I went to buy new jeans because the pants ripped out of my old ones (don't laugh!) and realized I was up to a size 18.

The story actually starts three years ago when I decided it was time to make a change for the sake of my family, although I'd made a big enough change by simply quitting smoking. In June of 2014, I lost my mother to a heart attack. It's now almost a year later and I've realized that between stress and laziness (depression?), my body has turned into a marshmallow.

It's time to make a bigger change. I spent a few months in basic training back in 2004. Although I didn't stay in the Army long enough to deploy, I survived long enough to know I CAN change.... it's just not going to be easy or comfortable.

I don't love it. I hate it, because it's hard.

But I love the thought that it gets easier with practice.