Thank you vachinyc! And your new pic is awesome - you look so beautiful!

Ruth Ann: I'm in Vancouver for business meetings, PMS'ing and HUNGRY! I'm thinking of chocolate for the first time in months! Thanks for your amazing post!! 99 pounds! wow! Okay, that gave me the push I needed.... I definitely won't go down to the gift shop for a chocolate bar!! (its been 5 months since I was a slave to that drug!)lol

I'm all about the reward! There doesn't have to be a cost associated with it but seriously.... what ARE you going to do when you hit the big 1-0-0???

To all who provided me hints and suggestions regarding chicken broth THANK YOU. I think I will do that this weekend - I used to do that all the time.

I will put all the spices and veggies in with it and put it in the stove.

Do you think it would be okay to put onions in the pot? They won't carmelize.

I am thinking that 8 oz raw chicken would equate to 5-6 oz cooked?

Glad to help out Hiker! You are so much stronger than any chocolate bar!

And you know, I really hadn't thought about what to do at 100 - I think just knowing I did it will be such a high! I'm pretty stoked right this minute, I feel so much healthier than I did 9 months ago, it's a really good feeling!

Carol - if you're worried about the onions you might try leeks, they have a similar taste. But I've been putting onions in broth right along with no problems.

As usual you are right... the awesome feeling you have will be enough! Congrats!

Ruth Ann - Huge congrats on your awesome accomplishment! You are such an inspiration to me and many others on this board. Always positive and full of great advice and wisdom. Thank you for all you do to help us all be as successful as you are!

Although, now that you mention it, I have two rings that have a lot of sentimental value (one my favorite uncle gave to my mom when she was 16 and the other has the diamonds from my great-grandmother's wedding band in it) that I've been waiting to re-size. I may get them resized so I can wear them again. That would be an awesome present to myself.

Thank you for the sweet words Calypso - that is so nice. So many people have inspired and motivated me, it's so nice to know I can help someone else.

Thanks! I'm hoping to get more and more brave. I know I will regret it if I keep shying away from pics with my little nieces and nephews.

New picture, Ruth Ann?! Love it...and now you look super familiar to me. Not sure from where, but you are fairly local to me. Thank you for all the positive comments you bring here. Your wisdom is so helpful, but the way you deliver that insight is sincere and thoughtful. I'm so excited for you to be hitting your goal soon. What an inspiration you are!

Thanks Jendily - I figured it was time to update my pic. And thanks for the good words, I really feel like I'm just paying back all the inspiration and advice I've been given through this journey. It's amazing how much it means when you're trying to lose weight, having the collective knowledge here has made it so much easier.

Ruth Ann... Such a great picture! You sparkle! And congrats on your progress... 99 lbs is incredible, and soon you'll be at goal! But for now.. Hugs for your months of commitment to yourself and support and example you are to everyone else!

Thanks 65! I was so delighted yesterday when I realized it had been 9 months - it's flown by so fast!

On reaching goal - once I started getting close, I started questioning whether it's the right one. On the advice of a very smart lady (thanks Lisa!) I have left it where it is and decided we'll see once I get there. No sense worrying about it before it happens!

That is such a good idea!