It’s Winter. That is all that needs to be said about why the treadmill is my tool of choice this week. I managed three 5k runs this week and a whole lot of stretching. I was hoping to start one of my programs to review, but the worst case yet of tendonitis in my left wrist left me not only in a lot of pain, but unable to use my wrist for any sort of anything. Instead I focused on adding in some stretching to my day. I am doing stretches, mostly side reaches and touching my toes (you laugh but, getting back flexibility is tough) when I get up in the morning and before bed. And any time I remember in between.
Apple is a jumper, she jumps her day away. When she gets going we all try to join her. Jumping up and down our halway on the way to feed the dog or take out the recycling is a fun way to add more movement into our day.
In addition to getting more exercise we are back to our healthy choices eating. Gone are the cookies and candies and back are the apples, carrots and water. Inspired by A Crafty Mom’s post on Whole Body Action Plan I have also cut way back on any snacks and replaced them with a small glass (250ml) of juice. These are organic blended juices that are quite rich but contain anti-oxidants and vitamins and minerals only found in fruits and veggies that I rarely eat. After a week, well really four days because although I started exercising last week, the junk food reigned supreme last weekend, I feel better. A little more energetic and getting better sleep. Here’s hoping this is the beginning of an ongoing trend.
**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.
Up until now we have been so thankful that Miss Apple has not cared one little bit about television. There were times that I could have used a little 20 minute tele-break, but she would have nothing of it.
Then one day she asked me for Treehouse. I couldn’t figure out for the life of me how she knew what Treehouse was. Then, I figured it out. On Mondays when I help out my Dad with his elderly friends Mom watches Apple for me. And she would turn on Treehouse while they would fold laundry together (well, Mom would fold and re-fold and Apple would undo what Mom was doing).
This morning after dropping J at school, Apple was asking me for a movie. “The one with birdies, huh?”. She asked me over and over and over again until finally she brought me an Einstein video and that was it. She sat and watched it for a full 20 minutes. Only stopping to wonder why I was taking her picture. I hope this is just a one off, I was getting used to not having the TV on during the day.
We have been doing a lot of nothing around here this holiday season. This is the first year that Hubby really didn’t have to work between Christmas and New Years. He did go in for a couple of hours one day, but that was it. I on the other hand have been filling in for my Dad and Sister with our elderly friends, so every day around noon I head over and make sure all is well at their house. They have been doing quite well and have enjoyed the company. Today, I even brought the whole family which always lights them up when they see the kids playing in their backyard and running around their kitchen.
One thing that we have been doing is some tobogganing. Unless it was too cold we would bundle up the kids and head over to the park across the street and zip down some hills.
This one early evening I brought my camera along. It was late afternoon so I was able to catch some of that wonderful blue light that sets in when the sun goes down. It was lightly snowing and not too cold. I was no good on the hills with my bum ankle anyway, so why not grab some fun shots.
Even the big boys had a little fun rolling down the hill.
I can’t believe I am going to say this but, I am really not looking forward to school starting on Monday. It means back to work and back to the grind. I have really enjoyed having the family around this past couple of weeks. Which is a huge accomplishment because normally if the whole family is home, I go a little wonky and wonder why we aren’t away somewhere on vacation instead of home. But, not this time, it has been a wonderful break in the school year and I am already looking forward to March Break when we can do it all again… without the toboggans… hopefully.
