Awww, I love all of you!! Hugs all around!

I am going to be 50 on Wednesday and I have never been happier in my life. No kids, married three times, currently living with my boyfriend. I hope this arrangement will last the rest of our lives but I am now extremely cynical about such things.

Two dogs -- a big 'un and a little 'un, 'cause little dogs are, like, totally different species compared to big dogs. And a kitty who doesn't do much anymore but lie around looking pretty. A fish tank that we're re-doing. And....

over 400 houseplants. Gesneriads, which is a family of plants that includes African Violets. This is a serious passion of mine. But not as big a passion as...

riding Harleys! I own two, my boyfriend has two. We ride all the time. Our tiny dog comes with us. In June we took a 3,600 mile trip to Northern California and Southern Oregon and it was fabulous.

I live in Denver, Colorado now and have for 18 years. I was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and lived in D.C. and Maryland for almost 15 years.

I have a degree in Russian language that I never used. I have a degree in accounting and work as a tax accountant for a hotel chain.

Until 8-9 years ago my life was a complete mess. I drank heavily and used drugs extensively. Then I was in a motorcycle accident...

I got my own license because I figured I could wreck my own bike just as easy as wrecking on the back of someone else's.

I got fibromyalgia and felt *awful* for a long, long time.

I got sober because I felt so awful. Also because I found two programs that helped. One was a nutrition program. I'm a big believer in these two programs and I spend a lot of time giving service to others who are working them.

After I got sober I started to binge-eat. When that subsided, my diet was left looking very 'clean' -- not a lot of sugars in my food diary these days. You will *never* hear me fueling up with ice cream. That just doesn't work for my particular body.

So the journey these last 8 1/2 years has been transformational, not always simple, and there've been detours but I learn from them, too. My weight, which skyrocketed when I was binge eating, is the last big thing left for me to work on.

I've been lifting off and on for 15 years -- "off" a lot when my FM was at it's worst. Today, I'm almost always just grateful that I get to show up and do my best. 'Cause there was a time when I couldn't do that. I take nothing for granted now.

I live in Denver, Colorado now and have for 18 years. I was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and lived in D.C. and Maryland for almost 15 years.

I lived outside of Boulder for 6 years (my parents still live in CO) and a lot of my hubby's family is from the Pittsburgh area. I also lived in Maryland for a short while.

My dad's family is in the Pittsburgh area (Beaver Falls to be exact) and I lived in Clarion for 6 years. Also lived in the D.C. area for a short time when I was younger. Never lived in CO, but I did have relatives in Denver for a long time.

Cool thread

Hi, I'm Anne "Leadfoot" Lewis


-Hobbies-Auto racing, cycling, drawing/art, and of course...lifting heavy things!

Anne--what association/series do you race? My hubby is race director for the central region of a small-ish association(I have taken a couple of DEs).

Okay--me:

I am an in-house lawyer for a big company. I specialize in a very interesting but very hectic area.

I was a cheerleader in college a VERY long time ago.

I am a mom to a 12-year old soccer addict so we will be traveling with his team throughout the Midwest this upcoming year.

I love photography and any sort of visual creative endeavor, but I am terrible at gardening. However, am obsessed with beets (having them for dinner tonight....mmmmm).

I am stubborn and opinionated and sensitive....and I also married someone who is stubborn and opinionated and sensitive. But boy oh boy is he cute as hell.

The TV is on a lot in our house. Sundays, it's like we are in England because there is either a soccer game on in the background or a pre-recorded road race. Or the BBC version of Top Gear (my son is a fan of James May).

I turned 40 two weeks ago. I gave myself an early gift when I decided in March to change up my routine from running and light weight reps. I had taken martial arts up until my 20s, so I found some MMA based DVD routines that I love and can do at 5:30 in the morning, then started lifting. I am having challenges with allowing myself enough time to recover, so I have to be okay with not progressing as fast.

The TV is on a lot in our house. Sundays, it's like we are in England because there is either a soccer game on in the background or a pre-recorded road race. Or the BBC version of Top Gear (my son is a fan of James May).

I didn't realize Captain Slow had fans :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: I personally like the Hampster!

