Perhaps the comments on my last post have prompted this response. I'd like to make clear what my successes have been these past few months.

1. I have reached 89% of my savings goal for the fall. The overtime did run out sooner than I had hoped but that wasn't something I could control. The goal is a number that I calculated that I would need to survive without working any part-time job. Worst case-scenario. Since I fully intend on working a part-time job during the fall, that goal could potentially be a surplus.
2. I continue to lose weight and get tone. My weight-loss is slow and I often plateau, but during those plateaus I am still slimming down. Pants that were tight are now loose- so I know I'm doing it right. There are times when I don't feel motivated do work out, but then I am quick to remind myself why I am there at the gym 5 days a week and I keep that reason at the forefront of my brain.
3. I have been focusing on my dietary consumption of late. In the past, with an ample budget, I would buy more expensive fresh fruits and vegetables, and expensive meats. Now, I've learned that higher price does not always equal higher quality. I've managed to get my food budget down to $200 for the month of July, and I hope I can keep doing so for the next 6 months.
4. I've become more shrewd when it comes to buying other stuff as well. Going to the consignment shops(Salvation Army, Goodwill) has saved me a lot and there are some good clothes there as well. I've been going through clothes and even some of my favorite shirts that fit fine before now are too big and make me look bigger than I am. The consignment shops have really saved me money.

I'd like to articulate the things that haven't been real successes but rather things I need to improve upon.

1. I really need to draw up a list of the stuff I want to sell. I plan on doing it through craigslist/ebay, but that makes me a little wary when I hear about people getting robbed.
2. I really need to follow up on some the part-time job leads.
3. I need to get better at keeping my apartment clean now that I don't have overtime. It is for the most part clean but I'm sure I can get it cleaner.

That's it for now. Current weight: 277lbs.