My Story and Stats

Here is a quick version of my health story.

I grew up in a supportive, healthy, and active family.  I am the youngest of three kids in my family and my older brother and sister and I were always riding our bikes, jumping on our trampoline, or building tree forts.  Although I was never overweight when I was younger, I do remember always feeling like the largest person in my family (for my height and age), and I LOVED to eat!

^This is a picture of me posing for the camera....with popcorn!

Growing up, I loved sports, but hated competing with others.  After a year of basketball and a few years of volleyball, I decided that I would rather compete with myself than with others.  When I was in high school, I ended up swimming and running every day after school at our town's health club.  It was a great way for me to get fit and gain confidence.  For the first time ever, I felt like I physically fit in with my family and I loved it. 

 When I left for college, the swimming and running stopped.  Darn dorm rooms!  At the time, the university I attended didn't have a campus gym, so my roommate and I went on walks outside for as long as we could.  Darn SoDak winters!

Pretty soon, I had gained 5 pounds....and then another 5 pounds!  Next came marriage!  This was an exciting time.  I was blessed enough to marry my high school sweetheart.  As previously mentioned, the love-chub found me.   Along with the added chub came acid reflux.  Being a singer AND overweight did not help that cause.

I finished my undergrad degree, my master's degree, and landed my first job.  And that brings me to where I am now.  I am a perfectionist; an "all-or-nothing" type of person.  I hate feeling like a failure and for that reason, I've never truly given weight loss a chance.....I didn't want to fail.  A few months ago, I realized that I wasn't winning any challenges by doing NOTHING, so I started to get serious.  I'm not striving for beautiful bones.  I'm striving for a healthier and happier life!

Here are my stats TODAY:

Height: 5'3.75" (that .75" means a lot to me!)

Beginning Weight as of 8/2011: 156

Current Weight: 146

Goal Weight: 120