The New Year!

My first attempt was journaling by hand, but I found two problems with that...  A - My handwriting has multiple personalities; while sometimes it starts out lovely, it usually evolves into something illegible.  B - The delete key / spell check doesn't exist and makes it rather hard to correct anything of my choosing.  So here I am, writing my first blog entry on the first day of the new year 2014. 

Family/Emotions: Brandon and I are amazingly in love with each other as well as our 7 month old daughter Emma.  She has turned our world into a vivid piece of reality.  For those of you who have kids, you know what I am talking about.  We were "warned" that kids change everything.  Some folks explain this with hesitations or consternation, while others offered it as a new joyous adventure.  Since day 1 with my darling Emma it has been an wonderful journey of new horizons, as we all get to share and grow together as a family. 

Sobriety:  My heart was filled with gratitude as I was able to pick up my 1 year chip on August 21st, 2013.  It is with God reliance, practicing principles in all of my affairs, and working with others that I have been blessed with the gift of sobriety.  This year I am hopeful to achieve my 2 year chip, as that will be a first.  I have managed to string together a year of sobriety before, but it came crumbling down as I got complacent and driven by self will. My relapse was not a fun experience, nor did it seem like it could have a bright side at the time, but as I reflect back on how it happened and the significance of what I learned, I see now that it was a major milestone in my journey of life.

Health/Exercise: For the start of this year, B and I have a competition going to see who will make it to the gym/exercise the most consecutive days in a row.  Today B did a run and I went to the gym.  I will be keeping a log of how I am doing.  We are also starting the South Beach diet phase 1, which limits you to only 15 carbs per day for 2 weeks!  I cleaned out our pantry, fridge and freezer so we have no temptations and can really stick to our guns.  Tonight we had chicken with mozzarella and pesto, with a side of broccoli.  It was quite tasty.  B is still hungry and craving sweets like crazy - he always has more of a sweet tooth than I do :)  But this diet should help eliminate the sugar cravings if we can get through the first two weeks. 

•     Exercise Journal:
• Cardio - 40 minutes elliptical, "weight loss" program, Level 5 - 7, 380 calories burned
• 30 abs on exercise ball
• 20 squats (no weight)
• Measurements - 137.6lbs, Waist (belly button) 36", Butt 38", Leg 20", Arm 11.5", Neck 13.75", Bust (below) 34.5", bust 39.5"