12/30- But in case I stand one little chance, here comes the jackpot question in advance- What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

Ok, so I didn't end up losing during the holidays, but I didn't gain.  I am happy about that.  I have done some form of exercise each day which has been good.  I have also indulged a bit each day.  We now have all the cookies, candy, cake, etc. out of the house which means the temptation is gone.  Now, time to hit the grocery store and get stuff ready for the week so I can keep on track. I know I will be splurging some tomorrow night and at a party Tuesday afternoon, but if the rest of my meals are prepared, then I can keep them low point and help balance some.

My break has been really nice- and even a bit productive.  I have completed my lessons, and even planned the basics of the first units, for my classes.  I need to tweak a few still I think because I changed my mind a few times and all that.  It's nice to be done with the necessary though- I had nightmares two nights in a row that Wednesday morning rolled around and I had nothing prepared and the students mutinied and it was just bad. That was enough incentive for me to spend a day getting it all planned.  I may have to go up to the school and print a few things off still, but nothing so major that it's worrisome.

Christmas was really nice. My family had a nice dinner, followed by some fun games and then opening presents the next morning.  I got some stuff for my future apartment which makes me so excited :)  We also made a rather amusing Christmas card, hehe.

It is almost New Year's Eve, the year is almost over.  I cannot believe how quickly it all went and how much has changed over the past year.  I have lost 65lbs since last January. I have a new job and finally feel as though I am truly starting my career- and I'm loving it, even when I feel like I'm going crazy, I'm loving it. I have begun to think about my future and really started planning for it. I am single again, but definitely realizing how much better it is to be single than in the wrong relationship.  And, I've really been able to see what I want in a man and in a relationship, and that's true progress :)  Also, I have had wonderful family and friends helping me through all of these journeys- even if it exhausted them at times.  I will always be grateful for their love and support more than they will ever know. 

I finally feel like I'm in control of my life and my destiny and I have not ever truly felt that way before.   I know that this next year will bring its own set of challenges and that I still have a ways to go before I am done with my weight loss goals and other personal goals. But I know that I can do it and I have faith in myself that I will do it.

Now, for a look back at the last year and my weight loss in the following photos. I'll do one Before and After, and then one for each month.
                                                             Before and After

                                                 January- Seize the Clay with Memaw

                                                                    
                                                    February- Hanging with Lizzy

                                                  March- Happy St. Patrick's Day!

                                                            April- Brunch at Bosco's!

                                                 Redbird's Game in the rain

                                                      May- Europe photos!
                                                             Budapest!

                     
                                                                  Vienna!

                                         Salzburg- Sound of Music Tour with my Dad!

                                       Salzburg- Sound of Music Tour with my Dad!

                            
                                                               London!

                                                   June- Celebrating my new job!

                                                             July- Liz visiting!

                                                    August- First Day of School!

                                             September- Downtown Museum Day!

                                                    
                                              October- Visiting MK in Ft. Worth!

                                             November- Thanksgiving in CO!

                                              December- Christmas in Memphis!

Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

This week was chock full of holiday goodies, parties, brunches, dinners, etc.  O.M.G. The food was all delicious and I made sure to eat any fruit or salads at the events. I also tried most of the carb-loaded treats too.  I worked on portion control though, which definitely helped.  It's like my Pepaw always said- "A little dab'll do you."  I work hard to remember that when I see plates full of cookies, cakes, breads, dips, casseroles, etc.  And I do notice that I'm getting fuller faster than last year for sure.  So, that's a really good sign.

I am officially on Christmas Break :)  We had exams this week and most of the kids did well enough on them so I was pleased with that. Only a few still struggling and I encouraged them to come to tutoring next semester- fingers crossed that they do.  And grading the exams was actually not too bad- a bunch of us got together, turned on the Christmas music and it went by quickly.  We also did our Secret Santa exchange this week and I got some nice wine and some really cool/cute wine accessories.  That definitely motivated me to get those exams graded so break could start and I could enjoy my new treats :)

 The last few days have been semi-packed with seeing friends for catch-up dinners, gift exchanges, and all that good stuff.  It has been a blast.  And then today my mom had her Christmas brunch which was so fun and tasty and put most everyone in the mood for a nap. 

And here are a few new photos of me with the tree and then me with my mom and grandmother in front of the tree :)  We're so festive!

12/16- Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Weight Loss for the Week: 2lbs

This week was good planning wise.  I stuck to my meals and didn't splurge too much.  I got in some good exercise- though the half of it was just running around like a chicken with my head cut off attempting to prep for exams and the end of the semester, not to mention Christmas. 

