Reflections

It is hard to believe that 2006 is over. Alot has happened this past year. The year started out great with LA getting a job after months of searching. January saw us continuing our struggles with our weight...continuing what I started on 10/31/05. February was a sad month as I lost my 43 year old brother to a massive stroke. It is still hard to believe that he is gone. In April, I transferred to a new postion with the bank where I've worked for almost 17 years. After 16+ years in the same position, I was burned out and ready for a change. In May, Trav finished his first year at USC....time flies! He worked at the bank for the summer. In June, Eddie and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. (Am I old enough to be married 26 years?) In October, I finally had the guts to go through with breast reduction surgery. It is something that I have wanted to have done since I was a teenager, but really needed now for the shoulder and back pain. In December, Eddie received a great promotion...he is now president of his company! I am so proud of him!! And I guess we have come full circle because LA's position was eliminated and she is now unemployed again.

This past year, I lost a loved one but I learned how important it is to enjoy the little things and to not take my loved ones for granted. None of us are promised tomorrow....use today to tell your loved ones that you love them and how much they mean to you....you may not have another chance.

In 2006, I lost some weight, but I think I gained some self-confidence. I know how important it is to take care of myself. Do I always eat right and exercise? NO, but I am trying and hopefully 2007 will bring about the new and healthy me!

This is my before picture. It was taken November 8, 2005.

Getting started

I want this to be the last time I start over, but I realize that each day is a new day and sometimes requires starting afresh. I pray that with God's help, I will be successful. I am still in the planning stages of what foods I am going to get at the grocery store and what I will eat each day, but it feels good to have a plan (even if it's fuzzy right now). Weight Watchers helped me alot, but I feel I need more rigidity than WW allows right now. I have trouble with being allowed "anything as long as I count points" and know that certain foods have to be considered off-limits (at least for now).

Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."