Another Goal...

In addition to getting a tattoo when I reach my weight loss goal (and as a constant reminder to stay fit and sexy), I might get an inverse navel piercing or a dermal anchor. My stomach and hips are easily the parts of my body I hate the most. And it's inevitably the last part to change. I'm not 100% sure I'm suited to an inverse navel because of how the top part is pierced. If not, then I'll just get a dermal there. I want to eventually be proud of that area and show it off. It'll be even better if it's nice and sparkly.

Who knows how long it will take, but a minimum of 6 weeks. And that's losing at the rate of 2 lbs a week. So at the earliest, the end of February. I also need to focus on the toning. I should be doing Pilates 4-5 days a week and situps with the medicine ball 3 days a week. Having the weight come off is only have the battle. I need to make sure I'm toned up to take advantage of getting all the flab off. ;)

I'm absolutely not going to let myself jump the gun and get them early. That's why it's a goal. My weight loss site recommends making a collage of "goal pictures" and posting it somewhere prominent. I'm beginning to think it might actually help. If I'm constantly keeping my eye on the prize, so to speak, then it's all the more motivation to get out there and work hard to take the last 13 or so pounds off. I've let myself backslide and I'm hoping I haven't done too much damage. I'm weighing in tomorrow morning and from there, I'll know just what I need to do. I'm really hoping I can finally beat this mental plateau and begin maintaining a healthy and happy way of life.

7 Ways to Keep Your Middle School Student Motivated

7 Ways to Keep your Middle School Student Motivated are:

1. Show love and patience

As parents, we need to make patience and love a top priority. Displaying this love and patience sets the stage for how they as students receive and retain educational information. Foundational support and verbal encouragement are key elements in motivating your child to develop interests and skills that he/she will use in their lifetime.

2. Provide boundaries

Provide and encourage boundaries. Talk with your child about certain TV programs, video games and music. Be aware of your child's friends and activities that they engage in. Guide them in helping to decide on how to make good decisions about their lives.

3. Be a role model

Be an example for your child by showing a continued interest in their education. Encourage them to develop proper and fruitful study and organizational skills. Don't hesitate to communicate to them that you are also in a continual process of education in your parenting and career skills.


4. Teach responsibility

Teach accountibility and responsibility. Provide areas of attainable goals and teach your child to complete the tasks they have set out to accomplish. Reward finished tasks and encourage continual growth.


5. Give variety

Offer a varied range of life experiences.Life is never just vanilla. Help them to realize the wonderful variety of subjects education has to offer. Utilize resources for fresh and fulfilling educational memories.


6. Acknowledge peer pressure

Keep abreast of life's hazards of potential negative behavior. Culture continues to offer potentially harmful acitivities. Know the pressures your child does face on a daily basis. Help them to distinguish between helpful and harmful endeavors.


7. Talk with your child

Communication is key. Always realize that your child faces many issues that are of supreme importance to them. As their parent, they look to you for understanding and guidance. Be honest and humble. Never be afraid to communicate to them that you don't always know the answer. But do assure them that you will always search for a resolution. Listen even if you don't share their intensity.


We all need to constantly remind ourselves that we are not perfect, nor does our child expect us to be. If we attempt to utilize available resources for guiding and encouraging our middle school children, we hopefully will see them succeed in the educational process.