WOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

DONE! Done...with this part of the program anyway! It is surreal...I can't believe I just completed 8 weeks of this insanity! I am tired and sore just about everywhere...but I am DONE!

Unfortunately, my weigh in does not warrant as much fan fair. I only lost 1 pound this past week. I am confident that I will drop this week...that seems to be the routine for me. So, final "camp" numbers are (insert drum roll)....

In Eight Weeks...
32 pounds
36 inches
9% body fat (pure body fat...does not include lean mass numbers)

Like I have stated before...I am at my halfway point. I have been this weight before...probably a few years ago even...but I have never had the momentum and resolve to continue and lose the rest of the weight like I do now. Also, I am in better shape than I have been in since I was in my twenties!!!

Today, I went on a 40 mile bike ride and did a personal training session with my coach. The rest of the day was spent doing a final session with the nutritionist, getting weighed, measured, dunked and getting my "after" picks taken. I am going to try to get them digitally and MAYBE I'll post some of them...not sure...the "before" pics are really scary!!!

I also spent time with my coach finalizing a workout plan for home...which is still pretty intense...but nothing compared to here!!!!

I am going to continue to blog as I continue my journey....stay tuned world....you ain't seen nothing yet!!!!!

Two more days....and a long flight home!

I don't think I have ever been more ready to do anything in my life! I am packed and counting the days, hours and minutes. So instead of thinking about what I miss at home, I decided to think about what I will miss here when I leave. Such as...

1) Riding bike along the coastline (this is a BIG one)
2) The trainers...they are all great.
3) Friends that I have met here...it is great to be able to talk with those that are fighting the same battle.
4) Being in a safe, no-judgement environment
5) Being able to work out for seven hours or more a day (...I almost wrote that with a straight face! )

That is really about it.... but I'll keep thinking.

On a completely different note... As I have shared, I am only about half way to my goals. My "Journey" is far from over. So I am trying to decide if I should continue the blog when I get home. I welcome your thoughts!

Final Friday!

As I head into my final weekend, I am feeling good. Aside from not getting enough sleep...I am like a kid at Christmas...I can't sleep because I am so excited to go home! Last night I tossed and turned for three hours!!

Today, just like every Friday, we went to the Santa Monica Stairs. I did two trips and then decided that I did not want my calves to be killing me for the next four days. So...I jogged! I jogged all through the neighborhood by the stairs which includes stunning homes and a breath taking view of the ocean....it was beautiful!!! AND I was jogging!! Suddenly, I found a comfortable pace and it just worked. I still mixed in a good bit of speed walking...but I easily jogged more than half of the time.

Back at the gym it was kind of a light day. I had a circuit, a private training session, a nutrition session and a massage. My last massage. It was good. Tonight I plan on starting to pack and I have a little bit of BRG work to complete.

I found this humorous...today within a one-hour span a guy at the gym told me that I don't even look like I need to be in the program anymore...and then...the housekeeper told me I still need to lose more weight (it was broken English...not meant to be an insult...she is actually really sweet)!!! Just goes to show you how subjective this stuff is!!! As far as my opinion...I am happy and feeling good -- have a good way to go, but am happy for where I am!

Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday weekend!!

I know I can, I know I can, I know I can...

I have officially moved from "think" to "know". I can't explain the how or why...but I woke up this morning just KNOWING that I could do the Bike, Hike, Bike...KNOWING that I can make it to my goal weight...KNOWING that I can maintain an active healthy lifestyle.

The BHB was amazing. I had completely head-tripped myself into believing that I couldn't do it...and I not only did it...I led the pack and finished it in THREE hours!!! To be fair...I only lead the pack that I left the gym with, while two of the more fit people had left early....they would have smoked me on the mountain (but I can beat them on bike :-) )!

I can't remember if I have described the BHB -- it is a 15 mile bike ride, then a one mile straight up hill on bike, then a 4 mile hike (climbing up almost 1,000 feet in the first mile), then a 15 mile ride home. It is the same hike that I have done in the past...however in the past I was driven to and from in a van! Here are some pics from the hike...

Since I was pretty far ahead of my group, I did the entire trip by myself. I really enjoyed it...riding along the beach, hiking to the top of the mountain where you can see LA, the oceanfront and all of the beautiful homes...but most of all, I enjoyed just appreciating what I am now capable of doing! I just got such a kick out of the fact that me...lazy, lay on the couch, don't like to sweat, don't like the bugs outside, not athletic Jane... was out there just doing it, doing it well, and enjoying it!! Granted, the bugs still suck.

