Hello, ladies! Like Bethany (see below), I’m also one of the new OWOA members. I’ve been around and commenting for a while (go team GOAL!), and now I’m official.
I agree with Bethany that it’s been motivating to watch all of you start to lose weight. If you’ve followed my weigh-in’s (which I doubt anyone has but Blest), you probably have noticed that I’ve been losing/gaining the same 3-4 pounds for months. But I decided that I’d had enough with that, and I joined Weight Watchers a week before Christmas. (Yes, I am crazy to start something before Christmas). So far, I really like Weight Watchers. I’ve been counting points for a few weeks now and have lost 2-3 pounds so far. I’m trying to use Weight Watchers and point-counting as a way to really make a complete lifestyle change — I’m eating a LOT of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and whole-grain, high-fiber carbs. I’m also trying to minimize the amount of high fructose corn syrup and really any artificial sweeteners in my diet. However, I still sometimes give in to my cravings for diet coke, and I love Starbucks chai tea lattes.
What else do you want to know? I’m 25, have been dating the same guy for 2 years, am an only child, have wonderful and loving parents, and I’m currently living the transient life of a graduate student as I’m studying to get my PhD. Thankfully, I’m finally done with my classes (no more exams!!), and I’m now in the phase of graduate school where it’s all research — so it’s more like a job than more school.
Have I always struggled with my weight? Um, yeah. I had a very long and extended pudgy/awkward phase in elementary and middle school, was in shape in high school (sports), and then started gaining weight in college. Not too much; I’ve gained about 20-25 pounds while in undergrad and grad school. But it needs to go! I have high cholesterol (ah, genes), and I really want to do every single thing in my power to lower it without being put on meds. That, and, well it’d be nice if my clothes would fit again 
Oh, and my parents are taking me and the boyfriend on a cruise in 2 weeks! Yikes (on the bathing-suit-in-public and whole-lot-of-food). My mini goal is to lose 2 more pounds between now and then. 
EDIT: I forgot to say that I’m also a daily-weigher-inner. I forget who it was that posted about that originally, but I really enjoy doing it. For me, understanding that my body weight can move as much as 1-2 pounds in a day makes me less stressed about each individual weigh-in. I also just started taking pictures — *fingers crossed* hopefully one day I’ll have “after” pictures to contrast the “before” ones!
Wow! A cruise. Now that sounds like fun! Welcome Anne…glad I’m not the only newbie!
Comment by Bethany — January 7, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
Hey TEAMIE!!!!!! Woohoo!!
Glad to have you on board! I’ve tracked most of your weigh ins also
Even before we had teams.
Welcome to the blog!
Comment by Blair — January 7, 2007 @ 3:57 pm
Nice to have you fully on board with us, Anne. The cruise sounds fabulous!
Comment by lady laura — January 7, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
Welcome!!!
Comment by stephanie — January 7, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
Welcome, Anne - though I assumed you were already a memeber.
Comment by Carrie K. — January 7, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
Thanks, everyone, for the friendly welcome! I’m excited…. especially for the challenge — watch out!
Comment by Anne — January 7, 2007 @ 10:08 pm
I don’t know if I posted about it - but I’m pretty much a daily weigher too. I was so freaked when my scale managed not to get packed for our long trip!
Glad you’re here Anne!
Comment by blestwithsons — January 8, 2007 @ 6:56 am
Welcome Anne,
I’m weigh in 3-4 times a week. It really helps me keep on track. When I don’t weigh in so much then you know that I’m in a complete “blah…I don’t care” mood and I gain weight (like this last week!)
Comment by Tami — January 8, 2007 @ 7:34 am
Welcome Anne! Good to have you as an official member
I weigh most days too, which is how i know i lost a couple of pounds and then put back on a couple this week!
Comment by Debs — January 8, 2007 @ 11:14 am