A day off

I don't really know what a day off feels like. Since the beginning of the year, my days have been occupied in some way or another- either working or taking care of the fam. It just so happened that today, I had nothing on my schedule, nothing at all. Then, I found out that Gab's teacher was going on strike with the thousands of other civil servants and wouldn't be in class today. My first instinct was to ask L's babysitter to stay at home. Then, I thought, what the heck, we're paying her anyway and then she even offered to come watch both kids. Normally, I would sit my butt in a café or the library and work, but I'm caught up enough on lesson plans and other stuff that I decided today I'd do something for myself.

Traffic didn't look bad this morning, so I first took Etienne to work in the 13th arr. While I was over there, my mind was stirring with possibilities of what to do. I even almost took in a movie but then remembered that the cinema in that area had closed. Then, I thought about going to the super mega Asian grocery store Tang Frères, but couldn't find the place. So, headed to my original destination: the pool.

I had bought a card for 12 entries last summer and since have been so busy that I haven't had time. I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight and even a little less and am now adding some size 8's to the wardrobe which has pretty much never happened (not since 7th grade) but I don't really thank any strict diet or exercise program for that- my body shape has changed after 2 pregnancies and even though I may be a smaller size, there are problem areas that weren't problem areas before, namely my butt and stomach. I told myself that a goal to start off the new year was to get back into shape and to get the family eating healthy again, especially before getting pregnant again. Towards the end of the year, we kind of got off track with our meals. So, today looked like the perfect day to start that goal and go to the pool. At the pool, they asked if I would like to try out the fitness center for free. Heck yes! I used to be a member of the Y in Norman when my apartment was just up the street and then switched to the awesome fitness center at OU. I would have loved to find a health club here, but they are too dang expensive (usually around 150 per month) since it's not quite as in fashion as in the US and I'm not as available as I used to be to go whenever. But, I do love fitness centers. Anyway, this one at our pool is reasonable (55 a month for pool, fitness club, sauna and jacuzzi etc.) but I haven't convinced E to let me join (remember he's French, and very traditional and doesn't see the need to join a fitness club!) When they let me try it out for free today, it couldn't have been more perfect timing. I ran on the treadmill for 30 min., did some weights and then enjoyed the steam bath, sauna, and jacuzzi and RELAXED! When I left, I felt very refreshed and very wanting to join the club! E still needs convincing, though. Oh, and you have to take out a year's membership. Since our plans might just be to have another baby this year, I might not get our money's worth. But, what a great way to convince E to let me join to lose baby fat!

Anyway, after that, just did some mundane grocery shopping, but my trip to the fitness center was enough to make a drab, grey January day a little more cheery!

Comments

[Beth]

hey andie...did you get my email from last week?

beth