MomOhLogue

2020 has been a hell of a year with COVID and many other tragedies. We have learned many new things about our history, our country, our politicians, our faith, our humanity, and science.  This blog will focus on what we learned as parents during lock down. I wondered if other parents were going crazy, losing patience, and worrying about their kids, our futures, and how we will move forward into 2021. So, I asked any and every parent I know from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and even requested responses on several social media platforms. I received approximately 10 responses back. Not bad for me! I usually get zero, so this was a win! I appreciate all the co-authors on this mini analysis project I took on to help me stay somewhat relevant and put my college degree to work (especially since I'm still paying off my student loans, LOL). I lost my full-time job due to COVID. I was an Account Manager/Sales for OptiSource in Bellport. They are a major supplier for Ophthalmologists.  M

I lost 75 lbs over a year!! I lost 45 just in the last 4 months while on the Noom app. I am now done with the Noom app because I've reached my goal weight and the tool isn't adding anymore value to me. But if I should feel the need for it again, I will gladly do it. What I learned from the app- the biggest takeaways for me were: Psychological takeaways: You must believe in yourself Follow each day perfectly but if you miss a day or two, you will be fine... don't quit or think of yourself as a failure- you are human... Meditation helps you relax and reduces anxiety The scale will go up and down but that is NORMAL... don't get discouraged just keep at it The coaches and group members push and motivate you You can eat whatever you want and that is liberating! Food is sometimes our comfort and once you deal with your own issues, you will realize how food is for our health and fuel and not for coping with life Food: Track all your food and stick within your calorie budget A

 I just wish things could slow down and we can stop time here in the best of times. Stop my kids from growing,  stop the rush to go...go...go...and just sit still in this beautiful season of my life.  Do you ever want to just slow it down? As I get older,  38 now, im feeling the brevity of years and yearn for slower days. Im in a good place in my life and here is where I want to stay. I've stopped worrying about other people,  stopped sweating small stuff and truly am living in the moment. Im being mindful in all I do and truly have found the greatest joy in simplicity.  I just wish it would never end. Can I freeze time? Can we just all take a deep breathe and see the good in front of us?  I think we all get to a point where we've suffered enough in the past and just don't care to pay attention to shit that used to bother us. Its called getting older and wiser. I knew I'd finally get here. I think I've grown up.  But im never done growing....

 I started meditation at night and i wish I started sooner. As a Mom with 4 kids, shit gets hectic and I didn't realize how much I just need quiet sometimes until they were all at a sleepover and I finally had the house to myself. Quiet is amazing. Being still and doing nothing for over 3 hours is a beautiful thing. The practice of sitting still to be with your own energy and soul is a necessity for all parents out there. I love the sound of my kids but we need a break sometimes. I encourage you to listen to a YouTube meditation video and let your mind relax and breathe your way to a stress level that makes you feel happy.  Go try it! Let me know your thoughts! 

I feel amazing and while I still have more to lose, im happy.

Look at all these delicious meals we been making! My daughters have been helping me cook. We have so much fun together doing this. The food tastes amazing. My husband has been so happy. He even asked me if I was running a bed and breakfast now, lol. Greek yogurt pancakes,  croissant French toast, ribeye ginger marinade steak salad, Chinese cashew chicken, taco salad, chicken marsala... Sooo good!

I felt inspired this morning to write a piece on how you,  yes you, can do anything you put your mind to in life. Maybe it was the runners high speaking in my mind or beginning stages of overheating,  lol. I know there are millions of books trying to motivate people so why bother write my version? Well, because I want to! Life is not easy and I had to work hard if I ever wanted anything more in life. As I think back on the key theme of my life and what helped me, it probably boils down to an overwhelming desire to want to achieve something and a practical ability and skill to research opportunities to help me get there- utilize all resources. You gotta want it (be motivated) and you need to not be afraid to find help. I grew up with a good home, food, normal family problems but we were lower income. We lived in an apartment and didn't have extras like vacations every year or a pool or fancy things. We were happy and healthy and that's all that mattered. To get to colleg

I posted a picture of me 60 lbs down the other day on a group I'm part of on Facebook and I was amazed at how many people sent congratulatory and supportive comments and reactions. Over 1,700 people reacted with likes and loves and hundreds commented. I feel so blessed and grateful for the support and kindness. As a stay at home Mom of 4, we often go about our days unrecognized for what we do all day. I am so grateful that many reached out to me for advice and help too! Glad I can inspire people. It just goes to show you that many people struggle with weight and want to lose it. Here is the picture: Ever since joining Noom, I've realized how psychological eating can be. By focusing on managing my stress and learning new coping techniques,  I been able to control my eating and emotions. I use food for fuel and energy and not for rewards or to deal with stress. I realize how our bodies need great foods and not crap. I been enjoying meditation too and found it to be so rel

Dear beautiful daughters, I wanted to write you a little note to let you know how much I love each of you. I know you are getting older and one day you will read my blog and I wanted you to find this. You each are unique and special in your own way and I love you all just for the beautiful people you are. You make my life full of adventure and love. I get to do fun things with you every day. I am the lucky one. Yes, sometimes I yell and get mad because I need to clean a new mess or you girls are fighting over one toy or a phone or you pulled a prank or won't go to bed. But truth is, I still love every moment and love you no matter what. That's the thing about a mothers love for her kids, its so unconditional, so strong, and so relentless. There is nothing you can do that would make me stop loving you. I love watching you play imagination games together like family or mermaids in the ocean, I love when you are cozy on the couch cuddling your blanket and popcorn, I love

I hope we can always find time for the beach and come here together for many years! It's amazing to smell the ocean, hear the waves, the laughter,  the seagulls, the reggae tunes in the background,  and swim with underwater creatures.

It has been a little over 2 months since I started using Noom and I am loving my weight loss results. I lost about 24 lbs in 2 months! I been following the plan with full commitment and exactly as I'm supposed to. Maybe once or twice I went over my daily calories but overall I'm following 100%. Noom was exactly what I needed to help me keep going. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is truly ready and committed. So far, over last 10 months, I've lost 55 lbs! I'm very happy and proud of myself for not giving up. I had many slip ups and it has been hard but I have made lifestyle changes for the better and mentally,  I've learned how to use food for fuel and health and not as emotional support. In 2016 I had a breakdown in June and it was the hardest thing I ever went through. Stress in my life and postpartum built up and I finally had to get help. But as far as weight,  I lost a lot in 2016. By the end of 2016 (after my Dads death) to summer of 2019, I gai

Tonight I made stuffing with sausage and stuffed 3 large chicken breasts. Baked at 350 for 45 minutes. I also made mashed potatoes simply by boiling about 6 small peeled potatoes, mashing them and mixing in heavy cream, butter and a little salt. I made gravy from McCormick's mix and microwaved some corn. Also made Cresent rolls from Pillsbury. I also put out some cranberry sauce. I love making stuffed chicken breasts,  especially now that red meat is so expensive. Here are some pictures!