A List of Excuses

It’s rather ironic that my last post was about staying motivated. As you can tell, it’s been a while since I’ve had any exciting weight loss news to share and the truth is I’m guilty of not taking my own advice and falling off the wagon for a few weeks, gasp! (story of my life). So in true “Katee nature” I’m dusting myself off and getting back in the saddle. And I thought it would be rather fitting and appropriate to kick things off with a little discussion about making excuses… since that too, is another story of my life.

I believe that an important part of the weight loss process, is to identify your main challenges i.e. excuses. Whether they are health issues, bad habits, guilty pleasures, or time management problems, it's important to bring those factors to the surface. The more honest you are with yourself, the better prepared you will be when those challenges present themselves. And the earlier you address the issues, the easier it is to keep on track and most importantly stay on it!

Here is my “List” with some of my solutions written in italics.

1. I don’t have the time to exercise.

Even though that’s basically true for A LOT of people, there are many ways to still fit a workout into the daily grind. For example, if you’re able to get up a little extra early, go for a walk or jog around your neighborhood! It’s a great way to cross exercise off your list early enough so that you don’t get distracted or loss motivation throughout the rest of the day. Or, are you dedicating most of your free time to studying? Take your notes/books with you to the gym and hit up a treadmill or stationary bike. Busy mom schedule? Create an activity that you and your kids can do together like walking the dog, raking leaves, wii fit, riding bikes, etc.

2. I HATE exercise… I’m already in a lazy mood or I try it and get bored so quickly that I lose motivation all together.

In my case, I did the unthinkable and joined a gym. The fact that I pay money every month is just another reason to go and not let my dollars to go waste. I also found that by removing the distractions from home, I become much more focused on pushing myself to get an actual good work out. And I discovered that classes like Zumba and yoga are not only a good workout, but SOOO much fun and make the time fly by! In any case, you’ll enjoy exercise a lot more if you’re actually enjoying and having fun with it. If gyms aren’t your thing, try walking around town or a park. Pick a route that is visually interesting to keep you entertained and motivated to keep going.

3. I am a bottomless pit with no portion control.

I have learned to work with my insatiable appetite by still eating larger (but still smart) portions, just with healthier foods. Even though portion control is still extremely important and something we all need to be working on, you have to be able to make certain changes that will work best for YOU and your body. Another thing I have found to be very effective is to slow down when eating and drink lots and lots of water with my meals.

4. I love adult beverages.

This is one thing that is very difficult to get around. So if I know that I will be going out with the girls, I’ll try to save some of the WP to use and/or be extra healthy with my eating for that day.

5. I have a salty/comfort food tooth.

But I have found with WW, you can cook just about anything and still make it healthy at the same time. The key word being “COOK”, that’s the biggest factor.

6. I love going out to dinner.

So I look up the menus online first so that I know exactly what I’m getting myself into point wise before temptation takes over.


Overall, I have found that the more honest I am with myself, the better prepared I am to continue with my weight loss success. And hopefully I’ll take my own advice today and stop with the excuses on my list!

So what types of solutions do you have for YOUR list?

Thinspiration

We all need motivation and inspiration when it comes to achieving the goals we set for ourselves. This is especially important when it comes to weight loss. The day to day struggles like giving into temptations or a slight weight gain can be very discouraging and easily knock us off track. Thus is why it is so important to not lose sight of our long term goals and keep strong motivators and inspirations close by. Whether it’s a good friend or family member that’s holding you accountable, an inspiring picture, or motivation to fit into your skinny jeans, we all need something to help us keep our eyes on the prize. And the more detailed the better! My personal goal is to wear a 2 piece swimsuit by next summer (for the first time in my life!). So to keep myself focused, I’ve already picked out the exact suit and keep a picture close by to keep me motivated. I’ve also found that pictures, specific detailed goals (like “I don’t want to have a muffin top anymore”), and reminders/affirmations help me to stay motivated and excited about reaching my goals on a day to day basis.

