I exercised by butt off this week and only managed to lose 1.2 pounds.  I want to be under 200 by New Year's day, and that's only six weeks away!  I will try my best to reach that.  It's going to be a really difficult holiday season with all the usual temptations around, but this is when I will find out just how much I have truly changed.  Will I succumb to the goodies? Will I overindulge as I always have? As I sit here right now, the answer is 'no way'!  I hope to remain strong when the holiday treats are in front of me.  My plan is to avoid the food as much as possible.  First of all, I dont plan to bake as much as I usually do.  I am too tempted by cookie dough!! When i go to events or parties, I will make sure to eat healthy, drink lots of water, and always bring along a SF snack bar if I need a sweet. The next six weeks will be a real test, and I am praying that I pass!

Not very happy with myself and the teeny loss of only .3 pounds.  I have yet to keep a food journal, but I think I may need to start.  All day I have tried to remember everything I ate over the past seven days and it is impossible! I exercised every day, so it must be the food. I've been getting lazy with my portions also. I'm eating like I'm in maintenace phase, and I wont get the pounds off if I continue like this. Time to wake up and pay more attention. Nine more days until I go 'home' to NY... I MUST get a few pounds off in the next week. 

I REALLY worked hard yesterday on my exercise committment, and now I am feeling the pain.  I was on my ellpitical twice and I did my Jillian Wii workout.  That really got at some muscles I haven't used in a while! My butt and all the way down the back of my legs are sore.  I don't like to be in pain, but I like knowing that I am using my muscles. 

I've decided to go home (western NY) for the week of Thanksgiving. My mom is getting out of the hospital tomorrow and will be heading to a nursing home for rehab for a couple of days. She is very lucky, as she has had an incredible recovery so soon after her stroke. I'm taking vacation over Thanksgiving so I can go up to NY and spend some time with her, and my oldest daughter.  I hate the thought of going up there in the winter, but I feel it's important that I go.  I'll be able to get all of mom's Xmas decorations up for her and hopefully get most of her Xmas shopping done too. I'm so glad I have lost some weight and have more energy, cause I have a feeling I'll need it! The worst part about being up there..... mom doesnt have a computer. I've been laptop shopping for a couple of weeks, so hopefully I will find one at a good price before I go.  I dont know what I would do without the support of my SF friends for a whole week! 

Finally, a good week has paid off! I lost 4.3 pounds this week, for a total of 41.1 pounds GONE! This past weekend I started exercising and I am glad to see how well it paid off! Even though I have been dealing with lots of stress the last two days, I have stayed committed to a healthy lifestyle.  I must admit, I am very proud of myself.  My next mini goal is to lose 11.2 more pounds so that I will be under 200. That will be a day to celebrate!