Adjusting to changes in family life can be difficult.  Recently our 18 year old daughter moved in with her boyfriend.  For the husband this was a very distressing time.  I was able to take the change in stride.  Why?  I decided knowing where she was and with whom was more important than trying to control her life.  She started college in our hometown, joined a soriety and met a guy.  Will the relationship last? I don't know; however, I want her to know she can move back home in a split second if needed.  My husband was upset and bewildered by the change.  He wanted me to talk with the daughter, but I thought it would be best for him to talk with her himself.  I explained to the husband that knowing where she was and keeping a dialogue open was better than issuing orders.  He slowly saw what I was saying and was able to talk with her while letting her know he loved her even though he wished she was not living with her boyfriend.  Did it change where the daughter was living? No, but she knows we love her and will welcome her home whenever needed.  To work a situation like this, just be open and honest.  Realize you won't win all of the battles, so choose them carefully.

 Once the daughter had been gone about a month, my son decided he should be able to move into her bedroom with attached bath.  He has always wanted her room.  So what to do.  First I had him call his sister and ask her permission.  Why?  While she isn't living a home right now, there is every possibility she will need to move back home.  She needs to realize we aren't throwing her out of her space.  The son's desire to have a room with attached bath also needs to be addressed and allowed, if possible. 

The daughter gave her permission; however, no furniture is being moved, no walls are being painted.  He is happy to just have taken possession of the room.  In essence, he currently has 2 bedrooms.  Living in one room and string his clothes in another.  It is like having a large walkin closet.  I've spoken with the daughter about moving into the son's room if she moves back in December when her boyfriend graduates.  She is open to the idea as that room is much quieter.  If she doesn't move back home I am looking at converting it into a sewing/craft room.  While our house has storage, most of it is in the form of outbuildings full of farming stuff.  A room to keep all my own stuff in would be great.  Okay the wisdom of the son desiring to move is beginning to look better every minute.

 Currently, I need to lose greater than 50 lbs.  It will be a long journey.  I like food, all types of food and don't really like exercise.  I will have to change my habits.  This will be a ongoing trial for me and you will be able to take this journey with me.

I am starting by evaluating my possible exercise options.  I have broken both of my feet in the past 2 years and still have pain in one of the feet due to a slow healing bone.  Due to this, walking great distances is not easy.  I do like riding a stationary bike, so that will be an option.  I have to get over my likes and dislikes and decide to get healthy.  Actually, my heart is strong and my lab levels are good, just my weight and arthritis are a problem.

As for food options, I am leaning toward the whole foods option.  Low fat has never worked for me.  I have metabolic disorder (insulin resistance) and should eat by pairing foods.  I did this short term a few years ago and actually lost some weight. 

Tomorrow will be day one.  It is time to take control of my life.