2 year Spark Anniversary

Saturday, April 17, 2010

That's right. It is today. 2 years ago I joined spark people.com. I was a mess. I weighed 250 lbs. I was an emotional Eater. A Compulsive overeater. I binged. I was a chocoholic.

Shortly before joining spark People as a diabetic moving here to Oregon from my beloved California with Robert I ahd been binging like an idiot out of control on maple bars from the Winco bakery. Keep in mind I am Diabetic. but I never lsitened to my Dr. While petting mine and Ashley's cats on the top of the stairs I ahd a diabetic black out and stumbled backwards doing a flip on the wooden stairs and landed on the cold concrete basement floor. I was hurt. When I got to ER my blood sugar level was over 400. normal is 80-120.

Robert helped me as did Spark people in turning my lif around. I began eating healthier and exercisin. Walking daily and I joined a gym.

I got down to 189#'s my first year. I find that pretty good but still too much for my 4'11" height. i feel I should weight about 130 Spark people says 158.

I ahve met great spark buddies. I ahve made real life spark walking buddies who remain close friends to me.

I am fearless for my 53 years of age. I am adventurous. I like to walk and I like to climb and to hike mountains and hills.

Last year i did something I never ahve done before. I joined a Competetive Dragon Boat team in Portland. I ahve won 12 medals for racing. My Team is all visually impaired or blind.

My gym membership expired and i did not re-register. I am thinking to find a gym to join or Curves.

On April 1 I underwent Surgery and a Cochlear Implant was inserted above and behind my ear. Tuesday April 20 I get my equipment activated. I am so excited. If I can hear as much as I would like to it would be a blessing and a 20th birthday gift for my daughter.

Today I continue to struggle with my Diabetes and my weight. Diabetes i a progressive disease.

I can honestly say I no longer emotionally Eat. I ahve beat that. I do eat 5 smallish meals a day or 3 meals and 2 snacks.I nee d to focus on my water intake.
I ahve not binged in 2 years. I do ahve dark chocolate on occasion but I know my limits. 1 square wills atisfy my chocolate craving for me.

I hope to ahve more Spark people years. I don't see myself ever leaving Spark people or getting "Tired" or "Bored" of it.

You all Rock!!!






My team is the closet in the black shirts lining up before the race to begin. It was a great memory.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ASPENHUGGER 4/20/2010 12:13PM

What a long strange trip you've had! I've SO glad you found SP and that it's given you so many miracles! Happy Anniversary! Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDA! 4/20/2010 12:15AM

I hope it was an awesome Sparkiversary. Report Inappropriate Comment

NVSHEILA 4/19/2010 12:07PM

Congratulations on your sparkaversary. I cherish our friendship. ONLY ONE DAY TIL THEY TURN ON YOUR NEW EARS!!! Can't wait to hear (excuse the pun) the update! Report Inappropriate Comment

KRISLEWIS48 4/18/2010 9:11PM

Debbie-- Congrats on your 2nd Sparkversary! It's funny--you live where I used to live, and I live where you used to live. We just exchanged locations. I used to see the dragon boats out on the Willamette all the time in the summer. I always thought that it looked like so much fun. I am so glad you are pro-active about your health. I am thinking frequently about your implant and am hoping that you'll be able to hear very soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

CELEST 4/18/2010 3:26PM

You take my breath away lady. You are a bundle of energy and seem to absolutely love life. Glad to see you back in the "saddle" again and enjoying what you do so well. Congrats on not letting life get you down, or an op keep you down longer than was necessary. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 4/18/2010 8:59AM

What a shinning example you are for the EE team, Spark, and everyone who knows you. You've come a long way baby and your journey isn't over. I hope I continue to walk beside you on this path, learning from you and just enjoying your yest for life. Hugs, Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

BELLACUDDLES 4/18/2010 8:07AM

Debbie, you certainly have come a long way!!! You are an inspiration to us all! May God continue to bless you on your journey to better health! You deserve it, and I'm proud of you.......so very proud of you!!! Hugs, Barbara Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_BEAR_69 4/18/2010 7:14AM

Happy Sparkaversary to a wonderful lady who is an inspiration to so very many of us. You have done an job and deserve only the best!!! I am getting excited for you as Tuesday approaches...another milestone met by you!!! You are the GREATEST!!! Blessings and hugs, Helen Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHY1204 4/18/2010 7:12AM

DebbieAnn, Happy Sparkiversary! :-) You've come a long way and are GREAT! I have been thinking about you and wondered how you were doing with your healing. I can't believe you will have your activation in two days! How exciting! :-) I hope you are aware to not expect too much right away. It may take time to acclimate yourself to the new/strange sounds. Do let me know how things are going and how your first day is! What time is your activation appt on Tuesday? Report Inappropriate Comment

