Friday, December 25, 2009

I have yet to open a present...

Christmas day and I have not opened a gift. We are waiting for my sister-in-law and family to show up tomorrow. So many presents yet none we can open. Torture. Snowed in and just staring at presents - for 2 days. Oh well. Good things come to those who wait, right?

It has given me time to enjoy my in-laws (I really do enjoy them - funny folks) and dogs and exercise. We have even played games and watched movies. Like families used to do in the olden days.

I have been thinking of some things that have changed from last Christmas to this Christmas. So here they are:

Christmas 2008:
  1. I had lost 40 pounds and was so proud.
  2. I was scared to death that eating too much at Christmas dinner would make me gain back all 40 pounds (this is no exaggeration)
  3. I was super nervous about leaving my environment and schedule.
  4. Travelled by car for days to see all the family (exhausting and not healthy).
  5. Realized I was still pretty fat, even after all I had lost and exercised.
  6. Never thought I would lose 100 pounds.
  7. Elf was my favorite Christmas movie.

Christmas 2009:

  1. I have lost another 75 pounds and I am even more proud. I FEEL so good!! Especially in my new size 10 jeans (this seems so unreal to me).
  2. I know I can eat over in calories. It is just a holiday. I need to just keep exercising and get back to my routine when I get home.
  3. I am super relaxed. I know I can do this. I brought things that I need to keep up with my workouts and am doing cardio on the in-laws treadmill (I am making it up myself and doing well I believe).
  4. We travelled to see one family and asked that the other come to visit us (and they actually are). Much healthier (for me anyway).
  5. Realized that if I never lose another pound, I will be EXTREMELY happy with where I am.
  6. Cannot believe I lost 115 pounds. Now I am wondering/studying/researching maintenance.
  7. Elf is still my favorite Christmas movie. Some things never change. And never should.

The realization of how far I have come and how great my health is - that is the present I get today. It may not come in a box with pretty paper and a bow but it is by far the BEST present I could ever get.

8 comments:

Sevenbeads said...

This has been a long and successful journey for you. It's inspirational to read how determined you are and how you have made your life wonderful on your own terms. You really inspire me.

Cole Walter Mellon said...

Wow, you're come a long way. I'm sure it feels good to realize just what you've accomplished. WTG!

Julia said...

As someone just starting on their weight loss journey, you are a true inspiration. Not only have you changed weight wise but you have changed yourself mentally - both for the better.

Congrats to you and I can't wait to see what is to come for you in 2010.

You must keep us updated on what presents you open tomorrow! Oh, and I have never seen Elf but I may seek it out because of your recommendation.

All the best,

Julia
jewliagoulia.blogspot.com

Linda Pressman said...

Congratulations on all the amazing changes you can see in yourself from one Christmas to the next! I remember that with all my failed diet attempts I felt like that first year everyone was just waiting for me to gain back my weight (and more!). Now, over 9 years later, hopefully no one's waiting. One of the most surprising things to me has always been how much less space I took up; does that sound dumb? I didn't know I would actually end up smallish.

F. McButter Pants said...

Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color! It's my fave as well.

You have come along BABY! Now open those presents.

Tricia said...

Wow, you have accomplished so much!

(just checking in on you :)

Christine said...

wow, great job...isn't amazing that as our bodies transform, so do our minds?
You make a size 10 look good, I am looking forward to it.

Julie Lost and Found said...

Congratulations!!! What an awesome accomplishement. You are an inspiration!