I have a confession to make to you. I have discovered a new (old-school) vice, and it is not pretty…

Nor is it hipster-like,
nor is it eco-chic,
nor is it all the rage

Rather, it is…

Totally eighties,
laden with neon,
packed with screaming children,
loud,
and ridiculously fun

It is rollerskating in all its cheesy glory.

We have my stepchildren this entire week for spring break. Having 2 school-age kids practically fall from the sky and plop into my life has helped me realize life lessons with light speed. Here are a few that rollerskating with them has taught me:

#1: Do these dorky, fun-filled activities for your own health while you still have it. Being young and nimble is definitely a state of mind, but there’s a reason roller-rinks don’t have senior discounts. You may not always be able to bust your ass on hardwood floors and still get up without the help of a 911 dispatcher.

#2: No one cares what looks chic in the world of raising children. If you can find a place where you can let them scream, jump, run fast, fall, get back up, dance, play, and tire themselves out for hours on end without a problem, you will find it and you will like it.

#3: It’s actually really fun to exercise as a family, even when it’s under the guise of a party. Remember that the block of time when your kids are actually super-excited for you to join them on the
basketball court
soccer field
ice rink
dance floor
tennis court
is very limited. Don’t think you can take a rain check and cash it in when they hit junior high and you (parent-alien) become the epitome of all things insanely repulsive.

Your Healthiest Life:
You know how big I am on exploring new terrain. I urge you to go out there and get busy finding a climbing wall, an activity center, a nature hike, anything that breaks your current exercise routine and feels like playtime. If you have kids, enjoy your time with them! Don’t just stand there and watch them – play! My fondest and sharpest childhood memories are of my parents actually playing with me and my sisters as kids, letting their authoritative guards down for a few minutes just to romp or swim with us was always such fun.

QUESTION: Do you have any secret exercise vices you want to fess up to? This is a safe place. Promise.