Tracts: Do they really work?

I was driving home this morning after my (amazing) yoga class and a quick (speed work) run.  I noticed two well-dressed ladies handing out tracts to the Mexican guys who wait to get picked up for work on one corner of my town's main street.  

Now, I used to be one of those ladies, shy as I was, handing out tracts in a well-intentioned effort to win souls for Christ.  Even then, I wondered how effective handing out tracts was.  I saw people stuff them into their pocket but I imagined that one day, they'd be terribly down and out, and on a chance, find the tract they stuffed in their pocket all those days ago and it would speak to them and they would give their heart to the Lord.  And my efforts at evangelism would have worked.  

Nowadays, I don't take tracts from anyone except really old ladies who are cooing at my two cutie pie boys.  

It just got me wondering . . . are tracts really an effective way to evangelize?  Do they really work?  I'm way skeptical about tracts and wonder if they are worth the paper they are printed on.  Especially in these days of constant entertainment and business.  Do people actually read them? Does it touch anyone?  I personally have never met anyone who decided to come to Christ because of a tract.  But maybe they are out there. 

Anyway, I cringe at the thought of some of the tracts I handed folks.  Stuff that would have been highly offensive to people of other faiths.  Stuff that was written to bring folks to God out of fear and not out of love.  Stuff that was just plain bizarre.  But I know my heart was pure and I was just trying to do what I thought God wanted me to do.  So maybe at the end of the day, it's really not about the recipient of the tract exactly but about the person giving them out. 

Surprise Endings?

I know it may sound strange but I am shocked by the changes that have happened to my body over the last 2 years as I've been on this fitness/weight loss journey.  

I'd always been a very shapely woman--hourglass figure and all that.  Now that I've lost all this weight, I have an "athletic" build meaning that my waist and hips measure about the same.  I had more of a childbearing figure before I bore children!

The hubby mentioned that it's all about body shaping and that anyone can morph their body:  bulk up, slim down, accentuate certain parts.  I started to wonder what my body would have looked like had I started to lift heavy weights before I started to lose weight.  I know they say that muscle burns fat--but I don't think it would have burned it at quite the rate that following Weight Watchers did.  I do think it might have made more of a difference [in my initial weight loss] had I focused more on lifting heavy weights and placed less of an emphasis on cardio.  It's funny how I didn't learn about the benefits of weight lifting until I was well into my fitness/weight loss journey.  Could I maybe have preserved some of the shapeliness while losing weight?  If I put on the weight again and continued to lift heavy weight, what would my body look like?  I may never know.  It's just one more bump in the road to complete self-acceptance and for me, self-acceptance is truly something I have to work at every minute of every day.

And I think that's an important lesson for folks trying to lose weight/get in shape--especially post-partum mothers.  There are all these examples of what you could look like if you follow this or that plan and it's easy to get wrapped up in it all and think, "Hey, that's how I want to look!"  In reality, you can never really predict where you'll lose weight (just like you can't foresee where you'll put it on).  You can't say for certain that your arms will look like [insert woman with great arms here] or that your calves with be Olympic ready.  These are things that are for the most part mediated by genetics.   Even though we can't say for certain how we'll look exactly by following a certain exercise regimen or philosphy, I'm fascinated by the fact that we have the ability to change our bodies so dramatically.  To me, that speaks to our innate power to create.

And it's right in line with how I feel about the Creator these days.  You don't always know what the end result will be but there's this understanding and this hope that no matter which way it goes, it will be good.  Or at least that's how I like to think the Creator thinks.  Then there's this nagging thought that maybe the Creator is not all that invested.  I don't know.  And that was a crazy tangent so getting back to the point . . . .

I usually like surprise endings in novels.  You don't want a predictable end all the time.  For me, though, I would have loved to get back the body that I had pre-kids.  I really had no idea that it would be such a drastically different body.  In so many ways, it is a entirely new ball game.  And surprise endings are par for the course. 

Why am I so tired?

