FINALLY!

I have been STUCK at 199 pounds since the end of May. I'm not kidding. Even as I've watched my body become harder and firmer, my tummy shrink, my arms whittle down, I've stayed, resolutely, at 199 pounds. On a good day, I'm 198.

MADDENING!

Of course, it's to be expected, and even C. told me not to take that number on the scale too seriously. I've been building some serious muscle, and muscle weighs quite a bit. And I have NOT seen a 2 in the 100's column, so that's a big plus.

But I've been ready to see that number go down some more, so this week, on C.'s advice, I have had some high-protein days. She told me to eat more protein, along with my good fats, fruits and vegetables, three days, and then allow a few more carbs the other two days.

I'm happy to report that even after eating a small...okay, large chunk of birthday cake yesterday, I weighed in at 196 pounds today! And--this is the best part--it's the first day of my monthly visit from Auntie Flo, which usually makes me retain more water than a camel.

In sadder news, next week I have my last two training sessions with C. I am going to save up to buy some more in a few months, but for now, I have to go it on my own. I'm a little scared, because having a trainer holding me accountable has been one thing that keeps me going. But I have to believe in myself, that I can do this. I have to make myself go to the gym, and I will have to make myself do the exercises I'm not particularly fond of, like Burpees and walking planks and running on the treadmill.

I knew, from the start, that this was not going to be easy. But I have an excellent foundation set and I have the tools to make it stick. I'll be asking you, dear readers, to keep up the encouragement and support, because my journey is really only getting started.

Another tick in the "awesome" column: On Tuesday, I gave myself an early birthday treat: I bought a Dr. Pepper at the store. I brought it home, served it on ice, and drank it. And then thought, "but what I really want is water."

Imagine that. Six months ago, I gave up Dr. Pepper for Lent (and I'm not even Catholic) because I knew it was the only way I could quit it cold turkey. Now, I don't find it satisfying.

So yeah, I'm feeling pretty damned good tonight.