Another guest post from one of the busiest, happiest, and most determined women I know.
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Lisa is a mom, working woman, fitness aficionado, and one of the fantabulous BoBettes. How does she manage it all? Check out how she juggles everything and still manages to take care of herself and get on stage now and again!
I am a busy bee, but I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way! Things have slowed down the past few months though after graduating college, and I welcome some extra time with open arms!
Husband and kids.
I have to say, keeping up with my marriage and husband is easy, he’s just plain awesome. He’s my best friend and my rock. We rarely fight, and by fight, I mean disagree. He’s 100% supportive with anything I choose to do, which may sometimes be a bit crazy! Like last summer when I said, “hey baby, I want to do a bikini competition!” His reply, “Okay, what do we need to do? Tell me all about it.” No questions, no negativism, nothing. He was just ready to jump up and help. When I say hey, I need this $200 bikini that can fit in a tiny zip lock bag, he said to get whatever I wanted. When I said I need to pay $115 for some strange man to spray tan my naked body in a closed off hotel room, he said okay, where do we pay. When I said I needed to get this spray stuff that helps glue my bikini to my butt, he said sure, can I help? Seriously.
My kids on the other hand, they need a bit more attention and help. I have a 10 year old, a 5 year old, and a 2 year old. These boys are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. My oldest is easy, easy age, and he’s just a great kid. My 5 year old is a bit more stubborn (um, I think he gets that from his mom!) but he’s getting easier everyday. My 2 year old, well, he’s mommy’s boy. He’s my last child so he’s spoiled like none other and I refuse to ever “cut the cord.” They are all very sweet and loving and help out as much as they can for the ages they are.
Let’s see, work?
I work full time as a police clerk for a small village near my home. It’s a great job where I’m pretty much my own boss. As long as I get my work done, they are happy. I work for the chief of police and there are 5 full time officers. They immediately brought me in and have treated me like family since I began. I do love it.
My other work.
I’m in the New York Air National Guard, aka weekend warrior. I work one weekend a month and a few weeks during the year on base about 40 miles from home. I basically push paper and keep records. I have about 7 more years until I hit my 20 year mark and can retire.
Friends.
Well they are few and far between around here. I can say I probably have a handful of good friends and a bunch of acquaintances. However, the majority of the time I spend with my family because in all honesty, we are all we got! We are stuck in the middle of nowhere with no family near, so we spend a lot of time together. I do see friends once or twice a week if I can, and I’m okay with that!
What does all of this have to do with anything? TIME!
Where in the heck do I fit in time to workout? Well, that time, for me, is valuable. It is MY time. As moms and as wives we tend to put ourselves second, or third, or even fourth in our priorities. We tend to take care of everyone else (including friends, family members, our homes, even our pets!) except for ourselves. Why do we do this? The hour or so that I get to workout is my time to shine. I work hard and I work up a fantastic sweat. I’m not there to chit chat or mess around, I’m there to work, focus, and build! That’s the only hour in the day that I get all to myself, I’m going to make the best of it. I’m sure you’re wondering when I actually have time to do this, with everything else on my plate! Well, I usually roll out of bed around 4am or so, take some pre-workout supplements and head out the door by 4:30. Yes, this is early, but I don’t like to take time away from my family so this time works best for me. This past year I have chosen to put myself first and take care of myself by working out and eating better. After a year and a half, it’s not even an option anymore, I just do it because I love it. I do it because it makes me feel good. In all honesty, I don’t fight myself about going to the gym or not going. I just get up and go. It’s a habit now.
My point here is that everyone can find time to get in a little workout.
Whether it’s foregoing a few hours of sleep in the morning, taking advantage of a quick lunchtime workout, taking a break from studying and go between classes, before dinner, after dinner, whenever. If you have 20 minutes to spare, you can get in some great exercise! There is time to do it, you just need to make yourself a priority and get it done. No one else will do that for you. Take care of yourself first, and then I guarantee you will be a better mom, wife, friend, and woman.
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