I’ve dabbled in yoga for so long now.

A downward dog here…a tree pose there.

Then months of stiff board-like movement without an ounce of stretching, with my mat gathering shredded cobwebs in the corner.

Sometimes you turn to something out of sheer necessity (like troubled knees and a bad back) and somehow it seems to stick. I’ve been doing this video (which is so perfect because it has ocean waves—ocean waves!—-in the background). I found it on Vimeo and listen to Zev’s soothing voice every morning at 5 a.m.

It’s been 10 days of doing it every day and I can tell the difference in my back. I ran four times this week, which is usually pushing it, and I felt great. I especially like the soothing breathing exercise at the end. I could definitely get used to this.

The other little friend I’ve found is the Rocket Blaster.

Strangely, I saw it on an infomercial (something I usually don’t get sucked in by) and the idea appealed to me. I’ve been using it for a little over a month and it really supports the back when I do sit-ups. Sit-ups are usually quite uncomfortable because of my lumbar issues, but so far so good. (and you can get it at Wal-Mart,  of all places!)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

My kids are in the middle of track season right now and to say that I’m proud of my girls is the understatement of the year. My youngest runs a 5:31 mile and is currently beating the boys in her grade (6th). She is gearing up to take districts again (all after two broken bones in her leg in October) and I live to watch her run…she is so focused and disciplined. I couldn’t be more proud. The fact that I’m volunteering as team photographer is a special bonus because I get to be on the track when the runners come in…hence the finishing tape shot below.

Then there’s my lovely older kidlet who is throwing super well in the shot put and PR’ing in the 400…but even more awesome is her ability to cheer on others on the sidelines with wild abandon (especially her sister). She is such a sensitive person with a knack for making people feel good. I love her heart.

These middle school years are producing such good stuff…so thankful for all of it.

Hope your weekend was wonderful, Lovelies. I will be wearing a path in the carpet this week, waiting to get word on the teaching job. ‘Praying it’s sooner than later. Thank you for your kind words and continued emails of encouragement—you are appreciated and loved!

OX.