While most of my time is taken up by being a wife, mom of 5 and a full time environmental educator, my biggest goal is to live a life that shines Jesus to all I know. I don't do that nearly as well as I like, but that is a constant goal before me.

I have yo-yoed with my weight over the last 20 years. Not usually intentionally, but it's a definite reality. I've weighed as much as 206 pregnant, and 160 non-pregnant/non-postpartum. I've weighed as little as 126 (post divorce) and 134 (a few times after months of excessive dieting and exercise).

I don't know how NOT to be extreme when I lose weight. No loss is ever enough for me. I continue until my hair starts to fall out and people tell me I need to eat. I get obsessive.  It's embarassing, but true. I place WAY too much importance on this temporary vessel and not nearly enough on my eternal rewards!!

I'm trying, mostly because I have my 20th class reunion coming in about 8 months, to lose a REASONABLE amount of weight and not be a crazy woman about it.

Today was my "start" day. And, unlike other times, I'm not telling any of my co-workers. I think, the fewer people that know, the less pressure I'll feel to have crazy fast results. I'd really just like to have my clothes from last winter fit and not be uncomfortable maybe by the end of Oct or middle of Nov. that would be nice. then I wouldn't feel so gross and I wouldn't have to go spend money on new clothes.

So, after all that boo hooing and blah blah blah, I really just want to make healthy changes with a healthy mindset. I want to look good, but more importantly I want to be healthy and energetic for my husband and 5 kids!!! They do keep a girl busy!