after a summer hiatus, which most people do in higher ed, you get some fascinating reactions.
I've lost 82 lbs, been working on it for many months. I worked with these people all winter and through the spring. Toward the spring a few people noticed and commented on losses- around the 50 lb mark. I lost about 15 lbs over the summer.
Yesterday and today we had full-day planning meetings of the entire staff and faculty - and I'll bet 30 people commented on my weight loss in one way or another. You'd think they'd never seen me before! Indeed, a few said that they hardly recognized me. It was partly gratifying to hear people notice, but also occasionally very embarrassing - not all were discreet or thoughtful in their comments. Even my boss asked if I'd lost weight, and I see her regularly.
So I don't know if it was that last 15 lbs making a real difference, or the time off, but I assure you the retreat was an experience I'll remember.