A Christmas Letter

I don’t normally send Christmas cards or write Christmas letters or generally keep everyone up to date on the comings and goings of my life from year to date…but, I thought since the beginning of this year opened a new and improved chapter in my life that I might give this a shot too.

The year started out a little rocky, but not too long into it I was given a rare gift, not given to many people it seems. I was given a second chance. A very dear friend of mine and I had been at odds since about half way through the previous year, but with the beginning of the new year came a new outlook on life, love, and friendships. I was blessed with a life that has treated me well, the love of my family and friends and best of all, I was blessed with a wonderful friend who found a place in her heart just for me. It was a wonderful gift and I will cherish her forever.

Among rekindled friendships the year also brought with it a desire to really kick up my fitness routine. I met a wonderful woman, Kristin, who has been part and parcel to my success! She’s a personal trainer and certified nutritionist and I have drawn on her many times in my battle with my weight. I met Kristin at the end of the year in 2008. I began working with her on a personal basis at the beginning of 2009. Since meeting Kristin and working with her on my weight loss, I have dropped 3 more sizes, have increased my strength and endurance and I’ve been toying with running from time to time. I take a fitness class twice a week, instructed by Kristin, and I enjoy every minute of it! I’ve become kind of sick and twisted about it too…just this last Friday when Kristin came to my house for a training session I found myself smiling and laughing about how difficult a particular move was. It’s amazing what a new perspective can do for your ability to challenge yourself, set and reach new goals and really improve your overall outlook on life. I’m still working on my weight loss and watching my weight will be a never ending struggle, but thanks to Kristin and all her help and extra motivation, I now have the tools to continue to be a success.

The rest of the year flowed smoothly. I made several trips to Reno to visit my family and back home again. I spent time with friends near and dear to me but I also spent a lot of time on my own, really taking a good look at my life. And for the first time since I can remember, I was really, really happy; with my life, with myself, with my goals and where I saw the road leading me. The only thing missing from my life was someone to love.

In August of this year, I met a wonderful man. One I had started to believe didn’t exist or had mistakenly married some other broad and had yet to realize the error of his ways and come groveling at my feet begging for me to make his life complete! Ha-ha! Though I make a joke of it, it is indeed true. I found a man who is as feisty as I and as loving and caring and completely wonderful. Scott and I met in August just days before my birthday. We met jogging of all things! Scott is friends with my best friend Melissa and she invited him to join us one evening we went jogging. I remember I was standing on the corner stretching while Melissa gave directions to a lost motorist. This man and his dog came walking up to me, stuck his hand out and said, ‘you must be Heather’. And that was it! We spent the next week talking via Facebook and text messages and then Scott came and hung out with Melissa and me that weekend. By Sunday night we’d had our first date and by my birthday he’d met my family – which luckily didn’t send him running for the hills – and we’ve been inseparable ever since! By November we had moved in together and by Thanksgiving we were engaged! Yes, it’s true, the terminally single Heather is going to get married…shocker! We haven’t set a date yet as there are some wrinkles which need to be ironed out, but we will set a date soon and let you all in on the secret! Scott has been such a blessing in my life and together we are learning to live, love, and laugh and I thank God for him.

In September I joined the Harlen Miller Chorale (formerly the Norman Skeeles Chorale). It has been such fun getting to know everyone, learning new music, and actually getting to perform! I have always loved to sing and had been in choirs throughout my school years. I had missed it so much, so when Melissa told me I should join, I jumped at the chance! It’s been great fun and it’s been such an added blessing in my life!

This year has indeed proved to be a wonderful one and I can’t wait to see what 2010 has in store!!

Merry Christmas and God Bless.

With all the love in my heart!

Heather