First Things First...

Some very sweet person came in and updated this blog with a beautiful rose background. Thanks so much. It is beautiful and I for one love it. I am guessing it was Laurie, but it could also have been Elizabeth. Whoever the sweetie was I thank you.

What's your word?

I have a friend who, starting this year, is done making New Year's Resolutions.  She is tired of making the same goals and then falling short and feeling bad about it.  Instead, she is adopting, from another friend, a one word theme to live by for the year.  The word she chose is Purpose (if you'd like to read exactly what she has to say, just click HERE.)  I'm not a big fan of resolutions, mostly because I've never made them and wouldn't even really know where to start, however, this one word mantra seemed like a good idea for me.  It's something that I can focus on and apply to many aspects of my life and hopefully when the year is over I can look back and realize that my word made a difference.  Today, I chose my word and wrote it on the chalkboard in my kitchen.  My word is CALM.

I wanted a word that was positive and peaceful... a reminder of the way I'd like to be.  The thing I didn't expect was how it would affect my kids, who, since reading it on the chalkboard have been trying to be calmer (if only this would last, ha ha).

I'm not saying that resolutions and goals are bad or should be replaced, but I just thought I'd throw another idea into the mix.  You could pick absolutely any word... just something to reflect on day to day and apply to your life.  A few suggestions:  Strong.  Healthy.  Happy.  Patient.  Love.  Complete... really the options are limitless.  If you decide to pick a word, feel free to share it with your loved ones, share it on here or keep it to yourself, just make sure to reflect on it daily and attempt to become a better you by applying it to your life.  Hope your new year is off to a great start, be happy & healthy and be your best you.

DRINK. SMART

You probably think I am talking about sodas or booze. WRONG... I am talking about water. Yes, it is important to drink 8-10 glasses of water each day. But drink it throught out the day. Yesterday, I drank 6 large glasses of water in about 3 hours, just before going to bed. You guessed it, I was up going to the bathroom about every 90 minutes through out the night. On the good side, I did lose 4 pounds.
Just use common sense in whatever plan you choose.

My Compass for Weight Loss 2012

Okay, so here is my corny idea for 2012. I'm using a compass - N-S-E-W, for my weight loss tracking.

N is for nutrition. Each day I'll track what I've eaten. My goals are to cut back on fast food, and later (when I've got things in line a little better) I'll start tracking calories.
S is for SUGAR. My biggest weight loss problem area. Each day I'll track whether or not I've eaten any sweets (candy, cookies, cake, ice cream). This will probably be the hardest area for me to work on.
E, of course, is for exercise. I don't intend to work out every day, but my goal is to exercise five days a week. After I lose 25 pounds, I'm going to look into a personal trainer (maybe once a month, haven't really thought this part out completely-it's a little ways off), so I can add different types of exercise in addition to my walking.
W is for water. My best weight loss results have come when I'm drinking more water, so I'm going to track my water consumption every day.

A little corny, but it's something different and maybe that's just what I need. And, it will be easy to track N-S-E-W.

Good luck in 2012, everyone.

STYLES: THINK OF YOURSELVE IN 2012!

1st: Yes, I know Yourselve isn't a real word - but it rhymes with twelve...

I agree with Becky - we need this blog again. Maybe we each take turns posting status updates, tips, help, etc.

Here's mine...
It's January 1st - again, and we all know that means time to set new goals and dream of a great year to come. Then typically on the 2nd of January - we get bummed out because we broke our resolutions or didn't get the start we wanted on our goals. I for one am going to skip all that mess with the 2nd or 3rd of January. I plan to start mid next week. Not on the 1st of the month and not on a Monday. So... 1-10-12 is the magic day for me. This gives me time to get the kids back in school, get my exercise "plan" worked out, work on menu's, go to the grocery store, Rose Bowl party is over, etc. I need time to think of every excuse about why I "can't" and then work out a plan so that I "CAN".

According to one website, the 5 most common resolutions made for New Year Day are:

1. Lose weight and/or get fit 
2. Quit smoking and/or drink less 
3. Save more money and/or get out of debt 
4. Spend more time with family and friends 
5. Get more organized. 

Those seem pretty typical and I've probably had everyone of them at some point - well except number 2.

My goals for 2012 -
1.  I really really want to lose 30'ish pounds.
2.  I want to be in better shape for the Warrior Dash in August. (Now that I read that... Goals #1 and #3 are realistic and measurable. Goal 2 is not really measurable. What does "better shape" mean?
New Goal #2 - Complete the Warrior Dash (5K) in 40 minutes or less.
3.  I want to apply for at least one new job. (This means updating my resume and getting off the fence...)

What are your goals? When is a realistic date to start? Ya know, the date that you have time to prepare for and get everything ready for with no excuses?

Happy New Year

Yvonne,

We need you back here! Liisa and I want to get started again with the New Year! We really need your help.

Thanks to Elizabeth, too, for all the motivational quotes.

TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG...

Good afternoon ladies. There does not seem to be much interest in this blog so I will add a new post just once in awhile. It seems most of us have given up on the weight loss fight. I am sad to say that I have put on most of the weight that I lost over the last 2 year. It started this past May, the accident, the 71 day headache, depression, not knowing what was going on with Calvin's job or for whatever other reason. I am back somewhat on track but it is going to be a long fight to get back to where I was. If anyone has a post to add please do so or send me an email and I will add it for you. I am going to work more on my personal blog which will keep you all updated on life after 60 for Calvin and I. Feel free to check it out once in awhile and of course I love the feedback and comments. Here is how to get there. http://nantsnotes.blogspot.com/