The past few weeks I have been exhausted all the time.  Well, not exhausted really.  More like very sleepy.  I can get things done but I really just feel like lying down most of the time.  Today I slept two extra hours and didn't work out this morning at all (not even a 20 minute workout). Then later on I took an hour nap.  I've still been dragging through the day.  Black tea is not doing anything.  And now at 7:45, I'm more than ready to go to bed.  

It's such a puzzle!  I had some blood work done on Tuesday.  I'm going to call tomorrow to see if the doctor has the results.  I've struggled with anemia off and on over the years--even when I was eating red meat.  I can't say that I am eating a lot of good sources of iron--a little here and a little there.  Not sure if I'm meeting the daily requirement.  Maybe I am anemic again.  If so, it's back to the Floradix Floravital Iron and Herbs which during my first pregnanacy worked like a charm.  It's a huge plus that it tastes good and is non-constipating and (obviously) easily absorbable (i.e. it really works).

i am him and he is me

two evenings ago
i suddenly realized
that i am him and he is me.
dealing with him . . . so incredibly difficult at times. 
i would like to scream
i would like to hit
cooperate. 
damn it.
but i control myself
so he can learn self-control. 
and i'm better able to control myself
because of the acknowledgment
that i am him and he is me

i am working on me
teaching him to work on him
because he is working on me too
he is my karma
i am his karma
our karmic interconnectedness
transcends the eras
and extends across the universes
my love for him
tested to the point of frustration
but unparalleled

the way i have learned to love me
gives me direction as to how to love him
after all, he is a part of me
in the most basic and primal of ways

and just as i fully embrace this thought, this clear and precise thought
he looks me in the eye and says an emphatic, defiant
"no!"

digging deep into the depths of my divine understanding and know-how
i wonder
what the hell did i get myself into?
and what the hell am i to do next?

Photo Credit

Currently reading . . .

I was reading Three Cups of Tea and was having a tough time getting into it.  Something about the third person narrative was kind of off-putting to me.  After three weeks, the book was due at the library.  I went to renew it and couldn't because it had a hold.  Usually, however,  if there are multiple copies in the system, I can get the librarian to renew it for me anyway but this time I didn't even bother.  It was really not an enjoyable read for me.  At least not at this point.  I intend to pick it back up again later--maybe when the demand for it is not so high. 

Currently I am reading Radical Homemakers and I'm really enjoying it tremendously.  It's one that I would like to own actually because the subject really appeals to me.  I'm not sure if homemaking will become trendy again but I'm sure it will become necessary again whether we like it or not.  Our modern way of living is simply not sustainable, i.e. it cannot keep going this way and something will have to give; something must change.  So why not read about how others are voluntarily and conscientiously homemaking?   I'll definitely try not to get too overwhelmed by it all (as I sometimes tend to do).  And I'll definitely have a review when I'm done.  

The Shaky Tooth

Yesterday, Z1 showed me that one of his bottom teeth is shaky.  He's super excited about it and is telling anyone and everyone who will hear that he's about to lose his first tooth.  He is looking forward to the "tooth fairy" (who he knows is us, his parents) leaving him something in place of his lost tooth.  

I've been dreading the day my kids started to lose their teeth.  I'm a little vain in that I worry about the crazy, snaggedly way kids teeth look when they start growing back in--great big adult teeth (growing every which way sometimes) mixed in with tiny baby teeth.  But more so, I worry about it because of my experience.  I had really great teeth up until I started to lose them and they began to come back in.  There were multiple excruciating tooth extractions and other painful tooth processes (trying to move teeth that had grown too close to each other).  And for a long time, my teeth looked straight up crazy.   I refused to smile to wide. They eventually straightened out to a decent degree (without braces) but I still have some crowding in some areas about which I remain self-conscious.

