UPDATE: 1/12/13. 4 lbs to goal! But I may set it down further when I get there. The goal I'd set 4 years ago was based on how my body feels best, not the number the charts say I should be.

UPDATE: 10/7/12.
Four years ago, on Columbus Day 2008, I embarked on a new adventure (just as Columbus did). For the very first time in my life, I was putting myself on a diet.

That's right, very first time. A spoiled brat in the sense that I had a lifelong ability to ...

UPDATE: 1/12/13. 4 lbs to goal! But I may set it down further when I get there. The goal I'd set 4 years ago was based on how my body feels best, not the number the charts say I should be.

UPDATE: 10/7/12.
Four years ago, on Columbus Day 2008, I embarked on a new adventure (just as Columbus did). For the very first time in my life, I was putting myself on a diet.

That's right, very first time. A spoiled brat in the sense that I had a lifelong ability to eat any quantity of food and never gain even a lb, about 8 years ago (2004), that began to change. I was working more and more, and having no time left over, exercising less and less. Added to that were multiple losses including many deaths of loved ones that created a lot of emotional overload. And the icing on the proverbial cake was the big hormonal change; in some ways, tougher than puberty. (smiling)

But it took me four years to process and own that my body was no longer thin and svelte. When I looked in the mirror, I saw the previously thin person. When I saw a picture of myself, I reasoned that cameras add several lbs. When I bought larger sized clothing, I commented one time to the cashier that they were manufacturing clothing smaller and smaller for the same sizes! (smiling) No I wasn't in denial. It was a total disconnect from reality which was a complete departure from my usually-sharp self-awareness.

The AHA moment occurred when I met my now dearly-departed cousin in Las Vegas for a few days. We were at the Madame Toussand (sp?) wax museum and I was in the wedding dress they provide to "marry" George Clooney (BTW, I don't even like him, this museum was my cousin's idea). When I saw the photo of me in that wedding dress, the big AHA moment hit me over the head. Wow, look at me!

So, on Columbus Day '08 I started Nutrisystem. I was on that for about 2.5 months and lost about 30 lbs. It was the first diet of my life, and I used that period of time to learn about portion control, and all of the other healthy tips that I continue to this day (or do my best to continue).

Then, the following January ('09), I found Sparkpeople. I've had a tough time during these few years in that I've lost so many more people who were near and dear to me. And many many other bumps in the road. But Sparkpeople has helped me to stay on-track through the darkest of times. I've been on a "forever" plateau that, at times, has made me not care about my doing "Endless Shrimp" at Red Lobster. But overall, I have about 12 lbs to go to be done and start maintaining.

Above all, I want to thank all of the sparkfriends throughout the years - some no longer on this site - who've helped me with their comments and support. I send all of you the biggest cyber bear hug possible with great affection and appreciation.

Spark on!

Read More About SLIMMERJESSE (Updated April 9)

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