HELLO from Canada

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to introduce myself.

My name is Michelle, I'm 26 (27 in a few months...eesh), 5'9", and 185 lbs. My goal weight is 140 lbs (was that weight about 3 years ago and hope to get back). Basically after finishing school, starting to work afternoons at the hospital, breaking up with my bf of 8 years, getting my own place, and starting up a new relationship (in which the guy makes me feel really comfortable w/my body even with the pudge) I gained about 30 lbs in 3 months, and before that, over a period of about 2 years, the other 15 crept up on me. I really don't have any routine in my life (which is good and bad I suppose), so it's hard to really follow healthy eating on a schedule and exercise, but I'm trying!

My original weight was 195 lbs, but weight watchers got me down to 179....then I stopped going after 4 months and I've gained a few back. I've decided to try and keep some of the eat smart principles of WW, but I don't want to track points, and the core plan just isn't flexible enough for me. I'm hoping to use myfitnesspal as a journal to present to my personal trainer every week.

Other stuff about me: basically I'm obsessed with animals. I have 2 cats, a chihuahua, 2 guinea pigs, a snake, a crested gecko, 2 goldfish, and 3 parrots in my 1 bedroom apartment (not as crowded or stinky as it sounds...I keep everything pretty clean...but if I got more, I'm sure it would hit the point where it felt crowded). I also have another cat and two more parrots at my parent's house, and my step-pets (boyfriend's pets) include a toy cockapoo, another cat, and 2 lovebirds. My boyfriend and I hope to be a home to many rescued cats, dogs, and birds (some of our pets right now are rescues), when we finally establish ourselves in our careers (I still have to get a masters degree before I start raking in the big bucks).

Anyway, enough boring stuff about me. Thanks for reading and for welcoming me into your community!