What Gets You Going?

I am NOT self-motivated. I am pretty sure I may have said I was in an interview or two. But tonight, I came to terms with this truth. I am in no way self-motivated. Other people motivate me. Does that make me people-motivated? Others-motivated?

In biking: Joel motivates me because he sucks. Sorry Joel! He can get on a bike and GO! I struggle with every physical activity I attempt, and he exceeds at every activity. Grrr. But, it IS motivation.

In school: Kids are my motivation. I certainly don't do the crazy, time-consuming, albeit fun things I do because I enjoy overworking myself. That would just be sick.

In life: Our friends motivate me.....to clean! I love throwing parties, and I always overwork myself for the parties. I clean, cook, and decorate until I am delirious the night before because there is just never enough time. I really hope I don't do that to myself FOR myself. Again, sick!

In running: Amanda was my motivation to start running and to keep running, even though I hated it. More recently, Beth was my motivation as she asked for my help as she began the Couch to 5K program. Now, I have 2 more friends who have begun the C25K, who once said I inspired them. HA! Jill is on Week 5, and Jen just started this week and seems to be loving it!
So I was thinking, if I motivated them to run, perhaps I should run! You know, since it has been weeks since I last ran.
So, since tonight we had a break in the weirdly hot 95 degree temperatures and the flash floods this afternoon, I decided to get out there. For Jill and Jen.
OUCH! Now I remember why I should not skip running for so long, and try running like I used to...it hurts.
I ran for 20 minutes with a 5 minute warmup, and hurt the WHOLE time. Not fun. And to top it off...I ran through a seemingly harmless, run-of-the-mill patch of grass. Oh wait. Nope. Not grass. Mud. That I sank into, all the way up to my ankle. RUN OVER.
So....thanks for the motivation girls, but I wish my run would have gone as smoothly as yours have been!!

Two possible lessons here:
1) The universe is saying "Never run again."
2) The universe is saying "You shouldn't take such a long time between runs. It will hurt. And I
will get mud on you. "

I hear ya, universe.

Bike to Work Week

Well, I think I found my motivation! This week is Bike to Work Week, so Joel and I signed up on our local newspaper's website as participants, which simply means we have committed to biking to work this week.

Now. Joel works about 4 miles from our house, and in order to get there, he must climb one of the many atrocious hills that his workplace sits upon.
I work 5 blocks from our house.

I know.

I should be biking or walking everyday. But, keep in mind...I am lazy.
I think about it all the time, but never get going in time, or get in the right mindset to commit to commuting in a more environmentally-conscious way.
So, this is a good kick in the pants for me! I do, however, feel a little weird pulling up to school, parking my bike on the playground with all the little Huffys! (Are Huffys still around?!)

Maybe getting over my embarrassment will inspire other teachers to bike or walk to school! (There are 2 other teachers who live on my block who drive to our school everyday. I'm not the only lazy girl!)

So here is my inspiration for you after reading about it here and here.....get out there, bike to work at least once this week! Joel took his clothes and lunch to work today, so he can change at work. Teachers take work home almost every night, but if you use a backpack, or a messenger bag that straps around you, you can do it!! If you bike slow enough, you won't get too sweaty! Our local paper is offering coupons for free bike safety checks at local bike shops and free showers at a downtown gym when you sign up as a bike-to-work-er! There is a party with prize giveaways for participants at a local bar this weekend. There are lots of cities that are getting bike racks on the city buses, so when the hills or distance gets the best of you, you can hop on the bus! Many are offering free rides this week too. Even if you only bike for part of your trip, you are still making a difference. Maybe (and this is my hope) it will be a great start to your day and either 1) It will inspire you to exercise more or 2) You can skip some workouts because of your commute! Inspired? Check into your city's events for Bike to Work Week!

The Darndest Thing

I need some motivation....I have zero desire to run, or even bike (which I usually love). Lately, the thought of exercise really makes me want to puke. Anyone have some motivation to spoon-feed me? Because I can't come up with it on my own, apparently! I am open to suggestions!

On a totally different note.....
I have to share these cute kindergarten conversations that happened this week. Remember that show, Kids Say the Darndest Things, with Bill Cosby? I could submit some dandies!

2 days ago....
Setting: My "room" under the music room.
Rock & Roll song from the 50s (can't remember which song now) drifts down to our ears. I start singing along. Kindergarteners (call them S. and L.) stare at me with confused, somewhat disturbed looks on their faces.

Me: I love this song! I must be an old lady, huh?
(Expecting sweet protests: "nooo Ms. Lazy Girl, you're not old!")

S. : You're not a old lady. You're a young old lady!

L. : Noooo, you're a grandma. (Said in a dead-serious tone of voice)

Important note: I am 28.

Another laughable moment in kindergarten with B. and L....
B. never uses finger spaces when he writes sentences. I remind him every single time he starts a new word.

Here is what an onlooker would hear on any given day.

"Finger space, B., finger space. Don't forget your finger space. Finger space, B.!!! Uh-oh, ok, let's get our magic tape, cover it up, and try again."

And it begins again. "Finger space, B."

Everyday.

Yesterday, his group buddy, L. says

"B., don't forget--"

B. cuts him off.

"I know...my spinger face."

Love it. :)