Editors note:  I didn't write this, but I'm passing it along to some mom's that I know.  Excuse the "first person" writing.  No, I am not a mom in another life, nor do I have any secret desire to be a mom!  If you'd like to share it to, here is the web site address:

http://www.rickroot.com/blog/1/2007/02/Just-a-Mom.cfm

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a ...?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it??? I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ballpoint pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).. Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom." Motherhood!

What a glorious career!

Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"

And great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates?"

I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants."

Please send this to another Mom, Grandmother, Aunt, And other friends you know.

May your troubles be less,
Your blessings be more,
And nothing but happiness come through your door!

AMEN!!

245.5:  -21.7 pounds

The last month has been difficult for a number of reasons.  Primarily - my foot still hurts, but I'm pretty much ignoring it now.  I actually started weight training last week, with first first leg workout last Wednesday.  When I was done, my knees were wobbly, and for 3 days I couldn't walk down stairs without being in pain and holding onto the rails.  And sitting down on the toilet... well, I was wishing for handicap rails!  I followed that up with an upper body workout on Friday, and did legs again on Monday.  Thursday, Saturday, Monday, and yesterday (Wednesday) I did the treadmill and crunches.  I'll be doing another upper body workout tonight.

I don't like the equipment at the Nautilus Fitness Center as much as the equipment that was at my previous gym.  They're definately more focused on free-weights, and their machines seem to be pretty old.  I bought a 15 month membership for $12/month, paid in advance so I can't complain, the price is right!  But as of this past weekend, we also have a family membership at the YMCA in Cary.  The Y runs the before and after school care programs, and the discount they offer to members essentially makes up for the $82/month family membership rate.  So it's a wash.  And they've got a really nice gym with very up to date equipment.

Anyway, now that I'm doing the weight training, hopefully I can build some muscle and burn more calories!