Well - I just experienced my first loss of a long post. UGH!!!!! :mad: Here I go again. . .

I've been away for so long and now I have to catch up. Working for a CPA in the heart of tax season is not my favorite thing in life. But only 2 more weeks to go!!!

I had a really stressful day at work yesterday. I was good on diet all day until I went to the grocery store after work and saw a big piece of cake at the bakery. I bought it and ate the whole thing (my guess - 600 calories and who knows about the carbs). On top of that, I had a big glass of wine and a ton of nuts. I would have kept going but I was too exhausted and fell asleep. The worst part of where I work is that I work in a really small office with 3 other people, all of whom are thin. The two women can't weigh more that 105 lbs each. They eat all day. Yesterday I had to smell take-out Panda Express (one of my weaknesses), microwave pizza and something else that smelled really good. Plus, one of them brought in Hershey kisses. I only had one (so far). So I guess it's no wonder that I broke down last night. I'm only mortal. Yesterday morning I was down another 2 lbs (total 17) but as of today I'm back up 1 lbs. Hopefully back on track today.

I'm sorry if I've set the wrong tone here about wanting to lose weight to look good. I do tend to be a little vain (O.K. - a lot :) ). But even though I would love to have the figure I did 30 years ago, I'm finding it is much more important to me these days to be healthier and feel better. So let's make a promise to each other that NO MATTER WHAT we will all just relax and enjoy our vacations (cruises or whatever). After all, we all love spending time on this board because we really enjoy each other's company, not because of how we look.

Kathy - You know I truly understand how hard it is for you right now, with tax season. With you owning your own business it has to be so much harder! Hang in there!! The Slim Fast diet sounds like a good plan of attack. I'm also feeling the pressure of not having the time or energy to cook the good low carb foods. I'm running out of quick things to grab. I bet you will lose the 10 lbs before PIP and then you can feel good in your cute new clothes.

Wendy - I started out with tin cans too!!! It works. Now I'm at 3.3 lb weights. I truly believe the weights(either tin cans or regular) make a big difference. You are being so good with your elliptical trainer. Keep us posted on your progress!!! And I hope your sciatica stays away.

Don - You had me in stitches with your "fly in my soup" story :D I guess you are going to have to scrap your disposable clothes plan. 61 lbs and 7 inches!!!!!! :app: I'm so proud of you. I'm going on memory here, but does that mean you are only 9 lbs away from your Silver Whisper goal? You are doing so GREAT!!! You'll make it for sure.

Liz - I only wish that there was some kind of stress that I lost weight. I always gain. The only time I lost weight without trying was when I went back to my grandfather's farm in a little town in Missouri. I just couldn't stomach the food he was serving (not what a city girl was used to!!!)

Margo - I'm sorry I took so long to welcome you to this support group. How are you doing with your Fat Flush diet? It does sound a little stict but I bet it can really give a person a good jump start on a diet. Stay with us here and keep us posted on your progress.

Joanna - I'm sorry you came home to stress. That is not a good way to lose weight. Much too hard on you. Hope things have eased up by now. If not, we'll have to send you on another cruise to have some fun.

Olivia - thank you for all your encouragement. It really helps!!!

Jean - I can't believe you are 79 years young. Maskai is right - you look much, much younger. And your posts are always so lively and spirited. We can all learn a lot from you!!!

Maybe after reading this long, long post you will all wish that my post had stayed lost. :D But I just love talking with all of you on this board and need to share. You are all my inspiration!!!

Have a great, successful day!!!