So Who Am I?

Growing up on a farm, with three older brothers and an older sister, I was a very active tomboy. I remember hearing people say, "Oh he eats a lot, because he's a growing boy," and I thought, "Well I'm a growing girl. I need food too!"

My bad eating habits didn't catch up with me until we moved into town when I was 12-years-old.

It's hard to know where to begin to explain my life. I'm a single mother, but I don't have to work because my parents are gracious enough to allow me to live with them in exchange for cooking and cleaning. This works great because I am able to stay home with my kids all day, everyday and I can homeschool my son. I try to remember to always be thankful for this because so few single moms are able to do what I do. Please don't think I am bragging though, being a single mother is challenging and there are days when I consider going back to work.

Anyways, I have had a weight problem since I was 13 or so but it got worse after having to kids and breaking my leg in May '06. So, I started this blog as motivation to lose weight.
Since late '04 I've had an interest in all things Japanese especially cooking and bento. My first bento boxes were made for my son when he was going to early childhood. Now, I make bento for my kids and myself almost everyday. My bentos are not completely "authentic," since I don't have a lot of money to buy Japanese foods. Besides, the closest Japanese store is an hour away.