My friend, the bride

So I said in my initial post that I would get into some of the reasons why I want to lose weight. One of those said reasons is named Jessica. :) My wonderful, hilarious, very fit friend is tying the knot in December to a great guy that shares her interest in asking random questions. (i.e. What is your favorite kind of bean? Do you like Geico? Have you ever had deer wrapped in bacon?) Ha Ha! Seriously though, they are a perfect match, and I am so happy to have the distinct honor of being part of their wedding day, as she was for me when I got married last year. And while I know the bride is going to be a KNOCKOUT, I still want to look dang good in my cherry red gown.

This isn't the first time I've tried to lose a few l-b-s in the name of wedded bliss. When another friend of mine asked me to be her bridesmaid a few years ago, I had my mom take my measurements so I could order my dress. And let me tell you, the numbers really had me close to tears. But, that was when I got on Weight Watchers and joined a gym. I was more than excited when the dress came in, and it was so big, I basically had to get half of it cut off. And before my own wedding last year, I did Weight Watchers, aerobics classes, ran stairs and did laps at work with the supportive Jessica, and had to get my absolutely amazing princess dress taken in. However....

When my sister, Sarah, got married, I had gained some weight, and when I put my baby blue gown on, it wouldn't zip. Panicked, I didn't eat carbs for a week, and thankfully, that seemed to do the trick. (Maybe Mr. Atkins didn't have it entirely wrong.) But the top was so tight, I was afraid I would pass out during their "I dos." At my friend Jen's nuptials last year, I felt like that commercial where the slightly-overweight girl is walking through the room, and she feels like everyone is staring at her. (Not to mention I should have tanned my pale legs before the big day...ghost legs in a black dress...not so cute.)

So I hope for Jessica's wedding, I can get it right again and look hot instead of not. Ha Ha! And the bride is definitely a motivator....she works on her fitness like 6 days a week. Not to mention I burn a lot of calories laughing at all the funny things she says. One study says just 10-15 minutes of hardy-har-hars can burn up to 50 cals! So keep me laughing, girl! Thank you for being my friend, and allowing me, whether fit or flabby, to be in your wedding!