Yes, I realized recently that I'm getting old. Don't get me wrong... I still feel like I'm 25 most days. But I'll get these occasional smack-me-upside-the-head reminders that time marches on and stops for nothing and nobody.

No, no, I'm not ready for AARP... yet. But in my quest for healthier living, I've been trying to find some additional exercise things that float my boat. Besides walking and Pilates. Things I can do at home, because I am just not the type to go somewhere to exercise. Well, I thought to myself, "Self, what do you like to do?" Besides swimming, that is, which requires a pool. Don't have one of those. I used to love to do stuff like cartwheels and gymnastics on the lawn when I was younger. Somehow, the thought of trying that now gives me visions of emergency room visits, so probably not the best idea. I used to love jumping rope when I was younger, but then puberty hit, and well, suffice it to say, jumping rope isn't the most comfortable endeavor anymore.

So, what was left? Hula hoop! (Sometimes spelled Hoola... either is considered acceptable -- I checked.) I used to be REALLY good at hula hooping when I was younger. I could hula hoop for a really long time. And I thought it would be a really good ab workout. Hula hoop in front of the TV for a half hour. Fun and almost not like exercise, I thought. I tried to buy one in September, only to find out that they are considered a "seasonal" item and they were out of them after what was a apparently a big summer rush on hula hoops. So I asked my Mom if she still had my old hula hoop. She said she did. Score!

Well, when I was home for Thanksgiving, I was playing in the basement with my nephews. Saw the hula hoop. Tried the hula hoop. Realized very quickly that the herniated disc I had from a car accident over ten years ago (which occasionally gives me grief but is usually fine) was NOT going to allow me to hula hoop for more than about 20 seconds without doing some serious damage. So, I quickly hung up said hoop and called it a day.

Goodbye, sweet hula hoop. We had so much fun back in the day, didn't we? I'm afraid we can't hang out anymore like we used to though. Sad, really. I would have liked to be friends again.

And I'm still seeking another workout option... Too bad my Mom doesn't have my old Lemon Twist.