Mini-workout in the am before my shower: 20 pushups (most are half/modified, I do as many full ones as I can first - I'm up to 8), 25 crunches, 20 squats. Sun/Tues/Thurs nights (9pm or so - we like late workouts): To the gym w/DF for 20 min. on the treadmill, then a little weight lifting Every night before bed: Stretching exercises (quick, and nothing too straining I started the morning and evening routines because I used to feel *soooo* guilty on those inevitable nights when we'd skip the gym...now since I can do those two things anywhere and they take about 5 minutes, I don't feel bad about missing the gym occasionally, because at least I'm doing *something* on a daily basis. :-)

I can honestly say I have never seen a pink rainbow - wild! Today rain was forecast. We had some earlier but not for the remainder of the day. Cold north winds are heading for us during the next week with rain and colder temps. Have to wear those rain pants to work this week. Nothing worse than arriving at work drenched! Umbrellas are pretty much useless when the winds are high so I strap down with rain gear head to toe. We spent today visiting our aunt - I made sure to have breakfast and very light lunch because I knew there would be about a 12 point chicken wing, pizza and sponge roll for us...there was. I had 2 chicken wings, waved my WW Shopping Guide around and researched the meal before eating (new strategy...this woman always bugs me about having more and I have declined numerous times)...today she was interested in my weight loss. I had a BIT of everything, enjoyed it and told her how happy I was with things. Also chatted about all the opportunities and events I have to decline EACH week at work for hospitality events...so she is getting the message finally. I am always up tight about this visit every other week because I dreaded the who act between us with the food - but I have been sticking to my guns and actually walk my plate right into the kitchen sink as soon as finished and throw it in the dish water. Can't take seconds when your plate is gone. Can't make my point any stronger than that! I want to reach my goal more than a beer, more than a cheesecake, more than a night out...this is the third year running I have tried to do this and the first time I have made it past a certain point with INTEREST and DETERMINATION to continue. I see myself smaller, I have faith and can now see the difference from when I started. It has been slow. Sometimes too slow...so I give myself small rewards, reread the how to guides, dotties site, discovery health site and then, when I finish reading remind myself how disappointed I have been with myself the last few years for giving up. That is the truest feeling I have to motivate me. I am going to reach my goal - no matter how long it takes. It feels great wearing size 12 for the first time in YEARS. I feel great getting this far. I am feeling much better. I pat myself on the back for sticking with it when I was emotionally drained and down - eating right helped me feel better. What motivates you? Cheers for now, McPeg

I've been everything from a rugby player and weight-lifter to an all-day hiker to a total slug...and had gone totally slack when I was in a car accident, and tore two discs... two years later, I have to say that the BEST help I got were from the book and videos by a cat named Rodney Yee... he makes yoga make sense, and 'yoga for strength' would win the approval of Charles Atlas for its isometric work... I work with a yoga ball, a staff, some straps, and a few light weights- the heaviest thing I have is 10 pounds, and that plus my body weight is PLENTY... and not only is my doctor thrilled with my recovery- but I can now do things I couldn't do as a teen- like proper pushups.

To do a squat, you just pretend you are sitting down.Your weight will be on your heels and your thighs will be parallel to the floor. That will work your butt and your thighs.If you put your feet closer together and squat, it will work your inner thigh.You can also hold a weight bar behind your head(sitting on your shoulder/back area) or hold dumbbells in your hands. But remember that you have to work your calves also or you will look unbalanced. To do this, stand on a curb or something with the front part of your foot on the curb and the back half off. Hold a weight in your hand,maybe 10 lbs.,and lower your heel below the curb, then stand on your toes. Just keep lowering yourself up and down.All your weight on that one leg.You will need to hold onto something to maintain balance. I can recommend two great books: Hardbodies, by Gladys Portuguese and Now or Never, by Joyce Vedral. They are just wonderful for a beginner. Have fun!