The clock ticks down..

Samantha asked me last night over dinner at her apartment, to be her maid of honor. I can't even begin to describe how honored I am to be asked to stand up at her wedding. For the last 10 years I've been a witness to her life and her to mine. We've had ups and downs, like any friendship, but when I think about it, we've been mostly up and seldom down. The distance between us over the past year or so has been a good thing, and I think we've come out strong. It was good to be able to take a step back and be reminded that people change, and grow. I know she has, and I know I have, and I'm starting to really enjoy the people we've become.

This is one more reason why it is important to me to lose the weight. I want to be the version of myself that exists in my head when everyone sees me take that walk down the aisle as a maid of honor for one of the most important people in my life. I'm going to keep my hair long and my spirits high as I work toward my goals. I lost 10 pounds last month, which is a definite beginning. Another 10 this month will put me right on track.

I've been eating multiple small meals a day, 5 or 6, and I feel that this is really helping to keep my metabolism working and stop any excess food from becoming stored fat.

My cousin Jennifer, as well as Haley and a handful of other people have inspired me. If they can do this, so can I, if only I can stay focused. Stay focused Ally.

In the next couple days, Mike and I are going to check out gyms that are closer to the apartment to double my options of where and when I can work out. I want to start getting in 3 to 4 workouts a week.

Mike and I talked about doing a 10 day program that helps kick start your body, it's a workout a day for 10 days straight and it seems vigorous, but I can't imagine a better time to do it than this month, when I can devote the time and energy it is surely going to demand.

Starting this new job is a reminder that New Orleans is approaching and with the news of this third Witches Ball before Endless night, there is even more at stake. Rooming with Abby and Brad will be taking a lot of pressure off the money, and not having to support poor ass friends will be a load off as well, and an added bonus to costumes and souvenirs, but still my mind is starting it's freak-out mode.

How can I modify my old costume for the Anne Rice ball, and can I create a Steam Punk (Pirate) costume that will work for both the Witches ball and Endless night? What is Mike going to wear? Should we do a couples costume again for rock out our individuality? Perhaps the biggest question of all, what am I going to do with my hair and makeup?!

The clock is ticking down. Hopefully I can put some of these questions to ease on my birthday with Joe and Ecktor, both two people whom I would love to see down there with me this year, as well as Tommy again, especially if he's willing to drive again, no way we're flying.