Thursday 15 December 2011

2011 - the year that was.

I know it's not quite finished yet, but since 2011 has been such a massive year, I need to put everything down just to see how awesome it really was.

I've done so much in the past 12 months that I've been proud of, I've met some wonderful people and cemented dozens of friendships, and kicked personal goals that I never thought I'd acheive.

So, much like a current affairs "look back" over the past year, I thought I would start my blog with a look back at some of the things that have contributed to a milestone year.

In February, fittingly on my late fathers birthday, I finally got my diploma. I am now able to put Dip FS(FM) after my name (diploma of Financial Services Financial Markets).  February also saw a quick girls weekend away to Melbourne with one of my friends from work. A great weekend catching up with an old work mate now living in Victoria.

In May, I became a fitness instructor, by doing a Zumba course. This is the last thing I expected to be able to refer to myself as, coming from 130kg only 3 years ago!

In September I began the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation. Within the first week I did the City to Bay 12kms in just over 2 hours. It was a huge acheivement, and one I am very proud of. It gives me a time to beat next year!

October and November saw me lose over 10kg by eating healthy and exercising smart. I took the plunge and opened myself up to jogging. It's a work in progress, but as they say, every great journey begins with one step!

A tick off the bucket list was being in the Adelaide Christmas Pageant. Through one of the girls doing the 12WBT, I walked with the Rupunzel float, waving and smiling and dancing the whole way. It was such a great experience seeing the kids faces, and was especially great to pick my own kids out in the crowd. When Tara realised it was me, I thought she was going to wave her arm right off!! When she saw me afterwards, her first words were "Mummy, you dressed up!!"

In November I also participated in the Cancer Councils Relay for Life, raising valuable funds to aid cancer sufferers and their support networks. I walked in honour of my dad, and felt him at my shoulder every step of the way.

This year I also met one of the most awesome people, and the good news is, he's family! (well, step family). My 18 year old step nephew from the US visitied our shores, and I took the time to get to know this intelligent, funny and engaging person. It culminated in him spending 5 days with us before he left for home, and it was a funny 5 days, spent mostly laughing. He convinved me that I really MUST travel to the US - one of the things on my bucket list!!

In December I went to Sydney to train with the other 12WBT girls and Michelle Bridges, before a finale party to celebrate our success. What a massive motivational time!  To be able to "keep up" with Michelle and her team of A1 trainers was amazing - once again, coming from 130kg and flat out walking to a bus stop, the transformation in mind and body over such a short period of time was a lesson learned! I CAN do it!!  The party was fantastic - seeing the top 20 transformations has inspired me to set goals next year to end 2012 fit, strong and healthy!! Or better yet, hit mid 2012 fit, strong & healthy!!!

My family have continued to support me, and I've watched my 2 beautiful daughters grow and learn about the world. Life is all about experinces, and taking Tara bowling, and ice-skating and on the minature trains are just 3 that have stood out. Amy has found her groove by learning drums and developing her singing voice.

So on to 2012. It marks the last year of Primary shcool for Amy, the last year before starting primary school for Tara, and  hopefully another year of personal success for me. Maybe next year will bring a new job/s, or a lotto win, or something fantastic, but come what may, I plan on meeting it head on with enthusiasm, determination and love.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!