Actually, I’m not sure what possessed me to add that to my list since it wasn’t really anything I could work towards. But, in 2010, my sister invited me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. I helped her choose dresses. I answered frantic phone calls. I decorated the church. And, I stood beside my little sister as she spoke her vows to my new brother.

The ceremony was lovely. The reception was super fun. It was all exactly as it should be. And, yet, I still never blogged about crossing that item off my list. Every time I sat down to type it out, nothing came. Until I realized it was never about being a bridesmaid.

It was about having a friend who cherished you enough to ask.

And, it turns out? I’m already there, but it wasn’t a wedding that made me see it. It was walking into a restaurant for a birthday dinner with the hubby and finding out that my Saturday evening was never what I thought it would be.

It was finding a table full of fabulous people who loved me enough to throw an awesome surprise party. It’s friends who get me. Friends who know 35 isn’t easy,with my 40×40 list so far behind the halfway point. Friends who are there for me for fun & laughter or drama & tears.

Friends. I finally have them. In spades.

I have a best friend who would literally do anything for me. I have awesome friends who totally understand me but run with my crazy even when they don’t. I have loving friends who will lend an ear, share a cocktail, and drive me home after one too many.

I have generous friends who will go out their way to be sure I always have what I need — and plenty of stuff I don’t. I have new friends who are already willing to lend a hand at the drop of a hat. I have encouraging friends who not only inspire me to be a better person but work to help me get there. I have fun friends who make me smile when I need it and lend a shoulder when I’d rather cry.

Turns out, having friends is kinda awesome. I am so very blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

I’ve never been one to make normal New Year’s resolutions. My favorite was the year I vowed to take a bubble bath every night! I totally didn’t mind keeping that one, and I still enjoy a bubble bath at least 3-4 times per week. For the last few years, I’ve made a to-do list for the year instead of resolutions, but I didn’t get very far with last year’s list.

So, this year I’m changing things up a bit. I love the idea of resolutions—there’s nothing wrong with working to better yourself or setting goals for the year. It’s just that traditional resolutions so easily fail. Even with the best of intentions, the New Year’s goals most people set are ignored by February. And, I think I’ve figured out why.

They aren’t SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and within a Time Limit. Resolutions that fit these principals will be easier to keep. That’s why I’m revising a few traditional resolutions, to set specific goals for myself this year.

Common resolution: Be more eco-concious.
My resolution: Build a rainwater barrel.
Each year, we make an extra effort to reduce our environmental impact even more. This year, I want to focus on the rainwater barrel. I’ve wanted to do this for years—hello! Free water for the lawn & garden—but I just keep putting it off. I’ve seen a few simple tutorials on Pinterest lately, so I think it’s time to tackle this project.

Common resolution: Eat healthier.
My resolution: Plant a garden.
Having fresh veggies right outside the door helps keep me on track with a food group I’d prefer to ignore. We didn’t get a garden planted last year—time just got away from us. This year, I plan to get a jump on it early. We’ll get out there in March and clear the overgrown weeds from the garden. Then, it will be ready for tilling, new soil and compost in time for planting season.

Common resolution: Lose weight.
My resolution: Lose 10 more pounds.
I worked hard through most of last year to set fitness goals, eat healthier and lose weight. I lost a total of 25 pounds, but I am still a bit shy of my 40×40 goal. I think another 10 more pounds should do it, and I wanted to set a time limit. Since I need a new swimsuit, I figure that’s as good a time as any. I’ll know my final clothing size just in time for swimsuit season.

Common resolution: Get out of debt.
My resolution: Pay an extra $1000 per month towards our debt snowball.
We’ve made just about all the budget cuts we can. Now, it’s up to increasing our income, which we’ve been steadily working on for the last several months. Most of that paid for Christmas, since we hadn’t done a good job saving throughout the year. For 2012, we will set aside more money each month for the holidays, then put the rest of our extra income towards our debt.

Common resolution: Spend more time with family.
My resolution: Start a regular game night.
Last year, one of my goals was to schedule a family fun day once per month. The girls loved it, and we experienced new things they’d never done before. However, as we’re working on our debt snowball, the family fun budget has to go. In its place, we will do at home fun days each month. Movie nights are a favorite, but I want to get them more involved. We had a blast playing games on New Year’s Eve and again the other night with the hubby‘s sister. We played board games, Just Dance, Wii Pictionary—and I loved every minute of it. I want to capture some of that all year long.

