I am totally, totally guilty of this one. I do not practice what I preach. But I need to.

For 2007, my resolution was to work out a few times a week—not so much for the weight loss, but for the peace of mind. For the “zen” I got after I’d worked out. Granted, when I’m on the treadmill my 3 year old has gotten into the habit of watching Animal Planet so I have to watch Jeff Corwin pull snakes out of roofs as I’m trying to make 4 miles…but still, I was hitting my goal of 2-3, sometimes 4 workouts a week.

Then, I started working more. And that of course was the first thing to go. Along with reading any books for pleasure, along with getting my nails done, along with any down time! While the kids were awake, I was by necessity doing stuff with them. During nap time, I was banging away to fit as much work into that 2 hour block as I could. During my “nanny day” I was at the office—and didn’t even give myself the chance to get my haircut (as my lack of highlights will attest to).

Even at night, after they were in bed, I was working. Or watching tv while knitting sweaters that I’d committed to making as gifts. Two Fridays ago a friend called at 9pm and said “What are you up to?” And I said “Washing my kitchen floor”. It doesn’t get any lamer than that.

Last Sunday, I’d finished a bunch of stuff, and I got on the treadmill. Emma came down from her nap (blessedly after I’d run so I escaped my visit with the reptile kingdom) and I pulled out some of my exercise videos because I thought she’d get a kick out of dancing around a bit—also, because my abs needed some work. (Probably the second more than the first). We were doing videos and laughing, and I even dusted off the Tae Bo which she thought was a hoot.

And that night I felt 100% better about myself. Because I’d given myself that hour, hour and a half.

This week, I fell right back into it. I haven’t had a moment to myself SINCE that hour and half to do what I want to do. But I’m still preaching it. I know that I’m a better mom if I can give myself a little bit of time. I feel guilty for leaving my kids!! I feel like I should be with them every moment they are awake!! But I also tell all my friends they need the time to themselves…I tell myself it! So that’s my goal, moving forward. Maybe I’ll give myself a star chart, like Emma’s, for good behavior…