It is extremely discouraging to log hours in the gym and to gain weight.  VERY Discouraging.  With my life, and much like others I’m finding, it is extremely frustrating to do the same thing over and over and expect different results.  Hm.  Isn’t that the definition of Insanity?  Yea.  Thought so.  So I went into week 3 of the Biggest Loser challenge week this week knowing I was going to be doing the same thing I did last week, eating well, working out, and well, this week’s competition was weight loss.  Hmm.  I wasn’t going to win that one if I gained the week before.  I was frustrated and feeling a little insane.  Smile  * so I guess I headed into the gym last Sunday with a bit of doubt.
Here’s what I’ve been doing:  Cardio.  Cardio.  Cardio. And lifting according to the circuits that George has input for me that will help me to achieve my goals.  My friend and I met at the gym every day this  past week. 
I didn’t think I would make it on Monday, but I have found a routine, that allows my Nanny Debra to meet me with my girls, I get at least 30 minutes in after work.  Then we rush to Laurel Arts for Miss O’s Dance class.  Love it.  I managed an hour or two on Tuesday and Wednesday I actually made it to the gym AND out to dinner with my friend.  We ordered off the lite menu at Ruby Tuesday’s (you have to ask for it) and I’m glad to say that the Creole flavored fish with broccoli was DELICIOUS!  And nutritionally it didn’t kill either of our diets.  My girls are not picky eaters.  They have tried Sushi, Olivia’s favorite food is Smoked Salmon (especially at Out of the Fire Café) Alison loves apples and cheese.  My daughters are relatively healthy, and Olivia made me proud on Wednesday night by choosing Salmon instead of chicken fingers or fried fried other kid food.  She is a good girl. Thursday we might have gone again during the work day and I kind of don’t think I even went on Friday.  But Saturday I did and I did my Chest/Shoulders/Back routine and guess what:  Managed to lose 1.5 lbs.  Yahoo!
So we didn’t win the contest this week I’m sure.  I’m sure there are more folks out there losing left and right and  my reward, although small was definitely worth it.  It motivated me to put in 6 miles at the gym today.  (This weeks’ competition is number of miles.) Again, I’m sure there are folks there doing more than me, but guess what!  I did it! 
I’m gaining more and more confidence each day and every time I go there.  I enjoy walking into Precision Fitness, the staff is super friendly, they actually know my name, and it’s clean, and when I have a question, I ask, and someone knows the answer. 
My lunch was a delicious chili that came from an Abs Diet book that we have, and as I’m sitting here typing this, I feel very encouraged and happy.   I do have faith that a new healthy me will emerge at the end of this process.  It is amazing to watch the little changes just taking place before my eyes. Spiritually, Mentally and of course Physically.  Thankfully. 
Oh, and my apologies for blogging fewer times in February than I ever have.  I’ve had a month I never expected which started with a child in the hospital, was filled with a lot of work, regular life things and ended with a wonderful birthday!  I’m looking forward to March.  Let’s hope I can find a bit of a better balance.  Here’s to a healthy year! 

(This photo is of Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, AZ.  I put it with this blog post for several reasons, this is where I celebrated my birthday last year, I'm making another transformation this year, through the Biggest Loser contest, and it is also the Holy season of Lent--this year, instead of giving anything up, I'm going to start practicing patience.  I'll let you know how this type-A working momma of two on a diet in the Biggest Loser contest does with that!  )