At the beginning of this past week, I declared it to be "my week".  What can I say, I know my body was ready and I knew I was ready to do the work.  I tried to post my diet everyday, and did most days this week in case you missed it (photos included).
In addition to my dietary success, my workouts are going well also.  I was able to keep up with my alternating days schedule of walk one day, run the next.  I am in no real pain so far for at least two maybe three weeks in a row.  I am hopeful and gaining confidence that my hip and lower back may be finally recovering.  This thrills me to no end.  I love being active!  Being able to get up and greet the morning light and crisp air with some cardio gives me sheer joy.  I am completely thankful the the gift of ability!
I lost three pounds this week.  I started out at 144 and went down to 141 as of today.  That makes a 25 pound weight loss.  It is really exciting to have progress after much effort, so I am going to jump the gun on one aspect of my plans.  I planned on not posting anymore pics of my success until I was to my goal.  That way I have a beginning middle and end to this journey.  However, I just could not wait.  I'm too excited.  So here are my "almost there" pics:

This is me with only seven pounds more to lose.  Seven pounds away from a healthy BMI!  YAY!

 This was my "before" pic at the beginning of this journey.  In this pic, I am 166 pounds, and in the "obese" category.  Twenty-five pounds ago!!!