If I had gained this much weight in the same amount of time...

Would people still feel free to offer their opinions, advice, etc.?  Of course not!  (Unless I was pregnant, in which case everyone except those that had recently 'been there done that' would comment.)

Anyway, I posted this on my Facebook page yesterday.  Or maybe it was Thursday.  But here it is:

I came across it on Instagram, and I thought it summed up my feelings pretty well (recall my "If you don't have anything nice to say blog") so I decided to post it on my facebook.  Most of the comments were positive.  However, one person thought it was time to tell me her thoughts on my change.  Now mind you, I haven't seen her since before I was even pregnant with Stella, she's only seen random pictures of me on facebook.  But the conclusion I reached from her comments is that I look sickly, I must have an eating disorder, I am being unhealthy, etc.  And, quite honestly, it pissed me off.  More so than some of the comments I had to endure from my family a few months ago.

For the record, I am not starving myself.  I am not 'over exercising' (most days I get my workout in over my lunch break...meaning less than an hour), I have learned to maximize what little time I do have in the gym.  For the most part, I avoid fast food and when I do have it, I am smart about my choices.  I now cook most of my meals (not frozen meals, etc.).  I rarely drink these days (maybe a quarterly 'binge' here and there).  I don't smoke anymore.  I do still enjoy chocolate on a regular basis.  I haven't been able to give up my diet dew.  I really don't even bother counting calories anymore.  I do enjoy the occasional cheat meal (the burger I had on my birthday was beyond fab....including the soft pretzel bun).  I am really starting to enjoy running.  I love yoga.  I love to sweat.  I love to be active.  Exercise IS my stress relief.

Does any of the above point to a problem?

And now, a pet peeve of mine:  I always post a 'check-in' from the gym.  It is habit.  If nothing else, keeps me accountable...and quite honestly, I have had several people tell me that I inspire them.  Back to the point, I see several people making comments lately, negative comments, about gym check-ins.  Here's the deal:  This is what I do, this is what I enjoy.  I am so overly annoyed by the many passive aggressive status updates, but I don't say anything.  The regular bar check-ins/pictures make me feel like some people haven't yet reached adulthood.  And I seem to be one of the few not blowing up everyone's feed with their anti-gun control sentiments.  I mean seriously, I could be constantly posting all the ongoing drama in my family (not my nuclear family but the extended)...I have so much drama and stress going on there, but this isn't public knowledge and public facebook material.  My job is extremely busy...but I don't need to be doing constant updates about work (just checking in from the gym there on a regular basis).  People just need to be thankful I've cut back on the overs-harenting!

And with that...my rant is over.

To make up for the bad day...a skimble workout review

I am the buttless wonder.  Seriously.  Baby got no back here. So I have at least one day a week that I focus very specifically on that specific area in the gym as well as added squats here and there with other workouts throughout the week.  As I've mentioned previously, I have found the Workout Trainer by Skimble to be quite helpful.  My current favorite is the Brazilian Butt Workout. Love it!  Now granted...I have added some modifications such as:

• Squats with a bar in place of circling donkey kicks (eventually I will add weights to this)
• Stationary front to back lunges in place of split squat hops
• Side squats have become more of a hybrid of the side squats and split squat hops using a BOSU ball
• Hip lifts I add either a 20 lbs. kettle bell or dumbbell
• Lunge kicks I have replaced with dead lifts, currently with 40 lbs.

By the end of that 30 minutes, I'm definitely feeling like I've accomplished something...at minimum I have worked up a small sweat.  I have learned, however, that this is not a workout to be done immediately after a 30 minute jaunt on the treadmill.  I tried that once and had a serious case of shaky legs and it was all I could do to finish.

If you don't have anything nice to say...

Well...we all know the rest, right?  Right?!?!?  Believe it or not, no...not everyone does.  At least that's been my experience lately.

