15lbs later

Christmas 2012 was slightly different for me. We still traveled from Knoxville to see our family spread across the state of Tennessee. It still felt like we spent more time in the car than we did in one single house. But never the less, it was different. What was different about it? I was.
 For starters, I am 15lbs lighter and 5 pants sizes smaller.
Second, I got up early on December 22nd to go for a run. In the cold. It was like 38 degrees. And I ran for 2.25 miles around Bellvue.
Third, I got up on December 24th and rode the stationary bike in my grandmother's basement for 30 minutes.
And Fourth, I ran 2 miles on December the 26th in the snow on Spring Hill Rd in Paris, TN and if you have never been there, there is a steep ass hill that has to be ran up.
Why is this so spectacular?
Because last year I would have said, "It's too cold." "It's Christmas." or "It's snowing."
But I like being smaller and in shape and able to fit in smaller sizes.
I also like sweet potatoes casserole and country ham and biscuits and gravy. And grand mama's peanut chocolate candy.
I'm not going to lie. The whole time I am running I am thinking about food. I like food. Especially good food. I have just learned over the past year that I have to be rationale about what I eat. I can eat chocolate every now and then. Just not every day and not because I am bored.
I drink beer with my husband and we have pizza usually at least once a week. But smaller portions and above all else, finding an exercise you really like.
The credit for that one goes to two people. First to Peter for finding me a local Zumba class that is less than five minutes from the house and affordable.
And second to Sandy. The instructor at Knoxville Zumba. She is a great instructor, who make exercise fun and something that I look forward to every day.
I learned how to tone myself with the Zumba moves and learned that I am very very competitive when we did the plank contest.
Not only have I lost weight, but have also became more confident. That has a lot to do with the fact that I actually like myself now and the way I look now, for the most part. And Nursing school has boosted my confidence as well. I like knowing things.
Plus I cut 10inches off my hair and have short hair again for the first time in about 4 years.
2012 has brought a lot of changes in my life and 2013 is sure to hold much more. I plan to graduate in May with my RN degree. Peter and I are planning a Europe trip soon after. I hope to have a job in the hospital of my choice, and then who knows....... maybe a little one.