Out With the Old...

It's time. Time to say 'so long' to this old house. It's not really an old house, but we've been referring to it as 'the old house' for some time now. Today, it will no longer be ours.

And while I was cleaning it for the last time, it occurred to me that there are actually things I miss about it. I miss that all the mess was pretty much confined to one or two rooms (toy room is a BIG plus). I miss the huge drawers and breakfast bar in the kitchen. I miss our old neighbors who took forever to warm up to us, but once they did turned out to be the nicest old couple.

In spite of that, I am so happy to be closing this chapter of our life. It's fitting that it comes at the tail end of the year, I think. It's fitting that the new chapter begins at the beginning of the new year. I finally feel some sense of relief. I feel like - wow... now I can focus on the new house. Is it weird that I'm excited to clean?

The other thing that I'm focusing on... is my body. When I had Ethan, I wasn't an exerciser. I rarely worked out. This time, the six post partum weeks are dragging on and I feel like a total lump. It's not a good time of year to start Weight Watchers or to try and lose weight being unable to work out, but it's another reason I'm looking forward to the first week of January. That will be the end of my sentence and I am planning to get reacquainted with this guy: 

That's my Billy.  He and I used to be really close. I've neglected him, but I can't wait to see what he's been up to. That stick thing he's holding will maximize my workout and keep me from getting bored. I can't wait to play with it. In fact, I'm hoping that my husband is off buying this for me right now. Aside from a night out to see August Rush, I told him Tae Bo Amped is all I want for the big 3-2. (It was Tuesday. Go me.)

The older I get the more the birthday sort of blends into the rest of the week. However... we are going to see that movie tonight and I cannot wait. I've wanted to see it since I first saw the preview. I love Keri Russell. I am one of the die hard, DVD-owning Felicity fans out there... so I was happy to see she was in this movie. I have no idea if we'll like it, but I am so excited we are going out!

Anyway, like I was saying, with the coming of the new year comes a new me. A new me that will hopefully look a little like the old me. A little something like this photo my sister decided to send me today as motivation to put the cookies down and shake a tail feather. (I should add that she also baked me the most ridiculously good strawberry cream cake for my birthday, which I have eaten for both dinner last night and breakfast this morning...)

This is me pre-Sam:

And while I always still felt a little sorta fat, I realize now that I would really like to get back here. I have about 28 pounds to lose to get to where I was when I got pregnant and about another 12 to lose to get to this point. And... since I'm feel frisky, I'll probably go for an extra 5. So that's 28 + 12 + 5... ugh. 45 pounds.

Better than the 65 I had to lose after Ethan!

Anyway. It's good to get it out there because then I really will have to stick with it. Right? I will say that Weight Watchers WORKS for me. So that's where I'm heading... probably along with half the city... right after the New Year. I cannot wait.

I really am so excited because there's a lot going on, much to look forward to and after today I will only own one house! :)

Plus... it's almost Christmas... and since I got my Sam for Thanksgiving, the best Christmas present ever is OURS... ONE HOUSE! :) And it's slowly beginning to feel like home. I hope your days are happy and maybe a little bit slower so you can soak in this amazing time of year.

Happy Christmas!

Comments

[Kristin (your editor)]

I have all the Felicity DVDs too...watched them all in one month this year...twice...kind of scary. Let me know how the movie is!

[Bridgette Mehlig]

I'm SO excited that you guys sold your house !! : ) I Love your new one. It's very beautiful!! - = :)Courtney, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you Happy Birthday on Sunday. I knew it was coming up, and I just didn't even think ! I'm sorry. But Happy ''Belated'' Birthday ! ! ! And I'm serious you look SO good for your age. And I'm not just saying that. You look awesome ! Have a great night and Merry Christmas !!!!!!!

[Cyndi Hoehn]

Happy belated 32nd birthday, Courtney!!! I'll be 31 tomorrow (Sat.) and I really feel the same way about my birthday blending in to the rest of the week. Hopefully, this year will be good since it falls on a Sat.

I've told my kids they could take me to see the Alvin & the Chipmunks movie for my birthday, but I'm not sure if we'll make it with Christmas plans, cleaning, cooking and such.

I am sooo with you on Mr. Blanks! When I was doing tae-bo I felt GREAT - I am planning on starting again in January with the tapes. I want to eat healthier, too. BTW you look great in that photo!

I hope you have an enjoyable evening with your hubby and a wonderful, merry Christmas =)

[christy]

Yay for saying goodbye to your old house! Happy belated birthday. The cake your sister made you sounds so delightful! 2007 has been a year of some amazing blessings—your friendship being one of them! I hope you all have a very joyful and blessed Christmas. God bless you!

[catherine feegel-erhardt]

Merry Charistmas!
Glad to hear you are feeling better! Happy Birthday!
xo
catherine

[Shari]

Courtney, I have to say I think you are being too hard on yourself. I loved those pics you took of yourself at the end of your pregnancy. I thought you looked amazing and I'm sure you still do. If you want to lose wieght, I have no doubt you will be a success (I'm a WW veteran also. I love the program.) I'm so happy you are feeling better and that you have the house sale behind you. What a lot of changes in just at short time - and at Christmas too!!!! I appreciate your focus on God and your transparency. Enjoy all the new and wonderful blessings in your life and have a very Merry Christmas. Take care and God bless, Shari

[Bridgette]

Hi Courtney !
I just wanted to let you know, we hope you guys have a VERY Merry Christmas !! It's SO weird, I can't believe it's Christmas Eve ! WOW ! lol. : ) It doesn't even seem real ! lol. But anyway tell your family hi and I we'll see you all very soon ! Always love, Bridgette

[sarah]

congrats on your house. great start to the new year. hope you had a happy christmas.
sarah x