I've at times been overwhelmed by some of the things people say to me.  More than a few people have actually said that I am an inspiration to them.  I have motivated them.  They want my help.  They want to know my 'secrets.'  They say I encourage them by the way I keep at it...even at times when I don't feel like it.  Even days when I'd much rather sleep in than get up early and workout in the living room or (if I'm lucky enough that my husband was off the night before) head to the gym before 6 a.m.  That if I can do it with my schedule (I work full time and then some, have a 20 month old toddler, and a husband that works a shift opposite mine) then they should be able to do something as well.  I love to hear all of these comments.  I'm surprised.  Still.  But to know that I have actually inspired people to do good for themselves, something I have never done before...well, that just feels good.  It really does.   And then....

And then...

And then there's my family.  Doing the best they can to negate all of the positive comments I've heard from so many others with their own negativity.  Funny how just a few words from just a few family members, negative words at that, can stick with a person more than all the good from everyone else.  Sad, really.  What do I hear?

"You're too skinny."  "You need to quit."  "When are you going to stop?"  "You cannot lose any more weight."  And so on.  I quit listening, if I am to be honest.  I heard enough with the first few comments and am doing my best to shut out all the rest.  These few comments, though, are enough to make me really want to avoid being around them...not hard to do, actually...but with some events coming up over the next several months, I'm sure that's bound to piss off people.

Let's think about this though:

• "You're too skinny."  Since when is a few pounds over 130 on someone who stands 5'5 too skinny?   
• "When are you going to stop?"  Stop what?  Exercising?  Eating healthy?  Um...this was not about dropping a few pounds and then reverting to an unhealthy lifestyle.
• "You need to quit."  See comments above.  

Really I don't get this at all.  I'm not underweight.  For the first time in years, I'm not overweight.  for the first time in a long time, I'm not feeling shitty because of my crappy diet.  I'm not hating myself because my clothes look like crap on me (although I am not hugely excited about the fact that I've had to replace my entire wardrobe a few times over the last year).  I've gained confidence in myself by getting healthier, getting in much better shape.  I look at my family history of health problems and see how much of it is tied to an unhealthy lifestyle...why would I want to stop or quit...and go back to looking at a future full of health problems tied to weight and unhealthy habits?  What am I missing here?  And now that I think of it...not one person in my extended family has said anything positive...at all...about my transformation.  Nothing.  Not one thing.  That kind of makes me sad.  I did this for me, I did this to set a positive example for my daughter.  And apparently my family would rather me be fat miserable unhealthy unhappy.  Sad.

Me = SLACKER!!

Okay...not really, just with this blog...but still...I'm slacking on it and I didn't want to!  Work is getting in the way (we are so crazy busy it ain't even funny...but that's a good thing, right?  RIGHT?!?!?!?), the little one is constantly, constantly on the go - from the moment she wakes up until she is down for the night it is go go go, and any time left after those two time sucks, well...the whole exercise, cooking, getting fit and healthy thing is filling any remaining gaps.  So yep...that's it in a nutshell what I've been up to.

And now, the latest addition to my growing collection of new fitness toys:

Yep...a BOSU ball.  While other husbands may buy their wives flowers, sweets, perhaps even lacy lingerie for Valentine's Day...mine buys me this.  And honestly?  I much prefer this.  I was actually going to buy it myself, but didn't like the price tag.  So now our living room is on the verge of being totally taken over with exercise equipment:  the BOSU, my exercise mat, my kettle bells, dumbbells I've brought up from the basement, my husband's bike with the trainer (for indoor training....that whole triathlon thing), etc.  I would love LOVE to finish the basement and just turn it into a home gym and I think I've almost got him into that idea...because seriously, the living room just isn't cutting it!

