I tried so hard to make it through the holidays without going off my diet. I made it through the parties, the Christmas Eve get together with family and Christmas Day. At those activities, I ate some things and was very careful BUT I did not eat sweets or junk food. It is very hard to guage how much one is eating at these functions. BUT on the day AFTER Christmas I decided to start eating the leftover cookies, chocolate, etc. Trust me to make it through the hard part and cave in when there is no pressure from other people, just myself. So I decided to eat my sweets for a few days and then get back on. I managed for 3 months to stick with it so why couldn't I just get back on it? That is the hard part. It takes approximately 21 to 30 days to get refined sugar out of one's system. So with that I will have to start over. I wasn't losing really fast anyway, only 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound a week. I used to lose faster than that when I was younger but one's metabolism slows down as we get older. I also joined the YMCA a month ago which sure helped me to feel better, working out daily. So altogether, in 3 months, I've lost 13 1/2 pounds--not a record lost but at least it's something. But I think I need to scale back my eating somewhat--not starving oneself but I could cut back a little and maybe the weight would come off easier. Let's face it--it is easier to stay with it when one is losing weight at a faster rate. Obviously, losing too fast isn't healthy but at the same time, having extra weight on one's frame isn't healthy either. So on to a NEW YEAR!

I have been moving right along with my weight loss program which I started 12 weeks ago. Three weeks ago, I joined YMCA and have started working out. It is just great! I do 4-5 times a week, cardio. And I do muscle resistance about 2 times aweek. So since I have only been losing approximately 1 lb. a week, this should help to speed up the process.

Even though I have only lost about 11 lbs in that 12 weeks, it has been great and I feel great especially now that I have joined a gym. So can you imagine how I will feel when I lose 110 lbs? I look forward to it. I am more motivated than I have been in YEARS. Which doesn't mean that I am not tempted--I have been plenty of times. I made it though 2 Christmas parties that didn't have much on the table except sweets. But this Friday night is an employee party and I will have more control because I can bring what I want and I will bring veggies and dip and fill up on them. GREAT! I have to stay away from the sweets entirely, hopefully for the rest of my life taking a day at a time.

One thing that bugs me is that people who try to sabotage my efforts, consciously or unconsciously. It's trying, that's for sure. That happened this week and I managed to work around that which was frustrating. They just don't understand what a problem it is just because they don't have trouble with that problem.

My co-worker for instance: she is VERY overweight, probably more than I am. She has been good lately but sometimes she would put stuff around so I could see them but I never ate them.

**Right now, I am listening to Trans-Siberian Orchestra playing Christmas Eve, Sarajavo. I just love that!**

Anyway, back to weight, I am truly grateful andssed that I can stay with my program for the last 3 months. BUT I have ALOT more weight to lose.

Well, time to get to sleep. Bye!