I can’t lie, I was so spoiled having him home for that time. Our house was immaculate, he dropped and picked up the boys every day so I could work, train, etc. All I did was cook dinner. With him undertaking this new endeavor, my life of leisure has come to a screeching halt. SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH.

Mr. 1969 has to now leave the house by 7:30am. The boys have to be at school at 8am. I have also started the Triathlon training schedule. Most mornings, I am up at 4:45 and at the gym by 5-5:30am. I swim laps or run or bike for a good hour then roll back in at 6:30am. I have to come back, get the boys dressed and make breakfast and then drop them to school. After which, I come home and get ready to work.

While I do work from home, I usually have appointments and sales calls daily. I now have to be back by 4pm to pick up the boys, do home work, make dinner, etc. Mr. 1969 works till 6pm most evenings and till 8pm two days a week.

Right now, I am doing EVERYTHING. While I am not complaining because I am so excited for my husband to have this opportunity and I will support him 100% in this endeavor so he can focus on what he needs to do to be successful…..can I just share that Superwoman is TIRED?

Yesterday was the 2nd day of my training calendar. The first day I swam 1,o00 yards and biked for 30 minutes. Yesterday, I swam 1,250 yds and then got out of the pool and ran 3 miles. I worked all day. I came home and whipped up a Valentine’s dinner for the men. I also baked red velvet cupcakes. When I finally stopped moving, I laid in my bed and stared at the ceiling and realized I was completely and utterly exhausted.

I know that two weeks from now, I will be used to the flow. You know me, I will just make it work. I have been spoiled for months by a great hubby who did everything for our family. Getting back into Superwoman mode is taking longer than I thought.

As I type this, I am about to get ready to head into the city for a lunch appointment and a meeting with my boss. *sigh*

I take on too much. Usually it’s because I want to. This time, I have to.  This is what sacrifice is all about. I am focused on the long term goals for my family and when my hubby comes home late and still has homework, I know that it’s worth it to have his back and keep our house running smoothly.

I just needed to tell someone….I really am tired.

There, I said it. Off to work. Somebody get my cape!

SWIMMING

I have been swimming twice a week. No more trainer, I learned all of my stroking techniques and now I am working on building up my endurance for the 1/2 mile. I think *gasp* I will be in decent shape for the race. The key is to learn different strokes so when you are swimming and you get tired of freestyle, you can switch to another stroke with ease and keep moving. The key is to never stop swimming. I was extremely anxious and I still am. I think it will be the toughest part of the race but I will feel so good when I complete it. Last week, I swam with my friend The Good Dr, who is training with me. We hadn’t done any swimming together since the very beginning when we first started. Back then, I would swim 1/2 the length of the pool and stop. We swam 20 laps last weekend and she was amazed at my progress. Now, I am still no Michael Phelps but I am sure I won’t be the worst swimmer out there.

BIKING

I was doing spin class and biking on a stationary bike for much of the winter. I have started the outside riding now. 15 miles should take me about 45 minutes or less. Trust me, when I first got on a bike, it was not a pretty sight. I haven’t been on a bike since I was about 12. When the bike would pick up speed, I would get panicked like I was going to crash. Riding in traffic gives me heart palpitations. However, on open road, I am straight. I actually enjoy the bike. Now, running after biking? *cough* That’s another story.

RUNNING

While I have never run more than 5 miles. Last week, I ran two 5Ks. I ran one on Friday morning up Kelly Drive. I ran on Sunday in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. I am not worried about the run portion. I am confident I can run a 5K and if I get super exhausted, I can walk. My goal is to not have to walk at the end. I seriously want to complete it but as long as I cross that finish line, that’s all that matters.

On a positive note, I have lost 12 pounds (which is exactly what I needed to lose) and I am down a complete dress size. I feel strong. I feel like I can do or try anything. I know that I am open to new challenges and that’s so important to me as I get older. At the 5K on Sunday, my boys were at the finish line with a sign that said “Go Mommy Go”. That’s exactly what I intend to keep doing.

So many of my friends are always asking me how I do it. I was thinking about this the other day. My main answer would be “I have a great husband who supports me in all I do and helps me with everything”.

