Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Move it or lose it.

There are very few downfalls in being a knitter. Knitting does do wonderful things for you. We all know it is a stress reliever, it keeps the mind moving, it shows one of your many talents, and you get a fantastic garment at the end of your work. So why would there be a problem?
Well, it causes you to sit.
I am guilty of this. I used to whip off sweaters in a few days. It is addictive...but it could be killing you!
Yes, that is right.
As knitters, we must be very mindful of our physical activity, or lack there of.

So this post, I hope, will inspire you to move. Sometimes it means we may need to put the knitting down for the better part of the day. I know...it will be a shock to the system, but you will thank me later.

This is one of the reasons that you are not seeing so many finished pieces from me...besides the fact that I have 3 boys plus a husband to look after, a house to keep up and I have lost my knitting mojo again. I have really been on a health kick. I work out at least 30 mins a day. It is not a lot, but it is something. It also gives me energy to complete all the other things that need to be done each day. I am back down to my prebaby weight...and even surpassed it a bit. I feel strong and healthy. I do knit, but it is only at night, after dinner. Sometimes I sneak in a 1/2hr during the day, and of course while waiting to pick up the boys from school...but that is it.

Don't laugh...I am a Jillian Michaels junkie.

I can't say that I love her technique on the Biggest Loser show. I know if I was a contestant, I would need her. I need someone to make me stop the excuses and get up and move. I am the queen of excuses for exercising. Too tired, no time, maybe later...I can talk my way out of it easily. Thankfully a friend introduced me to Jillians dvd's. Week one of ripped in 30, I was hooked. So do you really see results....ummmm...YEAH! It is a great work out dvd. You need very little room to do it and a set of hand weights. After doing 4 wks of this I started running again. 30 minutes 3 times a week, with the dvd on the other days. I have also picked up her Shred it with weights...yeah, did wk one yesterday and I am really sore today...a good sore, as well as her yoga dvd.

For about 10$, she can save your life. Go buy one. Seriously.
It is hard at first, but it gets easier. Trust me, after not having done anything during my pregnancy, it was very difficult to get through the first workout. Now, I love it.

I've also been reading Bob Greens new book 20 Years Younger. He talks about food, exercise, sleep and skincare. It is really a great book to inspire you to take care of yourself. Here's a little tidbit from the book that may scare you....especially if you are a knitter...

"according to an American cancer society study, women who are otherwise inactive and sit six hours a day increase their likelihood of early death by 98 percent compared to women who are very active and sit less than three hours per day."

Ouch. 98 percent!! Get off your butt. It's time. If you already do...fantastic, now inspire someone else and save their life!

We all have something to live longer for. Here is my something (oh that little one was awake last night crying from 3:55 am til 5:11am! I am exhausted today.)...from Matteo's first communion this past weekend...

matteo 1st communion (24)

(yes, it is hard to get a picture with all looking and smiling...)

Now, I am going to find the energy to do something...my workout clothes are on, I just need to force myself to get up;)

Monday, May 09, 2011

There is really no excuse.

He wakes up at 6 am this baby. I should be up and at'em...but I am just not a morning person. I bring him to bed and try and close my eyes, hoping he'll catch my drift and fall asleep....no luck. This morning my headband was interesting enough to by me a few more minutes.
So there is no excuse, I could have so much done before I drop the kids to school...including blogging! Fifteen minutes and counting...

My mothers day did not involve breakfast in bed followed by a day of pampering...I'll be waiting for that when the boys get older. (I won't hold my breath)
I did get the baby taken away at his crazy 6am awake hour for a few more precious hours of sleep. And my coffee was made for me...not too bad:)

The boys spent a little time together in a livingroom fort...

boys 017

Then the rest of the day was spent outdoors.

I decided since it was mothers day I was going to put the boys to work.
Pulling weeds, mixing composte, filling pots and prepping the gardens. Without help, this would have taken all week...so I am glad it is done.
I'm potting alot of my veggies this year, incase we move...yes, that is in the near future plans.

Roman enjoyed the day outside as well...

boys 027

Not really sure what he was suppose to do!

boys 050

Hope all you mothers had a wonderful day!

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Changes are coming

I've been considering shutting down...leaving the blog world. Most of my knitting content is updated pretty regularily on Ravelry, so why keep blogging? I clearly have little to no time for knitting or blogging, yet I am still drawn to it.

So I've made some decisions, or so I think I have.

I'll be making a little time for blogging, be it about the boys, my life, struggles, wins, knitting etc. Back to the basics, with some knitting on the side.

You may or may not find it interesting...to each their own:)

Make way for some changes, we all have to eventually.