All this time I was finding myself and I... didn't know I was lost

It's here.. the end of yet another year is upon us.. within hours restaurants, bars, hotels, people's homes and Times Square will be exploding with people, food, drinks, celebrations and memories being made.  I feel like I for one take some things like this for granted.  I don't overly look forward to New Years.. 26 single years of watching New Year kisses on tv and in person make you a little spiteful sometimes... let's be honest..

Of all the years thus far of my life though, I would have to say that 2013 has been the best one yet for me.  I've been able to experience so many wonderful things.  One thing I am trying to improve on is being more positive all around, whether it be with my words to others, myself or just in general.  Being negative really has nothing great to come from it.... With that being said I began thinking... in the shower none the less- of some of the amazing things that I've done and accomplished but also been a part of.

Let's start with one of the most incredible in my head-- losing 70 lbs.  This dream of mine was just that, a dream that I never thought would come to my reality.  This time last year I knew something had to give--

Ya'll... I love these girls in the pic here above.. but the pictures from this night.. they told me what I knew straight up. It was time to make a change, time to stop neglecting myself, time to feel better about me and time to do what I had wanted for so freaking long. You all already know a lot about this journey.. it got hard, it got easy at times, it got infuriating... I cried, I laughed... the giant list of emotions I feel like in the past 364 days I've been through them all... and they haven't stopped.  But it's been worth every single tear, smile, set back, laugh, run, and fall.  I'm not done.. I'm no where near done, but I'm well on the way to being what I want to be and nothing and nobody will EVER hold me back again!

I also had some great journeys in 2013.  It started by going to Vegas to watch a beautiful girl in Miss America, surely a chance I will NEVER have again.  Thanks daddy for encouraging me to just go!

This has probably been the busiest year I can remember in a while, I journeyed to the beach a couple of times.. and got to make memories with amazing family and friends and my awesome sweet Elliot! Even more trips went down to Savannah and Charleston for bachelorette parties, and visits with friends.  My best friend and her husband moved to Columbia so visits there happened to.  I feel like I traveled a lot and have been "on the go" a lot.  I got to travel to Gatlinburg also twice this year with my awesome friend Samantha and her sweet Aunt Susan who spoiled us like crazy!

I also received my Master's degree in 2013.  I feel like it took me an abnormally long time to get this under my belt, but it sure was worth it when I did.  Even my twin sister Hach got to come watch me walk across the stage with the 4 other people getting their Masters.  It was definitely a day for the books...

Within my exercise and weight loss journey I started attending GRIT classes where I surpassed goals, beasted some major obstacles.. but most importantly learned to believe in myself and made some of the best friends that I could have ever asked for.  These women and men have become so important to me.  They have supported, encouraged, pushed and just listened to me at some of my highest and lowest times in this year.  I could NEVER name them all. I am extremely thankful for Marie; she probably doesn't remember that text she sent me while she was running about 5 treadmills down last January, but it kept me going when I wanted to push the stop button.  Her motivation and support didn't stop there and I am sure thankful.  I ran 6 miles with the help of an awesome friend and motivator, Brie.  I actually ran 6 miles twice in this past year. I couldn't have done all these things without Lauren, Samantha, Libba, Tracy, David, John, Valerie, Christie, Heather, Annette, Becca, Amber, Al and countless others I know.  I had the opportunity to be featured in an article in our local newspaper, and air on a local tv special.  I am so grateful for these outreach opportunities which I hope helped to motivate and encourage someone else.  

Two of my closest friends found out they would be moms in 2013 and one friends sweet baby Grayson was amazing surprise and blessing for the year.  Jessica and Heather will become mothers in 2014 and I can't wait to meet baby Emma and baby Mac! Aunt Jenny is excited to extend her love!

I also go to attend some beautiful weddings in 2013, Dave & Allison, Mary & Andy and my cousins Corey & Amber.  It's awesome to watch to people who love each other so much join their lives together and know there is nothing to separate them.  I am super thankful for the marriage of Corey & Amber.  Amber has come to be one of my best friends and I love her dearly-- so glad Corey found such a great catch!

