By Marlee Matlin

It's week two and all I can say is that I feel amazing! I really had no intention of losing a great deal of weight; just get rid of that stubborn 10 pounds or so that never seem to come off.

And guess what? I've lost 2 1/2 pounds! Woo Hoo!

By Marlee Matlin

Let me say, right off the bat, dancing is a blast, particularly when you have Lisa Rinna and Louis van Amstel taking you through the steps. I arrived (sneaky Lisa, she surprised me!) thinking I'd be learning a few steps here and there and that I might break a small sweat. Was I wrong! Dancing is a total work out. Louis got us started right away, stepping and dancing with the beat and soon I could feel my feet, legs, arms, and that ever important "core" - stomach muscles, working just as hard as any traditional work out that I've had. But unlike the grunting and huffing and puffing that comes along with a traditional workout, Louis (and with Lisa beside me to get my behind in gear) made working out through dancing FUN. And though I was a bit sore at the end of class (more so the next day and more so the day after that!), it felt great to know I was doing something good for my body. Let me say this deaf lady likes to dance and I plan to come back!

By Marlee Matlin

Greetings. First I want to thank Access and my family and friends for all their support.

Now's here the skinny on my desire to be "skinny." First, I want everyone to know that I am not planning on starving myself or get super thin. For someone who's 5'3", 129 isn't that bad. But I've been thinner and more comfortable with my body.

First, the goal here is to eat healthier, to exercise on a daily basis (this working mom of four just can't seem to find the time!) and to do my body a favor and in general, help myself develop the tools for living a healthy lifestyle that can accommodate my schedule. At the end of the day, it's not so much about me being overweight as is it that I'm just out of shape. Right now, I'm looking to lose a few pounds and remold my body so that I'm toned and muscular. I know I can do it because I used to have it before I had four children.

You know that feeling where you can wear whatever you want and not feel self conscious? That's what I'm looking to get back. I remember how great I felt back then and I just want some of that feeling back. It's about getting into that sleeveless dress, that short skirt or that bikini (I'm not holding my breath on the bikini but everyone says I can!).

Anyway, enough with the blabbering -- it's time to get up and work on getting on the new me (which is the old me before kids). Let's go!