Thanksgiving 2010...Ups and Downs but still Thankful

I am back in NYC after a good trip home...despite some bumps in the road, I still had a great time being at home. Without going into a ton of detail, there is a bit of family turmoil going on that is sad and I think revolves around a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication, but needless to say, we did not all spend thanksgiving together, which is just sad and so unlike my very close family...very hard for me to digest and feel/felt very trapped as I love everyone so dearly, but bottom line is, i got through it. My parents and I had a wonderful meal and time together but I missed my brother, as did they (my other brother was in London). but, my Mom is really getting better, which was great to see and they were able to remain in good spirits despite all the challenges...I had to work a lot while I was home, which was unfortunate but is the way it is....I continue to pray for love and healing and I know we will come through this..I am still very thankful for everyone in my family, our love and support...I am also thankful for this journey I have been on and what I have been able to accomplish and all the support I have received..

In terms of eating, what a difference a year makes. Last year I remember eating everything in sight and going for thirds..this year, I had some of everything (all the same foods as last year) but had small portions. Despite being pretty tight over the last week, by some miracle my band really cooperated! Below is a picture of what I ate, consisting of turkey (put in the oscar so was all shredded up), some mashed potatoes, a bit of stuffing, peas, turnips and broccoli casserole (family tradition). Also had a splash of cranberry there. The key was gravy and lots of it to keep everything moist...i also had some sweet potato casserole on a side dish but didn't get a pic

I amazingly was able to eat everything (and had seconds on broccoli casserole -- a once a year delicacy!). When I look at the pic, I can't decide if it looks like a lot or a little, but regardless, was so happy I was able to eat (was nervous given how tough certain foods have been). In terms of leftovers, I discovered a bit of turkey stew. It was turkey, stuffing, mashies, a few peas all chopped up with gravy and a touch of cranberry..it doesn't look very appetizing, but let me tell you it was delish


Besides the meal, I ate pretty well sans my new ice cream addiction...shame on me for thinking that I can control my new found sweet tooth with ice cream in the house...good news though is that overall think I might have lost a pound or two..week over week in the challenge, i am down ~3-5ish i think, though i knew I was fairly bloated last week..

In addition to our big dinner, while I was home I had my 10yr high school reunion..was a good time and I went to the absolute best school and am so blessed. was a tad bit anti climatic given I am still in a very close group of friends, approx 15 of us from high school who I see all the time, and now with face book, even those people I haven't seen in years I know what they are doing. I felt pretty good at the reunion..think i looked nice. It is funny, I was overweight the whole time i was in high school (and am now still heavier than my heaviest in high school, but not that far off), but I still had such a great time. Had great friends and experiences, was a cheerleader, went to dances, was in plays, etc...My weight always bothered me but I felt like people were less judgemental versus those in college and the real world...just a special place and some of my fondest memories

In addition, to dinner and reunion, other highlight was shopping. I took my parents to an outlet mall...not the best outlets, but still have some good stores. We got some good basics, but I also had some huge victories...I got several skirts, a top and a pair of pants from anntaylors..I have never fit in that store, except maybe in a stretchy top, so that was a huge victory and felt great! I'm basically in the smallest women's sizes but still a bit big for regular sizes....Also, another huge victory was in J Crew when Mom and I saw the cutest skirt...they only had a 14, and I am just not quite there yet..well, the sales girls convinced me to try it on...while too tight to wear in public, it zipped and fit...was a huge NSV for me and felt great..some good motivation to keep going...

Sorry for a bit of a ramble but I am feeling energized and am proud of myself for sticking with this, especially in the face of personal challenges that in the past would have sent me right to the pantry..

Here is a picture from last year's thanksgiving (i had trouble finding one because I was hiding from the camera at that point) and me at the reunion..good news is that I can tell the approximate 80ish difference, which is nice..most importantly, I see the difference between someone who was in pain and in a deep depression versus someone who is feeling motivated and coming out of dark days into the light..