My gym recently opened their outdoor pool for the season. I was ecstatic. This is something I've been waiting for all winter. That is until I tried on last year's bikini. It was so tight, the bottoms nearly cut off circulation to my legs. I immediately curled into the fetus position and cried.

Returning to school has definitely taken its toll on my physical appearance. I don't have as much time to dedicate to the gym, or the funds required to eat as healthy as I'm used to. I knew this would happen, but I didn't realize it would happen so quickly.

In an effort to motivate myself to lose a few pounds, I challenged my friend, and co-worker Robyn to a weight-loss contest. I think she only agreed because one of her favorite shows, "The Biggest Loser," is over and this is the only way she'll get her weight loss fix before the show returns in the fall.

Every Tuesday we have a weigh-in and report losses or gains to one another. So far it's not going well for me. The first week into the challenge I lost a pound. The second week I gained that pesky pound back. Meanwhile, my jeans are too tight and the summer isn't getting any longer. I have limited pool time and I want to be able to spend as much time as possible relaxing at the pool.

I should focus on exercise to win this challenge, but instead have turned to devious tricks. I cannot lose this contest! When it comes to Robyn, I'm very competitive. We compete over everything. Who gets to work earlier; who has the cuter shoes; who has the best flavor of sugar-free pudding. There's no limit to our daily competitions.

Robyn recently had Lasik surgery, and as everyone knows, when a friend has any type of surgery, you are required by Mormon law to feed her. So I did. Since I don't bake, I found her the world's largest Rice Krispie Treat -- two pounds to be exact. If I fatten her up, I'll easily win the challenge without even having to try. Sure, I still run into the original problem of not being able to fit in a swimsuit, but now with the contest in the bag I have more time to dedicate to working out.

Exercise is the bane of my existence. I'm not a gym rat and I don't enjoy my time there unless I'm out by the pool. I've been racking my brain trying to come up with fun exercise options. So far I've got hiking, Pilates, and Rumba dance lessons. The last two options terrify me. I'm as uncoordinated as humanly possible; so expect future columns on how I managed to make an ass of myself in dance class. Sigh ... the things women have to do to look good.

If, at the end of this, I can't comfortably wear a bikini I'm relocating to Antarctica, where bikinis aren't necessary.

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