Short Version: I’m a native Houstonian, a Texans fan, my nickname is Tally, and I like to say “Hey, howdy” for some reason as a greeting (with or without the Spock hand sign).

(Arguably) More Interesting Version: I swore I would change my life for the better in 2025, but had little real direction as to how til recently. The past few years I’d thought about how cool it would be to run in the Houston Marathon. “Yeah, that would be great to do when I finally lose all this weight and get fit!”

It hit me in late April that MAYBE training to run in the marathon would take care of that some AND help me reach that goal. I had to remember that practice is NOT perfect, but rather “Practice is Progress.” And I needed to start somewhere–NOW–instead of just talking about it.

I put my foot down (conveniently INTO a running shoe, so that’s a good sign) and decided right then and there I’d re-commit to making myself healthier (physically, mentally, and financially), interact with my community more, and make some friends along the way. I missed being able to contribute and donate time or money to those in need; unfortunately my budget hasn’t allowed for that in some time.

And being a late-bloomer to this whole “adulting” thing, injuries and needing to scramble for new jobs has put a whole kibosh on the “marathon” thing. I eventually learned (around July 2025) that there was no way in hell I would raise enough money to do the charity requirement for the race OR be in good enough shape to even do a 5K!

So, my primary focus in 2026 can be boiled down to these 3 things:

1. Lose weight in a measured, healthy way and learn what it feels like to be in the healthy-weight range for the first time in my adulthood. Improve cooking and meal prep
2. Learn new skills to get new job opportunities and/or find a way to create a side-gig and make it work for me. I need to find that spark of creativity and interest that actually leans into any strengths and allows me to catch up on and pay the bills (and doesn’t tax my ADHD too badly… BONUS: learn skills for coping with my ADHD better!).
3. As I reach health goals, sign up for charity walks and/or find ways to become a part of the broader sports-loving community in the Houston area.

I’m also re-learning about the basic rules of my fave sports, namely football and basketball. I’d love to be knowledgeable to participate in conversations and game gatherings with other fans. My old sports bar job has reignited my interest and I love the little bits I’ve learned so far. I went down the rabbit hole of learning from content creators online and it’s so much fun watching the discussions. Perhaps when the seasons start, I’ll have the chance to participate too on here.

In the meantime, thanks for coming along with me on my journey to a healthier me. It’s gonna be painful and funny along the way, because even when I’m feeling less than stellar, I just HAVE to find something to laugh about.