Killer Leg Workout...Downhill Skiing

Before two days ago, the last time I went skiing was 5 years ago. My husband and I were just dating, in the marriage-discussion mode. We (along with my younger brother) were taking a ski class together. If ONE thing almost caused an end to our courtship, it was this ski class. You see, when I get nervous/feel insecure/wish I could crawl instead of ski down a mountain, I get a bit snippy. Don't try giving me advice. Don't tell me what I'm doing wrong. I'll bite your head off. After one particular ski class, mi esposo vowed NEVER to go skiing with me again. But he did again the next week. And I tried really hard to be nice. I guess it worked, because he still has his head, and we're married!

When my brother suggested a President's-Day-Ski-Trip, I had mixed feelings. But in the end, I agreed to go...without promising to not sit in the ski lodge all day. But I faced some fears, didn't die, only muttered a few expletives to the passing snow boarders, got a great leg workout (from snow plowing all day), and actually had fun (I only entered the lodge to use the bathroom)! And as far as I can recall, I didn't bite anyone's head off. I took "suggestions" with grace (and appreciation). I guess motherhood has humbled this proud little girl a bit. Here are some of the thoughts overheard in my brain throughout the day...

• Hmmm...the kids are with Grandma...let's go see a movie instead.


• Breathe.


• Count to 10.


• Why does everyone on the ski lift insist on leaving the bar up?


• Don't look down.


• I'm going to DIE!


• Oh crap. I thought this was a GREEN hill?!?!?! When did it turn blue?


• And why is it so dang steep?


• Maybe I should try cross-country skiing instead.


• I'm going to fall...I'm going to fall...I'm going to FAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!


• Wait for me, guys!


• I'm coming!


• No, I'm not going to go faster. I like going horizontally down the hill.


• Just go ahead...I'll catch up...eventually!


• Why does that 3-year-old look like that, and I look like this?


• Woo hoo! I made it all the way down without falling once!


• Can we go back to the bunny hill?


• I feel really cool walking like a gangsta in my ski boots!

• And why am I in charge of the camera, again? I can barely hold on to the poles...do they really expect me to be able to handle taking pictures?

And my favorite conversation of the day:

Husband (to my brother and his cute new girlfriend): Today will be a good test for your relationship. It sure was for ours!

Thanks, babe!

Do you ski? Are you as terrified of the lift as I am? What fears are you working to overcome?

Sugar Fast Shout Out

**ATTENTION FIT-ME-READERS...BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION GOING ON HERE!**

OK...it's time for a SHOUT OUT to a few of those going through (and surviving) a major breakup right now...with sugar!

First, Tina. On the fourth day of her sugar fast, she was "ready to lick her kids' faces clean from the sugar they were consuming." (Ha ha...me, too!) But now, she feels great! And has lost 8 pounds! YAY TINA!!!!

And here's another WOO-HOO for Sarah! Not only has she lost 7 pounds, but she is also considering the long term benefits of a sugar-in-moderation type life. She's steering herself away from the fate of many women in her family...diabetes! YAY SARAH!!!

Anyone else want to give yourself a shout out? Do it in the comments!

Here's mine...I haven't had chocolate in over a week! I Did It!

I Did It!

Every day, my toddler says three words OVER and OVER with each activity accomplished. I. DID. IT. He recently learned to take off his own pants and diaper...that could get messy! But he's so proud of himself. He looks at me (basking in his nekkid glory), smiles, and says, "I did it!"

Every time we go to the park, he still thrills in the excitement of going down the slide by himself. "I did it!" He buckles the top buckle of his carseat. "I did it!" He opens the fridge. "I did it!" He puts his shoes on (usually the wrong feet). "I did it!"

I love his excitement over the little accomplishments. He's loving his newfound independence when he does something himself. And he wants the world to know...he did it!

How often do we give ourselves credit for our own personal accomplishments? How often do we acknowledge the seemingly small achievements? When does the childhood excitement diminish?
I think we could ALL learn some lessons from the world of toddlerhood. Feel proud of what you do! Give yourself some credit. Let the world know what you've accomplished!

I went on a walk today. I stopped eating for the day at 7 pm. I was on time to _________. I took time to put on makeup and do my hair today. I asked that cute girl out (Michael...). I bought tickets to my High School reunion (I really did!). I made a healthy dinner for my family. I ate breakfast. I completed everything on my to-do list. I completed ONE thing on my to-do list.

Whatever it is. Give yourself some credit! My 2-year old NEVER dwells on what he DOESN'T get done, or what he CAN'T do. We shouldn't either! We accomplish a lot more than we think in any given day. Take note and pat yourself on the back! And try something new...it feels great to say "I did it" after doing something not done before.

Give yourself a shout-out below in the comments. What have you accomplished today? What new thing have you tried? Or what new thing are you going to try? Let's hear the ideas. And let us know how the "I did it" factor has helped you personally with your goals.