Sorry I was so quiet this weekend. I went away with my best friend (no kids!) and we went on a small road trip to a Speaking of Women’s Health conference. I have never been before and it was a wonderful experience.

It was a full day of speakers and classes, all aimed at women’s health issues. Everyone that attended got a huge bag that was just chock full of gifts, free samples, etc. and it was added to throughout the day. Included was everything from make up to vitamins to a gift card to Walmart.

There were health screenings on things from blood pressure to cholesterol to bone density.

We took classes on exercise, easy ways to eat healthier, sexual health, financial health, emotional health and all sorts of other fun things. We also got hand massages, a fabulous lunch and breakfast and snacks. It was so much fun to spend a day with my best friend and have no responsibilities, and I learned a lot of great things.

One of the most important things I walked away with is how important it is for us moms to take the time to take care of ourselves. Yes, our families need us, but we will be better moms and wives if we take the time we need to care for ourselves as well.

They were asking us to take simple health “small pledges” to something we could do to be healthier. Some people pledged to exercise more regularly. Some people pledged to eat less junk. Others pledged to get themselves to the doctor or dentist or to better their relationships with their spouse.

Jokingly I pledged not to fall asleep on the long drive home (I had to drive 3 hours by myself in the dark!) but more seriously, I have pledged to be better about eating the fruits and vegetables that I should be and to be better about getting a full night’s sleep.

Anyway, if any of you live close enough to attend one of these conferences, I highly recommend it, and if not, I’d like to pass on the message of how important it is for moms (and dads!) to take care of themselves. :)