Happy New Year!

Wow!  Where do I even begin?  As you probably have guessed I have not exactly had much to boast about since my last post.  I've had setbacks (mostly medical, some financial) that impeded me from being able to exercise (pulled muscle, a heel sprain & aggravated an old ankle sprain).  I also never really recuperated from an Asthma attack I had back in August.  Should have seen a doctor but...lack of time & money (mostly money) I chose not to.  There was also the little dental emergency I had in November that set me further back financially, something I most definitely needed right before Christmas!  Especially, since my GIFTED child still believes in Santa!!!  Anyone who like me literally lives from paycheck to paycheck would understand my dilemma, those of you who don't perhaps you once did and those of you who don't and never did, would never understand.

In retrospect, I did manage to pull off a fantastic Potluck Holiday Gathering with my closest of friends.  Who have been by my side in good times, as well as in bad times and never judged me or considered me TACKY for hosting a party and asking my guests to bring a dish or refreshments.

I also spent the most wonderful Christmas weekend with my beautiful son and two of the BEST families I have ever known who welcomed us into their homes & made us feel like part of the family.

On Christmas morning, my son's high pitched excitement at the "small" (in comparison to the ginormous pile at his father's) array of presents Santa had left for him made the holiday complete since I felt honored to have the privilege to witness this reaction which someday soon may just be a memory.

The year ended on a High Note with a walk with my son, no agendas or a schedule...it was perfect!  Me & my amazing son spent the evening of Dec 30th strolling through NYC.  I hate to sound melodramatic but it was magical.  We visited the tree at Rockefeller Center, walked along 5th Avenue and ended up the evening in Times Square (we were there on New Year's Eve!).  The whole time, he was so observant (in a mature kind of way) and we just talked, walked and spent REAL time with one another.  Time that is so precious & is often taken for granted.  I hope this becomes an Annual Tradition & that he never grows tired of taking walks with his mom.

So as 2012 begins, I make no resolutions (those often don't get adhered to anyways) but I do make a promise, to myself & my son.  I promise to go back to school (so hopefully someday soon I won't have to work paycheck to paycheck anymore), I promise to take the time to enjoy the little things in life & reflect on the positive things that happen in my life and not the negative.  Hey! It's life and without hardships or heartaches we wouldn't be able to appreciate the GREAT things in our lives.

In closing, thanks to an Angel (who would like to remain nameless) I was able to renew my online WW membership & although I am still not at 100% (so I cannot exercise) I plan on going forth with my mission to lose weight & get healthy in 2012.  Hey, I managed to keep off the 15 pounds I lost even with all of the Holiday indulgences I allowed myself to take and I intend to keep on losing those pounds until I get to my goal!