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Introduction Text In May 2008 I committed to changing the way I live my life. I recognized that my body was now that of a fully mature adult and that it wouldn't bounce back as it used to. I accepted that, unless I worked to improve the quality of food I was eating and activity that I was getting, I'd be on the path to disease and further deterioration of my joints. I decided that I was unwilling to give up the opportunity for a healthy, active life, and started making some changes. Since then I've had good patches and bad patches. I'm proud to say that I've learned a lot about myself through both of them. I wish that, by now, it wasn't still a challenge to be patient and loving with myself through the not-so-healthy bits. Since I first came here I started moving my life along the path that I'd wanted to take for 20 years -- I went to culinary school and graduated with a degree in culinary nutrition. When I began I planned to work in a eldercare setting to bring fresh, seasonal, healthy and delicious food to a population that's routinely underserved. While I still think that's an important thing, my internship reminded me of something I've also loved since I was a teenager: teaching. So my revised goal is to begin teaching cooking and nutrition classes, focusing on two groups: folks working with a very limited income and people who grew up thinking that dinner came from a restaurant, a fast food joint or a box. I used to list rewards for reaching weight-loss goals, but I've changed my attitude on that: if I do the work -- no matter the results -- I deserve a reward! So I'm now working on rewarding myself for things like doing yoga, working out and cooking from scratch -- things that will help my body become healthier no matter what the scale says. Many things have changed since I joined Spark, but some haven't. I'm still with my husband and still value creating our home and our life together. I still feel the effects of the cervical spinal surgery I had in July 2007, though my neck and shoulders are far stronger than they had been. I've gotten more patient with myself and more comfortable with what my body can do -- and am discovering that it can do far, far more than I often give it credit for! - January 2015 "I belive in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe in kissing. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." -Audrey Hepburn

2015 Vision -- I am nourishing my body, mind and spirit and am energized, alive, capable, motivated and healthy! 2015 Goals: * Be active for at least 30 minutes every day * Eat clean, healthful, beautiful and nourishing foods * Start each day with journaling and meditation * Create a body that's kinder to my knees and ankles * Build a career integrating my passions, skills and knowledge * Keep learning * Create a peaceful home environment that nourishes me and my guests * Live abundantly! * Have fun and laugh!

1. Begin each day with journaling and meditation 2. Nourish myself with clean, Core foods that I lovingly prepare myself 3. Be active every day 4. Engage the support of people who will encourage me as I move forward 5. Remember to take breaks and keep things fun

I'm a 50-year-old culinary educator , cook and attorney. I'm currently focusing on doing legal work from my home in CT. Now that I'm no longer in school (though I'm still planning for an RD internship) I'm finally focusing on my home and my self again. I've been married since July 2008; we share our home with my one remaining (now elderly) bunny. I'm actively involved in my town's government and run one of our local farmers' markets.

I love cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Add a Link Renee "I belive in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe in kissing. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." -Audrey Hepburn
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