So many people here are afraid to go home. They want to stay in this safe environment and don't trust themselves with their own lives. I can't wait to start my new life at home! This is how I always have wanted to live and now I KNOW I can!

Making My Final Stretch Count!

Next week at this time I will be at home playing with Abby!!! I can not wait to get home! But first, I have a few more things to accomplish. I have four more full workout days (tomorrow, Thursday, Friday and Saturday)...the gym is close on Thanksgiving but am planning on working out on my own. Monday will be a light day since I will be doing all of my final testing and getting my pics taken. In my last four workout days I want to:

1) conquer the BHB
2) jog at LEAST half of the "pier run" -- this is on the beach and we go from one pier to another
3) ride all the way to Redondo beach (next beach down from Hermosa)
4) lose at LEAST 4 more pounds

Tomorrow is BHB and I am trying not to psych myself out. I will be honest...it scares me. I know I can do it ...but it is gonna be painful!!! We are starting at 8:30 in the morning. I need to go to bed now!!

I am going to do the "pier run" on Thanksgiving and I am going to do the Redondo beach ride on Friday or Saturday....and , well, you all know when weigh in is...that's right, let's say it all together....MONDAY.

WHAT??!!??!!

EIGHT pounds!!!! Total for seven weeks....31 pounds and 34 inches!!!! I am baffled...but thankful! Last week I thought that my original goal of losing between 35 and 40 pounds was not possible. Today, the game has changed...original goal is back on!!

I really needed this good news to carry me through this week. Now, I am focused and ready to rip through this week. Started today with a 25 mile bike ride, followed by two training sessions and 90 minutes of cardio...it was an early day for me since I cut back to only two night time boot camps.

I found out today that the gym is not even going to be open on Thursday. Kind of a bummer...I was planning on just pretending it was just a normal day. The gym is getting really empty. After tomorrow, the only people left here are going to be the international folks...Mila and me (Mila is the lawyer who moved here after 12 weeks on the program). I think there are only six of us. One woman from South Africa and one from England are talking about going to Universal Studios on Thursday. I am thinking I will get up and do a long bike ride that day and then join them.

I am off to eat yet another mediocre meal...but I can deal with that since I had a GREAT weigh in!!!!

Legs on Ice for the Weekend!

I am getting lazy on my blogging! It was a very relaxing weekend. Friday night I had some friends over to watch movies. We stayed up until after midnight...which I have not done since being here!! It is really great talking with others going through the same struggles. Although sometimes the conversation can backslide into gossip and complaining...negative energy is NOT what I need or want.

Saturday and today I really just chilled. I watched movies and worked on jewelry while continuously icing my legs. They are starting to feel a little better. I actually walked over to the store today like a normal person!! I am a little nervous about taking two days off, but my legs really did not give me a choice. On Friday, one of my trainers told me that I should take the two days to recover...he was speaking "off the record" of course!

Tomorrow will conclude week 7 and start MY LAST WEEK!!!! I am so excited to go home. I want to be in charge of my life again! The routine here is very stale...as is the food. I have been figuring out my workout and eating plan for regular life...and I am actually optimistic about living a healthy life...while still having some fun ;-) !!

Abby went to the pet resort today. I have been watching her on the cybercam all day until they turned off the lights at 9:00 EST...don't they know mommies might be on the west coast???? She seems to be doing okay so far. I wish the camera had audio so I would know if she was whimpering or not. Maybe I am better off not knowing!

I hope all of you have had a good weekend and are looking forward to a short week and LONG weekend!!

Taking on the Coast

I woke up at about 3:00 AM with insane cramps in my rigth calf...so that pretty much nixed my plan to do the BHB. I did however do the bike part. I rode up to the mountain that we hike...which involved getting up a long, steep street that leads to the base of the mountain...it was a wicked bi#*%!! Then for some reason...I think it was guilt...I decided to take on the coast. I knew I needed to burn more calories so I rode back down the street and proceeded to ride all the way from Palisades to Manhattan Beach -- I later found out I rode 44 miles!

