Thank you very much! I actually have two dogs, but I can't tolerate the cold long enough to walk them in the winter. You mentioned swimming--I have had pinned to my bulletin board for some time a schedule of the local swimming pool here. I had thought during the summer to get here early and go swimming before work, but I never had the energy. I can't do that while school is in because I have to get the kids to school, but I just looked and they are open 11:30-1:00 during lunch. Since I always always always work overtime, I could take a longer lunch and swim. But that means putting on a bathing suit . Do you really think swimming will help? I'm a freak I know, but I can't eat celery--I have awful gag reflexes and the "strings" gag me. Oooh, I suppose I could cut them into little cubes like I do for soup. (Sorry, thinking out loud here). Motivation and energy are what I need. I have the motivation, actually--I hate how I look. The energy is what I need. I suppose once I lose weight the energy will return. I am super-super self-conscious and wish to invisible when I have to do things on my own sometimes, so going to the pool is going to be hard (plus it's hard to see without my glasses!!!). Anyway, thank you for your advice--never think you're "just a teenager"--fresh, young ideas are always welcome!!