So a New Year is here and another fresh start for many things.  I had a lot of plans for ‘08, and when my position was eliminated many of those plans shifted.  I gained some new loves; gardening, arts and crafts and of course the opportunity to be home with my kids.  I even lost some of the “baby” weight from Francesca.  Gardening  - ripping up some of the existing plants and creating new beds really helped melt the pounds, and it was so enjoyable to me.

What I didn’t do was join a yoga class and get more into a daily exercise routine.  I still want to lose some wight, particularly in my stomach which seems to be where it all is.  It’s so easy to put off better eating or a healthier lifestyle.  I needed a good kick in the butt to get started.  One of the blogs I frequent, http://scandaloushousewife.net offered up the most perfect opportunity.

Scandy has started a weight loss challenge and was bold enough to “out” all of us who want to participate on her blog.  Now, by the looks of Scandy on her blog I wish I had her weight loss needs (read: none), but who doesn’t want to be a little bit thinner ?  Or more.  Anyway, I AM IN.  Just the public forum I need to keep myself in check.   I am in for 18lbs in 6 weeks, official start date Monday, January 5th, which brings us to February 16th.  A nice little Valentines’ Day present.    

I aim to be pre-baby (Ross and Francesca) weight/ shape so I can take advantage of the summer styles (another goal - to dress more fashionably).  I don’t know about anyone else but after my first 3 babies my stomach was never flat but it was never like after the C-Section I had to have with Francesca.  I think the C-Section and being close to mid-40’s did a double toll on my body.  But alas, no more!    

Here’s to a cute, petite me. Being an “older” mom second time around makes me want to take better care of my health and present a more stylish, more hip me!  If anyone is interested in joining up with Scandolous Housewife and her diverse  crew of weight loss inductees, swing by her blog.

Tomorrow, I am off to shop for some cute excercise clothes!