Working in the Workouts: Mow the lawn

It's that time of year again. If there's anything I've learned about living in Northern Virginia, it's that the grass keeps growing and the mosquitoes always hatch.

Well, the mosquitoes aren't here yet, but boy is the grass going crazy. Thanks to a whole lot of rainfall so far this spring -- a good thing for the recovery of last year's drought -- weekly mowing is already a part of our routine. Well, mine. My husband and 2-year-old typically leave the lawn duty to me.

But I've decided that's just fine. It takes me a good half-hour to cut our grass and by the time I'm done, I've worked my arms and legs enough to sweat a good bit even when the heat and humidity isn't here yet. And all the while, my daughter is pretty happy digging in her sandbox.

So all you people who pay a gardener to mow the lawn and then wonder where you're going to find the time to work out, save your money and crank up the mower.