Dieting is easier when you're not the only one...

I've come to notice this time of year motivates not only me but others to get back on the horse. I have several friends of mine working on the famous WW plan... aka Weight Watchers. It's so much more helpful to be focusing on weight loss and exercise when you have other people doing it with you. For me it's my friends both here in Wilmington and in other places who I rely on for encouragement. Now, don't get me wrong I couldn't do it without a buddy in the meetings with me. What also makes it easier is so many of my colleagues doing as well. It's nice to share tips and tricks and celebrate in each other's successes. It's also nice to have friends to call when you can motivate yourself to run, get frustrated when you hit a plateau or celebrate with by texting my weigh-in results.

For those of you considering weight watchers, I think it's a great plan. I have struggled a little to adjust to this new plan but have seen nothing but results and maintenance. I am at my lowest weight since 2004 which I'm happy about and am still moving. Personally, my weight loss is slow and steady which is a result of a poor workout schedule and constant meals on the go.

This week I have vowed to journal (a weight loss key) and focus on working out. While it is always nice for people to notice my weight loss, as I've told my students the truth of the matter is, I'm 8 days shy of 25, there is no need to be overweight and dealing with the health issues that come with. Skinny has never = beauty in my book and the truth is if that's your only motivation I'm not sure how well you'll do. 15 lbs to go, I can do this.

In other news I took a great 10 day hiatus from Wilmington last week and got to see so many of my favorite people. I had a great time in VB celebrating St. Pattys day at the OV parade with the future Mr. & Mrs. Best and some other VB friends. Got to spend some quality time with Petey and JoJo, took a quick trip to see Grandma, took a Lancer day with Rachel and fun night with she and Klake, got to see Leslie Lehner & Jake Miller, had a wonderful lunch in Richmond with my Gbaby and soon to be bride Caitlin, Celebrated St. Pattys day celebration with Ang, Audrey and Tiff, visited with my bff Kgrant and her boo Jarek, a visit with my big and Brian, got to see my favorite Marymount faces, got pedicures with my favorite girls, took on the city (and failed) with some of my other DGSC loves and of course some great time with BG :) Who could ask for a better week?

Coming soon: ACE's Big Spring Show April 1st & I think I'm turning 25?

Shoutouts:

-Happy early birthday to Miss Jen Stollery, I'll wear a pirate hat for you :)
-Good luck and have fun to everyone traveling to ACPA!
-Congrats to Casie who has started a new job since my last post
-Happy late birthday to my big and Sam Cohen, two of my favorite sisters
-Congrats to Chris and Caitlin who have bought their first home
-Good luck to Petey and Phi Tau on their annual Golf tournament next week

My Baby Brother is 22...how did that happen?

I can NOT believe tomorrow 3/3/11 my little brother, Peter Thomas Mancuso turns 22! Clearly my one and only baby brother and my #1 blog follower deserved his own blog post. For those of you who has never met Peter or "Petey" probably don't know how awesome he is. Now, don't get me wrong he has done some dumb things in his life (see above picture). It probably all started as baby when he put his fingers in his mouth then stuck them in a light socket...TWICE. However, I think that may have been him rebelling from me singing the Dirty Dancing soundtrack to him over and over again.

I just want to take the opportunity to publicly let Petey know how much I do love him. Not everyone can call their sibling one of their best friends, but I can. I am extremely proud of my little bro for not only what he does but how he does it. Peter is one of the most selfless and giving people I know. He is always thinking of his friends and family and does all that he can to give them all the support and love he can. I am continually proud of him for all that he does and know that Big Pete feels the same.

Happy Birthday Peter! I'm sorry I can't be at Macadoos with you this year but I look forward to seeing you next week and celebrating. I love you, thank you for being the best little brother ANYONE could ask for :)