I was doing so well before my trip to the south then...crash! Backyard Burgers, Captain D's, O'Charley's, Logan's, Fat Mo's, McDonald's, you name it. Four pounds later...seriously, I thought it would be much worse than this, but four is still bad. Luckily, one has already disappeared and I hope to never hear from him again.

Yesterday, I started working out again with a fierceness! First thing in the morning, I popped in one of my tried and trues; The Firm Parts: Sculpted Buns, Hips and Thighs with instructor, Tracy Long. She kicked my butt (well actually, she kicked my stomach and more specifically my abs). Ugh! I was feeling it a bit last night, but I'm in agony today. I must be a bit masochistic because I'm actually enjoying it. Well, not the pain so much but the fact that I did something good for my body. Something it hasn't had to do in a while and my body is letting me know, which is definitely a step forward.

So today, I'm going to attempt more working out...not sure what, not sure when but I'm going to try. That's all I can do is give it my best effort with each day. My costume came and it's definitely not meant for a tub-O so, I've got to get cracking on tightening up. I'm wearing it no matter what. The question is, will I be comfortable in it or royally embarrassed?

I'm going to loose my mind if the number doesn't change soon. Granted, I'm not working out like I should but, I'm not eating everything in sight either. In fact, I'm staying around 1300 or so calories a day. I don't think I'm in starvation mode, but maybe that's what's happening. I've got to up the anti on my workouts. They are few and far between. Looks like I answered my own questions.

What's the number you ask? 176. It hasn't really changed in days...days, I tell you! A 175 or even 174 would make me happy right about now. Truth be told, I'm just over the 170s altogether. So, 160s, where are you?

Today, for example, I had a protein packed breakfast: scrambled eggs (no grease), 2 strips of thinly sliced bacon and 1 slice of whole wheat toast (no butter) strawberry preserves. Usually, I eat a bowl of raisin bran and another after work that definitely keeps things moving along), but I didn't have time after getting the kids ready and off to school.

For lunch, it was a day out with my coworkers and we ate at a Thai restaurant. I tried something new, the Pra Ram (which was divine!); steamed veggies, tofu and peanut sauce with a few peanut chunks sprinkled on top. It came with a small serving of white rice and a small side salad. For dinner, I'm not sure what I'll have but this is where I start thinking; Damn, I wish I'd gotten a workout in this morning. Then, I wouldn't feel so guilty about the dinner; however, dinner is usually a lite fare. My intentions are good, but there's no follow-through. I've thought about how nice the weather has been and how a walk at the park would certainly help things along. I could do that tonight. I really could! Last night was Gymnastics night and tomorrow night is dance night. Thursday, Friday and Saturday would also work. What is my problem?

Okay. My plan: To walk to the park and walk the track with the Babe and Indy. I don't have to go at a full trot, but a good pace would be great. Two or three times would definitely get the heart rate going and the blood pumping. Following through? Well, we'll see.

So, I took a few shots of my fabulous shoes, which arrived today. Forgive the trouser socks and the night gown...even still, I think they're hot!

I found a someone who has my shoes. Woohoo! Now, being that it is an auction site, let's hope I get them. I'm not waiting around like I did last time, only to find that the beautiful pair of shoes I want has disappeared, never to be seen again. Okay, I did find them...just on the designer's site for more than I'd like to pay.

So, here I am at 176 nearly back to where I was before the "lummox" arrived at my house (that's almost 20 pounds lost since the new year, for those keeping up). At least I didn't creep back into the 190's (heaven forbid). If I can at least broach the 160's before my trip, I can get/wear my fabulous shoes. Even though the weight is coming off, I'm not happy with my body shape and need to get back into the workouts. I know that walking, running, jumping, skipping, skating, swimming, anything is going to make this body right as rain again. I did a Leslie Sansone walk last week, but nothing has happened yet this week. I'm hopeful. The basement move is looking more promising with each day (I assembled the new office desk and put the desktop computer back together over the weekend). That in itself was a bit of a workout. My butt was so sore the next day!

If my babe's behavior keeps up, I may take her (and myself) skating later this week. I would much rather go and be free to skate. The issue is Indy; I usually have to push her in the stroller as I travel around the rink which makes my skill development of the sport nearly impossible and my back feel like I'm preggers all over again. Hubby doesn't skate and doesn't want to spend the hour or two traveling around the games area with the babe (I don't blame him). I don't dare have big sis push her around the rink. She really doesn't have the strength. Oh, well. I guess I'm stuck, but at least the babe will enjoy herself.