It begins

I need to make some changes in my life - don't we all?

The main change needed for me is, like many North Americans, a significant weight loss.

If I've lost you already, that's okay. I'm not conceited enough to think that everyone wants to hear about another fat, middle aged woman losing weight. Eeew, even I don't like the way that sounds! On the other hand, if you are dealing with the old middle aged spread and need some inspiration, perhaps this will help.

So, to start.

I'll freely admit that I was inspired to start a blog after seeing the movie "Julie and Julia". So, thanks for the idea. I'll also bet that there are many blogs out there on the same topic as mine. What makes this any different? I don't know - let's just see where it goes.

I'm a 48 year old female, and my weight is between 200 and 300 lbs. Any closer than that I do not want to tell you, but at 5'6", that's a lot of stress on my body.

I've been fat my whole life, although there have been many versions of that "chubby, stocky, round, obese". My preferred ones are "zaftig" and "curvy". However, I'm a bit beyond the curvy stage at this time.

I married a really nice guy nearly 25 years ago, and we have two children, whom I adore. The older one is a 15 year old boy, and the younger is female and nearly 13. They are excellent kids. This blog isn't about them, so I won't use names - yet. Rest assured, they are weight I do not want to lose!

Our family has a lovely standard black poodle named Mentor, and a newly adopted white cat named Zaide.

So, why now? Why is NOW the time to lost weight, and why in such a public forum?

Well, first of all I think would be the old standby - health. I'm lucky in that for all the excess me, I am very healthy. Still, it would be nice to stay that way. I also do suffer from arthritis, asthma (mild), snoring (so I'm told) and high blood pressure (controlled with medication). All of these would improve with a weight loss. Everything else seems fine so far. So far - there's the rub. I can't help but wonder how much longer this good health will continue?

So, now is the time to get healthy.

Why a public forum? Well, I need some accountability. I prefer to travel with company, and that's where you come in. Let's walk this road together.