hi to all out there in the same boat as me. it's nice to know that your not alone with the struggles we go through to lose weight and try to be healthier and feel better about ourselves. that's why i joined this web site. it gives me a place to vent my feelings and frustrations and also to share with others when i feel good about my self for my accomplishments. i know that you understand because we have all been there. if you need support, i will be there for you too. i'm a 49 y.o. mom of one (he'll be twenty in march), i am a nurse and wife to a wonderfully supportive husband who follows my diet plan with me which is a big help. recently i have had a lot of stress in my life, and i just want to feel better about myself, and i am determined to reach my goal. i know i can do it. when i was in my twenties i lost a little over 100 lbs., then i met my husband got married and we had our son. i guess i got comfortable and settled in life, and lost the ambition i guess to look after myself. gradually over time i put all my weight back on and then some. six years ago i lost weight so that i would look decent for my brother's wedding, i am almost at that weight now(i've lost 37 lbs. so far) and i want to keep going. my goal is not to be a size 2 or even a 4, but i want to feel good about the way i look and to be able to shop for clothes without becoming depressed and frustrated. over this past year i have learned alot of things and the number one thing i learned is that when you look at the big picture it can be overwhelming and seem impossible, but my new belief is that one day at a time, one hour at a time, and sometimes one moment at a time is the easiest way to deal, and thats how i've decided to tackle my weight.