Anne--what association/series do you race? My hubby is race director for the central region of a small-ish association(I have taken a couple of DEs).

Hi!

I race with in the Rocky Mountain Region of the NCCC (National Council of Corvette Clubs). We do mostly autocrosses with 2-3 track events a year.

This is a cool idea.

I live in SoCal.

31, childless, no plans to change that.

2 cats

I work in software development (not a developer, product manager/BSA) but I got my Bachelors in Political science and Psychology. I sometimes think I would like to get an MFT, at least, (marriage and family therapist - its a Masters) but I like what I do ok and it pays pretty decent, so its hard to give that up for a degree just to start all over making half what I make now. Plus my husband would kill me.

I was never physically active as a kid, or young adult. I hated PE, I couldn't run a 3/4 mile in 11 minutes in HS even though I was not overweight or anything. Turns out it was probably partially because I don't self-regulate body temp well (I barely sweat at all - in some areas I don't sweat period, in others I sweat a bit but its not even enough to dampen a shirt).

I gained from about 145 to 205 in 4-5 years after I got a job. Mixture of change in eating habits (my natural eating pattern is 10am and 3:30-4pm and that just doesnt' work at a 9-5 job) and no longer walking to class even though I did walk sometimes for fun. I gained so much and so fast that at one point I bought a dress that fit great and 2 weeks later it didnt' fit at all.

I wear about the same size I did at 150 as I do now at 165. Muscles! (ok, fine, I gained weight and now I weigh 172 and everything is snug, BUT STILL)

I used to read a LOT of books - sci-fi/fantasy/urban/paranormal stuff is my version of trash TV but I haven't been reading them much lately because .... I kind of burned through everything halfway decent.

I hardly watch any TV at all but we do have Amazon Prime and Netflix so I recently watched all of the new Doctor Who.

Hi all, great idea!

I'm Alisa. I'll be 35 in a month.

I currently live in NYC, in Brooklyn to be more specific, and have been for the past 6 years. I moved here from Portland, OR to pursue acting. I lived in Oregon for 7 years. I was born in Belarus, former USSR, my parents immigrated to Israel when I was 12. I graduated high school in Israel and then moved to Portland, OR when I was 20. I thought I was smart to escape the service in the army. (maybe not so much)

I studied Business and minored in theater. I've been dreaming of being a working actress for almost 10 years now. I graduated a 2 years acting conservatory program last year and only now am starting to pursue acting more seriously, i.e. be less afraid.

I adopted a 3-legged Blue Heeler, long-haired Dachshund, Corgy mix when I lived in Portland with my ex. She is being loved and taken care of in Vancouver, WA by a dear friend.

I'm single.

I was with somebody for 7 years.

I started SL 4 weeks ago.

I love animals. I give dollars to homeless people on the subway despite the fact that I know I can't save them all. I cry when someone hurts an animal in a movie.

I hate injustice and unfairness.

I love cake, caramel, fudge. My weight has fluctuated between 138 (lowest in 10 years) to 168 (highest ever) and usually in the 140-150 range. Obviously it's not my ideal weight.

I love museums. They inspire me. I love decorate. Want to learn to rock climb.

Overall, I'm awesome.

I love animals. I cry when someone hurts an animal in a movie.

I hate injustice and unfairness.

Overall, I'm awesome.

Backatcha !

this thread is rocking my world ladies. lwwodroff you are a superstar for this thread!! x

A bad *kitten* with a crochet hook

I was resisting but here goes.

I am obsessive/compulsive about things I love to do. For the last three years my obsession has been my health, namely nutrition and exercise.

Other obsessions are heirloom sewing, knitting/crocheting, food, and my family.

I am the original couch potato and never exercised or played sports. I was a bookworm my entire life and going to the public library was the highlight of my life for many years. The Internet has replaced the library and I'm on the web way too many hours per day.

I am married to my childhood sweetheart. We met in the 4th grade and it has been love/hate ever since, LOL. We are celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary on July 8th.

I have three children in their 30's, and 3 granddaughters aged 12 y/o, 11 y/o, and 5 months. I am 56 but feel healthier and stronger than when I was 26.

