I just upgraded to the premium membership after listening to Scott on iTunes for 6 months.  I love his style (motivational, but not pushy). 
I am a mother of 3 children (9 yo, 7yo, 3yo) and homeschool the oldest 2.  I try to workout and eat well most of the time, but sometimes mess up (sugar is my downfall).  I am not the best at organizing my time, but I have been working on that as well.  I look forward to becoming part of a supportive community with like minded goals - a healthier lifestyle!

Gatorgirl
(Yes, I am a Univ. of Florida grad.)

Hi Gatorgirl,

Welcome to MTM Land!  I know you’ve been listening to Scott for months, but I bet you’ll discover a whole new dimension of MTM as you explore the forums.  There are so many helpful and knowledgeable people here, it’s amazing!

Also, three kids and homeschooling?  Whew!  That’s fantastic!  Congratulations for taking the time for you while you devote yourself to your children and their education.  On that note, have you thought about incorporating movement (and maybe even cooking) into your regular day and routine?  You could do “phys ed” with the kids, which would get you moving as well.  Or maybe there are some places you do errands you could walk to instead of driving.  It’s tiny little changes that sometimes make the biggest impact overall.

I highly recommend checking out the 100 Days of Exercise Challenge, as well as the rest of the forums.  Once again, welcome!

Cheers,
Julie

Julie,

Thanks so much for welcoming me.

I will begin to look for all of those little things I can do to keep moving.  Being outside at this time of year would be optimal since it is not too hot. 

I have a lot of lifestyle changes to make, but I don’t want to do it too quickly.  I know I will burnout if I try to do to much at once, so I will take this one step at a time.  Hopefully, by incorporating things slowly they will “stick” this time and I can be consistent.

Again, thanks for the welcome.

Gatorgirl

Welcome, Gatorgirl! Smart not to try to do everything at once, that’ll keep you sane. Didn’t Scott just talk about eating the biggest ugliest toad first? So what’s your biggest hurdle? We won’t be able to tell you exactly how to jump it, but we can help in the brainstorming area!

Kudos for homeschooling, I admire your ability and patience.

Bree

Welcome Gattorgirl

I’m a former Floridian and still enjoy visiting the Orlando area.  You’ve taken on a lot of challenges, and you’re smart to not try to make too many changes at once.  Just keep taking it one step at a time, set small goals, and keep moving forward.  I think you will be amazed at what you can accomplish if you “keep it simple”.

It’s going to be a great new year!!!

Hi Gatorgirl!!!!  I think you have the right attitude, small changes first, take things slowly and keep it simple!!!!  Glad you found your way here, and um, I won’t hold the fact that you are a Gator fan against you....no hatin’ from this Buckeye girl!!!

Hi, Gatorgirl!

Welcome to the boards, from another relatively new member.  I lived in Central Florida for many years before moving to Jacksonville, and still visit the Orlando area often on weekends, as I have friends there. 

I’m convinced that nearly everybody “messes up”—or, perhaps a more positive spin on it is that our life techniques must sometimes be a bit elastic. I beat myself up FAR less when I get a bit off course than I used to, though I do have the fear that I’m a few bad days away from falling off the wagon. I just try to use that anxiety in a positive way, a high expectation of myself, rather than a need for self-punishment. (At which, believe me, I have come a long way but have a ways to go.)

You say you home-school your elder two, and I admire that. I wonder, do you set aside time for an exercise program with the kids? Many kids naturally get plenty of exercise running about anyway, but what a great role model you will be if you get them used to some fun aerobic exercise at their age! Neither of my parents exercised (they were older) and even though I grew up in the country, I was a pretty sedentary kid. What inspired me to mention this is that I saw a mother and little daughter (maybe six?) in the fitness room of my apartment complex. The little girl was playing with some of the exercise equipment. I realized how foreign that was to me!

Anyway, I could see this as being great fun for all of you, and a good way to get started. Those kids will keep you motivated! At some point you’d need to step up your intensity, and maybe having a 9-year-old as your “coach” would be fun.  Nothing like the reminders of a motivated child you don’t want to disappoint!

Peace and joy, and happy new year,

Ann

Wow!!  Thanks to everyone for your warm welcome and words of encouragement!  I heard this was a great community of friends, but I had no idea everyone would be this supportive!

As for my biggest hurdle, I think sugar would have to rank #1.  I love sweets, but have a hard time stopping once I get started.  It may be my mindset, and I just need to “reset” it to just stop. 

I do take my kids on walks and bike rides occasionally, but I’m not consistent.  I never thought of being a role model for them when it came to exercise.  It’s a great idea!  I just try to fit it in before they get up or after they go to bed.  Again, I have to change my mindset and start looking at opportunities to get healthier in new and different ways.  If I gave my daughter the opportunity to be my “trainer”, she would probably be very strict and hold me accountable!

Again, thanks to everyone and “Go Gators”.  I’ll keep my eyes on those Buckeyes!

Lori

How’s it going, GatorGirl?  I found myself thinking of you as I talked with a fellow Jazzercise who also has three kids (though older than yours) and I realized how much I take for granted that my “me” time is my own (as a singleton with no children), and how much I admire the scheduling ability of busy moms, working outside the home or not.

Didn’t see you around here for a bit, and I was wondering how you’re doing.  Also, are we even allowed to say “it’s dang cold for Florida” today?  I woke up to cold rain. It was hard to drag my lazy butt out from under the blankets. Google weather says it’s 10° warmer in Orlando than Jacksonville at the moment. Heck, I’m only 9° than Lincoln, Nebraska right now (if Google temps are right.)

Sorry about your Gators on 1/1. Better luck in basketball!?!

Peace and joy,

Ann

Ann,

Thanks so much for checking in!  I’m doing just fine.  I’m working on carving out more “me” time and trying to figure out which things I’m going to let go to simplify my life.  When I was single without children, I took my me time for granted as well, but I love my life now and need to adjust to make sure I get time.

I’m sorry I didn’t respond to your post sooner, but my computer got zapped a couple of weeks ago.  We just got it back a couple of days ago and now I’m getting caught up on e-mails. 

I hope you are doing well and enjoying our now very warm Florida weather.  Maybe we will get one more cold front before spring hits.

Thanks again!
Lori