YES!! I am being very conscientious about NOT thinking about work or home.. just living in the moment and enjoying all the beauty around me. I love photography and I like to TAKE the pictures and used to avoid photos being taken of me at all costs... not so much on this trip! Go figure!! I can still see from the photos that I want to lose a little more but have to say I like what I see!

Slipfree: maybe our teams will meet in the NCAA tourney. I'm a Michigan State Spartan. Go Green! #BigTen
I love March Madness and my birthday kicks it off!

You look lovely!! Have a wonderful time

I am OP and feel good. I have to work tonight and I am already tired. Going to have a quick nap, and hope to feel better.

Just got back from my brunch and shopping. I had poached eggs, roasted asparagus, and mushrooms. It was OP and not nerve-wracking since I looked at the menu ahead of time. I bought some new cute tops at Anthropologie in size MEDIUM! Sorry for the all caps, but I haven't been a medium in maybe 5 years, so I'm soooo excited. It's seems like my upper body has lost a lot more than my lower body, but walking and other exercise will help with that.

Slipfree & Dlr- Hope you're birth enjoying relaxing Saturdays and getting some rest.

Yay Kooky! Sounds like a fun outing. Medium tops deserve caps! Did you have fun? Nice visit with your friend?

Dlr- glad that you are doing well OP. Hope that you get some good rest and feel better before work tonight.

Taking it slow, in my pjs. I did my taxes, was stressed about gathering the info. because I refinanced. But it was easier than I thought.

I am feeling better, makes me wish I had gotten the antibiotics sooner. I just hate the idea of using them.

So, a bittersweet NSV. Only 3 of my spring dresses out of many are wearable, the rest are way too big. I am happy, but I have been wanting to wear these as goal clothes (14 and 12s) for so long, that it makes me a little sad to have missed them size wise. Also, the idea of replacing all of these clothes is overwhelming both style wise (not a fan of fashion lately) and $$$$.

Slipfree- I had a really good time with my friend. She lives about an hour away so we don't get to hang out much outside of work. It was a beautiful day and I'm glad we got out out early and had brunch instead of lunch because downtown was getting packed!

I'm glad you're feeling better. I can really identify with you on the clothing issue, but it's worth it to lose the weight and have to buy new clothes. P1 of IP is expensive, so just think about the extra money you'll have in maintenance because you won't have to buy so many IP products. I think I spend about $400-500 on IP stuff a month with the packets and supplements. I could probably do it cheaper, but I like to have a wide variety of products so that I don't get bored.

You can gradually build up your new wardrobe. I just invested some $ in medium tops because most of the weight I have left to lose is in my lower stomach, butt, and legs (especially thighs) and then just small amounts in other areas. For pants, I've been buying Old Navy because they're inexpensive. I also wear leggings with some tunics and dresses that didn't used to fit me.

I might also buy some knit dresses in mediums that are more fitted up top to get me through the next few months. Garnet Hill and Boden have really cute knit and jersey dresses. I buy those online.

All of the pants and skirts I was waiting to wear 14's and 16's are too big. I'm not complaining, but it's crazy how quickly I went through those sizes.

I guess I am just mourning my Maggy London dresses. I love them and have not been able to wear them for the past seven years . Her styles are classic. Now, her clothes are out of my price range for multiples. I will adjust, guess I am surprised that I have been this weight and they fit. IP changes your body so much. Wonder what size I will be at goal?

Summer clothes are not an issue, since I am off from school. I also need to get a dress for Palm Sunday and Easter.

I am pretty hour glass shaped but have definite weight on my thighs, but my body has always been that way. Accepted it a long time ago.

Glad you had fun with your friend.

Oh I'm sorry...I was thinking these dresses were more recent and ordinary purchases. That does suck that you missed being able to wear your favorite dresses that you've wanted to wear for a long time.

I have had the same experience with IP that my body looks much better at 190 than it did when I was gaining weight and hit 190. I think I was wearing large tops and size 14 jeans. I was definitely a lot chunkier looking. I think it's all of the protein and that ketosis gets rid of the fat, while the protocol maintains muscle mass. Plus we're not eating and drinking the things that made us puffy and bloated. That's my best guess. I am not complaining though. I might end up phasing off at 150-160. I'm thinking 145 might be too aggressive of a goal. I think I'll get my blood work done again at that time and if everything is back at healthy levels, I'll start phasing off.

Good morning,

Hope all of our travelers are having a wonderful time. Can't wait to hear about all of your adventures.

Starting to feel a little better, but mornings and late evenings are still tough. Ergo, the reason I am awake at 7:00 am on a Sunday.

Lisa, we lost our game I do love March Madness! I follow both the UCONN women and men in basketball. Did you go to Michigan? Two of my teaching colleagues went to the Univ. of Michigan.

Ucon will still be in the NCAA tourney. Maybe we'll meet. Were in the Big Ten Championship game today.
And ugh, NO! I did not go to Michigan. I went to Michigan STATE. We're the good guys #1 School of Ed
(Note a bit of rivalry there?)

Oh, I know all about the rivalry. Three of my teacher friends cheer for Big Blue, one cheers for the Spartan green. We will be in the tournament, but I do not see a deep run for our guys. Now the ladies, I expect to see at the final four. With this bout of the cold/flu and 20 degree weather, March Madness is a joyful thing. Looking forward to Selection Sunday tonight.

Me too. After we beat those pesky wolverines.

Lisa, same region, it may happen,