first ever

so for the first time ever i wrote a Christmas letter. as they say 'tis the season.
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2010

The year I change my life.

Dear Loved Ones,

I hope that this letter finds you in good health and happiness. I'm writing you to share part of my life that has been the year twentyten. Usually these letters are written with news of change, and that is what I have to share with you.

I started out the year celebrating my 30th birthday in January in Savannah, GA with my 3 best girlfriends, Tina, Kari, and Michelle. We had a blast! It was a location none of us had ever been! We experienced great food and drinks, and memories that will last me a lifetime.

I truly enjoy doing things I have never done and going places I have never been. Starting my year visiting something off of the beaten path, carved out what would be the rest of my year. Saying that I have pushed myself outside of the "box" is a true understatement. I have done so much that I never thought I would do or ever dreamed of doing and that alone has made the experience of this year one that I will never ever forget.

I am proud to say I am a brand new person. Over the past 2 years I have lost 90 pounds, and am currently 20-25 pounds away from what is my goal weight, which I plan to lose in 2011. My journey hasn't been an easy one, but with a consistent workout schedule (I've been working out 5 days a week for the last 2+ years) and six months of a strict diet through Slimgenics I am the thinnest I ever remember being. The hardest part of this journey is getting my mental self to see my physical self. Because when I look at me, I still see a person that I was in the summer of 2008, a person 90 pounds heavier.

This change has been a great one in so many ways. I have a true circle of friends all of which I met at the gym. I got my Zumba certification in July and look forward to pursuing teaching classes at my gym. I have a life that I am proud to lead. In addition to my workouts (each one is different) I have also had fun participating in 5K's. In October I participated in Denver and Albuquerque's Race for the Cure 5K's raising money and awareness for breast cancer. In September I did my first ever competitive race called the U-DO, which stands for Up Down Over. This was a 4.4 mile race through the hills of Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, CO. This race was a huge challenge for me and a friend stayed with me the whole time pushing me to complete this race in 56 minutes!

I share my life, journey, highs and lows, and many stories on my blog: www.bluesoulam.blogspot.com. I write this letter to you to show what I believe is a true success story and in the hopes that I can be an inspiration.

I am looking forward to what 2011 will bring and continuing what is my new healthy and active life! I wish you all a very Blessed and Joyous Christmas and a Merry 2011!

Warm Wishes and Cheers,
April

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Merry Christmas to all my fellow bloggers and followers!!!

elliptical 35min
treadmill 15min