Photo Update - Vol. 2

Okay. I have to admit it. I can see and feel a difference in my size, outlook, and general health. Though nothing happens in the time I want it to, and even with the setback of a foot surgery in December, there are a lot of positives to report and new fun pictures [photos follow below] . I'm so excited for the day I can start working out without worrying about the impact on my foot - then the big changes will be seen.

On one additional note, I have realized that this blog has recently become focused on reporting my weight loss efforts and thoughts surrounding this journey. While weight loss is currently a major part of my life, my goal moving forward is to attempt balance and continue with other lessons and observations that inspired me to start this new blog in the first place. I never stop learning from experiences and people in my life, and look forward to sharing some of the highlights here. The best is yet to come!


And now for the most recent photo update (with the older ones thrown in - for fun). 

Close up:

08.2011                               11.2010                              01.2011

Full shot:

08.2011                               11.2010                              01.2011

Profile:

08.2011                               11.2010                              01.2011

The pear is shrinking, and the smile is growing! (And yes, I love my hair and think it is awesome when short.) I'm really looking forward to the next shot in 2-3 months. The changes are more and more obvious as I get smaller, and this is all becoming so satisfying!

Graphs are Fun

At the very start of my current journey, I decided it would be a good idea to track the numbers to keep an accurate record of my progress. Now I have a fun visual of my first six months! I'm looking forward to seeing what the year will look like when I hit my "bandiversary". 
*Note that there are no numbers or any source of scale here - when I hit my goal I will be more than happy to share that starting number, but for now this line is pretty cool to see, imperfections and all!

Ups and Downs, but mostly downs!
59.2 pounds lost at the time the graph was made.

Road to Awesome

I think I can now say that I am very close to being the size I was as a sophomore in college. The bottom of my closet is growing a pile of clothing that is asking to be donated or tailored. I’m not sure if I am really equipped to teach myself to how to take-in my own clothing, but my pocket book may dictate this soon! Many pairs of pants have gone into retirement, and I hope to never need them again. 55 pounds down, and counting. Holy moly, I am proving my old cynical self wrong – I can do this!

2011 had a tame start, but it is certainly looking like it could be even better than last year. With a great outlook and amazing progress towards some of my goals, I feel that I just might be right where I want to be. I find this to be quite fitting, as I recently celebrated my 27^th birthday. This birthday was particularly special because ever since I was a little girl I thought 27 was going to be the ultimate, closest-to-perfect age. Now I’m starting to discover it is just one more year on the road to awesome, and I love it.

As I grow more into my adulthood and who I am as a person, I find that each year becomes better than the last. Given, there have been and will be challenges and stumbles on the road I am on, but I am becoming less afraid of losing my youth or wasting time, and am looking forward to gaining insight and maintaining a youthful spirit.

I have to say, it is pretty fun to be alive right now. I am surrounded by amazing people, and am constantly learning more and more about what it is to be human. I’m frail and vulnerable, and will have a bad day here and there, but I am becoming stronger and will always be goofy and looking for fun. I look forward to deepening my laugh lines and discovering life as it unfolds in front of me.

I’m excited to actively live this year, and share with you how I plan to continue to nurture the things I started in 2010. A number of little seeds were planted, and I plan to have a robust garden of accomplished goals by the time 2012 starts to peek around the corner. Stay tuned!

Happy New Year!

 A little reflection and new year outlook is coming soon, but in the mean time - another comparison!

Bringing in 2010

Bringing in 2011

I love that I wore the same dress, so it's easy to see a few small differences that have occurred in one year. The biggest thing I see? Confidence! I can't wait to make great leaps in 2011 and have an even greater look to bring in 2012. I'm betting that I won't be able to fit into the same dress in 12 months. (Here's hoping!)