Happy New Year!

There are so many elements that make up a mom’s year, but as Count Rugen says in The Princess Bride, “If you haven’t got your health, then you haven’t got anything.” So to that end, I’m starting the year with a good workout. Since I completely fell off the fitness wagon in December, I need to reboot my system. My favorite jump-starter is Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred. There are three levels, so I start with the first one and do it until I feel I can move on. Super intense, but at 20 minutes per level it’s wonderfully quick and efficient. I use two five-pound weights and think that’s plenty. Do you have a favorite way to jump back into exercising after time off?

(Lexie and Britta working on their spins)

This morning, the kids filled out these 2011 Fitness Resolution sheets from the December/January issue of Family Fun magazine. Here are some of the things they came up with: learn karate, do 100 jumping jacks, participate in the Prescott Daze 1-Mile Fun Run, do a spin in ice-skating, and go on a 10-mile hike. Great goals. I’d better get moving so I can keep up.

• Ran out of time and didn’t make homemade tiramisu for New Year’s Eve. But Real Simple’s modified version worked just fine. I added whipped cream and powdered cocoa on top.
• Wouldn’t you like to attend this ice skating party? Magical.
• Gretchen Rubin suggests you create a one-word New Year’s resolution. For 2011 my theme is “peace.” What’s yours?