I'm gonna YELL!!! (Blogger style)

Sorry for the frustration you're about to read shouting through your screen. But, I'm gonna YELL, blog-style.

=) I usually try to remain positive and find the silver lining, no matter how dark the cloud. Usually you take time-outs to calm down. But, instead, I'm gonna take an ANGER/FRUSTRATION time-in. Get it all out, then calm down. Almost a reverse time-out, I suppose.

Here's the short version of a LooOOOoong insurance battle. I've dealt with worse, but at the moment this one is wretched enough to get me all riled up.

1. Retired teaching career means no more second income and eventually I had no insurance.
2. Hubby moved to Kansas before me and I followed. He started his job, but we had to wait 90 days before insurance kicked in.
3. Insurance kicked in and we learned that I had to PROVE that I was actually married to my husband with wedding certificate and proof of joint ownership. I was covered, but basically only temporarily covered.
4. Faxed wedding certificate and title to the home we just purchased. (We bought a super cheap home because we knew our cars were on their last leg and we wanted to be financially smart). 
5. Husband received a letter on JANUARY 10th saying they received our documents, but needed additional paperwork by January EIGHTH! (2 days late, HELLO!). Apparently, it wasn't proof enough that I was his wife.
6. We called and they said the title to the home wasn't proof enough of joint ownership. They would have been fine with 2 years of taxes (we hadn't been married for 2 years yet by that point). They said a phone bill would have sufficed, instead. Too late. 
7. I was denied. 
8. We appealed.
9. And waited.
10. And waited.

I looked at the positive in that we weren't paying for my insurance, so we could save a bit of money. But, it made me nervous. Especially when we thought I had appendicitis (for two days I had some extreme stabbing pains. I prayed and then the pain started to spread. It wasn't quite the answer I was looking for, but it was a blessing to me. Since it spread, I realized it was my PCOS-the worst it had ever been. Apparently I had angry cysts and my ovaries were mad. After a day of praying, I did get to the point where I could walk around again and dealt with the pain. After about a month and a half it finally subsided, but my energy/strength has lagged behind). The big issue was that I didn't have insurance, so I couldn't go in to check it out. 

We finally were approved... AND they said they will back charge us for the time I SHOULD have been covered. So, our paychecks are quite small and it is hard to pay double for an insurance that isn't/didn't do anything for me. (Right now it is basically for emergencies. They don't pay for anything, including prescriptions). 

Now, don't get me wrong. I understand the idea behind it. If I had an emergency, I would like this idea that they could back date things and pretend like I was covered. Obviously we need to pay for me to be covered right now and you can never predict what the future holds. Hind sight is 20/20. I know, I know.

And what am I complaining about??? I now have coverage (our health insurance alone is going to be 1/5 of our income starting April 1st...thank you Obamacare, it just keeps getting better). I shouldn't complain! I am EXTREMELY blessed. BUT, tonight, I'm annoyed. It was all because of one appraiser who didn't think a title to a home was proof enough that we BOTH owned something, therefore proving that I was his wife. 

Lame. 5-4-3-2-1...time-in/time-out is done. Whew. We survived. =)

On another note:::

My weight loss has been great! I have lost 10 pounds in one month. I have a friend who lost more than a hundred pounds using herbalife. I decided to try herbalife just to see if it would help me. My vision has been worse in the past month and a half. My energy level has been dragging ever since my hemorrhoidectomy surgery and I just haven't bounced back like I usually do. So, I tried it and it helped me quite a bit! I am not cured by ANY means. My vision is still worse, but I had more energy and for the first time in YEARS, I felt like I was getting the nutrition I've been starved of due to my faulty intestines. For the time being, I've quit weight watchers and am putting herbalife on hold. But, it is fine. It gave me a great deal of hope and I've been more excited about weight loss. 

I started a weight loss competition and a Fit Club recently, as well. Many are doing very well with the competition. The fit club included a bunch of older ladies and me planning on walking around our town. I did one week, but my body didn't like that plan. So, I've had to quit that as well.  With MS, you always have to adjust to the 'new you' and you hope it's not the permanent you. But, even if it is, you just keep plugging along.

