The interview pants

Thanks everyone for the compliments and well wishes. When I began my journey I would stop by the success stories section and read all the good things that were happening for other people and how they were accomplishing their goals. These posts kept me motivated during those first couple weeks before I had my own successes. It's been easy sticking to the plan now that I am seeing and feeling the results but I never would have stuck with it without all the other success stories. I'm eternally grateful for that and hope someone else will read this post and push ahead another day until they find their own grove.

So many great things are happening for me now, I feel I could post up a new victory every day. Good things are happening so frequently that I almost feel bad not noticing them as they happen.

- My belly used to rub the steering wheel when I drove. The other day I noticed myself driving with my arms resting by my side holding the wheel with my thumbs at 5 and 7 o'clock. Not only does the belly no longer rub but there's a good 4-6" of clear space there.

- I used to dread stairs and have to catch my breath and slow my heart after every flight. Just last weekend I took pause in a conversation realizing that I had just walked up a flight of steps while talking with a friend.

- I used to avoid restaurants. Even going out with friends I felt like everyone was watching every bite I took and every move I made. Going out now has just become a fun time out with friends without the other crap in the back of my mind.

- Where I used to sit at home hiding, I now look for reasons to go out. In the past year I've started going to comedy shows and concerts every chance I get. I've actually been to four concerts in the last two weeks with a few more on the horizon. (For further proof that things are going great check out my new drinking buddy in my profile pic. That's Nathan Maxwell of my favorite band, Flogging Molly, and I back in their dressing room before the show enjoying a shot.)

I've found so much motivation here. I have an amazing group of pals that just get it done. Some are like clockwork, always consistent and getting it done. Others battle extremely busy lives but refuse to take the easy way out and always look to improve themselves. Some fight off a sweet tooth or eating disorders and are working hard to reach their goals. Another was out of shape and transformed into an absolute beast at the gym who's working toward becoming an instructor to help other with their own battles. Each in their own way has helped me find the great place I'm in now. I really hope they all know how much I appreciate their help.

BTW: My pups name is Gertrude. She's a four year old American Mastiff and although I could be accused of being biased, quite possibly the best dog ever.

Here's her little spot on the web:
http://www.flyingwfarms.com/amastiff/D Gertrude USE.htm