I'm hoping that since my kids eat a vastly different diet than I did, one rich in whole grains and low in simple sugars, they will have better luck in the dental department.  I'm still nervous though.  One thing is for sure: if they need braces, they will get braces.  I know my parents probably didn't have the money for them so I don't blame them necessarily.  But they both have perfectly straight, white teeth naturally.  And my mom is good for saying, "All my children had nice teeth when they were little" . . .  not so much now, I suppose.  But whatever, if I have to do a payment plan or something, I'll do it to make sure my kids won't have to worry about jacked up teeth (in addition to the myriad of other things they'll have to worry about in the future).

Abandoning Ship!

Recently I thought to myself that so many folks who stated that they wanted to homeschool have abandoned ship and joined the school-at-school bandwagon.  I can't fault them.  No way.  We each have our priorities in life.  Each know for our own selves what it is we are willing to forfeit and those things on which we will absolutely not compromise.  If there's one thing life has taught me it's to avoid speaking in absolutes.  Today I may be totally okay giving up something.  Tomorrow may be another story.  So while I'm sad some folks who would have made amazing homeschooling buddies are going the school route, I can understand abandoning ship.  It's a huge responsibility and while there's plenty to gain, there's also a good deal of sacrifice involved. 

But I too am abandoning ship somewhat.  I am abandoning cloth diapering.  Okay, maybe abandoning is a bit too dramatic.  I still intend to cloth diaper at home but I am giving up the fight when it comes to going out.

Z2 is a little over 2.5 years now and he is nowhere near close to learning how to use the toilet.  Z1 learned when he was about Z2's age, maybe a touch older.  I did it by letting him go commando and in 2 weeks, he got the hang of peeing.  By 4 weeks, he'd mastered pooping.  With Z2 though, I can't do the commando thing.  There's just too many moving parts and too much other stuff I have to do.  I can't be running after him with a bottle hydrogen peroxide, cleaning up accidents, and doing multiple clothes changes daily.  So I'm going to have to let Z2 learn to use the toilet at his own time and in his own way.  I heard a piece of advice to do all diaper changes in the bathroom so they associate their elimination needs with the bathroom.  I've been doing this for about two months now and Z2 doesn't seem any closer to using the toilet.  

Anyway, our cloth diapers are really, really, totally on their last leg.  As it is, most of the pocket diapers except for 4 require a cover.  For those who don't know, pocket diapers should not require a diaper cover.  On most of our diapers, the elastic is shot and snaps are falling off.  But we're making do and trying not to purchase anything else in the way of diapers.  I'd been using the 4 good pocket diapers as going out diapers.  Now, however, they are getting too tight so for the past few months, I've just been keeping the bottom snap unsnapped.  I could buy a couple more diapers but really, it was not in my plan to buy any more cloth diapers.  Maybe if there were a chance that there would be more babies . . .

Then it just occurred to me that using cloth diapers when we're out is a hassle.  And I'm tired.  They take up a lot of space, have to be changed more frequently (if I don't want a leak) and I have to lug dirty diapers home.  And I'm just tired.  My enthusiasm has waned.  Significantly.  If I'm using disposable diapers, I can pack one bag that will comfortably hold food, my wallet and stuff, diapers and wipes, and another pair of pants for Z1 and Z2 in case of an accident.  So, I'm going to suck it up and get some disposable diapers for going out.  I may spring for some unbleached, natural diapers but most likely, the diapers will be from Costco.  

Sounds horrible, I know but honestly,  I feel like I have done my part and I need a break.  I'm not trying to put out any extra money getting any more specialized diapers.  Z1 wore cloth diapers until he learned to use the toilet and Z2 will continue to wear cloth at home. 

So yes, I too am abandoning ship in a way.  And joining the ranks of disposable diaper users everywhere!  And it's a relief.  Like I said, everyone has their priorities and my priority (when it comes to diapers) right now is convenience.

Photo Credit

Powerblocks!

I realized just after I posted my last entry that I hadn't shared the fact that I finally got a set of Powerblocks.  In July, I mentioned that I wanted some more functional, efficient weights.  I knew I didn't really want to put out the $400 interchangeable weights cost but if I really sat and thought about it, the weights did constitute a smart investment in my fitness. 

