December 2013
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy and relaxing after enjoying a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones! So as you have already read, this letter is coming to you after tons of thinking and worrying about what I should with this annual tradition. So in addition to going online, another pretty big change is coming.
In past letters I have given you all updates on all my loved ones, friends and family, canine, feline, and human….well this year I am going to focus on JUST ME and my life in 2013. While I don't want this to sound selfish, I have chosen this route because I don't want to write about anyone online without their permission. I didn't have time to check in with everyone for sure! I also get so worried about forgetting someone or something important. One other reason is that there have been some big happenings in my life, and I have a lot to share. So this year, I'm going to try and stay focused, and maybe this year my letter won't be so long! We'll see!
So let's get started reviewing the past 12 months of 2013! In January some milestones occurred. I was turning 50, and I had decided, through a couple of different experiences with important people in my life, that I should take more control and my health and weight. It began with a doctor just reminding me to be sure to sit down and eat three meals a day. Now I know that sounds like something we all know, but it was also something that I didn't always make time for. So for a couple of weeks I made sure to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then during one of my every other week massages, Sue, my friend and massage therapist, told me about an app she had been using, myfitnesspal.com. All of the stars must have been aligned because I started the very next day.
The BIG milestone occurred a couple of weeks later. On January 31st I turned 50. Great friends, Deb and Karen threw me a wonderful birthday party at my favorite restaurant, Varanos! What a blast! There were games like "How well do you know Beth?" and musical entertainment, too. It was touching and so much fun! I'm continually amazed at the wonderful friends that fill my life!
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy and relaxing after enjoying a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones! So as you have already read, this letter is coming to you after tons of thinking and worrying about what I should with this annual tradition. So in addition to going online, another pretty big change is coming.
In past letters I have given you all updates on all my loved ones, friends and family, canine, feline, and human….well this year I am going to focus on JUST ME and my life in 2013. While I don't want this to sound selfish, I have chosen this route because I don't want to write about anyone online without their permission. I didn't have time to check in with everyone for sure! I also get so worried about forgetting someone or something important. One other reason is that there have been some big happenings in my life, and I have a lot to share. So this year, I'm going to try and stay focused, and maybe this year my letter won't be so long! We'll see!
So let's get started reviewing the past 12 months of 2013! In January some milestones occurred. I was turning 50, and I had decided, through a couple of different experiences with important people in my life, that I should take more control and my health and weight. It began with a doctor just reminding me to be sure to sit down and eat three meals a day. Now I know that sounds like something we all know, but it was also something that I didn't always make time for. So for a couple of weeks I made sure to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then during one of my every other week massages, Sue, my friend and massage therapist, told me about an app she had been using, myfitnesspal.com. All of the stars must have been aligned because I started the very next day.
The BIG milestone occurred a couple of weeks later. On January 31st I turned 50. Great friends, Deb and Karen threw me a wonderful birthday party at my favorite restaurant, Varanos! What a blast! There were games like "How well do you know Beth?" and musical entertainment, too. It was touching and so much fun! I'm continually amazed at the wonderful friends that fill my life!
So February brought lots of snow, a blizzard named Nemo, and a wonderful visit with Mom. The highlight of the vacation was sledding with Mom down the driveway. What fun we all had! There was a ton of laughter and lots of Woo Hooing!
Zumba once a week and walking assorted dogs was my exercise routine! I was still missing Stormy and dog sitting was a great way to get my dog fix!
So my life took a big turn in March! I met a new guy. He came to visit me, and he never left! I wasn't sure I was ready to live with someone again, but once I met him it was love at first sight! I couldn't let him go! He often hogs the bed and keeps me awake at night….but I wouldn't change a thing! I think you should meet him!
Slugger has been a love and a treasure! He can be rather high maintenance, but I wouldn't want it any other way. He came for a weekend, but thankfully he has found his forever home with me! We walk every day together….rain, sleet, snow, ice, and sunshine! It's been fun to be out in the neighborhood more, too. Slugger gets a lot of attention, and he loves it! Thanks go to Nadine Donnell and her sister, Sharon, for bringing Slugger into my life! I love him!
