Happy Anniversary to me...

I can't let the summer go by without noting a happy anniversary. I started a journey last summer and joined Weight Watchers. I've been pretty successful in my goals and achieved my goal weight and Lifetime status this Spring.

Here are my stats now:

• 64.4 pounds lost
  (is it wrong to round up and say 65?) ;-)
• 8" off my waist
• 9.5" off the hips
• lost 5 dress sizes

There is a lot less of me these days!

This all started because of an upcoming birthday that had an "0" in it. It was one of those moments you say to yourself "where do I want to be when this date hits?" I knew I wanted to be in a different place than I was. I was inspired by my sister and her hubby, and by my friend, Mary Evelyn and her story. All three of these good people had great success with Weight Watchers, and couldn't say enough about it. So, I jumped in. What did I have to lose? (A lot, as it turned out! LOL) It was like my body had been waiting for this program. I'm a list-writer and love writing in my planner, so tracking what I eat, and counting points is right up my alley. I love that the system is based on nutrition, and learning how to eat correctly! There are no special foods or shakes to order, or that I have to say no to, or eat only, any one food group. I was blessed by the good Lord above -- the weight consistently came off, little by little, week by week. I never felt deprived; there are so many yummy substitutions and healthy choices out there now!

I was so touched by all the support from my fellow WW peeps at the meetings, my family and friends, but especially DH. He was my #1 cheerleader in this. Even now, as the new me is "old hat" to everyone, he continues to pay me compliments and tells me how great I look. He's a sweetheart. He's been so committed to helping me succeed, that he tagged along, and lost 50 pounds himself! Woo-hoo! I love the new me; I get a kick out of looking good, and shopping for clothes has gone from a hellish experience, to lots of fun! I'm always on the lookout for healthier recipes, but they still have to have the "yummy factor". Two of my best resources are Healthy Cooking magazine and the Hungry Girl website.

If you ask me to describe how I feel about the weight loss, I would tell you I feel empowered. I can do hard things, and if I can achieve this dream, I can achieve anything! Bliss!