Essentially, when it came to interchangeable weights, there were two choices: Powerblocks 2.5-50 pound adjustable dumbbells and the BowFlex SelectTech 552 dumbbells.  The main advantage of the BowFlex dumbbells is that with just a turn of the dial, you can select your weight in 2.5 pound increments.  With the Powerblocks, you have to lift the dumbbell out of its base, flip a switch and then drop out the 2.5 pounds bar.  If you're interested, you can view a video here.  Remember, the main point of getting these dumbbells was to increase the efficiency of changing weights and this extra step seemed like it would suck too much time which I simply don't have.  Plus, it's fussy.  For this reason, BowFlex seemed to be winning.  Until I realized that just by looking at them, I could tell the Powerblocks, though less chic, are also more durable and with 2 young kids that was definitely an advantage.  Another advantage of the Powerblocks was that they were relatively compact and short compared to the BowFlex which seemed kind of long.  But really, I was open to either one I found a good deal on. 

I was searching all over Craigslist and one day found someone selling their Powerblocks 5-45 pound adjustable dumbbells. for $250.  The price was great but they were not exactly the ones I wanted.  I wasn't sure if the 5 pound increments would be too much.  As a woman, I was pretty sure I'd need those 2.5 pound increments.  For the longest time I was curling 15 pounds.  I absolutely couldn't curl 20 pounds.  With the hubby's weights, I was able to get an 18.5 pound dumbbell and I knew that worked well.  Someone was also selling the BowFlex dumbbells for $350: $100 more than the Powerblocks and there was still that nagging fear that the kids would mess with them.  So, I decided to go ahead and purchase the Powerblocks.  I drove all the way to Brooklyn (aka the dark side of the moon) and picked them up.   I figured I could come up with something to make up for the fact that they adjusted in 5 pound increments. 

And thanks to the magic of Google, I did: ankle/wrist weights!  I purchased a pair of GoFit ankle weights (2.5. pounds for each weight for a total of 5 pounds).  They cost no more than $17 and bridge the gap perfectly. 

So I really, really like the Powerblocks.  It took a little getting used to in terms of how to position my hands for certain exercises.  I was worried that for exercises like pullovers, I wouldn't be able to fit both hands into the dumbbell.  But I can so no problem with that and I have not had any problems with any other exercises either.  

I have to say that the Powerblocks are maybe the best investment I've made fitness wise (or maybe they are tied with my DVDs and Transfirmer step which I also found on Craigslist for $45).  It's wonderful to not have all kinds of weights littering the floor.  I push the Powerblocks to the corner, close to the wall and close to each other.  As such, the kids can't mess with the pins.  I'm so happy I got the Powerblocks because occasionally, the kids will jump on them to reach things.  I don't know if the BowFlex dumbbells could have taken that kind of abuse.  I'm actually feeling really blessed that I got the  dumbbells I got (the 5-45 pounds adjustable) because slipping on the ankle/wrist weights is a relatively quick process--definitely not such a process that it would warrant me spending an extra $100).   Maybe not as quick to change as the BowFlex but it's really okay.  Plus, I can use the ankle/wrist weights for other exercises too.  I feel like I've made some smart decisions with my fitness equipment lately and I'm happy about it.  I'm really looking forward to my next fitness challenge although I'm not sure what it is yet. 

So have I beat you in the head with fitness stuff enough?  :)  It's my thing now!! I can't help it! 

A good shoe . . . the sneaker edition

Like I said in a previous post, I have come to appreciate a good shoe.  For exercise especially, a good shoe is terribly important.  I believe that it is because I was wearing the wrong shoe that I injured my foot a few months back.  I'm still dealing with somewhat unsightly edema from that incident although thankfully, there is no pain.  

