How many times?

How many times can a girl start over? 

I'd fallen off the wagon again.  Well, not all the way off.  It was dragging me by my heels this time. 
I've pulled myself back up again though.

I was doing OK on diet and exercise for a while.  Then we went on vacation.  I had made up my mind before we left to not worry too much about what I ate or how much exercise I was getting while I was there.  And it turned out well.  I ate what I wanted and enjoyed every  bite.  And we walked so much that I came home with no change on the scale.  And it made me happy!

When we returned we seemed to be at a dead run in the summer.  I had all these lofty ideas about riding my bike to get the kids from camp, or walking by the river a couple times a week to throw the boys in the water for a cool down.  None of that happened.  It seemed there wasn't ever time. 

Then I bought a jump rope and set goals to jump on the patio each night.  I did that for a while, but even that seemed to get pushed aside eventually.  While I was jumping I found a neat little 4 week challenge to try.  I needed no special equipment (other than a jump rope and a couple 5 pound weights, which I already have. Handy).  I was still sore from jumping rope when I started this.  One night of training and one night of rest.  The one night of rest turned into a few nights because I still couldn't move.  Then we started a home renovation project (new roof), which I helped on as much as I possibly could.  Every minute I was home I tried to help.  And it was hard work and I ended up sore and dirty and tired.  And I forgot all about exercising. 

The next weekend we drove 8 hours to a friends wedding.  And last weekend I can't recall what I did, but it wasn't constructive.

My diet has been iffy, but not terrible.  I'm holding steady.  I'm not gaining. 

Yesterday, I decided, once again, that I am tired of this.  I need a routine that involves ME and being healthy.  I want to look good naked.  I want that view to be MORE.   I want to be able to keep up.  So last night I started that 4 week challenge again.  Today is a day for rest.  And I know I should, because everyone says if you jump in with both feet you will become overwhelmed and quit earlier.  But I think I'll jump rope for 5 minutes anyway...  My muscles are telling me they got used yesterday and it's a good feeling. 

How many times?  As many as it takes.