Healthy Choices Canada Giveaway and Goals!

Here it is…February already!  I do not know where January went to!!

Have you made any resolutions?  Have you started them?  Have you started, but feel like you may have failed already?

I have a goal this year to become healthier.  I have about 80-90lbs to lose, and I want to curb some of the health issues that I have been experiencing over the past year.  My problem is…I don’t seem to do well with the follow-through. 

Now, I know I am not the only one who feels this way.  I have no initiative, and it is February already.  I have good intentions, but really struggle with sticking to the commitment.  I think it is because I am afraid of not being able to do it all the way, I am afraid to fail.

When I was in the course I took, 2.5 years ago, we learned about making goals.  We should follow the word SMART.

                                     S- Specific – What, specifically, do you want to accomplish?

                                     M- Measurable – Can I measure the progress?

                                     A- Achievable – Is my goal reachable?

                                     R- Relevant – Will it help me reach my lifes purpose?

                                     T- Timely - What is the time frame for this goal to be reached?

So, for me to just say “I want to live a healthy lifestyle”, isn’t really being specific.  I think that is a big problem why I have a hard time committing to this goal.

I need to find 1 thing to change, which I did about 3 weeks ago.  I decided that I would stop drinking pop.  I haven’t had any pop since I made that specific goal.  You know what?  I don’t even miss it!!  Now, if I go out, I choose to drink water instead.

I love when I can find websites and apps that can help to encourage me to meet my goals, and The Healthy Choice Pledge is becoming a favourite of mine.  I signed up through Facebook.com/HealthyChoiceCanada, and every day, when I log in, I see the next challenge that they post.

“To help kick-start 2013 with a healthy and balanced lifestyle, Healthy Choice Canada is motivating Canadians to take The Healthy Choice Pledge. It’s as easy as visiting Facebook.com/HealthyChoiceCanada and signing up through the online application. The app suggests a simple, healthy choice every day that participants can complete to stay committed to their Pledge.”

By taking this pledge, you are not only taking a step to a healthier life for you, but you can also dedicate your pledge to give $75,000 to these 3 National Charities: Breakfast Clubs of Canada, Kids Help Phone and The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

It is a win-win situation!! Doing something good for yourself and giving to charity in the process!

#1. Revisit and Visualize your Goals

* Review your personal goals weekly.

* Try vision journaling: cut out pictures that portray what you are working towards, what you value and what represents a fit and healthy you.

#2. Spice up your Workout – Avoid the Plateau

* Grab a friend and test out a new class each month.
* Incorporate tools like a heart rate monitor into your routine; seeing the results will keep you motivated.

#3. Turn Goals into Events

* Plan to participate in a future race, an expedition hike or something that genuinely inspires you – set the date, start training and experience the journey!

#4. Grab a Partner

* Do your workouts with others – a workout partner who has similar goals and interests can take your fitness plan from flat to fun and provides a source of friendly accountability.

#5. Excuse Proof your Plan

* Create a list of common bad choices you make that prevent you from achieving your goals. Then, think of ways to redirect your actions to get what you truly want – results.
* Keep a stocked workout bag in the car to decrease your chances of driving past the gym.
What goals do you have?  I am thinking that for me, I need to pick 1 goal every few weeks and start small.  As I achieve each new goal, I would love to pick another one.  I am also going to look for an accountability partner.  Someone that I can “answer” to, someone who can ask me about my progress. 

I have a Healthy Choice Pledge Prize Package for one of my readers to win, to help you on your way to a healthier lifestyle!

Open to Canada only.

Starts tonight, and ends on February 16^th at 11:59pm EST.

Leave a comment with your email address for each entry. Include any links you have to earn the entry.

The Pledge Prize Package is worth $200 and includes:

• Healthy Choice Gourmet Steamers coupons to get that freezer stocked with some healthy choices
• A Healthy Choice t-shirt and water bottle
• A pedometer and athletic headband
• A journal to keep track of your goals
• A Vitamin E Skin Care Kit
• A $40 Cineplex gift card to schedule a movie date with a family member or friend
• A $25 iTunes gift card to download your favourite tunes and get dancing
• A $20 Chapters gift card so you can spend some time relaxing with a good read

THIS IS AN AMAZING PRIZE PACK WORTH $200!!

Mandatory Entry:

• What is a goal that you plan to achieve this year?