I'd been wearing a pair of of Adidas running shoes I bought at Costco for everything fitness.  These were actually a great pair of shoes and I didn't have any issues with them.  They felt comfortable and provided adequate support--although I realized after injuring myself, not nearly enough.  The first time I went for a run though, I dragged out my ancient pair of Champion (aka Payless Shoesource) sneakers, not wanting to mess up my Adidas and knowing the Adidas were old and lacked cushion and support.  Boy was that a big mistake!  I might have done much better with the well-worn Adidas! My ankles were so sore after that--and I was running on a trail!  I was glad I hadn't tried to run on the pavement with those Champion sneakers!  Later, I tried to run with the Adidas and had no luck. at all  I then tried running in the Adidas with my orthotic insole and it was better but still not good.  So I realized that I needed to do something about my sad sneaker situation.

I decided to get some sport specific shoes but initially I didn't want to put out a lot of cash especially since I didn't know if I'd keep up with the running.  So I went to www.onlineshoes.com and purchased a pair of New Balance WX710WS cross trainers which came out to about $60 with a coupon I had.  They were horrible!  I ended up returning them and then doing some serious research on sneakers.  I settled on another, slightly pricier pair of New Balance shoes, the WX840SB and these were perhaps the best sneakers I had owned up until that point.  They hold my feet right, have great arch support and provide lots of stability for the side to side movements of step aerobics or plyometrics. 

For running I went back to Costco and bought another pair of Adidas running shoes for $40.  They were the Adidas Litestrike EVA.  Since I'd lucked out with the first pair I'd bought there, I figured I could stick with Adidas for a running shoe.  Turns out this was not the case.  They were horrible for running!  Just terrible.  I tried to switch things around: use the New Balances for running and Adidas for aerobics but both sneakers were just manageable for each sport.  The New Balance is definitely  a shoe for aerobics.  The Adidas are more suited to running.  But not to me running. 

So a few weeks ago, I bit the bullet and finally listened to the advice that I had heard from multiple places: I went to a running specialty store to get fitted. Best decision ever!  I ran on the treadmill, tried on thirty thousand shoes and then I decided on the Asics GT-2150.  

They were pricey (about $100 all told) but I know that if I am going to continue running injury-free, I need the best shoe for my feet.  They fit my insoles perfectly and provide awesome cushion and ample support.  They make running that much more of a pleasure.  Six miles and it's not my aching feet and ankles that make me want to stop!  I love them and can't recommend them enough.  I want to say Asics is my running shoe of choice although I will never again just assume that all the different shoes a brand makes will work for me.  But I am certain that when I need a new pair of running shoes, I would buy these particular ones again.  The fact that they are all black is just a bonus!

So yes, I spend a huge chunk of money on fitness.  It's a high priority right now.  I've come to see myself as an athlete.  And just as a serious cook needs high quality equipment, a good athlete needs high quality equipment.  I won't be skimping on my equipment from here on out and I have learned to always go and try on my shoes before I buy them--no matter how convenient online shopping is.

The ArchAndroid

The same good friend that recommended the book I'm reading now (Three Cups of Tea) also hipped me to a relatively new artist Janelle Monae.  I got her album The ArchAndroid and the first couple of times I listened to it, I thought it was way too strange.  But it's really starting to grow on me!  It's really refreshing to hear something so radically different when everyone is essentially doing the same things over and over again.  Plus, there are some tracks on this album that have a really old school, classic feel (think Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn but also Judy Garland . . . lol!)  So I decided to do a little research and watch some videos on YouTube.  And, to my surprise, I think this sister is a natural, i.e. she wears her natural hair texture.  She gets extra cool points for that! So hats off to this very creative sister!  Once I get through this album, I'm going to check out her other one Metropolis. 

Here's a link to "Tightrope":

And maybe my favorite from the album, "Cold War" (I love the video, by the way!  Ms. Monae is stunning!!:


And another one I really love "Sir Greendown":





Also, check out this interesting review of The Archandroid. 

