And to respond to your first post - you said you "won" a copy of FLTS? Where? How?
Sounds like you've come a long way on your journey. You're correct in thinking that leading by example is the best way to get people to do likewise. Seeing marked changes in you will most likely at least suggest the idea to your mom that she could do it too.
Kudos on being up front with your primary goal. While health is important, I think vanity on some level is a bigger motivator.
Given your nickname, and the fact you seem to have read Herbert and Dickens, I'm guessing you write, either for a living or for yourself?
Btw, Clothing OPTional is a for the win log title.
