Yeah ME!

2008 has been a year of challenges for myself. In February I gave birth to baby number 3. At that point I was very much over weight. Even before I got pregnant, I had packed on a bunch of extra pounds. 40 extra to be exact. Wow, that is a tough thing to say and admit out loud. We moved in August from Mississippi (home to the fattest people in the country) to Utah. One day after getting out of the swimming pool, Nathan snapped a picture of me in my swim suit. I was mortified to see what I REALLY looked like. I was very embarrassed. I decided right then and there that I was ready to put myself in front of the line and make some important changes. First of all, I joined weight watchers. There I learned to take control of myself and to be more accountable for the things I do. I was very nervous the very first meeting I attended. I remember driving around the block and talking on my cell phone with my dad, trying to convince myself it was the right thing to do. But I did it. In the meeting I learned that I had a total of 53 pounds to lose to make it to my goal weight. Since then I have worked hard, and attended a meeting every single week. Well, today was my 17th week of attending weight watchers. At this meeting I had lost 30 pounds. Just 23 left to go. I owe the success to myself, but also to my sister for helping make a weight watcher friendly Thanksgiving dinner. To my mother-in-law for not making all of my favorite dips and goodies for Christmas. To my Mom for not being a "food pusher" as she usually is. To Keith for raising a brow (without being condescending) when I go to grab a second helping. To the kids who always ask, "How many points is that Mom? Did you write it down?" And to everyone else who has made me be responsible for my actions. I haven't wanted ANYTHING so desperately than to feel good in my own body and comfortable in my clothes. At our meeting today my advisor told us to come up with a winning outcome for 2009. I need to know exactly what I'm working toward. Be positive, be specific, within my control, and a good fit with my life. So this is my goal for 2009. I want to get to my goal weight. I want to wear a swimsuit to the pool this summer and be comfortable in my own body. I know I can do it. Wow, it's embarrassing to say all of this, but I know if I do, I will be much more accountable. So if you see me, ask how I am doing. Don't ever let me forget the goal I have set for myself. If I am eating out with you, remind me to stay in control. Only the people I really care about read my blog regularly and I know you care enough about me to help me out. Happy New Year!!!!!