The last few months have been an emotional roller coaster for me. Job stresses (as in, interviews but no actual employment happening), money stresses, travels, a death in the family, car issues, basically living with my parents for almost a month, more travels, and general family issues.

*whining vent follows, feel free to skip*

Over the last month, I've been from Columbia SC to Virginia Beach VA to Columbus OH and back again. I've applied to countless jobs and gotten 2 interviews, and both times someone else was hired because (they say) they want someone "long term" when what they mean is "we don't want to hire you and pay you $3/hr more than someone new off the street".... nice. I've been to a wedding, a funeral, and a 75th birthday party. I had to hug my great grandmother goodbye knowing it was probably the last time (she *is* 93 after all, and in failing health). I got to meet my cousin's 3 week old baby. I had to pay $1200 to get my vehicle fixed. I had to tell my husband his grandmother had an aggressive relapse of her cancer and wasn't expected to live more than 72 hours (then she did pass away and his family basically forced him into doing the graveside service -he's studying to be a pastor- for her even though he said he would rather not).

Needless to say, my emotions were all over the place and I'm an emotional eater. Something had to give, and I just couldn't handle counting every thing that went into my mouth. Traveling and holidays didn't help that much. I can't tell you how much fast food and fried goodies I've had. I had no access to my calorie counter even if I wanted to *try* to keep track, no computer to mess with, and no exercise equipment. The traveling aggravated my knee that doesn't like to stay in one position too long, so walking hurt. Yeah, I've gained back a bunch of weight. I don't know how much.

*done whining*

Anyway. With the start of the new year, I've decided to get back to my healthy habits. I lost over 50 pounds in 2011. I can do it again in 2012. My goal is to hit Onederland by my birthday in October. My mom was watching the 700 club and heard the guy on there say "it takes 21 days to establish a habit." So, for the next 3 weeks I will exercise daily, make sure to drink all my water, eat lots of fruits and veggies, and generally go back to the healthy lifestyle I had going on for so much of 2011. I will not weigh myself until February 1, because the number would probably make me regress even more, and I don't want to stress the number.

After much praying and talking with my husband, I'm at peace with my financial situation. Debt happens occasionally. We're in a pile of it because of my husband's school loans for his master's degree, so the car repairs are just a drop in the bucket. I will look at our debt like I look at my weight loss plan. Small steps and I'll reach my goal. If I keep chipping away, eventually I'll break through. I am finally home with my husband and my cats, and we have the next 3 weeks with NOTHING to do (his classes don't start until the end of January) so we will get back to the basics of us instead of worrying so hard about everyone else in our respective families. Also, he said he'll be my gym buddy.

Overall, 2011 was great and I plan on making 2012 even better.

I've missed the support of this forum, and I'm glad to be back.

Happy New Year!

I'm glad to see you're back in here, Mandy. I've missed your insightful posts. I know you'll do well on this new attempt at healthy living. I can sympathize with the difficulty of trying to stay on plan with so many stressful distractions. One thing I think you'll eventually get the hang of is intuitively knowing what to eat and what not to eat, as well as portion sizes. you mentioned not having access to the tools that make that easier. One day, it will just be natural. When I was losing, if I had a doubt about something, I figured I better just skip it all together.

I love the feeling of having no real commitments for a time. I'm in the same spot right now, so I'm back on plan as of yesterday (Wednesday seems to be my magic day!) and I feel sort of renewed for 2012.

I know you can do this. You came a long way in 2011 and you'll reach your goal in 2012 - I just know it. Stay on plan for the rest of January. Weigh in on February 1st and post the number - whatever it is. Sometimes just seeing it is the push you need to keep going whether the number is up or down. (Funny how that works.) No one in here is going to judge because we've all been there. Don't disappear again - I know it was pretty much out of your control - but staying active in here really seems to help me. And finally (or firstly, really) let go and let God. You can do this with His and our help. I'm really glad you're back. Happy New Year. Here's to a great 2012.

Lin

Thanks Lin! I appreciate your kind words

The last 4 and a half months of my life have been pretty crazy. Things are finally settled down for the most part and I (hopefully) have about six months to relax before it goes crazy again (when I have to move again). I am looking forward to getting back to a set routine!

The good news is, my size 20 jeans still fit (and my 22s are still way too big!). The 18s were tight and now they are *really* tight. I'm tempted to work this by the fit of my clothes, not the number on the scale. I need to get a new measuring tape so I can keep track of my measurements. My old one got lost in the move.

I really really need to make sure I come back here, even when I'm feeling like a non-success... ESPECIALLY then. My husband got me a book for Christmas about people seeing God in their lives. None of the stories had anything to do with weight loss. But they still motivated me to get back on track. Between God, my husband, and 3FC I've got an amazing support system!

Welcome back! Doesn't sound like whining to me. It's life! And it can be stressful. We've all been there. And I totally get how it's sometimes hard to take care of yourself when you're trying to deal with everything else. Hugs to you!

I totally agree that it's important to keep coming back to these forums even when you're not having a successful day. And congrats on 50pnds lost! Quite an accomplishment. YOU can do this. Have you read MADE to CRAVE? It's a faith based book that you might enjoy. Easy read and right on.

You are going to have an amazing year!

Welcome back Mandy; here's hoping for a lot less stress in 2012!

It's good to see you back, and you will definitely rock 2012! It sounds like you held on through that emotional roller coaster and got to a good place...