It's the end of the year as we know it...and I feel fine.

I was driving last night and felt so blessed. I mean, 2012 might have been one of my best years yet. I was able to share with God all of the things that I'm thankful for...and that's a great feeling!

2012 started with so many challenges. I was obese (technically still am), unhappy, my "friendships" had a rough 2011, I wasn't sure where my relationship with my brother was going or if it was able to be fixed, Rainman and I were "okay"...frankly we were coasting. The year didn't bring much positive prospect.

In March, my new baby niece was born. Memphis (seester, MG) really brought dramatic change to my life. She helped further repair the relationship between my brother and I. She has brought my heart so much joy because she loves (loves, loves, loves) her Aunt Jocie. Of course, she also brought me to Indiana and to my weight crossroads.

I still remember the look in my dad's eyes when I said what I weighed. 263.5. I knew at that moment that something had to change. I bet him that I could lose 50 pounds by December. Here's the thing about me- I don't like to be wrong, so I was ready. I'm sure it is like they say about smoking...you have to be ready to quit.

I started using Advocare by doing the 24 Day Challenge. I learned that there were some healthy foods I enjoyed, and that I am so addicted to sugar. My best friend, Misty, also made one move that was the second dramatic change to my life. She took me to boot camp at the GCC.

I remember that first day so well. I was scared, felt out of place, tired (it was 5 am), and was certain I would die. I remember Tracy trying to inspire me and sHELLey scaring the bajeezus out of me. Although Misty and I have found different paths for our exercise and weight loss journeys, I'm so glad she introduced me to the GCC. More importantly, I'm so thankful that we've both found success, and that she's my best friend.

As y'all know, this blog comes from those first experiences in boot camp. So much has come from it- I enjoy working out! I've lost 45 pounds (probably 60 if you include the times I gained and then lost it again). I can do push-ups, have some muscle tone (if you look closely), and my body has changed so much. I have two pics that I don't show many people (seriously, I'm in a bra and panties), but my legs aren't rubbing together, my stomach has changed, and my poor amazing boobs have shrunk.

I love being healthier- I'm not going to claim to be even close to healthy- but the GCC helped me find someone really important. Myself. I now know who I am and am closer to figuring out what I want to be when I grow up. I can be me at the GCC. I've developed friendships that I cannot describe. My crew. My people. The funniest collection of people you will ever meet. There is no question that I have a core group of 5 am girls that would have never been friends if we met at work, in church or at a bar. However, we are now sisters. We are executives and republicans, tattoo lovers and democrats, moms of twins, moms of teens, and not moms. We are married or not, we are in love. We don't care about the differences in all of us. We even accept Bob for who he is ;)

Finding myself has helped me get over the heartache of friendships that are no more, it's helped me be a better friend (I hope) to those who want to be in my life.

I think it has also helped my relationship with the Rainman. We,too, had some bumps in 2012. Although I never want them again, I'm thankful that we were able to redirect our relationship. Refocus our attention. We got off of cruise control and started controlling our own future. I now know what the future brings...maybe not when, but what.

So 2012, I'm sad to see you go. I know, however, that 2013 promises to bring what you gave and o much more. So, here are a few plans for the next year...maybe you'll help me pray that God continues to bless my life:

1. Continue to be healthier: exercise, eat better, cut stress
2. Be a good friend: I'm blessed with the best and I want to be the best
3. Grow family relationships and maintain current ones
4. 2013: the year of the baby. I really want to get pregnant this year
5. If he likes it then he better put a ring on it ;) (yep- out of order, but if my 80 yr old church deacon grandfather is ok with the wrong order...)


Blessings of 2012 (a snapshot in no particular order):
1. Health (and healthy family)
2. Cancer free- even if Nic had to lose a kidney ;)
3. Better relationship with Brandon and Tami
4. Rainman
5. The blog
6. Best friend
7. The Crew
8. Getting healthy
9. Finding me

I could go on and on. The country song says it best, "Be a best friend, tell the truth, overuse I love you, go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense. Never let your praying knees get lazy, and love like crazy."

Bring it 2013.