Okay Guys...

It's been a little time coming, but I'm extremely excited about this one!

I'm burning my curried lentils right now, but I have to write you and give you the reason why.

WE'RE CREATING THE "SUCCESS 2009 - NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION COMMUNITY"!!!

Here's the premise and focus of this group:

OBJECTIVES:

• Build a community of folks desiring to help folks achieve their resolutions
  Members state & establish their 2009 resolution[s]
  Collectively map out strategies for us to accomplish our goals
  Resource and source the tools and support
  Chart the processes and progress of the members [min. weekly posts]
  Provide encouragement to one another and insight

If you have anything to add... pass it in my direction and I'll see if it's a fit. If it is we'll include it.

What do ya think?

My 2009 resolution is to be a complete vegetarian by the end of 2009.

Strategies:
I am starting now by collecting recipes and trying them out. The library is a great resource for books. They are free and if I REALLY like them, I know I can buy them somewhere.

Phasing meat (fowl, beef, pork) out of my life by the end of December (yeah, at Christmastime)so that I can go full force (I hope) on Jan 1st.

Also, I have let my Doctor know of my plan. No naysaying there - so it is a go!

I love the idea of becoming a vegetarian and have attempted to change my lifestyle twice. It's a bit more difficult for me because 1. I am an avid cook (I wanted to be a chef) and 2. I'm married to a carnivore. In fact, I wrote an essay about our attempt to live green and become vegetarians. If you want to read it, it is here:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art59773.asp

Are you vegan?

I think I will do as Robin is doing and begin to collect favorite vegetarian recipes and start from there. We do love our vegetables, fruit and grains so it might not be as hard a change as it sounds.

Resolutions Article discussing tools and mindset. Check it out!

Let me know what you think!

Getting ready for the change. I have been cutting out meat slowly in December so that it won't be that big of a shock to my system and I can be successful.

This month, I have been going out with friends to exchange gifts and have been noticing items on the menu that are vegetarian.

Cracker Barrel has a lot of veggie or fruit side dishes....which I am thankful to know.

That's great info Robin.

I think it's important for folks to know some of their alternatives while eating out.

I'm real excited about this year's topics and resolutions!

I was looking for something like this. What's the next step?

My first veggie breakfast consisted of:
2 scrambled eggs with:
1 cup or so of Boca crumbles
1/2 small diced onion
1 cup decaf coffee (yep- caffeine has got to go, too)

Good for the diabetes (although there was sugar in the coffee) and a veggie breakfast. Hearty - so it will last a while.

Now - I sit down to more meal planning and will be going grocery shopping in a few..........

Today IS the first day of the rest of my life.

Go to Bush's beans dot com and look for the Butter bean soup recipe. Excellent soup for vegetarians. I follow the recipe but add in green beans, diced tomatoes. If kids like it you know its got to be good and so easy to make.

Hey Zor!

Nice to have you involved!

Okay... I don't know if you've had an opportunity to read the resolutions articles... if you haven't, go and read now resolutions pt.1 and resolutions pt.2 and then start getting your materials:

• Journal or your MindMap
• Go through the questions in pts 1 and 2

Then post what your resolution is, how it relates to your bigger picture and what things you're setting in place to accomplish it.

That will be your starting point. Then you'll check in here as often as will be helpful to you and others. I would say at least once per week where you do a recap somewhat like Robin's or whatever works for your process.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you and more so your seeing your resolution unfold before your eyes.