:::Staring at the WordPress microphone::: Um, is this thing on? It is? Don’t mind my nervous giggling, it’s one of my superpowers defense mechanisms.

I’m Angel, stay-at-home mom to 2, ages 10 and 3. Married to my husband for 13 years. I’ve had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia for 10 years. I’ve always been a fluffy gal, but the chronic illnesses sure didn’t help. To add insult to injury, I was diagnosed with Chronic Daily Headache this year (rollercoaster+whiplash=headaches for over a year), and suffered a double knee injury (wet floor at a restaurant+my feet=BOOM!).

But back in August of 2004, I joined a gym and had a few sessions with a personal trainer. It changed my life. For once, I enjoyed exercising. Since then, I’ve lost approximately 25 pounds and kept them off. I don’t do diets–years of yo-yoing and obsessing about food only made me gain weight. But I try to eat healthy and eat in moderation.

I’m far from done, however. Oh was I doing that nervous giggling again? Ooops. Sorry. I have :::taking a big breath:::: 160 Pounds2Go. That number seems so daunting to me, and I’m sure you’re all sitting there with your jaws on the floor.

The way I keep it manageable in my head is to break it down into mini-goals, of 35 pounds or less. And rewards for every 5 pounds (NOT food of course, but things like a CD to play at the gym while I work out.)

It’s hard. Every workout hurts (that smell? Icy Hot. I could bathe in the stuff LOL). And it doesn’t help the fatigue. But I’m determined.

I’ve been away from the gym for about 5 weeks, what with the holidays and all that goes into it. I had intended on starting off 2006 with a workout today, but my pounding head nixed that. So tomorrow is another day, as Scarlett would say.

Leanne, thank you for such a unique opportunity to help stay motivated