Extra Entries:

• Like the Facebook.com/HealthyChoiceCanada page and take the pledge
• Like Mom's Musings on Facebook
• Like Mom's Musings on Twitter
• Tweet the giveaway (up to once a day): "#WIN a #HealthyChoiceCanada prize pack http://tinyurl.com/afkotsd @momsmusings ends: 2/16/13 #giveaway"
• Blog about this contest (5 entries)
• Post on Sharing Sites (Digg, Stumbleupon etc...)

 I have been compensated to share this post.  All opinions are my own.

Not So Wordless Wednesday - Getting Healthy

This was me last night.  I have had a bit of a cold and it has gone into my chest.  I went up to the hospital to have a chest xray, so we could rule out pneumonia, and while I was there, I was reminded about my health issues from this past December.

When I went in my blood pressure was high in triage.  It was around 131/94.  I have been higher then that, but I know that bottom number doesn't normally get over 90.  I had no fever, my heart rate was a bit fast and my oxygen was normal.

I waited for a bit in the general area, for my name to be called.  They instead, after about an hour and a half, pulled me into the minor treatment area.  This is the area that is set aside for breaks and stitches, and we know that area quite well (oh and swallowed pennies;-)

The nurse said I would get through there quicker.  So, a little confused, off I went. 

I was so thankful for my bff Cheryl to have come with me.  We played Lingo for most of the wait, on her new phone!  It really killed the wait time and made it kinda fun;-)

The nurse came in the room right away and started checking me over.  She asked me questions like I have never been asked before.  What is the pain in my chest like, and I feeling any stroke symptoms, do I have a headache, if I had been referred to a secondary stroke clinic, if I was taking my aspirin (which I can't for the life of me remember...)

Then another nurse popped in and said that she was getting the EKG machine for room 7.  I had no idea what room I was, but soon found out I was 7.

I had to have an EKG because my heart rate was very fast and there was no fever to explain that.  My blood pressure was again slightly elevated.  (not too much, but similar to the first number).

She said that, because of the mini-stroke in December, they need to make sure that everything is ok.  I said that I had just come in for a chest xray because of the cough.  She said they needed to be sure and rule other things out.

It opened my eyes, yet again.  This is my life now.  Because of what has happened in the last month, I am more prone to a secondary stroke now. 

The doctor came in and basically said that since I wasn't at high risk for certain things, the bronchitis (which is what I have) will run it's course.  He said take some time off work, rest and if it gets worse they will prescribe a medication for me.

I am glad it was nothing serious.

I have entered this contest on Facebook, to win a year of a gym membership, a year of a dieticians services and and iPad2 filled with health apps and programs. 

So far, I am doing great for votes (currently in first place) and am so thankful to everyone who has taken the time to vote and share.  The contest ends at the end of March, I believe and I would love to stay on top.

If you are Canadian (I know most of my readers are) and over 19, would you take the time to go and give me a quick vote?  It can be done daily and you have an opportunity to win a prize as well!!

Best Life Rewarded Facebook Contest

Thank you so much for your support as I try to make some needed changes in my life.  The accountability will be wonderful and learning what I need to cut out of my diet to prevent another mini stroke, or even a full stroke, would make such a difference in my life!! 



This is the whole picture that was cropped wrong in my entry...



Mommies Aren't Allowed to Get Sick

I have been slacking a bit here lately.  I spent the better part of last week either in a hospital or at dr's appointments.  This is not normal for me.

I know that I have issues, I need to lose weight, I need to eat healthier, I need to start exercising.  But other then those things, I am a pretty healthy person.

Apparently my life has become quite stressful, either that, or I have not been able to cope as much with the stress as I used to.  Not sure really.

Wordless Wednesday (with some words) - Family

So, normally this is a "quiet" post, but I have some things I need to share, and this photo tends to inspire me to share...

I have had a few medical issues arise...and not with the kids, I am talking about me. 

Medical Marijuana - Guest Post

I was browsing some blogs recently and found an interesting topic on a friends.  A question was posed asking for peoples opinions on a controversial topic.  I commented and offered my space here as a guest post.  I am going to leave my opinion out right now, because I would love to hear from others what their thoughts are on this.  Let's keep the comments nice.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and no one is right or wrong... It is a topic with a stigma, definitely...So, without further ado, here is Carrie:-)

Hi I am Carrie and Ruth has been gracious enough to allow me to guest post on her blog. I have broached this topic on my blog, but more so in question form, not giving my opinion at all. I have to be honest, I am a chicken. There is a lot of judgment when dealing with a controversial topic. I guess I should actually mention what that topic is. It is medical marijuana. I have been doing a lot of research on this topic because I have epilepsy and I am so tired of the side effects of prescription medications.


