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Introduction Text My Weight Loss Journey...Dream It, See It, Believe It, Achieve It! "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Hi, welcome to my SparkPage! I have been on this journey since April 2006. I lost 65 lbs, in about a year, and kept it off over the next year and a half. With some major life changes in 2008 (empty nest and job changes,) I regained more than I want to admit to. I started in size 2X (18-20W) and felt great when I could wear 10-12 regular. I am now back in 16's but not for long! After an honest look at what I was doing, I have recommitted to a healtlhy lifestyle, and I am working my plan in earnest again. I look forward to closing in on my goal weight this summer. I will probably always need to track my calories and exercise to stay honest with myself. As I have heard and said so many times on SP...it's a lifestyle, not a diet! The weight loss journey has not always been easy, some days are harder than others, but I feel better than I have in years. I have more energy, sleep better, and have more enthusiasm and self-confidence. I have become addicted to exercise, and look forward to my workouts. Hiking has become my bliss, and I am on the trail every chance I get. What a great way to manage stress! Losing weight is not rocket science, if I can do it, anyone can! It's just a matter of being committed, consistent, and in control! Drinking plenty of water, recording my food choices, and exercising regularly changed how I look and feel. Joining SparkPeople is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. Inspirational Quotes: "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. " - Goethe "Days go by...it's all you've been given, so you better start living right now!" Keith Urban "Change your mind...change your life. Your Life is NOW!" John Cougar Mellancamp "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that's why they call it 'the present'." Anonymous "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." B. Franklin "Do what you love, love what you do!" Jake, the "Life is Good" guy. Do, or do not. There is no "try." Yoda (Star Wars) “ Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still. ” Chinese Proverb "The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up." John Maxwell, author and public speaker "If it's to be, it's up to me!" Anon. "I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one." Maya Angelou "When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." Alexander Graham Bell "The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention." Barbara Walters "You can't leave footprints in the sands of time if you're sitting on your butt. And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?" Bob Moawad (Thanks to my 40's and 50's friend Gerry for the last 4 AWESOME quotes!) "The magic is there is no magic!" Anon. "A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

My goal is to lose 80 lbs. I want to feel and look better. I also need to lower my cholesterol and blood pressure. I am looking forward to a new wardrobe:-) Mainly, I want to support and set a good example for my daughter, who is also trying to lose weight and get healthier.

I am counting calories (1200-1550 daily,) exercising (45 minutes to 1 hour daily, more on day hike days,) and eating more fresh fruits and vegies. I am also trying to avoid alcohol. For cardio, I walk, hike, and use the elliptical trainer. For strength training I use weight machines and/or free weights two to three times a week. I am more consistent with my exercise program than my food plan!

Annie, age 56. Married, one daughter, age 23. I live in beautiful Hendersonille NC.

I am an Elementary School Counselor. I enjoy scrapbooking, reading, travel, Sudokus, hiking, and Jazzercise. I am a UNC grad, and a huge Tarheel basketball fan!

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