New to MFP and happy to be here!

Hello all! My name is Rachel and I'm an editor for a book publisher in the Chicago suburbs. I love my job, but it's not very active...I spend most of my day at a desk in front of a computer. Since entering college I've gained 40 pounds and since my birthday last month I decided that I've had it! I've tried a lot of different things before and never stuck with anything, so I hope that this time around I can find the motivation to make some serious changes.
I really look forward to using MFP to help me stay on track and reach my goals. I know that I need to be responsible and accountable for my actions and I'm not going to make anymore excuses. I feel like this time will be different
I really love to hike, swim, and walk my dog (she's a husky and has TONS of energy!), and I'm also a vegetarian so if anyone has any simple veggie recipes they'd be interested in sharing I'd love to hear from you!