Here are a few things that inspire & motivate me!

Rebecca from Biggest Loser Season 8

“I have the power to change my life”

My Weight Watchers inspiration, JHud.
She is fabulous.

I want to go shopping for newer/smaller clothes!

"I am Beautiful"

So what inspires & motivates you?

Thin Crust Veggie Pizza

Speaking of Power foods, here is a little gem that makes a perfectly filling meal and satisfies the pizza craving. The veggies fill you up twice as fast as opposed to filling up on doughy empty calories. Enjoy!

 Thin Crust Veggie Pizza

 
* 6 PP per serving (6 Servings)


1 Vidalia Onion

1 Green Bell Pepper

1 ½ Cup Sliced Mushrooms

1 cup(s) canned artichoke hearts, without oil

1 Large Tomato

½ Cup of Tomato Paste

½ Cup Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese

1/4 cup(s) (shredded) part-skim mozzarella cheese

1 Package of Pillsbury thin crust pizza dough

Fresh Garlic

Italian Seasoning

Basil

Oregano

Preheat oven to 400. Prepare your sauce by adding a little water to the tomato paste and seasoning with garlic, basil, Italian seasoning mix and any other herbs/spices you like. Spread the dough out over a baking sheet and pre-bake for 5 minutes. Then add sauce and ricotta cheese and layer your veggies. Bake for 10 minutes and add the shredded cheese after you take out of the oven. Let rest for several minutes and dig in!

Powerful Foods

Throughout the past couple of months I have learned the importance of filling up on the right kinds of foods. Weight Watchers refers to them “power foods” and I strongly believe that’s exactly what they are, POWER. By eating more fruits, vegetables and protein, your body is still able to fill up while fueling up on the right stuff. So instead of diving into the starchy, sugary, and salty meals, I’ve started putting a healthy spin on things like pasta or pizza LOADED down with veggies for dinner, or piling on the lean proteins and mixed veggies on top of a small bed of rice. The whole point is to fill up on the healthy stuff while still getting to eat the not-so-healthy stuff. I was truly amazed that it actually works, especially with my kind of appetite. And I’ve found that a little extra time in the kitchen has definitely paid off, I’m another 2lbs down this week!

Can you tell which meals have the most POWER?



VS.



VS.

VS.

Power Up!

The skinny on ZUMBA

I HATE exercise, hate hate hate it. I wasn’t built for running, I don’t get the endorphins rush, and I get bored SOOOO easily… until I discovered ZUMBA. It has been such a game-changer in my attitude towards exercise. Not only is it fun, but it is one of the best work outs you will ever get (hence the term “exercise in disguise”). From cardio to toning, to increasing flexibility and balance, it is an overall amazing fitness program.  And it’s not too shabby that a typical class (usually an hour long) can burn anywhere between 500 to 1000 calories!





It all started when I took my first tour at the gym that I now belong to (Ladies Choice Fitness Center). As soon as I walked in the door I could hear the music, a latin/pop mixture that made it difficult to not want to dance. Then I saw the class… I was in awe. There were women of all ages, shapes, sizes, rhythms, and coordination levels, I knew it would be the perfect place for me and I couldn’t wait to join in the fun. And I have to admit my first class did not go as smoothly as I expected, mostly because I’m a big tall awkward looking white girl that doesn’t really know how to pop and shake my booty. But I’ve now learned that it doesn’t even matter, as long as I’m trying my best I can still shake the inches off. In fact, ZUMBA is the biggest reason that I’ve lost over 13 inches!!! So for anyone that has never tried it, I encourage you to give it a shot! It’s the most fun you’ll ever have in the gym, I promise.

A Few Tips for ZUMBA Beginners


*Wear a GOOD sports bra

*Make sure you are well hydrated and have water close by.

*DO NOT be afraid to “shake it” that’s what helps you burn all of those calories!

