Day 98-109

Well, I returned from our trip and threw myself back into work and working out.

I am officially addicted to spin class!  I just love the feeling I get when we are pushing through difficult parts of the ride.  The music is pumping, I am sweating and I feel so strong!  There is also a community energy around spin like we are part of some club.  My biggest challenge is that I wear my cross training sneakers and not the spin shoes that click in to the bikes.  My toes fall asleep if I pull the straps too hard. 

I am so impressed by the variety of folks in the classes.  They are young, old, fit and just getting started.  I love when some of them yell and whoop during class.  We are all there to work hard and get the most out of an hour of exercise.  In another class we had a woman who was wearing a calorie burning counter and she reported burning over 1000 calories in our class again. WOW!

A few days ago, Regina did my measurements.  I have lost 2 inches in my hips, decreased my BMI by 1% and decreased my body fat by 2%!  I was thrilled but still frustrated by the other numbers staying the same.  Regina explained to me (again) that I need to throw in some treadmill running time to mix things up and keep my body guessing.  I dread the treadmill routine but I will start doing it so I do not plateau!  Maybe it will be the ingredient to really kick things into hyper speed.  I need to shift my thinking about it and embrace it as a new tool in my fat busting arsenal!

Day 79-97

I just returned from a long trip from Georgia to vist our beloved family members for Thanksgiving!  It was wonderful but the 13 hour drive both ways made me feel like my butt was expanding with every mile!  I actually worked out while I was there but not at the same frequency or intensity as I would have at home.

Making our Thanksgiving dinner with my daughter and two sisters-in-law was fun and I was careful not to overeat.  I refuse to gain weight over the Holidays!  Too much work has gone into going in the other direction! 

When I sat down to dinner, I picked up the salt to flavor my food and the entire top of the shaker fell off and flooded my entire meal.  Is someone trying to tell me something?  I started over again with even less food on the plate.

Now it will be back to my routine and an upcoming measurement meeting with Regina!  I need a boost to keep my resolve in  the coming weeks of crazy business and tons of temptation!

Days 67-78

The theme of the past week has been "planning".  If I am going to succeed at reaching my fitness goals I am going to plan for the week ahead.  I have proven this frequently over the last months.  I have also proven that when I fail to plan my plan often fails!  I know this is cliche but it is so true.

The subject of planning came up when I was admitting to Regina that I felt my eating habits were still getting in the way.  Truthfully, I am not overindulging or binging or any such craziness.  For me it is rather an insipid, quiet overeating of a portion here, an extra something there.  This is why the journaling of our meals is so crucial.  We can see where that extra unnecessary stuff seeps in.  Regina reminded me that planning ahead, strategizing through a party or celebration can really make a difference. She also reminded me that I am working way to hard to sabotage myself.

Then she put me through an excruciating workout.  Actually, it was the leg portion that was excruciating.  It is always the legs!   She also says that the hardest part of the workout is the part we need to work on the most.  Miss Regina has an answer for every whine I throw at her!

I tried the dreaded treadmill workout again last week.  It was still heinous but I ran longer and faster this time!  I read about folks running the NYC Marathon this past weekend.  I am in awe!  I celebrate 5 straight minutes!

Today I held my own in the hardest spin class that I have taken so far.  It felt great when we finished.  Someone in our class was wearing a monitor and she told us that we burned over 1000 calories in that one hour! SNAP!

Well, Regina is about to check my food journal.  Time to face the consequences!  Hopefully, my planning this week has paid off!

PS Next week is measurements!

Days 45-66

22 days without an update!  Unacceptable!  I am pleased to inform that I have continued to workout but I have definitely slacked on the accountability pieces of THE PLAN!  I know from past experiences that this is a slippery slope and I am recommitting to practicing all aspects of documentation as I have also failed miserably to record my eating journal.  It is actually amazing that I have continued to workout and that is a testament to the fact that I really want to succeed! 

A few highlights from the past 3 weeks:

* Regina trained me on a new strength routine I have dubbed the "Muscle Beach".  I have to go into the foreboding area of the gym usually reserved for significantly muscled men (and the occasional woman) who seem to take body building to a degree for which I cannot fathom.  Seriously, I am extremely intimidated to lift weights in this area as I feel ridiculous with my 10 lb dumbbells.  Not Regina!  She showed me how to use a squat sled and a sliding something or other and a triceps dip machine that really isolated  the wobbly bits on the back of the arm!  I am proud to say that I completed this routine today, by myself, by focusing on my objectives and ignoring the hulking mass of muscles surrounding me!

