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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Fitness Update (after the brownies!)

Of course, right after the brownie recipe above, I feel the need to give an update on the Physically & Fiscally fit pledge I made to myself on July 1.

I’ve been using an exercise tape for half an hour about four times weekly. Only half an hour because I lose interest after thirty minutes. I get bored, I wonder what the kids are doing, I wonder what is happening in the house because I don’t know what the kids are doing… and I am just not very patient. In my mind I am thinking this doesn’t really add up to much and was regretting proclaiming to Blogland that I am taking on this self challenge.

Until today.

This afternoon I was at the hairdresser’s getting my hair done. Sitting in her chair, after work, in front of her full length mirror… I saw it. My knees had changed. They looked different peering out from under my skirt.

Right about that moment my Mom stopped to see me on her way to the mall.

“Mom, look, my knees have changed.”

“Honey, they look the same to me.”

“No, Mom, look, they’re more muscular!”

"Tara, I don’t think knees can look muscular. They’re knees.”

My hairdresser nodded in agreement. “No, look,” I explained, “They used to be knobby. Now they are rounded.”

"You’re sitting down, how can you tell?” said my Mom. She was losing patience with me. My hairdresser grunted in agreement.

“Because these knees have never looked this way before, they look different, I’m telling you!”

“OK, honey, they look great. Do you want me to wait for you and you can come to the mall with me?” Now at this point I feel she should be able to see the difference. She gave birth to these knees, after all! So very maturely I responded, “No, I’m going home after my hair is done.”

“We’ll talk later”, she said and, as she left, she and my hairdresser exchanged glances.

Determined I am not crazy, I came home to show my family my new, muscular knees.

When I walked through the door, my husband was putting the ravioli on the table for dinner. My eldest daughter was grabbing utensils, the youngest iced tea from the frig. I walked right to the table, sat down and faced them.

“Do you see anything different?” I asked them.

They all stopped in motion together. “No”, was the unison response.

“Look how different my knees look from working out.”

"Mom, what are you talking about??”

“They are more muscular….see? Right on the sides? They were never like this. Look how rounded they look, they aren’t the same!”

My eldest daughter literally threw herself on the floor guffawing. “Who has muscular knees?” she shrieked.

“Tara, that’s kinda crazy”, said my husband trying to suppress a smile.

“Papa, is something wrong with Mommy’s knees?” asked my 7 year old, wide-eyed.

This whole conversation made me glad my son was away at college. He would’ve been on the floor with my daughter.

Now I was miffed. Where was the support? “They ARE more muscular and they have changed. I see an improvement!” I went off to change out of my work clothes. You could hear giggling voices, my husband’s light admonishment.

Well, after all, I see the change. That should be enough! I am sure I do not even know what my mother’s knees look like so would I even notice if her knees changed? Why should my kids, husband or mother? Feeling proud of myself, I returned to the kitchen and we ate dinner catching up on the day.

As I did the dinner dishes I was feeling good about my little half hours of exercise. They were really adding up!

The phone rang. “Hey, Mom,” said my college son, “I hear you have the knees of the Hulk!”

Darn those cell phones.

26 comments:

Kathleen Grace said...

Keep up the good work Tara! You should be proud of yourself. Half and hour may not sound like much to some but we all have to start somewhere and anything is better than nothing (which is my exercise program right now!) Besides, everyone knows the knees are the first place to show improvement:>)

Melanie said...

Gotta love those kids---- Hey.. I think they're just jealous....

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Oh Tara, that is too cute! Your kids just had too much fun with that!!
But we know our own bodies and when we exercise we can see the little changes that take place and it's so rewarding. So pay no attention to those that can't see the difference!!
You go girl!!
Hugs, Sherry

Unknown said...

Hi Tara,

Good for you for working out!! I have been working out a little (very very little) these past few weeks. I see little changes that I know my family will never notice. But I notice and that is important to me! And it keeps me motivated...I cant say I like to exercise. I need all the motivation I can get!

You asked if we had horses when we lived near you and the answer is yes!

Enjoy your week!

annie

MeMeMe said...

ahahahahha You go, Tara! It's time to post another picture of you!

