Awesome job (by Jess)

Hi all!

I miss Neens too! NEEN WE LOVE YOU! WHERE ARE YOU? haha And Ang, am I only keeping my head above water? hehe This blogging thing I sometimes either forget abuot or am too exhausted to put something in - OR, worst case scenerio, I feel I have failed earlier on so didn't opst out of shame. You know...if I had already let myself down, it is hard to be ACCOUNTABLE and let my team down. Anyhow, I think this has turned into our own personal mission for each of us to lose our own good way...and this blog has been a huge support for everyone. It does help to contribute to this blog too....being accountable puts things into perspective. So...on with it...


Ang, congrats from the deepest part of my heart for losing 20 lbs. You should really pat yourself on the back! Keep on at it, and remember don't ever reward weight loss with food treats (not that you would, but a reminder to myself and everyone else on our successes)...instead, treat yourself to a lovely couch (ahem, check! *smile*), or a pedi/mani/hair cut/colour. Even a nice walk can be a treat if you have an mp3 player and just walk to the beat of some amazing tunes! Anyways, honestly, I am SO FLIPPIN PROUD OF YOU ANG! You are very inspriational to not only me, but everyone else - and most importantly, to your young, lovely, sweet daughter. She will mirror you on so many levels, including this...so keep it up and she will follow suit. And as for dishes - ya, make her do it! You are building her character and helping her to learn how to survive in the real world as an adult. Mom and dad had Josh and I doing chores at a young age, and I am sure we fought it like there was no tomorrow - but, the truth is, we do have to help our children become adults one day. You rock Ang!!

I am not a fan of the weighing in too often as I have said before. I think it is ONE good indicator of progress, but def not for me has it ever been a perfect measure of health and fitness. I know that muscle weighs more than fat, I also know that binge dieting...starving oneself etc will make you lose weight, but primarily water weight and muscle! SO, for me, I can tell just how I am doing by looking myself up and down in the mirror naked - I can clearly see if I am more toned or getting blubber in certain areas. This is tough. Can really bring me down. I do like to weigh in sometimes too. Last I checked, I was down 5 lbs. I do feel more toned though for sure! Stronger! I am going to run again atleast once this weekend I hope (on nights now so sleeping when at home). I have beene exrcising on my breaks here at work. Lunges, crunches, jumping jacks gallor!!!! Getting my heart pumping! SO good for the body...not just the fat on my body, but my heart and lungs. The thought of having a healthy heart really intrigues me the most!!! YES!

Birgie...I loved your paintings! They are really pretty! And Omi, you are such a sweet and postive person! Thanks for your ongoing love and support! And for those who have not found themselves here too often - I hope to read something soon as I miss you all. AND I am so excited for my nephew to be born! I can't contain myself!!

Love Jess