i've been lax on checking in, and here's why --

my days started going back to hell in a handbasket about 2 weeks ago when some Surprise! deadlines came my way. those are the days when Bebe is left in her crib after nap a bit too long and Ro runs around eating candy while watching Noggin.
In other words, they're the days I'm not proud of my mothering.
But I really don't know how anyone (who doesn't send their kids to daycare for at least a couple of hours a day) who works from home with little ones can do it any differently. It's still wonderful to be home with them and seeing all the first little things they do -- especially with BB -- so I'm not complaining. Well, I was up until 3 am last night. So maybe I'm complaining just a teeny bit.
Anyway, when I have to stay up late and work, my brain starts firing on all cylinders and I can't get to sleep for at least an hour after I actually stop working. The whole time I'm yelling at myself, "Just freaking go to bed, already!" but I somehow can't turn off the mental noise.
Anyway, when work starts to take over, it's also impossible to make time for exercise. Or, it is, but it means that I'll be going to be that much later. And sleep is precious, so, as you can see, this is a tough call for me. I did read an article about giving yourself the gift of exercise, and I really like that idea. I've decided -- even if it's only one afternoon a week -- I'm taking an hour and walking.
I've actually started doing pretty well on sugar. I did some protein loading (is that even a thing?) for a couple of to kind of break the sugar craving a bit and it helped. I've had a few pieces of candy and a cookie in the last 3 days, but that's doing pretty well considering it's me and it's the holidays.
Ok, long and rambling post, but the gist is that I'm still committed to this, and even if it's just me on here saying that work ruled the week (as it had for 2 weeks now) then so be it. I wish I had better news, but, ah well.
Another good thing: I've walked once this week so far and I felt so good afterwards. I just have to remember that feeling!

Let's get this party started!

Ok, I am finally ready to start blogging and getting my rear in gear. Let me start by introducing myself. I am a 30 something mom, currently going through a divorce. I am a generally happy person that is blessed to have a wonderful and loving family and the best friends I could ever imagine. This has been a difficult year for me, cross country move, new job, new house, divorce, job stability, etc, etc, etc. But we all have a story and we all have struggles - the trick is figuring out how to overcome them and to make the most of this awesome life!

Now to explain my alias, MO42. I recently purchased a WiiFit. It's great - I love it, but be warned that the startup process is a little humbling. You might not want to do it in front of a group like I did right after eating Thanksgiving dinner. Not that everyone doesn't know I am a big girl, but watching my Mii plump up was a tad embarrassing. Not to mention the fact that they throw your weight and BMI up on the screen. However, the hardest part to watch by far is when they assign you your Wii age. So, my WiiFit told me that I am morbidly obese and that my Wii age is 42, hence MO42. How much motivation should a person need?

So, now that we have establish my opportunities and challenges, let's move on to the plan. My first goal is to finalize my divorce by the end of the year. This one is a little out of my control, but here's hoping! My next goal is to start losing some of this weight. In all I need to lose about 90 pounds, but my goal is 75 for now. I am going to try to start going back to my yoga and pilates classes, walk on the treadmill at least 3 times a week and try to work in some WiiFit here and there just for fun. Then there is the food - oh how I love sweets! So, I am not going to torture myself and shoot for no sugar or carbs because I know myself and it is just not going to happen - period! So, I am going to try to work in some more fruits and veggies and just try to cut down on portions. Finally, there is the financial goal. This divorce is going to stick me with some significant debt, so I have developed a very aggressive budget. I started by restructuring my debt - I moved a big chunk over to a card with no interest and I am making extra payments on this account. My goal is to have this paid off within 6 months. Now I just need to keep my job so this can all work out!

My biggest hurdle in all of this is that I am a stress eater. And I have had no shortage of stress this year, so this is going to be a challenge. But, with the support of all of you I hope to make this work. My ultimate goal is just to be happy and healthy - god knows I have so much to be thankful for!

Wish me luck! But, don't hold your breath - this could take awhile! ;)
MO42

I have goals and I will follow them!!!

Good luck to me, right? I'm in the same boat/mood as javagirl. But I am simply not goal oriented. Period. This can be a good thing, or a very bad thing. For right now, I am going to go with the flow...