What I do is what all mothers do. Seriously. My life is no different than any other mom. I multitask and stuff gets done because it HAS to. I am blessed to have help. Mr. 1969 does housework and laundry. He helps get his boys ready for school in the morning. He helps to drop them off and will take them out to play when I need a mental break. He’s a supportive daddy.

So many women do what I do alone. So many women do what I do with a non-supportive partner. I feel blessed but I make no bones about having support physically and emotionally. He helps me be great.

The real wonder women are out there doing it alone. Motherhood is a thankless job. Sure you get a card once a year but what about all the other days? What about all of the sacrifices and hard work that is expected of you or you fall into the bad mommy club? Moms have to act like this job is the greatest all the time or we will get the side eye from everyone….other mothers, men, single women, old folks, etc. We get judged harder than anyone else and we are often our own toughest critics.

As I reflect on my crazy, hectic life…I realize, yes, I do alot. However, I don’t deserve any kudos for it. I just do what I do. Look around, there are better folks doing exactly what I do with so much less help. Those are the real unsung heroines. It may not be mother’s day yet, but kudos to all the real Wonder Women out there!

I have spent the last couple of months trying to get myself to where I could start this schedule and already be pretty used to the demands of the workout. I wanted to be comfortable in the water. I wanted to be ready to bike and run.  It’s game time and I think I have done a good job getting ready for the training. Come Monday, I will be getting it in!

I can’t lie, it’s exciting but scary. Last night, I had a dream that I was swimming in the water and all I could hear was my swim coach yelling “high elbows”! *sigh* I keep telling myself to work through the fear.

I took a long look at myself in the full length mirror at the gym today. My body shape has changed but the best part? Not getting skinny….it’s all about getting stronger. Mentally and physically. I love taking on a challenge and working towards a personal goal. I love pushing myself.  You can only fail when you try.

photo courtesy of Dlisted*

Just saw this picture of four year old Suri Cruise and her pacifier. Can’t wait for folks to weigh in on this one.

In my opinion, four is too old for a pacifier. On a positive note, I am glad to see Suri in child appropriate footwear (no heels for once) and an actual coat. So I say kudos to the parents for that. LOL Baby steps people, baby steps.

What do you think about the pacifier?

1. Poland Spring Sparkling Water

I gave up soda last year ( I was a diet coke drinker). Now when I crave bubbles, I reach for the Poland Spring Sparkling Water (I am partial to the lemon flavor).  Love this stuff and it’s way cheaper than Perrier. A cold bottle of this is refreshing and so much better for you!  (Pssst…Target always has it for under a dollar a bottle)

2. Target Running Tights

I owe this find to Erica B. She made me stop my car one day and drive straight to Target to get these. Who knew Target made running tights that were great quality and super warm and functional? Yes, they’re also under $25 bucks. If you run outside…..you need these bad boys. They are thick, have a zipper up the back and fit like a charm. I owe Erica big time for also sharing that she rocks these with tall boots instead of leggings in the winter because they are so warm. Why didn’t I think of that? SCORE!

3. Inspirational T-Shirts

I have this shirt and I love it! Whenever I wear it to the gym…I feel…MIGHTY! LOL You know I have loved Nike’s since my very first tennis pair back in the early 80′s when the brand was new. I love the “Just Do It” message and take inspiration from it in all aspects of my life. Quit your bellyaching, no excuses and get your azzez off the couch! (If Nike ever wanted to sponsor a 40 plus mother of two as she embarks on training for her first triathalon, all they would need to do is call and I would be there!)

What are some things you are currently loving that help you stay motivated? Let’s help each other stay focused.

Needless to say, I was so looking forward to today. Why? Cause I am out on vacation until the New Year and this week? No kids at home until Friday. What’s that you hear? Music maybe?

Today, I slept in (well 8am is sleeping in for me when I normally get up around 5:30-6am). I hit the gym, I hung out with Mr. 1969 at Lowes and looked at paint samples (we are redesigning our bedroom as a Christmas gift to ourselves), ate a leisurely breakfast/lunch and then fit in a nice visit this afternoon with one of my girlfriends. In short, I did me!

Nothing like a good staycation to clear the mind. We typically travel to see family in New York and New Jersey over Christmas but after hosting family for Thanksgiving, the SixtyNine family is going….NOWHERE!

