Monthly Archives: August 2012

One Step at a Time

Posted on by
Reply

One Step at a Time

My body stopped working. I’m serious, it just didn’t work.  Well, it did work, but it didn’t work the way it used to. That’s right – after two months on bed rest and six weeks post baby – I realized that for the first time in a long time I was out of shape.  Not just kinda out of shape.  I was starting from level zero. For someone that has always been athletic, it really played with my emotions.

After finally being cleared by the OB-GYN, it was time to get back into shape.  But I had one really big problem – a newborn son (well not a problem, but more of a hindrance).  No longer could I just run out to the gym and get in a quick workout.  No longer could I go downstairs in the basement to workout with no worries.  No, now every weight I lifted or cardio step I took involved checking on Maximus.

The first thing I tried to do was a Zumba song.  I helped organize a Zumba flash mob on 4th Street Live and had one week to learn the routine.  The first time I tried it I was out of breath by the third eight count.  I had to stop.  I tried to do it again and made it through halfway and that was the end of my workout.  I felt like the ultimate beginner’s beginner.

I was tired, sweating and out of breath.  Instead of giving up, I pushed a little harder each day.  I never did more than one song that week, but each day I tried to make it better. The day of the flash mob I prayed that I would be able to make it through the entire song (especially since I was one of the people leading it).  As the music started, I felt all the Zumba energy that had been stored inside my body quickly ease out.  The passion I’d once had, had now returned.  I loved every minute of it!

I’m still trying to establish a routine that can work around sleeping, eating and changing diapers.  Some days I don’t get in a workout, other times it’s interrupted, but at least I’m doing something!  I weighed 150 pounds right before delivery and with my ViSalus shakes am down to 126. I only have 3 pounds to go. But, my next goal is to build back the muscle I lost so that I can gain access in the MILF Society, lol!

CLICK HERE to watch Flash Mob

We Remember

Posted on by
Reply
Me- age 33

We Remember

Every four years the Olympics come around and moments are created that will never be forgotten.  This week I was glued to the tube as I watched women’s gymnastics.  I cried as I watched Jordyn Wieber not qualify for the All-Around.  It has to be hard to be disappointed in yourself while trying to celebrate for your best friend.

Then I cried again as the Fab Gymnastics Five won the the GOLD for the team All-Around.  Although I knew the results, I still cried like a baby as I watched these young girls achieve their goals and accomplish their dreams.  I became the number one fan of Gabby Douglas.  The more I watched her, the more I had flashbacks of my youth and growing up a gymnast.  I started competing at the age of six and a short time later could do a flip without thought.

I posted the following comment on Facebook “Gabby reminds me of a younger me… only at 16 I was flipping down the basketball court and chasin’ boys! I LOVE TEAM USA!!!” What was interesting was that friends from my youth said comments like,

– And i will always have a visual of you on a spring floor – FLYING…. higher then i ever had the balls to try!

– I’m picturing u flipping across the gym floor..miss that!!

– I pictured her flipping across a football field..LOL

You were amazing!

I realized that to other people, I represented Gabby Douglas.  I was the “little African-American female” that could tumble her booty off.  I was that innocent person that loved to smile.  And while my skills were nowhere near that of an Olympian, to many people my talent was close enough.

This made me realize that you really can leave a lasting impression on people.  My ability to tumble the length of a basketball court was something people actually paid attention to.  It felt good to reflect on my gymnastics past. But it felt even better to share and reflect upon those memories with others who where there when it all happened. Think about a friend from your past that you haven’t communicated with in awhile.  Give him/her a call. You’ll be surprised at how much your day will be enlightened just by being able to reflect on the “good ole days”!