Hello from Small Town Ontario :)

Hello to anyone reading this - thanks for taking the time to get to know me. I'm a little nervous putting this all out there, but I guess this is why I'm here, so here goes:

My name is Stephanie. I'm 29, and live in a small town in Southern Ontario. I am recently married, an elementary school teacher and a green belt in Jujitsu (San Do Jutsu - Kempo Karate, Judo & Jujitsu). I used to run, but haven't in a few years. I'd like to say I ran when I was skinny, but I've never been skinny. Ever.

I'm 5'8", currently weigh 264lbs and wear a size 20.

I've always been big - I was a big, healthy baby. I was the chubby one in elementary school, the fat girl in high school and the fall back girl in university. I got teased, but made it through with dignity and a small, but very close group of friends.

I am a very lucky woman. I have a job that I love (and hate sometimes, but that's life!), a husband who loves me for who I am, not what I look like (though he says he loves that too) and a family who is loving and supportive.

I have often thought I have needed to change my lifestyle, but I finally got the kick in the *kitten* I needed recently when several things happened.

1. My dad, who is obese and has a variety of blood disorders, had a physical break down, and was told that if he wanted to see his grandchildren (who, btw are not even a spark in my eye yet!) he had better get his weight in check.

2. I realized, while flying through the air during a Jujitsu class, that landing sucks, especially with all my weight falling, AND that my partner was actually struggling to lift me which has never happened before.

3. I hate the way my clothes fit.

4. I hate the way I feel.

and the straw that broke the camel's back:

5. I sat on an "el cheapo" stool in my classroom and it broke, right out from under me. I went *kitten* over tea kettle and ended up on my *kitten* on the floor in front of my entire class.

I was mortified and it was that exact moment I decided enough was enough.

I am on day three of counting my calories, and so far, I'm pleased with the way things are going. I had no idea how many calories I ate a day before I started counting - which probably explains my weight problem pretty concisely. I ate whatever I wanted with total disregard for my body. Enough's enough.

Right now, I'm just adjusting my diet. Trying to get myself into a routine. Once we get more than a day of nice weather, I'm going to start running again. Trying to take things in baby steps so that this "diet" doesn't become yet another that doesn't work.

Anyway, I guess that's all for now. If you have any words of advice, I'll take any I can get! If not, I hope you too can reach your goals, whatever they are.