2010 - The Year of Change

So far this year has been uneventful until this week. My boss pulled me into her office to let me know that I would be moving into a bigger role on her team. It all came as a shock and its been a secret since the rest of the team won't find out until Monday. In other news our townhome SOLD. Well, we got a contract and now need to pass inspection. Once we complete that and a few other steps, we'll be closing (finger and paws crossed) on March 15. I can't believe we'll be packing (again) and actually moving. We are so excited to get out of our neighborhood and closer to town. The hubs has a job with a crazy commute so this should help with all the miles we have already put on his car. We have no idea where to move or if we want to rent or buy. Lots of unanswered questions and for the first time in a long time, I am not stressed and letting things unfold. Ask me in a couple of weeks how I feel! :)

I really want this year to also be the year of paying off all debt. We don't have much to cut, but what we do have, I want paid and crossed off the list. It might sounds silly, but I hate bills and even more, I hate paying bills. To solve this issue, we will do whatever we can to cut down or cut out expenses for things we don't need or can do without. This means really saving and really living on what we have while being creative on spending. I've often said I would start coupons and I think that is just the tip of the iceberg. I am open to any suggestions and will be surfing the internet to find other cost cutting tips.

Hard to believe it, but this year will be different and in a good way for sure. Can't wait to see what's next.

How did it come to this?

Getting back on the wagon isn't as fun as falling off in my opinion. I remember about three-ish years ago when according to doctor's orders, my eating habits had to change. So I worked out three-plus times a week and I watched what I ate. I ran 5K races like it was my business to do so. It was a completely new lifestyle. I lost about 40 pounds total and to this day have only gained about half of it back.

I am not here to complain or even say why me, but I am here to say that it started with falling back into bad habits and it ends with knowing I have to make the change back. Dieting isn't in my blood. It takes an overhaul to make things work for me.

So here I am, twenty pounds heavier, thanks to one and a half years of marriage comfort. I plan on taking my time warp back of less carbs/less sugar, food journals, exercising on a consistent basis back to the 2006 version of me. Yes, it have been week one on this roller coaster ride (or hell week as I refer to it), but I would really love this time of struggle to remind me not put weight back on. And owning up to it on this blog is the best way I can think of to keep myself on the wagon this time around. Here's to a healthier me. Happy 2010.

So this is Christmas...

Looking back at this past year, I am thankful for another chance to get caught up and back on track. Ringing in 2009 was tough, but I was hopeful for the unknown. My husband was unemployed, our home on the market, we were not moving to California and I would be starting a new job in a new department outside of my comfort zone. I didn't know what to expect. I was very heartbroken but I reminded myself it would be a chance to start over.

This year had its bumps along the way, but it became a turning point. We finally got a GOOD real estate agent who would do anything to sell our home or just listen to me vent about our home not selling. He has been patient, kind and a believer that our home will sell in 2010. Let's hope that is the case. The hubs finally got a job! WOOHOO! Yippee! It also could not have come at a better time since his unemployment was about to run out and panic was about to set in. I have said this before, but I will say it again - I don't wish for anyone to lose a job. I have seen what it can do to a person or a family and no one, I mean NO ONE should have to go through it ever. Ever. We decided to stay in Charlotte and make some new friends. They have come in many ages and locations, but we are grateful to have them to lean on as well as our pals who are far away. I found my lost passion for photography this past year as well. It has been refreshing to find something I loved and lost, to come back. I can't wait to see what 2010 will look like as I continue to set my goals and follow my dreams. And with my current job in a sweet spot, I am lucky to have new responsibilities to carry me into 2010. It will be challenging, but I am happy to have the opportunity to learn new skills.

With all that said, I am welcoming in this new year in a better place. We might not be on the coast we planned on, but we are happy to have a place to call home. We are a drive away from most of our family and a phone call away from the rest. We might not know what this year will bring, but I do hope for more travel, a new home and make a few less pounds on the scale. That isn't asking for too much is it? Happy Holidays and here's to 2010. :)

Weekly catch-up? More like Yearly.

