Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Another week...



All is well here! We are rockin' at this lifestyle change!


On Sunday we attended a wedding *see photo. We did pretty good. It was a 'dry' wedding so no alchohol was served, only soda. Tony and I drank water. We made small 'sacrifices' in order to have a piece of dessert. We passed on the breads and the potatoes while still enjoying our meal. The dessert was delicious, a yummy tiramisu with no guilt attached whatsoever! So you certainly can have your cake and eat it too. :> It's no big deal.

It's important to remember that 90 % good and 10 % bad in your diet is what makes for a balanced, stable lifestyle. The 10 % is not daily, but rather over the course of a month when you are on a weight loss journey. So Sunday was our treat and Monday it was back to the grind!

Working-out with Tony is really working-out (pardon the pun!)...knock on wood! We are both encouraging each other, and spending quality time together. Now if I could just peel him away from the scale...he's becoming a scale hog! I weigh myself almost daily (only in the morning)...I know it's not good. But, this guy...in the shower...out of the shower...scale...coffee...scale...lunch...scale...etc...LOL!

Aside from my scale wars with Tony, I am feeling so great! Remember I went from not being able to walk down my street *due to my hernia surgery and vitamin D deficiency to now taking a brisk walk around my neighbourhood. In addition, I have noticed a huge increase in my stamina and my energy levels! Changes are possible. We just have to focus on the bigger picture and take baby steps from there. I'm most grateful, that I can move, and do things with my kids.
But it's not all roses. When I look at the above photo, I get so dispirited. Blah! Blah! Blah! Blah! But, it will make for a great before photo, so I really wanted to publish it. Besides, nobody knows better than me that honesty is ALWAYS the best policy. So here we are!!!

Cheers!
Kimmy

Friday, June 26, 2009

Week 1!


Okay! So numbers are in! :>

Kim: - 4 lbs!!!

Tony: - 8 lbs!!!
(damn him! ha ha ha)

So a great start for sure. Four pounds for me is HUGE! I used to work my butt-off for a pound every two weeks! It was really discouraging and frustrating. So Rob's advice is really working. (Not that I doubted you Rob :>.) Tony, is on a roll. I'm so happy that he is seeing results. This is the guy that 'starved' himself to lose weight in the past. So eating well, and lot's, plus drinking water does not equate in his mind as a way to lose weight. But, it does. Moreover, Tony even was asked yesterday if he was losing weight by someone. Good for him. He sure can use the confidence boost.

I have had only one HUGE sugar craving thus far. Which amazes me. But, I'll stop talking about it, otherwise my mouth will start to crave it...lol! I have stayed away from breads pretty much and found that I don't even miss it. (Sorry, Lene...my trainer at Goodlife used to ALWAYS preach to me about my breads. It finally clicked) What is most amazing is that it doesn't even hurt! ha ha ha In fact, I have kashi cereal for breakfast in the morning, and I'm off to a good start. I don't really miss breads...and when I do have them, it's whole grain or NOTHING!

Also, I wanted to report that my kids have not even noticed the juice change over! NADA even from Carmy!

My goals for the week ahead are:

- work-out 4 times
- yoga one day
- water (at least 8 glasses a day)

Tomorrow, Tony and I have a wedding to attend. I've blogged about this a zillion times, and I apologize. I too am sick of saying it myself, I'm not looking forward to going out, overweight AGAIN! However, I know that EVERY overweight person out there can attest with me, that's how we feel. Every cloud has a silver lining, and here it is for us, the fact that Tony and I are on a journey together of better health!

I will post a photo of us next week!

Have a healthy day!
Kimmy

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

News...and Life (!)


A few topics to cover, so I'll be babbling again today (I think I like to babble :>)

First off, let's get to the good news! I cheated a day early and checked the scale. The verdict:
- 3lbs! Yahoo...awesome. What amazes me is what taking sugared juices and soda out of your diet will do. Amazing. I'm feeling amazing too. I already noticed a huge difference in my energy level. Tony and I cleaned the basement, and organized the garage. Not only are we cleaning our bodies up, we are cleaning house too! :>

A bonus! I did the yoga! It felt great...so Monday's are yoga days!
This week we are doing no white flour. I don't think that will be to difficult since Tony is willing to switch to whole wheat pasta and we pretty much do all whole wheat (whole grain) already. However, I bet little Carmelo will have something to say about that...I'll keep you posted!

