[Quixotica]

Hi everyone!

I am a 54 year old high school teacher from California. I am finding it harder and harder to tie my shoes! And, to keep up with my students. I am tired of being tired and I want to quit lugging around this 65-70 extra pounds.

I was not heavy until I underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer(15 years ago!). The recovery was slow, I was exhausted and I vegged out for a year. I ended up gaining 50 pounds and have added another 20 over the last few years.

I am a go getter. I can get things done and so it is frustrating for me to struggle with my weight. But, rather than put everything else first, I am planning to put myself first and get healthy.

Currently I am doing the South Beach diet, after initially losing some weight on Atkins. I use exercise DVD's and I walk. I also have some free weights and I hope to get a bench and some more weights for more weight training workouts. I live very rurally, so joining a gym is not at all practical.

I hope to be down to around 150 by my birthday in March. I am planning on rewarding myself with a romantic trip to Hawaii with my dear hubby. I also want to get a pack llama and start "backpacking" again...only the llama gets to carry the weight! My ultimate goal is to climb Mt. Whitney.

I have two bright, creative boys aged 15 and 21; I have two cats and a parrot, and I have a huge vegetable garden. I planted it this year as a part of my weight loss plan. I eat lots of fresh salads and veggies every day.

Wish me luck!

[LukesMommy1987]

My mom lost a lot of weight doing south beach- she didn't do it on purpose but ate one of those meals every day for lunch that they have. She also swam 30-60 minutes a day.

Congratulations on being a survivor! I hope to lose 60 or so pounds too.

[shrinkin]

Good luck! You sound determined to meet your goals!

[the slim me]

Hi, You seem to be very determined and are doing all the right things! I do wish you luck. Sounds like you are going to be climbinb those mountains soon!

We have a wonderful group of ladies over in the +50 group. Come on over and check us out.

It is a bit harder to lose weight as you get older, but it's not impossible. More of a challenge!

Hope to see you over in our group. It really does help to have someone to share the journey with

[meowee]

. . . so glad you found us . . .

[BlzMaxGnrCCJkMly]

[Quixotica]

Hi everyone!
Thanks for the warm welcome. I think I will hop on over to the 50+ group and the South Beach group!

Sheri

[stacysreadytolose]

Hi Sheri! It sounds like you're on your way. I too live rurally, and need to find a way of sustaining exercise at home. I'm impressed by your plans, and wish you the best of luck when you climb Mt. Whitney. If you can beat cancer you can beat anything! I wish you the best of luck, and hope to hear of your progress. Congrats!

[Quixotica]

Hi Stacy and Lukesmommy,
Yes, I think I have beaten cancer, but you know, it made me start living the life I wanted to live. It spurred me into doing some of the things I had been putting off or felt were out of reach. So, there was a silver lining in that cloud.

Mt. Whitney! I found out that there is a lottery for trail permits. You can't just hike it anymore. Maybe I will try to get on the lottery for next summer. That's a huge goal! I have a friend who might go with me. Unfortunately, my husband has osteoarthritis in his ankles and knees and can no longer hike with me It makes him sad, but he is such a gracious guy...I think it would be okay if I went with my friend. Thanks for your encouragement!
Sheri