*I had to travel last weekend for work and I actually got up at 4:30 AM to take a spin class at 5:30 AM!!!!My husband could not believe it as I am loathe to get up before 7am unless I absolutely have to rise!  I went to a gym in the town where I was teaching and had a great time!  The instructor was into the blues and the music was different than what I am used to in spin but it was very cool!

*On a past Sunday I decided to take a bike ride with my husband outside.  I foolishly thought that the past few weeks of spin class would make outdoor biking a breeze.  Not so!  I was shocked at how challenging a slow climb in the real world can still be!  I swear it was only my frustration at myself that kept me going!  Hey, whatever works!

Well, I am glad to be back!  Who knows what this weekend will bring, but I know I will not be handing out mini Snickers bars!  I love them way too much and I just read they are in the top three highest calories for typical Halloween treats!  Beware!

Days 38-44

Day 38 was glorious! Why, you may ask?  Regina made me do my measurements and...I lost 6 inches in all the right places and reduced my body fat by 1%!!!!   I wondered if this was enough progress for six weeks and Regina assured me it was a success!  I was so excited to finally feel rewarded for all of my hard work!  This may seem pathetic but it was the first time in a long time that I really felt hope for my body really being capable of changing.  I left Regina feeling inspired to produce even better numbers in week 12!

Day 39 it was back to the cardio but with renewed vigor and enthusiasm!

Day 40 was my off day.  My daughter wanted to go to the PA Renaissance Fair for her bithday.  (She is 24, go figure!)  We ended up having a blast, we split all of our meals and walked miles.  I saw more cleavage wrapped in leather bustiers than a person should in one day and an intoxicated knight tried to walk us to our car.  Where else could you have as much fun?

Day 41 I needed to work our front desk for Skippack Days, a local weekend festival of crafters and soft pretzel salesmen.  Our spa made the most of it and offered complimentary seated massage and makeup touchups.  I could have finished the day and not worked out opting instead for early dinner and a glass of wine.  Remembering my measurements I chose to go right to the gym and do that intense workout Regina has imposed upon me! 

Day 42 was spin class day!  I am secretly becoming addicted!  I had plans to meet some girlfriends for AYCE crabs at dinner so I took a morning class.  This was a bit daunting because it meant Regina would not be the instructor.  I was actually scared.  The instructor turned out to be amazing and a good friend of Regina's.  Now I know I can pepper in a few more classes during the week and hold my own!

Day 43 and 44 were cardio days.  Of note:  6:00 on the cardio floor at the gym is a predatory place to find oneself!  Not that people are looking at each other but rather looking at the equipment and ready to pounce on the first one available.  Someone could do a full on cultural study on the human manuvering I witnessed!

Day 32-37

Day 32 I was feeling seriously sore in my butt and legs!  I enjoyed the pain though because it helps me know that my work is working.  I figured my cardio would be tough because of my lower extremities being taxed but I breezed through my 45 minutes on the elliptical!  Could it be that I am getting stronger?  I pretended I was dancing (something I can do for hours if given the chance)  and it really worked!  Thank you Michael Jackson wherever you may be!

Day 33 I skipped my workout due to overload of everything else.  I am amazed how guilty I feel when I skip!  I did choose to spend the evening with my beautiful niece, Lydia.  We are planning a family October birthday/ Halloween extravaganza and we went shopping at the dollar store.  It was fun and time well spent!

Day 34 I woke up and went right to the gym with my husband.  I love to spend this time with him as I am usually at the gym by myself except for my once a week workout with Regina.  We spent the rest of the day cleaning out our basement.  What a job!  I think I burned as many calories doing that as my cardio routine!  I am lifting weight off of my house as well as myself.  Both feel great!

Day 35 was strength training day.  The routine was just as grueling as when Regina walked me through it!  As I was leaving the gym a friend approached me and told me she was reading my blog and really enjoying it.  She was the third person in two days to tell me this and it made me sooo happy! 