As a result of my adventure, I am so miserably sore that I had to make it an early day. I felt like hell ...sore, achy, freezing...I came home took a hot shower and crawled in bed. I keep telling myself that this is what my body needed...but another voice in my head keeps mocking and taunting me about my crappy weigh in and the fact that I am not close to my goal. BTW, weighed this morning and have only lost one pound so far this week...which means unless something mystical happens, my Monday weigh in is going to low again. This place is making me crazy...on what planet is a 44 mile bike ride NOT ENOUGH?????

One Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty...

...steps!!!! That is right, we did the Santa Monica Stairs today and I completed ELEVEN trips! That tops my best by two! I also had one of the hardest personal training sessions that I have had since I arrived...thought I was gonna die!!!

I am going to do a mid week weigh in to see what is going on. I figure that if it is good, I will be happy and it will renew my purpose for being here. If it is bad, perhaps it will kick me in the a**
and make me kill it on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!

Tomorrow I am scheduled to do the Bike, Hike, Bike...I am ASCARED!!!! It is a very intense 3-4 hour workout (depending on how fast you move). I told my coach (who is also responsible for our schedules) to keep hour five open for me as well...just in case!!!

I realized when I got home last night that in two weeks (from last night), I will be home with my sweet doggy!!!!! I can't wait! I also can't wait to be able to take a hot bath in my wonderful bathtub. I will not miss having to break my bath time in two parts...upper and lower body...the tub in this apartment is like 4 ft. !!!!

PATIENCE...Not One Of My Greatest Virtues

Okay...let me get this out of the way...I only lost two pounds last week. Yes, I am disappointed, frustrated, yada, yada, yada...but it is what it is. I worked really hard last week in my workouts and I stuck to the meal plan. I just have to be patient for my body to get the message. The good news is that I lost another 5 1/2 inches -- so something is happening!

My coach reminded me that I have lost 14 pounds in the last three weeks. Then I reminded her that I have only lost 23 in six weeks. She responded that four pounds a week is really good for a woman. Funny, they didn't mention that when I was researching the program!!

I am also really bummed because Mariah finished the program today. She is going to stay with Milla (another good friend of ours who has been in the program for 12 weeks and just moved here) through the end of the week -- but she won't be at the gym. Mariah did really well on the plan -- she lost 42 pounds in 8 weeks. I will be lucky to lose in the low 30s!!! But I can't compare, she was able to do level 2 and 3 since her second week and she is also 8 years younger than me. But still!!!!

SO...I am trying to muster up some positive energy and get my head straight. I have two weeks to make the most impact possible. Since the scale is unreliable, I am going to focus on things that I can control -- sticking to the eating plan and stepping up my workouts. I have the Bike, Hike, Bike this week and really pushing myself on jogging....both really good for the calorie burning!

This One Is For You Josh!!

Now THAT is a bicycle fit

for a princess!

Thanks Josh!!

I Think I Can...I Think I Can...I Think I Can...

Don't know how many of you are familiar with the children's story "The Little Engine That Could", but I think of it often...especially every time I look at the calendar and count how many more days (17), hours of workouts (80+), etc I have left before I go home. I know my Mom will especially appreciate this because she had to read this book to me several thousands of times when I was little!!

I just realized it has been a few days since I have posted. Thursday and Friday were not great for me...low enthusiasm, tired, sore and REALLY HUNGRY. Honestly, I eat my tiny little meal and my stomach is growling 30 minutes later!! And now the CRAVINGS have started. I had a dream that I was eating at Chili's last night!!! That is probably because I was craving a margarita, chips, salsa and guac....and a really good burger and fries all day yesterday...and I could order both at Chili's!!

My trainers and nutritionist agree that me being hungry is a really good sign that my metabolism is kicking up....it is about time!!! Six weeks in...thanks for finally joining the party!! Well, I have weigh in on Monday...we will see...

Today was a really good day. I got up and had breakfast at the apartment then went to the gym and worked out for two hours (1 hour of strength circuit and 1 hour of cardio boot camp) then I took off for a 30 mile bike ride. It was beautiful outside. I even stopped at one of the piers and just "took in" the scenery...something I don't get much of a chance to do here. I accomplished all of this before lunchtime. At home, in the past, I would just be starting my second cup of coffee after sleeping in way too late!!

