Empowered

I've just been for a walk and I felt so fricken awesome I felt the need to blog...yes, me, who hasn't blogged since November.

See, I've been a little busy lately, what with the summer, Christmas, a three year old's birthday, the holidays, but I've also been investing some time on me. Yep that's right, I'm spending a little less time in front of the tv knitting and trying to make time every evening for me to exercise. I've been walking the dogs around where I live (it's definitely hilly!) and been trying out some Zumba and classes at the gym.

Tonight's walk, that's Wellington Harbour out there

Here it is again around sunset a couple of weeks ago

The best walking buddies ever! But sooo hard to photograph without them moving.

And today, my husband even commented that he could see I'd lost some weight. Mwah, thanks darling! There's nothing like hearing that. I've lost approx 8 kgs so far...I've got a lot more to lose. But I feel really positive I'll get there. There's no doubt in my mind that I can do it.

But here's where I get to the point of my blog entry. As I walked tonight, taking in the stunning view in my neighbourhood and the lovely cooling summer evening, I realised I felt great. Even after really pushing it going up the hill, frick I felt awesome. And that's because this is for me. I feel like for the first time since before getting pregnant and having kids (Penny turns 5 in a couple of weeks) I am actually looking after my body and in a way feeding my soul (gawd, sorry if that sounds terribly cliched).

I listen to my music as I walk, there are no demands for The Wiggles and Hi5, or I listen to an audiobook - undisturbed! Tonight my music on shuffle turned up a bit of Glee, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Taylor Swift, Adele, Lady Gaga as well as something I have nooo idea what it was, but it was metalish with a great beat...it sure keeps you guessing what's going to be next! For the last couple of weeks I've also really really enjoyed listening to the series of The Hunger Games as I walked, I don't think I've finished 3 books back to back that fast since having kids.

I'm also being a bit mindful of what I eat, no more sitting down and polishing off half a block of chocolate or a packet of hokey pokey squiggle tops. I'm not saying I only eat lettuce and carrots, but I've swapped my choc fix for gingernuts and Eve apples (only Eve's, they are delicious). I'm using My Fitness Pal, it's a great free site!

And I have the most inspirational sister and friends, who have been there, done that and are still doing it too. There's nothing like seeing that they've lost 10-35 kgs. It hasn't happened overnight, obviously, but they've been so committed and so supportive.

So there you go, a memememe post, and I'm not going to apologise for it at all. I love my kids, wouldn't change a thing! But I think having a bit of time out, recognising that I'm worth investing a little time on too makes me a better wife and mum. One who hopefully will be around for many many years to enjoy seeing my kids grow.

Timothy, David and Penny, Dec 2011

Oh, and that doesn't mean I'm not knitting - I'm actually getting ready to test a couple more of my designs shortly...I'm just not spending as much time these days knitting. Quality, not quantity ;)