2012 Wrap-Up!

2012 is definitely one for the books. I've had so many life-enhancing experiences this year - my head is still spinning. I'm hoping 2013 will slow down for me just a bit (as it should since I'm more settled) so I can focus on my plot to take over the world. It's going to be epic! Epic I tell you!

 

Here's a little end of the year survey that I've doing the past few years, its a fun way to say adios!

 

 

Image courtesy of Google






 

1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
I left the only place Ive ever called home and moved 1,000 miles away to Chicago

Photo by SleevedintheCity

 

  

2. Did you keep your New Years resolutions? Will you any for 2013?
I did actually, I told myself I was going to lose weight this year and I did. Im making my next years resolutions as we speak!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! A few people actually - I cant wait until I visit Texas to squeeze baby cheeks!

 

4. Did anyone close to you die?

 Not anyone close but I had some close friends lose people they loved.
 

5. What countries did you visit?

Does Missouri count? Then no.
 

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
A greater support system and more denero.

 

7. What dates in 2012 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
01/17/12 - Moved to Chicago
08/20/12 - VSG Surgery

 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Definitely taking the leap of faith to move so far away from home, it gave me the courage to make other leaps in my life!

 

9. What was your biggest failure?
I didn't have any failures in 2012. I had some learning experiences.

 

10. Did you suffer injury or illness?
I got sick twice, once in January and in December.

 

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Smaller underwear, 3 sizes smaller to be exact!

 

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
All the people who support and encourage me.

 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
All the people who don't believe in themselves enough to make better choices.

 

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills. Can I borrow $5?

 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
So many things! Right now Im excited to be moving BACK to Texas next year!

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
Try by P!nk (seriously love her!)

Image courtesy of Rolling Stone

 

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) happier b) thinner c) poorer

 

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Seeing all the sights Chicago has to offer, I feel like Im on a time crunch now.

 

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Shopping!

 

20. How did you spend Christmas?

 I went to the movies and saw Django Unchained (awesome!) - took a nap.
 

21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
Only with myself =)

 

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Sons of Anarchy is still numero uno, but I recently got into Game of Thrones!

 

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
 I don't hate anyone. I just realize that boundaries are needed for some people.

 

24. What was the best book you read?
Hunger Games

 

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kendrick Lamar

 

26. What did you want and get?
To pay my car off, last payment was this month! Woot!

 

27. What did you want and not get?
A new Keurig and a Wii. Im cheap.

 

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I saw quite a few good ones but Im going with Django Unchained & Skyfall. My favorite live performance was Freud's Last Session.

 

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 35 and my friend Amy surprised me with afternoon tea at the Drake Hotel!

Photo from SleevedintheCity

 

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I had gotten to see my family in Texas for the holidays.

 

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Big and baggy! Im refusing to buy new clothes. I've got a twine belt and am wearing my pants until they fall off LOL

 

32. What kept you sane?
Coffee, blogging and remembering tomorrow is a new day.

 

33. What celebrity/public figure did you fancy most?
P!nk. She's not only extremely talented but she's fit, healthy, and strong. I'm obsessed!

 

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Lets just say my vote counted.

 

35. Who did you miss?
My papito.

 

36. Who is the best new person you met?
Ive met so many great people this year that its hard to choose just one.

 

37. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012?
"Forgiveness has nothing to do with absolving a criminal of his crime. It has everything to so with relieving oneself of the burden of being a victim -- letting go of the pain and transforming oneself from victim to survivor." ~ C.R. Strahan

 

38. What was the best new blog you discovered this year?
Iowa Girl Eats and I also rediscovered And Then We Saved

 

39. Who inspired you the most in 2012?
Not to sound cocky, but I inspired myself. I saw so much strength and determination in myself this year; I know I can do anything I set my mind to.
 

40. What do you want to happen in 2013?
I want to move back to Texas, lose 80 more pounds, maybe go on a date, run an entire 5k.

 

 
Here's to a new year, a new you and new dreams! Happy 2013!

 

 

 

Friend Makin' Mondays: Fill in the Blanks

Merry Christmas Eve! I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready for the holidays to be over and things get back to normal. I'm excited to be piloting a new program at work that starts right after the New Year so I'm sure that has something to do with my haste =)

 

 



If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 

 

 

 

FILL in the BLANKS...