Common resolution: Help others.
My resolution: Sponsor a child.
I’ve thought of this off and one, but over the last few weeks I’ve felt really convicted. Not only do I need to share our blessings, but I need to teach my girls how many we truly have. They need to see that this is not how the rest of the world lives. And, they need to see that we can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Common resolution: Get organized.
My resolution: Reorganize the pantry & fridge.
There are so many things I could have picked. I’m a hot mess, and the whole house needs an overhaul. We need serious paperwork help, the bedroom is a disaster, and the office looks like a bomb went off. But, I’m choosing to focus on food organization. The reorganization will include an “anytime” shelf that should help the girls gain some much needed control over what they eat.

I know that’s a lot, but it’s all very specific and manageable. I can do this. And, I’m looking forward to seeing where I am at the end of the year. Plus, I’ll be blogging the results along the way. Check back Monday as I rejoin the Mamavation Sistahood and step on a scale for the first time in a long while!

Trop50 True Resolutions celebrates the reasons behind New Year’s resolutions. Share the secret motivation behind your resolution to earn a coupon for $1 off Trop50 for yourself and 50¢ off coupons for your friends. Plus, enter the sweepstakes to win a $1000 gift card.

I was compensated for this review, but all opinions (and my 2012 goals!) are entirely my own.

Breathing was tough, between my asthma and the lingering cold. Then, my knee started hurting around the midway point. And, still? I finished a full 5 minutes faster than my last 5K! It all comes down to being in better overall shape than I was 4 months ago. Even though I didn’t run much leading up to the race, I was still active.

There was boot camp and EA Sports, but my Daily Mile profile is looking a little thin. Time to get back on my feet and finish this thing! I’m restarting the Couch to 5K program next week. This time, with the support of a group of local Twitter friends. We’ve been discussing a December 5K, with BgKahuna’s inspiration.

Personally, I think that sounds crazy cold, but the training part sounds good, at least. I tend to stick with things more when I know others are working at it, too. I feel like people are counting on me or something. It worked well for the 30 Day Shred. So, a Couch to 5K group should get me going!

Plus, I did buy another month of Indy Boot Camps. I’m excited to continue the training. I’ve been amazed at how much I’m enjoying group fitness. I never really thought I would like it, but it’s actually pretty inspirational. Check back later this week for an entire post on things that surprised me about boot camp. And next week, I’ll post after pics!

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 173 pounds
No weight loss this week
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 22 pounds
BMI: 24.8

This post is sponsored by Brita and I took the Brita Challenge to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women. I have also received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

Instead, I drank tons of water, kept up on my normal workload and felt well enough to continue exercising. I did not, however, feel well enough to stick with my Couch to 5K training. It’s easy to get off track now & then, but it’s a problem this time around since I’m running Wine at the Line on Saturday. I just don’t think I’m up to the level I need to be able to run the whole thing, but it should still be a fun time.

I’m going to jump back into the C25K next week, and pick another race. There’s a group of local Twitter friends who are the considering Jingle Bell Run in December—having another race on the calendar, with a support system around me, should be just what I need to finally cross “run a full 5K” off my list. At least boot camp is going well!

While I wouldn’t say I love tabatas, I do love how strong I feel when I leave boot camp. I need a lot of serious work on my core, though. I can handle bosu ball situps okay (when I’m not hitting my head on the pullup bar behind me), but I may or may not have fallen off the stability ball today. With only a week and a half left in the session, I was already planning to take up the $5 Saturday morning classes.

It wouldn’t be quite the kick that twice a week classes are, but it fits a little better into my current budget. So, I’m super excited about today’s Living Social deal for a month of fitness classes at only $40! Hopefully, another month of boot camp will give me the strength I need to finally conquer that stupid stability ball. Not to mention, the last 15 pounds I seem to be hanging onto.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 173 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 2.5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 22 pounds
BMI: 24.8

Sistahood Question: Where are you planning for your feet to take you before 2011 ends? Any races or training plans?

This post is sponsored by Omron Fitness and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation—a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women. I have also received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

Plus, I just totally caved into the cravings. There was chocolate and chips and buttery popcorn. On the plus side, there was no soda! I’m so glad to have kicked that habit. It makes it so much easier to just shake off a bad week and lose the weight again.

I suppose it could have been worse, but I managed to work a lot of it off. Between fitness boot camp, EA Sports Active and the Couch to 5K program, at least I’m getting the fitness part right. My poor body was so sore last week—and, yesterday’s upper body workout slayed my arms.

