I can't believe I haven't posted a blog since August. Eek! Bad me! :( I went back through and read my posts from the past year, and I am so amazingly proud of how far I've come in a year.
The lowest I got down to was down 38 lbs. Not quite the 50 lbs. I was hoping to lose in 2011, but still, that's nothing to sneeze at! I feel a lot better than I did at the beginning of last year. Even looking at pictures of myself from that time last year to now, I still don't think I'm any great beauty or anything, but I'm definitely better to look at then I was! Currently, given the holidays and everything, I am down 30 lbs. from last year. Holidays were terrible on me, as they always are.
A lot of things have changed in my life over the past year as well. I got very involved in the theatre community here in Youngstown, which is a vibrant, busy community filled with wonderful and talented people, many of whom I am privileged to now call friends. I've been in 5 shows since June, stage managed 1, and assistant directed 1. So I've been hella busy! My first lead roles were in a Christmas show last month, and I am currently in my first lead actress role currently in a show that is male dominated (only woman in the cast... thank God for our female stage manager!)! I am super-psyched about this role. The show is called Shining City. It takes place in Dublin (yes, I have to rock an Irish accent... it's coming along...). I play "the baby-mama drama" to the lead male. It's a lot of fun, and an entirely different role than anything I'm used to doing or playing, but it's challenging and I'm loving it and the cast and crew are beyond fantastic! It's going to be a great show, and I cannot wait!!
I also am looking at the prospect of a new job! I was offered a part-time position at John Carroll University in Cleveland working for their school of education. I am very excited for the opportunity, if not a bit nervous about leaving the stability of my full time, full benefits position to now work 2 part time jobs. But it's a chance I can't not take. I start in a few weeks, so I am looking forward to that.
I also can say that 2011 brought to me 2 very important things: friends and confidence. I turned 30 this year. I said goodbye to toxic friendships. I gained some wonderful new friends. Acting has really helped my confidence level increase, even though it has hindered my ability to exercise as much as I want. But I think that gaining what I did this year is also worthwhile.
I am, however, more desirous, to start a family. My younger sister got pregnant this year. My little nephew will be coming around in February. Every time I read my FB newsfeed, someone else is pregnant, or having babies, or posting pictures of babies. It makes me really happy for my friends and family, but at the same time, a bit depressed. I keep wondering when it will be my time.... Believe me, I am happy with my life, and there is plenty to keep me preoccupied. But once that switch is flipped that your ready to have a baby, there's nothing you can do to turn it off. I wish I could. I'm sure it would make things a lot easier on my husband....
Looking ahead at 2012, I am re-focusing on losing weight and feeling good. Besides, I'd like to lose this holiday weight... really want to look good for the show opening in Febraury. ;) So I'm back to eating right and exercising. Got the new Your Shape 2012 for the Kinect, and I LOVE it! I love running through NYC. I love the dance classes. It's great. I highly recommend it! I played it yesterday. Today, I am sore, so I'm taking a break. Will probably run tomorrow before I go out on the town tomorrow night. :)
So dear friends, I guess at the completion of a year, I am proud to say, I am a slightly less big girl living in a small world. :)
Below is the progression. This was me when I made the decision that I needed to no longer be a fat ass! December, 2010
This was in June, 2011. No, I do not normally dress like this. Was in my first play in 10 years, Camille.
Oooh... did I mention I can now buy clothes at The Limited?!?!?? Definite highlight of the year! :)
