We found sitters and headed out to see Red Tails and to dinner afterwards. Over the last few months, I have attended several events to support my wonderful friends that promote business ventures, clubs, after work happy hours, parties, etc. Can I just tell you? I am over that whole scene. Yup, it’s official, I AM OLD. I am not trying to stand around a club in heels all night with random men trying to approach with their best lines. UGH. I don’t miss that at all.

Sitting down with a glass of wine, enjoying a nice dinner and good conversation? Count me in every time. The three ladies rocking jeans and sweaters and snow boots due to the snow? EVEN BETTER. Comfy, casual, grown up fun is underrated.

The funny thing is, I felt like such a SUBURBANITE. Couple friends? Wine? Dinner and a movie? What’s next? Playing mahjong and hosting Tupperware parties? This may be the first step towards being uncool people. I can’t wait to do it again.

My New York Football GIANTS are headed to Indy to battle the Patriots! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

I still hate running but I like the thought of running. There are no marathons in my future. When does the enjoyment kick in?

I am ready to confess that I now love my iphone more than my blackberry. It’s official. I am a convert.

That being said….I AM THE GREATEST SCRAMBLE PLAYER EVER. Ask Babs. LOL

I now hate all of the Braxtons and I hate folks saying dot.com or dot.org

I noticed this morning while running (I still hate it) that I listen to slow music when I run. Is that strange?

I am on a mission to find the perfect dress for my reunion. I think I saw it in a store last week. Did I buy it? No. WOMP, WOMP.

I lost five pounds Five more to go.

I cleaned up at Target in their workout section during their sale. Loving my fleece zip up jacket.

Lands End is the business for winter gear for kids. PERIOD.

I am procrastinating like a mug!

Snow forecasted for tonight and tomorrow night. UGH. Still going swimming tomorrow.

I made the best sauteed fish last night with capers and tomato. Delicious!

Happy Birthday to my favorite Southern Belle/GA Peach and to Hostess!

While working out with them one brisk Saturday morning, one of the ladies shared that she recently asked her husband for new workout clothes. He told her she should wait for a few months to see if she was really going to stick with it and then he would get her some new stuff. I took a deep breath. Why? Because I don’t know that woman from Adam. I also don’t know anything about their financial situation. I also don’t know her husband. If she were one of my “girls” I would have driven her to the store and bought her an entire shopping bag full of workout gear. Instead, the ladies that were jogging offered up loads of positive advice about how once he saw how good she started looking after working out, he would rush to the store and buy her stuff. Blah, blah, blah.

In my 42 years on earth, I have learned how to spot a Goal Snatcher when I see one. Maybe the thought of his wife working out made him feel insecure about his lazy behind? Goal Snatchers throw salt on your dreams because people changing their lives make their own lives seem stagnant or insignificant.  To quote the sage philosopher, Kanye “I know you rather see me die than to see me fly.”

When I encounter someone like this, I usually do my best to accept that they are insecure about something and keep it moving. I can’t change everyone, I can only do me. However, If you have someone in your life that always has something negative to say when you throw out a goal…I hope you don’t allow them to stop you from moving your dream forward. Change comes from you. It’s nice to have support from your friends and family but sometimes, they aren’t in that place and you can’t force them to be there.

When you are passionate about something, that fire builds in your heart. Protect it and encourage it. From working out to starting your own business… Success will not come to you if you are always waiting for approval or acceptance. Don’t let the naysayers stop you from moving your dreams forward. Instead, find joy in proving them wrong.

When I first started blogging, I was full of stories. I felt like I was this vibrant woman who just had kids and was married and I needed a voice that wasn’t just “mommy” or “Mrs. 1969″. When you have a baby, it changes things. I have written about it before but you go from feeling young, hot and sassy to feeling like somebody’s mama. Your body revolts against you, your flat stomach and tight thighs disappear and you become this strange person that stares back from the mirror every morning.

Your old clothes don’t fit and you start shopping for anything spandex and jeans with stretch. Cute panties with strings get pushed to the back of the drawer because *gasp* they aren’t comfortable and they draw attention to your new muffin top.

I have been on a journey the last couple of years to reclaim my old self. I realized that I looked okay….for a mom. I wanted to be healthy and fit, period. I wanted to put my clothes on and not have to worry about how they looked. I wanted to make a commitment to pursuing a healthier lifestyle as an example to my husband and my boys. I wanted to be able to balance my work and personal commitments. The last few years have been a journey for me and I am feeling great about how far I have come.

I realize it’s not always what you want to read about. It’s not as entertaining and after a while, it does seem pretty narcissistic. This is just where I am right now. I finally have time to focus on my goals and not just the goals of my family. After the last ten years of marriage and motherhood, it’s mommy’s turn to take care of herself.

