old maid vs. spinster...

These titles seem to have a similar connotations. Is there any difference at all? More importantly, when do you get these titles? Are still considered an old maid if you're in a long-term relationship just not married. What do you call that? 'Cos it seems that I'm heading in that direction.

My BF's sister recently got engaged to her boyfriend of about 2 1/2 years. On one hand there is some relief...At least for a little while we won't have to be pressured by his mother into getting hitched. But, it does make me think about where I want my own relationship (of nearly 6 years) to go.

I know I want to get married, but I don't want to make a big deal about it. And, I don't want to go broke paying for it. My BF says that he wants to get married, but doesn't feel like he's financially ready to take the plunge...At the rate he's going he may never be "ready." What's a girl to do?

Part of me wants for have this "phase" of my life in place by the time I turn 30, but I know that is a silly goal to set. Well, I'm going to let this one simmer for a while...

did you miss me?

Doubt it...Well it's been a long summer. But, now it's turning cool, which makes me very happy. I'm glad I live in a part of the country where you see a least 3 distinct seasons.

I'm still on the South Beach...and holding steady. Last month, I had out-of-town guest two weekends in a row and a trip to western michigan. It was really hard eating out so much, but I did the best I would. It seemed like I was really good Mon - Thurs, then slacked off over the weekends. So, I kind of lost and gained and lost the same 3 pounds throughout the month. But, I'm holding steady at 128.5 this week. That puts me 1.5 pounds away from my original goal! Depending on how that goes, I might adjust my goal down to 125 and then move to Phase 3.

I'm glad I started this over the summer. I've formed some pretty good habits over the last few months. I'm finding some good recipes on how to make "comfort foods" that don't load up on pasta and potatoes. Hopefully, I'll be able to move into the colder season without piling on too many extra pounds. And, by the holiday season, I should have this way of life down to a science.

Oh well, I'm still around...

i broke 130 today...

So, today was the day for my mid-week weigh-in. Imagine my surprise when I saw 129.5. I was surprised simply because I feel like I've been eating very badly this week. I don't think I've had enough vegetables and a little too much starch. But, I guess somehow it worked for me.

Now I'm 2.5 lbs away from my goal. I'm really excited but I'm also trying to decide whether I should try to get down to an even 125. I know that I'm slimmer because all of my clothes are starting to hang on me...(This weekend I'm buying a new belt)...But, I'm not in the shape that I was hoping for. Once I get my goal weight I'm going to sign up for a yoga class. It's something that I've wanted to do for a while and I think it would be the perfect reward for the effort I'm putting in.

Anyway, I'm faced with another challenging weekend. I never really celebrated my BF's birthday (which was the 11th) because his mom was in town. So, we're going to make up for that this week. Also, I have a friend coming in town for the weekend. I think I will be alright when it comes to food choices, but I know I'm going to have way too many drinks.

still shrinking...

I know it's been a while since I've checked in. I haven't ditched the SBD. I'm stuck in a bit of a plateau so have been trying not to harp on it. I know it will take a while to get the last few pounds off, so I'm going to be patient and just stick to the plan. Today I'm at 131 lbs and I feel great. I have planned out all of my dinners this week. That way my BF can help with the cooking. And, I have plenty of snacks and fruit to take to work.

This weekend, I went out for sushi. I know I'm not supposed to but I had the sushi rice, it was well worth it! Saturday we had Thai...I had a couple of beers. Also worth it. What can I say? I'm not perfect. Hey, what's the point of being on a diet and changing my daily eating habits if I can't have a "treat" every now and again?

The one cool thing that I've noticed is that I don't get as bloated around this time of the month. I used to get on the scale and see it jump up close to 5 lbs, but not this month. I think the scale may have climbed 1.0-1.5 lbs this time around.

10 down, 4.5 to go...

It's been a long 2 months, but it's been well worth the effort. This morning I made it to the 10lb mark. That's right, 131.5! I think that's about what I weighed at the end of my freshman year of college. I even went out for lunch and dinner yesterday!

Well, I've heard that the last 5 pounds is always the hardest, so I'm prepared for it to take up to another month to loose the last few pounds. Also, since I'm switching back to phase 2 rather slowly, I wouldn't be surprised if I gain a bit back over the next week.

back on track...

My week back on phase one has paid off. This morning's weigh-in was 132.5! So, I'm back to phase 2. This morning I got to have a smoothie for breakfast, which was a welcome break from eggs. I enjoy having eggs for breakfast, but they take a little more effort to prepare.

This weekend, I also went to the Gap hoping to find a pair of pants to wear to work. I know that I'm in between sizes but I desperately need more pants that don't look too casual at the office. So, I tried on these on in a size 6...


And, guess what? They were a little too loose. I liked them, but the way that they fit left too much space at the waist. I was reluctant to try the size 4 in case they were much too small. I didn't buy them but I'm thinking of going back next weekend (maybe I'll try the size 4 on then).

back to phase 1...

I had a really hard time sticking to the SBD in Florida. There's tons of fresh seafood and some great produce. Unfortunately, a lot of the restaurants around my BF's parents' house fry their fish. On night we did find a place that had a blackened seafood platter. The fish and seafood were great! But, it was served with fries, hush puppies, and a really small side salad. I ordered an extra side -- veggie of the day -- it was corn. So, once I accepted the fact that I was on vacation and that I would do damage control once I got home, I just enjoyed myself and made the best choices that I could...I also figured ice cream was necessary since it was so hot.

Well, I got home last night and this morning I got on the scale. I gained back 2.5 pounds, putting me at 135.5. So, I'm going to go back to phase 1 for a few days. Depending on how that goes, I might stay on until next week. Today, I'm pulling the book back off the shelf. I'm going to do some meal planning for the week and will probably stop for groceries on the way home from work.