I am really ready to go home. I am anxious to start implementing my new habits into my life. I feel like it is time to take the training wheels off!! Only two more weeks to get through here...two more LONG weeks. Make that LONG, HUNGRY weeks. I am going to see how my weigh in goes and then potentially ask for them to move my protein up to at least a level B.

I am off tomorrow. I am thinking about heading to the beach...to RELAX for once, instead of sweating at boot camp. I don't even feel like I am near the ocean...time to fix that!!

Picking up the Pace!

Whew...I hiked that mountain so fast you'd think there was a Neiman's having a Last Call shoe sale at the top!! I shaved another 12 minutes off my time to the top. It felt really good and my legs were strong the entire time. Of course Mariah was JOGGING in front of me...yes, UP the mountain....but still, it was my personal best.

I had a posture and alignment class today. It is amazing...the coach worked with me for a half hour and completely opened up my lower back and hips. Then she put each leg in traction for 15 minutes which completely re-aligns the body. I try to have this class at least once a week. I have also asked for the coach to send me all the exercises so that I can do them at home.

The rest of my day was pretty easy which is a good thing because I have been going pretty hard this week. Tomorrow is looking challenging as well. Now that I am doing well on the hike, my next big challenge is Bike, Hike, Bike (see description in one of my previous posts). I think I am going to try the "Bike" part of it tomorrow to see if I can handle it. I am only worried about the very last part of it which is a long street leading up the mountain that is entirely uphill.

Almost done with week 6.... the weeks are starting to go a little faster. I can't wait to come home and see everyone. I hate being so far away from all my peeps!!! Hope everyone is doing well!!!

I Hate Jacob and His Ladder!!!

For anyone who understands the title of today's post, 'nuff said! For those who do not...some crazy sadist invented a never-ending ladder that is set at an incline and you just keep climbing...grasping for the round wooden rungs until you pass out or finish your workout! Ugh, I hate it....but it burns more calories than just about any other piece of equipment in the gym!!!!

Here is a pic....no silly, that's not me on it!

Anyway, had a challenging but good day. I had a training session with one of the hardest trainers in the gym. He completely upped my game on weights. As I was doing my fifth, one-minute plank I happened to look at my arm....there was a new bump...I think it is called a tricep! There is was...with a subtle cut defining it!

Aside from workouts, I had my "Grocery Store" session today. The nutritionist took three of us to the grocery store and we walked aisle by aisle talking about good choices, needed nutrients and meal ideas. It was really interesting. She is a big believer in eating the "real" stuff in smaller portions versus eating anything processed or "light" or "fat-free". She even had us pick out some of our favorites and then gave us options for how to eat it in a more healthy way or how to substitute it for something better for your body. All and all, a very interesting experience.

I am getting back on the mountain tomorrow...fingers-crossed that my knees and calves hold up!! (is "calves" the right way to spell that...plural of a calf...or am I spelling it like I have a bunch of livestock???)

Hot Damn!

I lost another SIX pounds!!! SO happy!! Inches went up to 26 lost. I also got dunked to determine if I lost any lean mass and I didn't, all six pounds were from body fat! What a great way to start week six.

Then I looked at my schedule for the day...Hello Level 3!!! All my workouts today were advanced and tomorrow they are as well! I am still weak on my running, but am working on it. Today Marco, the trainer who wants to come up with more challenging bike rides (past blog), took about five of us on a ride. We went all the way down to Hermosa Beach. As if that was not enough, he had us do Indian Rely all the way there! Indian Rely is when the last person in the line has to race to the front of the line, passing everyone in the line. Then the next goes...and so on. I burned over 1000 calories on that ride!!!

My knees and calves are still killing me...but it seems a little more worth it when my numbers are strong!!! Time for Icy Hot ...then to bed I go!

Three More Weeks...

I have done nothing but relax for the better part of this weekend. I was able to get some jewelry making done (for an upcoming wedding ...I was commissioned to do two pieces for all the bridesmaids...10 of them!!) and I had about 5 hours of BRG work to get done. Other than that, I caught up on my shows and my sleep. Now I sit, as I do every Sunday night, pondering what my weigh will have to tell me. And every Sunday night I play the expectation management game. We'll see...!

I only have three weeks left. In some ways, the time has gone by really fast. But in most ways, I have felt every minute of every day!! I am planning to take some time tonight to set some goals for the coming weeks. I think if I focus on some specifics...besides the numbers on the scale...it will keep my spirits up and I'll be more productive.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

PS...they snuck more nasty egg whites into my breakfast sandwich this morning!! Those things do not refrigerate well!!!!