 

 

1. I want to.... make 2013 as successful and adventurous as 2012 has been!

 

2. I've never.... been skydiving but I'm going with a friend to do just that in October!

 

3. I believe.... everything happens for a reason.

 

4. My mind often wonders.... the most random things and all the time too. I have ADHD.

 

5. Last night I dreamed that.... I was in a battlefield with dragons. No more Game of Thrones before bed.

 

6. This morning for breakfast I ate.... waffles - a rarity for me.

 

7. My love life is.... non-existent but that's ok I'm purposely taking time off for myself.

 

8. I enjoy.... a great cup of coffee.

 

9. When I was a child I used to.... ride my dogs like horses.

 

10. When I'm in the kitchen I.... wash my hands a hundred times.

 

11. My favorite exercise is.... Zumba!

 

12. When I travel I.... make sure there's extra room in my suitcase for souvenirs!

 

13. My friends would tell you that I am.... funny and opinionated.

 

14. If I had to eat at a restaurant today I would choose.... Razzoo's Cajun Café - they have the BEST grilled jalapeno catfish!

 

15. My favorite.... time of the day is pup cuddling.

 

16. My home is.... hot as hell. My apartment is right next to the boiler room.

 

17. I read.... just about anything if I can learn something from it. I've just started Wuthering Heights.

 

18. The last movie I saw was.... Savages on Redbox. Going to see Django Unchained tomorrow!

 

19. Music makes me feel.... expressive, I love how music can often find the words I am unable to.

 

20. All I want for Christmas is.... a new Keurig! Mine went kaput.  

 

 

Well that's it for this weeks edition! Don't forget to link up! I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

 

 

Post Op: 4 Month Check-In

On Thursday I was officially 4 months post-op, I would have posted this then but the world was ending the next day so I had to finish Game of Thrones Season One. Priorities people!

Image courtesy of Google

Seriously though, I couldn't be more thrilled with the changes. I'm 66 pounds down and should be able to hit 70 pounds gone by the New Year with no problem. I was asked to wear the same outfit in my updated pictures, I tried to recreate the entire look, even with my hair. Maybe it's just me but I feel like I'm a bobble head - now my head looks really, really big to me LOL

I see the biggest difference in my stomach and face. I've always had a big butt so that won't be going anywhere anytime soon. I'm still losing inches but the scale itself is starting to slow down because I'm toning and gaining muscle.

A few posts back I talked about having possible issues with my gallbladder. Luckily that didn't seem to be the case, garlic is the culprit! My exercise restriction was lifted and I began the Couch25k program, I'm on Week 1 and so far I'm pleased to see my endurance and ability exceeds that of a "beginner" - I can already run a mile! A whole freaking mile! Non-stop!

My "I just ran a mile for the first time" face!

The program is 3 days a week, so I'll be incorporating some (much needed) toning exercises in the mix. We got our first snow yesterday and I wanted to make sure I wouldn't use the snow as an excuse so I picked this Gaiam DVD up at Marshall's for $3.99 and the weights were on clearance for $4 a set! This way I have no excuses and 3 different workouts if I find myself snowed in or just too warm to leave my casa.

So Im pleased with my progress but will be raising the bar now that I've reminded myself  that I really am as awesome as I think I am. My birthday is in 3 months and I'm looking forward to being the best me yet! Yay for healthy!

In Remembrance

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house."

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring:
Those children all flew into the arms of their King,
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had,
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below,
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe,

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!
May this country be delivered from the hands of fools
I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Friend Makin' Mondays: 12 Things

Now…If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 

 

Twelve in 2012

1. What was your greatest personal accomplishment in 2012?  I like to think I did several cool things this year but moving to Chicago was by far the most awesome!

2. What’s the best thing your did for your health?  I had gastric sleeve surgery. It not only cured my diabetes but I've lost 65 pounds so far and I'm getting healthier by the day. I also haven't had any pop or carbonated beverages in 5 months - no alcohol either!

3. Share one thing that caused a significant change in your life this year.  I hate to sound repetitive but moving to Chicago, picking up and moving my entire life has given me the courage to do so much more!

