How do I start this thing?

Welcome to my first blog post - EVER! I'm so excited to be starting this new chapter in my life and want to share it with...well anyone....who wants to read :)

For those who don't know, last year I participated in an Unofficial Biggest Loser competition at my work. I came in third place, but I lost 18 pounds! This year I'm back for revenge!

Here is a little background on the competition...
Q: What is Biggest Loser Competition?
The Unofficial Biggest Loser Competition is an 9-week wellness/ weight-loss competition. The challenge will start Monday January 16, 2012 and will end Monday March 19, 2012.
Q: How Does It Work?
Each competitor must commit to participate by Monday January 16, 2012, and must do the first Weigh-In by Noon Monday January 16, 2012. An entry fee of $20 will be charged per competitor and payment must be received by COB Friday, January 20, 2012.
There will be regular weigh-ins and all competitors are highly encouraged to weigh-in first thing in the morning since you tend to gain a couple of pounds of water weight as the day progresses.
Q: What Are The Rules?

1. This is an Unofficial work event – we cannot and will not be held responsible for any injuries or damages as a result of participating in this competition.
2. Always consult your health care professional before making any significant changes to your dietary habits or your physical routines.
3. The Winner will be calculated based on percent of weight loss and not total weight lost in pounds.
   Example: if Initial Weigh-in weight is 200lb and final weigh-in weight is 180 lbs then loss percent is 10%.
4. Weigh-Ins should be done by Noon on the dates mentioned above. If you are in the Vienna office, please stop by my desk (#309) for your weigh-in. If you are remote, please email me a picture of the weight posted on your weigh scale – see guidelines next.
5. Your weight will be kept confidential – only percentage of weight lost will be reported for tracking purposes.
6. Wear regular work clothes for weigh-ins – no sports coats/ jackets will be allowed during weigh-ins. Shoes must be removed. Your “Body Weight” will be the posted weight on the scale minus 4 pounds to account for weight of clothes.
7. No disrobing or loading up allowed during weigh-ins.
8. Healthy eating and exercise are encouraged during the course of the competition – we want this to be a lifestyle change!
9. Drastic weight loss (over 5 lbs/ week) is discouraged.
10. If you miss a weigh-in, your previous week’s weight will be recorded for the missed week.
11. No money refunded if you choose to drop out of the competition.

So now that you know the rules, you must be asking - Why are you doing this??

Last year was tough, but this year I have the motivation! The answer is simple:

I'm lucky enough to be marrying this cute guy above. And on my wedding day, I want to look my absolute BEST!

In order to keep myself more accountable, I'm going to [try to] be 100% honest. This blog will serve as my journal, progress report, confessional, venting outlet, etc. If nothing else, I hope my blog will be an entertaining read. And maybe, I can encourage someone else out there to do some Sheddin' For The Weddin'.