Resolutions and Three Month Report

I am a goal setter by nature.  There are to do lists that I have made up for the day, week and year.  In my head I have goals that I have for the next decade.  It all just comes with my personality and love of organization.  I always work best when I have a goal in mind.

So my goals or resolutions for this year:
1.  Do more crafting with Cavan.  Our little wild-child loves to paint and colour and we find time to do it every day already.  But it needed to be better organized.  To help with this goal I have re-organized our dining room to make space for a shelving unit to hold all of the art supplies.  Up until now they have been out in a wheeled storage tower, but it wouldn't hold much at a time.  Now that it is all out and organized it will be easier to do each day.

2.  Numeracy and literacy work with Hunter.  Hunter loves school, but so far the only focus there has been getting into routines and there has not been much focus on numeracy and literacy.  Matt and I believe in learning through play with young kids, and especially outdoor play.  I need to work at adding to his skill set through play.  We already know he has a love of numbers, counting, stacking and organizing so I will work to expand on that.  I want to start working on sight words with him too.  He has a fantastic memory and is recognizing words in the books that we read.  This month I want to create a sight word wall that he can add words to.  I love seeing his desire to learn and how quickly he takes in new knowledge!

3.  Find more free time for Matt.  Not for me, just for him!  He works a lot and by the time he gets home I am tired and want a break so I pass the boys on to him.  He is a fantastic dad and loves his boy time, but he needs some alone time too.  Time to work on projects that can be difficult to do with spirited boys underfoot.  I am not sure how I am going to do this one; perhaps I will just duct tape the boys to wall and then Matt and I can both work on our projects!

4.  Expand my sewing skills and my business.  This is an on-going resolution and has been for the last four years.  I purchased some books on sewing techniques and a projects and would love to dive right into them.  I made a good chunk of money from from sales over the last month, so I can easily replenish my supplies and get to work.  I am debating on buying a fur sewing machine as well, but that might wait until spring.  I am going to work at expanding my business through more free advertising and some different craft shows throughout the year.

5.  And something random for the list:  remember to water my house plants before they die.  I love my plants, but am not great at taking care of them.  Thank goodness they are hearty and most have done alright in the drought conditions in my house.

6.  Last one.  I saw this quote on facebook last week and I think I need to re-read it at least once a week to keep it in mind:  Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you.


And now on to my THREE MONTH REPORT!!

Three months ago, to the day, I started my pre-surgery diet in preparation for my gastric sleeve gastrectomy surgery.  I lost 11lbs prior to the surgery that I had on October 19th.  As of this morning I have lost a total whopping 49.4lbs.  Unbelievable!  I have just under three weeks until my three month surgery anniversary and I am hoping to lose another 5-10lbs in that time.  I will post pictures on the 19th of this month to show my progress.

Eating wasn't too bad over the holidays.  Having this stomach restriction makes it easy to not overeat.  I was still able to have some treats, but very small amounts.  I am consuming between 800 and 1000 calories a day and still with a focus on protein.  January will be a bit harder for me.  Matt is going to be away almost the entire month working in Ross River.  I tend to binge eat more when he is away.  I will have to distract myself with outside play, sewing and friends so I don't try heading down that path. 

My energy levels are still through the roof.  While I haven't started exercising formally, I am outside every day pulling the boys on their sled, climbing snow hills and shoveling.  I will have to start on my weight training soon though.  The trainer that I met with in Seattle while down there for my surgery gave me an easy to use plan.  I have the appropriate weights in the house and just need to set time aside a few times a week to give it a try.

I am also happy to report that I have recovered all of the weight loss and gain that I had in 2010.  I lost 50lbs on my own in 2010, but then gained all but two pounds back by the middle of 2011.  I am now into new territory with the start of the new year and I couldn't be happier.

Welcome 2012!  It is going to be one heck of an exciting year!