It is that time of year. Christmas lights are going up around the neighborhood. There is a chill in the air, snow on the ground, and pumpkins galore! It is the time of year that makes me crave time with family, christmas carols in the car, and hot chocolate in front of the fireplace...swiss miss diet of course!

So, I wanted to take the time to think about what I am truly grateful for this year. This year I am the smallest I have been since middle school. I have a new lease on life. I am living the healthy and active lifestyle I deserve.

I have a lot to be thankful for....

1. My health.
Never before have I felt as fit and healthy as I do now. My heart and lungs are strong. I have muscle definition. I have endurance and drive. I am a healthy 25 yr old that has added YEARS to my life by dropping 55 lbs.


2. My Parents.
My parents are great people who have supported me no matter what stupid decision I have made in my life. They both give me such strength when I face any obstacle. My dad is a workaholic who has put his health on the backburner for many years. Each time he sees me, he is always the first to say how proud he is of me for what I have accomplished in this journey. I feel like when I'm around, he is inspired to make better choices. My mom, who has been smaller than me for most of my adult life, has supported and nurtured me along this journey with encouraging words and is always there to congratulate me on another pound lost. I know they are my biggest fans and supporters. That keeps me going.


3. My Sister.
Melissa means more to me than anything. I am so thankful to have her as my sister. She is the smartest person I know and has done amazing things in her life. She inspires me each day to think about what I want to be when I grow up, because she is so committed to her path getting a doctorate in clinical psychology. She has cheered me on through this journey and has taken steps to begin her own. I love my sister. She is my best friend, confidant, shoulder to cry on, ear to vent in, and person to laugh with. We have a great relationship...I only wished we lived closer so that our lives would be more entwined.

Melissa-left, Me-right

August 2008-Chicago. Before my journey began

4. My animals.
It may sound silly how much my pets mean to me. They are family. I can't imagine my life without an animal in it. That is the reason my undergrad degree was Pre-Vet. Unfortunately, my heart couldn't handle the day to day torture of dealing with sick animals when I worked in a vet clinic. However, I have a dog, cat, and horse that mean more to me than a lot of people in my life. haha.

My cat-Mimosa. She was a graduation present after I finished college. She was named Mimosa because before graduation the biology department had a breakfast and I partook in SEVERAL mimosas before sitting in the sun for a couple of hours during the ceremony. This cat is like a dog. She plays fetch, comes when she is called, and will eat ANYTHING you put in front of her. She always brightens my day.

My dog-Whimsy. She is the last of my mom's bloodline from breeding and showing labradors. She will be 10 in January. She keeps me active and is always there for a hug. Unconditional love. She was named Whimsy because her mom got pregnant on a whim. She is a wonderful dog and I will be a mess when she leaves me. A dog in my life definitely makes it more meaningful.

My horse-Flirt. My mom and I split the cost of this mare several years ago. She was a heading horse in the western world and my mom turned her into an english horse once and for all....ok, maybe not...but she sure tried. Flirt is now living in Canada with my parents. I obviously cannot afford the upkeep of a horse. It never fails though, whenever I step foot into her stall...my spirit is renewed. I am forever thankful to have that opportunity.


5. Spark.
This site has changed my life. It has provided a way for me to track my progress, reward my success, connect with amazing people who share this journey, get motivated at the click of a mouse, educate myself on all things health related, find recipes that are healthy, and ultimately succeed. I did a lot of hard work to get where I am today, but the SPARK that this website has lit under my butt is truly what allowed me to achieve a lot of the success. I am forever thankful for finding this site and I am so glad that I use up every part of it. By throwing myself into this head first, I got so much out of the program. I think one of the greatest things I found through Spark and what I am also thankful for are my spark friends. Every single one of you mean something to me....a special thanks to Mack, Stacey, Sara, Ashley, Di, Abi, Allyn, and so many more. You have all had a part in my success by being fans, supporters, motivators, cheerleaders, etc. Thank you Spark and Spark friends.



6. My friends. My friends...both in my day to day life and in my Sparklife...mean the world to me. They keep me sane. They keep me focused. They keep me positive. They keep me going. I am thankful for every single one of them...the older, the younger, the new, the old....I love you all.

Martha and I....college roomie, temporary roomies now, and she just got engaged! woo!

7. My jobs.
I got laid off in March this year. I didn't find work until the last day of August. I work in an after school program as a tutor, science teacher, and substitute as the site director. I advanced quickly in that job and I am thankful for that. I have also landed a second job as a kindergarten reading specialist. I love this job and am very grateful for the opportunity. This job also has the potential to open several doors. Although I work 10-12 hour days and curse them....my work out schedule has definitely suffered, but my bank account and I are so thankful to finally be making money again...maybe my savings account can finally take a break!



8. The little things.
I am thankful for a lot of little things that I DO NOT take for granted. The roof over my head, the car that I drive, the food in my fridge, the blankets on my bed, my phone in my hand, and the computer that I am typing on. These little things make my life better and I am thankful for them. Thankful for keeping me warm, taking me to work, keeping me in contact with friends and family, keeping me fed, and keeping me safe.




This year I am a different woman. I expect next year I will say the same thing. I am constantly evolving and growing as a person and feel that I am in control of my life. This year has been hard, but I am thankful to have had another year full of experiences under my belt. I am looking forward to the holidays and spending time with my family. I will be in Chicago with my sister for Thanksgiving and the family will come to me in Denver for Christmas. I'm excited to take on the new year and all the hardships, experiences, challenges, blessings, and triumphs that come with it.


So, what are you thankful for?