This is a huge victory! Every time you have an experience like that, it makes you stronger for the next one. Good for you!

So, my trainer just opened a new gym and wants to put my before/after pictures in the front window! What?! Yea! More encouragement to all of you...that girl to the left in the green shirt did not want to leave the house 1 year ago. MRC was my last resort and I didn't think it would work for me even 20-30lbs in...but I kept plugging along and here I am sailing through 6 months of maintenance!

Sometimes, our best victories can't be measured with a scale. That is awesome!!!!!

Congratulations!!! You'll have to take a picture of your pictures up in the window so we can see.

That's Awesome! Truly and inspiration.

Bleh. Just ready for this week to be over.

Don't know what my deal is, but the last 2 days I've had difficulty forcing myself to drink my water. Which is weird, because this hasn't been an issue for me for months.

Also, I've had on/off stomach ickiness going on. For no apparent reason, my stomach will just feel "off." Not totally nauseated feeling (though sometimes), but just icky feeling. And the water sloshing around in my belly doesn't help.

I didn't feel good on Wednesday, but still forced myself to go workout. Usually that makes me feel better, but it just made me feel dizzy and icky this time. My blood pressure has always been totally normal (low-normal when I was skinny), and it has gone down to low-normal since I've started the program. My sister (a nurse) told me that there's really no such thing as blood pressure that's too low, unless you're passing out or not breathing, lol. Mine's been running about 94/53 to 108/68 lately. I think it's what's making me dizzy, and I just need to be more careful when standing up, etc. Better too low than too high, I guess.

Mostly, I think I'm just grumpy because I haven't felt "normal" all week and I'm just really wishing I could hurry up and lose the last 10 lbs and be DONE--but it's taking FOREVER.

Also, this is totally unrelated, but just wanted to see what y'all think:

I'm debating between getting a Kindle and getting a Nook.
I was just going to get a Kindle because the reviews on them have been strong since they came out. My boss and several other people I know have them. But then one of my co-workers (a fairly techy one) told me she got a Nook because other people in her family have them and the Nook allows book sharing (Kindle does not). I love the book sharing feature--except that other than my one co-worker, I don't know anyone with a Nook to share books with. I wish Kindle allowed book sharing--then there would be no debate.

I also read online that Nook utilizes the android format, which means B&N may eventually develop the ability for Nooks to also act as tablet PCs (at least for websurfing). However, I also know that Kindle is experimenting with a websurfing feature as well.

So, I'm debating-- tried-and-true Kindle with easy-to-read format, or a Nook (which still has strong reviews) with a cool book sharing feature that only works with other Nook users, and the possibility of tech advancements making it more like a tablet.

Input? Advice?

I'd like to get one before we go on our belated honeymoon in June. Also, I'm tired of having stacks of books (I read a LOT) sitting around my house, taking up space.

Teacherlady... I really do hope you start feeling better! I know it stinks to have stomach issues. I know my blood pressure is the lowest it's ever been, since I joined the program. I was usually 130/90 - last week it was 117/79, which I thought was amazing. But this week when I went in, it was 145/95.. and I was extremely stressed so I think that's explainable.

Just keep up the great work and we are all here for you!

~C

Teacherlady - I had the same debate at Christmas over the Kindle or Nook. I went with the Nook and really like it. I already use it for light web surfing, facebook, etc. I have not tried the sharing yet but that was one of the reasons I chose the Nook. Mainly I really liked the color screen. It is a bit larger than the Kindle which I actually liked since I have trouble with smaller fonts. More print fits on the page. What helped me decide the most was going in to a B&N store and getting a demonstration. They each have there own pros and cons. I had only seen a Kindle prior to getting the demo and that is what was the deciding factor for me. You may hear that you can read a Kindle in bright light and not other e-readers. The Nook has an anti glare protective screen that prevents that problem and I have been able to read mine in many kinds of light, even the dark without an extra book light. Good luck choosing, either one you will really enjoy.

Deb...
I start maintenance next week, I believe, and you have been an inspiration to me. How wonderful, your picture in front window.. You should be very proud of your accomplishment.

Patzi

Teacherlady...
I am hoping you feel better real soon..

Patzi

I am doing a happy dance today. Yesterday, I did a practice walk for the half marathon and completed it in 3 hours and 29 minutes. 3.5hrs was my goal. And today I was WI and I signed the 90 lb board!!!!! I am in disbelief that I have been able to lose the weight and find enjoyment in exercise. If you had asked me a year ago if I would ever say that, I would have told you a firm "**** No".

Edit***I also love the fact that every time I have someone new weigh me in, they have to ask someone else if that is really me sitting out there because they don't recognize me from my starting photo!!

That is awesome! I can't even begin to explain how impressed I am--and how inspirational you are!

Hi..
I weighed in this morning and gained .9 pounds.. No reason for it, just happened. The center wants me to go back to eating extra veggies vs. some of the bread type carbs, as that seems to trigger me.. So, will try that and see what happens next week.. Also to cut out one of my dairy which is soy milk, and take an HNS instead.

I started week 6 of stabilization, and it is pretty much adding everything in that they have had me try .

If anyone has any questions relative above, please feel free to ask.

The goal party has been postponed as there are so many meeting goal in the next few weeks, they want to hold off a spell.

Patzi

Hello - my center said I can't use pre-shredded cheese because potato flour is used to keep it from sticking together. So I can shred it myself from a block or use cheese sticks, since they aren't coated with potato flour. I have not researched their claim.

I have a Kindle and LOVE it. Amazon does now offer book sharing for many titles. You can only lend a book once for a two week period. Amazon's customer service has been great. The screen got scratched (which of course would be my fault), but when I called to ask about repairing it, they sent me a new Kindle at no cost. Same thing when I bent my lighted cover out of shape from falling asleep on it...they replaced it at no charge. They want me to keep buying Kindle books! The e-ink is great, it does read just like paper. But I'm sure you'll love an eReader, whichever one you select.