Stunned expressions regarding my weight loss...

So, I went to my future sister in law's bridal shower on Sunday afternoon (my brother Sam's fiance, Ashley). Her friends and family haven't seen me since Sam and Ashley's engagement party last spring. I've lost 45lbs and about 3 dress sizes since then. Everyone of them did a double take when they saw me. All afternoon everyone kept saying things like, "Wow! You've really lost some weight! You look great! How much have you lost?" It felt soooo good to get that reaction from people who don't really know me all that well, and who haven't seen me in a year. The whole experience really validated all of the hard work I have put into myself, and it really reiterated to me how much my body has changed in the last year. There's something more valid about getting that kind of response from near strangers. Not that I don't appreciate the kind words and encouragement from my friends and family, and I certainly don't doubt their sincerity. However, it's just that they're my friends and family, they love me, they see me on a regular basis, and I tend to feel like they have rose colored glasses on when it comes to the way I look. When a casual aquaintance who hasn't seen you in a year nearly drops their jaw to the floor, you KNOW it's a genuine, honest reaction. Just makes me want to work that much harder to reach my goal. 45ish pounds down, only 120ish to go! :happy: :drinker: