Happy New Year 2011!

Happy New Year 2011 everyone! I can't believe it is time for another year to begin. Time goes by so fast the older we get and I try to remind myself each and every day to live life to the fullest. 2010 was a great year overall for myself and my family. January 2 of 2010 my grandmother died after a long fight with cancer and other complications but she is in Heaven now. No more pain and suffering. This is a blessing and we know she is watching over us every step of the way. She was the matriarch of our family and made us all who we are today. One of the bravest, loving, exceptional women I know. My role model, my hero. I also got a new job this past April which was a blessing. A lot less stress to deal with and bigger paychecks...that is always nice, right? Since losing 45 pounds since my surgery, my health is better than it has ever been. I feel better, I can do move, I feel good exercising and it's only getting better. I am blessed to have such amazing family and friends beside my through the journey of life and I couldn't be more thankful.

Here are a few New Year's resolutions that came to mind (this list could go on and on but these are just a few)...

1) I want to lose at least 52 pounds this year. That would be at least 1 pound a week. I don't think this is too unrealistic with hard work and self disciple. At one pound a week, I will in onederland by the beginning of April (fingers crossed). If I am able to lose all 52 pounds, that will put me at 160 at the end of 2011. Along with losing weight, this obviously means exercising more, much more! With an already paid gym membership, Wii Fit and all the fitness games I got for Christmas and several hours in the morning before work to exercise, I have no excuse to sit on my butt and be content.

2) I want to be a positive person...all the time...no matter what. I consider myself an optimistic person and I try to stay positive when unfortunate things come my way but I want to have a positive outlook on life no matter what. I want to be the type of person who doesn't complain and doesn't waste time arguing about petty things. I want to live my life in a way that I can be a role model and not a hindrance of any kind. We aren't guaranteed the next year, the next day, the next breathe so I want to live life right and to the fullest.

3) I want to put God first and make as much time as I can for family and friends. There is nothing I love better than spending good quality time surrounded by the ones I love. In 2011 I want to make more time for loved ones whether it be movie night, dinner parties or just conversations over coffee. I want to show them how much I love and appreciate them.

4) Lastly for now, I want to enjoy life more. Sometimes life can be so stressful and chaotic and tense and we owe it to ourselves to do more things that will make us happy. It is also important to enjoy the little things in life, the little victories, the little "happys" life brings our way. Whether it is a beautiful sunny day, getting a manicure, going on a nice, scenic walk or taking a vacation, I want to enjoy life more and more each day.

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On the weight loss front, I am down to 212.6 as of this morning! I have tried my hardest to lose some weight during Christmas and I have succeeded. I have lost about 3 pounds in the last few weeks. My band has felt a little tighter the past several weeks and this has helped me to stay away from the Christmas sweets...thank goodness! 212.6 is my starting point for 2011. Good luck Kristen :)

My family, Burch and I are getting ready to watch the Oklahoma vs. Connecticut game! As you know Burch is a huge Oklahoma fan so let's go Sooners! My Auburn tigers don't play until next Monday in the National Championship!! Can't wait! My parents got tickets to the game and they are going out to Glendale for 4 days. I am happy for them...they will have the time of their life!

Hope everyone has a fabulous New Year's day!! Pictures from Christmas and New Year's Eve to come soon :)