Monday, May 14, 2018

TEN YEARS, BABY!

I really can't believe I've been blogging for 10 years, but today - May 14, 2018 - marks 10 years to the date of my first post.  Ten years is a long time to spend doing anything, much less something as basic as blogging.  But here you go - 10 years after I started documenting my weight loss journey, I'm still here, writing about everything under the sun - and you guys are still reading, which warms my heart.

I don't actually have a lot to say on this special occasion, because I've come to realize that every day can be special - it's more about noticing the impact of any given day versus trying to make something happen because it's a certain day.  So hey, Happy Monday!

I didn't plan ahead very well for this post and by the time I started writing it, I realized that I hadn't taken any good pictures like I used to - and quite frankly, after all of the craziness of the house renovation, I was really enjoying some down time over the weekend, puttering around our new-to-us house, and I didn't want to bother doing my hair and makeup and getting dressed for a picture. I didn't have any to pull from my files, either, because 99% of the pictures I've taken in the last few months are either running pictures or else I'm holding an adorable baby - pretty much the story of my days, and I'm OK with that.

But then I remembered that my most recent favorite picture was of me finishing the Silo District 5K last week. It's not because I look like a gazelle runner, with my hair flowing behind me, long legs striding toward the finish line - nope, that image will never be me, no matter how I see my runner self in my mind. But I love this shot because 10 years after I started my lifestyle change, I'm still out there, doing something I never EVER though I'd be doing - running. And as you can see in the picture, I'm not first, and I'm not last; I'm participating in a fun event instead of having to stand on the sidelines because my body wasn't capable of exercising like that.

So here I am, sweaty, red-faced, not as thin as I was during the early years of this blog, but not as heavy as I was when I started this blog, either - I'm here, I'm happy, and I get to participate in life...and I really can't ask for more:
No matter how the race goes, always - ALWAYS - smile for the camera!

Finally, I wanted to do a little giveaway, to show my appreciation to those of you who continue to read and comment.  And yes, there's a reason why the giveaway isn't included in the title - hopefully this will keep the randos who only comment to win a prize, any prize, from entering.  What's that they say?  My blog, my rules, right?  In honor of my 10 years of blogging, I'm going to give 10 readers a $10 gift card from either Starbucks or Amazon - your choice.  Speaking of rules, to enter just leave a comment saying whether you'd prefer a gift card from Starbucks or Amazon, and make sure I have a way to contact you if you win. 

This giveaway isn't sponsored by anyone but me - my money will be purchasing the gift cards and the lucky winners will be receiving them as e-gift cards in their email.  I'll take entries until 8:00 pm CST on Thursday, May 17th, do a random draw, and list the winners in Friday's post.  Just my way of saying thank you for reading my little blog!

32 comments:

  1. When you did a little foreshadowing on Friday I was thinking that it was about 10 years ago that you started blogging. I have enjoyed following your journey. Congratulations for sticking with it. Kimncolumbia at aol. Amazon

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  2. I've been reading you since the beginning. Congratulations on your milestone! ~ Bobbie

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  3. Wow, 10 years!! I think I've been following you for about 6 of those, and I'm really glad that I found your blog, and that you're still blogging AND that I got to meet you in real life a few years back! :) Being happy and able to participate in life is a very good place to be! Congrats on the milestone!

    (not really commenting to enter the giveaway, but I can always use something at Amazon)

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  4. I hardly ever comment BUT I do read...and I've had the pleasure of meeting you. I can't believe it's been ten years! I sort of feel like I've known you and my other 'fake friends' forever now! As for the gift card preference: Starbucks is tempting but Amazon does take a lot of my money lol...

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  5. Happy Blogaversary! I haven't been along for the whole ride, but I've enjoyed my ride since I've started reading! Congrats and I hope you continue to run!

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  6. Ten years of blogging really is an amazing thing. Yours is the first blog I read and the first one I 'dared' to comment on. Yours is now one of the few I read and still comment on lol. After all these years, I guess that's why you are still my BIF. Amazon calls my name and knows my address!

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  7. Wow, that is mighty nice of you to offer this giveaway to so many readers! I don't remember how i even found your blog but i am glad that i started reading and stuck around! Congrats on 10 years of blogging. I hope i can follow in your footsteps! An Amazon gift card would be awesome! -M

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  8. Congrats on your 10 year blogversary. I know I have been reading steady for 8 of those years maybe longer time flies by. I like Amazon can be reached at scalderon4913@gmail.com

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  9. Its funny, about a week ago I started thinking that its been 10 years since I started blogging, and I should write a special post. So when you mentioned a special post Friday, I thought I knew what it might be! Your blog is still so interesting, I look forward to every Monday-Wednesday-Friday. And if you ever change the days you post, you know it messes me up :) I think I might like a Starbuck's card, if I win. That is very generous of you!

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  10. Ten blogger years is how many regular human years? Congratulations on all of them! I'm glad I found you. You are funny. You are interesting. You are inspiring. And, one of these days...lunch or dinner is on me. If I win, Amazon, baby.

