Ann, I absolutely agree with your stepmother. I am viewing this as an investment in myself, which will help EVERYONE in my family. If I have good health in the long run, which means a positive, peaceful attitude, then we all win. For me, the time is just as much as an obstacle as the money, though. I am often alone with my (young) children for 13+ hours, so for me, at-home exercise will work the best instead of having to worry about childcare . . .if we were closer to a Y, that would be an option, though. I will have to keep researching, though. Maybe there is another place that is easier to get to. I read a study that said a facility needs to be no further than 12 minutes away in order for you to be more likely to go! Ellendi, thank you for the recommendation! I will look that up. Interesting that it's fallen out of favor, but I guess not surprising. I guess there are trends in exercise just like everything else! Tina, yes!! You don't have to be online, anyway, esp. if it cuts into your actual exercise time! sboxx, it's not hijacking at all! I can see how it's tricky to get back into things given your restrictions. Glad you are OK in the stockings! Awm, that sounds great! Does driving 40 minutes to get a lamp count, haha! It was $5 and a Bouillotte style, complete with shade. BUT, I did squeeze my legs while I drove, and believe it or not, I feel it a little today. I spent the rest of the day cleaning while my husband did DIY, which meant Disaster It Yourself. He forced an outlet into a wonky space (old house, weird wiring), and now several of our rooms have no electricity. Sigh. Our GC is coming over this am, thank goodness! Beth, haha about the cursing! I've never heard of a weighted hula hoop. Sounds so interesting . . .going to look that up!

Beth, I forgot about freeze dance! You're right-- kids love it! I used to use Tae Bo . . .back when I had a VCR, I think (haha!). That is a good one, because it doesn't talk about being "sexy," I think . . .that's my big hesitation of doing workouts (other than things like yoga) w/the kids, because I don't like them hearing the message of weight loss, being sexy. fat = bad, etc. Outside, I was all set to buy them for home use-- went shopping with a friend who has always exercised in so many ways (gym, home, kayaking, caving, etc.) and she talked me out of them. She said I should just stick to weights. But, of course, traveling is a good reason, so I will get them. I have seen the GoFit brand-- good to know it lasts!! Bonnie, yay!!! That is awesome that you got yourself back on track. That is what counts. It's weird how we "think" not exercising, not eating how we wants. etc. is going to be better (because it seems like more fun!) but then we really do feel worse. RE: the step-- how is that on knees? More motivation . . . Have a great Memorial Day weekend, everyone!

Outside, you've been doing great! I think it's so neat that you had your goal for your run, stuck to it, made it a family event, and just keep going, going, going! Joanie, I understand! Strangely, I had it in my mind (for years) that exercise for the sake of exercise was indulgent. My mom always thought exercise should be natural, but we don't (I don't) live natural lives! I think of my dad, who was thin, but died from (untreated) heart disease at 60. I think of my mom, who, aside from walking, has not done weight-bearing exercise. She is thin and eats great, but I am scared if she falls. It would be life-changing if she broke a bone. I now realize that an investment like this in myself is for OTHERS, too-- for my husband, my kids, etc. I am really getting more and more concerned for my husband. He is thin, but his eating habits are awful and he does not exercise. He has signs of cholesterol issues in his EYES and he is only 41. It really has so little to do with appearance. This is about not being dependent on others, and just taking care of what we have to the best of our abilities. If you don't take care of you, how will you be there for your DH? I think it is fantastic that you have taken those first steps to invest in your future and am so glad you are here!!! Amj, that warms my heart! Yay!!! Daisy, I used to be a teacher. Big hugs to you. I need to go back to work eventually, but the thought of being a teacher now is terrifying. I loved it when I did it . . .it consumed me! Things are constantly changing, and sadly, not for the better. (Though I hope the tide will change.) I am thrilled that you are here and have begun! I find yoga to be fantastic for my brain and feel so good physically while I do it. If you are interested, I will share the DVD I got for beginners. Beth, woo hoo! I remember you saying that about the book. How is Norman? Are you going to stop for a bit with him and then go back as needed? Have fun at the gym! Annie, that is all so amazing. How the heck did you reduce cellulite?? What do you think did it? I have started the plank challenge, too, though I am not up to 90 by any means. I very much agree that weight changing isn't the point. I think the best measure is the way clothes fit . . .the way you feel in them, and out of them! And yes, EXACTLY!!! Time will pass whether or not we do anything, so what will we choose? So, what should we do after this? I initially did 6 weeks because 8 seemed too long and 4 too short. A part II for 6 weeks or ???

Awm, yes, I do believe that the bigger reason my knee is feeling better is due to the better support all around. In fact, that is a big reason as to why I started to exercise. I am not overweight, so I figured that there was nothing I could really do about my knee (usually extra weight is the culprit; lose the weight, lose the pain), but when I read about lack of strength, a light bulb went off, as I had so little muscle. That is really amazing about your shoulder. Wow! Like you said, I know my knee problem is still there (one is far worse than the other), but it helps. However, the last few days I have started doing deep stretching that feels good at the time . . .but yesterday I started hearing my knee make a really loud noise. I have always had clicky knees (since I was a child), but this was something new. It's only supposed to be an issue if there is pain, and the pain isn't worse per se, so I guess it's OK but may be a signal of problems to come? I am really shocked that INCREASING the KB to 3 times a week actually helped. That is very motivating. I know there are specific KB exercises for knee issues, so I will work on those. I feel like my muscle development is decreasing! I was doing everything with 5 lb weights and it was getting too easy, so I went to 10. 10 lbs is hard for some exercises . . .and now when I go back down to 5 lbs, some exercises are harder than they were before. (Even when I have only used 5 lb the whole time.) I am wondering if I am not allowing enough recovery time, though these are very light weights in the big scheme of things . . .