't have the words to do justice to my feelings (I am not a writer!) Being surrounded by art and artists, musicians and actors is invigorating. It opens up places in my brain. I feel such awe and wonder at watching people create, and seeing the artists behind the art.

Just amazing acrylic paintings on book covers

Below, a combined effort canvas...

Amazing portrait of a young girl (wish I could remember what this painting was actually titled.)

This photo I took of Lasater's painting doesn't even compare to how it looks in person.

These people were not only exceptionally gifted, but also encouraging and thought-provoking. It's as if their energy and creativity flow right out of them, and over everyone nearby. And, as I was lying in bed last night, trying to calm my energetic brain, I realized that there are just people that touch a life (often inadvertently) and change the course of it forever. For me, artists and musicians are those people.

I hesitate sharing my own artwork, and then kick myself for holding back. This quote comes to mind:

"What would you dare to accomplish if you knew the only possible outcome was success?"

Well, by gosh, I would attempt more, reach farther, try harder, share with others, and take more joy in the process. Today is never too late to start.

Check out the Living Room Session's flickr photostream for more pictures.

Putting it all out there

Okay, I've been working on transparency. It's hard for me. Well, probably as hard as it is for anyone else. Most people don't want to put their weaknesses "out there" and then shout for people to come look. However, I know I'm inspired by those incredible people, especially women, who are able to put what the world thinks to the side and just go for their dreams, and follow whatever path God leads them down.

Fred and I have started P90X. It's official. We have the DVDs, nutritional guides, fitness guide, equipment, and we've been working out for THREE days. It really is a BIG accomplishment for us. :-) These are intense 1- 1.5 hour workouts. I'm not in good shape. Neither is Fred. And, although we're physically active, we haven't been consistent about daily exercise for a long time. In fact, I haven't worked out regularly since I was in college. And Fred never has. Three days of intense exercise feels gooooood-- it's that good burn that tells you that you're really workin'!

I already feel like I could climb a mountain or beat up a bad guy if he tried to take my purse. I'm feelin' tough. Oh, yeah. (insert manly grunt here) Now, if only I could lift my purse without groaning over my poor aching muscles. You see? Yes, I'm a wimp. I'm working hard, but now I groan with every step. I'm groaning with a smile, though. :-) .... (see? heh heh)

In case you are asking, in your head, why we would do this, I'll go ahead and tell you. First, we want to look good. I won't glaze over the obvious. We want to be in good shape, at our peak physical condition. God gave us bodies to use, and we want to treat ours with the same appreciation and respect as the other things He has given us. If I work hard to use my mind, manage my home, and nurture my children, shouldn't I also take care of my body?

Second, we're doing this together. We've never attempted anything like this together before. If you know Fred at all, you're either open-mouth with shock right now, or you're whooping in the air!! My honey is committing to exercise, train hard, eat right for 90 days. And, even more important, he wants this to be a lifestyle change for him. He really wants to do things he's never been able to do before. He wants to look great. He wants to improve his health. Therefore, he is giving up all doughnuts, sodas (except for the occasional diet one,) candy bars, fried foods. Do you see?? His whole LIFE must change. YAAAAAAAYYY!!! This could save him from an impending heart attack. Really.

Today he ate MY foods with me. Those of you who know me well know that I don't always eat so swell either, so I'm going to kick it up a notch and really seriously eat well now. This isn't a diet, don't get me wrong. It's about health. We're not restricting ourselves, or cutting down calories. In fact, the Phase 1 calls for more calories, although I don't plan to actually start measuring anything.

Okay, I said he ate good food. Wanta know what he had for dinner??? A spinach egg-white frittata! And he loved it!! And for dessert he had a protein strawberry fat-free yogurt smoothie. (I even stuck spinach in there and he was none the wiser.) I'm excited!!

So, if you've made it this far, I'm back to square one. Transparency. We created a site, P90X Journal, to keep a record of our progress. At first I wasn't going to "put it out there" for everyone to see. Why? Because it has our "before" pictures and our measurements (and don't go tripping over yourself to click and see now! heh heh,) and because some people might not understand why we are doing it. And because I'm a wimp and you may hear me go between victory-calls and whimpering much of the time. So there you have it. If you think you can handle all that, and you want to watch and hopefully get inspired, then click on over. We can use all the encouragement we can get! The more the merrier. Please tell me if you decide to jump on the P90X bandwagon. :-)

Thanks, my dear friends!!

funny photo shoot

Okay, so I haven't been crafting. I've been too stinkin' busy. Sad, I know.
Today was supposed to be my last fun meeting time at Mothering Matters, but my flooded street held me captive.
On the bright side, the kids and I ate most of the desserts, and then we danced and sang, took goofy pictures, read books, and did half a day of school work.





Like the 50's haircut? I love it!

In other news, Fred and I started P90X tonight. Almost killed us, on day 1. However, I think the exercise and eating habits could save my dear hubby from an impending heart attack. Achieving peak physical condition is a bonus. :-) Oh, the things we could do!