Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the positive comments and feedback on my pics.  My weight has plateau'd for about 2 months now, so I've been fighting discouraging feelings.  It's so weird how a person's life can change so quickly.  I'm not the person I was 8 months ago.  In fact, I lost a person!   Anyway, I don't eat the same, I don't have the same old habits, and my priorities have changed in a major way.  I'm WAY more conscious of the nutrional content of foods instead of the taste.  I used to throw myself into my work and not care about anything else.  Now, I'd rather focus on me.  (Of course, I did switch jobs.)  I care about my personal appearance.  I don't think I went a day last year without my hair in a ponytail.  I wear it down more often now, and I feel great when I do.

Last night, I had my first "someone didn't recognize me" moment.  I went out with some friends, and as we were leaving the bar, I saw a guy that I knew from GF.  I said "Hi" and kept walking.  He ran after me and was like, "Hey, so, what's your name?".  I looked at him and said, "Uh, you KNOW my name."  He gave me a funny look, so I told him where I knew him from and his jaw hit the floor.  Boy, did THAT feel good.  He couldn't believe it was me.  I had to tell someone (especially someone who knew him) so I called up my friend Marcie and told her the whole story.  She wasn't surprised.  But I am.  I still see "me" when I look in the mirror.  I don't see the fat girl I used to be.  I look at pictures of "the old me" and I don't remember looking in the mirror and seeing that.  It's amazing what kind of tricks the mind can play on you.

So, I have to get back to work, but I had to thank everyone.  You all keep my spirits high and I'm glad to call you all friends.