*Make sure you wear pants/shorts that are not too loose; otherwise you’ll be tugging and pulling them up the whole time.

*HAVE FUN!!!

WW Asparagus Risotto

Keeping with my comfort food theme… I found this recipe on the Weight Watchers site and decided to give it a try last night. It is absolutely DELICIOUS and makes a great side item or small meal for lunch. You can also add in chicken or shrimp to make it a more complete meal for dinner.

Asparagus Risotto


*5 PP per serving

½ tsp table salt

1 lb. asparagus (cut into short bite-size pieces)

Cooking spray

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

3 small shallots

I cup Arborio rice uncooked (regular rice works too)

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

4 cups of canned chicken broth

1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Salt & Pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Add asparagus to pot; blanch for 2 minutes. Immediately remove asparagus from pot and place them into ice water (to stop them from cooking and help retain their bright green color); set aside.

Coat a medium pot with cooking spray and set over medium heat; melt butter. Add shallots; cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add rice and toss to coat; cook for 2 minutes. Add lemon juice; cook, until all lemon juice has been absorbed, stirring continuously so rice does not stick to sides of pot, about 1 minute.

Meanwhile, bring broth to a simmer; keep warm.

Add 1/2 cup of hot broth to pot at a time; stir until absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, making sure each addition of broth is absorbed before adding more. This process takes about 20 minutes.

When rice turns creamy and just done (should be slightly chewy and not mushy), remove pot from heat; add cheese and stir well. Stir in asparagus; season with salt and pepper. Yields 1 scant cup per serving.

Enjoy!

Goal of the Week: Measuring & Portion Control

I’ve decided to include a special weekly update in my “new” blog (Thank you Anna H). Each week I will focus on a new goal and/or challenge and I’m hoping that it will not only hold me accountable, but maybe inspire a reader or Weight Watcher!

With that said this week’s challenge/goal is to have some portion control with my meals and actually measure out how much I’m eating. Not a big deal for a lot of people, but it’s honestly my biggest struggle. It seems like my will power goes right out the window when dinner time rolls around. The worst part is, I know it’s the reason why I’m not losing on the scale, yet I continue to eat MOUNDS of food anyways! But I have found that actually measuring out my portions and only cooking enough to fulfill those portion amounts can be very helpful. For example, measuring out your pasta and ONLY cooking that exact amount (as oppose to cooking the entire box and “eye balling” your portions, guilty on multiple occasions). I was shocked/amazed/depressed over how poor my “eyeballing” skills really are. Apparently 1 cup in my mind is about 2-3 in real life… fail. So this week (or at least what’s left of it before weight in on Monday) I am challenging myself to literally measure out EVERYTHING and stop the “eye balling”. I’m making measuring cups my new best friend and sticking to the plan 100%



A few tips & tricks to keep in mind to keep on track…

*Set utensils down between bites.

*Don't leave leftovers in plain sight, it makes going back for leftovers that much more tempting.

*Snack throughout the day (nuts, fruits, etc.) so that you wont be out of control hungry by dinner time.
*Eat off smaller plates.

*Pre-portion the more tempting treats.

*Drinks lots and lots of water, before and after meals.

*Make sure you're filling up on the right foods (proteins, fiber-rich, etc).

*Visit HERE for a VERY cool interactive portion control plate with wallet and fridge size portion guides!

Wish me luck!

A Comfort Food Time of Year

Fall is my absolute FAVORITE time of year. I love everything from the fall colors, tall boots, football, tailgating, leaves changing, sweaters, and COMFORT FOOD. This past weekend I finally got a chance to satisfy my fall cravings when Charleston’s temps actually dropped below 70 with an added bonus of no humidity! I found this to be the perfect opportunity to make my favorite chili! It’s a super simple and lightened up version that packs a lot of flavor and lasts forever. So if you’re a fall foodie like me, you may want to give it a try!

