But on your shoulders, I can see. . .

It's a really good thing that I'm not being filmed during this challenge because, everyday there are some things that are so comical that I'd be completely embarrassed for anyone (other than my teammates) to see. For example, it's now apparent that I do not jump rope well. Get me a hula hoop and I'm all over it, but a jump rope? I tried to blame it on the extra long rope, but I'm pretty sure that didn't fly. I'm also not a great hopper. Try jumping from a standing position onto a 6-12 inch platform. It doesn't sound like much, but you have to remember that 1) I'm vertically challenged, 2) I'm gravitationally challenged, and 3) I'm a klutz. So, it took me a good 10-15 seconds of concentration to actually hoist my butt up onto the step. And we were supposed to do it more than once. Ay dios mio! Seriously, how Mike keeps a straight face sometimes is a mystery to me.

Speaking of trainer Mike. I had to chuckle this evening during our "pinch" test. Poor young guy. Having to squeeze me, a woman old enough to be his mother, in a variety of places must somewhat disconcerting. He asked how I felt about it. I didn't have to guts to tell him that it was the highlight of my day. I mean, how often are 22 year old trainer hands on me these days, really? I know, I know. There's the line, and here's me crossing it.

Aside from the comedy of it all, I did learn a couple of things today. First, the pounds are slow to come off, but the fat seems to be melting quicker. This is difficult to understand and handle, mostly because our first elimination weigh-in is about a week and a half away. I'm just trying to sponge as much off of Mike as I can in case I happen to be the first one out. Second, Fitday.com is my new best friend. I've been having such a difficult time making the calories (1600 a day) and understanding what I should be eating and when. Fitday has really shed some light on my daily menu, giving me a visual representation of my carb/fat/protein ratios. The fat thing I've got under control. Now I've got to work on lowering my carbs and increasing my protein.

There's a song in my head that's been keeping my focused for the past couple of days. It's by Francesca Battistelli. Next time you hear it, turn up the volume and make a joyful noise.

"‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me. . ."