My Brand New Year

2014 has come to a close and I, like many, was ready for that to happen. It wasn't a bad year by any means but it wasn't a fantastic year either. We made some good memories throughout the year...a trip to the Dells, camping with the boys for the first time, building a deck. My biggest accomplishment was losing 18 pounds. It's certainly nothing to scoff at but I didn't walk away from the last year with that one "big" memory or accomplishment. And while that's ok, 2015 is going to be different.

2015 is going to be the year of Me. I'm taking the opportunity of a brand new year to become a slightly better version of me. I won't claim to become a brand new me because there are parts of the current me that I enjoy such as the sarcasm and wit that everyone has grown to love. ;)

After taking a hiatus for the holidays, I'm back with a brand new challenge. Glenn Jackson and I are embarking on a three-month weight loss challenge with big things at stake. The person who loses the biggest percentage of weight by March 31 gets a coveted prize. For him, a new gun. For me, a beautiful new Coach purse. I've managed to mostly maintain my weight loss from the competition with my brother (only up about a pound) so I'm not starting out in a bad place. I'd like to walk away with a 20 pound weight loss but I'm shooting for more than that.

I know this will be tough. Glenn's got a lot more to lose and hasn't been "dieting" since August like I have but I'm not giving up without a fight. Last year I had every intention of completing a half marathon and even went so far as to sign up for it but I didn't follow through for several reasons, only one of which is completely valid, in my opinion. I don't think I'm cut out for a long run. Short ones? Those are definitely more my thing. So 2015 is my year of 5k's. 12 of them to be exact. I haven't signed up for any and I don't yet know when they'll happen but there will be 12 of them.

I'm on a mission to make this year great. I want to better my body so I can keep up with my kids and get off this damn blood pressure medication. But I'm also looking to better myself personally. For instance, I want to become a better parent. The kind who doesn't feel like they're always getting upset with their kids because they don't listen or constantly talk back. I don't claim to be a perfect parent nor am I am a bad parent; I just want to be a slightly better one. :)

I know this next year will not be without its challenges and disappointments but come December 31, I want to look back and see more good times than bad ones. I am committed to making 2015 my year and with a little faith, I know it will happen.