I've finally made up my mind to lose the weight! I’ve been here before. Over 10 years ago I lost 70 lbs and kept it off for 3 years. But over the last 10 years I’ve been up and down and ultimately put back on all but 20 lbs. No more!!!!

My family and friends would probably describe me as independent, outspoken, and headstrong, and would probably say confidence is certainly not an issue for me. But in a lot of ways they would be wrong. As a woman who was brought up to relish ...

I've finally made up my mind to lose the weight! I’ve been here before. Over 10 years ago I lost 70 lbs and kept it off for 3 years. But over the last 10 years I’ve been up and down and ultimately put back on all but 20 lbs. No more!!!!

My family and friends would probably describe me as independent, outspoken, and headstrong, and would probably say confidence is certainly not an issue for me. But in a lot of ways they would be wrong. As a woman who was brought up to relish knowledge and defend her opinions, I fully admit I can talk the talk, walk the walk and debate with the best of them. Outwardly I likely come across as entirely self-assured, but inside I have a lot of self-doubt, and being overweight most of my life has definitely been the main cause.

I want to be healthy, happy and self-confident. I want to rid myself of self-loathing and pessimism. I want to look around the room and not feel like hiding behind the nearest tall plant. I want to be able to strike up a conversation with strangers without wondering if any or all of them are thinking “look at the fat chick”. And if I’m being completely honest, I want the attention from men that a healthy body and healthy self-esteem attracts.

I started this journey 15 weeks ago and have lost just over 30 lbs. I’m proud of myself for what I have accomplished. But I have hit a plateau. While I am pretty sure I am still losing inches as clothes that were tight a few weeks ago now fit or are even loose, seeing the same number on the scale week after week certainly takes a bit of the wind out of my sails.

I’ve been very good when it comes to eating healthy, tracking the foods I consume and being accountable for what I put in my body. However, I haven’t been as consistent when it comes to exercise. Currently I am getting to the gym 2-3 times a week. When I get there, I push myself, have a great workout and feel fantastic when I’m done. But getting my butt there is the problem. My present goal is to workout 4 times a week. I’d like to ultimately workout 5-6 times a week. But when you have to get up at 3:45 a.m. M-F to get your workouts in, just doing that twice a week is an accomplishment.

I love my family, my friends, Tivo, shopping and Nascar, and pretty much in that order. My family is my rock, they keep my feet on the ground but encourage me to reach for the stars; my friends are the light in my life and provide me joy and peace.; Tivo and shopping are my distractions; and Nascar is my passion.

My profile pic was taken at Homestead in November 2005 with my favorite Nascar crew chief. I am currently 15 lbs lighter than I was then. When I post my pic from the upcoming Daytona 500 in February 2009, I plan to be another 30 lbs lighter than I am now and much happier with myself!

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