It's amazing what a difference seven pounds can make. Yes, I am weighing myself daily which I know I shouldn't, but I'm really only counting the Wednesday morning weigh-ins because I feel like I got into the real weight loss thing on a Wednesday. And as of this morning, I am down seven pounds from when I started. Granted, I wish it was eight since it has been a month, but still, seven pounds is nothing to scoff at. I still have curves, but I'm starting to see some of the unwanted curves going away. I was running in my apartment while watching the Cubs game last night in my new black running capris and I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror from the side and I looked cute! Darn cute. Nice little figure. Still plenty of junk in the trunk, but from the side anyway, it's cute junk.

So I wore a dress to work today that I hadn't worn in a while because while it is a fabulous dress with very forgiving fabric, it is also fabric that can accentuate things like cavernous belly buttons if you're having one of those kinds of days. But today, it makes me look great. And I spiced it up with a sassy pair of blue wedges. So I'm feeling pretty good about myself today.

For other reasons, too. My planning is, well, planning. I do need to buckle down a bit and send a couple more emails, but things are moving forward and I'm gaining the confidence that I'll actually be able to do this. Which kind of makes all of the rest of it not quite so irritating.

Now if only the Cubs could win a game or two. I know a lot of people who have given up on this season already and in large part, I have, too. If I was ever that into it. I took the trade of Mark DeRosa really hard. But there is the die hard fan in me that still thinks they have the chance to pull it off, if they would just start getting some productive hits (i.e. with me in scoring position) and if the bullpen would stop, well, imploding.

Anyway. Today I feel good. I hope you do, too.

I have this big bruise on the back of my arm and the only explanation I can provide is that my classmate beat me up. Please don't worry or call the police or stage an intervention - it was movement class and while everyone was being free and impulsive, we were also being careful to not really injure one another - this was an accident. I just happen to bruise like a peach. I kind of like my bruise. It's a badge of honor indicating how into the class I was. It's kind of greenish and a little hard like there's a nice blood clot in there. It does kind of hurt, though.

But in general (when I'm not at work, anyway), I've been feeling pretty good about myself lately. I'm on the right track with my losing weight and getting healthy. I've lost about six pounds so far and silly as it sounds, I can tell a difference. I feel smaller and lighter. I fit into my pants again. I have a little more confidence in my appearance when I walk down the street. Which may be why I was so free in class last night - I just wasn't concerned with my ginormous rear end following me around, jiggling wherever I go. And there's something that feels really good about not gorging myself on sugar and junk food. My body just feels like it's more balanced and working better. Yes, there is still the impulse to go eat cake, but when I really think about it, I'm satisfied with an all fruit popsicle instead, you know? There isn't the racing heart on a sugar high or the crash afterward.

The down side of eating so much better (more fresh fruit and veggies) is that I must have brought some fruit flies home at some point. They're taking over my kitchen. I've taken out the garbage and washed my dishes and hidden/bagged/sealed all foodstuffs in my kitchen. I built a little trap with a mason jar, a strawberry, and some plastic wrap with small holes poked in it. I just hope they die soon - I'm getting tired of smashing them on the walls and having to clean up bug guts.

And my other plans are...well...planning. That's really all I can say about that right now. But it's making me really happy. Scaring the bejesus out of me, but making me really happy.

I hope you are all doing well!

It is blissfully hot today, and it was yesterday, too. This is what I live for every summer. Thank you, Mother Nature, for giving us summer (finally).

There is a gallon of milk in the fridge at work that has an ad for Cheerios on the side. I very much want to put a sign on the jug that says, "This is decidedly not Cheerios."

Okay, so scratch that about being in a show that opens tomorrow. My scene got cut.

Wow, it's been a while since I posted. Sorry about that. Life has gotten hectic again. Hooray for hectic!

I got cast in a show that opens tomorrow. I was cast last week Monday. So that's a week and a half rehearsal period? Lucky for me, my old theater company prepared me well for the super-short rehearsal period thing and I think we'll be fine. There have been some scheduling snags and whatnot, but that's to be expected with something like this. I think it will all come together tonight at tech, though. And I have to say, I love my scene partner. She is wonderful and gives me so much to work off of. It's like I don't even have to try - it just happens and I feel stuff and my lines come out. It's wonderful to work with such an engaging partner! If you are an actor, I highly recommend giving this a try. It makes all the difference.

My other plans are kind of getting set into motion, too. I'm sorry I can't be more specific now, but I don't want to say anything until I know what's happening. But I'm kind of buzzing with excitement about that, so that's good.

My niece is one month old. I need to go visit her again.

I'm starting to eat healthier, too, in the hopes of dropping some weight. Learning to eat balanced meals instead of eating enough of one thing to feel full (i.e. an entire pizza). I'm seeing a little progress so far. The website I am using says I should be able to reach my goal weight by October 6, or somewhere around there, and I think I'm just about on track. Trying to lose two pounds a week, so I stay healthy while I do this. I have significantly cut back on the amount of junk food I consume, and I'm watching the alcohol intake, too. Not like I was crazy before, but limiting myself to just one drink when I go out. It makes a difference. I'm drinking so much water, though, that I'm in the bathroom every ten minutes. Meh, it's supposed to be good for me. And today, I am wearing a pair of trousers I probably haven't worn in a year, partially because they were a bit snug and partially because I am desperate to do laundry so I had to go spelunking in my closet this morning. But it's nice that they aren't so snug anymore. Yes, I do realize that I will probably have to buy new clothes when I reach my goal weight. The hope is that when I do have to do that, it won't be as difficult as clothes buying has been for me in the past.

So in general, I'm feeling good. It's nice to be busy again. It's nice to be doing the things that I love. It's nice to feel like I'm going somewhere. And it's nice to have not-so-snug-anymore clothes.