This week, Shayla and I are discussing longevity.
Today’s question is: Do You Think You Will Keep Blogging 5, 10, 15, 20 Years From Now?
I’m not very good at predicting the future, and I never would have pegged myself for a blogger a year ago, but I can honestly say I hope I will be blogging then! Who knows how social media and the internet will change, but as I’ve said in earlier posts, I love connecting with new people, both online and in real life, and I’ve found a good writing rhythm, so I hope I can keep that up for years to come.
I’ve been writing here for almost a year, and I still feel excited and inspired each day. One of my goals is to keep up the momentum, and I’d love for my blog to become a possible springboard for writing gigs, maybe as my boys get older. I also realize I’ll soon assume the position of their chauffeur, and my quiet time in the afternoons and evenings will become limited, too. I guess that’s all part of motherhood, but hopefully it will also provide some interesting fodder for my blog.
I think my current place in life is pretty common among bloggers, and it will be interesting to see how we all change and grow as we get older. Maybe one day, I’ll be writing about the awesome trips I’m taking, or even about my grandchildren, but we’ll just have to see!
Shayla’s life is going to change in a few months when her first baby arrives, so check out her response to today’s question at Northern Exposure, and be sure to share your experiences, too!
(My Mother’s Day bouquet of peonies, still going strong.)
This week was pretty quiet, and we are gearing up for the start of summer soon. We’ll be spending the weekend with friends and enjoying the weather before it gets too hot. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
Our local school board election was last Saturday, and the good people of my little city spoke loud and clear! Here’s a great editorial by the local paper.
The fight for deregulation of Interior Design services in Texas continues. Kelly Barnett, who spearheaded the campaign, explained via email: The Senate voted on our bill this morning. The exam requirement was preserved, but the Senate will now give 4 years for NCIDQ (exam) passage instead of 3. While it was not exactly what we had hoped for (deregulation), at least all Texas RIDs (registered interior designers) will now have to “qualified by exam,” no more “grandfathering.” If you are a “grandfathered” designer, or know one, encourage them to join us in 2 years, when we fight for deregulation again, when the playing field will truly be “level.” From here, the Senate and House bills will be reconciled, and Governor Perry will sign the bill as it becomes law September 1, 2013. Not bad for our first “rodeo!”
Texas’ craft beer bills go before the House today, and they could drastically change the way craft beer is sold here.
Clothing retailers need to step up and demand safe factories for production.
The last survivor of the Bangladesh factory collapse shares her experience.
And Angelina Jolie was in the news this week, for choosing to undergo an elective mastectomy. Here’s a glimpse, through pictures, of another woman’s journey through treatment for breast cancer. (The photos are graphic, but so powerful.)
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
(My pair of workout shoes.)
I’ll be totally honest. I hate exercising. I don’t get excited doing it, and you’ll never find me at the gym or training for a marathon. I have lots of respect for people who work out regularly, but it’s just not something I like to do. I don’t like to sweat, and I’d rather be in air-conditioning, doing something like reading or blogging.
But I know I need to exercise to stay healthy for my boys, so I’m trying. A little.
I’ve always been a walker, and that used to be enough for me. After James was born, I’d put him in his stroller and we’d take long walks together practically every day. I kept that up while pregnant with Rhys, even in the heat of the mild summer when he was born, and I was probably in the best shape of my life then. But newborn Rhys didn’t like to go for walks, and though I spend most mornings outside with the boys, playing and walking as they ride their bikes, it’s just not enough physical activity for me.
With my autoimmune issues and breastfeeding, I always lost my post-baby weight easily. But since I stopped nursing Rhys last fall, my body has definitely changed and I’ve gained some weight. I’m sure it’s a combination of several factors, but I know I need more exercise in my life.
Last month, I saw a sign for Jazzercise near my hair salon, and on a crazy whim (I’m prone to those, I guess), I decided to check it out. I bought new workout shoes and an outfit, things I didn’t even own, and on an unseasonably cold and rainy day while the boys were in school, I headed to the dance studio for my first class. Unfortunately, the instructor was out sick with the flu, and I haven’t had an opportunity to go back yet.
I could have given up, but instead, I dusted off my old walking pilates DVD by Stott Pilates, and gave it a try. I originally bought the video and its second level companion last summer, but then I started that blogging class, and, well, you know the rest.
But this time, I put it on and worked all the way through the 20 minute walking cardio and the 15 minutes of pilates toning. And you know what? I actually liked it!
I’m a bit of a cynic when it comes to workout programs, and I have a hard time jumping on bandwagons, you might have noticed. I don’t like cheesy gimmicks, and I can’t stand someone barking instructions at me, so that’s probably why I haven’t been back to Jazzercise. But the Stott Pilates program is my cup of tea. It’s quiet and calm, sort of like me, and the instructors are nice and helpful, but not what I’d call perky. Since I’m a walker, I love the idea of walking exercises, and I LOVE the fact that I can do them in the privacy of my own home, directly under my ceiling fan, with the air-conditioner on full blast.
I haven’t moved up to the second level yet, and for now, I’ve committed to the 20 minute walking cardio program most nights after the boys go to bed. I make myself do it before blogging, and it’s a great stress reliever. I haven’t done much of the toning section, but already, I can see and feel a difference with my body. In fact, I’ve come to look forward to working out, which is really bizarre.
I’m also making a few small changes, just here and there, to what I eat. Nothing drastic, just healthier choices, though I will never be able to give up carbs, or cheese, or chocolate. I just don’t see the point. I’m a wife and mom, and I’ll be 35 this summer. I have no desire to look super young or to be super thin, and I’m totally fine with looking my age. I will never run a race, and at this rate, I’ll probably never do Jazzercise, either.
But I’m doing something to stay healthy, and that’s enough for me.
