Saw this on MSN today: http://glo.msn.com/relationshi... Thought it was well written. I figure many of you will find it on your own, but wanted to post it for those who don't.

After reading a post made by a beautiful woman about her lack of self confidence, I figured it was time to try to get a little more positive energy back... Today I love my body because my belly is flatter this month than it was last month. Makes my (teeny tiny) boobs look just a wee bit bigger (no, I haven't been drinking...yet) - and I like seeing how it curves in, even if it's just a little bit.

:) I'm with both of you guys - I've decided that this self-created "lull" of sorts is just me trying to give my skin some time to catch up with my awesome weight-losing-regimen (or so I'm telling myself so I don't feel quite so bad about it). I have decided to give myself a little break from logging, not from trying to eat better. I'm giving it 2 weeks from tomorrow's weigh-in. If I can lose, I may continue trying to not log for a while, but in all likelihood, I will not lose and will be back on here with my daily intake.

I don't track my exercise calorie-wise. It's been discussed (here and many other places) that people who exercise tend to eat more and thereby negate the positive effects of their exercise. So on here I focus only on my eating. I still try to run and swim 3 or 4 times a week each - but I track those through my times and my distances and make that a separate goal.

You bet :) I agree - I feel rewarded every day I wake up and my pants are looser or I can buckle my belt tighter, but sometimes, especially during the lulls or stalls, it's nice to have an added incentive. Plus, my main goal is actually fitness, not weight (though I know the latter is a big part of the former) - and getting a PR in a 5k every 6 months or so can sometimes take too long

Phooey on that!

Love it!

There are so many things that I know that I ought'ter Like getting my sleep and drinking my water But when the pee comes out more acid than clear I somehow hear my mom's voice in my ear It takes 64 ounces, now be a good daughter

MillaLite likes to write in verse Hers and other creatives sides to nurse In the subject line, "Haiku" it says But I'd rather write a Limmerick instead So that occasionally if need be I can curse :P

I set up a whole spreadsheet on my rewards. I give myself x number of points based on my average caloric intake, whether or not I workout during the day, if I swim, bike, run how far I go, if I lose any weight - and then some additional bonus points for hitting my goals in time for my running and my weight. Then I have assigned certain rewards (iTunes gift cards for myself, new jeans, etc) for every so many points. Ultimately the more successful I am at everything, the sooner I get to reward myself.

It's tough. You are sexy. Right now. You don't need to lose weight. You do not need to fit into a certain size or have your hair long enough or paint your nails red in order to be sexy. The sexiest thing, is confidence. It's tough. We watch movies and read magazines that push women to be dangerously thin. Even they recognize it from time to time. Angelina at the Oscars? Everyone knows that she's too skinny. But that's the culture there. That's what we see. That's what we're encouraged to be. But look around you - there are beautiful women and men everywhere that are not Hollywood's ideal size. They're my ideal size, and yours and everyone else's. It takes practice. And it takes time. You can do this. Find one thing about yourself every day, and remind yourself. :)

The skin around my tummy is looser than I would like, but I still have hope that it will tighten up. And honestly if it doesn't? I'm not sure I'm above getting that worked on. I'm noticing a lot of good changes in my body, and I'm enjoying them. But I have these weird moooshes on my hips. I wouldn't call them love handles, but they're this soft squishy spot. I'm guessing I'm really only noticing them because they've gotten smaller and other things are trimming up, but I definitely want to rush past this phase to get rid of them.

Sun April 29: Cherry Creek Sneak 5k Monday May 28: Boulder Bolder 10k Maybe - Sat/Sun August 18/19 Triathlon (haven't decided if doing Sprint or Oly if either at all, but will probably do a tri sometime this summer) Maybe - Sunday Sept 22: Rock n Roll half (either 13.1 or a relay - 6 miles ish)

Great thoughts :) Enjoy the gym! Maybe download some new songs to your iPod (if you have one and use it when you work out) - it usually helps me reenergize.

kk - since I'm still losing (I think) I kinda figured it was okay, but guessed it was worth checking :) thanks

Any thoughts on when you should recalculate? I keep checking, but after about 35 lbs, it hasn't changed yet.

When you think only A piece of junk food will help Don't. It's not worth it.

Pancakes for breakfast With syrup make me sleepy Oops. What a mistake.

Today's a great day A nice healthy breakfast start And burger for lunch

I want a donut It would be much better named A don't-touch-it, please