Merry Christmas!

Christmas is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas. - Dale Evans

What a year it has been!  So many ups and downs, highs and lows, good and bad....I'll stop there because I'm sure you can see where I'm going with that thought.  I am immensely grateful for all of the wonderful things I have been fortunate enough to have in my life this year but it's easy to be thankful for the good things.  This year, I am also happy that I was blessed with some not so good things.  I view the "not so good things" as things to be thankful for as well because they are lessons and opportunities for growth.  When things are easy, we don't really learn as much but when things are tough, we have to get tougher to overcome them.

As you all know, one of my biggest challenges this year has been my struggle with weight loss.  This gift in disguise has taught me a lot about myself and about others.  I have learned that while I am having problems getting the pounds to drop (and according to my scale, I have lost a little over a pound since my last post - YAY me!!) I am very fortunate to have been given the gift of friends who are supportive and can offer insight into why it's been difficult for me to lose the weight.  What a gift that has been!

I have also received the gift of awesome blog followers.  You all have been so caring and supportive and I am so blessed to have you all as part of my little world.  One of the reasons I started this blog was to help others that are going through the same health/weight struggles as I am know that they are not alone.  I like to think that my gift to you has been honesty, truth and hope through my postings.

Cherish the many gifts you have been given but most of all, extend those blessings to others.  That is the ultimate display of love.  Merry Christmas!!!   

Happy Trails!

Valeka  

Getting It Done

The secret of getting things done is to act! - Dante Alighieri

Never mistake motion for action.  ~Ernest Hemingway

What a great week!  I've lost a little over a pound (I know it's not much but considering that I am eating and not being deprived, I think it's a pretty big deal).  I knew it was a good sign when my bra wasn't cutting into me and leaving red marks around my chest!  I also got out and moved more this week despite the cold, rainy weather.  Taking my Big Baby for easy little walks throughout the day has not only helped to make my work days tolerable but it's also helped BB and I do a little extra bonding.  And then of course, there is the Christmas shopping.  That's a lot of walking even when I really don't mean to walk so much (not that there is anything wrong with getting in a few extra steps).

All in all, things are going super duper!  I picked a very difficult time of year to try to drop a few pounds (okay, more than a FEW pounds) but I'm doing it.  It's slow moving but seeing the scale move in a negative direction is a huge positive for me.  What a great way to end the current year and a great head start to the upcoming one!  

Happy Trails!

Valeka