I could literally go on and on about this year and the great things I've done, learned, enjoyed and been a part of.  And no matter how much I write I'm going to leave something out.  Chances are, if you're reading this you have an important part in my life.  I have gained so much more this year than I ever imagined.  I lost a huge chunk of weight but found out so much about myself along the way.  I found out who I really wanted to me and never realized how much I had really lost myself.  This year I was able to make some of the best friends ever.. I know it's all been meant to be, Lauren and I have the same thoughts about 90% of the time, except when it comes to black eyed peas! If had never started this journey I might not have ever met her.  

In closing, I am forever grateful to my uplifting family and friends who do amazing things for me and with me. It's not easy, but it's a little easier with these people by my said to know that "God's promises are bigger than my problems." This year I kicked some bad habits that kept me down, and allowed me to think less of myself and not give myself what I deserved and I'm learning slowly but surely better.  I have faith in the unseen and I know that all the hopes and dreams that I have for my life God has them too, but ten times bigger.  I'm thankful for all of you.  Reminiscing over the last year has been more fun than I expected.  I have high expectations for 2014 and I know I won't be let down! :) 

Enjoy a little photo dump of some other fun times from the last few months!

Cheers to the Freakin' Weekend!!

Just a little weekend recap here! This long weekend of Thanksgiving break was just what I needed! Friday morning I got up and ran some errands, grocery shopping, etc.  I spent the entire afternoon and evening on the couch watching movies.. and I even turned my phone off just to enjoy it all! (P.S. Thanks Hach for the advice) totally awesome!

Saturday- Battle of the Palmetto State football day! I prepared by getting my bootay up and heading to GRIT before our departure... rushed around and still managed to get to our meeting spot before the other weary travelers!  

After meeting up with Blake, Brett, Sarah and Taylor we headed on to the state's capital where the rest of the day and night was a toss up! I'd be lying to say I wasn't nervous about the territory, outcome and crazy people we'd be around!

Here's a photo dump from our afternoon/night there!

While waiting to meet up... I decided I'd just ride in style with these folks ;)

                                                   

These two are by far two of my most favorite people and the best couple ever! Love them to pieces!

Post-game fun!

Enroute.... me, Sarah & Taylor....

I think this is the BEST photo bomb ever! I seriously didn't know it was taking place ;)

My absolute life-long best friend who I am so grateful for! I know he always has my back!

These boys mean the world to me!

Mrs. Graydon!

and Mr!

So glad I got to spend the day with so many fun people! Granted... the outcome wasn't the best but I had an awesome time hanging with old and new friends and seeing people I hadn't seen in a while.. in particular Brett... Who totally made my day by telling me out of the blue how proud he was of me! Day made!

Today was officially Monday... my kids worked like busy bees.. talked all day but also are the best! Two awesome workouts in the books today! 

Have a great week ya'll!

"Give thanks to him and praise him."

The quote from my title is from Psalm 100- my mom read it today before my dad blessed the food at our family Thanksgiving meal.  It says:
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the Earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise him.  5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

I really took note today because I really feel like we, me,-- I have So, so so much to be thankful for and it's often times too easy to just know I'm grateful and not express my thanks to the Lord.

I hope that you enjoy this special edition.. a Thanksgiving edition!  
First of all, there are so many things in my life that I am genuinely thankful for it would be hard to name each individual one.  However, there are some things that rank the top of the list!

1. Family- without my family, let's just be straight.. I wouldn't be here today.  I have two of the absolute most considerate and selfless parents anyone could ever ask for.  Being an only child however didn't mean I was the absolute center of the world.  I knew the important things in life and was taught them very early on.  Family was one of these values! If there was a family event, you were there- Good or Bad! And we always had each others backs.  Growing up, my family always welcomed my friends with open arms as well.  My mom loves to do for others and she always did, and continues to cater to each of my friends likings and genuinely care about them.  I'm sure I've said before that we may not always get along... but my family is a huge part of my life.  We've had some really rough times that have made us all hurt in our own ways, but it seems to somehow make us closer and allow us to be the best we can for each other.

