2014 Reflection

 A few things you will never forget in 2014

• Starting a job with The American Cancer Society
• Buying my first car
• Comic Con
• Florida trip 
• Color Run and holding hands at the finish with Tom
• Kickboxing
• Uncle Mike's death
• Dad's month long steroid psychosis.
• Alicia and Justin's wedding
• Planning, and successfully pulling off, my first Making Strides Events
• My best friend Christine giving birth to her beautiful baby boy, Luke
• Reaching the 90 lb lost milestone
• Seeing Melinda for the first time in two years
• Chicago with Tom

Relationship (s)

Tom and I are now one year and 3 months strong. At least once a week someone asks me when we are going to get engaged/married. And they always seem a little disappointed when I say "not yet". We aren't ready, folks. Sorry. Actually, I'm not sorry. Because it's my life and our decision. I can tell you that he is my favorite person to be around, my best friend, and the sweetest guy I've ever known. We've had challenges, for sure. But we talk, we work them out, we learn from each other and we encourage each other. We have inside jokes and spend our time giggling, talking, watching documentaries, walking around, working out, and finding little treasures. We are both very nostalgic people and love to talk about things from our childhood. I learn new things about him all the time. I learn about myself because of him. And I know that we're doing things our own way- and while it may not be on society's timeline, it's our timeline, and for us it feels right.

The Best Day
I have a few. The day Luke was born was pretty special for me. I've known Christine since we were 5 and we've been through everything together. So to see that precious little baby made me so proud. I was skipping out of the hospital I was so happy. I let out a little squeal anytime I see a new picture of him. I adore him and I am so proud of Christine and Paul as parents.

Another is the day of my Oakland County walk that I planned. I loved ALL of the walks, but Oakland was the last one and I just felt such a sense of relief when the walkers started and I knew the hardest part was over. It was also the walk that everyone was the most worried about early on in the year, but ended up being the most successful. The smile on my face watching 900 + walkers cross that line was unlike anything I've ever felt before.

Alicia's wedding was pretty great, too. I was so happy to celebrate her and Justin. She is one of the most beautiful people that I know and I am so happy she found the love she deserves! I had so much fun dancing the night away.

And, one more that I will mention was our trip to Chicago. We had so much fun exploring the city even though neither of us had any idea what we were doing. And although I got a little overwhelmed at times, I loved holding Tom's hand and exploring the city. Also, seeing Alicia and getting to spend time with her was a huge plus. I adore that girl.


 The worst day
September 4th-October 17th.

It was Hell. By far the hardest thing I have ever experienced, far worse than any anxiety/depression issues I ever had. But we made it. Thanks be to God, the nurses at Beaumont, and our support system.

The most memorable moment.

Holding hands with Tom while crossing the finish line at the Color Run.
Luke being born.
Getting my new job.

A lot of the things I've already mentioned :)


Your best friend(s).
Sam. It is such a blessing and a rare thing to live with your best friend. It's nice to walk in from a workout or a long day at work and be able to talk to the person who gets you the most.

Tom. Duh.

My family, together we went through Hell and back but came out even stronger and there's honestly no one else I would rather spend my time with than my family.

Emily, one of the greatest people I've met in 2014 and my "work bestie". It's really special to meet someone that you instantly click with, but that was Emily for me. I adore her and I am so thankful for her.

The rest of my coworkers who gave me endless support during the hardest time of my life: Felicia, Steph, Carrie, Kerri, Chimene, Lindsay. Gina.

Christine, forever and always.

And my sweet, sweet friend Alicia who sent me cards in the mail, texts, and general support, and who continues to be my biggest inspiration.

Your birthday.

My birthday was pretty um. Well, it had bad timing. My dad was in the hospital with the swelling, I was on a work conference, and my uncle Mike died the day after. BUT I will say that my coworkers made it fun on our conference, they made a point to take me out and celebrate. That was nice. I also celebrated with Sam, Tom, and Eric a few days later.

The best getaway.
Chicago.

New Year resolutions.
In 2015, I am open to new adventures and making new memories.
In 2015, I want to feel free, calm, and full of grace and patience.
In 2015, I will say no to my short temper, and hello to patience.
In December 2015, I want to look back and say that my biggest accomplishment was finally reaching 100 lbs lost, that I am on track to buying my first condo or house.



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