BETRME100 4/18/2010 5:45AM

Congrats Debbie...you've completely turned your life around...and probably saved it as well!! Love ya bunches!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

V_ON_THE_VERGE 4/18/2010 4:42AM

Wow! on your lifestyle changes! What an inspiration! I love your commitment to your health and your LIFE! Thanks for spreading the Spark Report Inappropriate Comment

GOING2LOSENOW 4/18/2010 12:43AM

Congrats Debbie! You have made alot of AWESOME accomplishments! YOU ROCK MY FRIEND! Tina Comment edited on: 4/18/2010 12:44:26 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

RASCALSMOMMA 4/17/2010 11:37PM

You have come FAR! Thanks for sharign your "sparkaversary" with us! HUGS Laurie Report Inappropriate Comment

AMYISSUCCEEDING 4/17/2010 11:12PM

HI Debbie: Happy Sparkversary! Congratulations on the weight loss. I am very proud of you for all you have accomplished. You are a true inspiration. Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMODER 4/17/2010 10:17PM

Happy You have accomplished so much in your time with Sparkpeople. What an inspiration you are! sam Report Inappropriate Comment

WILLOW49 4/17/2010 10:12PM

Happy Sparkversity, Debbie :) Report Inappropriate Comment

ABRANNEWME2013 4/17/2010 10:09PM

Happy sparkaversery to you keep going with all the joy you spread you rock Tema Comment edited on: 4/17/2010 10:12:00 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 4/17/2010 9:50PM

wonderful successes. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPAT62 4/17/2010 9:42PM

Hi, Debbie, I enjoyed reading your blog and learning more about you. Congratulations on your Spark Anniversary and all that you have accomplished. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 4/17/2010 9:30PM

Happy Sparkaversary, my friend! You are an inspiration to us all! Report Inappropriate Comment

TIME4ME-CHERYL 4/17/2010 9:22PM

Congrats!! What an inspiration to read story. Wishing you continued success in your journey! Report Inappropriate Comment

JKTENTATIVE 4/17/2010 9:11PM

Great blog and photos. What a wonderful story about your journey. Thank you for sharing it! And, of course, congratulations on your very impressive accomplishments, both on the scale and off! Report Inappropriate Comment

JENIFROUFROU 4/17/2010 9:07PM

Diabetes is a progressive disease, but all your work to change your diet and lifestyle is certainly slowing that progress! Two years with SP has added SEVERAL YEARS to your life!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 4/17/2010 8:57PM

happy anniversary!! i just had my 1 year myself. it's a great feeling to be hear among friends and supporters!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHECUDDLES 4/17/2010 8:56PM

Congratulation! was wonderful to read you blog, give me inspiration to keep going. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBGIL 4/17/2010 8:54PM

I am soooo very proud of you. Congratulations on your Spark Anniversary. You have worked really hard and the results show it. God bless you sweetie. Report Inappropriate Comment

Missing practice today

Thursday, April 15, 2010

I'm not sick or hurting. I didn't injure myself on the boat on Tuesday.
I am jsut not willing to strain/sprain my neck muscles and injusr e the work done on my ear. I see the surgeon Tuesday afternoon so I figure "what the heck" I'll jsut wait and see what he thinks.

There si still some numbness in outer ear and the temple area. Still some stitches left. But not amny.

I'm resting up untill aproved by my Dr.

I think it's the right thing to do.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KATHY1204 4/18/2010 7:13AM

I can't believe you were paddling a boat so soon after your surgery! Silly lady! Be careful and do what your doctor says! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_BEAR_69 4/18/2010 7:08AM

Keeping you in my prayers for a wonderful Tuesday. You made a wise decision in waiting until the doctor gives his approval!!! Patience...it's just a few more days... Blessings and hugs, Helen Report Inappropriate Comment

SUEJENN 4/17/2010 8:32PM

Good decision Debbie. Patience. Report Inappropriate Comment

VALDESROSIERS1 4/17/2010 9:26AM

Hi Debbie I Agee take it easy and wait to see what the dr tells u. Let us know what happens. Enjoy the sun today if u have some but no crazyness ,lol rest ,rest ur doing great .u know time is ur friend, it's gonna take time to heal Val Report Inappropriate Comment

PICKIE98 4/17/2010 6:08AM

Lucky for you!! I bet you were afraid I would drive out there and give you what-for!???? Patience deary... Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMODER 4/16/2010 9:24PM

You are so right to wait until you know it is safe to exercise. I love the cartoon of 2 vultures sitting on a branch says to the other. " Patient, hell I'm going to kill something." Waiting is so hard. Sam Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 4/16/2010 8:23PM

ok, what were you doing out on the boat in the first place? didn't the doctor tell you NOT to do anything like that until you were told you could do it? yes, rest up and go see the doctor. we don't need you to get hurt. Report Inappropriate Comment