I missed boot camp, due to another eye doctor appointment, so I threw in an extra Wii workout. And, my triceps are very angry about it. Which blows my mind since a year ago I could never have told you where they were. Now that I’ve lost the majority of the weight, I’m ready to start targeting specific areas.

I just can’t worry about a pound here or there anymore, since it’s going to fluctuate as I build muscle anyway. I want to concentrate on the flabby arms and chunky thighs. I also want to have abs. Real and actual abs. It’s going to be all about toning from here on out—even with my daily mileage!

I won a pair of Kalso Earth Shoes in the Mamavation Move It Lose It competition earlier this year—how cute are these? But, they’re not just a pretty face. The negative heel improves posture and encourages whole-body wellness. I can actually feel my booty toning as I walk. True story.

Plus, I’m excited to give away a pair to one of my readers! You all have supported me through this weight loss journey for the last 6 months, and now I have the chance to give back in a big way.

To enter for your chance to win the above pair of shoes (we can match!), leave a comment here and tell me your next goals! You can earn additional entries by:

• Following me on Twitter
• Following Mamavation on Twitter
• Following Earth Shoes on Twitter
• Writing about this giveaway (blog, forum, public Facebook note)
• Tweeting about this giveaway: Win a pair of @KalsoEarthShoes from @JustHeather! {link} #mamavation

For your extra entries to be counted, be sure to leave an additional comment directing me to your entry. Only one additional entry per method (i.e. While multiple tweets are appreciated it, only one will count as a drawing entry.) The contest runs until September 26th at 11:59pm est. One winner will be notified by email on September 27th and receive a pair of Kalso Earth Shoes. Winner will have 48 hours to complete the claim form or a new winner will be chosen.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 175.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 2.5 pound gain
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 19.5 pounds
BMI: 25.2

Disclosure: I received a pair of Kalso Earth Shoes, for my participation in the Mamavation campaign. I have also received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

I spent Labor Day weekend at my parents’ and decided that I wouldn’t stress over foods & miss out on my hometown favorites. We had Procopio’s pizza, Charlie’s chocolates, movie theater popcorn, two (yes, two!) birthday parties with cupcakes & ice cream and plenty of homemade family favorites.

And, I allowed myself to enjoy it all! I made good choices when they were available—fruit, salads, water and veggies—but mostly I just ate what looked good. Basically? That meant a whole lot of carbs. The good news is, I didn’t overeat!

A year ago at these family events, I would have eaten whatever I wanted, skipped the veggies, grabbed a soda, then gone back for more. This year? I didn’t even want seconds—my body is too aware of proper portions & fullness cues to overeat.

I also stayed active—I did jump squats all weekend, on Gruntstyle’s orders. Plus, we played a pretty active game of kickball with the whole family on Monday. I’m thrilled to be in better shape so I was able to take part in it. We had so much fun!

This week, I’m back to following my meal plan. Plus, I was offered the opportunity to join a fitness boot camp this month, and it seemed like the perfect time to try it out. We started earlier today—whew! I thought I had been getting myself in pretty decent shape, but this worked muscles that I didn’t even know existed.

I started out doing pretty well—setting off at a good clip for the warmup walk and leading the pack during our run. Many of the exercises were familiar(ish), but this time? I had a trainer keeping an eye on me, making sure I did everything right and pushing me to go further. It was a fun, relaxed environment where we’re encouraged to push harder but given the freedom to set our own pace.

I was dripping sweat halfway through the hour and out of water before we finished. By the end, I was fading and feeling it pretty good! I hope to have a little more endurance for Wednesday’s workout, now that I have a better idea of what to expect. (Note to self: bring a towel and a larger water bottle!)

This should be an interesting month. My muscles were feeling it so much on the drive home that I took new measurements. I’ve lost another 3 inches since completing the Knockout the Fat program, but I’m hoping to firm up my arms & abs, especially. I’ll also take new “after” photos at the end of boot camp.

I can’t wait to see the results for myself!

Bust: 35″ (-1.5″)
Waist: 29″ (-8″)
Hips: 37.5″ (-4.5″)
Thigh: 20″ (-3.5″ each)
Arm: 11″ (-1.5″ each)

Total Inches Lost: 24″

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 173 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 1.5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 22 pounds
BMI: 24.8

Disclosure: I have received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

A few days after my first run, I went for a long walk instead—my lungs can handle walking. Then, our week was turned upside down when the hubby‘s grandpa had open heart surgery. He seems to be doing well, but it was a long day at the hospital, munching on candy. In retrospect, I should have packed healthier snacks, but we went with comfort.

