Not Fit One Bit

It's winter, and as the temperature has dropped, my weight has gone up.  I can list my reasons (ahem-excuses) for this.  It's really cold.  It gets dark at 4:30.  Cookies taste good.  EJ wakes up too early. My gym is crowded, and that's annoying.  I don't have any Lululemon workout clothes.  I think my running sneakers are old and I could get shin splints.  I'm tired. Wine tastes good. Bread with butter is everything.

So one morning, when I once again couldn't find pants that fit, I decided that I'd had enough and did what any other true American would do...I threw money at the problem.

I drove, not walked to my nearest electronics store and bought a Fitbit.  It was going to be a real game-changer, I could feel it.  I charged the device and downloaded the app on my phone as I ate veggie straws.  I felt fitter already.  I then scoffed at the goal of 10,000 steps daily...of course I could do that...I'm an ACTIVE teacher constantly flitting around nurturing young minds, and, wait for it, my classroom is on the SECOND floor, so I'm walking up and down stairs everyday...make it  more like 20,000 steps, Fitbit.

Astonishingly, I've been Fit-bitter, err, a Fit-bitter for a few weeks, and my pants are still tight.  I've only hit 10,000 steps once. It's quite shameful.  One day, it was only 4,000.  Gulp.  I thought I was SO much more active than that.

I've done everything except actually workout to try to up my step count.  I made a board on Pinterest about getting in shape. I read health magazines. I march in place as my students answer questions.  I climb the stairs a few extra times during the day.  I walk to the faculty bathrooms in the farthest bowels of the school (pun!).  But, 10,000 steps continues to elude me.

I've thought about strapping my Fitbit onto an animal while I sleep.  That has to be good for a few thousand steps.  I have also considered purchasing a Shake Weight (those things work, right?) in the hopes that I can at least tone my arms while the shaking motion increases my step count.  But, I've stopped myself from this type of scheming because when you cheat your Fitbit, who really wins?

So, I'm back to step, err, square one.  I guess all I can really do to reach 10,000 steps is move more.  Maybe even go to the gym once in a while.  I guess some good old fashioned hard work and mild sacrifice is called for...sacrifice beyond wearing a rubber bracelet that clashes with my outfits and jewelry.  I'll let you know how it goes.

In Memoriam

I remember you dancing a lot.  Whether it was a group or solo performance, it didn't matter.  The rhythm spoke to you...even that damn Electric Slide song.  My favorite dance compilation was to the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.  Please find Patrick Swayze up there and show him your moves.

I remember you taking us skiing for the first time...four kids to only one parent.  We got into a car accident on the way there...flew over a snow bank and into a ditch.  After we were towed out, you felt like we still needed to hit the slopes and not waste the trip.  What a trooper.

I remember you telling us to just "let it go"...way before Frozen came on the scene.  You urged us to be more carefree and less uptight.  Very important lessons for Type-A worriers.

I remember you on vacation.  You had fun, which you always did, but it was really heightened by tropical drinks and sunsets. Good times.

I remember you being a good sounding board.  A second mom.  You offered me a fresh perspective on my life, another fork in the road I could take.

I remember Friday night sleepovers and pizza dinners.  We could stay up later at your house, and you were always willing to let us spend the night and try to get out of Saturday morning cleaning at ours'.

I remember summers with you.  Beach trips and backyard BBQ's.  Days that started early and ended late without formal props and plans, but were magical just the same.

I remember your "every day is a gift" attitude.  You really felt and lived this way.  I always found it remarkable...partly because I'm pretty cynical, partly because you'd been through so much.  You  never let things get you down for long.  You always stood back up and truly enjoyed life, grateful for the tiny moments of each day.  Coffee on the porch, sunsets, a good book, sharing Facebook messages.

I remember you always encouraging us to live freely and love fiercely...whilst maintaining our independence and self-reliance.

I remember you being there when EJ was born.  And at his first birthday.  And at his second.  Thank you.

One week ago, a lovely, loving, brave, funny, smart, sassy woman passed away. She will be dearly missed by those who loved her, and even if you didn't know her, her life and what she stood for should be remembered by us all.