Everyone is writing about New Year's Resolutions and for all our SEO sakes, other bloggers are NOT dieting but they do know what makes a popular search item this time of year.
For me, I AM dieting and I do plan to lose some serious weight in 2012 because I let WAY too much pile on in the last three years. Gotta love turning 43.
Life is good, too busy for exercise and yet, it's gotta be done. I gotta move the tush. Move it, move it, move it. But, what really matters is tracking it all. It's the only thing that has ever made the difference: tracking calories, tracking exercise. I have always needed accountability.
On New Year's Eve, a friend suggests the app My Fitness Pal. I love it. And, then I got a friend request. Oh boy, my twin brother wants to share in the accountability. We'll see how THAT goes. Hopefully we can keep it civil. You ate WHAT?!
{Oh, this is rich. He sent me a message: "Cheater!" He thought the tiny update said "Sarah jogged" for the last 5 days instead of "Sarah logged" my entries for the last 5 days. I am so NOT the jogger. Another new resolution: start jogging.}
One a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!
But, my personal dieting plan isn't just a commitment to eating less calories. I also plan to take the vitamins I left behind about the time my behind starting growing. And, I was sent Slim Select which uses saffron to abate hunger. I have no idea if it really works but knowing I am putting something in my body intentionally to help me diet also works on my brain. I need to make this work. It's a mental thing.
{Update: Down 5 pounds! Plateaued this morning b/c I didn't exercise yesterday. Must go walking later!}
Fat Quarters
And then there's quilting. I loved learning to quilt just before I got married. Work, kids, other hobbies took the place of my fledgling sewing efforts. But, the old Singer is coming out of retirement. The picture here shows some fun fat quarters just waiting to be trimmed, cut and sewn! I have a special plan but you will have to wait and watch the progress! And, the square packages and batting squares are for easy-sew flannel quilts that will be fun projects with my girls, who I plan to spend the year hugging more than ever! It's hitting me that there are mere years before college and I need to enjoy every moment! I am collecting variety of quilt images on my new Pinterest board, a fun new way to curate images on the Internet!
Last but not least, it is hitting me that I have two teenagers now and it won't be long until they are in college and we are empty nesters!! Time to hug and squeeze my girls more than ever and plan some one-on-one time with each {as I mentally scream to the one who just tried to talk to me – "I haven't finished this post in days. Can you JUST give me a few minutes?" Oh, the irony.}
And then, there's working at the college – I am teaching a new class this Spring on "Freelancing & Shameless Self Promotion" from which I hope to post weekly updates as I develop each topic. And, I have been and will continue working for the very vivacious Debbie Bookstaber in public relations for the lifestyle and toy industry. It's going to be a fun year (hopefully without the 2011 roller coaster of deaths & drama mixed with incredible new job & lifetime opportunities. At some point, I have will have stop and thoughtfully reflect on the sheer craziness of last year but time is at a minimum for quiet reflection these days – yet ANOTHER lifetime resolution.)
Happy 2012 all! It's a presidential election year. Should be interesting! Oh, and learning to use my fancy new Sony a65 camera is a whole 'nother post for another day!
My lovely young ladies and Carmel, our beagle
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. Stephanie shares both endearing stories of raising her son who was born with Down's Syndrome and practical tips on how to deal with the related challenges and blessings. I am excited to have her come and I would love a great turnout. This is in my house so space may be limited and I don't want to put my address out here on the Internet. Please contact me if you are interested in coming!
