April is Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness month. So as a mom of a Lil guy with Autism, let me make you aware of what and where Autism is. Autism is a neurological disorder. No my child is not stupid, he is not ignoring you, no he is not weird, yes he is quirky, he is down right cute, but for all that's holy no he can not tell you how many matchsticks you drop on the floor. He is not rainman. Autism is every where. 1 in 48 children are diagnosed every year. That's a lot of people. There is no cure, the is no rhyme or reason. It is a GROWING epidemic. Sure there are resources to help but not so much that doesn't deplete a family of any kind of financial issues. Thankfully some insurances are beginning to see the growing need for assistance for families and our loved ones who deal with their condition and quirks everyday. Some people with Autism will not engage in eye contact, some are non verbal, sounds that we deal with on a daily basis can be extremely distracting and upsetting to someone on the spectrum. Some will flap, rick, and fidget. These are there stems, or coping mechanisms. Most prefer to be alone, or some like my guy are social which is more rare than the norm. I hope I was able to enlighten you on a very big epidemic that's growing faster and faster.

Thats a wrap!

  So we wrapped up yet another 90 day challenge last week.  We had an extended weekend with the holiday before starting our new 90 day challenges today.  It was cheers all around.  As some may have had doubts they w ould succeed at their challenges, as time went on they were beginning to say its day so and so already doesn't seem like it.  That makes me feel good. Why?  Because that means everyone got to feel the success of being able to change something that wasn't making them feel good about themselves, they also got to see that they are capable of anything.  It doesn't matter if you are just joining us for your first challenge and you only make it a few days in.  What does matter is you don't give up and you keep going.  Just keep making the changes in your life that will make you healthier and happier.

  So tonight I had another fantastic work out at the gym. Well, that was until teen angst stepped on the elipitical next to me.  First he walks in and walks by me and my middle daughter looks at the both of us on the elipitical and said, "oh for real, really I should just leave."  I ignored him.  He walked towards the desk then came back.  He did a double take and realized that the elipitical that my daughter was on was now vacant.  Again he mumbled something then hopped on.  Then once on either his feet weren't on the steps correctly or something wasn't up to his standards  Again a big sigh and, "For REAL whatever!"  He began his work out.  He kept looking at my machine and was trying to either show off or was just being a teen.  Whatever the case may be maybe my non reaction was what was needed he seemed to calm down and moved in a more calm and steady manner.

  Needless to say, I have posted on FB before I pic that said if thought bubbles were above my head I would be screwed.  Today probably would have been that day lol.  If not for my facials that thought bubbles would have certainly given me away.  So if you haven't joined one of our challenges but would like to please feel free to join.  Today is day 1 of the challenge feel free in joining us.  You do not have to give up food it can be anything that you know you need to change to make your life better, easier, and healthier.  We are also doing a 1 year daily penny challenge which is progressive.  Today is 19 yesterday everyone had $1.71 in their containers today is day 19 so they have to add 19 pennies to their containers.  Today we have $1.90 in our containers.  Please feel free to share my blog, leave comments whatever floats your boat. 

87 Days in to 2nd 90 Day Challenge=3 days til 90 days

  So we are at day 87.  For those of us doing my 90 day challenges knows that this means there is only 3 days left before a new challenge will begin. 

  Remember there is no pressure whatsoever.  All are welcome to join in on any 90 day challenge.  You do not have to give up food.  It can be anything you want to give up. 

  My next 90 day challenge is going to be extremely hard but very much needed.  I am going to give up all carbs not found in vegetables.  I am going to increase my protein this is the extremely hard part as I am a vegetarian.  Going to increase my water intake.  I already pee a river with the amount I drink so may want to invest in a good raft.  Make sure I get adequate amount of sleep and I hope to lose 15 pounds per month of the 90 day challenge, so in the end of this challenge I would like to lose a total of 45 pounds.

  The support group that follows my challenges online on FaceBook are phenomenal.  They are a great bunch who support one another with kind words.  I love it.  I look forward to helping everyone on their journeys as well.

  Also we are all doing the 1 year penny challenge.  This was explained in my previous post.  Its a progressive penny challenge.  On day 1 we all put 1 penny in our containers on day 2 we put two pennies in for a total of 3 cents in our containers.  Today is day 11 and we all have 66 cents in our containers. Please feel free to jump in and join us.  You need a container and pennies or change that adds up to what should be in your containers.  Tomorrow will be day 12 so you will add 12 pennies to your 66 cents for a total of 78 cents.

  Happy Spring to all.  To those of you joining my blog thank you.  Please feel free to leave comments or questions.  I love recipe questions. 

90 Day Challenges

Hi Everyone!

  This blog is about challenges and the journeys those challenges take us on.  Feel free to join in on my 90 Day challenges. All are welcome.  I have a 90 Day Challenge group on FB as well if you would like to join us there feel free to send me a message.

  My first 90 Day Challenge took place approx. 180 days give or take a few days.

  I gave up chocolate.  Any and all forms of chocolate.  I survived.  During that challenge I had many people ask why?  Are you crazy?  Why would you put yourself through that?  Simple. I am very strong willed and I was put to the challenge by a friend.  I accepted.  Although it was hard I have to say it wasn't the hardest thing I have ever had to do. 

  I found through this first challenge that some of the chocolate things I thought I liked, well were more or less probably consumed out of boredom.  I do still enjoy chocolate but I don't need it everyday, and I catch myself thinking about it before I put it in my mouth.

  The second challenge was one of my favorite things probably more so than chocolate.  Chips.  Yep again the questions of why? Are you crazy?  That is your downfall, how are you going to make it?  Simple.  I am stubborn if I set my mind to it I can do it.  This challenge is still currently going on. 

 When this challenge is over, I was going to give up pizza for 90 Days.  However, I think I am going to do one better.  I am going to give up carbs. 

  As a group we also have another challenge going on.  This one is a one year challenge.  If you want to join in on a challenge, this is the time and one to get in on NOW!!! This is the year long penny challenge.  Today is day 7.  You will need a container.  If you are joining today you need to add 28 cents to your container.  Tomorrow will be day 8 and you will add 8 pennies to the 28 for a total of 36 cents.

  You can choose to give up anything you want for 90 days it does not have to be food. So come on and join the fun journey with us.