Deni H

Todd and I started communicating about 2 years ago through this site, and we’ve been on some teams together. The most important one is my current goal #1 about establishing healthy lifestyle habits and getting to a healthy weight and maintaining it once I get there. I’m happy to be able to report that I helped get him to Mississippi, one of his previously unexplored states. We did a 10k together yesterday. He got to meet some of my coworkers and family. And, then last evening we met up with Sherlock and I got to introduce them. We all had a wonderful time together, and everyone I talked to about him thinks he’s a really nice guy. I agree with them, of course. He’s the type of person who appears not to have ever met a stranger and is a very generous person. Yesterday was very special because he was a part of it, and I’m very glad that we got to meet. :D

This year has been very fast-paced and I can barely believe that it will end in a few days! Along with its fast-paced nature, it’s been intense as well. I cannot express how many lessons I’ve learned. I’ve continued to become more confident through-out this year. I ended an abusive relationship and had the courage to start meeting other people. I won an award with work, and have realized what improvements I still need to make. I have continued my quest for good health even though I have gotten sidetracked more than progressed this year compared with the past two years. I have also become a better housekeeper this year definitely. I also have become an even more awesome cook, because I’ve learned and made up new recipes. I have realized lots of my personal weaknesses and have made plans to improve upon them with the help of a few of my close friends. I have also learned to stand up for myself more often now, when the need arises. I have made a new real-life best friend from this site. I’ve also narrowed my focus for what I want to do for grad school with her help and guidance. I’ve become more emotionally stable, too, thanks to her concern for me (as well as other people from this site). I’ve become a lot more financially responsible and stable, too.

She is incredibly supportive and loving on a very down-to-earth, genuine level of those who are important to her. I think anyone would be blessed to have her as one of their friends.

Deni is one of the most inspirational people on this site in my opinion. She’s kept me accountable, and is very encouraging. If you haven’t been touched by Deni at some point during your time on 43things, then you’ve really missed out.

I hope that if you haven’t caught her eye yet, that you eventually do. She’s truly an inspiration.

Look here for an overview.

She was able to get through to me some facts that people who are closest to me in real life couldn’t. She’s been a big part in enabling me to start believing in myself (meaning me), too. She is an awesomely supportive friend, too.

2006

It was a whirlwind of a year. It passed quickly and left a lot of things changed as it progressed.

• I learned more about who I am and who I want to become.
• I already knew that life wasn’t fair, but I learned how to deal with a situation I was dealt.
• I learned what is really important to me in a few instances.
• I have also learned that some major and minor trials won’t be the end of the world for me, either.

I can truly say that despite some of the challenges of last year, I closed the year out with being happy to be alive. I make no predictions for 2007 except that I will continue to fight complacency and continue on the path of self-improvement. Good or bad, I’ll be ready to face it, I’m fairly certain. :)

was Wednesday midday. I met her at her office and she did some mentoring with me for a goal of mine. Then, she drove me to Davis Kidd for lunch and treated me to a very nice lunch. We, as is the norm for our meetings, had lots of good conversation. I am continually amazed at the way she and I have become such good friends in such a short period of time. I just wish that we had closer geographic proximity to each other. Friendships are more valuable to me that just about anything, and I am glad that I have found another one with Sherlock. :D

I came out of the cold, gray Saturday into the eatery, knowing I was a few minutes late to meet Deni. A quick look around, and there she is, a huge smile on her face. She’s tall and striking, dressed in a deep red sweater, lipstick the same color, with her face as bright and welcoming as Christmas lights.

Ahhhh.

She has that effect. Two and a half hours later, I have to go, to take care of those Saturday errands. But I feel so much more alive than before. What a terrific friend she is!!!