2. Friends- Genuine friends!  It's really rare that you run across many friends who can seriously be genuine friends.. those you can count on when you're crying over a stupid boy, need a good laugh, support you through achieving your goals and even going through your worst nightmare.  I have to say that I'm lucky because I have found, though few and far between some of the best friends that I probably couldn't have even imagined meeting.  You already know a lot about most of them, especially Heather, but they all hold a special place in my heart.  I tend to carry my feelings on my shoulders at times and I genuinely want people to know how much they mean to me and matter.  

3. My Family of Workout Friends/ Supporters and Motivators  For a few years now I've been teaching Zumba at the Laurens Y and I frequented the place in order to do my job, but I was never what I would consider an active member.  A year ago, a good friend and Zumba instructor, Leann Iaucone had started her own journey of getting fit with a new trainer and on Thanksgiving, she asked me to join her for the annual Turkey Trot sponsored by the Y in order to get in some cardio before the massive carb load for the day!  I met her, we walked and talked and went about our ways.  A few months later I committed to starting my own weight loss journey.  In the 26 years of my life this would have to be the best decision I have ever made.  Through this I found not only support, motivation, and friendship but quality people who care about me, will push me and never back down.  I will eternally be grateful for the love and support from all you: Marie, Lauren, Samantha, Brie, David, Tracy, John, Libba, Christie, Valerie, Heather, Michael, Stephanie.... I know I'm leaving someone out and I apologize in advance but I hope you all know how much you've meant to me along this journey and made it amazing!

4. Making the choice- I'm not always sure why I finally decided I wanted to get this weight off.  I struggled with it pretty much all my life. I won't say I was depressed, but I didn't know true happiness like I do now.  I look forward to meeting up to work out, and yes sometimes even 4:30 am excites me! A lot of you have heard me talk about GRIT and it was surely a scary experience but one I won't forget.  If you don't feel like you're dying... you're not doing it right!

My GRIT progress... day 1 to a few weeks ago!

This sweet girl Jenna has been bringing me apples for car duty, because she knows I enjoy healthy snacks... in turn, she has an apple as she walks to her car too!

This girl has been down many a road with me through weight loss... this is us, holding up our past and never to be seen again sized pants! I'll let you in on a secret... hers were 18s and mine were 24s.. yes once upon a time I wore that horendous number! 

I just want to wrap up by telling you this- I seriously never thought I would be able to find happiness as I do now.  I never imagined being able to look in the mirror and actually like the things I saw.  And I sure never thought I'd lose 70 lbs.  Never, ever say never! If you're reading this and struggling, you are not alone.  I realize this is a life long battle, one I can't just "get over" in a day or even a few months.  You have to start though, it won't happen for you and no one can make you want it, or do it for you.. YOU have to go after it yourself!  I promise you this.... it's so worth it! Today... Thanksgiving day 2013 I ran that same Turkey Trot route this afternoon.. a little more actually and according to my runkeeper lady, one of my miles was right under 10:00 mins... Granted it was downhill..... but a 10:00 min mile on Thanksgiving... I'll take it!

Get out there, get started and make the first move! Find me, leave me a comment on here, facebook me, whatever you need to do I promise I will help you however I can, or at least point you in the right direction!

For now, it's time for bed... I have an exciting day tomorrow involving my couch and movies! And I just can't freaking wait!

"Are ya'll twins or just sisters?"

No lie, the weekend of the Southern Christmas Show Heather and I got asked this a total of 3 times.  We started getting the sisters comment some in college and got the twins comment once before but never this much- we decided to blame it on the matching clothes!

I'll say this though; if there is one person in the world I'd want to be twins with.. it'd be her! Some days we're pretty dang close!  

Craft show weekend was definitely not one that let me down.  Friday night I went to Columbia for a sleepover with my favs- the McMurrays.... and Thing 2 & 3 (Me and Heather) got on our way to pick up mom (AKA Thing 1).  After... we weren't a mile down the road before Thing 1 had somehow got herself completely tangled in the seat belt....

Heather and Lisa started this tradition 4 years ago and they let me join in on the fun 3 years ago.  It's seriously one of my favorite ways to get the holiday season started! Our first year together we started a notebook of things that can not be publicly discussed... but we reviewed the notebook from years prior and started our journey!  Wasn't long until we finally made it.. a zillion laughs later we had managed to squeeze out of the tight parking place.. load up and start our trek!