A good friend with RA posted this picture recently. It spoke VOLUMES to me! I love it. It makes me think of all of my blessings and perspective. I have a strong support group, even if we live all over the place. Two girls, who are like sisters to me, sent me DoTerra oils recently. They had NO idea ANY of this was going on. But, it was perfect timing (late birthday present). My husband is going to start working on a friend's home. My husband works so hard and is incredibly supportive. My baby has been independent since the second she arrive in this world. These days it is helpful that she wants to do things and can come to me (and is crazy strong). A couple of friends have invited me out and I have loved being around fun people (not that my hubby and baby aren't fun...they are LOADS of fun). There have been all kinds of blessings and answered prayers. 

We will be JUST fine. I am incredibly blessed. Sure, sometimes insurance companies or my betraying body infuriate me, but it doesn't last. I cannot forget how blessed I am! 

I'M GRATEFUL THAT:

1. I can still see enough
2. I can still hear enough
3. I can still stand long enough
4. I can sit without pain (mostly)
5. I can lift my baby enough
6. I can laugh
7. I can drive
8. I can pray
9. I can stretch
10. I can go to church
11. I can connect via the internet
12. I can read
13. I can call
14. I can brush my hair and teeth
15. I have insurance
16. I have a husband
17. I have a daughter
18. I have friends and family who are wonderful
19. I am free
20. I have food in the fridge, electricity, heat, and indoor plumbing
21. God answers prayers, even if it's not quite what I had in mind

There is SO much more I could add to the list. I had to simply throw out that I AM grateful and even though I can't do what I used to, I still have plenty to smile about. Hindsight IS 20/20. When we were praying about which home to purchase, I got a LOT of 'NO' answers. We were approved for more expensive homes. One realtor took us to the max and ignored our pleas to see cheaper homes that I had found/researched. We dropped him. We finally got a "YES" on this home and I thought it didn't quite make sense why we were going so low. I've had enough experiences, though, that I have learned to trust God. Apparently, it was all working out perfectly! We HAD to have a cheaper home. THANK GOODNESS for God's answered prayers and his watchful eye. Even when we feel like we are being left out to dry, I know that we are not alone. Doesn't mean we're not gonna be beat up by the raging winds, but thankfully we are not left alone. 

Not QUITE what I expected

I wonder what I was like before I came to earth. Since I am an idealist, through and through, I'm guessing I was beyond excited and hopeful before I entered this mortal realm. I wonder if I thought it would be easy. I wonder if God and I sat down and mapped out what I'd accomplish in this life (I think so). But, as we mapped it out, how many details were really shared? Was I naive or truly aware, brave, and willing to take it all on?

We've all seen the following picture via the www

 I think the water part is parenthood.

I loved kids and all I wanted was to be a stay-at-home mom for as long as I can remember. I was a day care teacher, case manager, nanny, elementary school teacher, babysitter, and the oldest of 6. 

I figured I had a good idea of what I was getting into and was jealous of those gals who got to BE a mom beginning in their 20's. I wasn't one of those who HAD to bear my own child. I looked into adoption and foster care as a single gal and loved kids so much. 

But, having MS and being single works against ya when you're looking into foster care. 

So, I moved ahead on that bumpy, rough road of life. 

I was fine with people who said they couldn't stand being home and had to work for their sanity. I was fine with people who wanted lots or only a few kids. I knew we were all different with different strengths. But, I figured I was in the 'other' group. The group of ladies who wanted 8-10 kids and couldn't wait to stay-at-home-all-day cherishing the cherubs God sent to me (through adoption, foster care, or birth). I loved planning themed parties for my roommates. I loved giving gifts, teaching the gospel, and working with kids. I figured I would do the same, but with a lot more time and love devoted to wee lil ones. 

And then I got pregnant. And still taught/lesson planned 12-14 hours a day. MS and pregnancy do NOT go well in my body. Ohhhh, it was rough. Then I had my angel. And we both didn't sleep much at all for 5 weeks, until we discovered her silent gerd (acid reflux). Then we experimented with formulas, I returned the expensive hospital grade breast pump, and tried to readjust to this new lil bundle of Pterodactyl screams, constipation, smiles, coos, and Zzz resistance. The time went too quickly before I was back to teaching. In some ways it was easier to stay home with my baby. In other ways it was much easier to leave her with my sister or babysitter and focus on teaching. Socially I didn't think I was very fulfilled. Mentally I was exhausted. Physically I was drained. Spirituality was very different now that a baby ruled my time and I had to try VERY hard to fit in time for scripture reading or attending all 3 meetings when I was so sick and in pain. Financially we had all kinds of bills and things draining our bank account. I was sure that once I retired from teaching, things would be better. More time to spend with friends. More time to read or create. More time to rest and exercise on my terms. More time to read the scriptures and serve in the church. I would feel more connected and great success as I brought up a daughter of God. Everything I had envisioned would finally be able to come to fruition. 

