One Year later

In just a few short days I will be celebrating my one year anniversary with my new stomach. What a year this has been, full of challenges and amazing experiences.

A lot has changed in this past year. I've lost over 100 lbs. I've found myself, I've realized what I need to make me happy, I've fallen in love, and I've decided to make some moves.

Let's begin. Yes, I've lost over 100 lbs, as of this morning- 108 lbs to be exact. I am 12 teeny tiny pounds away from my goal weight. My surgeon was hoping that I would be at my goal weight within two years of surgery. I'm happy to report that I am close to blowing that dream outta the water. My weight loss has slowed down significantly. I didn't lose any weight last month, thought I was done, and came to peace with it, but I swear, as soon as May 1st popped up, the pounds began falling off again. I started working out again, then stopped again...of course. Story of my life. I don't think I will ever find working out easy. I have been going to the dog park on a regular basis, and last weekend Mallah and I even adventured to a new trail in the middle of the woods in DC...that's right, DC does in fact have woods haha.

I always thought I knew who I was, but being over weight really masked most of me. I am so much more comfortable in my own skin. I know what I want, and am not afraid to speak up for myself, and do what I need to make me happy. I feel more confident, I don't worry so much, I'm more likely to do things on my own. I've always fallen in the shadows, and I'm okay with that. I'm not a crazy attention hog now, but people notice, I walk with my head held high, I smile more, I'm more approachable. I'm beginning to realize what I need to be well rounded and both physically and emotionally healthy and happy.

I think by becoming truly happy and realizing that I need to put me first, has allowed for me to be able to give my whole self to someone. I think in all the relationships I've been in for the past few years, have just been to pass the time. I've always known that one thing or another about the person I was with wouldn't work out. I think I was just taking whatever I could get. But all the wrong paths has lead me to the most amazing person I could ever ask for. He loves me for me, he thinks I'm the sweetest person for cleaning up his plate after dinner, he laughs at my stupid jokes, he puts me in my place when I'm being mouthy, and he encourages me to be my weird self. I couldn't ask for a better guy, I'm truly the luckiest girl in the world.

In this whole process I've had to deal with loss and personal struggles. I've lost friends, and family. I've had to learn how to cope in other ways other than shoving food in my face. I've learned that it's okay to cry, it's okay to be angry, its okay to have emotions, and it's even better to express those emotions!

Recently, I've learned that my job is being eliminated at the end of the fiscal year (June). When I learned about this, I had to deal with a million emotions. I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty about this subject, but I  think the end result will end up being for the best. For a long time now, I've wanted to move back home to NH. Life isn't the same with out having your best friends and family just a short drive away. I don't want to be that Aunt that is only seen during holidays. I want to send my kids to their Grandparents house, or Aunt's house when they are driving me nuts. I want to participate in the Houle Easter Scavenger hunt!

With that being said, I have made the decision to move back to NH this summer. I'm sad to leave DC, and all the great things it has to offer, and the amazing people I've met along the way, but it's time for the next chapter in my life, and I can't wait!

I will be taking photos soon of my progress, and once I do I will share. Until then I will share one of my new favorite pictures from my sisters recent visit :)