Despite all the equipment we now have at home, I still put in plenty of time at the gym.  Still utilizing the Skimble app (I have a few favorite workouts right now - the Brazilian Butt Workout and Core the Pilates Way.  Both of these I can do at the gym or at home and with the Brazilian Butt thing, I've made a few modifications (essentially adding more squats and weights to some of them).  I also did this arm workout this morning:  Bi Tri.  Okay...that one was a little brutal and pretty sure I'll be feeling it tomorrow!  I've also been testing the waters on another site recently.  What I'm finding really helpful on this particular site is the database of exercises - strength training, cardio, plyo...all kinds of stuff as well as different plans, forums, etc.  I'm just now really starting to use it so I can't really speak fully on it yet, but I came across this the other day and I gave her shoulder/abs workout a whirl yesterday...not bad!

And lastly, yesterday I started week 7 of the C25K.  I am amazed with myself that I have made it this far.  I've stuck with it and am doing it!  I did finally tell my husband last week because I think I've reached the point where I am not going to fail and I'm pretty sure he's happy I'm doing this!

Ahh...back to the Y tonight...

The new session started last week and I finally made it tonight.  Boot Camp followed by Spin.  And both were great!  While in spin class, just sitting there pedaling away and dripping with sweat, I had the following realization:

We joined the Y approximately one year ago.  We joined primarily so my husband could swim (remember, he's training for tri/ironman races).  Now...I only go to the Y for my classes as I primarily use the gym at work for most of my exercising (and occasionally utilize the living room at home).  In the time we have been members of the Y...I have dropped approximately 40 lbs. (176 to 136).  I have gone from a size 12 (and at least one pair of size 14 jeans) to a 4.  And recently, the 4s have seemed a bit too big.  I've gone from larges and extra larges in tops to mediums.  And some of those are now a little loose fitting.  My bra size (yes, I'm going there...I'm going to share my bra size) has gone from a 38DD to a 32DDD.  But dammit...my shoe size hasn't changed at all!

The Y definitely doesn't get all the credit, not even a good portion of it.  It goes to me.  I'm the one doing it.  I'm the one that quit making excuses.  I'm the one getting it done.  It is no longer a matter of forcing myself to exercise - I stopped doing that quite some time ago - it is now a habit.  And by habit, I mean I am not happy if I can't get at least a small workout in.  Like cranky unhappy.      A kind of crankiness that could rival Stella's legendary crankiness when she's tired.

And here's the thing.  If I can do it...why can't so may others do it.  I work full time (and then some), I have a toddler.  I have a husband (a husband who works a complete opposite shift and has his own fitness goals).  But I do it.  I hear all kinds of excuses from people of why they can't (and many of those excuses I used at one time or other myself).  I hear that from people and yet they tell me what an inspiration I have become.  What exactly am I inspiring because they certainly aren't joining me in the gym...but rather contentedly complain about what they dislike about their body, health, etc.  I understand, I do...been there done that...but geez...if you say I inspire you...prove it!

2013 Goal Progress (and a few reviews)

Okay...so we're not quite into two weeks into this new year, so is an update really necessary?  Probably not, but still.  This is, in part, to keep me accountable.

Running

I now have one week in the books of a C25K program (this is the one I have opted to go with).  I survived.  I followed it without pause and survived.  I haven't yet actually looked for a 5k race to sign up for, although the husband did mention the one tied to the Arnold beginning of March.  He was talking more for himself, because I haven't told him and I don't think he knows that I am making my final attempt at running....but if he does decide to do it, I may surprise him and join in as well.

Along with the running, I finally got myself a decent pair of running shoes:

Nike Air Max 2012.  Love!  (and saved a few bucks by ordering them on eastbay.com rather than buying them at Dick's).  Seriously...I have been in search of a decent pair of shoes for a few months now (well...not totally dedicated to the search, but looking when I had time) and I love these.  No achy, hurting feet as yet (and hopefully this doesn't happen).

And I've bought more workout clothes from Old Navy.  Sale.  Gets me every time.  But loving their compression pants and tees...so I got more (four pairs of pants and four tees/tanks).

