"...And Snap, the job's a game!"

After a summer of "I should do something to get into better shape" and weeks of "I should join a fitness center," I joined Snap Fitness in Cottage Grove on Thursday. Not only did I join, I enjoyed my first work out. I did some cardio and a full circuit of the strength training equipment. Later in the evening, Nick and I went for a walk. Lots of exercise in just one day. (To be fair, we have been walking most evenings.)

Friday I also enjoyed a work out. My muscles were pretty sore, but I pushed through and did it anyway. We also went for a walk in the evening. I felt bad because I was kind of lagging behind. I almost felt like Nick had to pull me along.

Saturday I decided I would go and only do some cardio. My muscles were very sore and weak, so I decided to give them a rest from strength training. Today was a tough day to get out the door. One of those days that could make or break your week. I wanted to nap on the couch, but I went. I did my cardio and then I focused on an upper body work out. Amazing how not strong my arms are. For someone that used to do an awful lot of dog and cat wrestling, my upper body strength sure has faltered over the past 9 months. (Has it been that long since I have worked in a practice??) Anyway, I feel much better having worked out. My plan for tomorrow is cardio and legs. In high school when I was a weight room user, I used to hate leg days. The machines they have make it a bit better these days...not so much just squats and lunges. Ick.

If it doesn't have a tail it's not a monkey.

Nick and I had the honor of hanging out with our nieces today while their parents both worked. I am amazed how much they grow and change even in the 1-2 weeks between our seeing them. Taryn continues to grow and do new things. She is a very active, one year old that walks, runs and babbles and of course, holds her own with her big sister. Micah is almost 3 1/2 years and with that has developed the habits and attitude of a 3-4 year old. This isn't always a bad thing and often leads to funny stories.

Today while Taryn napped Micah was watching a Bug's Life. She did get kind of scared with the big bad bugs, but Uncle Nick was there to protect her. When that was over she wanted to watch "Bob" (veggietales) so she looked though to see what she wanted to watch. Maybe singing Bob? She decided on Larryboy and the Yodle Napper. Micah was explaining to us that it was Larryboy. She liked watching Larryboy. Micah: "His name is Larryboy but sometimes I call him Rowl." Me & Nick: "Um, what?" Micah: "Sometimes I call him Rowl." Nick: "You call him what?" Micah: "Rowl, thats what I call him." It sounds like growl with out the G, not quite Raúl. It is just so funny to hear a 3 year old tell you so matter of factly that she calls him a different name. Its almost as if he was a life long friend of hers. Which, I guess in a way, he kind of is. He is among the first movies/shows she watched.

Celebrity gossip

I will admit that I do enjoy a good flip through of People Magazine now and again. I will also admit to actually reading People Magazine while on lunch breaks "back in the day." Over the past 6-9 months, however, I don't tend to pay much attention to celebrity gossip. I do hear some, as people are prone to talking about it. I also usually have an opinion, regardless if I know anything about it. (That is just my nature though) All that being said, when a household lacks cable television, as ours does, weekend options for watching are pretty slim pickings. Celebrity gossip or "news" is usually what I default to. Tonight I happened to turn on the TV guide channel or perhaps Access Hollywood. The "story" they spent a fair amount of time talking about was one of the affairs of Jon from Jon and Kate plus 8. This girlfriend Kate somebody was appealing to all the gossip shows and magazines regarding the affair he claims didn't happen. So, ok, really I don't care. The part that makes me a little crazy is her playing the roll of the victim. "I never thought he would hurt me like this." "We were falling for each other and he broke my heart." "I gave up so much for him, and he turned out to be a liar and a cheater." Ok, here is a little lesson that I have learned by paying attention: If you are the "other woman" that means he is cheating on someone he married, exchanged vows with, had EIGHT children with and you are surprised that he is a liar and a cheater? Really? Really? The man cheating on his wife with you turned out to be less than a stand up guy? Shocking!

I think I need to find other things to watch.

My dad is a funny man

So, I don't know the "details" because my dad told my mom who told me...but dad and Punky (one of his sisters) were watching (insert name of golfer here) during his practice the other day. He was sitting "so close, as close as I am sitting to you" (he says to my mom) and I tried to take a picture of him. (He does not know how to work the cell phone camera, therefore did not get the picture) So after he sunk the ball my dad says "great shot" the golfer says thanks. My dad says "I have a question for you if you have a moment." Guy says sure. Dad continues to tell him about his son-in-law being a cancer survivor and how we are involved with the RFL for the American Cancer Society and asked would he be interested/willing to donate $ or something to be auctioned to help raise money for our event. Guy says sure, just contact the following......yeah, dad forgot the contact info. He is sure his sister will remember though... This makes me laugh so hard. And really, my dad is always thinking. I wouldn't have thought to stop the random golfer who's wife is battling cancer to make a donation for our Relay, and I am a co-chair! Go dad!

After a little bit of research, I am guessing this golfer was Phil Mickelson. So far, I still haven't heard word on the contact info. Come on Punky!