Welcome 2017

Happy New Year! 
Happy New Me! 
Happy New Adventures!
And, Good Riddance to 2016
- Carmen


Last year was tough.

Let's put aside the election. And, all the celebrities we lost.

Our family lost an important part of us: my sister. Christmas was her favorite time of year. Let alone that her birthday falls smack in the middle of Christmas and New Years (she would have been 51) - the end of the year has always been one big celebration!  Her death was our first true loss and such a huge one at that.  So huge that a big part of our family decided to get away for the holidays. We took off to Colorado and invaded my baby sister's house.

I was anxious about going to Colorado for a few reasons. First, I was worried of my sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in your body, but mostly the lungs and lymph glands (around the chest).  As you all know, we need our lungs at full capacity to breath - especially, in high altitudes. So, I was hesitant to go to the "mile-high State."

Second, I'm doing so well on my new lifestyle and eating habits. I haven't had much in terms of carbs - no bread, cookies, pastries - you know the stuff that surrounds you while on vacation during Christmas. And, I walk... at least a couple of miles a day. How was I going to get that in, let alone in the altitude?

I discovered a couple of things on our holiday in Colorado.

First. Sarcoidosis can Suck It! I went for a 2.5 mile walk on the trails behind my sister's house in Highland Ranch. Most. Every. Day.

The mountains! The fresh air! How refreshing to be able to go walk in such a serene setting. But... DAMN! those hills! You know what? I did it! I didn't walk every day - we were busy going to and from great adventures, but I did walk most days.

And, carbs? I discovered that carbs won't kill me. Yes I had a cookie (or two) and a piece of bread (or two), but I'm still standing. And, I also had a glass of wine (or two). It's all good. At home I'm back to how I ate before - very limited to no carbs. I like it better that way. No bloating.

We also went for a hike... Up big steep climbs. And, I climbed up a rock and walked through the brush and did things I hadn't done in a long, long time. And, did them with relative ease.

We even went to one of the highest locations in Denver to go skiing - well, I didn't ski (my knees wouldn't put up with it). But, I was there. And, I was walking around and I was outside in the cold air and I was having fun!

I was having fun!  Being physical. Outdoors. Me.

At one point in my life - like early last year - I wouldn't have even thought I would be having so much fun going for a long walk. Thinking of hiking over a mile (heck, I wouldn't even think of walking to get the mail!). But that's me now!

I completed my first 5K in December. The Hot Chocolate Run! And, now I'm hooked.  I've signed up for a 5K each month! That should keep me busy for a while! Thank heaven for my darling niece and Goddaughter for joining me on these 5K adventures!

I hope to work my way up to a 10K by October!  Eek!
I'm starting Cross Fit at the end of the month and will try my hand at aerial Pilates! What?! As my BFF has asked - Who ARE You?!

Add to all that wonderful schtuff... I have been cast in my first musical in over 20 years!  That's right! I'm taking the stage again.  My daughter is no longer the only thespian in the house. Of course, she's in two musicals simultaneously, but more on that later.

I'm in one. It ShouldA Been You with Take Two Productions. And, it's more than enough for me. We begin rehearsing next week!

Crazy.

And, now for the final thought for this year's first blog post... I'm down 90 pounds.  Yep! I can't believe it either.

I'm grateful you have been with me on this journey.  You guys help keep me focused. You guys help keep me honest. You guys help keep me going.

Thanks for reading.  Thanks for listening and thanks for being there for me.

Here's to a wonderful and active 2017!

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Carmen Garcia writes about stuff... life as a single mother, dating, weight loss, performing, and other random experiences. Sometimes it makes sense. Other times, not so much. You decide.