I too have been taking a lot of walks. I exercised in front of the tv a few days ago, for 30 minutes too. Then last night my cousin left a comment on my Friendster account saying, "are you looking sexier?" woohoo

i have a long way to go.

Just A Girl said...

Ha Ha Tara! This is too funny, but you failed to mention the fiscal...oops! Was that intentional?
I'm smiling of course!
Have a fun day my bloggy kneed friend.
Cori

Spot said...

Seeing is believing. I am about to show off all four of my knees at the Morwellham Quay terrible lurcher show (should that be terrier) this Sunday. I am due for a best in show, how about you?

Sandi McBride said...

Tara, I agree, knees improve with working out...oh yes, I see it, too...your knees are more...I don't know, muscular? Rounded? Definitely improved! What do Moms, kids and husbands know anyway?
hugs
Sandi
ps
how's your Dad doing?

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Tara, you are doing great! And I know you are not crazy. Since I have stopped playing tennis 3 times a week my knees are getting flabby! So I know your's must be looking good!
Penny

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I bet your knees do look more muscular Tara! Keep it up and more will follow :-)

I have been going to the gym but nothing is happening to me except for achy joints afterward. It's so frustrating battling the bulge.

Let's keep determined!

Hugs, Pat

Just A Girl said...

Hi Tara,
I have an award on my blog for you. I just thought of something...you can say that you now have graceful gams. Sounds good to me.
:) Cori

Barb McMahon and Alan Mailloux said...

Hello..... pictures?

Unknown said...

Tara,
This was hysterical...this is written like an Erma Bomback piece. Gorgeous. I say take photos too. But you know the most important thing, is that you see and feel the difference. But getting back to your writing here, you are so good at this! Karen

Gypsy Butterfly said...

Hello Tara,
Congrats to you! I think it's so important to exercise. All you need is 30 minutes a day to get into great shape. Doing 30 minute workouts won't burn you out and bore you, so it's much easier to stick to your exercise routine. Keep up the good work!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Lydia

A Romantic Porch said...

Well Tara, I'm proud of you AND I believe you! xorachel

Unknown said...

hahaha...Tara :D You are too funny!! OK, I believe you, you've got MUSCULAR knees...I try to imagine that, maybe a picture will be good :D

I know how it feels, after pouring hours of exercising..we need some result. I told my husband I lost 2 kilos..as its fasting month now, he said..cant be something's wrong with the weighting machine @ home. So much for support!

Have a great weekend, dont give up...go for it!! We like to see and hear other knobbly part turn muscular too :D hugs

annechovie said...

Good for you, Tara! Don't let anyone diminish your results! Have a great weekend!

Magnolia Street Style said...

I remember when you announced your new excerise statement. I thought I could do that too. But I didn't. So I give you an "ATTA GIRL" for sticking to it. If you feel better...that's all that matters. And who knows I may get inspired this fall with the new fall fashions.

ps. I have a family JUST like yours. Don't you just love 'em.

Tina Leavy said...

hi Tara,
want to invite you and any of your friends to join the seed exchange event over at my blog. hope some of you will join in.
Have a great week.
Tina

Donna said...

Tara,
You make me smile! What a cute story. I know it's making a difference and I know your knees have changed! Keep up the good work!

Hugs,
Donna

Rue said...

Great job Tara and good for you for seeing the results! I know exactly what you are seeing, because I always notice the changes before anyone else does ;)

hugs,
rue

Life on the Edge said...

Lol, sometimes family is just NO help whatsoever!

Well if you can tell a difference, then you're making progress! Congrats! I am working hard on my own diet and exercise program, the first that I have actually been serious about!

Kady

Kelly said...

Oh gotta love those boys of ours!

kelly


this post made me smile!

Cottage Contessa said...

Funny post Tara! Sweetie, as long as you can see a difference that makes you happy with yourself, that's the main thing! Good on you for sticking with it though!
Wishing you a terrific day!
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

Betty said...

LOL LOL I was looking at my legs and thought they looked skinnier and told my hubby so. He agreed with me but I could see the deer caught in the head lights look.

Beth Leintz said...

LOL!! Good for you- I think July/August & Sep of working out 4 days a week is a real accomplishment!