my moral standing is lying down

So now comes the post where I talk about how much weight I've lost in the last year and how awesome it is. I gained a lot of weight when I was in Indonesia because I wasn't able to be even as active as I normally was in NYC (not that I was super active anyway). Between coming back from Indonesia and going to LA I'm sure I lost a bit of weight and continued to do so in LA. But starting at the end of July last year I really started focusing on working out, and being more aware of what/when/how much I ate.

I did the Curves Complete weight loss plan for 3 months-- most of it is stuff I was already aware of, but having to stick to an actual plan, and having access to a whole bunch of easy recipes was really key for me. After the first 6 weeks I honestly stopped paying so much attention to recording everything and just continued the habits I'd created.

So, in the last 8 months -- from when I actually started counting -- I've lost a total of 50 lbs. And though the rate of loss has certainly slowed, it hasn't stopped.

It feels AMAZING.

I haven't been "dieting" so I don't expect to suddenly start gaining the weight back unless I get into another headspace where I just don't care. But honestly I think I'll be able to get back on track eventually, should that happen. Because now I know how to do it, successfully; I'll be able to do it again.

This is the smallest I've been, ever, since the first time I was this weight/size, probably somewhere back in junior high (7-9th grade). I can tell the difference, mostly just because of how my clothes don't fit anymore, but mostly I don't feel like I look that different. Which is perfectly fine. Though occasionally I'll catch a certain angle in the mirror and I'm like, wait, is that MY neck/collarbones/shoulders/face?

The best part (besides being able to fit into more clothes I like) is being able to do things I could never do before, like sit cross-legged on a desk chair, or comfortably circle my arms around my bent legs while sitting. It's just easier to MOVE. And I keep touching myself. Like, I can feel my ribcage -- so weird!

Anyway, it's all pretty exciting, and I'm just quietly happy with my progress. No matter how the whole new job/NYC/Philly things work out, going to LA last year was probably the best thing I could've done for myself.