Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Snippets from the tennis court

"Bend your knees. Turn your hips. Face the racket toward the net. Follow through. Faster now. Bend. Your. Knees!" The tennis pro barked. "FOLLOW THROUGH."

"Geez."

"I know." I smiled at my tennis partner.

"So much to remember all at one time."

"I know. Puts things into perspective the next time I bark orders at my children." I wiped the sweat off of my forehead. "Tie your shoe, drink your milk, put your homework in your bag, go potty, and then say it all over again ten times each morning."

"Yeah. No kidding."

++++++++++++++++

Fitness boot camp update: After 12 mornings, I can now dead lift a total of 95 pounds. That is exactly what three toddlers weigh. And bench press a whopping 45 pounds. That is one average kindergartener. Only 96 more workouts until the pool opens where I will attempt to bench press all three of my children. Ha! Furthermore, my energy level and general mood has changed drastically. I no longer feel guilty coming home at 7am, after working out, or leaving them at 7pm to play tennis once a week. The kids attack me with questions, "Where were you? Why do you leave us?" They have to understand that investing in myself is not selfish but brilliant. When Mama is happy, everyone is happy.

45classy comments:

Don Mills Diva said...

I still cant believe youre out before 7 a.m. working out while I'm wallowing in my bed like a fat hog.

A happy, well-rested, fat hog.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

It is amazing what a good workout can do for the your mood! And like you said...when we are in a good mood, everyone is in a good mood!

I am impressed....a personal trainer and a tennis pro!! I am feeling guilty just reading this....my gym has been calling to see where I have been....not a good sign!!

Lisa

Cecily R said...

Ah, you are so clever to learn things other than tennis during your lesson!!!

And you get to be my newest work out hero. Even if you don't want to be. You are.

Unknown said...

Exercise is a wonderful thing. Keep up the good work sweetie!

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

Brilliant - I couldn't agree more!

Mom said...

Good for you! I love my workout time, it is my me time and my mental meditation time.

Rhea said...

Good point about comparing that to barking orders at the kids. I sometimes feel like I'm just a drill sergeant. It's a wonder our kids haven't gone AWOL> hehe

Rhea said...

But, I'm so glad your energy is up and you're getting stronger. You're teaching your kids GREAT things by doing this. Don't feel guilty!

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

So very true...when Momma's happy, everybody's happy! Good for you for sticking with it and not feeling guilty.

Val said...

Congrats on your sucess in Boot Camp! Maybe that's what I need. I don't think I could get up that early though. I'm dying right now and it's 6:50am here.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

You GO girl. I'm so happy for you!

GypsiAdventure said...

So very true...when mamma is happy - the whole world is sunshine and roses!!
~K

A Crafty Mom said...

Awesome - you're just awesome!! Tennis is so fun, I love playing it. U R gonna be one fit mama :-)

Anonymous said...

how wonderful for you that you don't give in!! I am easily talked out of my workouts.

Lisa said...

Kudos to you - you're right on with the whole taking care of Mommy part. Wish I was better at that!

Courtney said...

Amen, when mama is happy everyone is happy! Glad you don't feel guilty anymore.

Anonymous said...

Don't you love that you are also tough enough to benchpress and deadlift??? Nobody will mess with you now. Classy AND tough. I love it.

Unknown said...

You are truly, truly amazing. And getting more so on a daily basis.

Crystal D said...

Right on! This post actually made me excited to get the 6 week thumbs up on exercising.

Miss said...

This post makes me tired. And increases my feelings of inadequacy. ;-)

Cant wait to see that hot bod! And feel like a total slob next to it. haha

Miss Lisa said...

I am a much better person if I can make my 5 am work-out. I know exactly how you feel--I think you are much stronger than me though but I can bike/spin pretty well ;)

Flea said...

Look at OHmommy! All buff and happy! Way to go. Ultimately your children will be happier. And eventually they'll take more interest in taking care of themselves, because you are. You go, girl!