Book Review: Dreaming Me by Jan Willis

I picked up this book after receiving recommendations for it from two sources.  It's not often you hear about a Black woman's experience with Buddhism and so I knew I had to read it.  And I'm so pleased that I did.  I related in so many ways to Willis especially when it comes to wondering why I was born into the family I was when I am the way I am.  I found myself nodding in agreement so often, I had to chuckle.  No surprise that I found my way to Buddhism like Willis did!  

The book was hard emotionally in some parts.  I know that having never lived in the segregated south with the KKK as a serious threat, I can't really appreciate the kind of terror Black folks had to live in.  Willis made this existence stunningly clear.  I mean, things like having to drive around in the sweltering heat with the windows rolled up for fear that some racist would throw acid to blind a Black child . . . it's hard to imagine.  But it's the truth.  Also, Willis does some work to find out her family's history and there were some parts of her search that made me boil with anger.  

And there were some parts that just really struck home like when Willis father tried to let her know that she was just as valuable as her White counterparts.  Meanwhile, society had let her know differently.  Willis wishes that the foundation for a strong self-esteem was laid right from the beginning because in truth, that is the only effective way to do it.  Trying to instill self-esteem in a child who has already been barraged with only negativity about themselves is an uphill (and mostly futile) endeavor.  

Willis also struggled with some phobias like a fear of snakes (like I do) and lightning.  She lives in a house where there are snakes all around.  One gets in her house.  She doesn't freeze or go into shock or anything like I would so I don't think her fear of snakes is as profound as mine.  Her fear of lightning is and I could totally sympathize.  She goes through a form of therapy that helps to realize her fear of lightning is rooted in the terror that the KKK caused for her earlier in life.  This really saddened me but at the same time I was happy that she got to the bottom of it and was able to live life a little more freely.

It was amazing how she tied the book in at the end to her beginnings in the Baptist church, realizing that she didn't need to reject one path to embrace another.  I just loved the way this book ended and had to go back to read that part again.  It was just really sumptuous!  It's a brilliantly written, honest book that chronicles one woman's extraordinary journey: the struggles, the lessons, the hurts and failures as well as the triumphs. 

I really enjoyed this memoir and highly recommend it especially if you are a woman interested in Buddhism.  There are so many pearls of wisdom and insights in this book that I would really love to own it.  I will be keeping my eyes open.

By the way, keeping my eyes open has yielded me three books from the thrift store, I'm happy to say:  Eat, Pray, Love, Autobiography of a Yogi, and a collection of O. Henry's short stories.  All for less than $2.  Can't be mad at that at all. 

I'm currently reading Three Cups of Tea.  It's taking me a little while to get into it (i.e. it has a slow start) but it comes highly recommended by my good friend. 

Going it alone?

I never imagined that homeschooling would be something I would do in isolation.  I always thought that when I was ready, I'd go looking and I'd find a cohesive, vibrant homeschooling community to be a part of.  So far, this is not the case.  There are few homeschooling groups I'm a part of but they are not co-ops   Co-ops generally meet consistently and have an agenda/goal for each meeting.  They are more structured and this is what I would love to have.  The homeschooling groups I'm a part of have mailing lists with all kinds of activities and interesting (though often expensive) programs and I keep thinking I'll get involved with some of the activities (like the playgroups and all that) but the truth is going to these groups would involve 40+ minutes of driving.  One group would have me driving to the city and fighting for parking.  The other would have me driving north further into the country and while I wouldn't have to worry about parking, I would have to worry about the lack of diversity.  

But so far, I haven't been able to find anything going on close to home.  I've tried starting my own playgroup but after weeks of showing up and being the only one there, I'm starting to think that there are just not that many homeschoolers where I am.  And it's discouraging.  I know that I cannot commit to driving 40+ minutes multiple times a week.  But I really don't want to homeschool "on my own".  I can handle the academics but socially, I need the [I]consistent[/I] support and friendship of other homeschooling families.  DS is starting kindergarten this year and I felt myself hesitating to buy his materials just because I don't know how to keep going.  I often feel so alone doing this.  Summer has not been too bad because the neighbors' kids are around.  When they go back to school, I cannot bear to hear my Z1 complain about not having friends to play with and not wanting to play with his baby brother all the time.  I'm kind of at a loss.  And dreading winter.  At least now we can go out to the playground or pool and hang out for hours. 

