Ambushed by a little cold virus

That's right, one of these little guys above called all his friends and decided to ambush me while my defenses were down. They launched a their initial attack by trying to light fire to my entire body. Fortunately, I was able to shake the fever off by morning and my immune system and it's cavalry of soldiers launched it's counter attack. They battled it out for two days. Today, on a very beautiful bright sunny morning, I looked over the battlefield and discovered that the immune cavalry had all but chased the invaders away. They did take a few pounds of body weight with them, so I can't be entirely upset about the invasion but I plan to work hard to bolster my immune system soldiers as much as possible. Yes, that means I am going to get religious about taking my multivitamin. It also means that I will rest when I need to rest. It's been a fun few days...what can I say.

Other than dealing with going back to work then getting sick, things are going pretty good. I am not feeling as restricted as I was, but at the same time, I am not really that hungry. I must admit, I am glad to have a little bit of time to adjust to all this before my first fill. It's quite an experience trying to figure out how your stomach has changed and what it will and won't tolerate. Christmas is only 19 days away now and I am very excited to spend it with all our family. My father-in-law is flying in this week and then we are all driving up to my parents' place on the 19th. It will be a wonderful Christmas with everyone together. Aunts, uncles, cousins, brother and fiance, new babies, etc. I love being surrounded by family. What a blessing to share Christmas with all of them this year. Life gets so busy at times we don't see each other enough.

Another bonus this year is that I get to share some of my hard work getting back into shape. Most of my family is in very good shape, so it will be awesome to feel like one of the gang again (especially amongst my cousins and siblings). I can't wait to go sledding. I will be able to run up the hill this year....woo, hoo!!! Snowball fights here I come! Can you tell I love snow?

It just feels so good to have lost 34 lbs already. I haven't been this weight in over two years. I was absolutely stunned this morning when I got on the scale and realized how much I have lost to date. Even though I never let my weight get in the way of my enjoying life, I realize now that in a subtle way, it did hinder my ability to enjoy those things I love the most. Changing my lifestyle to achieve a healthy weight is about more than just preventing future health problems like diabetes and heart disease, it's about living life to it's fullest. Embracing every opportunity to enjoy each day, undertake new challenges and find the peace within that brings the true joy in life. I am so grateful that I got to the point I did. As difficult as it was, it has made all the difference.

I am off to get ready for tonight's Christmas party. We are hosting it at a winery where their chef is putting on a four course dinner. I am glad that I will be able to try the different wines before dinner at the cocktail hour. I don't know how much of dinner I'll be able to eat, but I'm not too worried. It is what it is and I wouldn't change it for a minute. I am so excited to wear my new outfit! I will post soon and fill everyone in on the fun details.