And then I moved across the country and became a stay-at-home mom (with MS). Having work is stressful and exhausting. But, you feel success daily, usually. You can check things off and move on. You may have to come back, but for me, I had a restart every year. I saw progress relatively quickly. I didn't think I had any social life, but looking back, a lot of socialization happens through work. It may not be chillin' with your Friends at the local hang out day in and day out. BUT, typically you talk, discuss, laugh, cry, and interact with more than 2 people on a daily basis. When you work, mentally you are divided and pushed. But, there is a sort of thrill that comes from being able to manage. You are challenged constantly to find new solutions and they come with success. When you stay-at-home with a baby, you do the challenging mentally. Or you're challenged because you feel like you'll go mental trying to figure out how to squelch the screams of an irrational, non verbal child. When you work, you inevitably feel stretched and stressed. I used to think we didn't have much money and stressed over things like medical bills and a house that hadn't sold. Ooooh, I was clueless. While we're not poverty stricken, money is a struggle. To live off one income, for most people, you have to sacrifice and struggle. Our health coverage is almost 1/5 of our income. Taxes and utilities are double what they were in Utah. To stay at home, I thought it would be less stressful and I would have oodles of time to devote to crafty creations and enlightening interactions with my baby all day long. But, to make cutesy, crafty creations, you have to have money and energy. I am lacking in both. A lot of my day is repetitive cleaning and soothing. We spend a good amount of time on singing, reading, and learning. But, I noticed that I was focusing too much of what I SHOULD do. I was so focused on what I thought being a stay-at-home mom would entail, that I was driving myself a little crazy. 

No T.V. until it's husband/wife time. (We just have Netflix)

Regularly Clean the Kitchen. Dining Room. Living Room. Bedroom. Bathroom. 

Teach colors, numbers, and signs for various words in English and a few in another language (we tried Italian, French, and Japanese). 

Read often to my baby. Play music. Talk about everything to increase verbal skills.

Unpack the house.

Organize closets.

Make a cute craft each month, plus a wreath for each season or holiday.

Make each holiday fun and exciting with traditions.

Read 1 book per month.

Family Home Evening.

Schedules followed with eating and sleeping. 

Eat healthy.

Lose weight.

Develop talents.

etc, etc, etc

My MS makes it so I really can't do a lot of extra things. I can pick up my baby several times, clean 2-3 times a day, and sometimes when I've had 2-4 hours of sleep multiple days in a row, I turn on the Netflix and just sit. It will probably take me a year to unpack my home because all of my strength goes to the basics. Change diapers. Dress us both. Clean up messes. Put the baby down. Laundry (did I mention our washer can only handle 3 towels at a time and it takes about 2 hours to dry those 3 towels)? Eat. Pray. Finally sleep. Every once in a while I get to read, do some craft, or organize. But, most of the time I just focus on my little one. Sometimes that means sitting in front of a fan with ice packs around me as I ask my baby to come to me with a book. 

I know it's just a season. I LOVE parts of this season. The hugs, kisses, new words discovered, laughs, dance moves, exploration, and the fact that she can't climb on the kitchen counters yet. I don't hope that this part will speed by, because I may only be able to have one child. If that is what God plans, then it's what is best for us. BUT, the tantrums and Sunday wrestling/chasing fiasco are some parts I will not miss. It is simply different than I expected. I miss working so much more than I ever anticipated. I am one of those moms who misses working terribly. I am one of those moms who plays the "What IF" game too often. (I.E. "What if I didn't have MS? I could dance today. I could lift her more often. I could clean more daily. My house would be unpacked by now. My husband would have to do less."). 

In the end, I wouldn't change my life. I wouldn't go back to work. I wouldn't have married earlier. I wouldn't wish for a different child, different stage, or different home. BUT, I would (and need to) change my perspective of what SHOULD be and what I expect (to feel, to be, to accomplish). I'm doing better with perfectionism, simplifying, and being present. I still have work to do, but I'm improving. 

