As of last week, I have reached my weight goal: I have lost over 20 pounds.

As 2007 winds down, I've been reflecting on all that this year has brought, and am amazed at how much has happened. Here are some of my highlights of the year. * Moved into new job roles - Steve and I transitioned into new positions with our work as college pastors, and have found the change to be challenging and exciting. It's particularly been fun to get to work and partner together in a job that we're both passionate about.

It's that time again - the season of holiday festivities! As the season ushers in copious amounts of parties, traveling, late nights and feasts, one's healthy habits can get chucked right out with the fruit cake. I have personally discovered that without a good plan of attack for the holidays, I am prone to overindulge, skip the exercise, and guiltily saunter into January afraid of stepping on Mr. Scale. Not fun. Here are some tips to help us enjoy the holiday season, and happily step into the new year as healthy as ever. Any other ideas for celebrating the holidays healthy-style?

You need to know something about me. I don't usually get caught up by flashy things. I like simplicity in life, especially when it comes to stuff. The car that I drove post-college was a 1986 Honda Accord, a faithful car until it reached its end when it broke down on the 110 freeway in downtown LA. Most of my clothes are thrift store discoveries, like the puffer vest I found last week at Goodwill for three dollars. Three dollars. The computer I use was produced in the Mesozoic Era. Just the thought of making any major purchase that seems less than practical causes me to cringe.