Kiki8123's Journal, 12 Aug 14

Hi friends! Been absent sent my last journal due to a few different factors. First, went camping and boating with my family a couple of weekends back. Had a blast! I even wore a swimsuit and didn't feel like I needed to stay covered up with a huge tshirt over it. Also, brother towed my 15 yo niece and me on a round tube (you lie on your stomach, propped on elbows, while holding onto straps for dear life). With all my brother's efforts to swing us past the wake and throw us off, he failed! I used my upper body strength gained from the TRX and kettlebell classes to hang on. Some pretty big waves and we got air a few times, but was still never thrown off. Take that, little brother! Then, while at the campsite, I managed to drop my only form of communication with you all (my iPad). Screen was completely smashed. Took a week to get repaired.

I've been doing well since my absence. I stayed the exact same weight at last Fridays weigh in. Pretty good considering some of the treats I ate while camping. But, I went for enough hikes and did other forms of exercise to ward off a gain. It makes me realize that once I hit maintenance, I'll really be able to keep this up! I'm back on my normal schedule (crazy work schedule) but still getting to the gym at least 5 times a week. I'm hopeful for another loss on Friday. It's exciting to see the weight go away and how the body is firming up. Clothes fit better (pulled a lot of "old" clothes out of the closet and gave away the larger ones to a veterans thrift store). Usually, this is the point I start either becoming discouraged or I start feeling a bit cocky and then it goes all downhill. This time, however, I'm in it for the long haul! I am still very motivated and continue to find things to do to keep up the motivation. I've got the color me rad 5k in October, a kayaking trip, more hiking trips, etc. planned.

Hope all of you are doing well!