WEIGH IN 5/23

Down again this week! (yeah)  Minus point eight --- just under one pound, but I'll take it!

I've not been as active this last week or so, so I need to get back in the exercise groove. Besides it being a huge plus for weight loss, it's also a good stress reliever and mind-clearer :) I know we've all heard the benefits of exercise before, about how it relieves stress, helps mood, etc. Well, it's true. So if you're not active, get off your bum and do something...I'm not saying go train for a marathon or anything (unless, of course, you're into that), but get out and do it. The fresh air is good for ya! :)

Now, the next thing is my goals. I've been hesitant to publish these. Yes, I do have them written down for myself and I look at them from time to time. However, I hate to "put them out there" and then not meet them...but that's why they are goals, right? I mean, they are there for me to reach for. If I don't reach them, then I can adjust them. As long as I keep striving. Am I right? Or am I disillusioned? Seriously, give me your input. I figure it can't be much worse than putting actual before & after photos on here. *lol* I mean I write this blog and place photos, etc. not just for myself, but for each of you who are so good to encourage, inspire and help keep me accountable. So here goes...

**Disclaimer:  If you don't want to know the gory details or feel it would hinder

your judgment of me in any way, then please read no further!**

I am currently 4.2 pounds away from being at my HALFWAY point. (Yes, I have that much to lose! Remember, I started this whole WW thing at a hefty 240 lbs. My ultimate goal weight is 144 -- which is 40% of my starting weight, meaning a loss of 96 lbs. Yes, you read that correctly...kinda mind-blowing isn't it?)

Weight Watchers starts you out with two immediate goals -- 5% and then 10% of your starting weight. I took that idea and ran with it. I set a chart for myself using the 5% increments taking me to my ultimate goal weight. I then decided to put a "deadline" of sorts with each of those. (These are spaced out and very do-able. The intention is to give me a specific "you gotta go for it" timeline.)

20% = 192 (for a total loss of 48 lbs) --- I'd like to reach this by my birthday (June 18, 2012)

25% = 180 (for a total loss of 60 lbs) --- I'd like to reach this by Labor Day (September 3, 2012)

30% = 168 (for a total loss of 72 lbs) --- I'd like to reach this by Thanksgiving (November 22, 2012)

35% = 156 (for a total loss of 84 lbs) --- I'd like to reach this by our wedding anniversary (February 9, 2013)

40% = 144 (for a total loss of 96 lbs) --- I'd like to reach this by Mother's Day (May 12, 2013) == GOAL

So there you have it. I think a loss of 12 lbs over a three month period is very attainable...based on my success thus far. I understand and accept that there will be "good" and "not so good" weeks. However, I am determined to not have a "bad" week. (A bad week would mean that I gained or stayed the same.)

So please dust off those pompons and continue to cheer me on! I appreciate you so much!