And so it begins...

14 comments

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I'm Jennie! I am 29 years old (only for a few more months), and I have to say, my life is great. I have been married to my best friend Ryan for almost 4 years, and I have two beautiful daughters, Kendall (who turns 3 next month) and Leah (3 months). I absolutely love being a mom. I am also a sixth grade teacher in the Omaha area, and I'm one of those people who actually looks forward to going to work each day. Yes, my life is pretty great, except for one little thing...

As I try to wrap my brain around the fact that I am turning 30, I have to admit to myself that I am not happy about my lifestyle in regards to my health. I have never really given a whole lot of thought to what I eat, or how much I exercise. And it shows! I have come to realize that now is the time to get with the program! Like so many woman I put the needs of others in my life first, but now it is time to put me, and my health, first. I know that if I am at my best, then I can give so much more to the people in my life.

So when I saw a commerical for the BetterU program with the American Heart Association, I decided that this was it. I am going to make the changes that need to be made. I want to be around to see my girls grow into women. I want to have the energy to keep up with them. I want to go on a 50th anniversary trip with my husband. I want to fit into those jeans that are sitting in the back of my closet. I want to be the best me I can possibly be.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with all of you! I want this blog to be a place where we can cheer each other along, set goals together, and be honest with one another. I know there are going to be days when I make great choices, and there are going to be days when I don't. I promise to be real throughout this whole thing...and I know that I am going to need some encouragement along the way!

I am so excited to get started. Tomorrow I will post about the health screening I went through on Saturday, and I will set a few small goals for this week! I was going to do that now, but it is getting late, and I have a 2:00 AM date with Leah that I know is coming, so I'd better get to bed!

Tomorrow is the beginning of an exciting journey!!

Jennie

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Posted by: Meghan on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:32 AM
First I must say you are awesome for doing this whole thing. You are teaching some of us a big lesson. That anyone can get healthy.. you just need to have motivation and support 24/7. Good luck, I know frist hand it is hard sticking to things, and If you ever need a exercise buddy I got ya! Once again another older cousing to look up to. I know you got this. Love ya!!

Posted by: Jennie on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:19 AM
I think there is always a little room for breakfast at the G.I. I'm not giving EVERYTHING UP!!!

Posted by: MC on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:17 AM
No more breakfast at the G.I. Forum, good luck!

Posted by: Patti on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Jennifer, So proud of you for starting this journey! I can't wait to follow your blog and read about all of your success! Go Jennie! :)

Posted by: Tracy on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Jennie, I am super proud of you for taking this on. I know you will have great success because that is just the type of girl you are!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:08 AM
You are such an amazing person, and I'm so excited that you're going on this journey...and that you're allowing the world to follow you!

Posted by: Danielle on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM
WOW! You are amazing and I'm so excited for you! I'm looking forward to learning tons from you and supporting you every day! EXCITING!!

Posted by: Shannon on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:06 AM
The Dr. friend in me is SO PROUD!! :) I think being a good example for our kiddos is really important too. Good luck with your journey!

Posted by: Jennifer on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Jennie -- I am super excited for you and will encourage you all that I can! You are a great woman and have a wonderful husband and two beautiful girls. I wish you the best of luck through this new journey! GO JENNIE, GO JENNIE, GO JENNIE! Your friend, Jennifer Smith

Posted by: Natalie on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Wow mom, you are really enthusiastic about your fiber!

Posted by: Laura on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Looking forward to our 3-mile treck! Go Fiber!

Posted by: Valerie on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Super excited to read the next post. Good luck friend.

Posted by: Nicole on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I am hoping this doesn't mean the end of cheesy potatoes! On a serious note, I will be cheering for you. I know you will provide a honest look at what it is like to go through this journey. All the best.

Posted by: Emily on Aug 3, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Good luck Jen! This sounds like a cool program and I'm excited to hear more about it.