Farewell to 2008!!!
Farewell to 2008!!! 
Wow, where the heck does the time go??? Tomorrow is NYE and I thought I should take a few minutes to reminisce over the amazing events that took place this year in my life. Let’s review:
· Last NYE was spent with Norm, and a few of my closest friends. We rang in the new year like only we could!!
· I moved from Langhorne to Emmaus to be with Norm leaving behind everything I knew to be my everyday life. I left my mom, family, friends, and my job only to move over an hour away. My life was then filled with uncertancies, but somehow everything felt right. That’s when I knew Norm was the one for me. <3
· I started a brand new job at a new bank. Over the next few months, I proceeded to get two promotions. I went from just a bank teller, to assistant head teller, and then to head teller/line supervisor very very quickly. It was a lot of hard work, but I know 260 lbs ago, I would have never had the confidence in myself to pursue goals in my career. I worked my last job for 3 years keeping to myself, and just hoping to not be noticed. I’m good at what I do, and I now know it… and now everyone else does too!
· I realized that distance is only a state of mind. Even though I moved a good distance from my family and friends, I know they’re only a phone call away.
· I’ve really come into myself over this past year. Since last January, I’ve lost another maybe 80-90 lbs, and It’s been tough realizing that I am who I am… I’m more than just this surgery, and the surgery doesn’t define who I am, but paved the way for who I’ve become. I’m pretty darn comfortable in my own skin. I like the way I look (most days)!! I’ve lost a lot of friends over this past year, and it’s been heartbreaking, but I needed to put myself first for once in my life.. and I did just that. My true friends have stuck by my side through everything. All the celebrating, all the crying, all the nerves and excitement has truly paid off. I still have a ton of work to do, but I’m certainly up for the challenge!
· (This one’s my favorite!) In May, Norm asked me to marry him!!! Heck how many people get to spend the rest of their life married to their absolute best friend??!! Since then it’s been a whirwind of planning, and getting things ready for the big day in June. One of those things included my mom and I shopping for my wedding dress. I truly can not wait till Norm sees me in it!!! When I put it on, I knew it was right… even I was speechless! It’s the only thing I’ve put on that made me feel 100% beautiful! We spend Wednsdays planning for the wedding to keep us on track! (Yay for wedding wednsdays!)
· We bought season passes to Dorney park this year, and I vowed to ride every single coaster mutiple times (because I could finally fit!) And we did just that!!
· I spent my birthday with the most amazing people in the entire world ,and we had a blast making it my best birthday ever! I was truly stressing over turning 25, but with all of them by my side, I got through it holding my head up high!
· I WORE SHORTS! I haven’t work shorts since then lol, but I actually wore shorts in public. (seems silly, but honestly it was a HUGE deal for me!)
· My brother and his fiance gave me my niece Hailey, the most gorgeous little girl I’ve ever seen. If you don’t believe in love at first sight, something like holding her for the first time would definitely change your mind!
2008 had been my growing up year. I got my life in order, and focused on what was truly important. It’s been an amazing year!
I hope you all realize what an impact you have on my life, and how much I appreciate each and every one of you!!
I know 2009 will be the best year yet, and like I said above, I can’t wait to become Norm’s wife.
We're starting off the new year with the people we love by our sides!! How very very lucky we are... PARTY TIME!!
Have a safe and happy new year everyone!
Cheers to us!!
Success is a journey... not a destination! 
Happy New Year to you too. You have had an incredible 2008 and I know that 2009 will bring you so many more joyous occasions, with of course the wedding being the best day you've ever had. I'm so happy for you and Norm. I remember sitting at one of the first meetings near the two of you when I noticed some flirting going on and I thought, OK - this could be our next WLS couple. So, enjoy the many wonderful days ahead.
hugs, arlene
I must say - your post hit home in so many different ways as much as what you have been through I have been through too. And yes, it has had its moments where it was hard and a lot of work and moving from every single thing in our comfort zones. But that underlying feeling of "it just felt right" was so overwhelming, they were all the right moves.
Congratulations on such a phenomenal year!! Here's to even more celebrations in 2009!!
Pam
Happy New Year!!
Kathy
'One shoe can change your life'...Cinderella
You are TRULY, TRULY an INSPIRATION!!!! What a year you have had. I can remember you and Norm at one of my first meetings and then going to your profile and realizing that you were almost the same size as me when you started. And I promise you, you were my inspiration from that day forward. I thought to myself, if she can do it, I can do it. And i thank you from the bottom of my heart for that.
You are an incredible person who has had an incredible journey and I am very proud of you. And to have Norm by your side is just icing on the cake, sugar free of course!!!! May the two of you have the best 2009 ever and be forever happy, because you both deserve it!!!
Karen 
