Y-M-C-A!

Dear local Y,
I know I recently quit my membership this fall, but I plead momentary insanity. It was a balmy 60 degrees, the kids could play outside without losing their fingers to frostbite, and I actually exercised. Now...not so much. I don't think my kids have seen the sunshine since Thanksgiving. The preschooler's school has a policy that they don't play outside when it's below 32 degrees, which means she won't see the playground until May. We have completed all the crafts in my meager craft repetoire, we have danced our hearts out to the Madagascar soundtrack, and watched way too many library DVDs. I'm this close to breaking out the Christmas presents just to have something to do.

I miss your mat room, the gym with the kiddie basketball hoops and let's not forget, the free babysitting. Will you please take me back? I promise to make full use of your treadmills, yoga classes and free weights...right after I finish this eggnog latte.

Girl's Weekend

I left my family on Thanksgiving. We basically had a Thanksgiving "brunch" because mom needed to get to Logan. I had a girls' weekend in Florida, and I am completely unapologetic.

Earlier in the week I was telling a nanny in the neighborhood about my Thanksgiving plans. She was appalled and asked in disbelief, "You're leaving your family?"

Yes, and it was fantastic and much needed.