I was a city girl all my life. Raised in Oklahoma City, busy life, always doing something, going somewhere. Pace is fast, and sometimes boring, but it was in advantage to my confidence - and my waistline. Last October (2008) I moved to quiet, river country in Virginia. It was a completely different atmosphere... nothing is to your convenience, everything is 20 or more minutes away, and everyone's just so laid back...and cooking...country cooking... I live with my boyfriend, and we live with his parents. His mother, God love her, is an excellent cook - and sometimes - it's just too good to pass up. After one year of quitting the gym and eating all these rich foods...the weight started to add up on my 5'4" frame. Almost 20 pounds to be exact. From 120 to 138, from the day I started changing my lifestyle. 12 days in on exercising, taking aerobic step, yoga, and interval training classes, and eating right nearly everyday, I've dropped 3 pounds. My goal is to drop down to my original weight of 120 before I fly back to Oklahoma for Christmas. I believe I can do this with all my heart, and I'm devoted to myself enough to do it. More importantly, it's not about just losing weight, it's about becoming healthy and active and more comfortable with myself. I'm loving myself more and more everyday.

• 20-something