The craft show never lets us down... we have figured it out; mostly- except for Lisa's directionally challenged self and manage to enjoy the wine tasting, and looking at the interesting crafts and sometimes gawk at the same things year after year, claiming to buy one one day....

 We finally made it!

       

Just a few of the fun things to look at!

We had an awesome time of course.. after the craft show we checked into the hotel where there was an elaborate wedding taking place and a gamers convention... One guy even asked us if we were there for it... I'm guessing it was the matching "Thing" shirts...  After some classic and hilarious people watching we ventured off for the annual Pedicure after the day of walking and some dinner where our twin status continued to be questioned....

The struggle of kid juice!

After all that we hung out and relaxed, road tripping up to Concord for some more shopping on Sunday, Starbucks and the annual visit to Ikea, after our pimento cheese and frito picnic in the car.  We had a fabulous time and even though I was super late getting home I had an awesome time with two of my favorite ladies!

Don't be surprised when you get this Christmas card in the mail :)

This post is not only about the fun we had but the awesome amount of support and genuine friendship I have in Heather and her entire family.  I feel like they are my own.. I am D2 of course!

I know somewhere back in this journey I told you how Heather and I met and I'm sure more than once told you how much she supports and encourages me. I'm never surprised with how much she has my back.  She is one of the most genuine friends ever. I'm lucky to have someone like her.  Life throws us curve balls which we often aren't sure how to handle- and I know that no matter what she will always be straight with me.  She won't sugar coat for me and holds me to things that she knows I can accomplish.  She's been one of my biggest supporters.  If you've been following along you also know that she and Tony recently found out they're pregnant.  I'm so happy for her, she will be a magnificent mom.. in fact she already is.  And I can't wait for a new baby!

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving.... and I haven't had a major holiday like this since I started my weight loss journey... it will prove to be interesting I'm sure...... 

Stick around... more to come tomorrow!

Living the busy life......

If you've been keeping up.. or even remotely know me- you know just how crazy and hectic life has been for me! However, I am extremely pumped about getting the kinks worked out in my blog and being able to update you guys!

Hope you enjoyed reading a little yesterday about one of my best friends! 

I promised to tell you about the rest of November, and some of the new awesome things going on. 

My cousin Corey married his sweet wife Amber; who I love dearly November 2nd. I am so happy to say I got to be a part of this sweet ceremony and celebrate with them!  Here is a photo dump of this awesome party of love!

Awesome Groom's cake!

Rehearsal dinner w/ Karen & Sydney....

The Groom to be!

And before-- there was rain, wind and even HAIL!

And then- our special boy sent this!

First dance :)

Too much fun with these girls!

Kendal, Brittny & Me

Finally my turn with the beautiful bride!

So glad to finally have this girl in the family!

Totally couldn't do life without this lady!

Sydney! My partner in crime for the weekend!

Finally, all married! Love him!

Had so much fun with this sweet guy and his awesome wife!

And then.......

Their wedding was gorgeous and more than anything I could imagine. I had so much fun! A great way to kick of November! 

To wrap up the next few weeks I stayed busy working out, starting training with David, and went to Gatlinburg for a girls weekend with Samantha, Susan and Lisa! We had a blast, spent way too much money, bought a lot, walked all over and had many a laughs! 

On the way---

Look who we found!

The view from our beautiful condo!

THE DAMAGE!

Beauty in the Christmas store!

Showing off some of our new purchases! Pretty good looking girls I think!

So I know I haven't updated much on the weight loss, but what I've come to realize is this... my life can't strictly focus on that.... and I'll be honest with you-- I haven't lost much more; actually the scale has gone up some... But that's life.. it's a constant battle- up and downs and I work hard, and do what I have to do. In no way am I going back to the way my life used to be! I am a new person all the way around, literally-- and I couldn't be happier with that person!

Hope you've enjoyed the LARGE photo dump here-- Tomorrow I'll be working on updating you on the craft show weekend with my twin and mom! And finally--- some fitness updates!