Easter, then and now (with pics of course)

I'm sort of a "success stories" junkie - I read them all the time and, since I have lost quite a bit of weight (78 pounds since mid September), I post a lot - pretty much every time I hit a new milestone in my journey or have a previous holiday to compare to.

So here I go again.

Today is Easter and, as such, family photos were taken, of course. My sister posted some on Facebook and I had to go dig up old pictures to compare.

I am pretty excited about the changes. I am healthier and happier and am setting a much better example for my family, especially my son.

Here are pictures from the past two Easters (I actually was around the same weight for at least 6 years, but I only have pictures from the last 2).


And now, after months of eating healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks, drinking lots of water, and exercising regularly, this is what I looked like today, Easter 2011 (I'm the tall one in the green dress, in case you couldn't tell):


I am 22 pounds away from my goal weight of 180 pounds. I am 5'10" and have a large build, but I know 180 may seem like a lot still; however, I am pretty happy with the way I look and feel now and, although I'll still probably have some extra on my hips and thighs when I'm done, I'm ok with that.

My goal isn't to be skinny - it is to be fit and healthy. I've already accomplished that, so even if the last 22 pounds take forever and a day to come off, as long as I can maintain my health and fitness, I'm satisfied.