5 Minutes Please

This mom does not like messes. I do indulge my kids–playdough, mud puddles, roasted marshmallows, ice cream cones, popsicles. But I cringe with every second.

Popsicle brand has now introduced Slow Melt Popsicles.  “. . . a touch of gelatin makes the fun last longer than our regular pops!”

Longer?

MESSIER!!!

Do they not realize that the longer it takes something sticky to melt, the higher the odds for a bigger mess? What group of mothers did Popsicle survey for this bright idea? The box should include the disclaimer “Popsicle waives responsibility for clean up.”

Now if Popsicle could create a “NO melt” popsicle, they would have more friends than they can shake a stick at! (Ha! No pun intended.)

Jacob: My secret identity is a super hero. I have lips that can stretch to outer space.

Mom: Why do you need lips that stretch to outer space?

Jacob: I might want to kiss God.

I just experienced 5 Minutes of the most wonderful kind of Peace.

The near 3 year old fell and cut his lip AND bonked his nose. Blood. I layed him down on the bed to comfort him (and stop the blood flow). Zachary was quite calm and quiet.

Big brother came in to check (making progress there). I felt that Zachary was going to fall asleep. I asked Jacob to go to the living room and wait quietly. He did (more progress).

I lay with Zachary, stroking his face and chest and “shhhing.” After about 5 minutes, Zach was alseep. It was so sweet to lay by my littlest boy (who soon no longer be a baby) and coax him in to quiet sleep. Thank you God for sending me this right when I needed it.

Zacahry has not napped for over 6 months! (And the other boy stayed quiet.)

Week 1, Day 3 Again (July 12, 2009)

Alright people. I admit it. I am definitely a couch potato.

Today I jogged the first 3 rounds of jogging–ONLY. I walked the rest of the way.  Again, I do not think this program is design for us true couch potatoes.

I just can’t  do this thing! It’s ok though. I feel good about it. I will walk for a while. Which is more than I have been doing. I’m getting out there and doing something. That’s good. I feel better about it–it’s not a chore, and I’m moving.

Thus, Iwill not write about my walking experience. That’s not too funny! When I am up to the Couch Potato program, I’ll try to pass some humor your way. Maybe I can encourage you and together we can get healthy.

Week 1, Day 3    (July 11, 2009)

Today I made it 8 minutes! I’m supposed to be improving.

I had to walk the rest of the way. I did walk. But I do admit, I had to sit down with 3 minutes left and 2 blocks from home.

Again today I was surpassed by a senior citizen. And who sweats on the TOP of their wrists!

This program was not designed for couch potatoes. I think I’ going to die running up one flight of stairs! I am so pitiful. I am not even average or normal. What can be lower than a couch potato? A couch? Maybe I better enroll in that chair yoga class! Uff da!

Week 1, Day 2 (July 8, 2009)

After completing day 2, I lay on a park bench recovering. I look up in to the tree leaves. Soon the leaves begin to flutter in an unexpected way. “Am I dying?” I wonder? The I see multiple little yellow butterflies twittering about. “Yep, this is it. I’m dying–I’m seeing heaven. And, I’ve gone to my death as a couch potato!”

But then . . . My vision clears. I realize that these are ordinary butterflies. My breath calms, as does my heart. I live to rise from the couch another day!!

Today I made it 13 minutes  & 10 seconds. It actually went ok. And only 5 minutes to recover! I think I will have to do Week 1 at least two if not three times! I CAN do it.

Week 1, Day 1     July 7, 2009

I have decided to try the exercise program: “Couch Potato to 5K in 9 Weeks.”

The first day consists of a 20 minute workout alternating 90 seconds of walking and 60 seconds of jogging. How hard can that be?

Day One: Failure. I made it about 8 minutes! I had to walk the rest of the way.

And then it took me half an hour to recover! Chasing after toddlers is NOT an exercise plan.

I ran through the park. Within the first 5 minutes I passed seniors citizens doing chair yoga. “I can do this” I told myself.

I was passed by a senior out for her morning walk. “I can do this” I told myself.

She passed me a second time! “I can’t do this” I told myself.

I guess I better keep it up. I can’t be beat by a bunch of senior citizens!  I’ll get nowhere if I stay on that couch. I figure it best to circle my block, though. That way if I pass out, it’s close to home. Maybe someone will find me and say, “You can do this.”

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I hate shopping for new underwear. Why fix what ain’t broken? The same “pair” of women’s underwear can change every six months.

Last week I spent 30 minutes staring at the selection of underwear in the store. I tried to limit myself on the time. The view through the package told me that the “same” underwear I bought the last time around was not the “same” underwear this time around. I wondered: Should I give it whirl? I did. They are NOT the “same.”

On a second trip I spent 45 minutes trying to decide which package to give a try this time. I bought 5 different styles and sizes! (This way I can make fewer trips—Like I said, I do not have the time to stare at underwear!) And that still isn’t a guarantee. Sure, the package says the undies are made of pre-shrunk cotton.

Who do the manufacturers talk to about the current underwear? What makes them change it? I wonder if they talk to the women who buy and wear the undies? And who designs the undies? Men? I am a busy mom. Many days can go by with little joy and/or comfort. I cannot mess around with my undies. They have to feel good.

Another thing, I admit it: After 3 kids and 15 years of marriage, it is now all about the comfort. I don’t share my undies with my man too often. Anyway, I have “special” ones tucked away in the back of the drawer for those occasions! (And those for sure are not comfy! Oh, what we’ll do for our guy!)

Do they change men’s’ underwear? No! Same undies year after year. . . . . Maybe I should switch to men’s. I have my own “boy’s briefs.” They are extremely comfy, and I think they are sexy!

From now on, when I find a good fit, I‘m buying every package in a 15 mile radius! (Assuming my body is not going to change in size/shape.)

I was in a quandary the other day.

The boys were killing ants.

I did not know if I should stop them. Kids will be kids. And what’s the loss of a few ants?

But I was torn, because I believe that ants are one of God’s creatures. Do I present this lesson to the boys? Remember the earlier post about Jacob and God’s glorious critters.

Then I had an epiphany. (Don’t you love that word/idea?!)

Maybe God created ants for the sole purpose of giving mothers 5 minutes of peace!