Being a Christian and having prided myself on never getting involved with drugs, this has been a hard thing for me to look at. The more I research the topic, the more I am seeing this "taboo" plant as a gift from God. That is not to say that I use it, but I will say that I am strongly considering it. I got the courage up to ask my Dr. about it and unfortunately he doesn't support it, even though it is legal here in B.C. That in and of itself is frustrating.

Here are my thoughts, and as I mentioned earlier, I have done a lot of research. I think this could, when used for the right reasons be a very good thing. I can't believe how much this plant has helped so many people. It has given many their lives back. People who could barely function at all from things such as epilepsy, tourrettes, mental illness to name a few got their lives back and are fully functioning, healthy, people with jobs and children etc.

In most, if not all cases, it wasn't only their medical issue that was debilitating them, it is their prescription medications. The side effects are often worse than the ailment! The side effects are the reason that I started to research this topic. I am so tired of living with side effects...ironically enough one of the side effects being I am always tired...lol. I got excited when I found out just how much medical marijuana has helped people and cause no side effects at all! People were functioning way better in their lives on MM. than they ever had on prescription medication.

The way I see it, is how much worse can it be then many of the the medications prescribed by the Dr.? From what I am reading it is much better. Now some may be under the impression that you have to smoke it, which is one of the things that concerned me, but you don't. You can have it in a tea form, or a brownie form, or even through a vaporizer.

The other concern for people may be legal issues. It is not legal everywhere. It is legal where I am from in B.C. and it is legal in Ontario. Finding a Dr. to support it is a challenge, or even getting the courage to ask a Dr. is another complication. In order to get MM. you have to go through some red tape. It might be worth it to get your life back! The other concern is finding safe MM. Once medically allowed you can get MM from people (not on the street) who are licensed to grow it for people that use it medically.

I know this is long so I will add one more thing. There are different components of the plant that help different medical issues and that is something you can look into as well. I am still finding it hard to say but I am realizing that I support the use of medical marijuana. Why should that be so difficult?

I would love to hear opinions and feedback from anyone willing? If there are any of you who use it, I would love to hear from you too. One last note, my husband doesn't support it but will support whatever choice I make, as he knows he has no idea what a seizure feels like and what the medication for it does to me. We agree to disagree.

Until A Thousand Tomorrows...
Carrie
http://www.buckwheat38.blogspot.com/

For more information: (links I have added to Carries article)
Medical Marijuana Learning Centre
Mercola
The SETH Group
Recent Medical Story

And The Mommy Came Crashing Down!!!

Last night I was helping to organize the Sunday school rooms at church.  I had about 1.5 hours before I had to leave to go straight to work, so I was motoring!!  I didn't think I could get in again before Sunday, so it all had to be finished.

I had enlisted my sons help in the beginning to help move some of the bigger items to the appropriate rooms, and I was carrying some of the smaller things.  Like the gliding rocker footstool...

Which I put down on the floor, and didn't realize it had tipped over...

I had a radio in my hand

Turned quickly and promptly tripped over the stool

I cannot believe how hard I fell...I had no forewarning and my reflexes hadn't even kicked in...foggy brain I guess.

I laid on the floor for a few minutes trying to figure out what had just happened.  I guess that was kind of like a shock moment?  I had landed on my left side, left chest, left shoulder and while my head didn't actually hit the floor it was like my neck had bounced up and down...

And the radio flew across the room...we will see if that still works on Sunday:-S

After the few minutes of laying there, I proceeded to stand up...I was so dizzy that I nearly fell right over again.  I was able to grab hold on the wall and catch my balance.  So I just stood there for a few more minutes. 
Then I felt fine...sore, but fine.  Everything moved ok and really, I was just sore.

It was a really dumb fall!!

I finished the rooms, emptied all the boxes and then left and headed to work.  Then I sat down when my work was done and I started to feel it.

I was aching all down my left side.  My back hurt and even worse, my neck hurt.

I went to sleep (sleep shift, not just sleeping on the job;-) and woke up this morning to a really bad kink in my neck.  I had a hard time using my hand and I couldn't get my seatbelt on (putting my arm behind me to reach the belt)

I decided that I would face one of my fears and see a chiropractor...they are kind of scary, I thought!!

