she says with head held low.

So I haven't gained any weight during my 2 months away, but I haven't lost any either. I was conscientious about what I ate most of the time, but also had a few bad moments. I exercised hre and there, but nothing regular. You know what? When you don't do it regularly, you don't lose weight.

I think that the enormity of this journey just got to me and I needed a break, time to feel like a normal person who doesn't always have to watch her intake and make sure she exercises.

But I need to get back on track because I fear any longer away will make it too hard to get back into losing. And I am taking a beach vacation in June. I don't have any delusions about looking incredible in a swimsuit by then (nor do I even have that as a need), but I would like to romp around in the ocean with my husband and 3 kids and go out in the kayak and such. My goal is to be in a size 18 by then. I am currently in a 20, so I think I can do it.

So here I am again...ready to get it going one more time.

Welcome back, Paula!

I don't think there's anything wrong with easing up every now and then, as long as we don't go back to the old ways that got us here in the first place. I pretty much did that for a few months before Christmas, and now I'm back at it, I feel better than ever.

Well done for maintaining, and well done for coming back to do what you know works.

Welcome back. Looks like you were really going for it at one time. I'm sure you are ready now to start again. Let's do it.

Good to see you again Paula. I completely understand the whole break thing, sometimes we just need to tweak our focus every now and then.

Hi Paula, glad to see you're back. Congrats on maintaining, now you know you have the ability to maintain your goal weight once you reach it. Well done! I know you'll reach you're goal - you can absolutely do it!

~Dee

Welcome back!

Welcome back, and good luck with restarting!

Hi Paula, welcome back. I really started focusing on my weight loss at the beginning of this month and I've had very good success. It has helped very much to do a food journal at home and also I am journaling here as well. It is hard to get into the habit of exercising so that it is second nature to want to do it, I'm still struggling with it but it just takes focus and we'll get there.

Welcome back Paula!!

Before you knew you could lose. Now, you know you can maintain too. Congratulations and welcome back!

Welcome back!!

Thanks all. It is good to be back. I ate quite sensibly today and remined under my calories. I did not get a chance to work-out, however, and wish I had. It is just so hard to get up at 5:00 when it is freezing outside. Tomorrow.