I'm officially homeschooling!

This is Z1's kindergarten year and it certainly feels different than last year.  First of all, he seems so much mature this year.  I'm always pleasantly surprised with his insights and level of understanding.  Also, you'd be hard-pressed to find any five year olds out and about during the early day: most are in school.  But that's okay even though I was worried earlier that it would pose a problem. 

We wake up in the morning, bathe, have breakfast and then after breakfast we do about an hour of "school" which really just means that we gather around the table to do some focused work on reading, math, handwriting.  Science and social studies sometimes happen at the table but mostly, they happen at the computer (watching DVDs or videos online about science topics we're interested in) or as we're out an about living life (social studies).  Just recently, we wrote and sent a letter off to Z1's grandparents to learn how the mail system works. 

We mainly go out in the afternoons--when the kids are getting out of school!  So I've been happy to find some playgrounds where there are kids Z1's age playing.  Of course, it never seems to be the same kids but at least.  And I've also discovered that recently, Z1 and Z2 play wonderfully without a single fight at the playground.

So we're getting into a good rhythm with things.  I'm learning what I like and what I don't like.  Trying out curricula.  Deciding that I definitely don't need a curriculum for certain subjects.  And generally gaining confidence daily. 

I'm still troubleshooting the socializing aspect but honestly, Z1 doesn't seem bothered at all now that we are busy.  I am still struggling with a sense of isolation/loneliness but I am determined to overcome that. 

So I'm officially homeschooling and so far, so good!  You know one of the  (simple) things that thrills me about this?  That I don't have to wake Z1 up at any particular time every day.  He sleeps till he's ready to get up (usually not past 8)--and wakes up well-rested and ready to tackle the day. 

DVD Review: 10 Minute Solution Knockout Body

Once I realized that Jessica Smith is the person who put together this workout, I knew it would be good.  She's the one who did the Women's Health Train for Your Body Type DVD and to this day, that DVD is still a seriously good workout.  I end up sweating and breathing hard even though I've been doing it for quite a while.  So, as you can imagine, I was excited to try 10 Minute Solution Knockout Body.  And I was not disappointed.  (See a brief clip and check out more reviews here.)

Like all the DVDs in the 10 Minute Solution series, the DVD is broken up into 5 ten minute segments.  Right off the bat, this is wonderful because as soon as you are about to get bored, it's over and a new workout begins (and Ms. Smith wears a different outfit for each one--I don't know, somehow that really helps).  So you can go through all 5 segments or pick and choose.  Today, I chose 2 of the cardio sessions.  I didn't have the gloves so I used a two pound dumbbell in each hand.  Each dumbbell has a neoprene strap so that helped hold them in place while I was punching.  It was really an excellent workout.

Usually on Fridays, I lift weights for 30-35 minutes, do some ab work (Ab Ripper X which I completely rocked today) and then I jump rope for 15-20 minutes.  But I wanted to be a little easy on my knees today and kickboxing is the perfect workout for really building up a sweat without much impact.   This kickboxing workout in particular is wonderful. I think next week I may swap out Ab Ripper X one day and do the core segment from this DVD.  

So overall, a solid workout!

According to my scale . . .

I'm losing weight.  I dropped a pound at each of my last two weigh-ins.  I am still trying to find the  right balance so that I won't continue to lose weight.  I think I'm thin enough and actually I feel a little too thin and light.  I kind of miss my substance.

So this week, I'm trying to up how much I eat since I do not want to reduce how much I workout.  And let me tell you, it's the funniest thing.

I've got my points set to 29 a day.  Obviously I need to eat more than that daily to stay at my current weight so I'm eating all my weekly points plus I will try to eat some of the exercise points.  The thing is, I am not hungry.  29 points (plus 2 points or so daily) is really enough for me to feel full and satisfied.  And so what's happening is that I feel stuffed after meals--and I do not like that feeling.  Also, I am having a hard time (psychologically) going over my points.  Like today I will have used 15 of my weekly points and I almost can't stand to look at my tracker.  One part of me insists that I will get to a point where my body will refuse to lose any more weight so I can just keep doing what I've been doing.  Another part of me fears that I will just waste away if I don't eat more.  Sounds a little . . . unhealthy to me. 

Okay, I know I have control issues and all that.  And Weight Watchers plays into that wonderfully since I now can (meticulously) control what I eat.  It's all there.  Tracked.  And printable.  It's become a part of my life, tracking and I'm starting to think it might be healthier for me to stop tracking for a while and maybe get back in tune with what my body wants to do.  However, I have a nagging fear that my body will simply pack the pounds back on.

Meanwhile, I'm still dealing with terrible intestinal issues.  I'll be getting tested in two weeks for gluten intolerance/celiac disease but sometimes, the tests miss it.  I hope my tests don't.  I'd really like to know for sure before I dive head-first into the (still somewhat daunting) world of gluten free living. 

Anyway, my next weigh in is on Sunday.  Here's to hoping that my weight will have at least stayed stable. 

DVD Review: Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown

Believe me, I thought it very odd that a woman who admits time and time again that she is inflexible would put out a yoga DVD.  But I also know that yoga is not about how much of a pretzel you can twist yourself into and so I gave it a try.