He asked me a few questions, which were kind of random - do I get a metallic taste in my mouth, do I get numbness in my face, do I get headaches, do I have dizzy spells...I could answer yes to all these random questions.  He explained that those are happening because of the stress on certain areas of my spine.  Interesting...

Then he examined me and sent me for full xrays - apparently I was quite a mess!!  LOL...

I came back and he showed me the xrays, my back is curved one way in the bottom and the other way in the top...so I have scoliosis, which I will have to learn some more about. 

He said that it basically describes everything I have been feeling, it explains a lot of my back pain and the other quirks that I have. 

He cracked me up...haha...I HAD to say it!!  I was adjusted and while it felt weird, it didn't hurt.  I am feeling some burning right now, but I think in all I feel good.

So...in the spirit of giving thanks THROUGH everything...I have to give thanks that I fell...

Weird?  Yeah...

But, had I not fallen, I would have never gone to get checked out...because I am above all that, ya know (sarcasm in case you didn't get it;-)  I have a hard time doing things for me.  So this has really been a blessing in disguise:-)

I am now scheduled to go 3 times a week to start, and will continue to take this time for me...because my health is important:-)

HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF?

Making a choice and sticking to it...

There has been a lot of buzz around setting goals lately.  I know that usually January is when most people set there goals, or their resolutions...but September really feels like the beginning of the year. 

The kids go back to school...new grades for the kids, new changes in our routines etc...so I am setting a new goal.  I am putting it here, again, because I am hoping there will be some accountability for me...this may be a bad thing for me to ask for, but I am going to do it.

I need to make some changes in my life.  I was at an even this weekend and there was a display about diabetes.  I was talking with the lady who was at the table and I had no idea that if you have a family member with Type 2 diabetes then you are at a greater risk...I meet an awful lot of the risk factors and I really need to start taking care of myself better.

- I am turning 35 this year, age is a factor - generally 40 and over...but my body seems to be older then I really am...because my health is not at its best.
- There is no doubt that I am overweight.  I know that I need to lose at least 90 lbs to be at an even remotely ideal weight.  I have a long road there and I need to get serious.
- My father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes when he had heart bypass surgery.  As I said earlier, it never hit me that I was at a higer risk because of the family history...
- Exercise levels...for me are really non-existant.  I always plan on doing something but something else always comes up...
- Healthy eating - I am not horrible at this, but I do admit that I tend to eat out quite a bit - but usually in splurges...like one week I will eat out a lot and another week hardly at all...either way, I need to improve in this area (hence the meal plans:-)

I am sure there are other risk factors that are present for me, but these are the ones that jumped out at me this weekend. 

Now it is time to do something about it...

I am starting with 2 goals.  They are small, and may seem trivial to others, but for me they will be huge...

1.  I will walk everyday to drop the kids at school or pick them up (probably pick them up).  This is about a 10 minute walk one way, with a stroller, and home.

2.  I am going to limit my iced capp addiction to once a week.  That may seem like a lot for someone, but really, I usually have at least 2 a day...I know, that is bad!!  I expect to have some extra money at the end of the week by doing this.

Two small goals, that I will take a week at a time. 

And you get to walk this journey with me:-)

My Controversial Post for the Month...

This is controversial...this is my disclaimer at the top:-) Don't read on if you don't like being offended:-) Have I covered my butt enough??? ;-)

The new Ontario Curriculum for Health and Phys Ed...It has been in a number of newspapers...I am sure you can find it if you need to:-)

I really am only ticked on a few things...not the whole.

Dalton McGuinty has made some changes that are to start in September in the schools in Ontario. Lots of people are up in arms about it and the protest rallies are rolling out...

How much of it do I disagree with? Maybe I have a different perspective then most people in my circle...which is fine. We are all unique individuals with unique perspectives...life would be boring otherwise.

This post focuses on the sex ed part of the curriculum...if you want to read it all, you can find it here.

The first change, and I am not sure if it really is a change...but the kids are going to start learning about body parts in grade 1. You know, the proper words...boys have a penis, girls have a vagina etc...I don't see an issue with that.

Why not? I think it is important for kids to have a sense of reality. Cute little nick names are inappropriate (my opinion) and become confusing.

The other issues that they address in grade 1 are hygiene, 5 senses, and healthy and unhealthy feelings in a relationship (potential abuse, bullying).