The next day, after thing were looking better, I went for a walk with Lorelai and picked up the weights for the first time in weeks. I’m guessing that was more responsible for my weight gain than a single week. I still have high hopes of getting into a better routine now that the girls are back in school. It just didn’t happen in the first week.

Okay, so it’s a little worse than that. I actually managed to get myself back into overweight range. In addition to my workout routine not getting reestablished, the meal planning really wasn’t there. We were a chaotic mess of school and hospital visits, and I was so busy focusing on shopping for their healthy lunchboxes that I didn’t do a very good job taking care of me.

That changes. Now. I had a great breakfast, and jumped into a short a workout before lunch. I still can’t run, but I’ll just walk farther, until I can get the inhaler issue fixed. I need a steadier workout routine—when I was into the 30 Day Shred, I was on. it. The steady program and the numbered days helped me stay consistent.

I was considering P90X, but I think I need something smaller first to get me back in the game. Gruntstyle‘s Mamavation workouts are looking pretty solid—I need a good challenge to get me back in the game, though. It feeds into my competitive nature and provides the accountability I need. Luckily, Drill Sergeant Alarik is more than willing to kick my butt.

He assigned Megan and me 250 situps & pushups for today, when he saw us discussing the idea. Then, he gave me 50 more for an off comment. Don’t mess with @Gruntstyle, folks! I’m hoping this is just the kick in the pants I needed to get me back on track.

How do you get a restart with your fitness goals?

{scale pic coming soon. Stupid, broken card reader.}
Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 174.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 3.5 pound gain (ugh!)
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 20.5 pounds
BMI: 24.97

I am thrilled to get back into an exercise routine. I have slacked off a lot over the last couple weeks! I’m venturing out on my own, for the first time since starting this journey. No official campaign prodding me along, no exercise assignments, no dated fitness program—just me and the scale! And, the Mamavation Sistahood. Thanks for your support in the last 6 months. It means more than you’ll ever know.

I’m in a tough place with my weight loss journey now, though. Officially, I am not overweight. I still want to get further into the normal BMI, but there’s less support out there when you aren’t overweight. For starters, I can’t apply to be the next Mamavation Mom (which is an awesome campaign this time because Bookie Boo’s looking for couples!).

I’m learning I really need the accountability of a specific program. Move It, Lose It, Knockout the Fat, 30 Day Shred—they were all clearly defined and finite, which made it manageable. Left to my own devices? I slack. I want to pick up another numbered fitness program, but I also know I need to learn to do this for myself. So, I’m kind of creating my own fitness program.

I’ll be working out with a DVD Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings—I have Bob Harper’s Yoga for Warriors to start—and continue the Couch to 5K throughout the week. On Thursday & Friday, I plan to work Lorelai into my routine so I need something active we can do together. Just Dance is always a good one! We’ll also take walks to playgrounds where she can run & slide, and I can do additional exercises.

I am pleased to say my menu plan has stayed pretty steady, though I did break one major streak. Remember my soda addiction? Between Mamavation applications, the MiLi challenge and the Knockout the Fat program, I was soda free for 23 weeks! Last week, when my contractual obligation was officially over, I ordered a Mountain Dew with my State Fair meal. It was not tasty!

So, of course, I decided Mountain Dew was a poor first choice. I waited the week, then bought Sunkist. As a former 6-pack a day Sunkist addict, I just knew that would be the stuff. And, I was armed with a plan to keep the addiction from creeping up again. First, no soda at home—that was my baby step that lost 6 pounds at the beginning of the year.

The big one, though, was my plan to go soda free every time the Mamavation applicants were required to—solidarity for the sistahood! Turns out? I don’t need a plan because not even Sunkist tastes the way I remembered it. I know now I don’t need that crap. I can’t claim I won’t order a Coke with my pizza or buy into a craving now & then, but I can officially say I’m not really a soda drinker.

I’m excited because I know that will make it easier to keep the weight off. I’m down another pound in the last 2 weeks, even with very little physical activity. Now that the girls are back to school, I’ll have more time for fitness again. And, I hope to have the last 15 pounds knocked out by the end of the year!

{scale pic coming when the hubby gets home—my card reader is still broken}
Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 171 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: .5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 24 pounds
BMI: 24.49