4. List a few things that you experienced for the first time at some point over the last twelve months.  
- I sailed on Lake Michigan (in a pirate ship!)
- This is my first apartment "underground"
- I did the Color Run
- I mailed out Christmas cards (I never had to before since I was local)

5. What was the coolest place you visited? Chicago of course ;)

6. If you could change one thing about the last year what would it be?  I would have curbed my extra spending slightly (OK a little more than slightly) - but I'll be starting the AndThenWeSaved program next year - super excited about that.

7. What is the best meal you ate this year? Giordano's stuffed pizza and Alfie's zucchini chips. Both of which are on my do-not-eat-or-it-will-turn-you-into-a-fat-ass-again list.

8. Tell us about a new friend you made.  All of my friends have been new this year, I cant point just one particular person out, they're all great!

9. What did you hope to accomplish this year that you did not? I wanted to travel some.

10. Share something you learned in 2012.  Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle.

11. Share an odd and unexpected thing that you experienced this year.  I can't say anything odd or unexpected happened to me this year. It's been pretty normal for once lol

12. How do you think 2013 will differ from 2012? It is going to be full of so much awesome. I'm going to be skinny. I'm going to be rich(er). I'm going to travel. I'm going to (continue to) be badass.

Now it's your turn! Don't forget to link up! Happy Monday everyone!

 

Frozen Hot Cocoa

Image property of SleevedInTheCity

Since I was just talking about Starbucks and healthy alternatives to their drinks, I thought I'd go in my archives and share one of my favorites, courtesy of Hungry Girl! Its not only simple to make but its so low in calories that I don't mind indulging in a second on a super hot day!

 

Prep time: 10 mins  |  Level: Beginner  |  Servings: 1

Calories per serving: 58

 

One 25-calorie packet diet hot cocoa mix (like Swiss Miss Diet or Nestlé Fat Free)

2 no-calorie sweetener packets (like Splenda or Truvia)

1/4 cup light vanilla soymilk (Almond milk works too!)

1 tbsp. sugar-free calorie-free vanilla-flavored syrup (like the kind by Torani)

1 tsp. sugar-free chocolate syrup (like the kind by Hershey's)**

1 cup crushed ice or 5 to 8 ice cubes

2 tbsp. Fat Free Reddi-wip

 

 

Place hot cocoa mix and sweetener in a tall mug or glass. Add 1/4 cup hot water and stir to dissolve.

Add soymilk, vanilla-flavored syrup, and chocolate syrup. Mix well. Place in the fridge or freezer for several minutes, until completely chilled. Pour mixture into a blender and add ice. Blend at high speed until uniform. Pour into the tall mug or glass. Finish off with whipped topping.

 

**I personally don't like the sugar free chocolate syrup, it tastes like how I imagine dirty feet would taste so I substituted a few chocolate chips and melted with the water and cocoa mix, it increased the calories some I'm sure but its better than drinking foot water. Just my opinion. Also VSG'ers can add a packet of unflavored protein powder and get a full meal from this, just add the extra calories!**

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Chili's Copycat Chicken Enchilada Soup

This is my favorite soup EVER. If you like Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup then you will LOVE this. You won't find anything closer to it. The original recipe is here but I've obviously modified it to reduce calories and make it more VSG friendly. The calories are based on "regular" people servings and I don't have a picture of it because I ate it all before I remembered to. It's seriously that good.

Image courtesy of Google

Prep time: 15 mins  |  Level: Intermediate  |  Servings: 8

Calories per serving: 155

 

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken tenders

1 tsp vegetable oil

1/2 cup diced onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 quart chicken broth, fat free reduced sodium 

1 cup masa harina

3 cups water, divided

1 cup enchilada sauce (I use hot & entire 10 oz can)

1 teaspoon salt (I double this)

1 teaspoon chili powder (I double this)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (I double this)

1 4oz can green chilies (optional)

 

Boil chicken in large pot, drain, set aside. Cook onion and garlic in oil and pour in chicken broth. In a bowl, whisk together masa harina and 2 cups of water until well blended. Pour into pot with remaining 1 cup water, enchilada sauce, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a boil. Shred chicken and add it to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, until thickened.

 

If you add cheese or tortilla chips make sure to add in the additional calories. I never add cheese, its awesome with just tortilla chips!

 

 

Happy Cooking!