Staying Motivated once it's cold out

 


     I know this will definitely be a problem for me. While it has been nice out I've been doing pretty good about exercising at least 3 times a week, but now that it's getting cold I'm scared I will start slacking. Right now whenever it is nice after I take Liam to school I go jogging with my other little ones then I days when I can't or don't do that I try to do the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred DVD I bought or some weights/cardio in the basement or garage. What's really helped me stick with working out is jogging because it's a set time, I do it everyday and even when I don't feel like it I figure I'm out with the stroller anyways so I should at least jog for a little bit and usually end up doing more then planned. It is starting to get colder though so I know my days of doing that will be less and less with the months to come.
     For example yesterday it was raining, so I came home and thought well, I will try to do the Jillian Michaels DVD since it's only 20 minutes. I did get to finish it, but with the two little ones there it was not easy. Rory spit up twice, so I had to stop and clean that up. Then Declan would cry every time I used the weights and try to grab them from me because he wanted them, and when it came to the ab part he insisted on sitting on my stomach or he would scream. Overall it just didn't work out to well.
     I'm just trying to figure out when is the best time to fit it in my day. It's rare everyone naps at the same time and by the time they are all actually asleep and I finish cleaning up it's usually almost 10pm and then I always just end up skipping it. I'd love any advice or opinions before I really start slacking.

Jogging Stroller

     If you've been with me from the beginning, you may remember I posted about how I ordered a Phil and Teds double jogging stroller a few months ago. This was an expensive purchase for us, but we decided it would hopefully be worth it. As soon as we put it together we realized the front wheel was broke, so I called them and they were nice and said they would send a new one out, so we waited and waited, but nothing came. So after 3 weeks I called again and they apologized and said they were on back order, but they would send them as soon as they could. They were really nice, but I was annoyed since we had it for a month and couldn't use it.
   So finally over three months later we got the tire and have been able to use our stroller. I am so glad we got one, I'm still not sure if it's worth all the money but it has made my like easier. It's super light and easy to maneuver. I have actually started running after I take Liam to school. I never thought I would run I hate running, but my husband and I went together a couple times and I liked that I was able to get some exercise done while the kids were up.  Plus I like being able to go with my husband and it helps keep me motivated. I will tell you running is one of the hardest things I've ever done, and it's probably more like jogging and I don't last long, but I feel good after I do it and it's a nice change to my regular workout.  Each time I run I try to go a little further then I did before and I am actually starting to enjoy it. Now I just wish we would have gotten a jogging stroller sooner. For any moms out there thinking of getting a jogging stroller I would definitely recommend it and if you're anything like me and thought you could never run I'm sure you can even if its for a few blocks at first.

       Don't mind the mess in the background I just wanted to give you an idea of what it looked like.

Hopefully back on track

     Today I worked out for the first time in almost a week and hope I can keep it up.  Once I actually do it I feel great it's just finding the time to do it is my problem because by the end of the night it's the last thing I want to do.  My mom was here today, so I was able to work out earlier I just need to somehow find the motivation to do it at night.  My husband goes to school during the day and works at night, so there really isn't another time to do it.  My goal is to workout at least 3 times this week.  I was doing it 4-6 times a week, but for now I might try to walk more with them on the other days.  After cleaning and getting them to bed I felt like I didn't have a moment to relax.
  I also did a little sewing today. I am planning to open an Etsy shop, hopefully soon but I still have a lot to do. Anyone out there who already has an Etsy shop I would love advice.
   

Slacker

     I thought I'd admit I've been a total Slacker lately. I haven't worked out since Wednesday or maybe Tuesday, I can't remember. I feel guilty, and need to somehow get my motivation back.  I have many  excuses though, I've been getting these horrible headaches(I'm starting to think maybe they are related to my period I'll have to pay attention next month) and I've been stressed.  I know exercising can make you feel better, but I've been so tired lately I just couldn't motivate myself to do it.  Today I actually took a nap, which is rare occasion. I usually can't get everyone to sleep at the same time, but I did today by napping with Rory and bribing Liam.  Is it bad I told my 3 year old we could go to the park if he napped? Then I felt bad because we never went because Declan woke up with a 104 temperature and Liam forgot about the park, so I didn't bring it up. I'll make it up to him though.
     I have also been slacking on cutting coupons. I've done it for toiletries or when I see a good deal, but that's it. It's very time consuming and when it comes to food sometimes I don't feel like I'm saving much for all the work I'm doing. 
     I need to get back on track though, and if any of you guys have tips I would love to hear them.  I feel like I've hit a slump.  Usually I don't get free time till 9pm or 10pm and I've been having a hard time working out then.  Some days my mom comes over and I usually workout when she's here, but the other days are hard. On a good note I'm down one size in jeans, but I think maybe I was just wearing the wrong size to begin with. Hopefully next week will go better.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

As I have told you I've been trying to reorganize my house, so the first step is to get rid of things we no longer need. Today I decided to start going through my clothes and getting rid of things I no longer wear or no longer fit me.  I've been putting this off for along time.  I have lots of clothes and probably only wear a handful of what I have.  I'll admit I have a hard time getting rid of things (my husband will tell you this he likes to throw out everything) I always think one day I'll wear it or I hope I will fit in to it again one day.  Today I began this dreaded event knowing I really had to actually get rid of things. I have clothes in many sizes my skinny clothes before I had kids, then post baby clothes, clothes after I lost some weight, post 2nd baby clothes, etc... I'm sure most moms can relate.  As I was doing this I didn't realize how emotional it would be to get rid of clothes.  I finally made the decision to get rid of all my before I had kids clothes aka skinny clothes because realistically I have never worn any of them since I had Liam.  Part of me kept thinking one day I'll fit in these again, but  it's been about 4 years since I've worn them, so it was time for them to go.  Don't get me wrong I plan and hope to lose more weight, but my body is different now and certain things just won't look good on me anymore.  Now they're all in a bag on they're way out the door.  Looking through them made me remember my pre-mom days though and a little sad that those days are gone. I love my life now and being a mom, but when you're younger you never really appreciate your carefree days like you should.  Now time alone, dates with my husband, and free time is rare and something much appreciated.  So, good bye skinny clothes, hopefully we will meet again :)