I've been reading one of the other boards (grads) here lately and notice that alot of people over there count their calories. I don't count mine and wonder if any February04 people do, and if you do or don't, why. I don't because I just don't want to mess with it. I probably should since I've put about 6 pounds back on in the last two months. I've attributed that to the holidays and am getting back to my regular routine. I've lost about 3 of those pounds gained since I've gotten back to normal. Wanda

Annette, Many gyms do offer childcare ... I agree, ask and tell others to ask too. I bet it would help to increase their memberships. We have a number of runners in our neighborhood. The moms run, the kids ride their bikes. So going to the track is a great idea for you and the kids too. I really enjoy riding a stationary bike, have one in our family room so can watch tv while riding or listen to music while riding. With regards to babysitting ... do you have someone who you would trust with your kids that you could barter with for time. For example: If she would watch your kids while you go to the gym on Mondays and Wednesday, then you would watch her kids while she did the gym on Tuesdays and Thursday. On Saturdays, the dads get the kids while you go to the gym together!!!! I know you will find a way to make this work. Another fun exercise is to dance. I started out doing it during commercials as a pre-op. My niece came to visit and she loved it. I assured her no one would make fun of her and that to enjoy the dancing. So every time a commercial came on, we got up and danced thru the commercial. Then it became easier and easier to do it longer periods of time. My niece just got a dance party mat and video for the TV (I think that's how it works). It is suppose to be great exercise and kids and adults seem to love it. Mary

Annette, What a great idea you have by doing squats at the dryer for each piece of clothing! I'm going to start doing that. Every little bit helps! I've been wanting to start a running routine also. I've never been much of a runner, but am wanting to try. You say you have a membership to the gym but no babysitter. You might be able to ask the manager at the gym if they plan on offering child care for members. I bet if enough people ask about it, they might just start offering it. Do you know of any other mothers or fathers that belong to the gym that you could coax to ask about it? Just a thought... you know the old saying, the squeeky wheel always gets fixed. Happy running to you! Wanda

I wouldn't say it is a resolution but a tweak in my routine. Since my surgery I haven't had time to work out but at work I would walk around the building three times during both my breaks and I would make household chores into little workouts for example while taking clothes out of the dryer I would squat and take one item out at time and those were my little workouts but I seem need more and this year I told my husband that we need to go to the track and start running I am going to take my kids with me since that is my problem that I can't go to the gym which I do have a membership for but no babysitter. Any other suggestions??? I would greatly appreciate them. I am going to start next monday and go atleast half an hour run until I get tired then walk then run again. I can't and wont go backwards and gain all that weight back. I maintain a weight of 157-164 and I don't want to go above that. Annette

It's 49 right now (9:30 am) .. high of 76 and low of 42 today. Always try to take Miss Millie for a walk. She loves going out just have to convince her it is NOT a good thing to chew on her leash until we are out the door. LOL Not a football fan, hope your team won. Haven't seen the paper yet this morning. Yesterday we walked too. It is wonderful that the temps are nice during the day here right now. We can go walking without being bundled up except at night when we definitely need the winter coat. Mary