#30DaysofThanks, Day 30: TGIF and the End of November

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

Today I’m grateful that it’s Friday evening, the end of a painful week, and the beginning of the weekend.  I’m grateful that it’s the last day of November, payday, and the end of a very long week.  I’m especially thankful to begin December, put out the Christmas decorations, and start a to celebrate the the holiday season.

I’ve enjoyed writing these 30 Days of Thanks.  Most of the time the ideas came easily to me, but towards the end of this month they’ve become a bit more difficult to think of.  It was nice showing gratitude for all of the blessings I have in my life.  Writing these posts did help me approach each day a bit differently, as a gift that was yet to be uncovered.

I’m looking forward to December – the merriment, the family time, and the reflections.  As I mentioned yesterday, I’m going to participate in #Reverb12.  I’ve also decided to post a photo a day on my FB page, following The Idea Room’s challenge.

Doesn’t that look like fun?  I’d love for you to join me in either (or both).

But today I’m thankful for this day, for this moment, for this opportunity to say THANK YOU.

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#30DaysofThanks, Day 29: A Diagnosis

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

Today I’m thankful that my podiatrist was able to give me a diagnosis on the newest issue I’m having with my left foot.

You remember that I got a steroid shot a couple of weeks ago, and since then, things have been great.  The pain had mostly dissipated, and it’s been back to normal life.  Until Monday, that is.

I was on a normal late afternoon walk with Sofi, when all of a sudden, I took a step and felt a something in my heel tear apart.  The pain was instantaneous and excruciating.  And of course, I was only halfway through with the walk, meaning I had to walk about 15 minutes to get home.  I’ve got a high tolerance for pain, but tears stung my eyes as I hobbled home.  Poor Sofi kept looking back at me as if to say, “why are we going so slow and why are you walking that way?”

Since the initial rip, I’ve been worried about what actually happened.  I finally got in to see the podiatrist today, and after X-rays, he told me that I tore my fascia.  He said that while he knew it was incredibly painful, in a way it was a blessing in disguise, because the tear had actually stretched the fascia, which is akin to what they would’ve done in surgery.  He said that now I’ll be able to heal, as long as I keep up with the exercises/stretches.  The downside is that I can’t get another steroid shot for 3-4 months, and it will take at least that long for it to heal.

So I’m also thankful that I walked out of his office with an RX for prescription-strength Motrin to help me manage the pain.

In addition, I’m incredibly grateful to my friend Heidi, who is letting me use her night brace.  My doctor told me that it’s going to be an essential part of my recovery. I just hope I can sleep with this thing on!

I’m thankful to know what’s wrong with me and approximately how long it will take to heal, but I have to be honest, having plantar fasciitis and now a torn fascia sucks.  I have to admit, I’m not at all thankful for that.

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#30DaysofThanks, Day 28: The Revival of #Reverb

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

It’s getting to be the time of year for reflecting on this year and looking forward to next year, known as #reverb.  I’d taken part in #reverb10 and absolutely adored it.  Then, last year the people running #reverb decided not to manage it, and instead, I participated in #weverb11, to which I got to contribute several prompts.  So I went to Twitter to find out what was up for this year:

Today I’m thankful for Kat, @ I Saw You Dancing who is organizing one of the many #Reverb12 reflections going on throughout the blogosphere/Twitter/Instagram/FB.

So, this post is also a shout out for #Reverb12 – I hope you’ll join in on the fun.  The process is a rewarding one, which is why I do it year after year.  If you have FB, Twitter, and of course a blog, I highly encourage you to participate.  Who’s in?

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#30DaysofThanks, Day 27: Buying Gifts Online

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

Ever since 2001 when I worked at an internet start-up, I’ve done most of my Christmas shopping online.  I’m thankful that buying gifts on the internet remains a safe and secure option.

Thanks to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, I’ve been able to buy most of the Christmas gifts on my list already.  I only have a few more to buy, which I’ll complete this weekend.  The best part of online shopping is not having to mess with everything that comes with hitting the mall – fighting for parking, dealing with the crowds, walking from store to store (although that would be good exercise), and lugging all the bags back to the car.  Buying most of my gifts online frees up so much time, saves me lots of stress, and helps me enjoy the holidays even more.  Plus, it’s so fun to get the packages of gifts as they start arriving at my doorstep.  It’s like I’m getting the gifts, too.

Now all that’s left is wrapping.

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#30DaysofThanks, Day 26: My Blog

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

Can you believe I went 25 days without mentioning my blog?! 

Each day of these 30 Days of Thanks I’ve been trying to write a blog post about something that happened that day that I was grateful for.  I’ve written about so many meaningful things that I’m glad I have in my life, and today it’s finally time to write about my blog.

I started blogging on Bella’s Bold Brilliant Blog way back in February of 2007.  Wow, I’ve been blogging for 5 years.  In some ways it feels like I’ve never been without a blog, but in other ways it’s still so fresh.  When I first started the other blog, I concentrated on writing about things that were going on in my daily life, and a lot of posts were dedicated to dating mishaps.  It was fun, and I wrote freely.  My blog was a great creative outlet for me.

Then in November of 2007, I decided it would be a good idea to create this blog, Bella on the Beach, as I attempted the South Beach Diet.  (Originally a couple of co-workers started the diet with me, and we were all going to blog together.  I can’t remember what that original blog was called, but it doesn’t matter, because the group diet was short lived, as was the blog).  At the time I thought I should separate my weight loss life from my real life, so two blogs fit the bill.  But as time went on I was writing on the life blog less and less.  Weight loss became a driving force in my life, and I found myself much more interested in writing about it than anything else.  Writing about my struggles and triumphs helped me get to know myself – both my strengths and weaknesses.  Even though I’m not yet at my goal weight 5 years later, I am so much more self-aware than when I typed my first dieting woe on this blog.  Progress takes time.

December 2009 I made the decision to “close” BellasBoldBrilliantBlog and turn this blog into my all-in-one, and I’m so glad I did.  BellaontheBeach is about my life – weight loss, sure, but also about everything else that I find important.  It’s my little corner of the world.  I foresee writing on this blog long after my goal weight is achieved.  The beach and the ocean hold such a special place in my life, so as far as I’m concerned, Bella on the Beach will always be relevant.

I’ve made incredible friends through this blog, whose support has kept me going even in times when I have doubted myself. My blog has inspired me (and hopefully others), it has motivated me, and it has encouraged me to strive for more than I would have otherwise.  My blog has kept me sane in times of turmoil.  My blog has allowed me to celebrate my successes.  If I go too long without finding the time to write on this blog, I’m lost.  My blog is a huge part of my life.

I am grateful for the ability to put my thoughts into words and share them with people.  It is not overstating to say that my life truly wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t have this blog.  It means the world to me.

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#30DaysofThanks, Day 25: Social Media

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

Today I’m thankful for social media – FB, Twitter, YouTube – because of the ability they give me to keep up with my friends’ lives.

On FB, I’m able to share my life with my friends through photos and posts about everything from hitting the gym for a Bella Tri to a a great new movie I just saw to how important they are in my life.  I’m able to connect with friends from high school whom I haven’t seen since we graduated in ’89.  I’m able to keep up with former co-workers who’ve moved across the country.  I’m even able to follow along as my cousin and his wife go to China to adopt a baby girl and bring her home in time for Thanksgiving.  Yes, it’s a timesuck, but a welcome one, because what’s better than keeping in touch with friends and family?

Twitter is where I connect with a lot of my blogging and YouTube buddies.  While I’m not on there as often as FB, I do go a few times a week, and I’m always glad for the interactions.  There’s something about the succinctness of 140 characters that makes my time on Twitter so rich.  No wasted words, just full, heartfelt sentiments.  It’s like poetry, really.

YouTube is the place where I have learned so much about the VSG surgery that I’m going to have.  I started by simply following people and watching their videos, but after commenting and getting to know them, I have made real friends.  Friends like BeautyJunkie824, who lives so close, but whom I would have never met if it hadn’t been for her YT videos.  Or PinkFishLilly, who lives across the country, but who is a kindred spirit.  Not only because she shares my Italian heritage, but because she is so real.  She is one of the most generous people – in spirit and action – who I know.  The interaction of hearing about someone’s life through their own voice on video is amazing.

I’m grateful for social media.

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#30DaysofThanks, Day 24: Pinterest

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

Regular readers of this blog know how much I love Pinterest.  I can lose myself for hours on there:  finding inspiration, getting helpful hints, and just simply dreaming.  I’ve gotten so many amazing ideas from Pinterest that it’s become a part of my daily routine.

I’m grateful there’s a site where people can share so much with each other.

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#30DaysofThanks, Day 23: School Vacations

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

Today I’m grateful that I have a day off.  It’s nice not to have to get up early the day after a holiday.

When I tell someone I’m a teacher, the first thing out of most of their mouths is how lucky I am to get so many vacations.  Most of the time I’m slightly insulted, because there’s so much about teaching that people don’t understand.  The long hours grading, planning, prepping.  The dealing with teenagers (and their moods) on a daily basis. The years of post-graduate education for miniscule salary.  The happiness that comes with hearing how I’ve inspired/helped/improved someone’s life.  To reduce all of that to lots of vacation time is so superficial.

But who am I kidding, the time off is pretty great.  I’m thankful for this great perk that comes with all of those other things.

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#30DaysofThanks, Day 22: Thanksgiving Dinner with the Family

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

I’m incredibly thankful that I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my family. This year my nieces were with their father, so it was “the original four” – my parents, LC, and me. Though there were few of us, we filled up the house with smiles, laughter, and our passionate personalities. I love my family, and enjoy spending as much time as I can with them.

I’m also really thankful for the bounty we had at dinner, and that this year I was able to indulge, but not go overboard. I enjoyed all of my favorites, but I also tracked everything. Moderation was the key. I loved how I felt – in control.

This was the appetizer I made – from Martha Stewart Living (found on Pinterest) – blue cheese and walnut spread. Adding the pears was my idea. It was delicious!

My sister made these cheese straws from puff pastry, and they were so light and flaky.

My mom’s tables are always the best because of her attention to detail. Gorgeous!!

We took some fantastic photos of the family, too, which I’m looking forward to printing and putting in frames this weekend.

It was a beautiful day.  A day spent with family.  A day to be grateful.

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#30DaysofThanks, Day 21: Completing a “Bella” Tri

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

Today I am thankful that I can push my body to new limits at the gym.  As I strive to meet my weight loss goal even during the holiday season, I knew it was very important to get in big calorie burns this week.  Especially since I was going to indulge mindfully in Thanksgiving Dinner.

So I headed to the gym with one thing in mind – a Bella Tri.  A traditional Sprint Tri is a 5k run, a 20k bike ride, and a 750 meter swim.  I knew I wasn’t there yet on any of those counts, so I concocted the Bella Tri – 10 min on the elliptical machine (run), 20 min on the recumbent bike, and 30 min swimming laps in the pool.  I haven’t pushed myself like that in a workout since being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, but I knew I needed to amp up the workout if I was going to still see a loss on the scale this Sunday.

I’m happy to report that the Bella Tri was a success!  The elliptical was the part I was  the most worried about, since I’d be putting pressure on my feet the entire time, but I didn’t feel a thing.  The bike was a bit boring, but I just raised it to a level 8 and kept my rpms above 70 and that helped.  The swim was actually the part that was the most challenging for me – I’m a good swimmer, but I haven’t spent much time in an Olympic size pool, so making it all the way across the pool for one length is pushing my breathing abilities.  I can *almost* make it all the way across, but tend to run out of steam with about 8-10 strokes left.  Still, I swam for 30 minutes, and I just kept telling myself that this is something to shoot for.  It’ll be a great thing to see improvement on.  I enjoyed this so much that I’ve decided to put it into my regular rotation on my early days after school.

The other really challenging thing was keeping the swim cap on my head!  No joke – it kept riding up past my forehead.  I have A LOT of thick, curly hair, and I think it’s all just too much for my little swim cap to hold.  At one point I was so pissed about having to pull it down AGAIN, I finally just flung it off and picked it up after I got out of the pool.  If anyone has any tips for fitting all my hair into the cap and keeping it there, please let me know.

Today I’m grateful that I am striving for my goals and able to push my body to new limits.

 

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