From February 13 2011

Several significant events have occurred. I'm going to try and get up to speed in a relatively short time. So here goes nothing.

I've deepened my relationship with D.  We've been talking since November of '09 but seriously dating since April/May. I am the proud aunt of 2 beautiful kids. I am so happy for my little brother for turning into such a responsible, loving husband and father.  My niece is 7.5 months old and should be crawling within a matter of weeks. My nephew is blooming into such a wonderful kid: polite, excitable, and lovable. I look forward to building a closer relationship with my sister-in-law but we have plenty of time. 

I work with a health care company that I truly love and respect. I am in the process of looking to make moves to a new department which I am very excited about so fingers crossed. I have a final panel interview tomorrow which I am dreadfully nervous about.

My best friend and I finally worked out our differences after a friendship hiatus of nearly 6 months. Those were some very difficult times as I worried whether or not we would ever be friends again. We finally were able to text each other, grab dinner and enjoy wine while apologizing for our mistakes and just being excited to share the future together which includes planning her upcoming wedding. The biggest regret was that I was absent during the birth of her first child. Never in a million years could I have seen that coming. But we're moving on and thankfully my Special Niece will probably never know about the hiccup in our friendship.

2011 is all about self discovery; respecting oneself and others; being the best that I can be. It is about tapping into joy that I haven't experienced in a really long time; accomplishing goals I've set; being selfish if I need to; and working towards the life I want to live. It sounds pretty corny and a tad bit cliche but I really feel ready to embrace a new attitude and new lifestyle. I had already started this transition in 2010 with my new job and cutting down on my overly extravagant spending and social life. When the new year rolled around, I didn't want to set myself up for failure with a weak attempt at a NYE resolution so I waited several weeks to kick off this serious transformation. I didn't want to overwhelm and shock my sense so I'm starting out in phases. The first was to quit smoking. Tuesday will mark 3 full weeks (not a single puff). Shortly afterwards, I began to monitor eating habits. Weight gain is side effect of quitting smoking and the last thing I want is to be miserable and FAT. I've helped to cut back on my spending by planning out my meals for the week and only buying what I need for that time being. It is difficult but I also have better control over what I eat: no caffeine, no abundance of sugar, no artificial sweeteners, no unnecessary fat. So far, I've lost about 3 pounds, eating until I am completely full and satisfied and that's with minimal exercise. That's the next step.  The final major goal for this year is to get a handle of my debts that I have avoided like the plague.

It all sounds like a giant mountain but I've got my laces tied tightly and I'm ready for the challenge. Swimsuit season is just around the corner.