Weight Watchers Friendly Chili
*About 5 PPs per serving
Amounts can be easily adjusted according to how much you want to make.

1.5lb. lean ground beef (93% lean or ground turkey)

2 Cans of Kidney Beans

1 Can of Garbanzo beans

1 Large can of petite diced tomatoes

1-2 Packets of Dry Chili Seasoning

1-2 Tbsp Cumin

½ tsp chili powder

1 large can tomato puree

1 Large Vidalia Onion

2Tbsp Garlic

1 Cup Sliced Mushrooms


1. In a skillet, brown and drain your meat. Add onion, mushrooms, salt/pepper and stir frequently until onions and mushrooms are slightly cooked down.

2. In a large pot, combine the diced tomatoes and puree and mix. Then add your meat mixture to the pot. Depending on your preference of consistently, you can add water at this step if you think it’s too thick.

3. Add all of your garlic and seasoning and stir entire pot until well blended. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour before eating.

*This goes great on top of whole wheat pasta or with a dollop of fat-free/part-skim ricotta cheese. Enjoy!

A New Direction

So in order to keep my poor little blog alive, I’ve decided to switch gears and take things in a new direction. My last attempt with “adventures in chucktown” was okay, but the truth is I don’t have that many adventures specifically related to chucktown. Something that I DO have a lot of adventures with, is the battle of the bulge. So yes, this will be another one of “those” weight loss blogs but I’m hoping that it can just maybe be the slightest bit helpful to anyone going through the same trials and tribulations of losing weight. It will mostly revolve around the Weight Watchers Points Plus plan but will also have fun tips, recipes, victories and new ideas!


So without further ado, (I’m already anxious/excited to get started) a little background story to bring things up to date…



Ever since I was a kid, I've always been bigger than all of my peers, had to shop at the "big girl" stores, and dreaded swimsuit season. I feel as though i have basically run the gauntlet when it comes to dieting, from crash diets to pills, shakes, bars, no carbs, etc. I've just about tried them all with little to no success. Until I started Weight Watchers (ahhhh shining golden beams of light), I had never realized that it IS possible to eat and live like a real person while still losing weight. It has opened my eyes so much more to the importance of balance and simply making better choices about what I put in my body. And I am now at the point where I only have the last 20lbs to go before reaching my ultimate goal weight (which i have never met in my adult life)! Good news right? Well, not exactly. Those last several pounds can be the most difficult to lose, especially when you have a post 25 year old metabolism (yea, no one ever warned me about that one, thanks a lot mother nature.) But I am bound and determined to do it this time and I am confident that Weight Watchers is going to get me there!



So here goes (for the millionth time), stay tuned for all things weight loss and the journey to a smaller me!

I'm Still Here...

Don’t worry, I haven’t abandoned the blog again… I’ve just had a very busy (for lack of a better term) schedule this summer. Everything from puppy getting bit by a snake, my mom’s birthday celebration, off and on studying for my state property manager license exam, doggie seizure meds, to joining weight watchers. Needless to say, it’s been a little crazy. So in true Katee fashion, I have put together a random mini recap to get things up to speed and back on track. Here goes!


The Pups


I must say, we have become all too familiar with the Vet’s office these past two months. The first incident was Halsey getting bit by a snake in the backyard which led us to our first experience at the Emergency animal clinic. Thankfully we got him there in time for there to be no major complications, just a very expensive bill and a crazy hair cut for the little guy (which is still growing back). Then our latest experience with Jackson (my child) which turned out to be a potential case of canine epilepsy. I swear these boys are determined to give us gray hair and empty wallets, but I suppose they are worth it.

Backyard Overhaul


One of our biggest accomplishments this summer was cleaning up the backyard. It was quite a feat, but we did it with the help of Scott’s mom and good friend, Chris (who came down for a golf tourney). Between the 4 of us, we were able to tackle 2 years worth of piled leaves, construct a compost pile, start a little veggie garden, and plant some beautiful flowers under the Oak tree. It’s like a whole new backyard!