Day 37 Spin Class Day!  I arrived at the gym with a whopper of a headache.  I had almost needed to skip because my son needed to go to the doctor's for strep but my amazing daughter, Tara, took him so I could stay on track.  I was feeling so crappy I did not know how I would even finish the class.  Regina came in, got on her bike and her microphone and acknowledged that this rainy day had everyone feeling low.  Then she cranked up the music and told us she was going to wake us all up.  I don't know what she did but I spun full on and finished almost all of her routine!  If you have ever been in a spin class with Regina you know how huge this accomplishment had been!

Of note:  A few days back I had asked Regina how she stays so positive all of the time.  I mean this woman is encouraging and happy always.  At the time she did not know but right in the middle of spin class she had an aha moment.  On her microphone she told the class that we work together at the beautiful Body Serene Day spa and that I had posed to her this question.  She said that she realized right in the middle of class that her workouts help her work out her frustrations.  Maybe that is a bit of why I performed so well that evening in class...  One of the spinners came up to her and told her that Regina had given her a manicure for her wedding.  Regina and I were proud and happy leaving spin class Monday evening!

Day 27 -31

Day 27-31 have been full and full of activity!  My friend's wedding was a blast!  We danced, we drank, we ate!   I absolutely know I blew the eating plan out of the water but one day shouldn't kill me!  We did go to the farmer's market and the fruits, veggies, cheese and meats are all so fresh and yummy!  On the way home we stopped at the Amish stands along the way and I gave in and bought my first mums! 

Sunday I did my strength training and we went to my mother in law's for a dinner to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary.  Lasagna, sausage with peppers, wine, cheesecake and brownies.  Yikes!  I actually came home and walked around the block a few times.  It made me feel better.

Monday and Tuesday were a challenge to fit my workouts in a very busy schedule.  I powered through because I know that not making it a priority is a slippery slope to giving up.  Monday I got through my second spin class and the new padded pants made a huge difference!  I was able to work harder and longer and I felt very accomplished in the end!

Wednesday I met with Regina.  She had created a new and torturous routine to put me through.  I whined the whole hour but I got through with Regina cheering me on! It is incredible how hard you can work in a 10'x10' space!  No machines just focused movements against resistence.  By the way, Regina has a wonderful website fitresultsbyregina.com.  I cannot express how in this short period of time, Regina has shifted my thinking and my understanding about my body and fitness.  I want her to write a book!

Day 24-26!

Day 24 was whirlwind of work and it took lots of inner strength just to get to the gym!  I hit the elliptical for another 45 minutes and left drenched but proud of myself!   I discovered that Pink's "Missundastood"  is great to kick my butt into gear!

Day 25 started with a trip with my Mom to the courthouse to appeal her taxes.  She told me that she could see a difference in how I looked.  That's right, my Mom actually paid me a compliment!  If your reading this Mom, it is what it is!  She didn't even tell me that she didn't like my hair or outfit!  Kidding aside, we had a nice morning together but it took away my window to work out.  After work I had intended to hit the treadmill but it did not happen.  This means that every day for the rest of the week I have to find a way, no matter what!

Today is Day 26 and I have already been to the gym and back.  Most exciting though is that I am attending a friend's wedding tonight in Lancaster and it is going to be a blast!  My friends are Puerto-Rican so there will be lots of Salsa dancing!  (Although not with my husband as he is awesome but not in the dancing department!)  I suspect that Salsa dancing burns a lot of calories!   I am also looking forward to going to the Lancaster Farmer's Market on Saturday to get lots of fresh fruits and veggies for next week.  I will skip the Whoopie pies but only with great pain!

Day 21-23!

Day 21 was Super Set Sunday!  My husband woke me up at 7:15 because he was heading for the Eagles home opener.  I almost went back to sleep but decided to get up and go.  I got through the strength training well and headed right for Wegman's.  One of my favorite "rewards" after a Sunday morning workout is their iced coffee, it is soo good!  I love my Wegman's and Regina had told me where to find these amazing Florentine turkey burgers (by the shish-kebobs).  I approached the counter just as the butcher was making a fresh batch and they looked so yummy!  Unfortunately, she told me that they were soon going to stop carrying them for the season so I need to find out the ingredients to make them myself!

