Well, this is it.

So, today was the final weigh-in.  I went out with a bang and a gain of .5 pounds.  I wish the weigh-in would have been a couple days ago, because I was down a pound.  I'm not sure what happened the last few days.  Actually, I think it was a temple date and trip to El Matador for Mexican food.  Anyway, here are my totals for the challenge:
Total Lost:  25 pounds
Total Percentage Lost:  12.8%
I am really, really disappointed that I didn't do better.  But there were some things about this experience that I really liked, so I'm going to be positive and list them now:
1.  I liked that when others had a better week than I did, I didn't feel petty.  This is big for me, because I think I am basically a petty person.  But I was truly cheering for everyone to succeed.  I really like everyone who joined this challenge with me, and I liked being part of something positive like that.
2.  I like that even though I don't really look any different, I can go to my closet and wear pretty much everything in there.  I wore the same skirt to church for probably two years.  (Only a very slight exaggeration.)  I got the skirt for Shelby's baptism, so that tells you it was long overdue for replacement.  And now I have some choices.  For that I am grateful.
3.  I really liked that through this we kept in touch with each other a little more.  I really looked forward to any posts or comments through the week.  You are all wonderful women.
4.  I can be pretty good about not overeating, but I am not good about pushing myself with exercise and working out.  You have been great inspirations to me in that department.  Thank you!
5.  I liked that this challenge made me look around and notice the good things people were doing to improve their health.  I found good examples through all of you, and through people at work, and even people in my neighborhood.  I gained a greater appreciation for others' good habits, rather than being threatened by them.
A couple weeks ago we went to Tori's graduation in California.  I was so happy to meet people that have befriended her with whom she has made connections.  I had heard of these people for a long time, now.  I really enjoyed her friends, but I was struck by the way they all interacted with each other, and I didn't sense they were competing with each other.  I think there's a lot of that here in Utah.  These women were not all skinny, blonde, augmented women with fragile self-esteem.  They were REAL and beautiful and accomplished and so good at bearing one another's burdens and seeking for happiness.  Now I am sure they have struggles and challenges just like the rest of us, but I just didn't feel that competitiveness that keeps us from enjoying one another.  Anyway, that was a silly rant because I don't really know these people enough for such an analysis, but just something I was thinking about. 
The bottom line:  During this experience, I wanted all of you to be successful and to know how beautiful and wonderful you are.  You were beautiful and wonderful before this challenge, and you are still beautiful and wonderful.  You have all touched my life for good and I am glad to know you!  In very specific ways, you have all inspired and enriched my life and I am forever grateful.  I love you!