It’s so funny to me how I feel so blessed at the weirdest (and most seemingly inappropriate) times. It’s after midnight and I’ve just finished my homework (finally!), but I have a mountain more to do tomorrow, and a house that needs a serious cleaning–and yet for some reason I feel really great tonight. It may sound odd, but I feel like I’m moving in the right direction and everything just seems like it’s in harmony for once.

Since this is my first post, I’ll give a quick introduction. My name is Dottie, and I am a 33 year old Business Improvement Manager at a car dealership in Arizona. I’m married to an amazing guy, and I have a four year old step daughter and a 5 month old son. I work fulltime, go to school at ASU full time, and sing in a classical choir — and the rest of my time is spend doing homework and trying to actually spend quality time with my family.

Although before I got pregnant I was running nearly every day and hitting the gym 3 or 4 days a week, the fatigue of pregnancy combined with the stress of work and school really knocked me off the wagon, and it’s been a bit of a challenge for me to get back on. I’m excited to get my six pack back (even with the stretch marks), and to keep myself healthy enough to keep up with the kids.

Tonight was a very interesting family workout. I had no idea that Riverview Park had been revamped, but I absolutely love what they’ve done with it. Imagine a park made up almost entirely of cargo nets of different heights, most of which connect together–and it’s free! Helping the kids climb around (as well as some solo climbs while hubby watched the kids for me) really smoked my arms. Funny how life changes; I get my cardio in half the time by chasing kids around rather than logging hours on the treadmill or elliptical. Way less boring for sure!

That girl has no fear!! Definately going to make this a weekly thing for us, it was just as challenging as rock climbing and way more family (and wallet) friendly.

How did your workouts change when you started a family?