Grade 2 - They will cover the stages of human development, body changes and factors that contribute to healthy growth and living.

No problems there...it is good for them to start learning that...properly...

Again, in grade 2 they talk about how you learn that your body is yours...and no one should be touching it...and that it is ok to tell an adult when something uncomfortable happens.

Oh, and they cover oral hygiene...

Grade 3 - building healthy respectful relationships.

identify the characteristics of healthy relationships (e.g., accepting
differences, being inclusive, communicating openly, listening, showing
mutual respect and caring, being honest) and describe ways of overcoming
challenges (e.g., bullying, exclusion, peer pressure, abuse) in a relationship

This is also the grade where they start to talk about visible differences (colours, disabilities etc...) and invisible differences (personal values, beliefs, gender identity, sexual orientation). I think this is where a lot of people start to get up in arms about it. Specifically the last 2 mentioned.

We all have our different thoughts, values and beliefs on this topic. But the reality is, it is a part of everyday lives now. It is seen everywhere and to ignore it and deny it is wrong. That would be raising our kids with a false sense of reality. To learn in grade 3 that you need to respect people, no matter what; that you need to learn to communicate openly with others, that you need to be inclusive...is in no way interfering with what I choose to teach my kids at home.

So...they learn how to build and maintain a healthy relationship in class...they learn to look past invisible and visible differences...and to build relationship with the PERSON...not the value, belief or sexual orientation...I don't see the issue there...

Grade 4 talks about the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty...it is happening earlier now...we have already, by this point talked with our kids quite openly about their bodies and by this point they already know it all. This is a class that is needed...just because we are open and discuss these things in our home, doesn't mean that the family who lives next door does...and things are happening earlier...and there is more to blame then just education (have you seen the TV shows/commercials and movies these kids watch now a days?, that is another controversial post on its own;-)

They talk in grade 4 about the "feelings" of wanting to be more then friends. This is applicable at this age...I am not sure how early in the year I heard from Cutie Pie that her friends were "dating"...she is in grade 3...Cutie Pie knows what our stance is in regards to dating, so no matter what she learns, if I have done my job, it shouldn't matter, and I should be able to trust her judgements as she grows.

Oh and the favourite topic in grade 4...personal hygiene...no questions or issues with that one at all:-)

Then we get to grade 5...reproduction, menstruation and fetilization (whether natural - penis/vagina or mechanical) sounds fine to me...they also learn about emotional and interpersonal stresses and how to manage it. No matter what the cause is, this is absolutely necessary for kids to learn.

How do these kids feel about issues they can control in their lives (positive or negative attitudes, respect etc..), issues that they can't control in their lives (gender identity and sexual orientation being a few - along with disabilities and skin colour) I mention these two because this is where the controversy seems to come from.

Whatever your beliefs are, if they are so important to rally and fight things...then this shouldn't be a problem. You will be that parent who will be ready to openly discuss the teachings and let them know where you stand. I truly believe that the followup discussions are key to whatever they are learning...even if it is about bullying!!

Again, to learn how to handle stress at this age is vital...Have you spent time with a kid this age lately? They have stress...it doesn't matter what family you are being raised in...there is stress (I know!!). Whatever the stress is related to doesn't really make a difference. Just the idea that they will learn some healthy coping methods is good for me to know and to build on...

It talks as well, in grade 5 about relationships. That if you choose to be in a relationship at this age, you need to be prepared to deal with the hurt and responsibility that ensues. It talks about healthy ways to end a relationship...how to show someone you like them...This one seems a bit much...to a point. But I can see where they are coming from.

Like I said...with kids in school right now...grade 3 and grade 6...I hear all about the relationships their friends are in. I have even been told that a couple of my kids had been asked to date someone...my kids responses were - We don't do that...we don't have time, etc...because of what we taught them, they are aware of the complications and consequences of relationships at any age. I cannot be with them at school...and they are not the "norm" I guess...considering how many boyfriend/girlfriend talks I have heard...

I trust that I have taught them right and I know, because they have, that they feel open to talk about these issues with us. I think I did something right so far;-)

Grade 6, grade 6, grade 6...here is where I start to have a minor issue...this is from the document:

describe how they can build confidence and lay a foundation for healthy relationships by acquiring a clearer understanding of the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur during adolescence (e.g., physical: voice changes, skin changes, body growth; social: changing social relationships, increasing influence of peers; emotional: increased intensity of feelings, new interest in relationships with boys or girls, confusion and questions about changes)

Doesn't sound bad...but one of the examples...

