Hello from Washington!

Hey everyone, I just joined the site on Monday. Does anyone have any good tips as far as making the site a success (other than being consistent in tracking and staying motivated)? I found out what 'bump' meant, that was a plus. haha

A little about me: I've been an emotional eater since I was a small child. I've never known what started it all and that alone has always bothered me. I made the choice however, that I will not let it hold me back, because the 'now' is what's important. I think that exercise and eating well, is just nothing I've ever been good at. I dieted when I was a kid all the time and I know that has not helped my metabolic situation. There were a few times in my life when I had lost weight and was proud of myself, but I've never reached my goal. The closest I've ever gotten, was when I was 21. I lost 54 pounds in 4 months, but not all on my own. The first 17 lbs. was lost by eating healthy and exercising, the rest came off because I had stomach problems and after 4 months of testing was diagnosed with IBS. The truth is, I found out 8 years later that I do not have IBS, I am gluten intolerant and I have a dairy sensitivity.

Probably the most ironic thing about me, is that I am fascinated by Nutrition. I took it in college, I have numerous books on it, I have the knowledge to do extremely well and to help others-even who have food allergies and sensitivities, and I learned everything I could from my naturopathic doctor, but my emotions somehow have always crept in and taken over when it comes to being successful myself. You wouldn't think people would ask the 'fat' girl for nutrition advice, but people sometimes do - and I am more than happy to give it.

At the beginning of last year, I was ready and I was doing awesome. I had lost 20 pounds in a couple months, then, when I wasn't expecting it- my dad, whom I am very close to, had open heart surgery. He had to have his aortic valve replaced and his mitral valve repaired. Naturally, not knowing how to deal with this, I turned to food. Ever since, it's been one thing after another. I had gotten a personal trainer, but now my eating wasn't the best, so now I was finally working out more, but I wasn't losing because my eating was out of control. Then, I'd get a muscle strain or sick. Then, a few months ago, my dad had a stroke. He's only 56 years old and his vision is now partially gone. He can no longer drive or do the things he enjoyed most. They say with strokes to always give it 6 months. Ever since it happened, he's been negative and I feel like he's given up. (I just had an hour long phone conversation with him that went really well though and we agreed to support each other). I have decided, however, that I am not going to use my dad or anything else for that matter as an excuse anymore. I have goals, and those goals are just waiting for me to meet them.

Ultimately in life, my goal is to be healthy and happy. I know what I want and I am ready to attack it. I have been taking courses to get my Personal Training Certification online so that 1. I can learn more to help myself on my journey, and 2. to be able to pay it forward and help others when I am where I want to be. It has become my dream job. I have always wanted to help people in some way. I was a dispatcher (911 and non emergency for police, fire, and ambulance) for 3 years. It was an amazing job and I was a trainer when I left. It's an amazing feeling knowing that you participate in saving people's lives and help get the bad ones locked up! However, the time came when working 7 12's on graveyard became too much and was so hard on my body. I never saw anyone outside of work, and to me, I had no choice but to search for something else. Now I have a job doing Project Controls for Engineering. It is a very stressful occupation, and to be honest, I cannot wait to get on with my journey and get out of what I am doing. I want to go back to saving people's lives, but in a completely different way than dispatching, so it's time to start with my own.

I hope I have not bored anyone and just a little about who I am as a person: I love doing things for charity. Every year, I do several charity walks that I raise money for (and I do it for my health) and my fiance just joined the Shriners, so we now help raise money for the Shriner hospitals and help put smiles on children's faces every day- which is what the organization is all about if you don't know who the Shriners are. I love doing crafts: crocheting, sewing, anything crafty and artistic- I love! I have ridden quads and snomobiled since I was a little kid. I love to sing and doing karaoke always helped me destress from a long work week. I am to be married September 15, 2012 and that is another goal in itself! I deeply care for other people and try to help out wherever it's needed. I have never put myself first, I've always strived to make others happy instead of myself. Now I am putting myself first, so I can become the person I want to be, and so that I can help so many other people once I get there. There is no one I fear of letting down or disappointing anymore, except for myself, for the first time in my life. I do not think that is selfish, I think that is a small accomplishment to be proud of.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Again, if you have any pointers, please let me know.