In 2007 I lost 80 pounds. In 2008 I gained 20. In 2009 I would like to lose 50, or at least be on my way to getting there.

Comparatively, the first part was the easiest. Then it just sorta plateaued. I'm kicking it back into gear now by rejoining the gym. Today was 2.2 miles on the treadmill. I'm focusing on just the treadmill for the first couple weeks. Then implementing some other things into it like an elliptical for a few weeks. Then a combination of cardio & weights.

Here's where you come in. I don't know if you've ever noticed the little tags or labels at the bottom of each post. For example, "Around the Bend" or "family" or "coffee" or "working out", etc. I need a new label for this specific goal. I need a name for this like "Jennifer Version 2.0" or "New Jennifer". But not those, because those are lame.

I plan on blogging about this because it helps me be more accountable, so I want to have the appropriate label for it. So, let me know your thoughts! Go!

My long time friends Mark and Jenny live just two hours away from me, right by Lansing, Michigan. Being so close, I am able to see them relatively often, and I am grateful for that.

Every time I go there I know I am in for a wonderful time, no matter what we do or don't do. It is a guaranteed good time, usually like my own little retreat.

Here's how the latest visit went:

Before I was even out of my car, 5 year old Noah was on the doorstep greeting me. He loves his Aunt Jennifer, and I was stunned to hear little 2 1/2 year old Ava now saying my name - "Dennifer"!

We visited and played and laughed, and then the adults headed out while the kids stayed home with a sitter. We met up with some friends for a great Italian dinner at this amazing local place called Cugino's or something like that. The atmosphere and food were both great! I had the Hawaiian Calzone, mmm!

We then went over to Mark and Jenny's church for a fabulous and hilarious improv comedy show! Jenny had organized the event and brought in a phenomical group called 321 Improv. I laughed so hard my stomach was hurting in under an hour. After the show, there was a wonderful dessert buffet set up for all to enjoy as we mingled with another.

Jenny stayed behind to schmooze with the improv team, as Mark and I went off on an adventure. We had a coupon for $20 towards anything at Kohl's. But it had to be used by the end of business that day! We ended up with these requirements for our game:

• $20
• 10 minutes
• get something we could all enjoy

Wow, this was tough. It was stressful and difficult, but, of course, still fun. We ended up needing a little over 20 minutes. Come on - I was wearing heeled boots. If I would have known in advance, I'd have brought my running shoes. We finally decided on 2 games. They had great sale prices, and we were able to get the game Trouble and a To-Go Disney version of Scene-It.

I know they will all enjoy those for a long time and will remember the fun adventure everytime they play with them.

Mark, Jenny, and I had a lot of good conversation Saturday night as we sat in front of the fireplace until about 1 AM.

Sunday I woke up and could hear the kids. I always love waking up to their voices. We all got ready for church and got to see Mark sing with the choir and Noah sing with the kids choir. Precious! After church we went to brunch (mmm!) at Sophia's, a place I've wanted to visit for awhile. The kids were crazy as we waited for our food. The food was great. I did a little shopping with Jenny, and then back at home, we all worked on a Gingerbread House (my first time)!

Next was nap time for pretty much everyone. Mark may have stayed awake playing Wii. I was snuggled up on the loveseat by the fireplace with a blanket and a cat keeping me warm. It was so peaceful. When I woke up the kids were already around, and they were happy to see me awake.

After a bit more chatting, I had to head home.

25 hours in Lansing. Always a great time!

Tomorrow is the first work-out at the new gym; I'm nervous!

I need to get a pedicure by December 15. Crap, that's only a week away!

I haven't slept in my bed in a couple weeks. But tonight I will. We'll see how it goes. Maybe it will help with the crazy dreams I've been having!

I always have a great time when I go to Mark & Jenny's in Lansing. It's like my own little retreat.

Yesterday's "Brunch @ Jennifer's" was another success.

I didn't know I was capable of making something so yummy as my Fruit Baked French Toast!

Meeting tomorrow that I'm not ready for.

Meeting Tuesday that I'm not ready for.

Excited about Tuesday evening & new friends.

Staff party in Indy Friday. I still need to get a white elephant gift. Ideas?

Will I ever be bold enough to sing karaoke in public? What song? I feel like I should always have one in my pocket, so to speak, just in case the situation arises.

I have learned that I'm not a fan of ebay. Let's just leave it at that.

All my Christmas decor is now finally up at my home, yea!

Went to a new Girls Night tonight. They were all wearing sweats. It was kind of weird. Had I known it was a sweatpants wearing sort of group, I probably would have joined in with the popular attire. I have 3 great sweatsuits to wear, and now is the time. 16 degrees, feels like 1. That's actually higher than most of the day has been. Today was a very frigid, painfully cold day.

Side note: all of the girls in this group are married. Do you think that has anything to do with the sweats?

Woke up early and pleasantly with no blaring alarm. Laid in bed. Got up, made coffee (decaf), washed dishes, picked up around the house, showered, got dressed & ready. Planned on being to work EARLY but had to wait 5-10 minutes for my wipers to thaw before I could drive.

Work

Ran errands, got to see Mom, baked pumpkin bread, baked chicken parm & severely scalded my right index finger. It still hurts.

Work

Picked up Brother, went over to his place, made paninis for dinner and (finally) watched the 24 movie from a couple weeks ago. Laughed, talked.

8:00, ran to Martin's to pick up some ingredients for this coming Brunch @ Jennifer's.

Home by 8:30, sort thru mail, etc. put away groceries, clean up. Allowing myself 20 min. on the computer. It's been 8 so far.

I'm going to bed early again - 3rd night this week. I love it. A great day.

Southwest Holiday Airline Deals: thumbs up

Dating: 1 thumb up, 1 thumb down

Having teeth pulled: thumbs down

Sneaking it in to the end of the year for insurance to cover it: thumbs up

Brunch: thumb up

Brunch @ Jennifer's: 2 thumbs up

Being involved & making a difference: thumbs up

A day with sunshine and temps up to 40 in the summer: thumbs down

A day with sunshine and temps up to 40 in the winter: thumbs up

Vacationing south during the winter: thumbs up

Trying new recipes: thumbs up

Trying new pills: thumbs down

Connecting with friends: thumbs up

Memories of how the Lord has blessed me: thumbs up

Sunset while I'm still at the office: thumbs down

Sunset while I'm exploring on my own outside of the office: thumbs up

Being invited & included: thumbs up

I have many thoughts going through my head.


Many thoughts.


About friendships, about men, about weddings, about time & distance, about marriage.


About dreams out of our control at night. And about dreams we dwell on throughout the day.


Things we think we want with all our hearts. And how that fades away when we see the reality.


Many thoughts.


Many feelings.


But they are not to be shared. Not now. Maybe never.


I'm censoring myself.