The Best of 2015 - My Year in Review

December 31, 2015

The Best of 2015 - My Year in Review

My word for 2015 was CHANGE, and indeed, there has been a lot of that in my life this year.

I started the year looking like this:

And I ended the year looking like this:

Truth: Losing weight was a side effect of becoming fully compliant with my allergy diet - it was never the goal of doing so. My life is better in so many ways now...none of which have anything to do with my size...but the pictures tell a story that others can see and understand easily.

Another side effect - I was able to fulfill an old promise to my husband, of being able to wear my real wedding ring again. It's better than I thought it would be.

Along the way I fell in love with running, finding a peace that I didn't know was missing and becoming totally obsessed with the yes that is my body in motion.

Early mornings on the trail by myself became church,

And I drank in the beauty that was all around me.

PS. I took a whole lot of selfies along the way. Once upon a time I thought they were silly, now I think they are not only a fantastic way to document life by inserting yourself into the photo album, but they are also a great way to celebrate achievements.

We welcomed a new, and completely unplanned, cat:

Seriously, how could we have said no to this face?!

My friendships strengthened with three amazing women - a miracle that I am grateful for each and every day, having been someone who for years and years struggled with female friendships.

Jenn, my BKB - Best Knitting Buddy

Danielle, my BRF - Best Running Friend

and Carrie, my heart-sister

I knit 22 projects, including 6 pairs of socks, two (!) sweaters for myself, four shawls, and one super-cool Star Wars scarf.

I read 109 books...and gave up trying to finish books I didn't like.

For the record my top picks of the year are:

Uprooted, Naomi Novik

The Martian, Andy Weir

A Little Life Hanya Yanagihara

Magonia, Maria Dahvanc Headley

Six of Crows, Leigh Barduga

Cold Magic Trilogy, Kate Elliott

I started to build a wardrobe, much to the joy of my daughters and husband, who are delighted that I'm finally taking pride in my appearance and have developed some confidence.

And, of course, my family. We had an amazing 2015, and I have loved every single minute with them. I'm particularly blessed with my husband and girls...who are my everything.