January 11, 2011
Week one was not mine to own. I really should have anticipated the first week back to work, a serious deadline due on Friday, and a recuperating Golden Retriever who had life-saving surgery on my birthday (Dec 26th), and getting my daughter Devon settled back into her second semester of college, to have been the worst week to start an exercise and diet plan. Although I hit the gym 4 times, the meal planning was not to be. So, week 2 is my first week at focusing on both exercise and low carb eating (see Lindsay’s journal, too!). Libby, my Golden buddy, is perfectly healed, my deadline was met, Devon is back at her busy life in college, and the first week back to the office is behind me. The Y gym is calling. I’ll check in next week! All the best to all you lovely ladies!
January 2, 2011
Accountability: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions. Mama Moderne is providing a warm and welcoming site to help us to be accountable to ourselves.
I am pleased to join in this effort with so many amazing, beautiful and successful young women, including new and experienced mothers. At a wonderful 51 years of young, I fall into the latter. My babies are Nicholas, 25 (now a married man!), Manager of PR and Strategic Events at the Podesta Group in DC, and Devon, 20, an outstanding student at George Washington University, indeed the two shining accomplishments of my life. Our journey to date has been full of challenges, triumphs, tears and laughter, built on a foundation of deep love and respect. I have been a single mother for most of their lives. What does that really mean? For me, it was the past 20 years of juggling and balance in order to move each of us forward and chasing (and grabbing) many of our dreams.
In the past year and half, my nest was not only emptied, but moved to a new address, new job, miles away from everything familiar. Needless to say, it has been a daily emotional challenge to adjust. The new experience of living alone (first time in my entire life) has been exciting, frightening, peaceful, lonely and fun. During this major change in my life, I have experienced all four seasons in my new home of Alexandria, Virginia. Whether by coincidence, timing, or by the natural cycle of summer, winter, fall and spring, I recently have found a sense of still and confidence in my next 25 years of life! The challenges of career, family, obligations and health are welcomed and not feared. I am ready for 2011 and being accountable for my decisions, my failures and my responsibilities.
The Weight We Were group hopes to be an added dimension to my social media that is more personal. Surrounded by others who are honest, caring and sharing, will surely help each of us in our success in taking care of our beautiful selves so that we may take care of others.
My initial goals are to be consistent with my gym time! It will be a priority on my business calendar each day. I really love going to the gym, getting on the treadmill and hitting that 3 miles of success in 45 minutes on a lunch break! Secondly, a balanced, healthy diet will be a focus. Thirdly, taking care of my inner self. I look forward to reporting (accountability) in my journal of my efforts in keeping up with my goals. Success will indeed come in time if these goals are ongoing. 2011 is looking great!
Deborah- Nicholas and Devon are so lucky to have you! I think that you have great goals for your fitness challenge. Often times, we forget about the health of our inner selves. And that’s just as important as our physical bodies!
Thank you for your kind words! They mean so much.
Such a cute puppy… great to hear she’s ok. You’re doing great, 4 trips to the gym during such a busy week is pretty good!!
Your reply is very appreciated. Yes, my Libby is doing just fine and back to her happy, healthy self. She’s the “one” who lives with me these days, so her existence is very special to me.