Reading classic literature, writing for my literary blog and working on my budding novel, leading book group, organizing social events, hiking, participating in my walking group, playing with my wonderful dog and birds, karaoke, being ambitious...

Not much for movies, when I do watch, I like a light hearted comedy or a film adaptation of a favorite book...

Typically nothing contemporary to the US--Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Etta James, the electric tango, classical, bhangra, bollywood...

Love in the Time of Cholera, Jane Eyre, Ciderhouse Rules, Lolita, 1984, Les Miserables, Crime and Punishment...

Hi. My name is Melissa. I recently relocated to Cherry Hill Village in Canton, settling in after finally buying my first house with my husband of 2 years. I am 25, 5'10, and according to my height-wrist ratio, have a large body frame. All of this makes my ideal weight 170.

I have just over 30 more lbs to go, after having already lost nearly 40 since Valentine's Day '09. I hope to finally achieve my goal weight by June 1, 2010. If I can do it, I am going to treat myself to a trip to Machu Picchu--a 50 mile hike!

A huge part of my success relates to my involvement in Ann Arbor Walks, a group I created to bring the community together in healthy activity. We walk, hike, boat, skate, skii--anything, just so long as we are moving! With my walking friends by my side, I was even able to walk a full marathon this past September, which is a huge accomplishment for me.

Now, I have begun training to run my first 5K. If all goes according to plan, I would like to run a half marathon at the A2-Dex Run this year. I am always looking for more support on my weight loss journey and am more than ready to offer support as well. I look forward to meeting you at an upcoming challenge!