Day 22 was my very first spin class.  There are no words!  It was extraordinarily challenging.  I made it through the whole class but by "making it through" I mean that I never stopped pedaling.  I was not able to climb all of the hills so for much of the class I kept on riding on the flat ground.  My quads were on fire and then they were dead.  Unfortunately, my other problem was that the seat was excruciating to my "southern regions"!  Interpretation:  I could stand up on the pedals and I did not want to sit down!  I hung in and by the end I looked wringing wet but felt triumphant. 

A man approached Regina at the end of class and told her that because of her spin class he has lost over 80 pounds!  I was beyond proud of her!

Today is day 23 and I met Regina to do more strength training.  She had texted me this morning asking how I was feeling after class.  I told her "sore but accomplished".  she answered that this was the "weakness leaving my body".  I loved the sound of that!   I am really tired today and am looking forward to falling into bed!

Day 16- 20!

Day 16 started out with jury duty at 8:15 in Norristown.  It was a hassle to get there but I have to say that it was interesting being part of the process.  Me and my fellow citizens were herded into a room to watch a video hosted by Larry Kane.  Remember him?  We waited around until 11:30 when we were told that we would not be needed for the criminal case after all.  I raced to work at the spa and by the time I was home around 7pm I was pooped.  No exercise but I was sure to eat carefully so I didn't lose ground. 

Day 17 was my day to work with Regina.  I was anxious to show her my food log as I had been much more diligent with my eating.  She explained how food choices and food combinations are equally important.  I have found that with my allowances and combinations I have not been hungry at all but satiated.  Every time I get a pang it is time to eat anyway!  My favorite meal this week was a chicken soy patty on whole wheat with some spreadable avocado!  I loooove avocado and I know I need to keep it at a minimum.

Regina had a workout planned for me to be done on the machines at the gym.  She showed me how to do what she calls "super sets".  (This seemed to mean moving quickly from one machine to the other)  So, I felt like Super Woman doing Super Sets!  Regina made sure that my body mechanics were correct and she explained how important it is to contract my abdominals to protect my back whenever I use my body as a lever.  I loved how she explained this because it made sense to me in a way that I had not seen it before.

There was a moment when I was listening to Regina and was thinking "this is an example of excellence".  She cares passionately about her work as a personal trainer and she genuinely cares about my success and safety.  I always feel excited when I witness someone being amazing at what they do.  I wonder if she knows how different her approach is from what I have seen before?  This quality has provided me the extra inspiration I have needed to follow through!

Day 18 was the dreaded treadmill routine.  I had myself worked up about it since the day before when I remembered it was next on the list.  Well, I did better than my first attempt but not even close to the full program..  I did finish the time and burned over 300 calories.  Regina assures me that I will complete it one day soon.  I almost believe her!

Day 19 was elliptical day.  I got on the machine decked out with my iPhone, water bottle and paper towels.  I started up and my legs felt like they were made of wood!  Every step was drudgery!  I turned up my music and pushed on and after a while I loosened up.  Thank God because I felt at first like I would never make 5 minutes let alone 45.  I did it and banged out another 435 calories. 

As a side note I was watching the Rachel Ray show and they had a feature on a culinary teacher in the Philadelphia city school system.  This teacher was changing the lives of her students and Rachel gifted them an overhaul of their facilities as a thank you.  I started crying watching it I was so touched.  So, imagine this, I am chugging along, red faced, on the elliptical with tears running down my face.  Enough said. 

Today is Day 20 and I will be working all day and having dinner at a friend's house.  No exercise and I feel a bit freaked out.  I usually feel relieved to have an excuse!  Last night I met some friends at the Hotel for a drink after work.  I saw my friend Anthony and we started talking about the gym.  He told me that he was going to be taking a spin class on Monday night because he really likes the instructor.  Guess who?  Regina!  Monday night also happens to be the night I am scheduled to take my first ever spin class.  Anthony is going to save me a bike next to his for moral support!  Amazing how the universe works!

Day 13-15

Labor Day weekend was not labor free!

  Day 13 was Saturday and I had to work from 8am until after 6pm.  This is usually ample excuse for not exercising but I kept hearing Regina in my head.  Instead of going home and curling up to a glass of wine and the company of my family, I put on my sneaks and took a brisk 30 minute walk around my neighborhood.  At first I was feeling sorry for myself but then I realized how beautiful it was outside!  The last bit of Hurricane Earl was whispering through my hair as I circled around getting a chance to check out everyone's summer landscaping projects.  Afterwards, I felt good about having my wine on the deck and catching up with my boys.