Stairway to ...the Weekend

Every Friday we do the Santa Monica Stairs (SMS). I had to sit out last week due to my calf injury. I did pretty well today, but my calf started hurting about halfway through. I searched the Internet to find some pictures of the SHS so you could see them...these don't do them justice because you can't capture all 180 of them in one photo, but you can get the idea. I completed eight trips today (down from my best of nine...but my leg hurt).




I had a progress meeting with my coach today. She and I are working on a program for when I get home. She also told me to start taking Sundays off ...YAY! I am very glad I switched to her as my coach...she is great.


Also on the schedule today was a bike ride. It was the typical ride to Manhattan Beach (20 mls). Mariah and I made such good time on the ride that when the trainer got back to the gym(they usually ride with the slowest person), he said that he wants to create a new ride for us that will challenge us more. He wants to have the van drop us off way down the coast and for the three of us to ride back...for FOUR hours!! Ugh....although, I bet it will be beautiful.


On a sad note, one of my closest friends here left today. I already miss her. She lost 38 pounds in 7 weeks. She still has a significant amount to lose, but the difference in her before and after pics was amazing. I need to get used to people that I like leaving...the closer Thanksgiving comes, the fewer of my friends will be around. I started taking a poll today and so far I know of only 6 people who will be here that week. I'll be in my home stretch by then so maybe it won't matter as much.

I hope everyone is settling in for a nice weekend!!

Keeping It Real

Many of you have commented on my positive attitude...which I appreciate. My positive attitude is a survival technique...make no mistake! To keep it real....

• I am homesick, miss my dog, my family and friends, my house, my life... this place is a smelly shit-hole.
• I am so sick of all the nasty smelly people laying around bitching, gossiping and leaving their sweat everywhere and stealing food.
• I am starting to get grossed out by a lot of the food (not ALL of it, fortunately). If I have to open up another container with a smelly, congealed ball of egg whites in the morning I will be sick.
• I am tired of being tired and sore and always needing to ice, heat or stretch something in fear of not being able to move in the morning.
• I am tired of being constantly worried that I am not doing enough to make my numbers.
• I am tired of only sitting on the half of the couch that I have covered with my throw (that is constantly falling or slipping). The rest of the couch is too nasty.
• I have to wear shoes or socks at all times in my apartment since my carpet is actually crunchy.
• I want to be able to sleep in, drink coffee, get in my car and just drive (have not driven in over a month)...maybe see the leaves or go shopping...or whatever
• I am sad that I am missing the Fall in DC...especially Old Town. I am sad that I am going to miss all of the fun and tradition of the Thanksgiving holiday (not the food...but planning, cooking, getting up and watching the parade and the dog show while I finish preparing the meal and setting the table, having family fill my house and celebrate the things we have to be thankful for...and after all of that, the relaxing long weekend when I usually start decorating my house for Christmas fun)

I am not having a bad day and I am not writing any of this for pity...I just wanted to keep it real. All of the above commentary is just a reality. It is also the sacrifice that I CHOSE to make to focus on my health and weight loss. While this place is a less than desirable environment, I am learning so much and hopefully changing my bad habits!

I choose to have a good attitude and appreciate the things that I like about this place...many of the trainers, the friends that I have made (yes, they are still sweaty, as am I...but they don't bother me), being able to ride bike along the beach....and the many other good things that I have written about.

To close this post, I want to share a quote from a card I received yesterday (thanks Magda!)

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"

Let's just say...I am living!!

In Need of ZZZZZZZ's

For the first time, I had trouble getting to sleep last night which resulted in me only sleeping about six hours. That does not come close to what I need to get through the days here!! So...I was DDDDRRRRAGGGGIIINNNGGGGG today!

The spin class was ridiculous!!! But I made it all the way through and did almost everything. I also had a cardio boot camp, abs/core workout, personal training session (which was HARD) and did intervals for about an hour on the treadmill. Then I came home and almost fell asleep while soaking in a hot tub!!

I am having a hard time not getting caught up in the numbers. I really want big losses and am worried that I won't hit them. While I lost 15 in my first month, I really want to lose 20 in my second month. I know that the most important part is what I am learning and the habits that I am establishing...that is what is going to help me take off the rest of the weight that I want to lose and keep it off. That said, I want BIG numbers!!!

