Since I’ve started my new job I’ve been coming home exhausted nearly every day. Training takes a lot more energy than I remembered, especially when it comes to learning the ropes and all the policies and procedures that go along with my position. I even realized I nodded off a couple times. This is not good.
It’s hard to go back to work full time. With two kids to raise and a house to clean, adding a job to the mix can wear a person out. I often wonder how the heck I did this for so many years before I took a stab at the WAHM thing.
I truly believe I have suffered from foggy brain, and so I’ve decided to do something about it. I’ve decided to get my ass off the couch and start shaping up. It’s easier said than done, let me tell you, but I’ve already put in three days of effort and I’ve got tons more energy.
Thanks to the inspirational Christina of A Mommy Story, I’ve begun the Couch-to-5K program. She posted her results and a link to the iPhone (and iPod Touch) app that can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store and I knew immediately I wanted to do it, too.
That first day was crazy. I thought it would be easy to run 60 seconds followed by 90 seconds of walking alternately for a total of 30 minutes of exercise. I as so optimistic about it that I pushed Owen along in the jogger, too. My legs were burning after 5 minutes. It was…CRAZY. But darn if I didn’t feel like a million bucks when it was over!
I completed Day 2 this morning and that familiar burn in the thighs and buttocks was a little stronger. Thank God I was smart enough to skip a day in between to recover. I hated the actual running part of this day, but again I felt awesome when it was over. I notice my energy levels have increased, my appetite isn’t as ravenous, either. Although that may have more to do with me drive to overcome cravings; I’m always hungry for steak after cardio, and that fact hasn’t changed.
I’ve given up soda, too. I think the caffeine had a negative affect on my health and my mental clarity. I’ve stopped buying chocolate. I haven’t had fast food in two weeks. The headache I had yesterday was my body reacting to the withdrawal symptoms.
Instead of the crappy food choice I used to make, I’ve incorporated more fruits, veggies and whole grains. And I’m drinking so much water I may explode.
But all the self-discipline is paying off. My pants fit better. They feel somewhat loose. I haven’t weight myself yet because I don’t want the number to sabotage my progress. I don’t want to hold myself to a number like I did in the past. That number will not take me down.
On we go. I’m going to be fit if it’s the last thing I do. (Let’s hope it isn’t. I don’t want to have the big one while running! That would totally suck!)
I had a long day at work and when 5 o’clock hit I was eager to get out of the office. Things are busy for our family during the summer months. Dawson begs for long days at the beach and Owen just loves riding in the stroller on long walks. I’m just happy to spend time with my boys as they are growing so fast.
Dawson had T-ball right at 5 p.m. and thankfully my parents picked up the boys from daycare and I met them on the field for the game. Dawson had one fabulous hit at bat. He also played first base and caught a ball that was thrown to him. He was super excited.
After the game I took the boys to a concert at a local park. Tom Pease was playing at the band shell and what looked like hundreds of kids were eager to sing and dance to their favorite folk tunes. Tom is a wonderful entertainer. He sings, he has actions for his dances, he makes the most outrageous noises, and he can make up lyrics for a song in minutes. (And here’s a secret: he’s been performing since I was in elementary school. I still remember a concert he gave at Roosevelt School when I was in 3rd grade. You do the math!)
Owen was mesmerized by the music. The last Tom Pease concert we went to when he was just a few weeks old. This time he was able to dance, and it was so cute. I hope you enjoy the video.
Have you tried Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta? You should. It’s delicious. And it’s good for you.
The best thing about Ronzoni is that it’s the first “white” pasta to be enriched with Fiber, Calcium and Vitamin D, so I can feed my family something healthy as well as tasty. Ronzoni Smart taste has the Calcium and Vitamin D equivalent to one 8-ounce glass of milk.
While I’d never replace any food for milk, I do love that we’re getting enough calcium in our bodies to prevent brittle bones and osteoporosis. This pasta is lower in calories and fat, too, which I think will keep those extra pounds off my middle.My husband was skeptical at first, but I pleaded with him to just try it. Here’s the dish we made:
Looks delish, doesn’t it? Check this view out:
Yes, we really did garnish our pasta with green onions — it was fabulous.
Ronzoni Smart Taste isn’t a whole-grain pasta, but it is super nutritious and everyone in my family loved. Even little Owen had a few noodles. He loved playing with the box, too:
While I’ve always been a fan of whole-wheat pasta (I blame it on my obsession with carbs and not eating many of them), this brand really does taste just like the plain old semolina our mothers and grandmothers bought. I can’t tell the difference between the two.
Getting our kids to eat better quality and healthier foods can be a major challenge. Our lives are busy and it’s easier to pick whatever is available, but switching to Ronzoni is a small step to better health.
If you’d like to try Ronzoni Smart Taste, click here to get a coupon for 75 cents off.
“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Ronzoni and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review and photo contest entry. In addition, I received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
I think it’s time I finally tell you all some very big news. I’ve got a job. After several long months of unemployment (post BlogHer Ad Network), I started working as a temp in the IT department for a local company that manufactures hospital beds and other medical equipment, furniture and accessories (for privacy purposes I’m leaving out the company name. Local readers: I ask that you not post personal info in the comments, please. Thank you!).
I loved my work. The hours were part time, allowing me to still be home with my boys, and I enjoyed getting out of the house to talk to other adults. So much of my identity comes from motherhood, even though I’ve always worked; being mom to Dawson and Owen seemed to define who I am.
Recently, the company offered me a position in their customer service department. It’s a full time, temp-to-hire position and if I do well they may hire me permanently (which is so awesome because we still have medical bills to pay from Owen’s birth).
This week has been busy. I’ve been training for the new position and learning so much about the products the company manufactures, the history of the organization and so much more. I’m having a lot of fun and I’ve met so many wonderful people.
There’s just one thing… I’m feeling tired! Going back to the 40 hour work week is not as easy as I thought it would be. I’m grateful to be employed so I’m not complaining.
Okay, there’s just two little things… I miss my babies. I can’t help it. Stay-at-home motherhood was quite an experience for me. I had good days. I had some bad days. I enjoyed every moment I had with my kids. I know that with the economy still a bit shaky it’s necessary for me to bring in an income to support my family, but I also realize how important it is to be with my children. It’s a tough situation.
Truth be told, I didn’t want to be a SAHM forever. In the back of my mind I knew I’d return to work some day. Now that I’m back full swing, I’m excited about the new opportunities, but sad that I’m missing some precious moments while my kids are at daycare. It’s bittersweet.
The good news is I’m working and I love it. My kids are happy and healthy. What more can I ask for?
Dana began her Mom career in 2004 with the birth of her first son, Dawson, aka The Doodlebug, and little brother, Owen, was born in 2009. She spends her days putting out fires, climbing mountains and chasing monsters. More About Dana.
Contact: thedanafilesblog [at] gmail [dot] com RSS Feed
