Something new

Today was the first day of school for Fayette County.  For the first time, both boys are in school at the same facility.  I kind of didn't know what to do with myself.  I knew I had a dentist appointment at 10:30, but other than that I was free as a bird.

Instead of sitting around, waiting for something to do,  I decided to try a BarreAmped class at Elle Fitness.   www.ellefitnesslex.com  Oh.My.Word.  I was pleasantly surprised.  After a short warm-up, I say short even though I was already sweating, we headed to work at the bar.   AMAZING!! In that one hour class I feel as though I worked every part of my body and then some.  The poses were relatively easy, if you are 100lbs!!! At my weight, they're a challenge.  Balancing on my toes, knees wide, then tilting and tucking my lower abs and booty.  Needless to say, it was not attractive by any means, but I did feel a burn.  Lots of booty work, which I love and work with a ball (booty and abs).  I think this could be something I could see getting trained to do eventually.  Who knows?  But for now I'm just going to enjoy it.  The first class was free, but I will most certainly pay to return.  It is said results can be seen within 10 classes.  If that's the case then sign me up!  I have some time between now and the time of the new place opening, so why not?

On the flip side....the other day I was venting about parenting and how difficult it is.  Not feeling like a good mom and such.  I have to say I was actually commended the other day regarding my parenting skills.  As we approached the checkout lane at Target the other day, Alex proceeded to throw something on the belt. I believe it was a pack of gum.  I had okayed the gum, but it was how he went about placing it on the belt that I got upset.  I made him get the gum and place it gently where it belonged.  He started crying about not getting pokemon cards, and I reminded him of things he had bought with his money already.  I was about at my wits end when the little cashier said to me, "you have good parenting skills".  Holy cow! Are you kidding me? Thank heavens I've done something right.  It's not that I'm patting myself on the back or anything.  It's just that some days it's nice that other people see I am making an effort to control my kids and raise them well.

Speaking of kids....tomorrow I am going to spend a few hours in my younger son's classroom as a volunteer.  Currently I don't have anything else to do.  I will do a workout at home and then cut the grass.  I'm kind of enjoying the free time.

Happy Hump Day,
Renee

Changes.....

Today I taught my last group fitness class as part of LA Fitness.  I have been blessed over the last 2 1/2 years to teach this Sunday class.  These people have become part of my life.  My friends.  My family.  It was a bittersweet moment as I played "Last Dance"....yes I did :)  I wanted to cry, but knew it wasn't necessary.

Change is good, right?

Soon and very soon there will be a new place.  Something that won't compare to anything else here in Lexington.  As soon as I know specifics regarding cost, classes, etc. I will let you know.  For now, know that I love you all.  I hope to see you in classes again soon!

Until then...

Dance happy!

Live life! Today may be all you have!

Love with all your heart!

And finally, pay it forward.  Find some way to give time, energy, money, whatever works for you.

Here's to new horizons.



Blessings,
     Renee

Parenting.....

Do you ever feel as though sometimes you just aren't meant to be a parent?

I mean, like you just want to run away?

I'm having one of those days.  I want to pack a bottle of wine and head for the hills away from everyone and everything.

This summer, the hubs and I decided to take the boys out of childcare for the summer.  It has saved us a lot of money (close to $1000 a month) having them home. We were able to take a vacation and pay for it without using credit.  We've had a little extra money to splurge on a few little things.  That being said,  today I got a reality check from my older son.

I am tired.  I worked last night.  I came home and after breakfast went to bed.  

I was awakened at 10:30 by a screaming child and then a screaming husband at the child for waking me.  It was just a cluster that I can't stand.  One child went with him and the other stayed home.  I went back to bed.  Like I always do after working 12 hours.  I was back up just after 1pm.  The rooms were a mess and the boys were at each others throats.  I am so tired of the bickering and "he did this" and "it's his fault".  Then my older son said, 

"well mom you're always asleep and dad is always gone". 

 I guess in his eyes that's how he sees it.  Yes there have been days this summer we have had to stay inside because I needed to sleep before/after work.  And my husband was gone a lot working.  Although he's gone a good bit, I am grateful for this job that helps us have the little extra things we want.

I feel bad.  Like I have been a bad parent.  I feel like I wasn't "there" for them enough.  Maybe if I had been around more they wouldn't have fought as much.  Maybe there wouldn't have been as much bickering.

But then I think that I only work part time.  It's not as though I am gone 3-4 nights a week and am  sleeping all the time.  We did go on vacation, and Ryan got to go to summer day camp for a week.  We spent as much time at the pool as the weather allowed.  (This cool summer has really put a nip in the pool time). And I know that working at the gym interrupts some time, too.  There were days we had to be up early because I had a class first thing.  Some days we got to sleep late.  I have a few days off just before school starts and really hope to make the best of it.  As of Sunday I will not be teaching anymore at my current gym.  That will give me a little freedom on those days to just "be" with them.  

I am hopeful that during this school year they will learn to understand how much we as parents do for them.  How money doesn't grow on trees.  Jobs are necessary to pay the bills and afford them the luxuries they have.

God please give me a softer heart tonight.  Help me to see past the hating and the bickering and know it won't last forever.  Help me see that I am doing the best for my kids that I can at this time.  Parenting is not easy. And I need help.

Hoping for a brighter day tomorrow (and I will have to nap, yet again).

Renee