(Oh, the picture is my visual of getting back in the saddle...I know, I'm so cheesy).

This was not a good day for "normalcy" (no phases). We've been celebrating hubby's successes with food (resurgence of bad habits).

--Aside: Hubby won the overall for his show this weekend. He now holds a "pro card", which means he is officially a professional bodybuilder for NGA (natural, no steroids) and can compete in pro shows for monetary prizes. Hooray!--

Although I did manage to maintain some self-control, I didn't do as good a job as I had hoped. The upside is that I swam like a crazy-woman on Saturday (laps, not just paddling around) and woke up so sore this morning. I'm sort of hoping that my muscles will release any water tomorrow. I've pretty much given up that I'll start round two in the 150s.

I have to say, though, that it could have been a lot worse. Reading some of the posts in the forums, there are folks who get into round two 10 or fifteen pounds above their LIW. I think I would just cry if that were the case. Luckily, I don't think I'll have that problem tomorrow.

I've mixed my new batch of HCG and placed it in it's aluminum foil covered seal in the fridge. I have my groceries purchased (all stocked up on spinach, beef, green onions, sugar/starch-free seasonings, grapefruit and apples) and will pick up a few more, later this week. I'll be loading tomorrow and Tuesday which is exactly 3 months to the day that I started round one.

We ate breakfast from the hotel this morning, had A&W orange freezes for a snack (Oh! Creamsicle in a cup. Divine!) McDonald's for lunch (salt, salt, salt) and chili dogs for dinner. I, myself did not eat dinner opting to get in the rest of my 80 ounces of water instead. Besides, I still felt my McDouble sitting at the bottom of my stomach. I'll eat more than enough tomorrow and Tuesday.

I think that when I go through P4 the next time, I will not bring in as many carbs so soon. I really didn't want them, but didn't want to deny myself. After rereading the protocol, Dr. Simeons states that high fat high protein is fine, but as soon as you incorporate the carbs, you can sabotage that positive combination. Lower fat, high protein days with a bit of carbs worked really well for me. I'll certainly know that next time.

If I do a third round, it will be after our vacation in September (and before the holidays). I'm not afraid of additional rounds but am hoping that I won't need them. I'm happy that I know I can keep good habits and that, with a little will power, I can eat normally and not worry too much about calorie counting. I kept logs for my own sense of education and research for the future. I think it will help me when I finally hit "lifestyle maintenance weight" (that's what I think I'll call it).

So, tomorrow is the start of Round 2 and I will keep documenting to help me stay motivated, focused and fearless in my pursuit of a healthier me. Onward and upward!

I really am going to go, despite the still lingering sore throat and despite the constant hacks. I can't afford not to! I haven' t really worked out all week, well, unless you count my parading all around downtown, yesterday. We have a conference in session with lots of employees here from out of town. We were supposed to be at a hotel located just across from my parking destination. Turns out, a recently built facility bearing the same name was where I needed to be, not where I was.

So, off on a hike I went. It was only a few blocks, but you have to understand. Salt Lake City blocks are much larger than normal city blocks (it's historical...something about roads needing to be big enough and wide enough to turn oxen around or something like that). Anyway, they're pretty big and I huffed and puffed my way over. By the time I got there, I was glistening and I thought, "Wow. I guess I just got my workout in after all." I coughed a little bit, once I sat down but it wasn't too bad. I figure I'll be in warm water and all tonight not cool, brisk air.

I'm just so desperate to keep on track. Things are progressing well, clothes are looking better and baggier on me than they have in months. I keep seeing a pair of jeans in my closet that I'm desperate to wear. I won't be able to until I get this baby weight off once and for all.

Finally, V-day is nearly upon us and I have pretty much worn the same dress on V-day for the past seven or eight years (excluding the years preggers or with baby weight). I may actually get into it next week, if I stay on target. I think it would literally blow my hubby's mind to see me in it (it's a fabulous dress, even now). I never thought it too dressy, and would wear it on campus for the day. Now that I almost work in my pajamas, it will definitely cause a stir at work (that is, if I don't look like a beached whale in it). I'd like to wear and be able to feel somewhat confident...knowing that it could look better, but also realizing that it looks good regardless. Wish me luck!