Getting Fit

Hello. I've decided that before I release my blog out to the public, I should include a few more entries. I'll start today with a summary of what I've been up to.

It's not really new news, just reconfirmed that my cholesterol is a little higher than it should be. I think because I'm on the thin side, nobody is rushing to put me on daily medication which is nice. In order to avoid the meds, I decided it was time to try some other tactics. I could watch what I eat, but I'm not ready to give up the nightly ice cream or some of my other cravings. The primary thing I'm really missing is exercise. So I went looking for exercise that I would be interested in participating in. I need fun activities that help me stay motivated.

I joined the work co-ed softball team that plays on Tuesdays for a few weeks. Of course, we all know that softball isn't the best source of exercise, especially since I barely even get to run to first base, let alone past it! I usually play second base, but isn't really my strong point. We play down at the Washington mall by the monument which is cool, but we don't even have a real diamond to play on. The league is a bit too unstructured for me. It's almost over which is good because there aren't lights and we are losing evening light quickly here.

It's been 12 years since I've played field hockey as a high school sport and 10 years since I've played summer league. It's also been 10 years since I had seen my sticks which were at my parents house. But I decided to give it another go. I found a league that plays in Kensington, MD. I am playing Club hockey which isn't as demanding or competitive as association play. And that's a good thing. We are all divided into four teams and each Saturday each team plays two games in about 2 hours. I am a proud member of the Key Lime Green Team. I'm also a complete slacker. With no prior conditioning, each game is painful and I am appreciative each time a substitution is sent for me. In fact, it can't happen enough right now. And that's a huge thing to admit. In high school, bench time was an insult to me and I didn't really spend much time on the bench. Things have changed. Each week I get a little better but it's going to be a long road. The good news is, it's fun and I enjoy it. We play until the week before Thanksgiving and then I'll look for another league so I can keep improving my skills.

I thought one more activity was necessary and if possible, it could be something to do with a friend. So when Christy invited me to join her for a pole dancing class on Wednesday nights I thought why not? Pole dancing, which is not just for strippers anymore, is a very popular trend in the area. All types of women are trying it and raving about the experience. I prefer dancing on bars, but I thought this class might be helpful to my dance move repertoire. And the good news is, my very own pole can be purchased for about $300. Although this is tempting, I feel that if I can't do it right, I just won't do it at all. And my thought is, if I can't drill a hole into the floor so that I can travel by pole to the kitchen in the mornings without taking the steps, well, it just won't do. Would my homeowner's insurance need to go up to cover the pole?

I showed up for the first class not knowing what to expect. The class is up in Potomac, MD which is no easy feat during rush hour traffic. The class is in the basement of someone's house, probably to the chagrin of the upscale neighbors. Pole dancing is much harder than I could have even anticipated. I have no upper body strength and it was difficult. I tried my best, but I won't be quitting my day job. By the second week, I was able to hold myself up a little better and perform the spins. At the end of week 2, we started learning our routine. I have a hard time watching our instructor show us the moves with a straight face. I cannot take this seriously. I've completed week 3 and one thing that I do take seriously... the tingling numbness in my right arm. It recently started and I have figured out that the pain-like feeling started with this class. I think I have to exert so much energy to hold myself up and spin that my arm is stressed out. But, hey, what's a little numbness for a new skill?

And if all this doesn't work, I bought an exercise bike from amazon which arrived yesterday. We'll put it together this weekend. Stay tuned for the product review! Let's all hope these activities help lower my cholesterol. I'm not sure what other activities are out there for me, although I suspect yoga might be a good, safe alternative.

As far as other things go, all is well. The house is coming along and we are debating what rooms to paint if any, what color, what style, above the molding, below the molding, two colors, accent walls only? Lots of decisions. Sean and I are pleased with how the house looks and will spend quite a few upcoming weekends with projects. The cats are doing great too. That's the latest update!