Thankful

I started this blog right after I began a gratitude journal back in September. For this Thanksgiving, I want to list the things I have been thankful for on a daily basis over the last couple of months...

Our military, firefighters, police force; Hot showers; Health & safety; The Internet; Borrowing clothes; Future goals that make us work harder; The gym & my desire to live a more healthy lifestyle; Shawn going back to school; My blog - a new outlet for my memories and thoughts; Good haircuts; Finding things you need on sale; Weight Watchers; My counselor; Jeans that fit just right; Friday!; Fall weather; Alone time with Shawn; A good friend's pregnancy; Family nap time; Weekly & activity points so I can splurge; Nice emails from Mom Mom; Warm, soft blankets; Chipotle; The Phillies; Isaac - my snuggle buddy; Free antibiotics from Wegmans; Co-ed softball league; Borrowing instead of buying; Old friends; Zumba; Chocolate milk; Compliments; Dinner dates without phones; Nights alone with our little family; My husband; Weddings & love; The cross-trainer; Steak; Meetings that get me away from my desk at work; Willpower to say no to pastries at the meetings; Good health benefits; Delicious pastries (Note: I like how the very next day I was thankful for the very same pastries that I said no to the day before, hehe); Old pictures & memories, A fresh start each day; My college degree; A flexible boss; Phillies in the playoffs; Jeans day at work; Perfect Fall weather; High school friends; Fleece-lined sweatpants; Lazy days; Giving myself a break from my diet without feeling guilty; Supportive friends; Hair color; Being able to run a mile without stopping (10/6/11); Socks; Goals: 5K in November & Tough Mudder in April; Shawn motivating me; Movies that make you appreciate life; Restaurant.com dates; New clothes; Church; Beautiful days; Running; "She is clothes with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31:25; Pinterest; Budget plans; Running 1.5 miles without stopping (10/11/11), Support: both giving & receiving; Up All Night; Rain that cancels softball games when I don't want to play; Self control while shopping; Fiber One Brownies; Supportive WW leader; Weekend plans with friends; Word FM Radio; The reminder to put others first & myself second; Relaxing TV nights; Toms; Happy Adoption Day, Isaac!; New Camelbak water bottle; Fruit; Vick's VapoRub; NyQuil; Cookie/brownie/oreo dessert; 2 lb. weight loss; No weekend plans; My weddings rings - re-sized!; Bahama Breeze; Pizza Bingo at work; Reconnecting with friends; Recipes; New running gear; Peruvian food - El Serrano (thanks Katie!), 3 mile run! (11/13/11); Twitter; Quality time; Confidence about an interview; Getting the job!; God; Supportive "cheerleaders"; My first official 5K (33:50 - 11/19/11); Weight loss compliments, My grandparents.

I know, a long list. And believe it or not I didn't write every day. But what does this tell me? I have a lot to be thankful for. A lot to be grateful for. Silly things, serious things, awesome people.

It is hard to believe that at the beginning of the year Shawn and I both lost our jobs. 11 months later, we have come so far and I am so thankful for everyone and everything that has brought us to where we are today.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Enjoy!

Milestones

Last week was a week of milestones for me. As some of you know, I have been a member of Weight Watchers since March. When I started? I had 30 lbs to lose. THIRTY. I'm only 5'2" so that? Is a whole lot. Or, it was a lot. Because this past Thursday I hit my final weight loss goal of 30 lbs! I also bought a pair of pants 3-4 sizes smaller than I was wearing in March. A size I haven't seen since high school. But it was certainly nice to welcome my old friend back. And this time I'm going to try and keep in touch a little better.

When I started in March many people (including myself) lied said I didn't need to lose 30 lbs. and that I would appear waif-like if I did. Maybe they truly believed it at the time. Maybe they were just trying to make me feel better. Heck, even I couldn't imagine myself 30 lbs lighter. But now that it's gone? And I look back at old pictures? Yeah. It needed to go. Take a look for yourself. (Disclaimer: I did not take "official" before/after pictures. I wish I did. So if you're on a weight loss journey? DO IT! You will thank yourself later!)

Before: 167 lbs.

After: 137 lbs.

There it is. I guess as the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. So a big thanks and shout out to Weight Watchers*. I am now on the 6 week maintenance plan and as long as I weigh in within 2 lbs of my goal weight for those 6 weeks, I become a Lifetime Member. Which means I get to go for free... win!

My next goal? Tone it up. I mentioned I had started running a few weeks ago. My training is going well and I enter my first "official" 5K this upcoming Saturday. After that... who knows. I'm not stopping there. Only time will tell.

*I am not being paid or endorsed or anything by Weight Watchers. I am just a happy, satisfied customer. That is all. It works. If you are considering a weight loss plan, I strongly and highly recommend Weight Watchers.

Bah Humbug... Kinda

It's that time of year. The time where the Internet world and retail world start buzzing with that C word... yes... Christmas.

Never the mind that Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet. These days, once Halloween passes it is free reign to start listening to Jingle Bells and start decorating the malls with trees and pretty lights. The problem? I'm sorry. I just don't.get.it. In fact? It bugs me. Go ahead, call me a Scrooge or the Grinch. But first, hear me out.

I don't have to remind most of you that Jesus is the real reason for the season. Yet every year I feel this sentiment gets more and more lost. It saddens me that Christmas is now about presents and money. I watch loved ones stress out, get depressed, and freak out over buying things. I have even suggested a few times in the past that we should skip presents that year yet I get looked at like I have three heads.

So wait, let me get this straight. You're stressing and freaking out about money, yet when I suggest you don't spend it, I'm the crazy one? Oh okay, just so we're clear.

Anyway. I like Thanksgiving. I don't particularly love Thanksgiving food (yet again, I'm crazy right?). But I love that it is a holiday of togetherness without the hustle and bustle of presents. It's a holiday about being thankful and grateful and spending time with loved ones. I really think Christmas should take some notes from Thanksgiving.

Now I know. Once I have kids, my perception might change. I am sure there are few things better than watching your little one's face light up when they open the present they've always dreamed of. In that respect, I get it. Or at least I think I get it. But as for adults? I think we all need to take a chill pill and really remember what Christmas is about. Whether or not you are a Believer, that's your prerogative. Either way, I really think Christmas should be more about togetherness. Celebrating family. If you want to celebrate your family by exchanging gifts, that's great too. But for Heaven's sake don't make it all about that. And please, don't become depressed or anxiety-ridden when you can't spend $200 on every member of your family. At least in my world, that's just not realistic.

So as the C word nears I may or may not lighten up and join in the holiday spirit. But for now? I'm riding the fence of Bah Humbug and trying not to get caught up in all of the holiday drama and I hope that some of you will join me. You don't have to be a Scrooge or Grinch, but you can take a step back and remember the importance of this holiday season.