My real name is Emily, but Zazu is a nickname given to my by my brother-in-law. He loves the Lion King movie and has dubbed everyone in the family a Disney nick name. (My husband is Mufasa.) He gave me the nickname when he was 7 yrs old and it has stuck. There is another Emily in the family so it’s pretty common to hear people refer to me as Zazu rather than by my real name

This is my 3rd attempt at Weight Watchers, and this time I am doing it alone instead of joining and attending meetings. I have had more success and support from online buddies that I ever did trying to attend weekly meetings. My weight gain has been gradual since I was about 20. Through high school I was thin, but I didn’t have good eating and exercise habits. It caught up with me after I was married, and I have gradually put on about 50 lbs over the last 8 years. I have been working on making changes to myself both inward and outward. After a few unhappy years in my life, I took a risk and made a career change 4 years ago, and have been working on the spiritual and emotional side of myself. I am a much happier person and want the outside of me to reflect the person I feel like inside. I realize that the changes I want to see in my body require a change in lifestyle so I am working on becoming more active, eating healthier changing my relationship with food.

Here are some facts about me and the things in my life that bring me joy:

1. I am 30 and have been married to my high school sweetheart for 9 years.

2. I love animals, especially dogs. My “baby” is my 110 lb. black lab/dane mix named Indy.

3. My favorite form of exercise is Irish Dancing. I was a ballet dancer growing up, but quit dancing after high school. I started Irish 2 years ago and absolutely love it!

4. I love to travel. The most interesting places I have been are Thailand and Korea. Our last trip was to Hawaii in August 07. We are planning a trip to Jamaica for 2008.

5. I am fluent in American Sign Language. I work as an interpreter and teach interpreting courses at the Community College.

6. I Love school. I recently graduated with an M.Ed. With my career change, I have been going to school for 9 of the last 11 years. (Most people with that much education are called doctors!) I continue to take classes for fun.

7. I love photography. Working at the college I have been able to take some free photography classes and love doing portraits. I have done some engagements, a wedding, and family photos for family and friends.

8. I also love to scrapbook. I have been published in a magazine and I wrote an online column for a scrapbook site for a time.
9. I love Music! I sing in my church choir, and play flute  in a community orchestra. I also play a little piano. I have a guitar and took lessons in college, but can only remember a few chords to sing camp songs. When I have more time, I’d like to re-learn.

10. I am LDS. I enjoy serving in our ward (congregation) and interpreting for the Deaf at church functions.