Another blog to follow. But for now - -

Mind:
One-word description of the workweek: FULL
Books I've finished: Julia Child's life story (with Full Moon in the wing)
News story that stuck with me: If I hear another story about Tiger Woods or Health Care I might yell. Enough all ready!
*NEW* Ear Worm: (Otherwise known as the song stuck in my head this week): Talking Heads mostly and the thought of a blog from a widow who uses the lyrics from their music. My heart goes out to her. I can't imagine how she feels right now and how strong she is to share such a piece of her heart via her blog. Try not to cry or be thankful when reading this: http://sumstarles.blogspot.com/

Body:
Workouts this week: Walking the dogs when I get home has been all I seem to get done. I'll be back at the gym for sure after the holidays.

Spirit:
What I did for myself: I am trying to start to take vitamins along with my super dose of D. I found out that I am lacking and have to get back up to normal. Here's to finally figuring out what the heck was wrong with me being sleepy and run down all.the.time.

Looking forward:
As cheesy as it sounds, I am looking forward to the holidays and seeing everyone near and dear to me. This is the first time in seven years that I actually get to see my brother before the holidays. I also won't have to run to the mall unless I plan to shop sales after x-mas comes and goes. I really love having a talent I can spend my time doing instead of greeting shoppers. Thank goodness I found a calling I love.

I heard you late last night

Last week was the worst sleep I think I have ever had mostly due to the hubs chatting it up in his sleep. He had one dream where we thought I was playing a joke on him so when I tried to wake him up from deep sleep/talking nonsense, he turned to me and said, "I don't appreciate you doing that sweets" and then promptly rolled over and back into slumber land. I just huffed and used a few choice words myself before going back to sleep. The next day, he didn't remember speaking to me nor saying a word, but he did remember the dream. The rest of the week was about the same plus an added disruption of our dog jumping into bed and stealing all the covers.

Needless to say this threw a wrench into my thought process about babies. I am not ruling it out, but I love sleep way more these days.

Weekly - well, whenever I remember on a Monday check-in

Mind:

One-word description of the workweek: Short (I'm on vaca for Thurs/Fri - can't wait!)

Books I've finished: Started New Moon - and still reading.

News story that stuck with me: The email I got this week isn't national news, but news about the hubs friend's dad and his cancer coming back. They have given him 6 months to a year to live. I am in shock and so sad for his family - I can only imagine what they are going through. Life is short friends - make sure you tell the people you love who much you do.

*NEW* Ear Worm: (Otherwise known as the song stuck in my head this week): Down - the beat is so catchy!

Body:

Workouts this week: After being sick for about 2+ weeks, I am headed back to the gym tonight and trying to get super excited about it...again.

Spirit:
What I did for myself: Painted my nails. I know it sounds silly, but taking time out like that was really nice and they look great - even if they are dark brown. Love them!

Looking forward:
GUSTER! They are in town this week along with my bestie from high school to hang out for the concert and some more trouble. We are thinking about wine tastings, movies and maybe even a Halloween party. Also good news, my SIL is in town as well with my nephew, and I can't wait to see them too! :) Did I mention a short week at work really helps my attitude?

Weekly Check-In

So I totally suck at updating. Here's an update:

Mind:
One-word description of the workweek: Yucky
Books I've finished: Started New Moon - so far, pretty good.
News story that stuck with me: Healthcare - as in, why do we pay so much and get so little.
*NEW* Ear Worm: (Otherwise known as the song stuck in my head this week): For some reason a really bad song called Bullet Proof has been stuck in my head. Better yet, the remake with Imogen Heap's song in the background.

Body:
Workouts this week: Being sick = no gym.

Spirit:
What I did for myself: I let myself throw a pity party and then got over it. Best idea yet.

Looking forward:
Fall - it's here and we are thinking about using my holiday this upcoming home to take a day trip up the Blue Ridge Parkway. I can't wait to take some pics of the trees and all the beauty in nature this time of the year. Maybe even pic up some cider. YUM!