CJS7159 4/16/2010 7:02PM

You definitely are doing the right thing. Take care. Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 4/16/2010 1:57PM

Good job, it's best to be safe. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 4/16/2010 11:36AM

Definitely take it easy, Deb! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEXASGIRL48 4/16/2010 9:52AM

You are doing the right thing. Get released from the doctor before doing anything strenuous and possibly injuring yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

BELLACUDDLES 4/16/2010 8:53AM

Good for you, Debbie.......just take it easy...light a few scented candles.....relax! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 4/16/2010 7:02AM

After everything you have gone through, I agree that you should wait to see the doctor. The boat isn't going anywhere and they will be waiting for your return. Hugs, Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

JAKEANDNELLIE 4/15/2010 11:41PM

You made a wise choice to wait and not risk injury! I hope Tuesday goes well. I'll be praying for you. Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

WILLOW49 4/15/2010 11:28PM

Sounds like a good plan, Debbie. You can't be too careful! Report Inappropriate Comment

Quiz

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

These are fun... Snapped it up from FYREDRAGYN

Below are answers to questions asking which you would rather have. Feel free to cut and paste into your own blog and play along.

1. Eat milk chocolate or white chocolate.
--> Milk Chocolate, I hate white chocolate

2. Spend a day in solitary confinement or a week in jail?
--> Solitary with... a laptop of course!

3. Be a fish or a bird?
-->Fish, I love the water.

4. Have no phone or no internet.
-->No phone.

5. Pole dance or line dance.
--> Pole dance

6. Would you rather live with regret or do the right thing and die?
-->Umm, do the right thing...

7. Cruise to Alaska or spend a week in Florida?
-->Florida

8. Would you rather get locked in a freezer for 20 minutes or spend a night trying to sleep when it's 90 degrees and humid.
-->Sleep at 90 degrees, I have no tolerance for the cold.

9. Ride a horse or a motorcycle?
--> motorcycle

10. Walk in the rain or walk in the snow?
-->Rain

11. Eat a brand new kind of meat or a brand new kind of veggie?
--> Veggie

12. Watch the moon rise or watch the sun rise?
--> sun rise. I'm a morning person

13. Go to DisneyLand or Grand Canyon?
--> Grand Canyon

14. Listen to Mozart or listen to the Beatles?
--> Beatles

15. Would you prefer a 10-minute COLD shower or a 30-minute COLD bath?
--> Shower

16. Picnic on the lake or Picnic at a park?
--> Picnic on the lake

17. Evening with a few friends or a large group?
--> A few friends

18. Scrabble or Yahtzee!
--> scrabble

19. Bike or walk?
--> Walk

20. Waiting in a train station or Waiting in an Airport
--> Train station

Try it and pass it on!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KRISLEWIS48 4/16/2010 2:11PM

Cold shower or cold bath. As for me neither--I'd opt for staying dirty. Brrrr! Nuh-uh! California sissy-girl. Report Inappropriate Comment

IRISH_AGUIRRE 4/15/2010 7:58PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

SEWSWITHHOTGLUE 4/15/2010 12:17AM

Cute! And I'm glad you're feeling better!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDA! 4/14/2010 9:24PM

I liked this...I am going to put it on a blog as well. Report Inappropriate Comment

VALDESROSIERS1 4/14/2010 8:36PM

I liked this!! Val Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMODER 4/14/2010 8:13PM

Why I am not surprised that you always favored the water activities. Sam Report Inappropriate Comment

BETRME100 4/14/2010 7:49PM

How fun!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 4/14/2010 7:04PM

I learned about you in reading your quiz. Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

BELLACUDDLES 4/14/2010 5:19PM

I am with you on most of those......especially the cold shower and the Beatles!! Just thinking about getting in a cold bath tub makes me cringe!!!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 4/14/2010 5:09PM

What fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

MYFEETHURT 4/14/2010 4:44PM

That is fun...and it sure tells a lot about a person. Thanks for sharing. I think I'd be a bird...LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

Trying the boat tomorrow

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

1 1/2 weeks down I'm young and restless at heart. I'm going to try it on the boat tomorrow with my ears plugged with cotton ball saturated in vaseline jsut to be on the safe side and covered in a tight fitting fleece hat. I'm praying the weather will be good. I miss my boat and my team.