Spring continued with some more snow, lots of walking, and play dates with friends!
Spring continued with some more snow, lots of walking, and play dates with friends!
In May, Slugger's owners were planning to come and get him to take him to their new home. I didn't think that should happen. Slugger had been through enough transitions, and I was willing to spend the time and give him the love he needed! I wrote them a little note, and the rest is history. On Memorial Day weekend, they came to say their goodbyes, and Slugger was mine-all mine!
In June I walked in my first 5K with lots of friends from school. It might not sound like much, but I was very proud to be able to do it. It was easy after all the walking I had been doing. That felt really good!
I was very lucky to have a wonderful young lady, Jocelyn Repucci, work in my classroom during 2012 and 2013. This was my first time having someone work along side me. Jocelyn did a terrific job, and I can't wait to hear that she has her first teaching job. I'm sure that news will be coming very soon!
My wonderful 4th graders and I, along with Eileen Brault, held our 2nd maybe annual Red Cross blood drive at school. It was very successful. The kids learned a lot, but they also got to help so many people who need blood products! This year we dedicated our drive to the tragedy during the Boston Marathon. What a wonderful group of kids and adults that I get to work with! I'm very lucky!
My wonderful 4th graders and I, along with Eileen Brault, held our 2nd maybe annual Red Cross blood drive at school. It was very successful. The kids learned a lot, but they also got to help so many people who need blood products! This year we dedicated our drive to the tragedy during the Boston Marathon. What a wonderful group of kids and adults that I get to work with! I'm very lucky!
As school ended. I had to say goodbye to another great class! But….summer brings the beach and visits from my family. There had still been lots of walking, zumba, eating right, and oh yeah some serious cleaning out of my closet. I became a very good friend to Goodwill while earning some tax write offs. As I was losing weight, I was also starting to clean out my closets. Luckily I had friends sharing clothes with me so I didn't have to shop quite yet. I also had a variety of sizes in my closet--surprise…surprise! I didn't want to buy new clothes until I was done losing weight.
When Mom and Dad arrived in July I had lost about 80 pounds. I was thrilled for them to see me! They were excited, too! I even played a funny joke on my brother. Friends of my parents, Dick and Jackie, visited and let me drive their Mercedes. We posted a picture of it on Facebook. I told my brother that Mom and Dad had given me a new car for losing weight! He was dead silent on the other end of the phone! Gotcha, Mike!
When Mom and Dad arrived in July I had lost about 80 pounds. I was thrilled for them to see me! They were excited, too! I even played a funny joke on my brother. Friends of my parents, Dick and Jackie, visited and let me drive their Mercedes. We posted a picture of it on Facebook. I told my brother that Mom and Dad had given me a new car for losing weight! He was dead silent on the other end of the phone! Gotcha, Mike!
Mike, Trish, Sarah, and Bakari arrived about a week after Mom and Dad. Trish's best friend, Joyce, also came for her now annual vacation to Maine. As always, we had a great time…spending lots of time at the beach, some time shopping, of course, and feasting on lobsters among other yummy foods! Dad even made it down to the beach for a photo opportunity! I even "modeled" at a fashion show at the Blacksmith Mall for Joanie! I just love spending quality time with my family. Summer is definitely my favorite season….family, friends, Slugger, and the beach…what more could I need?
August seems to go so quickly, and then it's time for a new school year to begin! I love getting my room ready for a new group of kids! This fall I started the year with 19 wonderful 4th graders and Sue Potito. Sue is the ed tech in my room, and she is wonderful. We worked together 8 years ago, and it's great to be back together again. In addition to Sue, I volunteered to have a college student spend some of her practicum time in our classroom. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a wonderful relationship. Rachel Lee has been spending time in our class since October. Beginning in January, she will continue working with us as an intern. This is my very first experience having a student teacher. I'm so excited to work with Rachel. I'm a little nervous, too. I just want to do my best to help her to become the best teacher she can be. She's a natural so I'm sure it'll go well!
