DAY 1,202,508,302

OK, it's really DAY 22 but I gotta tell you, it feels like much longer! I'm not sure where to start this week. Let's start with the positive, shall we? I continue to feel that my body is performing better to some degree. I'm so incredibly grateful for that because the truth is I don't necessarily feel more energy, per se. I actually feel tired pretty much all the time. This can certainly be attributed to the fact I've stepped up my schedule-adding more classes-and we all know that the classes are no joke anyway...EVER! Having said that, I'm still able to push myself to keep up (for the most part) and use heavier weights and that makes me feel good. It really does.

I've been a little discouraged because I don't really see a difference in my body. I know it's only Day 22 but when you subscribe to this type of regimen, something so far from the bad habits you've developed, you can't help but feel like the weights gonna come off quickly. It doesn't! And I have to remind myself that I've put in a lot of work and dedicated a lot of effort to picking up the weight in the first place so of course it'll take just as much (and more) for it to come off. My clothes do fit slightly different and that has been a pick me up too.

Thanks so much to everyone of you who ask how it's going or simply show an interest in what we're trying to accomplish. It really is very helpful and inspiring. For me, I think it provides a sense of accountability (I mean who wants to let D3 folks down:-), but it's really great to see other people thoughtful about making changes to improve their own bodies. All the inquiries and jokes and questions truly gives the sense that we're all connected in some way. So thank you and please don't forget about us!

My family and friends have been so supportive in their own little ways. My friends kindly provides a veggie tray at a holiday party (right beneath the brownie tower). My dad picks me up apples and chicken when he's out. It's hilarious but oh so sweet. My mom is still on the fence about this whole thing though. She was delighted when I used my cheat meal to eat a piece of her famous fried catfish (well, 2 pieces). But she also baked me a sweet potato and bought me more for the week! That's progress for her. She just doesn't see why I'd "torture" myself this way. And I try to explain to her that the torture for me has been this tire around my waistline and I'm sick of it, dammit! She'll settle down but she's already asked if I can eat greens as my vegetable on Christmas. We come from a huge family of cooking folks and she can't help herself...oh well.

Now, has this been hard? Yes. Is this the worst possible time of the year to embark on such a journey? Hell Yes! Have I wanted to cheat? And you better know it!!! Do I have any regrets? Not for a second...

And even though I've definitely clowned around on here (gotta laugh to keep from crying), I've definitely come close to tears and have been frustrated and have doubted whether I could do this. And then I remember my goal. I'm lucky to be in this with some of the nicest, coolest chicks around. And how great is it to have Dre be so accessible??!!! I've asked 50 million questions and each time, she gets back to me. I'm sure she's on the other end shaking her head like this girl is going to drive me crazy but she answers, clarifies, repeats anyway. That means a lot. I know she won't stay nice like this for long but I'll take it for now:-) Anyway, I know this is a long one. I've gotta go anyway. Time to eat ;-/