I've mostly noticed it when I'm standing in front of the bathroom mirror. There's this distinctive pudge that pooks out from my shirts; sometimes I feel like I look six months pregnant. I can't figure out if I'm imagining this pudge or if it's actually there.

I periodically get on the scale to see where I am, to sort of put things in perspective. I was getting on the scale almost once a day (yes, I know that's not the best way, but I do it anyway because I'm curious) after I restarted my walking program. I got incredibly frustrated with Byetta not really working and with gaining and losing the same 4 lb. in the course of several months. I was close to tossing the scale out the window.

I was pleased, though, after a recent step on the scale to see that I had maintained my weight from my last check. But then, several days later, I had gained almost 5 lb. I was mortified! I had stepped up my walking routine, I wasn't eating as much junk, I had even decreased the number of Lantus units I was taking because things were going so well. A 5-lb. gain was not something I expected to see. I tried to chalk it up to my timing. I think I weighed that morning after I walked. I think. Disgusted with the scale, I haven't gotten on it since.

But today I noticed something about my clothes. I seem to be adjusting the waist of my jeans more often than usual. Maybe they just need to be washed, I thought. They are about a size too big anyway, I reasoned. But my shirt, my expensive shirt that likely isn't stretched out-at least not in the belly area-seems like it's giving me a little extra room today.

I think I'll get on the scale in the morning. Just for grins.