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I've been watching the Olympics off and on since they started over 10 days ago. I've seen a little of everything including swimming, diving, gymnastics, track and field and volleyball. Every single athlete looks so, well, athletic. Healthy, toned, muscular and fit. By being in such great shape, it allows them to wear the appropriate technical gear to perform at the top of their game. For some that includes the dreaded spandex. But they look fantastic!  Even in slow motion they look fantastic. Not one single ripple, jiggle or shake.

As I've been watching the athletes perform and have been impressed by their physique, I actually laughed out loud (yes, I really did)  as to what I would look like wearing spandex, leotards or bikinis that the beach volleyball players wear.  Let's just say the ratings might go down...or perhaps they might go up. Did you see her?! I would be rippling, jiggling and shaking all over the screen. I'm actually in fairly decent shape, but fairly decent shape does not afford me the luxury of wearing spandex...nor would I want to!

Perhaps if there was a mom Olympics somewhere. (I heard the term mom Olympics from another mom blogger) I'd fit right in wearing my Nike sweat pants, stained t-shirt and flip flops. Nonetheless, the mere thought of it made me laugh...in fact I laughed all the way to the freezer and enjoyed my favorite ice cream with my son.  

Yes, it's true. I have an Olympic size crush on Mr. Michael Phelps. Not in a slimy, "how you doing" kinda way. But more because I think he's grounded, humble, gracious and charming. And I (ahem) barely noticed his abs. But what I think is really endearing about Michael Phelps is how he treats his mom. After the ceremony for winning his 8th gold medal, he created a path in a sea of photographers, climbed through the bleachers to get to his mom for a pat on the head and a kiss on the cheek. How proud she must be.

It's also been fun watching Michael Phelps compete accompanied by the commentary from my four year old.   A sample of one of our conversations....

Jake: Why is his mom there?

Me: Because she wants to support him.

Jake: Who dropped him off?

Me: I'm not quite sure.

Jake: How did he get there?

Me: Someone probably drove him.

Jake: (very sheepishly) Maybe we swam there....

He's also developing a sense of humor.

So I'll continue to admire Michael Phelps from afar and look forward to the day when Jake wins his medal, award or certificate and clears a path to get to me for a pat on the head and kiss on the cheek.

To some extent, I am a creature of habit.  I always fall asleep on my left side, I have one diet coke per day, I take the same route to work and I order the exact same sandwich from Subway almost every time I eat there; 6" turkey on wheat, American cheese, light mustard, lettuce, bell peppers, pickles, spinach and a little salt and pepper. Boring? Maybe. Or perhaps I'm decisive and know what I want.

Nonetheless, I've decided to change things up a bit and challenge myself. Challenge myself to step out of my comfort  zone and try new things. Different things. Things that I wouldn't normally do. 

So here's my progress a few weeks into my "self challenge".

I have added a few sleeveless shirts into my wardrobe. I have always been self conscious of my upper arms because they are not exactly the arms that would appear in Shape magazine. (well, maybe the before picture) I figured lifting a 20 pound baby would help, but it's those darn triceps! Curses! I guess tricep kick backs are in order. Nonetheless, I am wearing more sleeveless tops, (still self conscious), but wearing them.

Today, I got Swiss cheese on my Subway sandwich instead of American. I know, pretty thrilling. Baby steps, right?

But the most "unlike' me thing that I've done recently is that I went to see a movie by myself. Not earth shattering for those of you that have been doing this for years (like my mom) but I just never have done it. Hubby was gone for the weekend playing in a softball tournament and my in-laws offered to watch my wee ones. I didn't want to waste my precious hours of freedom at the grocery store, so I thought a movie was in order.  Yes, I chose The Hulk. Because of the special effects and well, how big he is, I thought it would be better on the big screen as opposed to waiting for it to be released on DVD... like I would normally do.

I got to the theater just in time to get settled into my seat and realize it was more crowded than I thought it was going to be. At least no one sat next to me. I made it through the previews and five minutes into the movie when all of a sudden, my perfect movie moment was squelched when she sat next to me. She kicked my foot when she sat down and her long, curly hair kept hitting my arm. eww. I thought about moving over one seat, but I was worried that I would insult this nameless stranger that I would probably never see again. Oh well. I readjusted and it worked out. However, I do want to go to another movie by myself, but in a bigger theater with less people and more space.  

My next big challenge is to plan an overnight trip to San Francisco with just hubby, no kids. We've never been away for an overnight excursion, so this will be a first for us. I'm looking forward to it, but I know I'll be a little anxious. 

So, I'll continue to try to change my routine here and there and try new things. Before I know it, I'll be ordering ham sandwiches on sourdough and sleeping on my right side...well, let's not go too far.