It's really hard for me to think of years in wholes. I was a student for so long, and want to go back to school and then teach, so in my mind, life always has and always will be divided into semesters, with years beginning in the fall. It's strange and unusual for me to look back over just one year, instead of, say, the 2010-2011 school year. But I'll try.

In 2011...

I got a job. It's not a very good one, but it's better than a lot of others. Plus it's something constructive to do each day rather than just sitting around the house, bored, frustrated, and getting fat like I did to finish out 2010.

I met some people out here... most (coworkers) are completely crazy and I dislike them, but a precious few are cool and I am very happy I have some connections in Maryland now.

I got crafty. I started making cards and other things here and there. I must say, when I was in school, I had no time for hobbies and crafts. It's very nice to have free time now to do some crafty things. I always thought crafts were for really talented people. That's not true. You just have to find something you enjoy, and you have to be willing to make mistakes and be frustrated at first, then you just have to practice. I really like making stuff.

I entered 2011 at the heaviest and biggest I've been in a long time- 183 pounds and my size 12s were tight. I felt sluggish and uncomfortable. Starting in the summer, I started losing weight. I'm finishing the year out at 151 pounds and my size 10s are loose.

I discovered Bodyrock. I've always exercised, but never stuck with any one thing long enough to see real results, and did too much cardio and never enough strength training. I am positively addicted to Bodyrock and since August 21, I have only worked out less than 5 days a week, twice. That is to say, there have only been two weeks since then have I missed more than 2 days of training. I will work out in the rain, the cold, the blistering heat, dirty workout clothes, NOTHING stops me from Bodyrocking!!! I am now in the best shape I've ever been in and I still have a long way to go! I am so excited to see how far I can go from here.

I bought a jump rope and it's become "my" form of cardio. When I bought the rope, I could only jump about 30 times before I was winded. Just last week, I jumped 1,000 times in 7:43.

I learned a lot about the importance of what I put in my mouth. I was working out in 2010. A lot. And still packed on 30+ pounds. Why? Because I was eating anything and everything I wanted, whenever I wanted to eat it. It was only when I started tracking and reducing portion sizes that I lost the weight and inches. YOU CAN'T OUTRUN A POOR DIET.

2011 was a pretty good year. I don't really make New Year's resolutions but these are some things I want to do in 2012.

Learn to crochet
Figure out my new Cricut
Keep BODYROCKING
Fit in my size 8 jeans
Dye my hair blonde
Take the GREs
Learn a different language

Pretty simple. Here we go! Bring on spring 2012, and then summer 2012, and then fall 2012!