That would be the one on the right, that comes in this special little box from the White Swan bakery. I mentioned it in #34 of my travel tips. And, yes, it’s true. We (that sounds so less incriminating than “I”) had 4 of these amazing treats.

So, yes, it all started with the chocolate mango cake. And, I need to tell you that I really don’t like exercise. Really. don’t. like. exercise. But, I got into a groove of doing a class at the Y while Drew did a class. And, I’ve been known to visit the workout center and put the kids in the childwatch program–babysitting for $.50 for 30 minutes made a “break” in the workout center rather appealing at times. But, since China, since Lydia, and since the chocolate mango cake, no exercise here for me besides going up and down stairs with endless loads of laundry (and that is exercise indeed). And, I am feeling the lack of exercise—as are my favorite jeans.

Today, all that changed. Evan and Ashlyn had swim lessons from 9-9:45 and entertaining the other 2 (both of which love the pool) yesterday made me sweat off some calories (could have had something to do with the pool room being 400 degrees). So, today, I decided to wear those old workout clothes, put Drew and Lydia in the childwatch program (ahhh! Lydia’s first time!) and get moving. Lydia, of course, walked right in there while Drew needed more than a little threatening coaxing. There were only 2 other babies in there, and they let Drew stay with Lydia. So, off I went. I got on that workout machine (something like an elliptical thingie) and started moving. I felt it after 2 minutes and was rather glad I told the childwatch ladies that I was just trying it out with Lydia and would be back in 15 minutes. 10 minutes go by, and there’s announcement over the intercom (I thought) saying everyone had to get out of the pools due to lightening. Uh oh. Gotta get to the pool area for Evan and Ash–can’t have them sitting there towel-less wondering where I am! So, I race off there to find them happily kickboarding. Well, I already bagged the workout room, so I’ll just go get Drew and Lydia. She wasn’t overly thrilled to see me, but following all the attachment therapy, I acted like she was and gushed and gushed over her. I think the workers thought I was crazy. Back to the pool. Evan and Ashlyn finished up, and we headed through the locker rooms to quick change and then head to the grocery store. Evan waited outside the girls’ locker room while I helped Ash do a quick change. When she was changed, I didn’t see Drew but assumed he went out to wait with Evan. So, out we went to find the boys. But, only one boy was there. Where was Drew? Drew? Drew? Where are you? (giggling from the girls’ locker room ensued.) Drew? Seriously, Drew, where are you? (more giggling) That’s when I realized that it’s a small locker room without many hiding places….except for maybe 100 lockers. Yup, he had hid in a locker, and thought it was hysterical. Took me about 6 shots until I found the right one. He was still laughing when I found him. Wonder how long it would have taken for his laughing to turn into panic.

So, got a whole 10 minute workout today. Feels good. I may have worked off just enough calories for one bite of the chocolate chip cookie I had after lunch today. Yahoo. (sigh)

Surprised the kids this rainy Saturday….

Dear Mr. Cathy, CEO of Chick Fil A,
I wanted to express my appreciation for your bringing Cow Appreciation Day to the attention of the world. Cows are certainly an under appreciated animal. A day for them is warranted indeed. Just the fact that they have 4 stomachs makes them worthy of some special appreciation.

My family had the novel idea of celebrating the day by dressing up like this special creature. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at our local Chick Fil A for lunch and were given free food in appreciation of our appreciation for the cow. Thank you for the free combo meal for me and 4 free 6 piece kids meals. Apparently, my youngest child was not all that thrilled about it. She slept through the whole meal. But, don’t worry. Her chicken did not go to waste. My younger son Drew apparently must be growing. He ate 11 chicken nuggets himself.

For some reason, the children removed their body decorations as soon as they got their food. Don’t take it personally, please, Mr. Cathy.

And, fortunately, my youngest did wake up just in time to leave the restaurant (after a few fries) and go home for nap time.

Thank you again for making this day one that we will mark on our calendars for years. Perhaps next year, you can work with Hallmark to design some special cards for the occasion. I would buy them. Perhaps this woman would buy them as well.

Thank you again. Long live the cow. And, eat more chicken.
Genuinely,
Kelly Raudenbush