Another month has gone by - or rather how I count now is by weeks, the beginning to the end of the week.  I am always looking to see where I am in relation to the beginning of the week compared to the end of the week,  how my body feels, how much energy I have - and the exciting part... - what is the plan for the coming week?

This past week I had calliper measurements done, weight measured and an extra last minute spin class thrown in for good measure (pardon the pun).  I would consider it a productive week - not to mention I completed all but 3 Christmas gift baskets for my business, and all I have left to do is put bows on them.  Yeah me!!

The calliper measurements were a surprise as I thought we were going to do them this coming week.  After a short anxiety attack as I wasn't mentally prepared to have them done - the measurements showed I had lost overall another 10 ml body fat bringing the fat down to 64 ml in total, and another 5 pounds!!  Whoo Hoo!!  We are a long way off, but the goal was to be down at least to 60ml body fat by the end of December.  If I can get it lower before then, that's even better.  Blake has told me he doesn't like to give actual numbers as a gauge because everybody's body is different.  Monthly pictures will be taken this coming Wednesday.  I received an email this morning preparing me for the dreaded *bikini shot*.  Ugh!  One more month then photos will need to be done in the bikini.  Now if that isn't motivation to keep working hard, I don't know what is.

Blake has also had me change my eating regime slightly.  I am now allowed carbs everyday again, but what ever carb the meal plan calls for I am to do 1/2 the amount.  Putting carbs into my diet is actually the hard part, as it is easy just to have the vegetables and protein.  My most favorite meal at the moment is my morning protein pancake, and my evening snack of greek yogurt with 1/4 c. of berries, usually blueberries.

My eating times are a definite 3 hours - my stomach is growling and letting me know I need to eat.  My water intake has been good as well, I am almost drinking 3 large jugs of water, which is approximately 4.5 litres or a little more.  I am finding if I don't drink it I miss the water.  Funny thing what are bodies can do, and the amazing machines that they are.  Remember taking in that much water, you must get rid of the water too - which means more bathroom breaks.

Body changes are showing a little more for me. Today I noticed that my face seems to have slimmed down some.  My pants are definitely looser as my son pointed out to me on the weekend, and my shirts are slightly baggier.  A few people have commented about my arms looking smaller.  The one thing I wonder...were they *fat* before?  I've been told - *You're skinny*.  Hmm...compliment - Yes?  Or a derogatory comment - No?  At this time I have to take it as a compliment, which is the case - I just wonder - *How fat was I before*|?

My oldest son competed in a power lifting competition this weekend, and took gold.  This also qualified him for the Nationals in April 2013.  This was the first time that he has done something like this - a different experience for him.  This son will compete in May in the same competition that I am doing as well.

Off topic on a personal side - This past week my youngest son told his Grandma she was going to be a Great Grandma.  I think he was a little nervous and was concerned about her reaction.  Non the less, as grandma's are - she was thrilled that she is going to be a Great Grandma in 2013.  We still don't have an actual date yet - we will know more towards the end of the month.  More baby news, we were also told that there will be another baby in the family as my niece and her husband are expecting as well - babies, babies, babies - how exciting is that??  He will announce it to the rest of the family when he hears the expected date of arrival.

Until next week - or updated progress photos.