To Build A Home

So it's been a while, eh? I've been... 'away' let's say. Out of town emotionally, mentally and very physically.

Looking back, I can honestly say 2010 just wasn't my year. Although neither was 2009. But really not 2010. Good things happened, but my overall feeling on the end of the year was just 'good riddance.' It never felt right. I never got my old confidence back, despite all that I accomplished.

My friend and I had started a secret, private blog in November 2009 for our weight loss efforts, which for me went nowhere. Well, I lost a whopping 8lbs in the 10 super-long months, but then gained it back... and in a much shorter timeline. We continued the blog this past November for some more weight-loss efforts and for whatever reason... I'm back. I feel back. I've been back on the wagon since mid-November (even prior to getting back to the blog). I have absolutely no idea what caused it- maybe I just got sick of myself? I really don't know and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. I won't dwell though. I'm doing it, so that's all that matters.

Sooo... An outline of my new plan:

1. The Numbers: started at 233.6lbs on Nov. 14/09 and currently stand at 216.6lbs. Loss of 17lbs!
2. What I am Doing (as of Jan 2/11): Weighing almost daily with minor weigh-ins on Saturday mornings (for my friend blog) and Sunday morning (for me) and with major weigh-ins on the last Sunday of every month. I get my cheat day on Sundays where I essentially eat whatever I want or have been craving during the week (usually chips and chocolate). I get right back to work on Mondays. I work out most days of the week at my gym at work (which is free!). I run and do strength training (some of the days) and am slowly incorporating other forms of exercise, like the bike. I calorie count every day except my cheat days (and even then I try, but don't pay too close attention). I have a 1lb/week goal and hope to meet that each and every month-end to get me *almost* to goal by the beginning of 2012. It's really, really doable. Four pounds in a month - it's not even the slightest bit daunting.

My first challenge was in January where (due to a little gain over the holidays) and wanting to jump-start the process this year, I had a goal of about 10lbs. And with a lot of hard work, especially last week, I made it down to 217 (216.6lbs to be exact) on my goal date of January 30th. Next up: 213 on Feb. 27. It was exceptionally important for me to meet this goal. It put me on a great footing for the rest of the monthly goals. I don't think I've ever met a weight-timeline goal; I usually self-sabotage, so this is a huge step for me. Huge. I'm aiming for more weight loss, but 4lbs will put me exactly where I should be in (now) only 11 months' time. Anything more is just gravy.