Thanks. They are better today. Usually it only takes a day to pretty much get over the treatment but this time it really seemed to irritate the eye. Only one gets treated but they do put several dilating drops in the other as well.

I kind of set my goals by whim, I guess. The only pattern seems to be that the date is generally the end of a month or right in the middle. My next goal date is March 31, I'm still 2.5 pounds from that goal. A year ago that didn't seem like much but as I lose, it becomes increasingly difficult to lose. I've been pretty much at a standstill since November, fluctuating within a 3-4 pounds.

Through the holidays, that was intentional. Since the new year, I've put a rather lackluster effort into losing and the result has reflected my less than committed attitude. A couple times I've caught myself thinking I could just shift to maintenance. I'm not that far from my final goal and i am down over 60 pounds from where i was. Things aren't so bad at this weight.

Then I tell myself that giving up short of my goal is setting myself up to give in the next time. When I gain back 5 pounds, will I then justify not "dietIng" it off immediately by saying "it's just 5 pounds, not a big deal"? So, I will continue "dietIng", even of it is sometimes without enthusiasm, until I get to my goal. Guess I will see if I can get closer to it by the end of March.

@DotLewis Congratulations on getting so close tyo your goal. I know exactly what you mean about getting close and then not bothering with the last bit - the last time i got my weight really well down, just before I had my knees replaced, I meant to lose a bit more but didn't bother because I was nearly there! As it happens, it didn't matter since i have put it all back on, but that is the story of my life. When i get my life sorted out and get my weight down again I think I shall be a bit more realistic about final goals, but if you think you can shift the last few pounds, even if it takes time, I'm sure you will feel a great sense of achievement. Keep the diary coming - I really enjoy reading it, and i am willing you to succeed.

@CeliaVL Thank you. The encouragement goes a long way. Coming here has been very helpful the last 7 months. Posting regularly reminds me what I have done, keeps me honest I guess. It also keeps.me focused on what I want/need to accomplish.

Goal setting can be hard, in the past i would have said, "I want to lose 80 pounds, better get on it". Not only making one huge, overwhelming goal but also shooting for something well beyond what is needed. Being wiser now I set multiple small goals, when I reach one, I make a new one. I also made my final goal more practical, shooting only for getting within the "normal" range for me, with a BMI under 25.

I, too have a long history of gaining back whatever weight I have lost. I've had weight issues since I was a child and the struggle continues to this day. This time the difference is I am determined to not let the weight balloon back up as soon as I reach my goal. I may be coming here for a long time as I see maintaining as being part of the battle.

Good idea to get little ones. If I get big ones I tend to plan just to eat half and then end up eating the lot.

@CeliaVL Exactly what I was thinking!

LOVE roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash. A little olive oil, garlic and pepper. Yum! Now wish I had another one or a squash. Wouldn't mind running the oven today. It's not as cold as it has been but the sun is elusive today so it feels chilly to me. Need to get moving!