Speaking of Carmelo! Ah, I love that kid! Sometimes, he drives me crazy....Diodato (his older brother) is done school (graduated from grade 8 and going to grade 9 :<...my baby in highschool :<) So anyhow, Carmy finishes school tomorrow. "WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????? What do you mean I have two more days of school and HE is done? Who set-up that stupid deal? I am not going to school....call the secretary and you tell her that I'm done." I managed to get him up and dressed, as he was walking out the door, he turned and continued: "ya might of got me there today, but I'm talking to my teacher and there's no way I'm going tomorrow!" You can't help but laugh, because he's not rude or bold. He just expects things as though he was a king in a past life or something. I'm probably not far off the mark since he's already asked me to buy him emerald, sapphire and diamond rings. One for each finger!

Furthermore, last week Carmelo was in his class play. He dressed in his Sunday best, his suit and looked so cute. Anyhow, after the play was done...parents, grand-parents and other randoms proceeded to Carmelo to compliment him on his great performance. I'm not over exagerating. Nor am I one of those parents who thinks her kid is the kid of all kids, the greatest and only child in the world! I do have two other great kids! LOL...no, seriously, I think all kids are amazing. Back to the play. As everyone took their turns patting, complimenting and shaking Carmelo's hand, Tony and I just look at each other bewildered. How does everyone know him? Secondly...Carmy was shaking everyone's hand like a pro and adding: "...thanks for coming. It was a pleasure. Thank you. Thank you very much!...." Okay! This was not a play about CARMELO? WT>>>>In the end, we just laughed it off as a "That's Carmelo for ya!"

Well, that's enough for today! I was going to comment about the Jon and Kate drama. But, I can't possibly get into that after talking about Carmelo!

I'll blog my opinions on that tomorrow (I promise!).

Cheers to 3 lbs gone!
Kimmy

Monday, June 22, 2009

Summer is here!

Happy Summer Solstice everyone! My kids are almost done school! Youppie! They are so tired this time of year as most kids are. My oldest Diodato seems more tired than usual. I think the hormones are kicking in big time. He grew another inch since last month. In addition, his voice mail message on his cell needs to be updated, his voice has deepened and changed so much since he got his cell. When his voice mail pick's up it's like a stranger has recorded the message. I haven't told him, because it still freaks me out, and my hubby thinks it's actually someone else's voice. I can attest that it is in fact the voice of my little boy...now growing-up. It's really not easy seeing your little boy turning into a man.

Hopefully, this will be the summer of big changes for our family. I managed to clean out and organize our basement! YES! Our basement is not finished, yet...and since the move it's been a disaster. That's one thing of having a finished basement, at least everything has a 'home'. Since the move to the new house here, I've noticed the basement feels more like a 'dungeon'. I loved our finished basement in our previous home, and hope in the near future to finish this one as well.

Anyhow, work-out area done! Check. Today, I'm getting rid of all our 'white' pasta. Coming from an italian guy that is a big step for Tony. (I tried to go whole wheat a year or so ago, and got crap! But, now that a professional has mentioned it...it's gospel!) Nonetheless, we are going whole wheat! Yes! I feel like putting a sticker on our front door! :> We are also going 'juice' free. Only 100 % fruit juice will be available in this home, no more soda's. My boys are going to be drinking milk, chocolate milk or water from now on. So positive changes in this household! These are changes that will affect everyone. I love it!

