My name is Connie. I'm 51 years old, I am a wife and the mother of 3 grown children ages 29, 30 & 32. I am also a first time Grandmother. I work full time as a receptionist.

My goal is to lose 30 pounds as well as learn to reduce and manage my stress with something other than food.

In the past I have believed myself to be upbeat, happy and blessed with a great life. But in the last couple of years I've begun internalizing my stress and using food as comfort. These habits are keeping me from being the person who answers "EXCELLENT!!" when asked "how are you today?" I am determined to be that "EXCELLENT!! person" again and mean it.

Meeting my goal will help me in all aspects of my life: My husband has Multiple Sclerosis staying positive, healthy and strong is important for us both. The better I feel about myself, the better I can be for him. A measurable goal is to wear the "goal" dress from the back of my closet to dinner on New Years Eve 2010 with my husband.

As a mother - I want to be a good role model for managing stress, healthy eating and staying active in my 50's and well beyond. A measurable goal is to wear my size 6 jeans.

As a grandma - I refuse to be the 'rocking chair' grandma. I want to be the running, yoga posing, strong and healthy grandma my granddaughter deserves. A measurable goal is to wear this princess inspired dress that I bought for Halloween, so that I can play dress up with my granddaughter.

As a receptionist - 1st impressions count. Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand for me. A measurable goal is to WOW patients in my favorite size 6 suit.

End result for my 6 month goal is losing 30 pounds and manage stress without the use of food.

Physically I want to be able to master "downward facing dog jump through to sit" in yoga, try indoor rock climbing and then zipline at the Wild Animal Park. I will be able to wear all the skinny clothes in my closet and I am committed to donating EVERYTHING else!

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