Happy New Year to me, and Happy New Year to Laney!

A new year. Always a chance for a new start.

Well, I'm ready.

I've called this blog 'Laney and me' for a reason. My middle name is Elaine, and when I was little my nickname was Laney. But when I went to first grade my teacher told me that I needed to go by my first name, so I did: Mary. End of story. My parents weren't happy, and now I wish I would have not been so good about authority. Oh well. Water under the bridge.

So as I grew I began to realize that Laney never left. She continues to love child like things: dolls, baby planters, colored pencils, stickers, and sweets. Oh yes, lots and lots of sweets. Even though sweets make the grown up Mary rather sick.

So, it's time to find a way to give Laney what she needs (because I DO NOT want her to go away), and give Mary the relieve of not having to deal with sour stomach due to eating sweets. Not gonna be easy. So need to keep it simple.

So I'm going to follow my friend Emmy's example: I'm going to do a day count off, starting today.

Today is day one of eating only 15 grams of sugar a day. I won't count milk products. And because the breads that I like, and are low cal and high fiber, have a bit of sugar in them, I'm going to leave some of the sugar in there.

And I want to have fun along the way. That's the only way Laney will come along.

I have a big ole crockpot full of soup in the fridge, filled with veggies and such, and I'm looking forward to having that for lunch. Good start!

I have snacks that are sugar free waiting to be chosen. I do have some leftover Christmas candy in the house: it will be removed by the end of the day, and it will not be eaten by me. It will just leave. And the funny thing is that in my house no one but Laney will care. Gee. How crazy is that?

I'm organizing my craft stuff, getting rid of stuff I know I won't do, and ensuring all the items I know I will do are together and I just have to go to 'the box' and find something fun to do. Colored pencils. Stickers. Pretty paper. Knitting needles and yarn. Drawing pens. It's time to write a book (oh no one but family and friends will probably see it: nuff for me), and the supplies for this need to be in my magic box. I'm excited just thinking about our box. Mine and Laney's.

SO, today begins Day 1 of 15 grams of sugar or less. My goal? To feel good. To feel like myself. To explore 2012 with an open mind and a willing heart.

And for Laney to express herself and grow. It's a win/win for everyone!!!

Happy New Year to one and all!!!!!