Up For the Challenge

I'm not sure if my daughter did this on purpose, but, nonetheless, she challenged me to accomplish a long sought after goal of mine. Since she was born 14 years ago, I've been working off & on throughout the years to lose the belly fat that developed from the birth of her and my son five years ago.

Yesterday she and I went to the gym. Back at home I continued to perform some ab exercises and arm toning exercises. While doing this I was talking about how motivated I become when I take in the fit bodies surrounding me at the gym. Well she says, "Ma, I don't even know why you keep exercising. You've been exercising like forever and you don't eat as much junk as some people do and you still got that fat stomach. You might as well just accept it."

Yep. Just like that. That's what MY child said to me. Now, she wasn't mean spirited. She says all the time that I have a nice figure. I wear a size 8. So why do I stress myself over a flabby belly? She simply doesn't understand.

Believe me, I wish I could stop my quest as much as anybody. But how can I stop when I know I haven't done absolutely everything I can to achieve my goal. I'm guilty of wanting the desired result without REALLY investing the sacrifice and dedication necessary to achieve it. The longest duration I went faitfully to the gym was maybe six to nine months. During the time, my body was getting into shape. I could tell. However, I didn't curtail my eating ENOUGH to reach the desired results. I still wanted to eat chocolate chip cookies (my fav), pizza (my other fav), and fast food multiple times during the month.

So, for me, I can't let go of the goal until I do ALL that is reasonably possible. Most of the women I see in the gym who have the bodies I desire are working out HARD. They're not walking on the treadmill. They're RUNNING. They're not just doing the ab machines. They working EVERY muscle. I can only assume, if they're working it out like that in the gym, they're probably meticulous with their healty eating regimens as well.

Though it's taken me awhile to get myself back in the gym, I'm back now. I acknowledge that I need prayer and meditation to overcome the challenges that are before me. What comforts me is that this is something that I want. It's not for anyone elses benefit but my own.

Exercising, eating right, and having the BEST physical and healthiest body I can is a lifetime goal. I intend to be the woman at 45, 50, & 60 years old that younger women declare, "Wow, that's how I want to look when I get that old." Probably sounds a bit vain, but it's my goal, nonetheless. The good thing is that in the process of pursuing my goal, my kids are learning throughout their lives about healthy living because they're involved every step of the way.

Wish me luck!

The Good Ole' Days

I'm wondering when did I become such a scaredy-cat when it comes to spending money. Five years ago, I had standing bi-weekly hair appointments. In the summer, I would at least treat myself to two or three pedicures in the summer time. I would treat my mom, sister, and my daughter to the movies on occasion. We'd go to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And, the mall was a hangout--not just for window shopping either.

Now, I cringe when my, now, teenage daughter wants to go the mall. Although I want and need a pedicure, when I think about kicking out that $25 dollars compared to just painting my own toenails, I decide on the latter. Even though I wear my hair locked, I only see my loctician a few times a year, maintaining my own hair.

Did the economy reshape my spending priorities? Did maturity? Did having two children?

Whatever the case and cause, I know I miss those days. Even though I know my sights are set on more longterm gratifying things like a bigger house, college savings for my children, my personal savings, vacation (family & personal), I really want the best of both worlds. I'd love to get back to treating myself to regular hair appointments. I want regular pedicures! I want to hit the mall whenever a sale is going on, not just when I absolutely have to for the kids.

Thank God for patience and strength. Until I'm able to have the life I want, I make the best of the life I have. Where I can't shop ALL the time, on the occasion when I take the kids shopping for their necessities, I treat myself to a little something. Every now and then, the kids and I do go out for breakfast or dinner, bowling, and a movie (matinee or drive-ins). I'm comforted knowing my reward is on the way :)

How Rude!

The way you may get through your work day and somebody else gets through their day are not always the same. Here it is Friday. Our boss left early. Yay! Well, my coworker thinks its cool to listen to his music WITHOUT headphones. I, on the other hand, try to get some writing done at times like this. And it's EXTREMELY difficult to get that done with he's jumping from song to song to song!!!!

I know I could ask him to turn the music down, but you'd think he'd know better since he fell out with another coworker over his music being too loud. You know, we're all grown There are just some things you should know. Clearly he doesn't.

Well, it's my time to fly this coup. Hopefully I can finish my other blog entry when I get home. Man, he's lucky I'm not working on a masterpiece.

Peace

L.A. Jefferson

Yes, They're all Squared Away

Finally I can enjoy my summer! Last week I finalized the paperwork for son's new elementary school. Then this week my daughter received her letter of acceptance to the high school she was hoping to get accepted into--a nationally recognized high school and one of the best in our city. Before this, I hate to admit, I didn't have the solid backup plans. It had gotten to the point that I hated when people would ask me what school my daughter was going to. Since most people who asked didn't need the whole story, I started speaking the name of the school we wanted her to go to. Then I was prayed that God would work everything out just the way I needed HIM to.

And he did!

God knew I needed a good elementary school and high school close to my job. Reason being, I plan to move by the end of this year or early next year. And since I'm not decided on where I'll be residing, it became important that both children be in the vicinity of my job. Now that's exactly the case.

Sure I'll lose my peaceful morning drives, being in the hustle and bustle of getting the kids to their respective schools on time. But, when I need to get to them during the school day or for after school activities, I'm less than 10 minutes away from both. Can't get much better than that!

So until school shopping time (practically right around the corner), I'm gonna be relaxing, enjoying the summer sun.