Last night, I had a huge chocolate craving. Remember, I'm the gal that ate all the easter chocolate before easter. I can eat pounds and pounds of chocolate in one sitting, digest and go in for more. I'm a chocoholic. So, I made myself some fat-free chocolate pudding. Yummy! It did the trick, crisis averted...still on the wagon! One point for me! :>

Well, I better stop blabbing...I'm planning to do some yoga today. House still messy or not. That is one of my pitfalls in life. I feel the need to have my house in perfect order before taking anytime for myself. With four boys in our home, it's near impossible...and the house is never perfect until everyone is in bed at which point: I'm exhausted. So today, half hour of yoga time!

Have a great day!
Yogalicious :)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

On My Way...

Well, things are going well. Yesterday, I went to the grocery store and stocked-up on healthy foods such as berries, spinach, chicken as well as healthy snacks like pudding, yogurt and such. Do you know how difficult it is to locate a juice that is 100% juice? VERY! I never paid attention before. Lesson learned, just because it's advertised as 100 % fruit juice doesn't mean it is! Note the first ingredient: glucose-fructose=sugar!


I also cleaned out the house of 'junk' food. A garbage bag full! It was very empowering! Today, I'll be cleaning-up and organizing the basement to set up a work-out area for us. (Time to dust off the elliptical, treadmill etc...) It really feels great. I got my i-pod boosted with new music (I'm finding a new love for Lady Gaga...lol!)

So far things have been pretty easy for me. Funny, how I've gone from eating a bag of nibs (the jumbo!) to not wanting even sugar in my morning latte. But, that's me. When I'm on...I'm on. I've been down this road before and lost over 100lbs. I know what I have to do. Let me tell you, there is NOTHING as good as being thin and fit. I have to focus on that picture, and stop feeling so damn guilty about gaining most of it back. One day at a time...

However, I can already attest that I feel awesome! Amazing what eating clean even for three days can do!! I'm looking forward to the first weigh-in (set for next Saturday), I'll keep you all posted on Tony's progress as well.

Cheers!
Kimmy

Friday, June 19, 2009

Day 1

Well, Day 1 went off without to much of a hitch!

Trying to support my hubby is going to be harder than I thought...lol! Week 1 was to stay away from Soda's (None) and sugared fruit juices. As well as implement a few other things...

HOWEVER, Tony decided that Rob didn't say "NO ICE CREAM", so proceded to have a bowl (and the biggest bowl I've ever seen) followed by cheesies. I finally spoke-up when he was heading for the Mr. Freezies! Why is it that when we feel we are 'restricted' (which we are not by the way) do we feel the need to eat more? I've never seen Tony do such a thing. So this morning, I sat him down and told him...just because you are 'allowed' doesn't mean you can go overboard. MODERATION is the key or a healthier choice for example, frozen yogurt. Plus, would he have starved to death last night? Absoluetly not! One thing I have learned throughout my years of weight loss battles is that self-talk is imperative. In this case, just affirming that; "I have eaten enough today to sustain my body through the night" could be enough to keep you from over snacking. Nonetheless, I have a job to do, and that is to go through all the cupboards, the fridge and the freezer and get rid of anything that is not acceptable health wise. ARGHHH!!! :>

Okay, so I don't think I've ever blogged about my 'dream'. I've always dreamed of running a 5K race (cue in the music of "Chariots of Fire"...lmao!). One time (a few years back) I was stoked to do a Run for The Cure with my niece. We talked and talked about it, and we both were to start training for it. Well, a month before the actual event, Jess called and asked if I was ready!? I had forgotten all about it! (I still feel bad about that...sorry Jess...) LMAOOOOOOOOOOO! Last year, I had my hernia so it was out of the question. Now, I am out of shape...so who knows. But, I'm putting it out there and will chat with Rob about it. Determination can do a lot of things.

That's all for now...

Have a great day!
Kimmy

Thursday, June 18, 2009

A Whole NEW DAY!

As promised, here is my news. Forgive me for blabbing and carrying on as you know I'm famous for that and ALWAYS have so much information to share.



So Rob Lagana has been a long time acquaitance of my husband Tony. On Saturday, we went to a Royal Italian event (we ate for 12 hours, no exageration!) Anyhow, Tony ran into someone who has been working with Rob. Thus far, he has lost 70 lbs (in 7 months!) and was telling Tony how he loved working with Rob etc...



