Cheer for a Cheerleader

The project:
I always thought going to the gym was a funny concept. It's not like we can't find other ways to exercise. I mean, come on! Pay for P.E.!? We can get exercise on our own, thank you very much.

Turns out - I won't. I can, but I won't. I need a coach. I need a cheerleader, a yeller, a supporter, a training partner. I need the gym.

This week marks the end of my first month as a gym member. I've tested a variety of classes that fit our family schedule (so...a narrow window) and found some incredibly positive, energetic folks leading the way.

Today, after depositing more than my fair share of sweat and salt, nearly losing my lunch entirely, and being OH so tempted to drop out of the cycling class mid-cycle, I offered up a loud "Thanks" and cheer for our inspiring instructor. The rest of the class answered with claps and whoops of their own.

Time:
Moments

Why bother?
Somehow, while sweating and spinning and keeping her own body moving, our instructor manages to shout words of encouragement to the class. I, for one, would walk out earlier if I didn't have her there watching, pushing, encouraging and reminding us why we're all there - for our own good, because we WANT to be healthier, because it feels good (when it's over).

I hadn't heard much cheering for HER, so I thought I'd return the favor and was pleasantly surprised to have the class join in.

Worth it?
She seemed surprised, and her smile was totally worth it. If our support of her keeps her teaching, so much the better for ALL involved.

Educating Our Children

The project:
Provide education for our children.

Time:
It's hard to quantify this when you homeschool. What counts? If you're talking about table time (desk time), 90 minutes. If you include lessons away from workbooks and tabletops, there were the other lessons, the science project, the art project, reading, history, horseback riding and all things related, swimming, cooking.

Why bother?
I've written about this fairly regularly. Start here, then go here, and finally you can see that it really all comes down to this - I'm nuts!
And some of the HOW can be read here.

Worth it?
Absolutely!

Thrift Store Donation

The project:
After a quick run through the girls' toys and clothes, I made a run to the thrift store that benefits our local shelters.

Time:
50 minutes including cleanup

Why bother?
The girls grow out of things before they're worn out. Might as well share those clothes with other kids who could use them. Plus, like so many modern American homes, ours is overstuffed with toys, some of which the girls have grown out of - or were never really into in the first place. Lightening the house also lightens my mental load.

Worth it?
Yes.