Slimming Down the House- Getting Started

A few months ago, I was excited to be invited by my brothers to join a weight loss challenge among them. We've put on some pounds over the years through multiple moves, jobs, academic degrees (also, 3 children in just over 4 years for me), and all of the usual life business that gets in the way of taking care of yourself. We were even more excited when we learned that our parents would be joining in the challenge. The goal- to see who can change the most by 12/25/10. The prize- a pot made up of $250 from each contributor; there are 5 of us- you can do the math. Would be a nice chunk to put toward a new wardrobe! The plan was to start on April 1 by submitting starting measurements and weight, as well as photos. The end date was set as 12/25/10. As it goes, April 1 came and went with not much movement from any of us regarding the formal start to this challenge. As such, our industrious younger brother, A, proposed that we restart (for real this time) on May 1. We are grinding slowly toward the starting line, but we're just about underway! I am excited about this challenge for several reasons- I'm excited for the health benefits that better fitness will create for all of us; moreso, it's a great common goal that we can all work together toward despite living so far from one another- (youngest, A, (29yo M), in Colorado; middle, E (31 yo M), in Texas, I'm the oldest, N (35yo F), in Maryland, with Mom and Dad in Pennsylvania). Also hoping that we can all share our journey/progress on this blog. More intending it as a communication tool for my family......but maybe it will spur some other families to do the same.