You can take the girl out of Germany, but can you take the hausfrau out of the girl?

Let's hope so.

When I became a stay-at-home housewife in Germany, I inadvertently adopted a low-maintenance lifestyle. "Low" as in subterranean, I-should-have-been-so-lucky-to-have-a- seismic-crack-in-the-earth-swallow-up-the-three-pairs-of sweatpants-I-wore-all-the-time, and remind-me-again-what-lipstick-is low.

I feel as though I became the stereotype German hausfrau--sans the knee high hose, of course. I let myself go because it was easier than continuing the high-maintenance habits from my days in the U.S. (And maybe because German chocolates and Rieslings really are that good.)

But since January, I've made it my aim to live a healthier lifestyle, lose "the expat 15" (as in dreaded extra pounds), and get back into a closet full of clothes that I haven't been able to wear since my honeymoon. There have been a few stops and starts over the months, but overall that which I have dubbed "operation hoochie momma" has been a success. I've shed weight, am favoring a well-balanced diet, joined, the gym, started salsa classes, and am taking a multivitamin daily. Today I even wore a skirt that hasn't seen the light of day since 2006. Thank you, stretch material. You made my day.

But to be completely honest, I think my body shape has changed over the last couple years and the numbers on the scale aren't exactly bringing me the measurements and sizes they once did. Losing an extra 5 pounds would make me feel more confident and, more importantly, help me to squeeze my 40-something derriere back into my favorite Guess jeans and "I (heart) fashion t-shirt from my 30s--which is really all I ever wanted anyway.

In other words, I ain't flying a mission accomplished banner over my wardrobe. I'm fighting hard, but haven't won the war just yet.

Why is losing weight and keeping it off such a battle?