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It took me a while to actually sit down and write this blog. I have been having an extremely hard month as many of you know. So, the number one thing I am thankful for is my health and loving family. 
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AMYBELLES
11/28/2011 11:21PM
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I'm so sorry for what you've had to go through this month, but I'm glad that you are remaining strong through your faith and the supportive people in your life. It's amazing how our pets can provide us so much love during our most trying times. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of  Comment edited on: 11/28/2011 11:31:53 PM Report Inappropriate Comment |
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BARBIE176
11/28/2011 10:51PM
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 blog Andrea and I am thankful that you have such an amazing list of things to be thankful for. Your boyfriend sounds like a keeper too! 
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SIOBHANKNITS
11/28/2011 10:16AM
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What a beautiful expression of gratitude! You are a remarkable woman! 
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Family holidays can be extremely stressful. Talk about how you handle stress and what you do to keep your cool when things get hot.
My family gatherings revolve around alcohol. That is how it always has been and I have always despised going to to family gatherings. Now that I am older and I also have my BF's family to visit, I can use that as an excuse to not stay. When I was younger, I had to stay because I didn't have anywhere else to go. Now, I can go and be with everyone before the alcohol becomes an issue. It makes it a lot easier that I can make the decision to leave and not feel guilty for being alone during the holidays. This year, I won't be alone. I will have my loving BF and his family.
Don't get me wrong. I love my family and would not change them for the world, but the alcohol is hard for me to deal with because they become people that I do not like to be around. I now have my own apartment, my BF, and my two cats. It is my own little family and it will be nice to just spend time with them in our cozy little place. I want to start enjoying the holidays, rather than despising them.
I also think that I need to keep up my exercising during the holidays. It is a great outlet for stress and I think it will help quite a bit this year. (Especially since I asked for a stationary bike!!!!)
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AMYBELLES
11/14/2011 8:46PM
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I'm sorry to hear that you have experienced the stress of alcohol affecting your family holidays. You have done a great thing by finding a way to avoid this and enjoy yourself with your BF and cats in your own apartment. I wish you a holiday season filled with joy, love and peace.
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IZZYBEBOP
11/13/2011 10:11AM
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Alcohol can be so destructive, and yes it does change people. It's good that you've found a way to deal with the holiday situation to not let it ruin YOU'RE enjoyment of the holidays. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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CATHYGETSFIT
11/13/2011 3:08AM
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I'm sorry that the holidays with your family is ruined by alcohol. I'm glad though that you have a great BF and that the time you spend together during the holidays along with his family will be good. I hope the holidays in your cozy little apartment with your BF and kitties will bring lots of good memories for you! I agree that exercising can help to relieve a lot of stress. So go exercise until there is nothing left to destress about. lol Have a great holiday season with your new family!
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BARBIE176
11/12/2011 7:56PM
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It is unfortunate that alcohol can ruin so many families' holidays. I have certainly lived through what you describe too and I am so happy that you have the ability to have an excuse to get out before the problems escalte. Enjoy your holidays with your new small family!
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CJWORDPLAY
11/10/2011 9:54PM
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What you describe is very familiar to me. I'm sorry that you have this in your past - but you are very wise to limit your exposure to the "old" ways and build your own joyous celebration traditions. Good for you! I'm glad you are free to exercise good choices. P.S. I'm putting in a good word for you with the elves about the exercise bike! 
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RFJSJ50
11/10/2011 9:44AM
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Alcohol played a part in my childhood holidays - my grandfather was an alcoholic and his behavior often ruined the day. I've reached a point in my life where the holidays don't cause the stress they used to. It took years, but I finally found the strength to spend Thanksgiving alone and enjoy it. I do go to mom's on Christmas Day and am often "gritting my teeth" and "biting my tongue" so as not to respond to snide remarks about my weight and appearance from my brothers. I get the strength to do that from the realization that I may not have many more Christmas Days with my 83 year old mother there. Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment |
letter Andrea. I know how difficult this time must be for you, and I pray that your wish comes true. Time does heal although it doesn't erase the event. 
I'm cheering you on! 
on your goals, Andrea! I like how you made them specific and attainable. I have no doubt you can and will achieve them. I am also focusing on fitness and have a goal for cosistency and reaching over 1,000 minutes. All the best to you this month!