*Picture*

My stomach has changed.

Blue -- April 2011

Pink -- January 2012

Yellow -- February 2012

*Another Milestone*

Today was weigh-in day and I reached a great milestone. I have lost 20.6 pounds now! I weigh 194.4. Ssendoogymho! I am now closer to 190 then I am 200. I am so excited, proud of myself, motivated! There are so many words to describe what I was feeling this morning.

A couple weeks ago, I went shopping at Macy's with some of my birthday money. I purchased two tops in a size medium (yeah, me!). I feel so cute in them. The cashier mentioned how she liked the tops but they wouldn't fit her. I told her they were two sizes smaller than what I used to buy and that I had lost some weight. She wanted to know what I was doing. I told her WW and exercising. She said, "Oh, that's hard work. I was hoping you were going to say it was something easy." Those words rolled around in my mind for a while and I thought, "she is right". It has been hard work and I have put in that hard work.

I have consistently been journaling my food since October. On Saturdays, I for sure count my breakfast points. The rest of the day on Saturday is quite a bit freer. First of all, because it is a "free day" for me I don't keep track of food as tightly. I also don't go crazy either. I really pay attention to what I am eating. I just don't journal every bite. I think that is helping me in a sense because I have that day free of the food journal. I have also been working out on Saturday mornings since the beginning of the year. That is such a great decision on my part. It makes it easier to have that extra treat on Saturday, too. This Saturday workout also keeps me motivated through the weekend.

This week I have had some interesting observations. Starting on about Wednesday, I was getting REALLY hungry during the day. I have a great breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and then dinner. I am eating everything I am supposed to be eating for the day. I am starting to think my metabolism is really kicking in. I have been working out so hard and mixing things up that I really believe I am burning a lot of calories even at rest. It's a good thing. I am trying to listen to my body though. I don't want to get too hungry because that could lead to unhealthy choices.

Right now, my next exciting milestone will be to get to 189 and that is only 5 pounds away! Here we go!! :)

*196.8 and Blue Jeans*

This week I had a laugh with God. Early in the week I "told" Him (ha!) I was tired of seeing 197 on the scale. The last few weeks I have rolled around 197 going up a few tenths, coming down a few tenths and I was tired of the 197s. Anyhow, like I said, I "told" God I was tired of that number. I weighed on Saturday morning and was 196.8! As close as I can be to 197 without seeing 197 on the scale. It made me chuckle.

Sunday was Super Bowl Sunday. We all went to church. I went out to lunch with my small group of girls (whom I love). Then we all went to mom and dad's to watch the game, eat and celebrate my birthday. I had worn jeans to church and wore them all day. I have to admit, in years past, I enjoyed wearing yoga pants or something comfy for the Super Bowl so it wouldn't be so uncomfortable while eating all that food. I certainly didn't eat a lot of food and was totally comfortable in jeans all day long. Those are words that don't normally come from me.

*Measurements*

Here are my latest stats:

Weight: 197.4

Chest: 39"

Arm: 13"

Stomach: 38.5"

Waist: 36"

Butt/Hips: 47"

Difference since April 2011:

Weight: -13.2

Chest: -1"

Arm: -1"

Stomach: -8"

Waist: -2"

Butt/Hips: -3"

That's a total of 15" lost! Yeah!! I will continue working hard. I also need to remember to trust the process. All the days and weeks continue to add up together and make good stuff!