Thank you everyone for chiming in. Finally, I understand why people have the 1200 calorie a day rule around here. It was very iluminating to hear that as long as I get nutrition, it doesn't matter if I lose the pounds slow or fast. I was concerned that I might damage some internal metabolic mechanism if I am more aggresive (2lbs per week). I lost 30lbs last year and gained 10lbs back because I didn't understand the maintenance part. This time, I am preparing myself to ease into maintenance and not "lose it." Thank you for the answers (and PinkLotus for the question despite the highjacking:-)

On a variety of sites, for my height and my goal weight, I have a resting metabolism of @ 1450 calories and with my lifestyle I can eat @1800 calories to maintain a weight of 138 lbs.

I've been averaging about 1600 per day over the last couple of months to get this far. I know I cut out A LOT of junk in my diet but now I'm to the point where my motto is " Eat Better and Eat More ". So far it's working for me. Could I have cut to 1200 and lost faster?..sure, but one way or another I know I'm going to get there.