Life Post-Jet Lag

It's been a busy few weeks around here since getting back from our trip. The first week back was really difficult. We were all just so tired. I had all these grand ambitions for uploading my photos to facebook and getting started on an album, but the best I could do was to post on here. I was also waiting for the post-airplane colds and sickness, which helpfully haven't happened until just this week. Max was sick all day Sunday and Marc was affected yesterday, and Hannah and I both have colds too. So we've been in a bit of a fog, but spring temperatures have arrived, and I'm hoping we'll all snap out of it soon.

The weekend after we got home I rushed out the door again to our synagogue's first ever Sisterhood Retreat. I was a bit intimidated since I only knew a few of the women going, but my lovely roommate Stephanie paved the way with all of her cookbook connections. It was a nice weekend on the Cape, relaxing, praying and enjoying uninterrupted adult conversations. I met a lot of wonderful people, and look forward to getting to know everyone better!

Work has continued its breakneck pace - it feels like there hasn't been a dull moment since the start of 2011. On March 3, I was promoted to Bank Loan Product Analyst, a change that had been in the works for quite some time, but is now finally official. It's great to have the earned the recognition, and I'm very happy with how my job has been going lately (if a tiny bit overwhelming at times).

Last weekend I was feeling daring and decided to take both kids swimming together for the first time at the JCC. I've been talking about it for a while now, since Max had become very acclimated to the baby pool last summer, but didn't grasp the concept of being in a pool where he couldn't stand on his own when we went to a hotel. Hannah's become an accomplished enough swimmer that she doesn't really need my help anymore, and I end up standing around just in case I'm needed, so I figured, why not throw the occasionally defiant 3yo in the mix. I talked to him about the pool in great detail before we left, but he still got scared and let out a couple screams within the first few minutes we were there. But then big sister started being an excellent example and showed him how to jump in the pool, and from that moment on, he was completely enthralled. He jumped in, blew bubbles, and leaned against me to kick his legs exuberantly. He even sang himself a little song while staring upward, "I love the water! I love the ceiling! I love my blanket!" Well, blanket didn't come to the pool with us, but if he loves swimming as much as he loves blanket, this is going to be quite an affair. I can't wait to go with them again.

And on that positive JCC note - I'm taking another plunge. I've decided it's finally time to get some exercise happening in my life. I have never, ever attempted to exercise in an organized way - no sports leagues, no aerobics classes, no nothing. The JCC was offering a program that caught my eye, but due to my back issues, they suggested I go the personal training route instead. So, I'm trying to get that set up. It'll be slow to start, but I am going to really give it a try, and I hope you'll all help hold me accountable here. That factor is huge - I can always come up with an excuse not to do it (hey, I've got 33 years of practice doing that), but I think it's time for me to get moving. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Time is flying by so quickly. This winter was just so dreary, but judging by my calendar for the next few months, it'll be July before we know it (HELLO, RYAN AND ALLISON!). Looking forward to so many good things ahead!