I am addicted to spinning classes and weight lifting. I'm doing both until I die.

Hubby and I don't take vacations anymore. We take action packed adventures that require us to MOVE our bodies. I always need a vacation from my vacations.

I don't like to lie and I'm bad at it anyway. Doesn't make me a very popular person because I can be very blunt.

Love big band (think Tommy Dorsey) and classic rock music. I listen to the Pink Floyd station on Pandora a lot.

My best quality is that I am trustworthy. My worst, well I'll have to get back to you on that, LOL.

It is so much fun to learn about all of you! For my fellow sci-fi/ urban mystery folks, I am reading a relatively new book called The Passage by Justin Cronin, and it is very good- the first book I've read in a long time all the war through (3 year old makes it impossible to read in with anything approaching concentration).

This is on my "to-read" list. I've gotten a few chapters in, but am having a hard time really getting into it. I've heard good things, though!

Cc- my mom and dad both grew up in Springfield, and my grandparents all lived there until they passed. The aunts mentioned above still live in Clifton- so I know your neck of the woods pretty well!

My parents are in New Carlisle. I'm not as familiar with Springfield, but I worked at the Kroger on N. Bechtle one summer.

I haven't been to Clifton in awhile. We used to go walk around the gorge on weekends.

My name is Emma. I live in Manchester UK. I am separated from a husband and living with a man who is the love of my life. I have 2 dogs, a beagle and a springer who I do not get nearly enough time with. My SO has a shih tsu too. In a 2 bed terrace that can all get quite exciting :laugh:

I was a riding instructor for 6 years which I loved. Did not love the pay so much so I am now working in a call centre office. There are worse jobs and there are better paid jobs but on the whole it is not bad for what it is. I no longer have a horse although I did for almost 10 years.

I have a motorbike which I use pretty much daily for a commute and often for fun. I dance, took up modern jive a few years ago and I love social dancing.

And when I get chance I love to work out.

That is how we met - although I did start going with my soon to be ex husband :blushing:

I'm in love with this thread and every one of you ladies!!

I'm very new to this group (please feel free to add me-I need some likeminded friends!) and figure this is an excellent way to introduce myself-

I'm Melissa, age 35.

I grew up in Oklahoma, but have lived in Missouri for about 12 or so years.

I'm a teacher (middle school Gifted) and I absolutely love every single minute of my work day.

I have two boys-ages 6 & almost 9 and am married to an incredible man (he's also my lifting partner).

I love outdoorsy stuff-camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, etc. I also love, love, love indoor climbing. I'm an excellent sports fan but horrendous player. Movies and music are my nirvana-I like quirky, indie stuff mostly, but a good movie/album is a good movie/album, so I'm pretty open to everything.

My guilty pleasure is watching anything on Bravo. It's mostly garbage, but oh how I love it.

And of course I love food. Particularly ice cream and pizza.

I'm a extrovert, probably to a fault. I open up to anyone and everyone and I'm not always sure that's a good thing...



My fat story:

I was always pudgy growing up. I realize now that I wasn't nearly as chubby as I saw myself and wish that I go back and give that girl some more confidence. I was a jerk in high school because of my own insecurities (a "mean girl"). I lost tons of weight after college (anyone remember Metabolife?). Of course, I gained it all back and then had my boys...gained even more.

Fast forward to the last couple of years and I've lost somewhere close to 40-50 pounds. About half of that was off and on with WW and then a friend told me about MFP (which led to the other 20+ pounds off).

I've spent the last 9 months or so obsessively reading the boards and thanks to the Road Map threads and now you ladies, I finally feel like I'm in total control of my own health and body. I'm obsessed with lifting! I've never been obsessed with anything so good for me!


Anyway, I love this thread and can't wait to "meet" more of you!

My parents are in New Carlisle. I'm not as familiar with Springfield, but I worked at the Kroger on N. Bechtle one summer.

I haven't been to Clifton in awhile. We used to go walk around the gorge on weekends.

My dad's parents lived in New Carlisle, on Spence Road! My aunts run the Herbs and Lace Bed and Breakfast in Clifton - the Gorge is pretty fantastic!

That's crazy! My parents are on Sigler. Such a small world.