Fall brought lots more walking and more weight loss. Slugger has become a great walking companion. I just need to pay attention to when he might see a squirrel, bird, deer, or turkey before I do. As long as I say, "No…no…no…" whenever creatures are near, we do pretty well! He has also gained some outfits for New England. He has a Thunder shirt---because he is terrified of thunder. It works, but it's better to control barking vs thunder anxiety. He also has a hunting orange vest….we have to be safe. Since we also walk at night…he has a reflective vest, too. Then to round out his wardrobe, I also got him a little winter coat and a Christmas shirt! He just might be the best dressed dog in the neighborhood--winter, spring, summer, and fall!
I forgot to mention that I hadn't picked a specific weight goal when my new lifestyle began. I had in my mind how much I wanted to lose, but I didn't share it. This "new me" was for health and personal happiness….I didn't do it for anyone else. So my goals stayed private. However I am happy to announce that in October I changed my program from weight loss to maintenance. I have lost 110 pounds all together! This will be the only time you read about this weight loss. I haven't posted anything on Facebook, etc….. Like I said, this I have done for me. I feel very selfish even posting a picture, but I am very proud of myself. Believe me, though, it's a daily job to stay fit. Health wise things are great. I am no longer on any meds. My kidney and blood disorder are both basically in remission! So all is good!
Besides the health benefits, I have had to buy an entire new wardrobe. So "sadly" I have had to do a lot of shopping! I have loved every single minute of it! All of my closets have been purged, but no worries----they are becoming filled again! Mom says that instead of food I am not addicted to shopping. She might be right! I have actually become quite excited about second hand shopping! For those of you who really know my shopping habits…it is all about the deal!
Having different dogs to dog sit made walking even more eventful and exciting. Slugger loves having company. He really likes all dogs, but I think he prefers people.
I would like to thank Sue Ramotowski for sharing myfitnesspal.com with me during one of my marvelous massage sessions! She has forever changed my life. To my walking partners in the neighborhood, Jen, Janice, Maureen, and Debbie, thanks for keeping me company! Sue and Jen also did myfitnesspal.com and look amazing! Thanks to all these fabulous ladies for their caring, encouragement, and company while we all have worked on getting healthier! My cousin, Joan, has been a constant source of inspiration and support to me! What would I do without you ladies?
For any of you who have ever had a weight issue, it's a constant battle. For me, myfitnesspal.com worked. However, I know that this is what my lifestyle needs to be like for the rest of my life. I love that I enjoy walking and doing Zumba. I can be a rather compulsive person, but at least my compulsions are healthier right now :-)
Actually I would like to thank all my friends and family who have come along on this weight loss journey with me this past year. Your constant support, encouragement, and friendship have meant everything to me! I can't name you all, but you know who you are!
Besides the health benefits, I have had to buy an entire new wardrobe. So "sadly" I have had to do a lot of shopping! I have loved every single minute of it! All of my closets have been purged, but no worries----they are becoming filled again! Mom says that instead of food I am not addicted to shopping. She might be right! I have actually become quite excited about second hand shopping! For those of you who really know my shopping habits…it is all about the deal!
Having different dogs to dog sit made walking even more eventful and exciting. Slugger loves having company. He really likes all dogs, but I think he prefers people.
I would like to thank Sue Ramotowski for sharing myfitnesspal.com with me during one of my marvelous massage sessions! She has forever changed my life. To my walking partners in the neighborhood, Jen, Janice, Maureen, and Debbie, thanks for keeping me company! Sue and Jen also did myfitnesspal.com and look amazing! Thanks to all these fabulous ladies for their caring, encouragement, and company while we all have worked on getting healthier! My cousin, Joan, has been a constant source of inspiration and support to me! What would I do without you ladies?
