And I can't wait for it to arrive on my doorstep so I can start using it!  Yes, I know, my health/fitness quest should not be dependent on the use of a new gizmo, but I'm so excited to get some feedback that is accurate!!!  If you're wondering what I'm talking about, the new "gizmo" is the GoWear fit Lifestyle and Calorie Management System.  I bought it straight from the Body Media website rather than Amazon this time because it was slightly cheaper.  I checked my online account today and it has officially shipped! 

The arm band is almost exactly like the Body Bugg system you see on Biggest Loser (though I've read some reviews that it's better).  You wear it all day long and sync it with your computer so you see how many calories you're burning.  You have to purchase a monthly subscription to use the website where you track your food and sync the calorie management.  I have the $6.95/month subscription because I committed to a year.

I've been using the website to track my calories so I can get used to it for when the armband arrives.  I've used free websites like SparkPeople and My Fitness Pal, and I have to say I think that this is just as, if not more, user-friendly than those sights.  I particularly like the graphic nature of your progress (I'm sure I'll love it more when I can see what I'm burning!).

Well, I think it's safe to say that 2009 had it's ups and downs for our family.  I'm definitely looking forward to staring off 2010 fresh and with lots of determination to achieve some goals!  I heard lots of people denouncing "new year's resolutions" this year, and I think I may join them.  I think I'd rather use this time to start fresh and set some GOALS!!!  I feel like I have a giant "to-do" list, but if I can tackle things one at a time and consistently, we'll be good!

Financial Check-In

In 2009, I read Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover and followed his debt snowball principals.  I was able to eliminate all of our debt, only to add a car loan to the mix when we outgrew our minivan.  Right now, I'm not in a rush to eliminate that debt (though I am one month ahead on payments), but rather to focus on building a healthy emergency fund.  My husband has been laid off (construction) since July 1, but is using the time to be a Mr. Mom and study for a new career in Wastewater Treatment.  We have been able to mostly survive on my income and save a good deal of his.  The plan is to continue down this path and to continue to follow a detailed budget.  On January 1, we also made the first of our 3 trial payments in the Home Affordability Modification Program (HAMP) to our lender.  If all goes well, we will get a permanent modification come April.  It's saving us about $100/month, but will give us a fixed rate for the life of the loan, so I won't have to worry about that rate adjustment in October 2010.

GOALS:

-Beef Up the Emergency Fund

-Contribute MORE toward retirment

Parenting Check-In

One thing about having 4 kids--two toddlers, a 12 year old and a 16 year old--is that life gets HECTIC! It is challenging!  There are a lot of things I'd like to do better, and keep my patience a heck of a lot more often!  We have been attending a local church as a family for nearly a year fairly regularly, and I'm excited to continue that journey because it gives me a spriritual "recharge" every week, as well as adds a new moral compass to the family.  The twins are growing so fast, there is much to "teach" them and fast...

GOALS:

-No more binkies for twins (so far so good on 1/2/10!!)

-Potty Train kids by 3rd birthday (March)

-Family dinners at the table for ALL, with TV OFF!

Fitness/Weight Loss Check-In

In 2009 I found the joy of blogs like Ash is Fit, and many cool online resources for fitness and weight loss.  I also participated in the amazing Breast Cancer 3 Day in November, which was so inspiring that I'm signed up for next year!  However, the end of 2009 found my will power in the dumps, and I have reached a new weigh-in high sine post partum.  I feel sluggish and fat, and I hate it, so I'm ready to do something about it!!!!  My husband is in the same boat, and is on board for healthier food (usually one of my biggest challenges is that the step-kids HATE any healthy food I make).  I just ordered my fitness gizmo for the year--GoWear fit Lifestyle and Calorie Management System--that I can't wait to receive it!  It's perfect for someone like me that obsesses over numbers and graphs, and from the reviews it is pretty darn accurate in helping you understand your calorie intake vs. output!

I've also invested in a couple new workout DVDs (killer Costco sale) to help keep variety to my workouts.  I am now the proud owner of Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism and Dancing with the Stars: Dance Body Tone. 

GOALS:

-Lose 50 lbs.--no time limit imposed, but it needs to ALL come off!

-Eat "cleaner"--lots more veggies and fresh fruit!

-Be in shape for the 2010 Breast Cancer 3 Day (I totally fell off the training wagon a month before 2009's walk).

Here's to wishing you a great year of new beginnings!