Between course number 7 and 8 (LOL!) Tony proceeded to tell me about Rob (which I had heard since Rob has had quite a bit of publicity), but kind of forgotten about (selective memory !) I offered my persuasion to Tony as I think that if he does it, I will too. It's really hard to eat well, when your hubby insists you keep the junk cupboard stocked full tilt! If it's not in the house, I won't eat it, but if it is...it calls me! :>



Tony had previously done another weight loss gimmick program where he lost 100lbs in 4 months (exageration!), and gone mental on us all! I mean he almost left me, crazyness for sure! LOL Seriously, research shows that these fast take weight loss programs really screw-up your system. Tony was losing his hair, his skin looked grey and clearly he was NOT thinking straight! LOL I've heard/read countless stories of such...In the end, Tony gained all of his weight back. He looks back on this time as sure hell and crazyness. Like he told Rob yesterday: "he just went mental!". Not good!



So Rob walked us through his program. All I have to say is AWESOME. No gimmicks, no needles and no promises. He will work with us, and the rest is really up to us. So true! The most disgracful thing of all (and a real eye opener) is Rob was recommending some supplements, and work-out gear etc...for us. Guess what! Fish oils liquid form: CHECK! In the fridge brand new! Whey protein powder. CHECK! In a the cupboard Supersized! An exercise ball. CHECK in the basement collecting dust! Weights. CHECK! Name the size...and we even have a variety of colours! Treadmill. Elliptical. CHECK! CHECK CHECK CHECK!!! We have all the tools, and plus...now it's to use them and be CONSISTENT ABOUT IT!



So here I am off again. I'm excited and nervous for many reasons. First of all, I'm having to carry myself and Tony for a bit until Tony gets into the swing of things. The good thing is we are now both on the same page (cue throwing out all garbage food!), and our family will benefit immensly for this journey we are embarking on. We are also going to be working-out together, so that should be fun! :>

However, I don't want to fail again at this weight loss stuff. I'm putting myself out there because I want to inspire others too. I know I can do it. We all can.



On Tuesday, I got the speaches of speaches from my physician (the universe comes to us in many ways...hammer in full swing! :>), my bad cholesterol is borderline high, and my good cholesterol is borderline low. My vitamin D was dangerously low (as reported) causing my legs to cramp and shake, causing my legs not to work (!), giving me shaky hands, raising my heart rate high, speech issues, headaches, etc...(being low on vitamin D is no joke!) As she reminded me, I'm 36 years old and overweight (thanks I know!). It's time to take back the control of my life otherwise these health issues will just pile-up. So true! I got officially weighed-in with her, and have all my blood work to compare with in 6 months (after being with Rob for six months). I'm looking forward to showing myself and my physician that I can do it!



So now I'm in....

A New Day, A New Journey!

Yesterday, my hubby and I met with Rob Lagana from LaganaFitness.



Today, we both embark on a new weight loss journey together!



I will post more information later on in the day...but for now:

http://www.laganafitness.com/

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

25 Random Things About Me...

1. My husband and my boys are my life. I live for them, and I love it!

2. I love being the only female in my family! In this house, I'm the Queen! :>

3. I'm usually a happy, go-lucky kind of girl.

4. I'm an eternal optimist, my glass is always half full. I always see the brighter side of things.

5. I have a strong faith in my spiritual beliefs.

6. My major pet peeve are liars, and sneaks...just because I go along with your "games", doesn't mean I can't smell you a mile away! :> I'm just being polite and don't want to hurt your feelings!

7. I love writing and expressing myself. It is my passion!

8. I think Oprah Winfrey is a Goddess! I dream of being on the Oprah Show and have actually had a few 'psychics' randomly tell me that I would be!

9. Material status means nothing to me...I love pretty things, but I KNOW they could all be gone in an instant!

10. I love my friends dearly.

11. Humour! I love laughing, and giggling. It really heals the heart!

12. I didn't have the easiest childhood. I am proud of where I came from and what I lived. It made me who I am today (and that's not bad at all ;>).