For any of you who have ever had a weight issue, it's a constant battle. For me, myfitnesspal.com worked. However, I know that this is what my lifestyle needs to be like for the rest of my life. I love that I enjoy walking and doing Zumba. I can be a rather compulsive person, but at least my compulsions are healthier right now :-)
Actually I would like to thank all my friends and family who have come along on this weight loss journey with me this past year. Your constant support, encouragement, and friendship have meant everything to me! I can't name you all, but you know who you are!
As the holidays were getting closer, Lauren helped me set up my tree this year, and she also helped me with my gifts for all of my students. I love having family so close by. Lauren thinks I'm a great cook because I make such yummy air popped popcorn and have an abundance of turkey pepperoni in the fridge. I just love that she likes having out with Slugger and me.
This year I went to Alabama again to celebrate Christmas with Mom, Dad, Trish, Mike, and Sarah! I spent about 9 days with them.. It was very nice to get to Alabama before Christmas Eve! It's always a great visit, though, no matter how long or how short! I love being with my family. But no, Sarah, I am not moving to Alabama! Joyce joined us again for part of the holiday. She is an honorary Switzer, and I think we have adopted her!
My parents are doing very well. Sarah is growing up so quickly. She goes off to high school next year. She even had a date while I was there! Yikes! Where has the time gone? I hate that the Senior and Junior Switzers all live in Alabama, but at least I can count on seeing them all at least twice a year. They all come in the summer, and Mom is planning on coming out in February. Then I go see them at Christmas. So I just count the months until I get to visit with them again….
This year I bought matching pajamas for us all! They were a big hit and made for some great family photos. I might have started a new tradition! I better start shopping now for next Christmas! Every year Mom says we aren't doing much for presents, but when you see the tree you will see that really wasn't the case. It's not about the gifts, though. It really is about being together, making memories, and enjoying the season! I just adore my family!
My parents are doing very well. Sarah is growing up so quickly. She goes off to high school next year. She even had a date while I was there! Yikes! Where has the time gone? I hate that the Senior and Junior Switzers all live in Alabama, but at least I can count on seeing them all at least twice a year. They all come in the summer, and Mom is planning on coming out in February. Then I go see them at Christmas. So I just count the months until I get to visit with them again….
This year I bought matching pajamas for us all! They were a big hit and made for some great family photos. I might have started a new tradition! I better start shopping now for next Christmas! Every year Mom says we aren't doing much for presents, but when you see the tree you will see that really wasn't the case. It's not about the gifts, though. It really is about being together, making memories, and enjoying the season! I just adore my family!
So the Christmas holidays are almost over. My school vacation was one of the best calendar wise. I left for Alabama on December 22nd and am traveling home today, December 30th. It was nice to have a couple of days to get ready to travel, clean, and pack, and I'll have a couple of days at home before school begins again. I've actually been watching the weather, and maybe we'll get a snow day to begin 2014! Boy would I love that!
To wrap up this first attempt at a website/letter, I just want to say that being able to share even more pictures and things with you has been a lot of fun for me. I truly do put love and thought into this every year! I think it's rather fitting that I am finishing up this last paragraph as my flight to Portland is getting ready to board! I have to wrap it up, tough, because I keep thinking I should have mentioned, wrote about, etc…… Plus my power is almost out on my computer. Figures….
To wrap up this first attempt at a website/letter, I just want to say that being able to share even more pictures and things with you has been a lot of fun for me. I truly do put love and thought into this every year! I think it's rather fitting that I am finishing up this last paragraph as my flight to Portland is getting ready to board! I have to wrap it up, tough, because I keep thinking I should have mentioned, wrote about, etc…… Plus my power is almost out on my computer. Figures….
I want to wish all of my wonderful friends and family wherever you are a happy and healthy 2014! Please take some time to email me with your email address and just to say hi. I love keeping in touch with each and every one of you! I hope that you didn't find this website too impersonal. I have enjoyed every minute of making it, and it has been a true labor of love! I'm pretty sure you have all had enough of me for now! Happy New Year!
With lots of love and doggy kisses,
Beth and Slugger
With lots of love and doggy kisses,
Beth and Slugger