It is a labor of love to write today’s blog post because I can barely move my fingers due the fresh hell that has descended upon me courtesy of Jillian Michaels. I started her Ripped in 30 exercise program which, contrary to popular opinion, does not mean that you’ll be sporting a beach body in 30 days but will, in fact, lie gasping on the floor within 30 seconds pondering whether or not it would be cricket to heave onto the new carpet on your bedroom floor.
Why, no, I haven’t exercised in over 10 months. Why do you ask?
My friend Tracey came over to the house last Friday morning and as we visited over several pieces of sour cream coffee cake (HINT, THIS MAY BE WHY I COULDN’T MAKE IT PAST THE SECOND CARDIO ROUND), we were discussing the tragedies of being in our 40s and she said that she was starting the Thirty Day Shred this next week and because I’m a bandwagon-er I said that was a wonderful idea and I’d do it to.
Regrets, I’ve had a few…
Anyway, I spent the rest of the weekend obsessing over starting the exercise program sometime this next week and decided yesterday morning just to rip off the band-aid and get started. I’ve somehow managed to get Craig committed to joining me, though judging by the wordless looks we exchanged this morning after completing Day 2, the spirit AND flesh are weak and oh, so unwilling and this will be a hard, long slog to the bitter, bitter end. But we shall persevere because I want to enjoy our upcoming long week-end in Mexico instead of sitting wrapped up on the beach wishing that I’d done something (ANYTHING) in the previous 40 days, so, in other words, for the next forty days Ima gonna’ be cranky.
In other news, before I was unable to lift my arms over my head, the kids and I went to the cheap movies on Saturday and saw Wreck It Ralph and then went to Walmart to spend their allowances and gift cards they received from Aunt Patty and Uncle Steve. Tommy bought some a new Skylander, JJ an Airsoft gun (dear neighbors, I’ve asked him to stay in the back yard with it but I make no promises), and Travis bought yet another Thomas train. I bought responsible things like milk, eggs, and Chocolate Lucky Charms.
The highlight of the weekend, though, was sitting on the couch and catching the season premier of Downton Abbey. I have missed my favorite aristocrats and the episode did not disappoint. I’m a little sad, though, because I haven’t been able to keep away from the spoilers and I know what happens in the season finale and I won’t share it here in case everyone else is spoiler free but lemme just say that you need to prepare yourselves.
No big plans for the week except getting the boys ready for their snow tubing weekend with the youth group (have to find a snow bib that will fit Tommy) and doing some cooking since C is home all week. That, and relearning how to bend my arms and stand unaided from a seated position.
Have a nice day.
Carpool Queen's Blog 
Just position a boy under each arm and push up on them. I’m here for you.
My British friends posted some spoilers since they’re ahead of the US. Bracing myself : )
Aching muscles are no joke! I hope it pays off getting shredded. Keep us updated on the progress.
commiserate with your pain and suffering due to exercise. nod my head in joyful agreement with the weekend highlight being the DA premier – but, i have not peeked and haven’t a clue what could possibly be the next turn! gah!
I made it to day three of 30 Day Shred. Then I told Lee he was on his own. (He quit two days later.)
I have not gotten into Downton Abbey yet, but I’m currently on my first watching of The West Wing, thank you Netflix. And loving it.
The pain of having to leverage yourself up off the toilet seat because of Jillian…I know this pain well. God be with you.
Ripped in 30 = Sheets ripped to 30 shreds, trying to pull yourself out of bed in the morning. No one makes you question your sanity and resolve quite like Jillian. You can do it!!!
If it makes you feel better all the pain really pays off in the long run. I didn’t even know I could get a little bicep going til I did that DVD. I felt stronger and fitter than any diet could ever do for me.