Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Goals for 2009

Oh where to begin?
I have so many goals for this year.
I guess the most important one is to become more healthy!
I've struggled with my weight for the last ten years and I'm so done with this up down (mostly UP) roller coaster I've been on. Now that I KNOW I have a sleeping disorder and I am slowly (but surely) gaining control over sleeping more (by using the CPAP machine)I am hopeful I will have the energy during the day to be more active than I presently am. Even though it feels like I NEVER stop moving, I know I need to move more in a constructive and purposeful way.

Then there is the matter of what I EAT or more importantly what I drink, since caffeine has been my saving grace for the past five years, breaking the habit is extremely difficult. I am proud to report that since January 1st I have not had ANY caffeine! But I will admit that I miss it. Obviously the other not-so-great things I consume, such as baked goods and chocolate in all of it's glorious forms, are not good for my waist-line either but I do believe caffeine drinks are the biggest culprit. For the most part I eat well, lots of fruits and veggies, no red meat, and I avoid prepackaged things. But I LOVE to BAKE and passing on chocolate when it is offered is unheard of for me. Wish me strength please.

During my recent visit home over the holidays, I spent some time visiting with my favorite Aunt. She shared with me home movies she had recently had converted to DVD format. In one particular past Christmas film, there I was:

17 years old, all 115 pounds of me, dancing to and lip-syncing Ice Ice Baby with my 11 year old cousin! It was so funny, I remembered it when I saw it but I hadn't thought about it for years. Damn I looked good! Now, please know I am not so naive to think I will make enough changes in my life this year to return to my former teenage self, nor would I WANT to! I love my stretch marks from carrying three babies and the laugh lines (I call them laugh lines rather than crows feet because it sounds more positive)around my eyes. I don't even mind the few gray hairs I've noticed appearing lately, but my body is not the one I want to spend my days in anymore.

At 17 I rode my bike everywhere, I grew up on Cape Cod where there are many bike trails. I surfed, I danced, I was a cheerleader (as hard as that may be to believe!) When I watched myself dance, truly I WAS a 'fly girl', I longed to move like that again, without getting winded! Now a days I'm lucky if I have the time or energy to walk down to the end of the driveway to fetch the mail! (we have a long driveway by the way) I would love to practice yoga or take a dance class, but to be realistic that's just not going to happen; time and money are my biggest obstacles now. I know I could easily pop in an exercise video and make it part of my daily routine but so far I haven't....maybe writing this post will help motivate me! I own several good ones. Loosing weight seems like an impossible dream but I am hopeful 2009 is my year. Wish me luck!!

Other Goals:
Get MORE sleep
Get out of Debt!!!
Use less curse words while driving
and of course to POST more regularly :)

What are your goals for 2009?
I know I'm not the only one with a chocolate obsession.
PS I can't find my camera!!!! Why do I keep losing my camera?
PEACE to you all,
Montessori Mama

10 comments:

Donna said...

I've gained some pounds this year, partly due to my time- and sanity-saving Once A Month Cooking group. It's been so lovely to just pull something homemade out of the freezer and bake or grill it. Unfortunately, we have not been choosing the heart-healthiest, waist-friendliest meals.

My group meets this weekend to plan healthier meals. In the meantime, I've been more active with my kids, taking long walks and bike rides with them. We've been eating brown rice and whole wheat pasta and LOTS more veggies and fruits. I've lost 4 pounds in the last week and a half.

I'm tired of my clothes chafing into my waistline and I refuse to buy bigger sizes! I have ten more pounds to lose...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...Say it with me now: I think I CAN!!!

I think 135 is a realistic weight goal for me at 5'7"...I've been thinner than that in my life, but I'm with you - this body has proudly borne two children into the world. I'm a different person, inside and out, since becoming a mama. At 135 lbs, my energy is generally good and I can maintain that weight goal easily if I eat right and include some kind of daily exercise. So, 10 more pounds to go and I'll be there!

Xia said...

Hi, I enjoyed reading this post.
Happy New year!

Jess said...

Love your blog, love your passion, love your honesty and love your goals. Best of luck with them. And remember - be gentle and small steps. Looking forward to reading and sharing your 209 journey. (:

This year my goal is to set a goal for more exercise in my life. Im not sure yet how I am going to do it so my short-term goal is to find a way. Then I'll set the actual long term excersise goal. Small steps - just like my little girl. (:

PS good luck finding your camera - Ive just lost my mobile phone! I know the frustration!!

Karen said...

I can relate to the need for caffeine to keep up with our family lives on overdrive. My goals for 2009 are to:
SLEEP MORE, SPEND LESS, GET OUTSIDE EVERYDAY AND MAKE MORE TIME FOR MAMA!
~Karen, www.WonderBerryKids.com/blog

Miri said...

I think my goal for this year is simply not to have any goals..:) Since I became mom, I think one of the most important things I've learned, is that when you just try to make small steps and move slowly, and not think in the long term goal definitions, surprisingly, you will manage to take yourself for beyond your imagination. So... I am learning to let it go. Still, one of my wishes for this year is for you to find more time to share your thoughts and makings with us. You inspire me in so many ways. Thank you for that! Miri

Jessica Monte said...

Great post! I think my goal for 2009 is to sleep more and eat wholesome foods (that means I need to expand my cooking repertoire). I am really enjoying your blog.

NJ Tracy Jean said...

I decaffeinated 17 years ago when pregnant with my oldest and I think it's one of the best things you can do for yourself. And the big benefit is (now don't even think about this til you are good and clearly off it-like maybe in 6 months or so) but when I REALLY need a boost (maybe 4-5 times a year) I'll have a cup of regular tea or 1/2 caff coffee and you WILL feel the boost you need. Unlike when you have it all the time and can't really feel it anymore. Good luck with your goals! I too am trying to take off a big hunk of weight. Also, keep my house reasonable. With a big push over Christmas vacation I got things very reasonable and I have kept it up for 2 WHOLE WEEKS! I'm so thrilled. It's the longest I've ever gone with a clean house. What an amazing feeling to look around and not be ashamed of my housekeeping (lack of) skills. I think I'll go invite someone over!

Michie said...

Interesting...I also grew up on Cape Cod, use a CPAP, and enjoy yoga. :) I need to make very simiar goals to yours. Do you know any good yoga videos?

village mama said...

Happy New Year! I adore you even more now that I know you use 'colorful' language while driving :-)
My goals include eat breakfast, belly laugh once a day, and like most parents: much more sleep. xo

Anonymous said...

It is hard to lose weight the older you get and the more children you have. Who has time for a few exercises? I am lucky if I have time to shower every day in the midst of homeschooling six children and all the chores that that implies!
I understand completely how you feel!

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