Day 14 started with a trip to the gym with my husband.  Let me whine here that I have been working out the same amount of time as he and yet the changes in his body seem to come so much more quickly!  I used this angst to finish a 45 minute jog on the elliptical and another 425 calories ticked off.  My iced coffee from Wegman's was my great reward. 

Day 15 was the best!  My husband, daughter and I took a 13 mile bike ride from Green Lane on the Perkie Trail!  Yes, I said 13 miles!  I felt so great about the time spent and the accomplishment1  I do admit that I was whipped at the end.  I was also resolute that I want the next ride to be 20 miles.  Maybe Friday!

Day 12!

When Regina and I met on Wednesday I had told her that I was concerned that I had no time on Friday and Saturday to work out.  She asked what was getting  in the way and I came up with dentist appointments, work, obligations.  She told me in a matter of fact tone that I needed to move something and make room.  Not an option to not work out.

OK.  Dentist appointment moved and a one and a half hour window created for this morning at 7:30am. 

This is normally doable but my sister was visiting and we stayed up until 1am talking.  I knew I had to get up early but I didn't want to give up the  rarity of time alone.  So,  five precious hours later, I was dragging myself out of bed and driving to the gym. 

I felt so great afterward because I had kept my commitment.  It is now mid afternoon and I could use a caffeine injection but I will get through.  The point is this:  the way to change is through my thinking.  The commitment to myself has to be a priority or little compromises here and there add up to disappointment and frustration.

P.S.  Erasure's "Chain of Love"

Day Eleven!

I actually finished 45 minutes on the elliptical and burned 435 calories!  I know that for some this is no big deal but for me it is miraculous!

This time I started by listening to a club mix of 80's divas, you know, Chaka Khan, Gloria Estafan, Lionel Ritchie... you get the picture. There is an obscure George Michael song called "Outside" that has a great club beat and seems to last forever and I finished with Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright".  Wow!
I must have been in a nostalgic mood this morning!

Music helps me keep me going in two ways.  First, I need a strong beat to kind of pump me up. That is probably true for most.  Second, I make deals with myself to keep going.  I'll think "you can't look at the time until the song ends" or "only two songs until your finished". 

Whatever it takes!

Days Seven through Ten!

Days 7-9 are a blur of waking up early, teaching, getting something to eat and going to bed.  It is always like that once the classes begin, they literally takes all I have to give.  I was feeling bummed out on the train ride home that my plan had been a bit derailed by this trip.  Pun intended.

However, on Day 10, today, I am back in full swing.  I had my training with Regina and she explained that once I was really embracing the program that my teaching trips would not do much harm.  She also looked at my food journal and told me that I needed to follow much better the plan she had outlined.  I see now that I have to fill my home with the foods on my allowed list so I am not always just trying to do the best with what I have around.  She tells me that I have to think of food as fuel so it is so important to eat a certain way at certain times of the day.

Regina's support and cheering on in my workout helped so much!  She put me through her strength traing 3 times today and I am already feeling wobbly in the legs.  How am I going to feel tomorrow?!  She also helped me plan the next seven days of exercise goals which helps tremendously.  I have an epsom salt bath in my very near future!

Lastly, Regina sent me a text that cheered on my accomplishments for today.  Having a committed coach is
amazing.

Day Five and Six!

Day 5 I rode the elliptical for 30 minutes and blew through 300 calories!  I thought it would be more difficult but my Madonna songs pushed me along.  I was looking at all of the people at the gym while I plodded along.  There were folks of all shapes, sizes and ages.  I feel a sort of fellowship with them all.  When I was almost done a  woman walked by who looked like what I hope is my "after" picture.  I wondered if I would be working out as I hard as she was if my body looked like hers does.  Then I figure that she has her figure because she works so hard.   So, I kept going.

I had some friends over for dinner.  Regina helped me with food choices but I have to admit I indulged in 3 glasses of wine.  OK so my workout covered the wine...

Day 6 I have traveled to beautiful Old Saybrook Connecticut to teach a class for the next few days.   I had this afternoon to myself and I am proud to say that I rode 5 miles along the Long Island Sound on a jalopy of a bike they provided at my hotel!  The view was so amazing that it distracted me from my screaming quads.   My butt is rather sore from the lack of seat support but it was worth it! 