DIET: My goal is not weight loss and my habit is to NEVER step on a scale. I haven't stepped on a scale since we started this thing. That doesn't stop me from feeling the growing muffin top. I have read about the Basic Cayce Diet , now I am trying to do it. I am a sugar hound, so if I even manage to do 10%sugar, 40%Acid & 50% Alkaline -- I'll consider it an accomplishment for me. I have purchased vegetables. Celery, carrots, pears, spinach, radish, grapes, broccoli brussel sprouts. I spent an hour and a half chopping these things up so I might actually eat them instead of never preparing them and "magically" find them rotting a week later. This is also an attempt to keep my mouth busy and reaching for a radish rather than a pixie stix. 20%/80%. I think that's a goal. And I think it might kill me.

FINANCES: Gee, this sand looks nice from down here....

ORGANIZATION: No clue. Scrapped the goals. I'm just doing it. Doing what? HIIK. Just something, anything... to get the space and less of that overwhelming feel. Maybe then my brain will clear and function for the formation of an actual maintenance game plan.

I really am a wonderful person who can present great face in public. This stuff is not the real me. =p

For the rest of you girls -- you rock! I only have myself and a bunch of critters to chase about (hubby included) Keep at your goals and keeping your kiddos in line! =)

Weigh in...results

Diet/Exercise: I weighed in a week ago Wednesday....I was down again! Final results...I took 5th place at the gym with a total loss of 17# in 8weeks (9.2%) of my starting weight. No $$$ won, but a valiant effort. The last week and a half has not gone as well. Only 3 workouts and I have found myself slacking on the food now that the weight loss challenge (and $ incentive) is over. Funny how I was still down yet another 1.5# when I stepped on the scale?!
Finances: BK and I are thinking about refinancing...we are at 5.875% on a 30yr fixed loan and rates seem to be plummeting right now...anyone have any insight to Countrywide.com. They have a refi loan right now at 4.75% for a 30yr fixed. If we could do that it sure would make month to month a little easier!
Family: ACK (daughter) is having tonsils and adenoids out on Tuesday. Lots of prayers for her...she is VERY nervous. Mommy is nervous, too. (being a pediatric ICU nurse never helps when you "know too much"). We have had a few conversations about it this week and I think both of us have benefited from the heart to heart's. She and I are going to the hospital super early and BK is staying home with KJK (son) that day. Hopefully it will just turn into some good mommy-daughter time.
Goals for this week: 1) Stay sane! I will be stuck at home with a post-op 5yr old and a busy 2yr old for the week....hopefully I'll get at least a few treadmill times in. 2) Continue researching the refi option for the house.

I don't want to do this.

Not today. Last week I did not meet any of my goals. I ate carbs, didn't excercise and had way to much sugar and spent money on things I didn't need.

I did pay off one credit card though.

So this week has started off good/bad. I made a great chicken salad and then topped it off with a milkshake. Okay - I am putting our lunches together tonight though.

My only excuse...well - I was sick and have a sick child...but still - should have at least kept it somewhat together.

Go me for next week!

since we're confessing our holiday sins

I had started with a quiet little commitment to NOT bake a ton of Christmas cookies.
Well, I've been eating sugar cookies for two days now. The do go quite well with the Holiday Roasterie blend, though, I tell you. That's a heavenly combo.
I actually froze half the dough in a desperate attempt to avoid eating a couple of dozen cookies myself. So far, it's working.
My friend Chris brought some awesome homemade veggie burgers last night and the best butternut squash soup over to share. He's inspired me to get back on the wagon of cooking right for the family. (Doesn't mean they'll eat it, but hey, a girl can try.)
I think I'm going to forfeit the no sugar days thing and go with (what I think Lauren suggested?) taking two bites of anything I feel I really want. My hope is that eventually I'll feel guilty about throwing away all those treats and slow down a bit.
I did the workouts last week! This week though, not so good so far. I'm back on the horse tonight once the kids are in bed.
Weirdly enough, I think working out actually now works for me. Go figure. Never worked as a young person, but having babies does crazy things to your body.
P.S. The only good thing I've been pretty consistent on is keeping fresh veggies cut up in the frig to munch on. My cheese cube and other snacking has been cut down substantially. I put them out on the table before dinner while I'm cooking and I'm less likely to nibble as I cook. Another plus, I get some raw food in which is so good for you.

I suck

I have had nothing but coffee, cake, muffin and a bacon cheeseburger to eat today....what was my previous post. Wasn't I starting the South Beach Monday?

I don't get paid until tomorrow. I will then go to the grocery store...much needed...and get my gluttonous ass back on the wagon.