Reason #1,452 to lose weight: swing.
My wife, mother, and sister all took the kids (Natalee and her cousin) to the park over the weekend. It was a long, sunny weekend with time being spent as a family celebrating Natalee’s first birthday — and swinging.
I also did something I hadn’t done in 15 years: play on a playground.
It was so fun. I crossed the monkey bars, slid down slides, ran across bridges, climbed up ladders, and swung on swings all the live long day — all things I couldn’t have done at 344 pounds. We must’ve stayed there for at least two hours without a care in the world playing in the sand with the kids.
It’s a shame that as we get older the phrase “go play outside” becomes reserved for kids. I don’t think my family is unique, but as I became older and became a teenager the more I stayed inside during family get-togethers and holidays while the younger kids were told to “go play outside.” Older family members would stay inside and talk, sip coffee, and watch television, while the young kids go outside and play catch or chase each other around.
That’s not for us. That won’t be for the Weeks family.
I’ll be turning 25 in July and I want to do nothing more than go play outside.
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
Great Post Tyler, and great picture!
So you are only 24? You seem very mature for 24. Oh, and wanting to go play outside doesn’t take that away from you either. One of the smartest simplest things I’ve heard lately lol. You’re doing great, thanks for sharing this journey with us!
Only 24, that’s correct! Thanks for the kind comment!
Way to go! Its an awesome feeling to be able to play on a playground with your child without any inhibitions. Just last week I was able to go down the slide with my 3 year old without having to sit awkwardly to fit. It was an awesome feeling.
Also last year we got season tickets for 6 Flags and my kids wanted me to go on all the roller coasters with them – most rides I could not fit or was too embarrassed to go try. I told them last summer by next summer mom would be able to go on all the roller coasters with them and I am so happy I have lived up to that promise.
I’d say I use to love the swingset when I was a kid, but that would be a lie, because I still very much love a good swingset! Glad you have fun, and Happy Birthday Natalee!
I forget you are so young. :)
And how old are you, 28? :)
Hah…the greatest thing about having a little kid is that you can go to the park and play on the swings and no one gives you a second look. ;)
Yeah, otherwise, it’s creepy as anything.
looove the photo, and I totally agree with your point! There is nothing better than playing outside.
Sounds like fun, I want to go play outside too. :p
Actually I’m that cranky old 26 year old that gets pissed with the kids across the street playing basketball all day long.
How dare they have fun. :p
Join them! I love basketball, I’m so competitive. I love schooling the kids these days.
I forget how young you are! Enjoy being 25!!! Gosh, I haven’t been to a playground in years! Must correct that soon. Luckily the weather is so nice lately that I think I can totally do that!
Definitely! Nice blog, by the way.
Tyler…just when I thought I couldn’t adore you more…you post the best picture I’ve seen anywhere for a looong time. I don’t think you even needed to say anything. That picture says it all. I’m going to be smiling over that picture for the rest of the day. Love your guts.
I love playing on the playground with my kids. I am really looking forward to the day when I can get back on the basketball court and softball field. Not too far away!
I love getting on the swings! :)
TOTALLY!!! I love the swings!! I like the hard plastic bottom not the leather bottom though. Those always mush up into your hips. (or my hips).
Hey Tyler, I found your blog on facebook and I love it! I started losing weight about 3 months ago because I was at 231 pounds. I have lost 22 pounds so far and I will continue to lose weight. I just recently started a blog too because I thought it would help me through my journey. If you have time check it out. http://molly-fluffygirl.blogspot.com/
I love playing on the swings too, more adults need to be the ones playing outside.
Awesome! Even though I’m not at my goal weight yet, it’s so nice to know I can do things like that if I want, without all the worries I had fifty pounds ago. Will be even better when I drop the next fifty!
A lot of guys would love to be able to do that stuff. It feels great to be alive even more when you are in shape.
I’m so happy that you are happy, healthy and loving life.
Like the other commenters, I think you seem old for 24 as well (you are a year older than my eldest). My husband and I had our children early, too and I can say between work and the responsibilities at that age, getting on the swings is a great way to take a break!
Awesome pic Tyler. Last Saturday instead of going to the gym, I went out to the park and played basketball with some friends. I had a blast, and I hadn’t done it in years! I even wore my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirt as well. Good times. :)
You are 25! Bless you.
When I was in my 40′s I went to a playground. It had been many years and the swing was dizzying but I loved it.
Well thanks for making me cry Tyler!
That is the best picture ever.
EVER!
Just for the record, you’ve given us the best inspiration ever, the best line ever (yesterdays post) and now the best picture!
BTW, I was at Starbucks today and I ordered a tall coffee and a bottle of water. The total = $3.44. Totally thought of you!!!!!
since when is starbucks that cheat… i really need to move
I only order brewed coffee (tall)…it’s $1.50. I usually squeak out of there for $1.64 but I added a water today and BAM! $3.44
I recently went to a playground and hung upside down on the monkey bars. I got stuck and had to be helped off, but before the embarrassment was alot of fun.
Tyler playing with kids is the best. Pretty sure that why I love being a pre-k teacher/working at day camps . I can do all those things without being creepy.
I’m 51 and I still climb trees!
Good for you on getting to play again!