Shrinkvivor Final Check-In

What a ride it's been. I can't remember ever being involved in anything so challenging and exciting!

I've learned a lot during this challenge and while I was learning, I was losing weight and feeling happier and better about myself than I've felt in a long time.

I've lost almost fifteen pounds but more significantly, I shopped for clothes last Wednesday and actually enjoyed myself and had lots of choices. That's got to be the mark of a successful challenge! Also, I've learned to drink water even when I don't think I'm thirsty and I've learned to love the Shred. It takes a really successful challenge to make me achieve goals of that caliber!

I'm grateful to Click, Miraclebody, EA Sports, Fitness Coffee, Bornfit, and Lands End for their support but most of all I'm grateful to the 'hood!

The girls that write for and run the Sisterhood are some of the most beautiful people in the world. They don't know me but they support me like I'm their mom (or their sister). And a support system doesn't get any better than that. And I want to send a special gratitude shoutout to Christy M. whose patience and love is unending. And to Bacardi Mama who has been sending me emails and encouragement since the start of the Shrinkvivor challenge. My final thank you goes to all the other members of the 'hood who shared their ups and downs and made my journey more doable because they've traveled the same road. I've learned from their successes and their mistakes and I've been able to share my woes and joys which kept the bad in perspective and doubled the joy of the good.

Congratulations to the other six finalists. I know very well how hard you've worked and I know how how you're feeling right now. Ultimately though, we rocked this challenge and I'm proud of all of us!

We're in the final stretch. There are two days left to vote. If you haven't yet and you'd like to lend your support, go to http://shrinkingjeans.net/2010/10/the-top-7-links-to-vlogsblogs-and-voting/ You can vote today and again tomorrow as long as there are 24 hours in between.

A final thank you to all who have supported and voted for me even though you're not part of the Sisterhood. Without you, the journey would have been longer, harder, and a lot less fun. Blogs just aren't as therapeutic and motivating without readers ... so thank you.

Now, I'm waiting with bated breath for the drum roll heralding the final announcement which will be on Friday. Wait with me please....... but whatever you do, don't forget to vote!