I have been on SparkPeople for over a year, and some time ago it became a daily habit of mine to check in and read articles and blog posts.

All this time, of course, I'm eating better and exercising. But still? I'm amazed when I actually make progress. And it's so cool to think that I can talk about it here. Out in the real world, I hate calling attention to myself. I don't go up to friends or family and say "Hey, I lost a pound last week!" If someone asks if I've lost weight, I'll answer and thank them for noticing, but I don't really like bringing it up.

I found a tape measure the other day and checked my waist and such. Since last June I've now lost 7 inches from my hips and 6 from my waist, 4 from my thighs and 3 from my upper arms. Now, all of this is assuming I actually used the tape measure correctly, but regardless of how precise the numbers are, I've lost a bunch of inches! Wow. I know that was the plan all along but to actually see progress is another thing.

The belt I bought not too long ago, intentionally too small: I'm on the last hole now. Luckily it is a sturdy leather belt (there IS no other option for me but sturdy) and I have a hole punch, so I don't need to buy another belt just yet. But again - wow.

It's summer and the pools are opening, and my swimsuits are too big. I can't decide if I want to buy new ones or wait and see if I lose some more inches. Right now they just look a little baggy, they aren't falling off or anything, that would be bad. Don't need to embarass my children any more.

I've now lost just at 50 pounds. I have 40 more to go. This is really happening, isn't it?