Before




After



Compost



mini garden



Flowers!

Happy Bday to My Mommy


Last month I had the privilege of hosting my mom’s birthday party here in Charleston. I even got to surprise her with one of her oldest and dearest friends that was able to join us for the bday dinner. It was a short visit but we enjoyed every minute together.

The Test


After months of procrastination, I finally applied with the SC Real Estate Commission to take my State Exam! I have been approved and am now waiting to find out/decide when im going to take THE TEST… dun dun dun.

Weight Watchers




After my first month of going to the gym, I made a big decision to also invest in my diet by joining Weight Watchers. I must say that after 1 full month and 9lbs down, it’s been totally worth the money. It allows me to still eat like a normal person yet lose weight on a consistent and HEALTHY basis. It has completely opened my eyes to how simple it is to make better choices and made me so much more aware of what I put in my body. I seriously recommend the program to anyone wanting to lose more than just a few pounds, it is truly life changing and it works!



WW Friendly Pizza!



Reading back though this, it doesn’t seem like that much going on. But it sure has felt like it! It does remind me that I have a lot to be thankful for. The pups seem to be back to normal, my health (and self esteem) is improving, and I’m embracing the new “hats” of gardener, student, special needs dog mom, health nut, and hostess. Overall, it has been a very good summer and I can’t wait to see what the tail end has in store for us!

I'm shrinking!

Just a quick weight loss update:


Thanks to my new gym, I have officially lost 3lbs!
So… not that great, HOWEVER I have also lost…

3 inches from my waist

1 inch off my arms

2 inches from my abs

.5 from my thighs

.5 from my calves

And lost 1% body fat

Not bad for my first month of working out!

And for the record, Zumba really DOES work!

Mail is gold

I wanted to share this post because I think we all forget how truly important it is to support our troops. This past Friday marked the 1 year anniversary of the death of my dear friend Adam Puckett. It was such a reminder as to why our soldiers need our constant encouragement, while in battle as well as at home. With that said, I have been inspired to take action by sending care packages to my friend Kevin’s battalion (currently in Afghanistan). Care packages, as simple as they seem, mean the world to our troops. As Kevin says, “Mail is gold”. Whether it’s a box of magazines, socks, pictures, or candy, these items make all the difference in the world and remind our soldiers that we CARE.


I encourage anyone who reads this to consider sending one of these tokens of appreciation. Even if you don’t personally know who receives it, you’re making a difference and bringing a smile from home to a far away soldier.

Here is the information to get you started!

The recommended box to use is the Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box from USPS. More information and details can be found HERE
 
Recommended items to send

Personal Care Items
Baby Wipes
Socks
Chapstick/Blistex
Foot Powder
Batteries (AAA, AA, C)
Eye Drops
Tissues (pocket size)
Vaseline
Gift Items
Bibles (pocket size)
Puzzle Books
New Magazines
Travel Games
Paperback Books
Playing Cards
Candy
Hard Candy
Lifesavers
Gum
Snack Items
(pocket-sized snacks)
Crackers
Sunflower Seeds
Cookies
Trail Mix
Beef Jerky
Slim Jims
Snack Bars - any type Pop Tarts
Cards
*Buy a box of cards and write a short personal note of thanks to our troops
*Write personal letters to be included in our packages
*Make handmade cards.


After picking out your items and making sure they fit, it is recommended that you complete the final steps at the post office to make sure everything is packed and addressed according to the guidelines. Keep in mind that all boxes going overseas to our military will need a customs form. These forms can be picked up at the USPS or ordered online at their website. They are free. You can usually find a postal clerk that will be able to help you fill the form out properly if you have any questions.


If you would like to join me in sending care packages to Kevin’s Battalion, please contact me via email for the full address and a Marine’s name. I assure you that your gift will be greatly appreciated and make a difference in a soldier's life.

Lexington People Click Here for information on getting involved with Military Missions  

To Read Adam’s Story, click HERE

A Delicious Weekend

Tiffany’s Bachelorette weekend was a complete success! We wined, dined, beached, toured, and danced our little hearts out. Out of all of the festivities I must say that the incredible FOOD was one of the highlights of the whole weekend. Since I had never been to any of the restaurants before, it was quite a treat to try out some new places. It’s no surprise that the meals were amazing, they all have outstanding reviews. So I was more than pleased that they all lived up their reputations. So next time you’re in the downtown Charleston area, I strongly encourage you to check these places out!



Our first stop was lunch at 82 Queen located on Queen St. The outdoor setting was absolutely beautiful and quite comfortable despite the 95 degree heat and humidity. I am usually not a BLT fan, but their spin on the classic sandwich sounded too delicious to resist. Not only did it come with a million slices of bacon, the "T" consisted of fried green tomatoes. SO SO good.

We stayed with the lowcountry cuisine theme for our dinner venue, the famous Hominy Grill (located on Rutledge Ave). They offer everything from collared greens to pancakes, purloo, and more.The Bride-to-be was especially pleased with their award winning shrimp & grits.

Our big celebratory dinner was held the next night at High Cotton on East Bay St. The ambiance and overall feel of the place was completely simple and classic with their hardwood floors and crisp white table clothes. I have to admit this one of of my favorite meals of the entire weekend (rib eye steak with bearnaise sauce and fried okra on the side). I once again went for bacon and fried green tomatoes, this time served on a wedge of lettuce.

We finished our weekend with a fabulous brunch at Poogan's Porch on Queen St. Attempting to be healthy, I went with a light quiche (which was very tasty). But after seeing the other plates at the table, I had some serious food envy of the southern fried breakfast classics.

One of the best parts of all of this indulgent eating, was that it was also affordable. Each meal averaged around $30 and was worth every penny. So needless to say, after an amazing weekend with such lovely ladies, I am a little fatter, with still a few bucks to spare in my wallet!

Visual Update

Don’t worry, I haven’t abandoned the blog (again). I’ve just been a little busy lately. So with getting back on track, I’ve put together a little update using pictures instead of longwinded boring stories. Be forewarned, it’s extremely random… but then again, so is my life.

  

Memorial day weekend consisted of friends, rum, grilling, and fun. I even got to go sailing for the first time. I chose this picture in particular because it makes me look productive and like I actually did something to contribute.



Almost a year later, I FINALLY finished my Mom’s belt!





I decided to get creative one night and ended up making an entire bacon themed dinner. It’s a definite winner with the dudes, fyi. The chicken is stuffed with spinach, chopped bacon, and cheese. The asparagus was sautéed in the same pan as the bacon and some of the extra “juices” from the pan were added to the potatoes. Not the most heart-healthy meal, but will surely appease any craving for baconish comfort food.



I was fortunate enough to be able to go back to KY for my cousin's wedding the weekend after Memorial Day. The fact that I was actually able to get some great pictures of my family is a MAJOR accomplishment. We’ve never been big on family photos so needless to say these pics are rare and make me very very happy.



My Dad (left) and Uncle Charlie





After getting back to Charleston, I decided to do something totally wild and crazy… I joined a gym.  I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoy working out! And since I do not have any pictures in me in my workout gitup, I have posted a lovely picture of my weight loss inspiration, the actress Sara Rue.  
You go girl.

My sweet baby boy’s 3^rd birthday!



And speaking of the pups, little Halsey is almost 13 weeks old! He is tipping the scales at just about 20lbs and continues to keep growing like a little weed. I swear there are days when I think he is literally growing bigger by the minute.  He’s also about 95% potty trained and responding well to his name, simple commands, and his new crate. Our next step is getting him use to more BATHS. 2 dogs + sandy backyard = messy house and a clogged vacuum cleaner.