Life is great. It is NOT what I expected. I need God every hour, certain days, to teach me how to help my lil babe. I suppose that is what it is all about. Every challenge or trial I've faced has been harder than I expected or wanted to deal with, but exactly what I needed. Good comes from any situation where I have God at the helm.  (And thank goodness for my wonderful husband to carry the burden. My props to single moms!!!!!)

I LOVE MY LIFE. But, there are moments when I look back and remember little things I should have been more thankful for in past seasons or stages of my life. I know this stage will be the same. I try to soak in the great times and fleeting moments that are so unique to our situation right now. I have one baby to focus on right now with a wonderful, supportive husband. Instead of being like Lot's wife and looking back so longingly that I miss what is ahead (and get smoked in the process), I'll just remember that JUST BECAUSE IT'S RIGHT, DOESN'T MEAN IT'S EASY. SACRIFICE WITH GOD AT THE HELM WILL ALWAYS BE RIGHT. Parenthood is hard and that is okay. Things are good. Things are great. Our lives come in seasons. I'll grow, love, and learn. 

**I don't mean to complain. I hope you, the reader, didn't take it that way. I know I am blessed and feel for those who would love to be in my position. I have been on the other side, annoyed by some mother crying, "Whoa is me," when all I wanted to do was trade places. I just wrote this to say, sometimes it's not what you expect. All stages/seasons have their pros and cons. I just didn't expect certain feelings to be so predominant.**

Perfectionism was like giving Satan a screaming section in my head. NO MORE ADMISSION!

Lately I've been thinking a lot about perfectionism.

Confession::: I'm a recovering perfectionist. I've known some who have it worse than me and many who don't have it as bad as I do. MS insists that you cannot be a perfectionist...and that may not be such a bad thing.

I know I am supposed to learn things in this life to perfect my eternal self and transform me into who I was always meant to be. My weaknesses, if I will let them, mold, refine and form me into my whole self. Being WHOLE, TRUE, and at PEACE in this life can come in doses. Waves, really. But, I am starting to think that aiming for perfection in this life is not beneficial or maybe even obtainable...at least for me.

Let me go back a few years...and then some...

When I was a baby crawling towards something dangerous/not-for-me, my parents would say, "NO!" and I would listen. I'd stop and would redirect. When I was a two year old, I helped with dishes, making my bed, putting away clothes, and a variety of other chores. As I grew, I continued wanting to be perfect. I turned 8 and wanted to maintain the cleanliness and perfection that comes with this special covenant. I prayed, cried and conversed with my parents wondering how they obtained their testimony of the gospel, and gained my own as a young child. I didn't fight with my younger siblings, obeyed my parents, prayed daily, fasted a little, and then faltered when I yelled at my brother. NOT pErFeCt. I remember the feeling of complete failure and dread a few days (or maybe it was hours) after my baptism. I was completely disappointed in myself and my plan to get through this life NEVER messing up was foiled. Looking back, it is laughable that I was so crushed when I finally succumbed to such a minor imperfection. God didn't expect me to be perfect from 8 to 80. But, as a little 8 year old, I fully intended to do so. I learned about the atonement and took that eternal concept to heart. I grew and tried to get the best grades and in the least possible trouble. I was modest, covered my ears (and hummed) when there was an inappropriate song on the radio, never drank caffeine, swore twice (once was on accident and the other time was under my breath), played volleyball horribly, attended seminary (ditched once in 4 years and vowed to never do it again), read the entire Bible and Book of Mormon, received my YW in Excellence Award, gave service in church and my community, never watched a rated R or PG-13 movie, and tried to be as honest as possible. I stood up for my beliefs, worked hard at my job, and always put on a happy face, even though I dealt with depression. I graduated #24 or #26 in my class of nearly 800 seniors (GPA of 4.025 with AP classes). I worked and saved enough for college and got two scholarships to attend a college that taught less than my high school. I lived on my own and continued as if I still lived under my parent's house. (I was finally allowed to watch rated PG-13 movies and watched several, but then felt too guilty and gave that up). I exercised like crazy, developed friendships, and was RS president to 135 girls when I was 19. I certainly hadn't been perfect my whole life, but I had this warped view that if I could be perfect, I could get blessings. If I messed up, I'd be cursed for who-knows-how-long. Most of what I did was fueled by obligations and fears, not because of love.

