End of 2015

Tomorrow is the last day of 2015. Wow - where has this year gone? It seems like it has flown by. I think back to when I heard adults say this when I was a kid and wondered why they thought that -- now, I feel like I blink and another year passes.

This time last year, I was still trying to get back on my feet after having the wind knocked out of me and my life turned upside down. I was better than the year before, but still not good. {Am I good now??} I was miserable all the time - I hated the way I looked - I couldn't keep up with Monster. Heck, I could barely get up and down the steps of the basement to do laundry. I was 85 pounds heavier than I am right now. EIGHTY FIVE. That's more than what Monster weighs and he is almost too heavy for me to lift. This time last year, I had just re-joined the YMCA and was slowly adding in a couple of classes. I had no idea I would walk into an Aqua Zumba class on New Years Eve last year and have it completely change my life. The class was fun. The instructor - HILARIOUS, encouraging, fun and good at her job! I was alone, with no plans for NYE, and that choice was exactly what I needed to make the changes I needed.

I added more water fitness classes to my schedule and quickly falling in love with this form of cardio. I think I've said this before, but these classes are not like the gereatric classes that you may think of - the instructors I go to are motivating, encouraging, and have been instrumental in helping me get this far. In addition to my water classes, I've added in a muscle definition class for strength training and the occasional Pound class

While I didn't hit a goal I had made a couple of months ago - to lose 100 pounds by now, I am pretty proud of how far I've come. I am a little frustrated with myself - I had not set any goals at the beginning - was just happy to see weekly progress. I feel like when I set actual goals I did a little self-sabatoging. So, as I sit here with one day left in 2015, I am reflecting on this year and thinking forward to 2016.

Year to Date Progress: 

• Weight: lost 85.2 
• Inches: 23 inches total (arm, bust, waist, hips, thigh, and neck)
• Completed my first official 5k 
• Walked Five miles in one walk

Christmas '14 and '15.
Please note I'm not a fan of seeing my baby get bigger!!  

I have not only lost weight and inches from my body, but I have gained some confidence, stamina, and a lot more strength. Some days I still don't see progress because I have a long way to go -- I'm guessing around 115 pounds will put me to my goal weight. Honestly, I'm not sold on an exact number - I feel like I will find my weight range when I get there. Mainly, my goal is to be healthy - body, mind, and spirit. But, I take look at photos and can see a big difference.

December '14 and '15

As I wrap up 2015, I can't help but be grateful to all of you who have said kind words to me, supported, encouraged, and held my hands - in real life or virtually - as I work towards a happy, healthy me. And as cliche as it is, I am looking forward to a new me. I can't wait to look back over the year next year and be even happier. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Wishing you all the happiest of new years!