Improving Strength/Tone/Definition

I haven't made great strides in this area...but now I have a more immediate need for this:  we are taking a cruise in April for my birthday (been talking about it for more than a month now, but we are now ready to book) and I most definitely want to be bikini ready by then.  I know that diet is a big part of this, so I'm going to be doing a little experimenting.  I'm planning to give a paleo diet a whirl.  I've got a couple of books to get me started (and these books appear to go beyond just recipes...once I've really had a chance to review for myself, I'll comment further here and if I really like it, perhaps I'll share some recipes as well).

I also mentioned previously that I bought a couple of kettlebells to do some stuff at home.  I didn't realize it at the time, but the kettlebells came with their own dvd (apparently I didn't read beyond the weight on the package).  I gave the dvd a spin this past Thursday morning (part of my ongoing effort to do more here, so the husband is freed up for more time for tri training).  It was quite the sweat-inducing workout!  And, of course, made me realize that I am still not in the shape I wish to be in...I had to take an occasional pause.

Speaking of trying to do more at home, I have been referring to skimble more and more for workouts that I can do at home...primarily workouts that focus on abs, butt...that sort of thing.  I found one this morning - a 20 minute 'Brazilian butt' workout...that, once again, caused me to break a sweat.  This is good!

So that's my goal update.  For now.  As i said, the point of this post, really, is to keep me accountable, so perhaps if I update every few weeks, I will maintain that accountability.

yes, I'm slacking on the blog...

I have a couple of drafts started even...started a few weeks ago...and just haven't finished them.

So this is my update...

Christmas has now come and gone - Stella is now the proud new owner of a play kitchen:

It appears to be quite the hit!

The husband made out pretty good, too - the highlights being an iPhone 5 and a Garmin 910xt (for the whole triathlon training thing).  I didn't do so bad myself - a new Kindle Fire HD and a new lens for the good camera are the highlights!  

Still doing the gym/weight loss thing/body changing thing.  Getting it in as much as possible.  Bought lots of new gym clothes recently - a couple of pairs of compression pants from Old Navy (since I liked the first pair so much), some new tees, a couple of new sports bras I picked up at the Under Armor outlet (2/$30...it was actually a mistake, but they gave me that price anyway and I really really like them so bonus!).  

 

I am getting geared up to start trying to tackle one of my big goals for 2013 - running.  I even bought new shoes for the occasion (supposed to arrive next week sometime - I ordered them online, free shipping, etc. and ending up paying at least $40 less for them than I would have at Dick's).    I am also looking to buy some kettlebells for home so I can do more here, spend less time in the gym so the husband can get more gym time/tri training time in.  I think I am also going to start blogging my workouts.  I have today's written down that I will likely get to a bit later tonight (after the Peanut has gone to bed since she has just gotten up from her nap).

On the work front - I get a new title change for the new year!  From Administrative Assistant to Human Resources Generalist.  No huge raise or an office or anything...but it's a start!

No Excuses!

That was always one of my biggest downfalls...I always found an excuse to not work out, to not go to the gym...or even to excuse the way or what I ate!  Since I've been on my kick this year with the weight loss, fitness gain, etc...this is what has helped me achieve the results I have made this year - no excuses! 

I really put the 'no excuses' rule to the test last night.   Obviously it is a very busy time of year for everyone...but it is also the time of year where many of us fail at our diets and exercise programs...or at least slack off.  And perfect time of year to come up with every excuse possible not to work out.In between the last fall session and the new winter session starting January 7, my Y is doing a free mini-session...offering a limited number of classes and my favorite cycling (spin) class is included with that.  I okayed with my husband to go last night so was packed and ready before leaving for work for the day.  As the day wore on, I realized I forgot a towel to shower after the class.  That would have been an excuse for me previously.  And I debated using that as an excuse to not go.  But really?  I realized this before even leaving work, so I could have very well used the gym at work and been able to shower and go home (we have towels at work) so that excuse was no good.  I went on ahead in the direction of the Y...decided I would suck it up and drive home sweaty & smelly afterward and get a quick shower in before Stella's bath.  But then...something prompted me to check my bag for my lock (I have two different gym bags...sometimes, yes, I actually do squeeze in more than one workout - one at lunch and then a class or two at the Y) - and it wasn't there.  I couldn't very well leave stuff in my jeep at the Y...that's just not smart.  And I could NOT leave things in an unlocked locker.  My purse?  Phone?  The husband's Christmas present that is sure to make me wife of the year?  No.  THAT could have been my excuse.  And a great one at that.  I really really thought about it...but then I realized there was plenty of room in that particular classroom to stash a gym bag and extras (and plenty do it)...so I stayed the course.  I went to spin class.  Sweated my butt off, drove home smelling like a pig...but dammit, I did it...I did not let the excuses win!

