Happy New Year!!

Well it is January 1st 2009!! I must say New Year's Eve was pretty uneventful, but the midnight kiss with my husband was really special. It was great to say goodbye to 2008 and know deep inside how much change this new year will bring.

I am on a "pretty excited" high right now. I can see that I am going to face my new challenge with gusto! Due to the uncertainty of my emotions...that could change at any moment. I have to remain focus on the next step only.

Next step...tomorrow morning I will be going to SWEAT to get measured, weighed and to have that special before picture taken. Laura recommended a one piece bathing suit for the picture. I must say I agree it will provide the "MOST" honest picture, but I truly did not think that I would be wearing it outside our backyard. Oh well...everyone needs a starting place and this is mine.

It is my understanding that I will begin the meal replacement shakes tomorrow (Friday). My old ways would lead me to anticipate everyday and how it will feel. I have decided to just "make it" to the next meal. This is a struggle for me...the "one day at a time" thing I mean. I am a planner!! I want to "think" I know what is going to happen. Truth is, that is just a false sense of security, life has doesn't have a Daytimer. I have heard it said..."If you want to make God laugh show him your plans!"

I had someone very wise make a comment the other day. That someone was my eight year old daughter - she told me that she can't wait to grow up. I asked her why and what her plans were. (This has not been the first time we have had this discussion.) Her response was the magical part...she said, "Mommy I don't want to know...it would spoil the surprise!" WOW...the surprise...what a way to look at my future. It is this wonderful surprise that God has in store for me...planning it would only be like unwrapping your gifts early. Although I would get to see the gifts sooner...the impact would not be as strong or as pure.

The truth is that all the planning in the world would not guarantee the outcome of my life. I may think I know what the present under the tree is...after all I have shaken it, smelled it and turned it upside down...I must know. The reality is that I don't know. If I live my life day by day, facing each challenge head on with focus and purpose the time to open the gifts will come quicker then I think.

Next step...find my bathing suit...