Last night we went swimming (and diving and flipping) at a friend's house.

This morning, in class, we did step aerobics (I was the only one in the class who opted for the high step and it was brutal) and then we did weight training. Side note: since the beginning of the year, I've moved up from 5lb weights to 8lb as of today!! I'm getting stronger!

I missed my aerobics class this morning. It's also going to be a "bye week" for me. Hope everyone has a great hump day.

Monday Motivational Quote:
The difference between a goal and a dream is a deadline. -Steve Smith

I went to my aerobics class this morning. We danced and did some resistance band exercises. Afterward, a woman came up to me and asked if I was in the Cardio Dance Party class in the evenings. When I told her that I wasn't, she told me that she had been watching me and thinks I should be in that class. I took that as a compliment. Maybe I'll look in to that class, too...

Have a great week, everyone!

231.5 (-3.5)

That's more like it!

Monday Motivational Quote:
The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race. -Unknown

235.0 (+4.0)

Yeah, you read right: I gained 4 pounds this week. I have no idea how that happened. I worked out great this week, I watched my calories, I mean, I even participated in a 5K!!

I am so frustrated with my body. Some weeks I don't do awesome on paper, but then I lose a pound and a half. Other weeks, like this one, I really work hard and gain not one pound, not two, but FOUR?!?!

My body refuses to go below 230 and it almost makes me want to give up. I'm really struggling to keep up with things because I don't feel like my efforts are paying off. :( It really makes me sad and discouraged. This morning, I had two brownies for breakfast after I weighed in because in that moment I didn't give a crap. I had momentarily given up. Sigh.           Then I went to my aerobics class...

I met an incredible man tonight. He has been a HUGE inspiration to me and to actually meet him in real life was a giant blessing. He is awesome. He is funny and cheerful and his positive energy and attitude are contagious. I'm talking about Ben. You can learn everything you need to know about Ben by clicking here and here. Do yourself a favor and at least click on the first link. It may change your life. Or at least move you in some way or another.

Not only did I get to meet Ben and talk to him, I got to participate in my first 5K tonight because of him and it felt great. It was hot and miserable during, but afterwards it was so rewarding! I had a fantastic night tonight and I owe it all to Ben. He's amazing.

Also, I made this blog public as of tonight because of him. I feel like maybe I can help more people that way. It's scary, but life is scary. Here's to continuing on my weight-loss journey!!

Monday Motivational Quote:
Fear is what stops you... courage is what keeps you going. -Unknown

231.0 (+.4)

I didn't weigh in this morning because I forgot and had breakfast before I realized. Oops. Tomorrow...

This weekend, we floated the river. I consider that a half workout. I was moving my legs and my arms at different times, and the float was over 4 hours, so... half workout.

Sunday night, we had a BBQ at some friends' house. Although I had steak and a hot dog, I filled up on watermelon.

Last night, hubby and I went on a walk. This was after being in the car for 5 hours and eating potato salad, shish-ka-bobs, candy, creamy mashed potatoes, and some brisket smothered in BBQ sauce.

This afternoon, I walked 4 miles in an hour on the treadmill.

I'm interested to see how my weight will look tomorrow...

Monday Motivational Quote:
I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. -Michael Jordan

Monthly Body Measurements:
Neck - 13.6 (-0)
Rt Arm - 16.25 (-.5)
Lf Arm - 16.1 (-.65)
Waist [bellybutton] - 50.25 (-.35)
Hips - 47.5 (-0)
Rt Thigh - 26.5 (-.5)
Lf Thigh - 26.5 (-.1)
Rt Calf - 16.5 (-0)
Lf Calf - 16.25 (-0)

Total inches lost: 2.1!