The music makes the workout

I've posted a few times about my Jaybird earbuds.  Yes, I probably seem a little anal about it.  It is true though, I cannot workout, at least not effectively, at least not in my mind, if I don't have music!  And it has to be the right music!  Some will just not do.  Some works fabulously!  Example: yesterday morning, I dragged my tired but into the gym at 6 a.m.  I got up shortly after 5 after not going to bed until 1:00 a.m. (but it was worth it - Go Tigers!)...I started off very sluggishly on the elliptically, not wanting to be there.  Luckily, I have figured out why my ear buds hadn't been working for me (just tip:  I now make sure to connect them to my iPod Touch each time...not just fire up the touch and the ear buds and hope they meet in the middle).  Last week, a friend of mine sent some cds he made for me with nothing but Slipknot.  Yep...that definitely works for getting me fired up for cardio!  I was oh so thankful for it yesterday morning as it pulled me through my entire workout!

Me = Slacker

Already.  I just started this blog...and I have been slacking on posting.  I have several different subject ideas throughout the day...but ugh...so busy!  And a few nights last week that by the time I got little one to sleep, it was time to head to bed myself I was so exhausted!  So really, there is no point to this post other than to say that I am a slacker.  But hey...since I am here, how about some updates:

• Last week, I posted a product review on the jaybird blue tooth ear buds.  Well...I would still love them...if they worked.  I don't know what the deal is, but seems they are dead all the time.  Won't hold a charge apparently.  This morning, even, I charged them all night, unplugging just before going to the gym, get there...the damn things are dead.  Awesome.  I am planning to write the company but in the meantime, the hubster has given me his (because he has apparently found other earbuds he wants).  I will update once I have some sort of resolution (or even lack of) from the company.
• Yesterday, I bought (and wore) my first pair of skinny jeans that weren't maternity or made for fat chicks!  And...if I do say so myself, they looked awesome!  (Got them from the Gap, Always Skinny).  And because I bought new jeans, I went to therapy (DSW) for new shoes.
• I've tried a few different workouts now on Workout Trainer and, for the most part, I am still really liking this app and have poked around a bit on the website since my review last week. I did do one today, however, that I just don't think I was ready for.  It was the P90X Ab Ripper.  The workout was labeled as intense, which should have been my first clue...but it just proved I have absolutely no core strength.  I need to figure this out...how to strengthen my core.  
• I took the little Peanut to Sylvania Playland yesterday for a play date...not bad.  I mean, she couldn't fully enjoy the place as she is only 15 months...but plenty of activities there for the wee ones.  
• The rest of the weekend, however, she was in full on meltdown mode.  I am kinda feeling it is my fault since I have been so busy...today she was apparently really bad for the hubster...I had to work half a day, and she apparently had a meltdown wherever her daddy took her.  And she also had a huge one for her grandmother yesterday right before the hubster and I went out.  So heartbreaking, I nearly decided to scrap plans and stay home...but really, what good would that have done?

And that's it.  That is my Sunday night update.

App Review: Workout Trainer by skimble.com

Pretty sure I briefly mentioned this app in a post from the other day but wanted to mention it again now that I have had a chance to try it out.  I have the app downloaded to both my cell phone (a Samsung Galaxy that I am not a fan of...I really miss my EVO) and my Kindle Fire (LOVE)!  I found it while just doing a search on different fitness apps available, liked what I saw and downloaded it.