And then I got MS. Or it got me. And I was single for a long time. And I kept praying, having faith, and trying to be perfect, but my major prayers weren't being answered. Little prayers and guidance in myriad ways occurred. But, I was baffled by imperfect people getting the things I wanted most desperately (good health, marriage, babies/kids) as I kept moving along.  Some friends were on their 2nd and 3rd marriages when I couldn't even find one decent date. Some roommates could eat WHATEVER they wanted and they wouldn't gain weight. I decided I was just one of the few who was unloved, unloveable, and unworthy. I was broken.

I couldn't see or hear, quite literally, from time to time. I couldn't feel, from time to time.  I woke up with huge bruises for no reason. I got stabbing pains, dizzy, nauseous, and pain in general that I couldn't explain. I gained weight, medical bills, and eventually received answers to my complex ailments. I started to see myself, those around me, and my strict perfectionism and unrealistic expectations in a clearer light.

Life can be that way, don't you think? At times you don't see or hear clearly, whether it's this physical world or the world on the other side of the veil trying to come through. Sometimes we can't feel and other times we force ourselves to NOT feel, from time to time. Sometimes we get beat up, emotionally, physically, socially, financially, ....and can't explain why. But, those are the times we grow, stretch, and learn. Spiritually, we may feel off kilter, but as long as we never 'jump out of the boat' and safety of the gospel, we will ALWAYS be GOOD. I developed a greater understanding of the atonement, God's love for ALL of His children, and a depth of faith I hadn't quite grasped when I thought I had the 'happiness formula' down. My naive understanding was that Prayers + Faith + a perfect life of following ALL the Rules = 'YES' answers to anything you desire (which would OBVIOUSLY result in supreme happiness).  Can you imagine a world with people who were always told, "Yes," to any desire as long as they followed the rules? Have you known spoiled children who are never told, "No?" Satan's plan truly would have failed in this life and in the next.

I once heard someone say, "Would you ever berate a child for falling when they're just learning to walk?" I scoffed in my head, wondering where she was going with the ridiculous concept. "Would you tell a child to give up, scold them, or throw your arms up in disgust?" NO! "Do you expect a child to walk perfectly the first time? The third time? The twentieth time?" ...

...I was starting to get it...


God doesn't expect us to get it perfect the first time either. Instead he stretches out his arms to us, gives us encouragement and whispers, "You can do it! Try again."

I taught my students that same principle (minus the religious context) and always told them that 1) It doesn't have to be perfect, they just have to try.  2) They cannot compare themselves to anyone else. Instead they need to try to be better than they were yesterday, last week, or at the beginning of the year. 3) If they ever expressed a sense of negativity regarding their abilities or overall view of themselves, they had to list 3 good things about themselves immediately. If they struggled, I told them at least 3 things I observed with regard to their 'awesomeness.' 

I didn't expect my students to be perfect. I don't expect my husband to be perfect. I don't expect my daughter to be perfect. So, why in the world, do I expect myself to be perfect?

Hmph.

Time to stop.

I'm saving perfection for the next life.

MS and motherhood are hard. MS, motherhood, and perfectionism are impossible in this life. So, I'm just going to take my own advice. I'm going to NOT compare myself to others. I'm going to try to do better than I did last week or at the beginning of motherhood. I'm going to rejoice in my accomplishments, as I praise the Man above. If I stumble, falter, lie down in exhaustion, or cry a little because I was hurt, so be it. But, I won't wallow in pity, give up, or hang my head in shame. I'm gonna shake it off, get up and get going! 

I can do some things really well and some things poorly. 

Such is life; at least in the mortal sense, right?

It's time we started giving ourselves the leeway we gave ourselves when we were newborns and growing toddlers, recently departed from our perfect Father in Heaven. As my baby waddles around the house, mimicking me in too many ways, I see her persistence, confidence, and fortitude. I rejoice in the tiny new discoveries and new milestones she reaches. She falls and gets hurt, but that is when she learns how to do it right the next time. I don't expect her to start running any day now. I expect that she will learn day-by-day; quite literally, step-by-step. 

Here's to 2014's attempts at MS, motherhood, redefining this stay-at-home-KS-mother's identity, and taking back even just a little more of my health. I most likely won't lose as much weight as I set out to shed. I most likely won't be able to take my daughter to the library EVERY week. I will probably falter on days with my healthy eating goals. There's a good chance that I may have to take a quick pinterest or fb break a few times a week...er, day. But, I'm definitely not going to give up or hang my head in shame if I struggle! 

