Hey y'all, my name is Sarah and I'm new to the site! I'm really, really happy that I found this place, I think it's going to be a huge help. Below I've included my bio from the 100lb Club, which I think is a great summary of my interests and goals.
Geographical location: Allentown, Pennsylvania (think the Billy Joel song!)
Age: 21
Marital Status: Single
Children/Ages: None
Occupation: Grad student (Doctoral program in ethnomusicology, UC Davis)
Pets: A two-year old black lab named Millie
Hobbies/Interests: Studying (Grad students who don't enjoy studying are doomed to fail), reading, anything involving music, traveling, biking, walking, talking about life
Height: 5'10''
Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Green eyes, Blonde hair
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: May 23, 2011
Starting Weight:256
Present Weight: 236
Goal Weight:155
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Cooking for myself - I'm constantly overscheduled, so finding the time or motivation to cook instead of getting fast food has always been a huge problem. Tied with that is the embarrassment I feel over my current look - I get to shy to do workouts or anything in public because I'm afraid of being criticized or judged by people who see me.
Following any specific plan: SouthBeach worked in the past, but I have such a hardcore dependency on fast food that I need to get out of that habit before I'll feel prepared to commit to stage 1.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I graduated from my undergraduate insitution (Muhlenberg College) on May 22nd. I've been mentally preparing for a new weight loss effort for almost a year, and I feel much more educated and knowledgeable about the why of weight loss, instead of just the how, and I am motivated to become a healthier person in time for my big move out to California.
Anything else you would like to share with us: The happiest moment of my life occurred the night I graduated from high school, when my long-term boyfriend finally proposed to me. But on June 19, 2008, my 20-year=old fiance, JJ, passed away unexpectedly. It has been a long and torturous process of grief, at times more than I felt I could bear. But I feel like I have finally accepted what happened, and I've made a permanent place for him in my heart. He wanted me to be happy more than anything, and losing this weight is the last big piece I need to honor his wishes and get back up on my feet.
I'm really excited to be part of this community - I am beyond impressed by just how much love I see floating over these boards. Any words of support or encouragement are greatly appreciated, and if you're looking for some kind (or butt-moving) thoughts to be sent your way just let me know!
Glad to be here!
