Hi Ferdinand...

I hear your frustration, but make me a deal, ok? No more negative talk TO or ABOUT yourself from now on... You can do this...you can even do a great deal in 3 weeks!! Tell yourself how you are going to drop some weight before the cruise and NOTHING is going to stop you!!

About the cruise...oh Lord, what a tough subject for me...I'm scheduled to go on MONDAY, and because of a recent breakup, I'm not going ...but in any case, I went over the summer and I can tell you...you CAN stay on LC while on the ship!!

It's not easy, but if you set your mind to some form of control, you'll at least NOT gain. There are gyms and walking decks, no? Write that into your schedule to offset any overeating you may do.

Go for the steak, the butter, the broccoli...AVOID the midnight buffets (that always look better than they taste anyway!!) I remember going down to the big fancy feast and tried 15 different desserts...told myself only ONE bite of each would equal ONE whole dessert...you know, not a single one really did anything for me!! I was sorry I gave in to such a silly temptation.

Anyhow, induction for 3 weeks sounds like a plan...let us know how you're doing. Tell yourself you're worth it, and you're NOT turning back!!

Good luck...