[QueenieMK]

Hey all, I'm new here, although not new to forums. My name is MaryEllen, so most people call me "ME" or "Queenie", due to my screenname of Lane4Queen. I'm a bowler, so it's as if you went to a bowling center, put your name on a waiting list and they said "Lane for MaryEllen, MaryEllen, your lane is available." (Everyone has ideas about why I might be the queen of lane 4, so I try to clear that up as soon as possible. LOL.) I have a crown tattooed on the back of my neck, because I've always thought that even if no one else thinks so, I'm always going to be royalty to myself, and I should always treat myself that way...which is why I'm here.

I've had some health struggles, and I'm getting to the point in my life where I want to grow up and prepare myself to be someone's wife and mother someday. Life has been difficult; I'm a molestation survivor, watched my father go from all-American dad to a paraplegic, watched my mother ruin her credit, my sisters' credits, and then eventually mine, by stealing identities to pay for her painkiller addiction, and battled with a tumor on my parathyroid, causing me to retain water and lose bone density. (And I'm only 25 ladies and gentlemen! Can't wait for the rest of my life! /sarcasm)

All of the hard times could have easily given me reason to get addicted to drugs or alcohol, but I never chose to indulge in those. I wouldn't say that I used food to comfort me, but I never chose exercise as a stress reliever either.

Anyway, I remember being 7 years old and 45 lbs. And being called "skinny minnie" and told that my butt was boney. I don't know when, but somewhere I lost control and ended up at around 180 lbs. I need to get out of this funk I'm in and get to a weight that is more reasonable, and I'm hoping you all will help me out.

I haven't decided what diet to follow yet, but I've been hitting the gym 5 days a week and since I work at least 40 hours a week, sitting at a computer, and take care of both of my parents (mom was in a major car accident almost 3 months ago), I need something that is easy to follow. And preferably cheap/free.

Thanks for letting me introduce myself to you all and thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

[Jasmine31]

Welcome Queenie!!!

My parents were both diabetics and my mom had a pill addiction, eventually got diabetes and hep c and cirrhosis of the liver and passed on at 52, my dad was diabetic and lost a foot to it, died at 65. So I understand.

You are all to join our group! We don't follow a set plan. Some ladies have been on atkins, some calorie counters, some ladies are pregnant and are just staying healthy. We welcome all eating plans and our main focus is healthy eating and exercise.

Feel free to come join us!

Hot& Healthy Challenge Chicks

[tomandkara]

Welcome to the board MaryEllen! I'm so sorry to hear about all of your troubles. My word, woman, you've been through the ringer! I'm glad you found this site because there are some wonderful people here who will help motivate and support you through anything. Poke around and see where you fit in best!

Kara