Birthday Reflections

As another candle was added to the cake, there was no melancholy for once. As I was enjoying my facial and massage today, I couldn't help but think about my life and how truly blessed I am.

Last night I had the privilege of celebrating with family and friends. I had an amazing time and it was very cool that because of Facebook, friends from Asia, Australia and Europe were sending birthday love last night. Throughout the day, my phone was blowing up from all of the texts and notifications of Facebook wall postings.

A high school friend recently passed and it was another reminder to me that life is so precious and you can't tell someone too many times how much they mean to you.

Thank you to all of my family and friends who wished me a very happy birthday. You have no idea how much I appreciate all that you are and all that you do. Thank you for supporting and loving me. This is my ode to you!

Must Love Camping?!?!

I recently jumped back into the online dating world and the one common denominator of all of the men who post is their love of CAMPING!

If you know me, you KNOW that camping is not really my thing. My idea of camping involves a hot shower and flushing toilets. If I have those things, I can probably camp for a few days. However, I can't say that MY idea of camping is probably what most people think about camping.

My family really didn't do much camping when I was younger, but there are a few photos that exist but show us in tents in Yosemite with cots. Not exactly roughing it...

My sister, brother in law and their children are all about camping and visit Yosemite at least once a year.

What's most ironic is that I have all the gear to go camping: a sleeping bag, a really nice sleeping pad, tent, camp chair and a latern.

Instead of camping, I'd rather be in a plush hotel room in a fluffy robe, a glass of bubbly in my hands, and a spa appointment for a massage.

Perhaps Mr. Right can change my mind about camping? I'll guess we'll have to see ...

10 Pounds!!!

10 pounds! That's the milestone I hit earlier this week.

It's been nagging me that I've neglected you, my trusty blog, but I wasn't very inspired to write anything until this morning. I woke up a half hour before my alarm rang and just knew.

Two posts earlier, I was down in the dumps about shopping and how nothing fit. Yesterday morning, I put on a pair of khakis that hadn't fit in over a year and I couldn't believe my eyes! I was so happy that I told everyone at work! But the 10 pounds hasn't been without hard work. I tried a boot camp class and seriously injuired my back, which sidelined me from working out for a week.

I never realized how many of my social activiities involved food, until I embarked on this weight loss journey. It's so easy to say, "let's meet over drinks or dinner," but since I don't eat "regular" food anymore, that isn't an option. Instead, I've had to meet my friends over coffee, go to a movie, or workout with them. It's just as fulfilling, but not filling.

I can see the weight loss in my face. I don't worry about taking photos at a specific angle, as to not get the dreaded double chin. And with the recent weight loss, I've discovered that I have dimples ... or that they've become a little more prominient.

I still have about 20 more pounds to go, which will put me at the lowest weight in my adult life, but I can't wait to accomplish my goal.

I want to give a shout out to all of my friends who have been so patient with me and those who encourage me. Please know how much I appreciate you asking how I'm doing and complementing me. It's what makes this so much easier, so thank you!