Lack of Stamina

I am embarrassed these days about my lack of stamina.  No doubt it is due to the large amount of extra pounds I carry, the lack of consistent sleep, getting older, and the myriad of stressors in my life.  However, nothing demonstrates it more to me than today.

Our plan was simple:  get up when the kids do, eat breakfast, grab showers, go to Target for some items for the kids, go swimming at RPAC, have lunch, hit the library, head home and have the kids read while one of us goes to the grocery and have dinner at home.

The reality was so much more exhausting.

We were awakened by sounds from downstairs of boys happily engaging in balloon swordplay with treasures gained at last night's PTO Family Pizza Night.  It was 8:30.  I was tired, but we started moving.  The kids had blueberry bagels, Husband had yogurt, and I ate my Fiber One cereal.  Yes, I have gotten old enough to now require a steady intake of fiber-y foods.

I grabbed a shower while Husband wrangled the kids dressed and had them make their beds.  A shower was a necessity if I had to endure the already embarrassing ordeal of a bathing suit in public.  We left the house at 10:00.  Husband was already grumbling about the kids' behavior, his aches, etc.  He was in a foul mood.

Our first stop is Target, where we picked up most of what we needed.  We found two pair of size 10 slim jeans for Igor.  He is growing like a weed.  We picked up size small swim trunks for Hannibal whose waist is two thick for the extra small trunks he wore to his lessons Tuesday.  We also found a t-shirt on clearance for Igor, and a pair of Batman pajamas for Hannibal.  We looked for Crocs for Igor, but it is not yet the season.  We picked out Valentine treats for the 45 kids in the eldest's class, something else for the 6 in the youngest's, and special treats for the teachers.  Then some moisturizer for me and a hair clip I have been looking to try for some time.

My plan was to give the kids a snack of dried fruit and raisins in the car on the way to the pool.  But the entire family was hungry.  So we went to lunch instead.  Husband was emotional and craved Five Guys Burgers.  A conversation about healthy choices ensued and we went there anyway.  We plan to have a healthy dinner.

After lunch of burgers/hot dogs and fries, we go to the pool at RPAC.  I have a small breakdown about being seen among these lithe college students in my bathing suit.  The scenery on campus is fabulous, but I stick out.  We play for a while in the recreation pool.  Husband even gets to sit in the hot tub for 20 minutes while the kids and I race (me on my arms since were in the shallow end) across the pool.  It was quite a workout.  Hannibal is getting better about letting his face get wet, but did have a harrowing moment when he foundered and couldn't get his legs beneath him.  Good thing Husband was in the hot tub and missed it!

We used the family changing rooms to shower the kids and turn back into humans.  That was when I felt exhausted first - and we still had more to do.  I chalked it up to the chlorine and powered on.  Husband did go get the car, but that was due to the cold, harsh winds.  He met us in a different parking lot we could reach without leaving the building.

The family is hungry again.  I think it is time for the dried fruit I brought.  Nope, Husband decides we should "feed the monster" and go to Mozart's for "one last treat.". Sure.  Emphasize the deprivation of healthy eating.  Sheesh.

We get to the bakery and they are having their annual open house.  It is crowded.  We get the food to go.  Husband dropped $50.  Seriously?  Yes.  Two chocolate croissants, one slice of champagne strawberry cake, a chocolate raspberry tart, a chocolate raspberry remoulade, a marzipan peach, and AN ENTIRE TIRAMISU!  There goes all the calories we just worked off and then some.  But now the dilemma - where to eat it? 

We look at the time and realize it is 3:30, we are 1/2 an hour from the library, and it closes at 5:00 p.m.  Out comes the dried fruit and we head for the library with the treats waiting for home later.  The kids fall asleep in the car.

At the library, we tell the kids no computer time.  This is a short trip.  Well, that is, until every family member has to take a "potty break" (and some of them, more than one!).  I am happy to find three of my books have come in (Husband only has one).  Igor picks up another Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and Hannibal picks up the first book he sees.

At this point, we are too tired for the grocery OR movie night.  We head home.  We eat some of the pastries.  Igor works on homework.  Hannibal does "art."  Husband and I read.  We have potatoes baking. 

Dinner is a baked potato and steamed vegetables and milk.  Husband skips the veggies and the kids don't notice.  Then, they watch a half-hour cartoon before we put them to bed.  And then I blog while Husband spoons out some tiramisu.  Then we plan on reading and bed.

I could go to sleep now.  For us, this was a really busy Saturday.  Tomorrow will likely be a lazy Sunday at home.