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Introduction Text I've learned that every day has it's obstacles; some bigger than others. The challenge is not the obstacle itself, but how we choose to take on the obstacle. January 2011: I "thought" I didn't know how it happened. Gone were the days when I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain any weight. I was married at 18 and had my first child at 21. That was the beginning of my weight gain. I kept some of the pregnancy weight from my first child, then more from my second child and gradually kept gaining for 15 years. With several "dieting" attempts through the years, I found that I could lose weight, but I would always put more back on then I had taken off. I finally told myself that I would never "diet" again. In the more recent years I tried some exercising...I did Tae Kwon-Do two times a week, was walking 8 miles a day when the weather permitted, and when I was stuck home I rode the exercise bike. I did pretty good at keeping up with the exercise, but I never tied it together with good nutrition habits, so I kept gaining. At this point I had given up. I was frustrated with my failed attempts and disappointed in what I had let myself become. I was extremely unhappy, and I told myself that I needed to accept it because it was just the way I was going to be. Finally in September 2009, something clicked and I decided that I could give it one more shot. Only it was different this time...I was going to really give it my all and take a good look at what I was eating and give more effort to an exercise routine. In February 2010 I found Spark and am so thankful because it really guided me in the right direction! I learned why I ended up the way I was and why my attempts at "diets" didn't work. I started combining weight lifting and cardio into a routine that I do three days a week. Then I started using the nutrition tracker and taking a look at what I was eating. I started learning how to make better choices and still enjoy what I liked. I decided that I didn't have to accept being the way I was and that I was worth the effort and worth putting myself first. I realized that for this to work, I had to be all in and that I had to commit to this for the rest of my life. What happened? The weight started coming off! I was getting stronger! I was feeling better about myself! I had more energy! My initial goal was to get from 170 pounds to 130...and I did it! Shopping for clothes is fun now! I can go and pick out the clothes that I really want to wear. My problem is still figuring out what size will fit me, but it's a reverse problem because I keep picking the things that are too big. I've gone from a 14-16 to a 4-6 pant size! Another benefit of this experience has been my health. I wouldn't say that I was in poor health, but I was developing some issues. My yearly doctor appointments had evolved into multiple followup appointments and I was experiencing very frequent migraines. Now my energy level and attitude have greatly improved. My yearly appointments are just that, done in one visit and my migraines have decreased to just an occasional headache. It's amazing what fitness and nutrition can do for a person! I'm still on a journey here. My new goal is to reach and maintain a fit 125 pounds. I plan to continue to strength train and focus on my jogging stamina. I plan to continue to make good nutrition choices because I found that my body benefits from it greatly. I will continue with my healthy lifestyle of exercise and nutrition because it's good for me and I'm worth it! I deserve it!!!

To be to my goal weight of under 130 by June 2010! I DID IT!!! 4/2010 1/2011 NEW GOAL... Continue to strengthen and lose weight. Focus on jogging stamina. I want to reach 120 pounds, then maintain 125 pounds. I plan to continue my healthy lifestyle with exercise and nutrition because it's good for me and I'm worth it!

Cardio 5-6 days a week and Strength Training on Monday's and Fridays. Continue to make good nutrition choices and stay within calorie range.

I'm 39 yrs, a fulltime wife and mother from NW Oregon. I have been married to my high school sweetheart 20 years this year. Fun to say that we've been together for more of my life than not!!! We have two fantastic children ages 17 and 13. Hard to believe how quickly they grow. Now I'm having to deal with my seperation anxiety from them as they get ready for their college years and their own lives. Our family enjoys camping, hiking and gardening. Really, my favorite activity is anything that our family can do together.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." - Albert Schweitzer

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