Starting Year 2

Well, I have to say I am disappointed with myself in some ways but happy that I have found SparkPeople. I have tried so many diets over the past 30 years and I always have success, but it has never been permanent. This time, I vowed to not lose the weight quickly and then have it come back on again so this is a very slow journey, but I am down 16 pounds from last year and that is something. I had hoped to lose 8 pounds a month but quickly saw that wasn't going to happen so revised my goal to 2 lbs a month and I didn't even do that but I did lose so I am going to be happy about that.
As I start this year, I hope to do better with my portions and maybe I can make that 2 pounds a month goal a reality. My main objective to lose the weight is to get off the cholesterol medicine that I am on. I have made lots of changes in my diet so hoping that this coming blood test will maybe let the dr give me the words I want to hear, "You can stop taking the cholesterol medicine".
I have done so much better with my exercise and my clothes are looser and I have even gone done 2 sizes - from a 22 to 16/18. My goal for this coming year is to get into a size 12 by this time next year. I don't really care what I weigh as much as being at a healthy weight and BMI and getting off this medicine.
Last year I was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and the dr wanted to put me on steroids. I don't do well on them-I can gain 15 pounds in a week while taking them so I have dealt with this with only arthritis strength tylenol. My joints were so stiff last summer I could fall over trying to get dressed and just walking was painful. I decided to not let this disease control me but to control it thru exercise, so I worked out in the swimming pool and walked short distances at first. I now walk 3 miles most days. I had trouble lifting my arms but now have almost full mobility and am ready to start doing some lifting of weights. This summer I have started riding a bike again but the heat has limited how much riding I do.
I don't have time to think about where this could go, my father who turns 99 in 3 weeks and my husband, who can no longer drive due to the loss of his eyesight, depend on me so I have to stay healthy to help them. The dr has told me this could resolve itself in 1-3 years and it has greatly improved and I am pegging my hopes on it totally clearing up by this time next year!
There are so many people out there who are facing much bigger challenges than what I am so I feel blessed that I have made progress, I have good friends who support me, and a loving husband who is willing to do what he can to support me.
To others who are starting their 2nd year. May we all continue this journey to health, may we find happiness in our lives, and May God Bless all of my Spark Friends.