5.75 Inches

Excuse me while I rant and celebrate both in the same post.
 I stepped on the scale this morning and weighed two pounds more than what I did a week ago, or even two days ago when we returned from our little trip.
It annoys me.
But I decided not to be discouraged and did 30 minutes of Zumba and some strength training, took a shower, got dressed, dolled myself up a bit, and took time to notice that these pants are almost too big now.
And I ignored the scale, because it taunts me at times.
Then I grabbed my fitness journal (yeah, I have one of those) and decided that although I promised myself I would only take measurements once a month, I was going to record my progress half-way through the month. Because...ya know, a girl sometimes needs some encouragement when the scale refuses to cooperate.
And I did. 
And I wasn't 'surprised' because I may have taken measurements just a few days ago (for the first time this month, I'm not obsessive, promise), but it felt good to put them onto paper and know that it makes them permanent and that I've really come this far already.
I've lost 5.75 inches.
Just this month alone. Like two weeks. Like...18 days to be exact. 
That's so amazing to me.
And I really needed that boost, that confidence in knowing that I'm doing something right because although the scale isn't changing, my body is.
I know this will not be a short journey. It will take a lot of time, and work, and dedication, and ups and downs to see the finish line.
But I'm okay with that.
I'm willing to put this work in. I'm willing to make hard choices (like offending my mother-in-law and bringing my own dinner to dinner Sunday night) and I'm willing to tell myself daily that this could take years because it will be worth it.
It will be worth it.