I really don't need to have a large group of homeschoolers.  Honestly, one committed homeschooling family that we click with would be fine.  I don't know.  I know that having that kind of community relieves a lot of the pressure that builds when it's just you and your children all the time.  When a friend comes over to hang out, even the toughest of days becomes more manageable just by virtue of their presence.  I need people who I feel comfortable with so that we can barter childcare, help each other do this work of raising our children in an environment that encourages learning. 

I often say I'm taking homeschooling one day at a time but honestly, in my heart of hearts, I want to homeschool.  Already, there are so many wonderful reasons I can easily identify that make homeschooling perfect for our family.  But this one issue of social isolation is a huge sticking point.  And I'm forced to take a look at schools just to know what's out there just in case I can't 'make any headway in this regard.

I mean, in many ways, this issue of social isolation that comes with homeschooling is just a continuation of the isolation I've felt as a stay-at-home mom in an area where there are very few stay-at-home moms.  I wonder why I'm drawn to do things that are just not that popular where I am?  I'm not the most social of people but I know I'm not willing to go it alone. 

I'm not giving up hope yet. I recently met a great homeschooling family.  I'm looking forward to getting to know them better.  And I'm thinking about maybe taking the train on down to the city to try one of the playgroups.  Hopefully, the efforts pay off. 

Photo Credit

For a number of reasons,

I do not subscribe to fitness magazines geared toward women.  I'll borrow them from the library but I absolutely refuse to spend my money on them.  First off, they give the same advice month after month:  

Get a flat belly!

Try the sure-fire workout!

Eat this and never gain an ounce again!

They always ignore women of color. To them, we simply don't exist.  

But this month's issue of Fitness, I did purchase for my flight back from California.  I figured I needed something light to read and I thought this magazine would fit the bill.  But it raised so many issues that it was hardly a light read!

Here's a question and answer:

Q 

I'm African-American. [I felt encouraged when I read that--maybe they're paying us some mind!] What's the best way to wear my hair when I workout?

A 

A study from Wake Forest Univesity in Winston-Salem, North Carolina found that 31 percent of AA women polled said they exercise less than they should because of hair-care worries.  Before you ditch the dumbbells, try this routine from stylist Kim Kimble.

Step 1 Pull or brush your hair back into a low ponytail

Step 2 Twist the tail up into a bun and loosely fasten with bobby pins

Step 3 Wrap a cotton scarf around your hair line to absorb sweat

Awesome advice, right? Unless, of course, you have a weave or wear your natural hair. (locks or loose)  Ain't no brushing or pulling going on with my super tightly coiled hair without it being wet.  And a cotton scarf?  Really?  No thank you.  Cotton absorbs oil from the hair and that's the last thing my hair needs.  So who is this stylist they found?  And what an insult to throw this little 2 cents of beauty advice to Black women while touting the report that we exercise less due to our hair. That's just us crazy Black women . . . messing up our hair is more important than our health. ((((Huge eye roll))))  Why not take the time to explore this issue further?  Give it the time and attention it deserves?  I may actually write in on this one because they just can't be serious.

But this was MINOR compared to the blurb they did about Kara Goucher and Paula Radcliff, Olympic distance runners. Radcliffe says: "Labor's harder than a marathon.  When I run, my body works with me.  But when I had my first baby, my body worked against me--for 27 hours."  

