HCG Diet...The Aftermath

It has been a little over a month since I completed the HCG diet and protocol.  And I'm excited/proud/overjoyed to say that I am the same weight today as I was on June 12.  Even when I started Phase 2 (the phase where fats and carbs are SLOWLY introduced), it seemed like I continued to get smaller (though I still weighed the same).  The clothes I was able to salvage from the "donate" pile in the garage just kept feeling bigger and bigger.  

Eventually, I broke down and bought some new clothes (especially after the comment about my khakis looking like I crapped my pants because they were so baggy......thanks for that, Rick....I love your honesty).  I got a pair of brown slacks, a pair of black slacks, and four business casual tops for work (that can also be worn for evening/weekend outings with my man).  I also found an awesome deal on some jeans at Old Navy, so I bought three pairs!  So, with those clothes and the ones I'm still able to wear after purging my closet of over half of my wardrobe, I should be good to go.  In a couple of months, I want to go through them again and scale back a little more. 

I have to admit, I'm a little surprised that I'm still the same weight.  I did stay pretty strict to the Phase 2 diet for about 2 1/2 weeks.  And then there were birthday parties and get-togethers.  Which means ice cream, cake, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, etc.  I remember someone saying "I'm really excited for you that you can eat whatever you want now!!!".  She saw me as being deprived before.....and I can see how one would think that.  I never felt deprived.  I had no desire to eat anything that was not on my list of "allowed" foods.  But it is nice to be able to eat what is being served, rather than having to bring my own food.

Though my weight has stabilized, it's not over.  I must continue to monitor my weight and food intake for life.  That's the key.  And that's why I did it in the first place.  To get a jump start on weight loss and learn how to eat the right kinds of things and develop a taste for them (even though, right now, the thought of grilled shrimp or grilled chicken makes me ill).  I might even start exercising!

Time For A New Piercing

Well, it's been a little over 7 years since I've had a new piercing (not counting the re-pierce of my cartilage in November 2007.....even counting that one, it's been too long). My last one was my tragus...before that was my rook (not sure on the exact dates). Anyway, I'd like your opinion on what I should get next. I have a couple of ideas but am having trouble narrowing them down.

The ones I'm debating over are: the snug (also known as an anti-helix...can be pierced with a captive bead hoop, as shown in the picture, or with a curved barbell, which is what I think I'll go with), and the anti-tragus (which could be pierced with either type of jewelry, as well).

Now, there are pros and cons to both. The snug would have to be in my left ear (where my tragus is pierced) so it wouldn't interfere with the rook piercing in my right ear. And the anti-tragus would have to be in the right ear, so as to not interfere with the tragus piercing in my left ear. Do you see my dilemma? I'm also concerned that I would not be able to wear regular earrings in my lobes if I went with the anti-tragus (I have two holes in each earlobe that I wear earrings in pretty regularly).

I'm planning on going sometime tomorrow, so I'll need your input ASAP. When I decide to do something like this, there isn't much planning/preparation....which adds to the excitement/thrill of it. I've been thinking of it for a while, really.....it just hit me this afternoon when I got home from work that this is something I need to do right now. Something for me.

Giving Efleaa A Try

Going to give efleaa Auction online auctions - ebay alternative - Free online auction a try in hopes that I can get rid of my clutter. I haven't added items yet, but hopefully I will be able to soon (need to take pics of everything). Check back often to see what new items have been added. Also, check out KidzKorner for a variety of items. And tell your friends! Hell, tell everyone you know!

Rough Start to the Minimalist Lifestyle

I've read numerous inspiring posts on becoming a minimalist and ridding my life of clutter and possessions.  How can I become a minimalist when no one else wants my stuff?  I have taken over half of my wardrobe and LOADS of stuff downstairs to sell, had two garage sales, listed items on Craigslist and Ebay, taken clothing to a resale shop (where none of my items were accepted, to my surprise) and even donated a trunk load to C.A.R.E.'s Closet (a thrift store where the proceeds go to the C.A.R.E. animal shelter).  I would give it all away, but I need the money to fund the new wardrobe I just bought after losing 43 lbs. and to start a much-needed savings account. 

I won't give up, though.  I'll find a way to get rid of it all one way or another.  I've got a couple of other options (flea market booth, selling clothes on consignment, etc), but nothing really strikes my fancy or gives me a quick solution to the problem.  If you have any suggestions, please send them my way!