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  11. I found your blog about six years ago, then went back and read everything from the beginning. It has been amazing to watch your transformation--mental and physical. Here's to hoping for 10 more years of great blogging. If I were to win, I'd prefer a starbuck's card. thank you!

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  12. Happy Blogaversary!! I don't always comment but I always read and have been reading for a lot of years - I'm so glad you are still at it. You inspire me every day! Not commenting for the prize - just wanted to say congrats!! (but if I get randomly chosen....Amazon is my drug of choice. sassypearblog@gmail.com) :)

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  13. Happy Blogaversary to you! 10 years is quite a long time. I'm not sure how I even found your blog. And although I haven't been reading since the beginning, I do enjoy reading. If I happen to be a winner this week, I'd prefer Amazon. What a nice idea, this giveaway of yours!

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  14. Happy 10 year anniversary! You seem to be in a happy place right now and that's what it's all about, isn't it. Thanks for being an inspiration. If chosen, I pick Amazon.

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  15. Happy Anniversary. I've been blogging & running for 10 years too.

    I love how you enjoy life with your family and friends. And you never give up on running even through those aches and pains.

    Here's to another 10 years , at least, for both of us.

    Starbucks, please...

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  16. Ten years is an awesome milestone! Congrats!! Thanks for offering a giveaway - that’s super generous of you! I do love me some Starbucks! :)

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  17. Congratulations on your ten years blogging. I was trying to recall how I came across your site. I think it was when I googled nutrimed. I never used it but have enjoyed reading your adventures. Also, I always look forward to seeing Paco and reading your captions... I like Starbucks!

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  18. Yay, happy blogiversary! Ten is a big one! That is amazing you are running now (and going to the gym and doing other active things!) when you never thought you would! Yay!

    And yay for the house being done!

    I'd love to enter for Starbucks. Good call on making people actually read the post to find it. It cracks me up, some of the people who comment on my giveaway posts ;)

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  19. I have been reading almost since the beginning, in fact you were the first food/fitness blogger I started following. Congrats on continuing your blog when so many have not. I do look forward to my weekly glimpses into your life my virtual friend. One step at a time, whether its running or writing the turtle always finishes cause this journey is a marathon not a sprint! (Amazon, not that I ever win)

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  20. I always enjoy reading your posts, although admittedly, I am terrible at leaving comments. I feel so bad as you always leave comments on mine, and I appreciate it so much! Can I blame it on being a tired, pregnant mama? Lol. Anyway, it's nice of you to do a giveaway! Starbucks would be my choice, of course:)

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  21. Happy Anniversary! Have really enjoyed reading for the last few years. Love the variety of topics ranging from knitting, running, cute babies, and especially the trip to the Magnolia Silos! Very fun to see your home reno - which is a good reminder that reality is nothing like TV where a job is complete in an hour less commercials! Love Amazon if I'm lucky enough to win. Thank you!

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  22. Congratulations, 10 years worth of memories to look back on!

    Love following your journey.

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  23. Congratulations on your 10 years! An accomplishment in every sense!

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  24. 10 Years!! Wow....I, too, am trying to remember how I 'met' you...it was either through Jack's blog, or perhaps Mir? Every time I'm in C.S. visiting our Aggies, I look for you, especially at Blue Baker!

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    1. If you're at the right BB on any given Saturday morning, you can't miss our group, LOL - and if you do happen to see us, please come over and introduce yourself - I'd love to meet you in person!

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  25. congratulations on 10 years. I enjoy reading about you & your family (especially the Kidults...a term which I have borrowed) Your weight loss journey was very inspiring! Now You're
    like an old friend that I visit a few times a week. Here's to another 10 years of blogging.
    I would gladly take either gift card. Love ya! rjax4@msn.com

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  26. You make me want to move to Texas and become a Renegade...not because of the running but because I want to go to Blue Baker. I've read your blogs for years and even though other blogs have fizzled over a short period of time, you are still going strong. I feel like I'm part of your family and love to keep up with what's going on in your family's lives (P.S. Paco pics are the BEST!). Thank you for inspiring us and entertaining us. It is greatly appreciated. (P.S.S. I like Amazon)!

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  27. Happy blogiversary! I don't like to think it has been 10 years. Where the heck does the time go? Ahhhh!!!! I like Amazon, but you don't have to enter me in the drawing :)

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  28. I don't need a giveaway but wanted to say keep blogging! I like reading about your adventures.

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  29. i started out reading you for suggestions about fitness and weight loss...Instead, I found a delightful blog full of life and love...I enjoy your runs, the Renegades, all the babies and Texas...Thank you for providing such fun!...(I should be giving you the gift card...and my choice is Amazon)...

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  30. Congrats on 10 Years! I'm not sure how long I've been reading your blog. It was sometime after your weight loss. I truly enjoy reading about all of your adventures and especially enjoy Paco! Starbucks is my preference if I'm picked. Thanks for your continued blogging!

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  31. When I was reading your paragraph that was ‘not as thin..not as heavy’. My main thought was...but oh so much healthier!!! Congrats on 10!! Amazon all the way!!! :-)

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