Weighting Line

First Things First: Why Am I Here?

by Diane Penna on November 3rd, 2008

Before we can dive into the very personal topic of weight gain and weight loss together, I thought we should know a little more about each other. I’m new to b5media and Weighting Line, but as you’ll soon read–I’m not new to issues of weight. Below is a little more about myself and why I’m here. Won’t you please take the time to leave a comment with a little information about yourself and why you’re here?

While you’re at it, please subscribe to Weighting Line and participate in the poll located on the sidebar to the right. Thanks!

Who are you, and where in the world are you?

My name is Diane Penna, and I was born and raised in the beautiful state of California. I currently live in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California with my husband and two daughters. We’re looking forward our up-coming move to Nevada’s high desert, where we are buying our first home and planning to raise our children.

How did you get started as a writer and blogger?

I’ve been freelance writing for four years now, and blogging for almost five. At the time I started my first blog, I was taking a break from college after giving birth to my second daughter. I started blogging as a way to keep in touch with family and friends, but little did I know what impact so-called “Mommy Blogs” would have on the writing industry over the years to come! It was while blogging on Crazy Mom’s Journal that I was “discovered” and offered my first paid writing assignment–and as they say, the rest is history.

What makes you qualified to write weight issues on Weighting Line?

Weight is a deeply personal issue with me. I first became overweight during my 5th grade year. It was the first year I was allowed home after school without my parents supervision, and it was then that I began learning bad eating habits. My parents tried to help me as I gained weight, but it was too late. Once the cycle of weight gain began, there was a web of emotional eating and self-sabotage that couldn’t be undone. I haven’t been at an ideal weight for longer than a year at a time since.

As I blog for you here at Weighting Line, I’ll share with you all the highs and lows I’ve been through in my overweight life. Like you, I’ve tried traditional diets and succeeded, only to gain the weight back when life’s events negated any self-control. There are many years’ worth of experiences I have to share with you, leading up to my weight loss surgery in 2002 and my current status of being 30 pounds overweight.

Do you have any interests other than writing and blogging?

Of course I do! Besides the obligatory writers’ answer–reading–I enjoy photography, scrapbooking, the company of my cats (I have five!), video games, movies at home, stormy Autumn days, cuddling with my girls, bowling, and taking road trips. Yes, I’m rather eclectic.

Hmm…you sound like an interesting person. Where else online can I find you?

Thanks! You can find me on Twitter, on Facebook, and on LinkedIn.

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POSTED IN: Diane's Journey