This time last year...

2012 is almost here!  In fact, today is going to be my "official" weigh in of the year.  I didn't make any official resolutions or goals for 2011, but here is how I did.

This time last year...I was still reaching for Onederland.  In 2011, I lost 17.80 pounds.  That brings my grand total weight loss to 95.8 pounds.  I started to be upset that I didn't reach the 100 mark this year, but I stopped myself.  Considering that in my adult life this is the only time I have ever had two CONSECUTIVE years of weight loss, I will take it!  I keep saying that this isn't a race, and it isn't.  In addition to 17.8 pounds (!), I have accomplished so much more.

This time last year...I was just starting to contemplate setting up my own blogging site.  During my first year, I blogged on LBT and once they changed their site, I had troubles accessing it and stopped posting regularly.  I didn't do one post between Thanksgiving and year end in 2010 and I knew that I needed to do something.  Blogging helped keep me accountable and I knew that giving it up would not help me in my goals.  In January & February 2011, I started moving all my posts to Blogger and 2/02 is my Bloggerversary.  I knew blogging would help me keep accountable, but I had no idea the community of support I would get and the amazing friends I would make.  You all are a true blessing in my life.

This time last year...I was a size 16.  That was pretty much the smallest I had been as an adult.  I think once in 1999, I got into size 14s, but it didn't last very long.  I was thrilled with my progress.  Today, I wear 12s and am even moving into 10s.  Even though I "only" lost 17.8 pounds this year, I dropped two (almost 3!) pants sizes.  I know that my fitness has kept me from losing pounds, but it has done OH SO MUCH for my body!  Speaking of...

This time last year...I was Jazzercising and trying to become a runner even though I hated running.  I worked out 170 times in 2010 and in 2011, I worked out 251 times!  That is almost a 50% increase!!  I Jazzercised 127 times, CrossFitted 47 times, ran 31 times and did something else (walked, other aerobic activity, etc.) 46 times.  Additionally, I knew that I needed to find something besides Jazzercise that I love to do so I would stick with it.  In July, I found CrossFit.  I have no doubt going into 2012, that I will continue to Jazzercise and CrossFit to help me reach my goals.  In July & August, I actually gained a pound.  BUT, the working out I did actually made my body change it the best ways.  I have a collarbone, shoulders, hip bones, biceps, triceps and all sorts of muscles that I could never see before.  As I lose more of the fat that hides them, I want to develop the muscles even more!

This time last year...I ran a 44:21 5K.  Labor Day 2011, I ran a 38:35 5K! 

This time last year...I was refocusing after my tonsillectomy and 3 months of stalled weight loss.  I made a fitness challenge to work out 6x per week for 6 weeks.  That was the best 6 weeks of weight loss I had all year.  In November 2011, I started another challenge and that was my 2nd best month of weight loss for the year.  This tells me what I already know.  When I am working out well, my eating is better naturally and I lose weight.  Time to get back to it. 

This time last year...I was started to recognize that I was becoming more "normal."  I was realizing that I was no longer always the biggest girl in the room and I was starting to gain some confidence.  Today, I feel very "normal"...almost ordinary.  While that is what I wanted for so many years, this year I learned that I want more than that.  I want to be a little extraordinary.  I want my body to do amazing things and that is what I'm going to focus on for 2012.

This time last year...I was learning how to dress a smaller body.  I made a promise to myself that I would make my body (whatever it's size) look the best it possibly can.  I feel that I do that every day.  Unless I'm just putzing around, I always put together an outfit.  I don't just throw on jeans and a shirt.  I work at my fashion and it makes me feel my best!

This time last year...I made a vow to live in peace and to pay it forward.  I gave a lot to charity over the months and I truly tried to do things for others whenever I could.  I'm still working on living in peace instead of getting upset about thinks and being judgemental.  But I have made big strides and I feel like I'm a better person for it.  Nothing makes me happier than to make someone else happy! 

This time last year...I was thinking of ways to celebrate my new life.  Early 2011, I decided that I was going to the 2012 Olympics.  Now I have my plane tickets, hotel, and event tickets.  I'm going to live my dream and I couldn't be more excited!

I am currently working on some tangible goals for next year.  Taking something from Fluffy, I plan to make goals and check in with them throughout the year.  In addition to my health goals, I plan to have other goals to help me level up my life.

Bottom line for 2011:  I'm happy.  I'm at peace.  I feel good.  I love you.

Hugs!