I don’t know about you, but it’s the gift that keeps on giving for me. Even Wonder Woman likes a lazy afternoon nap every once in a while. Happy Holidays everyone.

He not only talked about being the best Christian you can be but also about life. He asked the following questions “Are you giving your children your best? How about your relationship with your significant other? Your job?”

Basically, we each have been given gifts and talents, are we living up to our full potential? Are we giving our best selves to the people we love and to ourselves?

I can honestly say that right now, I am not giving anything my absolute best. That’s the truth. I may be at 75% in some areas and 90% in others. I am a firm believer that we get messages exactly when we need to hear them. Sometimes we ignore them. Sometimes we hear but we table our responses for a later time hoping the message will go away. Then there are times when we hear it but totally think it can’t be OUR message. Heck, you know I’m perfect right? LOL

Well, as I sat in church, I realized that it was a direct message for me. A reminder that doing too much and not doing any of it well is not a good thing. I needed to stop and refocus my efforts. Take stock of my long term and personal goals.

Just wanted to share that message with you today. Are you in a place where you are spinning your wheels? Are you giving the people you love the best you that you can? Are you taking care of yourself? Are you focused at your job? What can you do to better utilize all of your gifts and talents?

Me? I just signed up for my first Sprint triathalon. (We’ll talk more later. I’m still in shock.) I had a meeting with my boss and told her about a few issues I was having and we moved towards a resolution. I plan on spending more time with my boys and I resolve to be more supportive and less evil with Mr. 1969. I also started inquiring about completing culinary classes. I plan on listening to my message and not ignoring it this time.

How about you?

The Tali’s are back at school and all is right with my universe. All summer long, those boys were in the house tearing it up. Ripping and running from 6am until 8:30pm. I found myself unable to get anything accomplished staying home. Even if I tried to hide in my office, they inevitably found their way back to mommy.

Most of the summer, I spent on the road, seeing customers, visiting my hotels, etc. I have also snatched some work time from various places with free WiFi. Shouts out to Starbucks, Borders and Barnes and Nobles. All great quiet places to get a few hours work done.

Today was my first day working from home KID FREE in months. I dropped my boys off, hit the gym and was back in the house savoring a nice pot of coffee, a plate of fresh fruit and a greek yogurt. It doesn’t get much better than that boys and girls. Music playing in the background as I make deals in my swivelly office chair wearing yoga pants….who could ask for more?

The travelling was wearing on me and my mental state was struggling…not to mention this poor neglected blog. Either way, I am happy to be able to work in the comfort of my home, once again. The boys are loving school so far and they are back at soccer. You will be pleased to know that Tali 2 scored two goals in his first game and DID NOT CRY!

My babies are growing up. Here’s to a new school year filled with great stories.

Mont/ana F.ish.burn is on to something because two weeks ago, I didn’t even know who the hell she was.

Fan.tas.ia, why are you sleeping with someone’s husband? Your life affects me in no way, shape or form but I refuse to feel sorry for you. You met that man, you knew he was married with a child and you pursued it. He’s dead wrong but you are no better. Accept your hand in it and enough with the overdosing on aspirin and one sleeping pill *insert Prince side eye*. You’re grown. You did it. Accept responsibility and woman up to what you did.

The last ten minutes of True Blood were HOT baby. I swear it’s like acceptable pron. LOL

I made quiche last night that was beyond good. Spinach, Mushrooms and Gruyere cheese. I dreamt about the slice I saved for breakfast. But since I saw Inception….was it really a dream? LOL

Go See Inception

I am not trying to be boastful but (gotta love the “but”) your girl has been so focused on her fitness routine. I even worked out with a trainer for a minute. I am so proud, not because of the way I look but because I stuck with it and it has become part of my daily routine.  I also appreciate my husband for always making time for me to workout. He is extremely supportive of this effort. I guess he likes the benefits?

Overheard in the gym this morning between two women:

You should try getting bikini waxed.

Uh no. I’ll pass.

Why, it’s not scary and it doesn’t hurt?

If I ever, EVER decide to have another woman that close to my *&$*$, she better be giving me an orgasm. That shyt is too damn close for comfort. *dead*

I almost fell off the treadmill, I was laughing so hard.

I love watching the Jets at training camp on H.B.O. How can you NOT love football? Bring on the games baby!

Have a great weekend….that’s all I got.