Two weeks on, two weeks off

I'm headed in the right direction this week having chipped away a tad at my last two week's weight gain. I'm down 1.6 pounds this week. It took me two weeks to put on two and a half pounds, so I guess it's only fitting it'll take me two weeks to take it off. I had hoped to get back to my original low today, but hey, I'm headed in the right direction.

Yes! I've lost 33.6 pounds so far!

Back trickling

I guess it had to happen sometime just to keep me firmly planted in the reality that yeah, losing weight is hard. I've been pretty impervious to that thought so far as I've been pretty successful with out any setbacks... until now. I didn't get to weigh in last week because I was out of town (a good thing, me thinks) but I had to finally face the music today. I gained 2.4 pounds. Ugh! I am happy, sort of, that that is all I gained. I had a pretty care free weekend last week while at my parents and then went to Rome and was tortured with fresh cheese, salami and pasta. Who can resist that?

Considering all that I've eaten in the past two weeks a gain of 2.4 pounds isn't that bad. I probably gained more than that but have been able to lose some. I hope to be back at my previous low by next week, which is why I'm hoofin' it this week and keeping with the plan.

I didn't post my weigh-in results from the week prior... I probably got distracted. I had lost 1.6 pounds that week, bringing my weight loss total to 34.4. For the first time I got below 210, which was a huge milestone. Though it didn't last long, I plan to be right back there by next week. I can still proudly say:

Yes! I've lost 32 pounds so far!

Gas: National average now $4/gallon

Yikes! I guess I should be thrilled I passed a gas station yesterday where gas was only $3.82. But $4/gallon? That scares the hell out of me because I don't think the run-up is done yet. I suppose that's why I am anxiously awaiting news in the next few weeks on whether or not I'll get a pink slip (again). I was nearly furloughed after 9/11 and I may not be out of the woods this time either. The numbers should be out in the next few weeks. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Fingers crossed!

Trickling

Another week, another weigh-in, another loss! I lost 1.6 pounds this past week, and am now just 12 pounds away from falling below 200! For now, I am looking forward to dropping to 2-0-something. I have enjoyed each milestone, falling into the 230s, then 220s, then 2-teens. Now the 2-0-somethings is looking great. But even better? The 190s! Hopefully in another month I'll be there!

Yes! I've lost 32.6 pounds so far!

Still losing

It's been a few weeks since I've posted about my weight loss, but not because I've been gaining. In fact, I am still slowly dwindling to my goal weight and since the last post have lost 5.2 pounds, bringing my total weight loss on Weight Watchers to 31 pounds, and total overall weight loss since last November to 44 pounds! The plan, though still easy, has become slightly more challenging to maintain. It is hard to keep coming up with fresh, new ideas to keep the eating on the right track and the weight going down, but I am committed as ever and look forward to every five pound milestone.

Yes! I've lost 31 pounds so far!

Florida and Michigan MUST count

This may be our last chance to make sure Florida and Michigan get a say in the Presidential primary. Anything less than a re-vote deprives the voters of those states their right to contribute to the process.

Please visit this link to ensure every voice is heard, including Florida's and Michigan's.

The following is the message I sent with my signature:

"If the DNC does not correct these wrongs, a serious legal challenge needs to be mounted. Florida and Michigan voters have been stripped of their right to have a say in our nation's presidential selection by arbitrary bylaws of the DNC. This is power the DNC does not possess. Furthermore, if Florida and Michigan votes don't count, there will forever be a feeling the election was corrupt, just like in 2000 when Al Gore won the presidential election, but not the White House.

"Democrats are already divided and this ongoing debacle does nothing to bring us together, let alone give us confidence in our own party. Regardless of how this issue is worked out, I have serious doubts about Howard Dean's ability to lead our party. I once backed him for President of the United States, but now I can't even support him as president of our party. At the very least Mr. Dean needs to step aside, as it is his failed leadership that led to this situation in the first place.

"As Democrats we cannot stand idly by and let this wrong continue. It is against our very nature as Democrats and brings serious doubts at out party's ability to effectively lead this country.

"Florida and Michigan MUST count. Period. Nothing less than a re-vote is fair, acceptable, or Constitutional."

Keep up the fight

Today Amber, Sara and I had an amazing opportunity to get up close to the person we want to lead our country. Hillary Clinton picked up the endorsement of North Carolina's governor today and did so at a last minute, quickly organized event. We received an email about 9:30 last night for the event that started at 7am today. I don't know how many people were there, maybe 150-200, but we were among the first to be in line and get a seat -- most people in attendance were standing.

At the end of her speech, she came off the stage to meet and greet the audience. Sara got her copy of a TIME magazine with Hillary on the cover signed (first picture) and Amber brought her copy of Hillary's autobiography to get it signed. Hillary came within a couple feet of me, I held out the book and she signed it (second picture).

I wasn't expecting to be star struck, but afterward we were all on cloud nine and I have to admit I was kind of shaking. I guess it was the adrenaline. It was awesome to not only see her, but also get so close to someone who is usually so untouchable. After all, she is the former First Lady, a US Senator AND she happens to be the first woman to run for President! How amazing is that? I loved every second of it.

I am gravely concerned about the outcome of this election. I don't like Barack, and I certainly don't like John. I guess I might consider writing Hillary in if she doesn't get the nomination, as I truly feel McCain and Obama are the wrong choice. It's an uphill battle for Hillary, and I can't believe I am saying that. Six months ago I would have thought she had it in the bag. Who is Barack, anyway, and why aren't more people asking? He has a George Bush-esque hold on people and I can't for the life of me figure it out. I think he's incredibly naive and his goals and promises are ones no politician, not even the President of the United States, can't achieve or keep.