7 inches a month during the next 12 weeks. Then I will take the rest of November and December off and work on just maintaining the weight during the holidays. I want to lose a total of 30 to 40 pounds and if I don't reach that goal before November (Which I don't plan on doing) I will start up again in January. I'm not sure what I will replace bike riding with as the snow will fly right about the time I hit my 12th week. Maybe cross country skiing?

I have one week down and I'm down 4 pounds and 6 inches already. I've only made a few simple changes but I'm seeing progress. Even if I only lose a pound a week from now on out these first few pounds and inches have gotten me motivated to keep going!!
First thing in the morning now instead of just going out to let the chickens out for the day I now go for a 15 minute walk or 10 minute walk/run. Than I come in and make breakfast for my husband and myself. After breakfast I jump on my bicycle and go for a 3 mile ride. I loved bike riding when I was a kid so even though its no where near as easy (At least right now) I know I'll stick to it. After that its the showers and on with the day. I have only missed one days bike ride, and thats because I overslept and just got plain old lazy! I felt sluggish all day too because of it. And found it would be so easy to slip back into not doing it. Scary thought!!
So I feel pretty good about this and am going to push myself to get moving first thing every morning. I have more energy and less desire to snack, so without really trying I have cut out some of the sugary snacking I've been absent-mindedly doing. Excellent bonus!!! I figured I will slowly continue to make changes that hopefully will be come good habits to replace the bad. I am now in the process of digitizing a sign for my sewing room that says BORED??? DON"T reach for that snack ! Go take a short walk! And Drink a large glass of water!!
And You go girl!
You can and will succeed!!!

I think I may need to make the second half for my daughter as well, lol! She needs something to keep her encouraged. She gets so discoraged by people around her and has such a wonderful cheerful personality. And she's been making some tough changes in her life these last few years.