13. I have 'struggled' with my weight most of my life.

14. I used to be grossly thin and was nicknamed "Skinny Kimmy".

15. My nickname is Kimmy and my dearest and closest call me that.

16. Karma. I believe in Karma good or bad. We reap what we sow.

17. Beauty. To me beauty is not the size of your body, the clothes and jewelry you wear. It's your heart and personality. That is true beauty!

18. I have been with my husband for half of my life, 18 years.

19. I was my high school valedictorian.

20. When I get a strong feeling, or a hunch on something; I'm bang on! I've never been wrong.

21. I love music and I love to sing. But, I can't carry a tune to save my life!

22. I've been writing a book for 6 years now! LOL

23. I love people, and hearing their life stories. We can all learn from each other!

24. I love being inspired!

25. My favourite hang-out place is a bookstore!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Update! Update! Update!

Well, apparently I'm seriously low on vitamin D. More importantly, being low on vitamin D can be extremely dangerous. Who knew?

The solution? Long vacation to a sunny location...Doctor's orders! LMAO!
In the real world, I'm on vitamin supplements for six months. In six months, I will be re-tested to make sure my condition is actually that (low vitamin-D) and not something worse.

Oh, and I went to the gym today!!!!! Yeah me! Technically. ha ha ha
I walked in and asked to see my former personally trainer. She wasn't working, but I left her a message. So a huge milestone! Baby baby steps! :>

So onward and upward...I can now move on from this silly not being able to walk, shaky leg and hand syndrome!

Oh, and here is a funny side note of my PREVIOUS condition. The other night, Tony and I moonlighted until 4 am with my in-laws. So after leaving the event, Frank invited us over at 4 am (only Italian's can get away with eating ice-cream at 4 o'clock in the morning...especially after leaving an Italian extravaganza of extravaganza's where we ate for practically 8 hours. I'M NOT Exaggerating!!!!!!) So Frank and Wanda left a few minutes ahead of us. When we arrived at their house, Frank was outside waiting for us. I went to get out of the truck, and I couldn't walk. My legs wouldn't move (part of my condition). It took me about two minutes to get my legs to start moving, and I walked slow, crooked and shaky (very very frightening). My brother-in-law had a look on his face of WTF???. So to break the ice, I said: "did Wanda go to bed?" "Not yet, but by the time you get here...she'll have been sleeping for three hours!!!!"
:)

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Okay, so last week I posted that I would be back at the gym! Did it happen? NO! No excuses! I'm just a big chicken, not ready to own up.

So if Bob Green, Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper or Oprah Winfrey is looking for me...I left the planet (for now!). :> I'm so embarrassed and humiliated.



I purposely enrolled Antonio in Oxford's Little Reader's program so that I could have some time to myself. Antonio attends Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3:30pm. (side note; I love the program! Carmelo did it also...and was reading full paragraph's by 4. I personally prefer this program to noisy, crowded nursery school). Of course, I did it for him also...I mean watching his big brother's come and go to their activities, Antonio is so proud that he gets to do something too. So it's a bonus for all of us!



Okay. So back to the gym which is ten steps away from Oxford! Yikes! I'm so nervous to walk back in there! I have a beautiful brand new gym bag (Pink! and Lulu lemon!). I gorgeous water bottle (Lulu Lemon!) and I'm still not out there! What is the issue?

I just have to walk in once, and then I'll be fine. It's feels like I've cheated and betrayed my best friend (well, in fact I have...and that's me!) and now I'm going to face them for the first time. However, there is no hiding and denying this fact. I just got to do it.

So for all of you: Thursday is D-Day! No more excuses!!!! Last Thursday, I woke-up and thought: "today I'm going to do some yoga at home while Antonio is gone". LOL I completely 'forgot' come 1 pm and spent my entire 'time off' on the computer. NASTY!