Teacher prompt: “Having erections, wet dreams, and vaginal lubrication are normal
things that happen as a result of physical changes with puberty. Exploring your body
by touching or masturbating is something that many people will do and find pleasurable. It is common and is not harmful and is one way of learning about your body.”

Here is where it gets nitty gritty;-)

While I am ok with the kids learning about their physical changes, lubrications, wet dreams, erections...I have an issue with them learning, in grade 6, about masturbation. Maybe this is where people will start to throw stones at me...I have been ok with it all until we get to here.

I think that maybe this goes a bit too far...the whole masturbation thing. In grade 6, I think it should be basics, still. Like how babies are made, body changes, and how to deal emotionally with the physical changes...I think it could open a whole other door at this age...and when there is age of majority set in our country...I do think that it puts that age of consent into jeopardy...

And that is all I am saying about that...:-)

They will also learn about dating relationships in Grade 6. And I am ok with that again.

I am going to stop at Grade 6...because by the time they hit Grade 7 they have seen and learned much more then I have ever taught them...because that is what happens when kids get together. Whether in the school system or the homeschooling system...relationships are built regardless...

In a nutshell, to try and wrap up my feelings on this whole issue...I stand firm in the belief that I have already started teaching my kids right from wrong, healthy versus unhealthy, our morals, values and beliefs and that they will choose to do with that what they will.

I cannot hide my kids from the world. Whether I agree or disagree with others choices...is it right to teach my kids to "dislike" that person? Or, as a Christian, is it more important to build that relationship, love everyone, be respectful and SHINE in our world?

I choose the latter...I choose to raise my kids to not be ignorant to the world, to not be naive when they are posed with a situation...I also look forward to the family discussions that we will have after these issues are taught in class. What better way to keep lines of communication open with our children and what better way to teach them how to live a life that they can look at and be proud of their decisions and choices.

BUT...this is my opinion...I have been through a lot in my life...I am in a different stage then others and I KNOW that I will receive some backlash about this...and I am OK with that:-)

Surgery, here we come...

Not for Faith, or any of the other kids...for me...yup, I am am needing to go for surgery to have my gall bladder removed...I will be joining those ranks, with the rest of the world who are gall bladderless...the only downside is that it is not an overnight stay...it is day surgery, so i will be home the same day...

I need to meet with the surgeon and talk it all over with him first, but apparently it is really bad...

I first went into the hospital on January 1st, rung in the new year with the nurses and dr's. I was whisked into the back, no waiting in the waiting area at all. I made sure to not make eye contact with anyone as I walked past them;-) You know, the ones who had been there for hours? They checked me over and gave me a shot of demerol for the pain, and I relaxed a bit and just let it all take effect.

I was worried that they were going to tell me I just needed to fart or something, which is why I haven't gone in until now. I have been experiencing pains, manageable ones, for a few months now. I explained them away as girl problems...you know...and it always seemed to fit with the timing, so it made sense. I now know that it was actually this issue...

I had an ultrasound done the next day and the technician was talking away. You know that you can figure out what is going on, because of how they talk to you...right?

She kept saying that she had a friend who had the surgery and it wasn't that bad. Her friend was happy that she did it, it made her life a lot better, the pain went away...I figured that I definitely had the problem. I just had to wait for an appointment with my doctor.

Apparently it is very high in women who meet the 4 F criteria...which I come very close to...Fat, Fertile, Female and Forty...so I am not forty, but have you noticed that things are happening earlier and earlier lately?

Anyhow, I have changed my eating habits. I am trying to stay away from grease and junk food, too much tomato-y things, spices, my life has become quite bland...yuch...but, I am trying new things and trying to be more creative. Taking medication for reflux (same one that Faith was on) when I know I am going to be eating something that will upset my stomach...

And that explains the push for weight loss. I really need to get a kick and get moving again, or else this is just the tip of the ice burg...not a fun thing to think about, but definitely a big, humongous reminder...I want to be healthy for my family and watch my kids grow up, and have grandkids and you know...the whole gamut...so I need to start now and I need to teach it to my children, so they don't have to learn on their own...

Blah, my wonderful day...

Faith also got her immunization today and Princess got medicine for strep throat...fun times at our house, as always!! But we are all thankful that we live in a great country for medical care and that we have breath in our body...