Just checking in - how are you all doing? _____________________________________________________________ Weight-wise... I'm hanging in there - still trying shake off the last of the weight, of course, my body has been stuck at the same weight give or take 5-9 lbs for months & months. I've been doing better with the food lately, and exercise, but the weight is not changing. Other stuff... I'm halfway through real estate classes, I've got four left, and then I'll take the state exam and become a licensed realtor. I am unsure that I'll use the license right away, because I still need to be at home for school vacations, and early morning/afternoon/evenings. What I'd need is a part-time job within a brokers' office just learning the trade. I am officially starting a job search *today* online, since I need to be decided about working or babysitting before school begins in September. I still babysit currently, but I have this feeling that it will need to come to an end over the summer, because I'm sort of transitioning away from that part of my life, since my youngest will be in preschool. She's been in a preschool camp program for a couple of weeks, just sort of a trial run for September, and the toddler I babysit is miserable without her here... can't win! My husband is going away on his first "business" trip on Tuesday, and he'll be gone for about 10 days (I think...) He's never been gone longer than a day or two since we moved in together years ago. . . so this will be interesting. -Beth http:// (meltingmama. blogspot. com)

as always.. lookin good.. lookin good ruth....

Better late than never Highest weight - and pre-surgery - 253 still 5'1" 1 year weight - 126 - at goal today's weight - 119 or 120 (yesterday 119 at dr's office.below goal Best health habit - exercise - at least 3 times/week Worst habit that I still have. None too disastrous. Sometimes I binge (ha - not like I did) and have 6 sf popsicles or a handful of almonds. Sometimes I drink more coffee than I really should. Still use half and half in my coffee. 1st 6 months - followed instructions mostly. OK - I rushed through the phases a little bit - but just by days. My dr. was very cautious so I started adding foods (like scrambled eggs) a little early. first year - followed instructions My progress was better than I ever dreamed possible. No plastic surgery plans - insurance won't cover it and I just don't have the $$ Worst issue with skin - my belly bulges in some clothing and you can sure see my wrinkled legs if the shorts aren't long enough. See plastic surgeon - 6 months to a year after weight is stable Most positive thing - restored my health and mobility. I feel like a teenager again. Negative - none that I can think of. use of my new tool - some days 9, most days 10. I am very happy. Will post some new pictures on my profile soon. Ruth

Lasagna! My usual. I always have one every single day of the weekdays but not on the weekends. I love the stuff.

The kind that you measure dry measures with. . .or for liquids, I use liquid measures. ~Lara