Is this what 30 looks like?

When I started my "From one birthday to another" weight-loss challenge, I weighed 178.2 pounds (see left). At the end, on my 30th birthday (which is today), I haven't gotten much lower.

My weight now is only down to 169 pounds (see right). Seriously? That's a gain from my last weigh-in, and it means I only lost 9.2 pounds (or approximately 5.2 percent of my original weight) overall.

Maybe I set too high a goal for too short a time. The younger me would have probably pouted for a lot longer, but I've entered a new decade now. I'm going to be happy with what I did accomplish and continue to make strides in the future.

A big thumbs down to my former employer!

This has been a rough year financially, mostly because I was unexpectedly laid off in January.

All my department had been hearing about was how this was such a good time for the company and to prepare for lots more growth.

After the last "Yay, we're growing" meeting, I'm told my job is gone with only a b.s. "We are making organizational changes" reason.

Apparently, I wasn't worth saving, but I'm not sure I measure up to their standards (nor do I want to any more).

I just learned that the company's CEO is currently serving a 60-day jail sentence after driving drunk over Memorial Day weekend in Florida and causing an accident. Does he get laid off too? Nope!

Check out this text from the local newspaper: "The board of directors also issued a statement on Monday expressing confidence in ----- and saying that he is expected to return by early November."

Classy...not!!!

From one birthday to another-3, 2, 1...30?

My final countdown has begun. One week from today, I turn 30. While that's kind of a crazy thought, I'm not going to worry about it.

What would worrying do, anyway? I can't change it, and I certainly want to live a happy life that ends long after 30.

I'll be starting this new decade with the beginnings of a hot body, or at least that's what I'm telling myself! :)

Check out my final swimsuit photo, a.k.a. "the after shot" and hear my ending weight next week. See you then!

More proud Mama moments!

This beautiful two-year-old right here is the only thing (or person) that keeps me sane most days.

He is regularly counting from one to ten (sometimes going all the way to "firteen," or how most of us say thirteen).

Also, he sings the alphabet song all the time and speaks in several word sentences. Of course, he is "Mama's Little Genius."

I love him sooooooooooo much and can't wait to see how he will change next!