I finally tried a workout this past Sunday after my cardio.  This is the actual workout I did and I gotta say...for a 25 minute workout, it was pretty good!  Almost like a condensed version of the boot camp class I take at the Y a few nights a week.  Some of the features I like about the app are the workout preview so you can check out the entire workout before starting it...this also includes step by step instructions of each of the moves.  A 'trainer' will talk you through the entire workout (the voice is rather annoying, but it is what it is...you could upgrade to the 'pro' version for a few more trainer options).  Rest periods are built into each workout, and it gives you a calorie count (estimated) that accumulates as the workout progresses.  There are so many different workouts available on the free version, I am not sure an upgrade to the pro version will ever be necessary!  You can choose from three different intensity levels, search for workouts based on the area you wish to workout; search by cardio, weights, full body, running, yoga, etc.  I've even come across P90X workouts, CrossFit WODs, army-type workouts...even just a two-minute drill like wall sits or planks.

I think this app really takes away more excuses for people not to workout.  There are short workouts, long workouts, workouts that require no extra equipment...really...no excuses not to workout.

Yay! Motivation! There you are!

That afternoon of trying on bathing suits was apparently the final kick in the pants I needed.  I mean, it wasn't gross, way out of control kinda thing...but I knew I could do better.  I quit making excuses...that was a huge problem of mine - I had an excuse for everything.

Exercise

I started back in the gym.  I started going on my lunch breaks...doing what I could do in the short time frame I had to work with.  I didn't work in my comfort zone, but pushed past it.  I didn't lift weights I was comfortable with, but pushed for more.  Sometimes a lot more.  We got a Y membership last winter (primarily to help Shawn with the swimming portion of his triathlon training) and I do spin classes there on a regular basis.  This fall session, I have added a 'boot camp' class to the spin class.  I may add something else or change it up next session.  I am wanting to give running one final shot.  I have downloaded an app onto my phone and my kindle (Workout Trainer by skimble.com).  I follow lots of people on Instagram that are primarily fitness-related.  I chase a 15 month old baby around on a regular basis.

Diet

Still trying to find my way with a diet.  I am not a fan of cooking, and when I do cook, it is not overly impressive.  I am really wanting to try this clean eating thing, but can't get the husband on board with it.  And with a toddler, I need to work with her diet as well...and her pickiness (which rivals mine).  Until I truly find the way with my eating habits, I am using My Fitness Pal to track everything I eat, set goals for myself, etc.  I have a few friends on there and we try to motivate each other.  I also use it frequently to track my exercise - cardio and strength training.  I have also taken a few pages from my gestational diabetes diet for my snacking.  Even though I use my lunch break to work out, I do not skip eating.  I will quite often grab a chicken breast and veggies, a salad loaded with veggies, a fruit cup, etc.  Sometimes I will just grab a protein shake after my workout.

The result?

This was from this past Tuesday:

As far as weight loss is concerned, when I weighed myself yesterday (I typically weigh myself after my Friday lunch time workout), I was at 145.8 lbs.  I have gone from a size 12 to a size 6 (almost always I buy my clothes at NY & Co...I am aware of their generous sizing, but hey...at least if I continue shopping at the same place, I get consistency with my sizing).  Extra large to a medium.  The bra size has definitely changed, too.  My strength has definitely improved, I feel better about myself overall.  My legs have slimmed, I am getting some definition in my biceps, the husband says the back fat is gone.

A lot of people have noticed and have commented.  Most of it has been nice and I hope that I have maybe motivated others.  Maybe these types of posts on my blog will motivate even more people.  On the flip side...I also get somewhat negative comments - people saying I am too skinny (um...145 lbs. - how is that too skinny?  methinks you are just jealous), asking if I have been sick, etc.  Even asking when I'm going to stop.  This is not something I hope to stop.  I haven't totally defined what my overall goal is.  I still have a long way to go as far as my fitness level is concerned (trust me, this boot camp class I am taking has definitely proved that).  I want to banish the fat altogether.  It is not healthy!