Sounds cute right?  Except this is the nonsense that has women scared to death about giving birth.  Running a marathon is not something the body does naturally.  You have to train hard for weeks to do it.  Some would even argue that running in and of itself is not an activity the body is designed to do (walking long distances, yes, running, no).  When you are running, you are essentially working agains twhat your body would like to be doing.  Birth on the other hand?  Womens' bodies are designed to carry and bring forth life.  Nine times out of ten, if the birth process is left alone, it will proceed normally.  I'll agree:  labor is hard work.  Some women find it harder than others.  There are complications sometimes.  But if all women were to realize how to work with their bodies (and not feel that they are working against their body) and given the right tools and mindsets to handle labor, I think many would find that it would proceed as smoothly as the best of marathon runs.  Another point I could write about to this magazine. I just feel this was hugely irresponsible. 

So, I'm pretty sure I won't be subscribing to Fitness anytime soon.  I actually really just prefer fitness magazines geared towards men.  I can figure out how to modify most things.  Do you subscribe to any magazines about fitness that pertain to women?  Can you recommend one that won't drive me batty with hair care and beauty tips (for White women only) and useless advice? 

Quick Little Hat!

I had the wonderful opportunity to go and visit my good (newlywed) sistren in California.  I had a great time on my first visit to California!

This despite the fact that the trip got off to a rough start.  There was a little mix-up and I missed my flight on Friday.  Priceline had sent me repeated emails saying my itinerary had changed and somehow I never looked closely enough at my departure time.  I thought the flight left at 10.  Turns out it took off at 6.  We were in the car at 7:00 AM ready to go when I finally realized it.  We went to the airport and fortunately, I ended up flying standby to Houston where there was a 2 hour layover.  From Houston, I flew standby again to San Francisco.  It felt like it took all day to get to Cali!  And I knew it would be a long travel so I brought ample reading supplies, what I thought was a good knitting project, and some new music.

Well, I finished reading Dreaming Me (review soon to come) and by that time, my eyes were weary.  I started in on the knitting and I don't know why I thought it was a good idea to bring lace knitting on a flight.  Decidedly bad idea.  So then I decided to listen to some music only to realize that I didn't properly sync my IPod!  So there was plenty of The Wiggles on there.  Not exactly what I wanted to be listening too. 

Anyway, I decided to hit up Michael's while in Cali so I could get some yarn (Paton's Classic Merino Wool in this colorway) and a crochet hook for the trip back.  I bought a skein of wool yarn and a G crochet hook, found a great pattern and printed it out.  

Since my trip back was an overnight flight (which, I realize, is preferable to me), I alternated between sleeping and crocheting.  This project was perfect for traveling and now I know what makes a good choice for travel crochet/knitting!

I love the color and I think it will be perfect for brightening up those dreary winter days.  I have a bit of yarn left over and I might combine it with some brown wool to make a short scarf (maybe a bowtie scarf or Bainbridge scarf).  We'll see.  This is the first project I have completed in month and it felt nice to finally get something done.  As an extra treat, I discovered a great show called Lie to Me--perfect to watch while I knit or crochet. 

Wow . . that's a lot!

I had my yearly physical today.  At last year's physical, I weighed 167 pounds.  This year, I weighed 126 pounds.  I lost over 40 pounds in a year!  The first ten pounds came off with exercise.  The last thirty, with Weight Watchers.  Forty pounds!  Wow, that's a lot.  I'm proud of myself but also very relieved.  I feel better and I think I look better.  This is the slimmest I've been since high school.  Actually, I've never been a size 4 before.  Even as a teenager, weighing 120-125 lbs, I wore a bigger size.  I was actually more curvy in high school than now--post kids.  It's really . . . interesting.  

Anyway, I'm determined to keep the weight off.  Five weeks maintaining with success!

I picked up The New Rules of Lifting for Women (which I *really* like) and I think I may start it in the winter.  I'm trying to decide between restarting P90x or this program.  One thing I know:  I love lifting weight and it's something I will always do.

I found out something else at my physical:  I have what's called diastasis recti.  Mine is moderate but according to my doctor, only surgery can correct it.  I have to say it was kind of a relief to find this out.  I has taken the pressure off in that I am certain that it's not that I did or am doing anything wrong or that I'm not doing enough.  I discovered the Tupler Technique which supposedly helps to heal diastasis.  I'm going to look into it. 

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