I feel blessed to be at this point. New mommies, it does get easier and there will come a day when you finally can breathe and do what you want to do too. Hang in there.

Thank God I have three men in my life that are 100% supportive of my goals. They encourage me to swim, bike and run. They encourage me to eat better. They believe in me. Tomorrow’s post?  Goal snatching sabotagers. What about when you don’t have support to move your goals to the next level?

I need to continue to eat healthier and to prepare for the triathlon in June.

I have joined Black Girls Run in Philly and have had great interaction with these ladies. When I feel like I need runs that push me, these ladies are there to encourage and motivate. Over the last two weeks I have run about 10 miles total, taken a weight training class and swam over 2 miles (40 laps at a time). I am feeling stronger. The best part is that I have been eating much cleaner. No processed foods. Lots of fruits and veggies. Lots of lean protein.

In addition to the tri, I have a personal goal coming up that is motivating the heck outta me. My 25th High School Reunion is in April. Can you believe it? My plan is to show up there looking GOOD and feeling confident. Finding the right outfit will be another challenge. *sigh*

I also want to grow spiritually. I pray but need to pray with more purpose. Does that make sense?

How are you all doing with incorporating changes into your routines?

Financially, my family faced a few challenges this year. It was a year for us to really stick to a budget and we did a great job. I am ending the year with minimal debt and for that, I am truly blessed.

I was able to secure a slight promotion and continued to have the opportunity to work from home. This schedule has allowed me to spend more time with my family as well as fit in my continued health goals.

I started the year making a huge time and personal commitment by training for and completing my triathlon. I can honestly say that I managed to stick to a consistent workout regime for an entire year. I even ended the year with a 3 mile run this morning.

I learned how to swim. I rode a bike after not being on one for over 20 years. I completed my race. I learned that I am not a quitter and that I can do anything through hard work and determination. I learned that 42 is not too old to learn new things. I learned that the first step is believing.

My first nephew was born this year. I also made some great new friends and lost a few dear ones. My uncle and cousin-in-law are both currently battling cancer. Praying to have them both for another year of life.

I learned that Mama 1969 is human as I watched rheumatoid arthritis limit her mobility. I plan on spending even more quality time with her in 2012.

I enjoyed watching my brother grow into a fine Uncle and have never been prouder of the man he has become.

I truly enjoyed this year of watching my children grow. I loved seeing them work hard at school, sports and get brighter and more curious about life every single day. I thank God for them. They are the most wonderful gifts I have ever been given. They make me a better human being and give me a reason to wake up in the morning.

I also learned even more about my husband. I watched him face adversity and always maintain a positive outlook. I saw him rise above setbacks and remain the head of this household. Watching him continue to be a wonderful husband and father is one of the greatest joys of my life. I am so thankful for him.

I am thankful for all of you guys for sharing the daily shenanigans that go on in my little corner of the world. Sometimes we agreed to disagree and that’s okay. I’m just happy you continue to stop in and check on me from time to time. I wish all of you a healthy and prosperous 2012 and hope you find love, peace and a lot of joy in the coming year.

As for me and my family? Big things are in store for us in 2012. I can’t wait.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Love,

Sixty

As part of my holiday present to the boys, we will be staying at one of my favorite NY Hotels where they will get to swim in the pool, order room service and sleep in big fluffy beds. It pays to be a hotel employee! Mama 1969 will come and stay with us so we can pamper her as well. Their Uncle plans a trip with them to the Nintendo store and a little ice skating in Central Park. There is no place like New York around the Holidays and I think I am looking forward to going home more than they are.

Mr. 1969 can’t be with us due to some family business up in his hometown, so we are flying solo. I am praying that the DS games will save me from the fighting during the drive there and back. (Another reason why I couldn’t give up coffee!)

I will take lots of pictures of the boys on their New York adventure. Get ready big city…..here come the Tali’s!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9.6

Wishing all of you joy, peace and love this holiday season.

Can I just say that I love my gifts? Exactly what I wanted!

I got the next two Hunger Games books (I read the first one and was seriously about to buy the other two at Target tomorrow!) I also got a beautiful cookbook called “Southern Plate”. You know I love cookbooks. I have been reading it for the last hour. What? You don’t read cookbooks?

I also got these which I knew were for the Tali’s (so thoughtful) but I didn’t know what they were.

They ripped the two boxes open but I had to make them stop until I googled them to make sure nothing was going to explode or “put an eye out”. Don’t laugh, you know I’m a geek. After we deemed they were completely safe, I let them have at it.

A certain someone decided the best part of the package was the bubble wrap.

Ah, the simple joys of life!

Thank you so much to my Secret Santa, PSerendipity! You can shop for me anytime. Wishing you and your family all the best for a wonderful holiday.