I only wish it was the easy with shoe size.

The history of my weight loss struggle...

This has been a struggle for me most of my adult life  - chalk it up to laziness, enjoying the brewskis too much, enjoying good food even more, lack of motivation, lack of time, money, etc.  I could probably publish a novel with all of the excuses I've used over time as to why I couldn't work out and the justification to eat/drink whatever I felt like.  I would never have been labeled obese...but most definitely overweight.

I first joined a gym back in 2000.  At the time, the company I was working for had moved into a new building and a new gym was put in there.  It took a while to find my groove...but midway through 2001 I lost weight...actually over a period of three months in the second half of that year, I lost about 50 lbs. as well as finally got smart and left my ex-boyfriend (so I guess all told, you could say I lost over 200 lbs. that year).

Since 2000, I have always had a gym membership somewhere (the majority of that time was Lifestyles for Ladies Only, but I eventually gave that up as many of you Toledo-area ladies know the drama with that place) and for the most part, I really didn't pile the pounds back on.  Nope.  It was more of a steady, very slow weight kind that kinda crept on me and then all of a sudden, it was like "what the hell happened to me????"  I have an excuse for that, I really do!  I blame some of that on my husband.    You all know how it is...that whole 'comfort' thing.  Where you meet someone (we met in 2006) and you're still looking pretty darn good, but over the course of that relationship, you grow comfortable with one another, and then gradually, the pounds start coming back.  Now mind you, I did still hit the gym on occasion...but often I chose to spend time with my new love and socializing (in our early days, we had quite the full social calendar).

We got married in August of 2008...you would have thought squeezing into a wedding dress would have been great motivation to hit the gym, right?  Um.  No.  Apparently wasn't enough for me.  I mean, I thought it was...and honestly I was in the gym religiously...almost daily.  But it didn't happen.  I have pictures of the back fat being proudly displayed in my halter-style wedding dress.

Over the next couple of years, my weight seemed to have gone down a little...actually, I think in 2010, I made some progress.  Then I started a new job (my current job) September of that year.  That hurt the waistline my weight crept up to around 178 lbs. (I think back in 2000, before joining a gym, I was actually close to 190)....despite the fact we had a nice new gym, free even, right there in the building.  I was slowly expanding again.  We started a Weight Watchers at Work program, and I joined.  And in the first couple of weeks following that diet, it seemed I was starving all the time, but darnit - I lost a few pounds!  And then...a month and a half, not even that much time actually, after starting that new job, I found out I was pregnant.  So much for weight loss!

I vowed with my pregnancy that I would continue working out!  And I tried!  But darnit...I got to a point where every time I tried the cardio machines, I had to jump off every five minutes to pee!  And then I just got so busy with work.  And a pregnant woman's gotta eat, right?  I have huge regret that I did not continue working out.  I developed gestational diabetes (I actually question that diagnosis, but whatev) and towards the end of my pregnancy, walking was a chore.  It was bad.  I topped out somewhere around 210 or above (I quit looking, didn't want to know).

Let me tell you - being a new mom gave me a whole new set of excuses as to why I couldn't work out, or not workout as frequently!  My diet got horrible (pretty much a grab what I could when I could kinda thing)!  It was just bad...but those maternity clothes kinda got comfy!  I returned to work two months after having Stella and was probably around 186 lbs.  Between August of last year and May of this year, I dropped another 10.  My husband decided early on in the year that he was going to start training for triathlons...and that was a little motivation for me (wouldn't look good for the wife of a triathlete to be a dumpy fatass, would it?).

And then...in May, I had an unexpected day off work - I had a regularly scheduled doctor appointment that morning and had planned to go into work after.  But daycare called, Stella wasn't feeling good, picked her up, got her to do the docs (double ear infection followed up later that day by the start of hand foot and mouth disease).  While she was napping that afternoon, I headed out to try on bathing suits since I had planned to start her in swim classes.  And for some reason, that was the final motivation I needed.