Of note, I rode by Katherine Hepburn's family estate that was featured in the Aviator movie.  Ther are no words to express the beauty of this area.

I am concerned that the next few days will be difficult to get any excercise in but I will do my best and report the outcome!

Days Three and Four!

Day three turned out be a day of rest.  Barely 5 hours of sleep the night before and the only exercise I had enough energy for was to lower myself into a hot bath.  I was actually asleep by 8 but I read somewhere that you burn calories when getting some shut eye.  I'll have to see what Regina says about it.

Day four was much more productive!  I made it through 2 rotations of my my day one exercise program on my own.  It was a challenge to do it correctly but I kept hearing Regina say "keep your stomach in"!

Quick note: I had to practice some yogic patience though as some gentleman in the gym kept clearing his throat in the worst of ways.  Over and over and over.  Every time I moved away he seemed to get on a machine close to where I was set up.  How can a person be so unaware of their behavior? But I digress.

I finished by burning 226 calories on the elliptical machine in less than 30 minutes (another personal milestone)  and left  to go to the grocery store the color of a lobster.  Of course I saw someone I know!

Tonight I get my measurements taken.  Apparently this is done so you can celebrate the decreases as you go along.  I am trying hard not to think of this as my being the "before" picture right now.  I hope Regina has some cheerleading left in her tonight!

Day Two!

I woke up this morning feeling great except for sore glutes and abs.  I was relatively ambulatory as I made my high fiber oatmeal. Afterwards I donned my fabulous gym outfit, complete with black capris, highly structured sports bra and tank top.  Alright, I may not look hot yet but my pink and silver sneaks are the bomb!

I stood on the treadmill, ready to take on Regina's intense routine when I noticed that it required me to run uphill for 2/3 of the thirty minute workout.  Heretofore I have been overly self congratulatory when I have jogged uninterrupted for up to five minutes.  With no incline!  What have I gotten myself into?

At 17 minutes, after three 30 second breaks, I realized that I wasn't going to make it through.  I had a moment where I considered giving up but I knew I had to write about it so I continued at a slower less uphill rate until I burned the required 300 calories.  It may have taken an extra 15 minutes but I finished. 

One quick clarification!  Regina qualified that the first glass of red wine is good for me (full of antioxidants)!  The second I should consider as extra calories.  What about the third?!!!

Tomorrow is Zumba Class...stay tuned!

Day One!

Frustrated by six months of workouts and careful eating resulting in no visible change in the mirror or on the scale, I have finally surrendered to the fact that my peri-menopausal body will not budge.  At least it won't budge by me doing what I used to do when I put on a few pounds.  Cardio, strength training, Greek yogurt!  Nothing, nada no change.  Now I do what I always do when something pushes at me...push back!

I am angry, (furious really) and I am challenged to win this fight.  I am unhappy with how my clothes fit, how I look in pictures, how I feel about my body.   I have always had an ok body, nothing fabulous but relatively attractive.  Now I feel like I am sliding toward a perilous future of center softness carefully disguised with clothing designed to deceive.  I need to feel fit and I know that the chubbiness surrounding my belly is a dangerous precursor to heart disease and worse (serious depression!).

Today I began a new journey, one guided by Regina, my friend who is a personal trainer. Regina  promises me that if I follow her advice on how and when to work out and by her guidelines on eating, the change will come. She has had success with women my age and older.  Dare I believe?!!! 

When I met her at the gym today I prayed that the old hope I felt creeping in at starting a new venture (workout videos, a million diets, etc)  is not misguided.  I prayed that she could unravel the puzzle that would illustrate how to move out of this quagmire and begin to reach my goals. 

We went through a series of exercises that looked simple but were difficult when she forced me to conciously flex and tighten and stretch.  I was surprised at how much I was sweating.  She told me that she doesn't like the scale and that I am to use a pair of jeans to track my progress.  She also admitted that my hormones are playing a part (more on this later).  And Bless her, she said I can still drink the wine!

Ok, so this was different.  Regina carefully explained what I am to do this next week and gave me a book to log everything I do and eat.  I knew accountability would be in the mix.

Tomorrow is a daunting treadmill routine that she swears will burn more than 300 calories in a half hour!  Yikes! 

So I raise my glass to you, Regina!  I look forward to sipping champagne at our Christmas party in size six jeans!