I WILL BE PRESENT. I WILL REJOICE. I WILL SIMPLIFY. 

I will stop being my own, worst critic. I will view myself as my Father in Heaven sees His little girl and STOP giving Satan a screaming section in my head. 

I had a roommate who used the analogy of good gas/bad gas that fuels your body. It hit home because at one point in my life, we had an itty bitty Geo Metro and filled it with the cheapest gas. It started struggling going up hills, moving through the city, and chugging along slower and sporadic as time went on. After talking to a mechanic, he said to avoid AMPM gas, because it was cheap gas. We paid a little more for the Chevron gas, but found that the engine moved more steady, controlled, and as it was designed to do. Later I bought a used Mazda that I loved. It had no owner's manual, but I never referred to one anyway. In one month, a particular part went out. Come to discover, it was because the engine was particular and had to have mid-grade gas, not the lowest. Even my Chevron gas wasn't enough for this special little engine. Since then, the car has been my favorite. Once I figured out what the engine needed, it ran as it was supposed to.

So, what in the world does that have to do with our bodies and weight loss? If you fill the engine with crap, do you expect the body to perform as it was designed? How do you feel after you eat a meal as pictured above? How do you feel when you eat a balanced meal full of colors? Right now I'm trying to undo the years of eating like above. Let's hope I can revitalize my 'engine' and get it moving smoother, faster, and as it was designed by God.

Baby Steps to Weight Loss...FITNESS JAR CHALLENGE

A friend had the idea of a FITNESS JAR CHALLENGE, wherein you place scraps of paper with healthy choices in a jar and complete one per day. When I taught school, we had a math 'challenge' called DROPS IN THE BUCKET, with the concept that if you practiced the basic concepts daily, you add a drop of knowledge to your 'bucket.' By the end of the year, you have acquired a wealth of knowledge in your bucket o' brains.

The same concept holds true in the challenge. It is like taking baby steps in this healthy life style journey and by the end, maybe you can RUN! I developed a different version very particular to me. I used to exercise obsessively. But, with MS, I simply cannot do that. My focus needs to be more on healthy eating and positive thinking. I also assigned point values to each choice. Some will be more challenging to me, specifically. My idea is that I want to make a COMPLETE change; a turn around. I want to make a 180 TURN! I used some ideas from Jillian Michael's book, "Slim for Life," as well as thoughts shared at Weight Watchers, coupled with my own goals.

Next, I like numbers. I like patterns. I'm hoping to establish a routine and possibly even healthy habits. I'm aiming for a 180 turn (180 points earned) by 1/4/14. I will allow myself a few throw backs, since some days with MS, you physically cannot do what your spirit/soul wants to. I have some exercise concepts in the challenge, but acknowledge that there will be times that I'll have to save it for days of increased strength. And, in all honesty, it will also put me under, possibly, for days after. So, if I pull out two physical options on consecutive days, I need to be realistic.

I tend to get down when I don't see a particular number or downward movement on the scale. Since my most recent MS exacerbation, I have been down because I just can't move that scale as I'd hoped. So, I'm going to change my focus. When I had strength, I was able to lose 5.4% of my body weight. Now I can't. Be REAL. Be HONEST. Be LOVING.

Instead, I'm going to acknowledge that I have weaknesses and can do one thing per day to increase my HEALTH.

Here's my personal list: (use it if you want, modify it to your own goals, and GOOD LUCK)