Ms. Michael's is her usual self though she is a touch less abrasive than usual.  It annoyed me when she made air quotes while she talked about yoga practice.  Generally, I felt there was a lack of respect for this time-honored (and sometimes very spiritual) tradition.  There was little emphasis on getting into your body and far too much emphasis on using yoga as another tool for weight loss.  And don't get me wrong.  I don't think using it as a tool for weight loss is a bad thing:  I myself started practicing yoga when I decided I wanted to get fit and healthy.  It's just that there's this really glaring ignoring of the other aspects of yoga which you can readily find in even in the most basic and mainstream introductory DVDs (such as Crunch Yoga The Perfect Yoga Workout).  And I'm not talking overtly spiritual stuff like chanting OHM or opening your third eye chakra and all that.  I'm talking about reminding practitioners that it's not all about the physical.  Well, maybe for Ms. Michael's that's all it is. 

Anyone who's done vinyasa yoga can attest to the fact that the flowing movements will indeed work up a good sweat.  Will you burn tons of calories?  Probably not.  But if you do get warm enough, you can get into some awesomely beneficial poses.  The routine that Jillian put together felt disjointed and awkward to me.  It was too fast paced and didn't really have a good flow.  I had to stop and watch a few times to figure out what she wanted me to do.  Once I got into the pose I had to quickly arrange myself into another pose.  Not once did she ask me to watch my breath [while in a pose].  Not once did she speak to my alignment.  Watching her do the workout was even more awkward because like she's said, she's not all that flexible.  Even the so-called advanced demonstrator person looked quite awkward (and un-graceful) to me.  And I found myself wondering (which I rarely do) how many takes it took to get some of the poses completed.  And then I found myself wondering where she got certified to teach yoga.  And then I found myself paying extra attention to what I was doing so I didn't hurt myself doing things that a) the instructor can't do herself and b) she may or may not be qualified to teach.  Like I was definitely sure that doing "reps" in yoga is not such a great thing.  And I am watching my knees these days . . . so I was not going to follow along with that. 

So yes, it was a workout.  I did sweat a bit.  Did I feel like it deepened my practice?  No.  Did I feel relaxed and at peace with the world after?  No. Maybe she should have called it a yoga-inspired workout because I can't say for certain that it was actually yoga. 

So overall, I wasn't too thrilled with this production and don't think I'll be doing it again anytime soon.  I think for folks beginning a yoga home practice, there are far better options out there that will teach you about yoga--it's history and it's spirit and it's form. 

Nope. Can't Do it. Wouldn't be prudent at this juncture!

Eating wheat that is.  

I am finally, after years of sinking suspicion, accepting that I cannot tolerate wheat.  As a child, I tested as allergic to it but I guess I just adjusted.  I guess as I got older, my body couldn't take it anymore.  I took a break from wheat for a week (which was really tough, I'll admit because I really enjoy my whole wheat breads and things) and then started up again yesterday.  I'm bloated.  And just feel so . . . lethargic. 

I'm tired of the bloating.  Tired of just feeling off.  (((Sigh))) I'm not looking forward to learning a new way to bake.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll get excited at some point but not now.  

For now, I found a pretty decent, straightforward vegan, gluten-free pancake recipe which I'll try next Sunday.  

Are you a vegan, gluten free baker? Any words advice?

Curry Chickpea Stew

I really dislike recipes that call for cooked beans because it's an extra step!  Most of the time, I cook a big batch of beans and freeze them in small portions for easy use in these recipes.  Sometimes  (like today) I don't have the right beans frozen and I don't want to go through the hassle of cooking beans right at that moment.  I could use canned but I like to use canned beans sparingly (mainly in dips like hummus or salads) because they can be more expensive than dried beans (and as much as I have tried to ignore it, there's the BPA issue blah, blah, blah).  

Anyway, most soaked beans lend themselves well to being cooked in a soup or a stew.  I've done it with almost every bean under the sun just using spices and herbs that naturally compliment the beans (like cumin for black beans or fennel for navy beans).  I've done it for every bean except garbanzo beans (chickpeas).  Until today.  

Curry Chickpea Stew

• 4 cups of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) along with 16 cups of their soaking water (soak the beans overnight)
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 large onion chopped
• 5 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 4 carrots chopped
• kale, stems and all, chopped or ripped into ribbons
• 2 tbsp. curry powder
• 2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• salt to taste
• 1 cup vegetarian beef chunks or cubed tofu (optional)
• 1 cup frozen corn

In a large soup pot, in 2 tbsp. of olive oil over medium flame, saute the chopped onion till translucent. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute or so.  Add spices and cook for 1 minute.  Add diced tomato and cook until the tomatoes break down, about 3-4 minutes.  Add carrots.  Pour in the chickpeas and the soaking water, cover and bring to a boil.  Once it is boiling, reduce heat to low.  Cook for 1 hour or until beans are tender.   Add the vegetarian beef chunks or cubed tofu (I used beef chunks but tofu that had been frozen and thawed would work great in this recipe) and then add the kale and the corn.  Cover and cook for 1-2 more minutes.  Taste.  Adjust seasoning (i.e. add salt or more pepper).  Turn off heat.  Enjoy!

Makes 10 servings.

I had a little bit of sweet plantain left over that I tossed in there too.  I can't taste it but it might be doing a little something for the dish.  :)

The stew is really delicious and satisfying.  It's actually a wonderful fall/winter stew.  I think instead of (or in addition to the) beef chunks or tofu, you could add some pumpkin or sweet potato. 

The recipe as I cooked it today is 7 Weight Watchers points per serving.

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.