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Introduction Text I joined Spark about 5 years ago when I turned 48 in 2008 and I decided that if I wanted to focus on being "Fit by 50", that only left me two years! Well, I'm pleased to announce that I met my goal by 50 and have surpassed it at 53. My idea of optimal health includes working on the physical, mental and emotional pyramid. I figured this would be a great support system for me. I was open to all the help I could get. I have never had a good relationship with exercise and I love chocolate. Not a good combination. Lots of psyching myself out and committing to living a healthy lifestyle assisted me on my journey? I feel better and much healthier; definitely not what I thought 53 would feel like! I know I benefitted from all your help and support. I am now on a lifestyle maintenance/tone-up route and it's the overall health that most concerns me. I want to continue feeling better, looking better and having more energy. I don't always feel the support around me because I am usually the one not eating or drinking the unhealthy, empty calories. I hope to continue helping members who will become friends as we travel this road together and that my many experiences are those that others can also benefit from. Here's to "The Fabulous Fit Fifties!" *** 2/08: Thanks so much to all my Spark buddies for nominating me as a Sparkpeople Motivator! I didn't even know I had any nominations until I got a congratulatory email from SP! That's the icing on the cake (pun intended)! LOL! ***6/5/08: Wow, chosen as Class of Jan 6-12 Spotlight of the Week!! Thanks MRSHONEYC, I feel sooo special! LOL! Hi to all! Thanks so much for all the well wishes. I have been off the radar a bit since my mom passed away in April. It has been difficult getting back into socializing and welcoming and motivating everyone. I am still here and using the trackers almost daily so that has really helped me. I am a middle school teacher and tomorrow is our last day! yay! I will be working on a summer curriculum pilot program for a few more weeks and then after that??? Vacation!!! San Diego is my destination this summer and camping for sure at my favorite campground (pics on my site). Anyone from San Diego? Let me know what's going on there in July. I will try hard to catch up on my SP communication this summer! Again, thanks for the spotlight! Virtual hugs to all!

My first two goals are to eat better and to start some type of exercise. I'll adjust my goals as I go along. I'll concentrate on these two first, because they will be a challenge for me.

I am going to begin a lower carb/lower fat program. I will try to get in a brisk walk 3x's a week and then progress from there to a gradual increase in my exercise program. I plan on weighing myself daily. I know that is not usually recommended, but I think it keeps me more disciplined.

I hail from beautiful El Paso, TX, aka "The Sun City." The mountains, the sunshine, the blue skies, the sunsets, the weather, the people, the desert. It's all good. Today 1/13/08, in the middle of winter, we had a beautiful , warm, sunny day and I think we reached the mid 60's. I know my dear friend in Michigan is jealous. I have always been a Texas girl, having also lived in San Antonio and Dallas. I have 2 daughters who I consider my best accomplishments. I am very proud of them. I've raised them as a single parent for 13 years, so dad (who lives in Florida and doesn't get to see them as much as he would like) can't take too much credit and he agrees! Hah! I have been a middle school English/ Reading teacher for 22 years and I enjoy it very much. I enjoy travel and I love to camp and look forward to it every summer. My hammock, a few good novels and the fresh, brisk mountain air are great spiritual renewals for me. Check out my favorite camping spot in my gallery.

I've pretty much accomplished all my goals and am about where I thought I would be at this age when I was a young naive college student planning my future. My one unaccomplished goal is to be a published author, but I'm still working on that.

Add a Link If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else.
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