SLIM LIST (list of WHYS) “Make it Personal” 3 points	Measurable Goals 2 points	“Behold the Power of the Pyramid” 3 points
After washing my hands, 1 min positive affirmations 1 point	Smoothie for Breakfast 2 points	Salad for lunch 1 point
No dairy 2 points	No bread today 2 points	No sugar all day (refined) 3 points
Walk outside 1 point	After using the bathroom, 2 push ups 2 points	NO chemical crap (no processed foods) 3 points
3 full meals today 1 point	“You are beautiful, strong, and capable” repeated 5 times every time you enter or pass the kitchen 1 point	Under calorie allotment (track food, as well) 3 points
Make a weekly menu and grocery list. FOLLOW it. 1 point per day followed	Grocery shopping with no junk purchased 2 points	Plan ahead (and track accordingly) 2 points
Date night with hubby and make a SMART choice 2 points	Bag it for the week (small portions with info written outside baggie) 3 points	Journal food choices and feelings 2 points
One piece of fruit with every meal 1 point per meal	60 oz. of water 1 point	Meds every day this week 1 point per day
Fiberwise 1 point per day	62 oz. of water 2 points	Electrolytes 1 point
100% whole grains 1 point	Yogurt instead of sugar/chocolate all week 2 points every 2 days	Salad/soup once a day 1 point per day
Colorful meals today 1 point per color total	Create a vision wall 5 points	Lunges everywhere I walk for ½ the day 2 points
Journal 2 points	64 oz. of water 2 points	Healthy breakfast 1 point
5 crunches before and after every meal 3 points	Water aerobics 3 points	Buy organic 1 point
Try a new vegetable (or new way with a veggie) every day this week 1 point per day	Dance with baby girl 2 points	Choose a mantra and repeat 10 times in the morning, afternoon, and evening 2 points
Report to someone on positive changes made yesterday, today, and plans for tomorrow 2 points	1 point for every day w/o chocolate	Reboot for 3 days 3 points
Attend WW this week and report 2 points	Balanced diet today (discriminate, don’t eliminate) 2 points	“Slim for Life” Meal plan 3 points
“If it didn’t come from the land or sea, or have a mother, avoid.” 2 points	Real versions, “Go back to Nature.” 2 points	“Eat in Technicolor” 3 points (all day) 2 points (one meal)
Visit the local market this week 1 point	Meds every day this week 3 points (end of week)	After washing my hands, 2 min positive affirmations 2 points
Be seasonal 1 point	Eat every 4 hours 2 points	Snack is 20% of allotment (4 by 4= 4 meals—snack being one, every 4 hrs) 2 points
Eat w/o distractions 2 points	No juice today 1 point	80/20 every day this week (80% greens, leans, fruits & 20% treats) 1 point
Eat 2 water-packed foods (watermelon, zucchini, cucumbers, etc) 1 point	Apple a day keeps the doctor away (every day this week) 1 point per day	Crawford video 3 points
Weights during commercials of 1 hr show 3 points	No shopping while hungry this week 2 points	Fish for dinner 3 points
“Kick the Can” (no foods from a can) 1 point	Precut fruit for the week/day 2 points	Journal 2 points
No food with more than 5 ingredients all week (or bought at the grocery store) 1 point	Try a new meal and blog about it 3 points	Kid size (plates, cups for juice, bowls) 1 point
Colorful w/o much white (2 white per day) 1 point per day	Brush teeth after each meal 1 point	Put down fork after every bite 2 points
Fiberwise 2 points	Picnic this week 3 points	Soup or Salad once a day 1 point per day
Find an inspiration 2 points	Talk with hubby about progress, issues, and concerns 1 point	Healthy breakfast 2 points
Work out playlist 1 point	3 jumping jacks every hour until 8 p.m. 3 points	Drink a cold glass of water before every meal/snack 1 point
Eat each meal with my left hand 1 point	When I get a craving this week, listen to music that is uplifting and/or calming. 2 points	Eat 5 walnuts or 8 almonds before 2 meals today 1 point
Emergency Plan for 3 triggers/issues 3 points	Yoga 2 points	Take three bites ONLY of treats for 3 days. 3 points
Read a health book for 5 minutes with every craving 1 point	Brush my teeth after every meal and snack and before cravings 2 points	Check all labels for MSG. Avoid ALL WEEK 1 point
In bed by 10:30 p.m. 1 point per night	Get a massage 1 point	Meditation 1 point
Pray for 10 minutes to God about goals and assistance 2 points	Grow something you can eat 3 points	When going grocery shopping only pay with cash 2 points
Pair a protein with a carb 2 points	Slim pick for date night 2 points	Chew gum 1 point
Eat with chop sticks 2 points	Cut food into smaller portions 1 point	When going out to dinner, tie a ribbon around waist. When it expands, STOP 3 points
Leave wrappers out and take inventory at the end of the day 1 point	No carbs at night 3 points	5 day combo (1 pt each): *Spinach & citrus *Veggies & healthy fat *Vitamin D & calcium *Grapes & Nuts/Fish *Protein & Starch