Back to food, I recently discovered a fabulous little restaurant on King St. in downtown Charleston. It’s called Sermet’s and is located right in the middle of the shopping action. The menu is diverse, affordable, healthy, and delicious. Next time you are in the area, I would recommend you plan your lunch break from shopping at this little establishment.



Finally back up to speed, I must share one of my all time favorite pictures of my 2 best friends from home, Tiffany (the bride-to-be in the hot shoes) and Anna (with the crazy face). This picture was taken back in November of 2009 which was sadly the last time that the 3 of us had a true girl’s night out together. However, this Friday that will quickly change. All of the girls will be coming to town for Tiff’s bachelorette party and I couldn’t be more excited. So in honor of Tiff’s big weekend, I thought I would share a little laugh and hope that this weekend brings just as many fond memories, hilarious stories, and incriminating pictures.

Sticking To The Plan

I've recently found some great motivational tips for weight loss on the  Everyday Health website. Their articles are very realistic and relateable to everyday temptations and challenges. I figured they would be worth sharing, whether you're looking to drop weight or just make healthier choices during bikini season.

5 Tips for Sticking to Your Diet at a Social Event

1. Never Arrive Hungry

*always have a light and healthy snack before hand to help keep you from over-eating

2. Be Polite, but Firm, when Turning Down Food

*Don't be afraid to say NO

3. Avoid Temptation

*Don't set yourself up for failure with something too good to resist

4. Invite a Healthy Diet Date

*It's always easier when you have someone to hold you accountable

5. Manage your Overall Calendar

*One slip-up won't hurt your whole week of being good

To read the full article, click here

Good Luck & Enjoy!

Happy Anniversary, Charleston!

I can’t believe how quickly the time goes by. Exactly 1 year ago today, I moved 550 miles away from home to a city I had only visited once before, Charleston SC. At this exact time, I was white-knuckling the steering wheel of my Honda attempting to keep up with our caravan and the flow of traffic on I-75 south towards Knoxville. I had my darling best friend Kim in the passenger seat and my beloved puppy dog Jackson in the back. This only lasted for about an hour… my nerves were already completely shot and the sight of watching the trailer of our furniture in front of us was causing me to replay my own imaginary version of Final Destination. Needless to say I didn’t do much driving that day, but the overall move to Charleston was a success but very bittersweet. I had left behind everything that felt like home. My comfort zone, free meals at mom and dad’s, and the greatest friends anyone could ever ask for. But looking back, I can honestly say that it has been one of the greatest challenges and most rewarding experiences of my life. Throughout this year, I’ve learned how to embrace being alone, realized what it’s like to be flat broke, and experienced relationships come full circle. I have learned a tremendous amount about myself and grown as a person, daughter, friend, professional, and Christian. More so than I ever did in the years I spent playing it safe back at home.

But in addition to the personal growth and maturing, I learned a few other things too…

Each day is a gift

It’s OK to have a dog as your best friend

How to budget for gas money

A 1 hour commute really stinks when you’re hungover and don’t have your dad to drive you to work.

I can apply lotion and/or sunscreen to my entire back all my myself

Life is short

I am VERY allergic to Oak trees

Cereal makes for a really good dinner

Fleas are very difficult to get rid of

I’m horrible at packing

It’s best to slowly break people in when they haven’t heard me sing before

The interstate isn’t THAT scary

Yuengling is a poor girl’s best friend

I ask A LOT of questions

Getting a tan is my favorite free weekend activity

The dollar store is the greatest thing on earth

People CAN change

Sometimes the Lord likes to surprise us when we least expect it and need it the most

So here’s to the past year, which has been such an amazing journey all in itself. I could not have done it without those comforts from home who made it possible to sit right beside me, even from 550 miles away. I can only hope and pray that this coming year will be just as exciting! (Just with less moving, fleas, funerals and break ups, and more money, healthier living, cheaper gas, and of course more visits :)

Happy Anniversary, Charleston!