Also, my hubby is starting a program with a nutritionist. This guy is quite 'famous' in the Ottawa area for his success with clients. I won't blog his name as of yet, until I have his permission. I'm not sure of how exactly his program works, but we did meet someone who lost 70lb in 7 months. That's exactly how you want to do it. Slow and easy....
I'm going to sit in on the interview part of the program and may join in myself. After all, it can't hurt...no needles or starving yourself involved!

I have a doctor's appointment today. I'm hoping we get an answer to my 'shaking' hand, and leg issue resolved today. *maybe she'll tell me I'm JUST Fat...and need to lose weight....lol

Have a great day!
Kimmy

Thursday, June 11, 2009

A NEW Goal!

I'm so excited!

I now have a new goal to aspire to regarding my weight. Being a busy Mom and wife, can take it's toll on one person. That is me.

As happy as I am with my life, my family and my blessings, I am not happy with my weight and my size. It's like a little cloud constantly hanging over my head! I hate it!

Last year, as previously reported I was on a roll with my weight loss. After going through a major life crisis (which I have not really blogged about as of yet, but certainly plan on with my opinions regarding Jon and Kate *so there's your hint!) and gaining most of my 100lb weight loss. I found myself back at the gym and motivated as ever only to be stopped by a hernia. In short, what transpired in the next few months was nothing short of a crisis after another. Now two months after my hernia surgery, I find myself back almost to where I started from. However, this time around I'm suffering from another health issue that keeps me from walking or moving long distance. Nonetheless, I surely needed a goal to get me motivated. I am a firm believer that the human body is a miracle machine and it can do anything!

My hubby and I have been together 18 yrs this year and married for 9 yrs. Our relationship and journey together has had many ups and downs. We have been fortunate to whether through them. Years ago we certainly weathered through a hazard of a storm and we survived as a couple. One of the lingering issues in my heart has always been whether my hubby married me to be with me, or because of our son Diodato. I know most people who know us, would think I am nuts! But, once that seed of doubt has been planted, it's like a weed in the soul and is very hard to get rid of. What I am reminded of, is the words and the dark woman who planted them. I will attest that Tony certainly has gone way beyond having to prove himself to me. He's a great man, and we've all grown from those experiences.

Anyhow, today over coffee we discussed our long standing relationship. Next year, we will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We always said after the storm, that we would renew our vows for our tenth anniversary as a pledge to ourselves and our commitment to our beautiful children. Today, we sealed the deal! Next year we have planned to sacredly renew our vows in a remote location with our children.

All in all, I have to get back on the wagon and now I have a reason! No way I'm renewing my vows overweight! Everytime I look at my wedding photos, I'm reminded of my struggle with weight. I am not going down that route again. I dream of being in a beautiful gown, and looking my best. Now, it's time to do something about it and make it happen!

Aloha! ;>

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The Kids of Today!

The other night at my son's soccer game, I had another HUGE dose of teenager reality. Seems, I'm not just imagining it; I really am in uncharted waters. Which isn't so bad, considering everything my hubby is right off into the ocean drifting absolutely nowhere!

It all began, when Diodato my thirteen year old son's soccer game was schedule at a park close to our home. Instead of driving him to his practice, he decided to walk. A bit unusual for him. I told him, we'd meet him there game time.

Naturally, we just made it in time for kick-off. Diodato stopped on the field and waved. More unusual I thought. So I waved back and thought "oh, cute." Then from behind me reality struck: "Go Dio Go!". The voice of a young girl cheering on my son, rang through my heart like a sword. Second guessing what I heard, I turned to see her sitting on the rock right beside me. He wasn't waving to me. Was I mad? He was waving to HER! Who is that I thought? Hopefully, she was at the game to cheer on her brother!

As the game went on, I kept a close eye on 'soccer fan' as I dubbed her. As soon as I was distracted by Antonio (my three year old), she made her move and disappeared. Good! Not so good, there was 'soccer fan' sitting with Diodato across the field. Ummm...

At the end of the game, we all went to meet Diodato, the team and coaches. The boys always get a Popsicle or freezes to cool them off after their hard game. I had to blink twice, as there was 'soccer fan' sucking on a Popsicle. Before, I could process another thought she blurted in a seductive tone "thanks for the Popsicle Dio!" Okay! EWWWWW...my blood pressure shot up then all my red flags went up. Let's get home!

