What?????

After a lamentable couple of weeks, I am back on track with a vengeance!

I was shocked at today's weigh-in after losing only .4 lbs. two weeks ago and gaining .4 last week. I was hoping I would at least lose one pound and two would be fantastic.

I was able to start working out again this past week after hurting my neck and it felt good. I went hard on the cardio, doing 45 minutes on average and I upped my weights. There is a difference of opinion on how to work out when trying to lose weight. Some say don't use weights because you'll gain muscle mass which weighs more than fat. Others say if you increase your lean muscle mass, it will up your metabolism. I'm a believer in the latter. I'm also going crunch-crazy these days in an effort to diminish the several inches I'm able to pinch around my midsection.

I ate well this past week including a night out Friday at the Food & Wine fest where I drank wine and ate some good food without guilt.

The result - I lost 5 lbs. this week. Yes, 5 lbs. I'm starting to think there really is no rhyme nor reason to all of this - but I am thrilled. I broke that 150 barrier which is a great mental boost.

I have already surpassed my initial goal of dropping 15 pounds during the duration of this contest. (I've lost 17.8 now).

My ultimate goal - to reach 140 lbs., now seems attainable.

Thanks to all of you who have offered words of encouragement and advice. It is greatly appreciated.