Anti-Supermom said...

Okay, sounds like your boot camp is a little different than mine, but I can do burpees until the sun comes up now and squat on a mirror for a (good) while.

I totally agree, a happy mommy means a happy family.

Unknown said...

Good for you! I have started working out again recently and it is pretty amazing what it can do for your demeanor! I wanna see a pic of you lifting the toddlers! ; )

tiarastantrums said...

yes, those endorphines are awesome!!

Tonya said...

Hmm I bet you are right. Is that what our kids hear? I'll have to keep that in mind :)

Ringleader said...

Love it. One day, maybe I will stop just reading about you kicking ass, and get off of mine and head to the gym. Maybe... chair.so.comfy.

Jeni said...

Yep, if Momma ain't happy, then no one's happy! That also includes Mommies who are now Grammies too! My kids will attest to that -as will my little granddaughter who we try to bribe into being good by asking her, "Do you want Grammie (or Mommie, whoever) to be happy or sad" and when she replies, "Happy." we tell her then she has to do what she'd previously been told to do but had refused to obey the commands! With her, it may only last a minute or to until she returns to trying the bad behavior again, but eventually, she will tire of getting the same question repeated and will put 2 and 2 together and do the right thing. I hope it works that way anyhow!
Enjoy the workouts, the tennis -you definitely have to have something, some time, of your own to maintain your sanity, just for openers!

Kat said...

Aww. You are so sweet to see it that way. And it is a good reminder for me too, cuz I am always barking orders like that at my poor boys. Thank you!

And well done you! I'm so proud of you for sticking with the workouts. So good for you and for the kids! Exercise is such a stress reliever, isn't it? Plus, you are being a great role model for your kids and showing them how to take good care of their health. :)

Unknown said...

good for you! although, for me, a nice outing to cold stone makes me just as happy :) the truth is, you're method makes you look better!

Anonymous said...

Yeah for mommy feeling better. I wish I had spunk to do so. Instead, I walk myself to the fridge. Gah!

AGSoccerMom said...

Glad that's working for you. Can't wait to see the results. Are you taking photos along the way?

enthalpymama said...

Good thing you have a very coordinated tennis partner.

Quarantine Hobby said...

SO. True. Good for you taking the time for yourself to do this. You deserve it. All moms deserve it!

I'm so happy that I have been able to take a few dance classes this fall. I get out of the house a few days a week for an hour (and a half, with driving) at a time, feel better about myself and (one day at least) my body, and Daddy gets quality time with the kid!

Kelly said...

You're last two sentences are so true. I need to take that advice myself sometimes. I can preach it but am not good at practicing it. Keep it up!!! :)

Rhea said...

You can now dead lift my dog. hehe

Jaina said...

That's exciting! Congrats! I need to follow your example and get my butt out of bed a little early tomorrow (since I don't have to be to work until 8) and go for a walk...possibly a short jog. I know it's just a matter of getting into the habit...it will make me less tired.

Rhea said...

Lola looks adorable in that ad! Did she want to take it home when she was done? Awesome dollhouse.

Diva's Thoughts said...

I have never played tennis and I really want to.

You are doing a great job with the Bootcamp.

Tara R. said...

Congrats on the boot camp successes! I have zero hand/eye coordination. I am comic relief on a tennis court.

CC said...

So it sounds like it's going well. Now I'm starting to get jealous!

Anonymous said...

This is mommynotes having trouble posting a comment so this may go under Michele. This is great and congrats on the boot camp.

Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING said...

Great progress, OHMommy. That is fantastic. KEEP ON KEEPING ON!

KEEP BELIEVING

April said...

Thanks for yet again making me feel inferior! No, I'm kidding, of course. Congrats to you and you're so right - a happy mommy is good for everyone!

Sarahviz said...

"...investing in myself is not selfish but brilliant."

I love this - you are absolutely right, momma.

 

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