Driving home, I realized a few things. My son was surely a teenager now. It was no longer 'cute' to have a girl cheer him on. "Soccer fan" had more make-up on then Tina Fey-Baker. She was showing more cleavage than a playboy spread! She was certainly not a girl looking to watch a soccer game. But, I had to be careful with my words, my attitude and my advice. There is a fine line with this teenage stuff. Even though this is all new to me, that much I realize. Moreover, my son is way to young to be dating. My standards may be high for today's day and age. But, I strongly believe that most parents are to lax with their kids. Boundaries, rules and ethics need to be respected especially in the teenage years. To a point of course. As I said before there is a fine line, it must be walked on very carefully. One wrong move and everything can crumble.

I realized I had to investigate 'soccer fan' before I discussed it further with my son. Education, and information is power and I needed all the help I could muster. So I casually asked him: "what is your soccer fan's name?". As soon as I could get away, I jotted down 'soccer fan's' name. Facebook would be my first source of information.

I'm proud to be a facebook 'creeper'. It's times like these that I love the fact that facebook exists. I keep an eye on all my son's computer activity including facebook. I am a strong advocate of this. People may think that they are violating their child's right to privacy. I say to them; "when your child is an adult and capable of making rash, mature decisions...then by all means let them have their privacy." If you are still against me, check out some facebook profiles and look at the 'crap' some kids put out there. Case in point, 'soccer fan'. First, the good news, 'soccer fan' is single, and not dating my son! However, she definitely needs some form of guidance, and her parents do not monitor her facebook account. I almost had a coronary at the content, and the photos displayed for public viewing. No such thing as sexual innuendo's or hint of sexual behaviour. Photos are proof this girl is out there, and proud of it.

These kids today! They not only know more than we did at that age, they do it to. Moreover, they advertise it more than porn! Unbelievable! Where are the parents in all of this? Now, here comes the part about my clueless hubby. When I shockingly proceeded to tell him the facts of the photos I saw, he chuckled, smile a dirty grin and said; "wow, she's talented!" Excuse me, may I remind you that these are 13 year olds we are talking about? I wouldn't even accept that behaviour from a 20 year old!

Obviously, my hubby took a different ship on this issue. Well, I think he missed the boat altogether! Nevertheless, I was paddling alone, and I am determined to guide my son through these stages. What to do and how to go about it? I decided to be somewhat honest and just ask him about 'soccer fan'. Seems that she has a 'crush' on him, but he's not ready for a girlfriend. Which I agreed with him, and told him; 'thirteen is way to young to be dealing with girls like that. I know she's a little on the wild side (little! give me a break I'm thinking she's wilder than the playboy penthouse on orgy night!), and you are a good kid. In order, to maintain my trust, you always need to be honest with me. Oh, and it's my duty to check-up on you! So no secrets." He replied, that he knows she's 'wild' and that they are just friends. I accepted his reply. However, note to self to keep a better eye on him!

It's my job and duty to protect him and guide him. It's no laughing matter that kids of today think sex is a game. I'm not anti-sex by any means (LOL). What I'm trying to say is these kids are still kids, and need to be guided as so. I'm not the perfect mother, and nor do I have perfect children. But, boyfriends and girlfriends must be age appropriate. There is a reason for it! I was still playing dolls at twelve! These girls are giving oral sex at school at twelve and taking photos of themselves doing it! Something is seriously wrong with this. These kids behave that way, because we let them. It's up to us the parents to step in and say; 'hey, that's wrong.' Let kids stay kids. There is a time and a place for such things. These kids have gotten completely out of hand. However, as a mom, I can only take care of my own. So if that means, I have to pry, spy and lie, I will. Besides, if my kid is hiding something, it can only mean one thing, it's not appropriate and as a parent I have the obligation to steer him in the right direction until he is mature enough to know better. As for 'soccer fan', she won't be having dinner at my place anytime soon!