I had a pretty decent week overall.  There were definitely a few moments where my students got a bit crazy, but no where near as much as I thought they would with Christmas break getting ever closer.  I actually got to take my sophomores on a field trip this week- it was the first field trip I've ever planned.  We went to see "Life of Pi" since they finished reading it last week.  All 30 of them were excited and able to go and I was glad we were approved to go see it.  I did have my doubts about taking that many kids to a movie theater (yes, there were other chaperones, but it's still 30 teenagers at a movie theater). They behaved really well, only a few moments of having to tell one or two of them to shush.  And they paid attention pretty well- I know a few fell asleep towards the end, but I'll take sleeping over talking or causing a disturbance any day.

They really liked it and did well when we compared the book and the movie.  I was so proud of all the differences they caught and their opinions about it.  Now, I know not all of them read every single word of that long book, but I do know they all read some of it, and they all had to discuss it, take quizzes, a test, and do a writing exercise on it.  So, I think they earned getting to see the movie (and taking a quiz and having a debate on it of course).  It was a good unit overall.

Ok, enough of the school stuff.  I am almost done with my Christmas shopping and baking.  My next major to-do for the holiday is to address my Christmas cards and get those in the mail.  My goal is to do that by Tuesday.  Fingers crossed, folks, thanks.

I'm also preparing for all the holiday events coming up, especially the holiday eating.  I know some people say to just expect to gain up to 5lbs over the holidays and not to stress so much about it.  I'm just afraid if I start justifying or rationalizing gaining holiday weight, I won't stop.  And I just can't go back to how I used to be.  So, I am working on portion control with all my favorite fatty goodies, and I'm working on planning ahead to make sure my other meals are low points and healthy.  Finally, I'm looking ahead to see when I can and need to either go on a walk or do the elliptical.  With this in mind, I know I can make myself stay on track while still enjoying myself. 

Oh, speaking of holiday foods, I have yet to have eggnog this year.  If you know me, you know how insane this sounds.  I LOVE eggnog.  I don't even want to know how many points it is because I am sure it would take all my weekly's.  This year, I haven't had a huge urge to go and down a bottle or two yet.  I know I will want some, but I'm waiting until after exams are done and graded because then I will have the time to walk it off and it will almost be out of the stores so I won't be able to go and buy a ton.  I will just be able to get my taste of it and then be done with it.

Ok, time to go finish grading end of the quarter assignments.

12/9- As the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.

Weight Loss for the Week: 1lb

I was much more prepared for this past week in terms of planning my meals and exercise times.  And it definitely helped, especially since I knew there were would be a few nights out for various occasions.  That gives me hope as Christmas gets closer and more holiday parties, etc. pop up on my agenda.

I had a nice week, very quick and busy.  Definitely had to stop a few times and remember what day it was and what class period it was.  I have a feeling this week will be even more like that since it's the last real week of school for the semester.  I feel like I am prepared for the end of it all though.  My exams are prepared.  I have just about caught up on all my grading.  I know how each class will wind down this semester this week.  All I really need to do right now is create study guides to make sure my students know what they should focus on the most while they study. 

This weekend has been nice, aside from all the school insanity.  I got to go to Starry Nights at Shelby Farms last night with a good friend and her family.  It was so pretty.  And I about died laughing at her two-year old daughter's reactions to all the lights, and her complete impatience when we had to wait to see more lights, lol! She is such a doll. Today, I went to a Christmas Evensong with my mother.  Nothing gets me in the mood for the holidays quite like Christmas music.  It was so lovely.

Now, time to get some sleep before the week begins :)

12/2- Christmas time is here, happiness and cheer, fun for all that children call their favorite time of year.

Weight Loss for the Week- 0lbs

I ate out way too much this week.  I worked out a decent bit as well, which would be why I didn't gain.  With the holidays upon us, eating out with friends is so tempting and fun.  I've got to get better about planning ahead and not always doing it spur of the moment.  Always room for improvement, right?

Otherwise, this week was fine.  My students were mostly good, a few moments of OMGWTF, but that happens as well. I think we'll all be okay for the rest of the year.  Two and half weeks until Christmas Break- that's insane.  I feel like it's all just whizzing past me at warp speed and I'm standing here wondering how we're going to finish all our material.

I've been decorating my rooms at school and my room at home.  I love gearing up for the holidays :)  The festive touches always make me feel happier and just seem to make it all better.  I went around looking at Christmas lights with a friend last night- we totally judged the houses in each neighborhood and assigned winners.  Some people clearly had planned, some clearly though lights are lights are lights and that planning or matching is not needed. 

Now, to finish planning and prepping for the week so I can go to a Christmas party tonight!