Well, posse, who’d have thought it? I keep scratching my head and looking around for someone to explain to me how the hell we got to the end of the year already. I hate to say this with virtual champagne corks popping all around me, but for the longest time this has been my least favourite night in the calendar. I mean sure, back in the day when I could comfortably drink my own bodyweight in champagne and party ’till the cows came home I used to like it, but for at least the last twenty five years New Year’s Eve has been up there with colonic irrigation as one of those things I’d rather have no part of.
I’m planning to retire with a good book way before midnight and just let 2016 settle gently around me, although my four-legged bedfellow will have other ideas once the fireworks start going off at midnight. Considering he’s of working gun-dog descent, he has a real issue with bangs, and he’s usually as miserable as me on old year’s night.
The problem I have with it is twofold. Firstly it’s an opportunity to take stock of where you’re at in your life, what you’ve achieved this year and what your dreams are for the next. I don’t know about you, but during my annual stocktake I’ve never been able to place a tick in the box for being filthy rich, skinny and dating a bloke who’s who’s hung like a donkey. Life gave me lemons, right?
Secondly it’s a date that pretty much demands that you eat, drink and be merry. How arrogant. Let’s revisit yesterday’s post about being stubborn shall we..? I’ll enjoy it on my terms if you don’t mind. And in any event, forget the booze, I’ve been pre-occupied most years by how much I can eat before midnight because the New Year diet is looming.
But this year feels different. Different better. I’m not about to embark on a fresh cycle of failure marked by a succession of false starts because I’m already in the groove. I’m just about three dress sizes down, and this morning I fastened my watch on the next notch on the strap. Such a little thing but a moment, you know? Oh I know I’m still a heifer, and I will be for a good while yet, but before long I’ll be a foxy heifer with bone structure…awesome.
This year when I look back, I smile. I’ve eaten within a food plan for one hundred and thirty six days without stepping a toe out of line, and I feel strong, and sure-footed. I don’t always make the best choices, but I spend my budget, and that’s that. I discovered a love of writing and now I can’t imagine a day when we don’t chat. I’m fitter, and whilst I won’t be winning races anytime soon, I’m moving. And you guys…well, what can I say? One hundred and thirty six days ago I didn’t know you, and now we’re practically family.
2016 is the year when I’m going to get reacquainted with my collar bone. You’ll be able to tell where my shoulders finish and my head starts, imagine that. I’ll be able to get out of my armchair without having to rock myself up. And oh my god, the first time I can sit down and cross my legs…well I think I’ll burst with being giddy. It’s the little things that will mean the most you know? I mean I know I’ve got exciting stuff planned but it’s being able to do things that most folk take for granted which will give me the biggest thrill of all.
I’m excited about the future, and I hope you are too. I’m excited about trying that size 22 top on tomorrow that I’ve been visualising since Vegas. I suspect I might need to breathe in a bit to make it fasten (!) but really, who gives a crap…second skin or not, if the zip fastens it’s a goal, right?
Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing on the eve of this clean, bright shiny new slate, I’d like to thank you from the deepest bit of my big fat heart for your company and your unwavering support over the last few months. I wish every single one of you a very healthy, happy and skinny New Year. I hope that we’ll continue this journey together…2016 is our year chaps.
We’ve got this 🙂
Dee, I totally get you with New Year’s. My husband is a police officer and works just about every holiday, so with him working evenings, who wants to be home alone with no one to kiss on New Year’s. This year, though, he was off, so we spent the evening with his family across the state. Had an amazing time. Yes, we ate too much and I had a lot of wine (no tipsy feeling, but the wine is a lot of calories). Today I am focusing on getting back to basics. I’m so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished this year. You inspire me every day. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too lovely lady, and thank you, I appreciate all your support! 🙂
Amen! I wish you a very Happy New Year, dear new friend. I love your writing and will be looking over your shoulder whether or not I’m commenting here. 🙂
Happy New Year Djan! Thanks for all your support this year and here’s to more chatter! D x
Well done with all you are doing, congratulations on your watch strap! I am loving your blog,although been off plan over the last ten days. I am weighing myself tomorrow morning. Nothing has got tighter over the last ten days, I am still comfortably in the same size clothes,including bra! Usually at Christmas, I can go up at least one size,sometimes more. Your inspiration has encouraged me and I have been out walking every day. I will be continuing to follow your blog daily to keep myself focussed. Xx
Happy New Year Jane! Well done on not going mad over silly season and I hope the weigh in goes well tomorrow. I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog, here’s to a skinny 2016! D x
A blessed and beautiful Happy New Year to you and everyone you love! It’s going to be a grand year!
Happy New Year Mimi, and yes, it absolutely is! xx
Happy Old Years night! I hope your new year sees the goal met!
Happy New Year to you Autumn, we will certainly achieve this year, I can feel it in my water! x
Happy New Year to you! You’ve made great strides. For the first year in a long time I don’t need to put myself under the pressure of saying “this year I’m going to lose weight, get back to goal, get into the gym, etc.” because I AM DOING IT. I’ve lost more weight in the last 3 months than I have in the last 3 years because I finally stopped bullshitting myself and getting down to the work of it. And it is work and choices every day!
I pretracked my ribeye that I’m grilling and my wine that I’m partaking in – I’ll be over my points a bit but that’s okay – that’s what the weeklies are for. I’m looking forward to what next year has to bring and it’s nice to not be feeling quite as miserable in my own skin.
Wishing you all the best – so glad to have “met” you this year!
Congratulations on a fabulous journey so far, and I’m so glad to have met you too! We’re on our way Beth, you and me and our fellow travellers, we’re doing this! Happy New Year xx
You are amazing Dee and am so glad to know you and have shared a bed with you!! Looking forward to even more celebration of life in 2016 xxxx lots of love xxx
Awww! Thanks lovely…better explain to the posse that you’re one of my best buddies in real life, a member of the Vegas squad no less…they might wonder otherwise haha! Happy New Year chick xx
I’m in!
Of course you are…wouldn’t be the posse without our Fleury! Happy New Year xx
Way to go, Dee, you’re inspirational! 136 days! That size 22 will look fab on you tomorrow and you’ll feel great.
I’m looking forward to getting back to skinny in 2016; after a year when I’ve found absolutely everything a drag and a struggle, even the nice things, I’m beginning to feel bubbles of optimism coming up inside me that I’ll be able to do it.
I’ve booked myself a few days in a hotel on the south coast next week because I want to spend some time alone, relax and take time to think carefully about where I’m at and where I want to be. I’ve never done anything like that before and it’s surprised people, but I need to do it. I hope that my head will be clearer afterwards.
Happy new year to you and the posse.
Bagpus x
Happy New Year to you too Bagpuss…I hope 2016 is a tremendous year for you xx
Great plans for the new year! We’ll be right beside you – hope the fireworks aren’t too tough on Charlie!
I know you will…thank you! Happy New Year Cherie, and thanks for all your support on the journey so far xx