Being really tired today did not help...so I am planning on being in bed by 8:00 tonight. My day tomorrow is packed with hard cardio...and I mean packed. They didn't even give me any breaks to eat or pee!!! I will have to get creative.

I am watching The Biggest Loser from this week. Very cool that it is in DC! Tracey drives me nuts...she is a big bucket of crazy!!

CardioRetail Anyone?

Today was a good day. They dunked me and I found out that I have lost 2.5% of my body fat -- which is a good start.

Adrien came back to the gym and did my first couple workouts with me. Then I rearranged my schedule for the day so that we could just get out and spend some girl time together. We had lunch outside (I ate my pre-packaged, approved lunch) and then went and did some "Cardio Retail"...yes that means shopping! I bought some new workout pants at LuLuLemon because mine were falling down all morning. These are my first from LLL because I have never been able to fit in their clothes!! Their tops are still too snug...but I picked out a few things that I will be back for in a few weeks! Then we just walked around and shopped in Santa Monica (see... cardio/walking and retail/shopping). I also bought some great lavender bath products to luxury-up my epsom salt baths. After our girl time, I went back to the gym for another 3 1/2 hours of training.

On a separate note, for those of you who have expressed concern over whether or not we will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee together or a bottle of wine in the future...have no fears!! I am, and always will be, a big believer in MODERATION. The reason I am off the caffeine while I am here is primarily because it dehydrates and dehydration is the number one reason people get injuries. I am off the wine...well...I guess that one is obvious (sleep, empty calories, slowing your metabolism....I'll stop there as it is too depressing!!). But yes, my goal is to come home, continue to loose weight by living life in moderation.

I must now go to bed because they put in a spin class tomorrow that is 11/2 hours and led by the owner of the gym. This class has made many grown men (and even women ;-) ) cry. I think they are crazy for putting me in it already....but I'll give 'em what I've got!! BTW...the calf is feeling better!

ONE MONTH - Stats

I have survived one month....one more to go. Today, my friend Adrien came to visit from DC. It was SO good to see a familiar face!!! She hung out and worked out with me for a few hours today and she will do the same tomorrow...just the boost I needed! Thanks A!!

Okay...here is a rundown of some of my achievements...granted, this is more for myself to go back and read on really hard days, than it is for you all!

THE NUMBERS:

• 15 pounds ...lost 6 last week!!!
• I am getting dunked again tomorrow to see how many actual pounds of fat I have lost and how many pounds of lean muscle I have gained
• 20 inches...gone!!

HAVE NOT DONE OR HAD IN ONE MONTH:

• No alcohol
• No caffeine (no coffee, tea, diet sodas...you got it)
• No artificial sweeteners
• No processed food
• No sweets
• No fried food (yes...that includes french fries)
• Have not worn make-up (yay!)
• Have not worn anything but workout clothes (except jeans and a t-shirt once) (also very nice!)
• Have not worn heels or even shoes -- only sneaks and flops (very, very nice!)
• Have not slept past 7:30 AM (usually up at 6 or 6:30)
• Have not gone to bed past 10:00 PM (usually in bed at 9:00PM)

WHAT I HAVE DONE IN ONE MONTH

• Worked out EVERYDAY (except yesterday) - typically for 5-7 hours
• Been very sore, stiff and had minor injuries (see bullet #1)
• Discovered muscles that have remained unknown to me for 42 years
• SWEAT more than I even thought humanly possible
• Improved my strength -- upper and lower body and core (yay core!)
• Improved my endurance (still working on it...but it is improving)
• Gained an understanding of my heart rate patterns and how to manage them (even w/o a monitor)
• Stuck to my eating plan...no cheats... started at 1500 calories per day...rapidly moved down to 1200
• Learned how much I am capable of doing (physically)
• Become a cyclist
• Focused only on myself and my goals...finally
• Learned, and now cherish, the value of a good night's sleep
• Found my inner athlete

...and did I mention... 15 pounds and 20 inches....Buh-Bye!!

Thanks for sharing in my ups and downs and helping me get through my first month. You will never know how much your support helps me get through the hard times!!!! I raise my glass of unsweetened tea to you all...and toast to great month and an even better month ahead!!