For Celest... Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Is a big tunnel x ray machine yoru whole body goes in. Because of the electrodes inserted in my head that pulls magnet to the outside of my head if i ahd an MRI it would pull the implant right out or pretty clsoe to it. I could ahve an MRI but the implant would need to come out first. I will be wearing a magnet over the area where i have the incision.

audiologist ahs agreed to make me special ear molds for ear plugs to wear when i wash my hair and go on the boat.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IWILLBE145 4/14/2010 4:15PM

Debbie - I've been "out of the loop" but back now and checking in on you - glad you have gotten the implant, I am sure you are excited for the day when they turn it on. Enjoy your boating and the sunshine! Know that you have many friends rooting for you who will rejoice when you are finally able to hear, this is an exciting event! Thank you for your blogs and taking us with you on your challenging trip. You are a true hero! Charlotte Report Inappropriate Comment

MRE1956 4/14/2010 1:28PM

Enjoy your boat adventure! Sounds..... BTW - *love* your profile pic.....takes guts to put that out there! Comment edited on: 4/14/2010 1:29:28 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

RENA1965 4/14/2010 1:10PM

Hope you have a nice time and enjoy being on the boat.. You deserve it.. Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMODER 4/13/2010 11:05PM

Excellent.... Sam Report Inappropriate Comment

WILLOW49 4/13/2010 9:26PM

Have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 4/13/2010 8:15PM

Enjoy your boat time. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEXASGIRL48 4/13/2010 4:26PM

I hope things go well today. Be careful. Report Inappropriate Comment

BELLACUDDLES 4/13/2010 3:47PM

Hope you have fun on the boat......be safe!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 4/13/2010 9:02AM

I hope you have a nice warm spring day to get back out on the boat- be careful and have fun, Debbie! Report Inappropriate Comment

VALDESROSIERS1 4/13/2010 8:47AM

Have a fun time just be careful and don't over do. It;s been awhile since u've been out on the water. Let us know how it went. Val Report Inappropriate Comment

CBOOGS 4/13/2010 8:28AM

Woo Hoo!!! Have a GREAT time!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 4/13/2010 7:05AM

Have a great time on the boat. You'll feel so much better once you are outside and doing what you lve. Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

BETRME100 4/13/2010 5:48AM

Hope all goes well for you on the boat today!! I so admire you, Debbie...you're such an inspiration!! Report Inappropriate Comment

A beautiful day today.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

I took 2 long walks all before 1 pm. it did my body some good. Lowered my blood sugar. Course after lunch i was tired and ahd a 5 minute cat nap is all. I am not an afternoon sleeper but 5 or 10 minutes refreshes me.

the sun has been out and shining today. It was beautiful in the aprk. I watched Sea Lions steal fish from fishermen in their boatss on the river.



No pain today so it's getting better. there si a lot of swelling on the right cheek and ear area. that's to be expected. I'm supposed to remain pretty still so the implant can stay put in place.. I'm inquiring about my audiologist make mosds of my ears or the insides of the ear so i can ahve that mold as ear plugs so i can go back on the river and paddle.

I am looking into getting a Medic Alert Bracelet or necklace to wear that shows i ahve the CI and am diabetic. Because i am not allowed to have an MRI as long as I ahve the CI.

I am going out to dinner tonight. I don't know where yet. It's a surprise.

I hope all of you were blessed with as good a day as I ahd.

I actually slept all through the night last night.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RASCALSMOMMA 4/13/2010 12:14AM

Hi Debbie! Just checking on ya! Glad youre doing well. Take it easy on the river though! It was a beautiful day today, not cuz of the weather (gray and cold) but cuz of the PEOPLE in it! Hugs Laurie Report Inappropriate Comment

LIZK007 4/12/2010 3:46PM

I'm so glad your feeling better! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 4/12/2010 3:17PM

I have had 1 since 1997 and it's good to have one. Report Inappropriate Comment

BELLACUDDLES 4/12/2010 11:29AM

Debbie......so glad you are doing better.....and getting out for a walk!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CELEST 4/12/2010 10:05AM

Happy to hear your recovery is coming along nicely. Pls tell me what MRI is? Dinner out, sounds great...enjoy and choose healthily. Can't wait to hear how soon you can get back on the water. Funny how once upon a time some of us were couch potatoes and now we get all down in the mouth when we can't exercise. Report Inappropriate Comment

BETRME100 4/12/2010 5:48AM

Sounds like you're well on the way to a complete recovery...isn't it wonderful to be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather?! Report Inappropriate Comment

SYLPHINPROGRESS 4/12/2010 1:03AM

Good show. Glad you're doing better today. Laurie Report Inappropriate Comment

WILLOW49 4/11/2010 11:54PM

Cat naps are great! Good that you were able to get in 2 walks today and enjoy being outside :) Hooray for no pain! That's wonderful news! I have a Medic Alert bracelet because I'm diabetic. Good choice for you to get one! Report Inappropriate Comment

V_ON_THE_VERGE 4/11/2010 11:38PM

Love short little cat naps too - they work wonders for my afternoon energy level. Glad to hear of your good health! Report Inappropriate Comment

VALDESROSIERS1 4/11/2010 11:05PM

I'm happy for u that u slept good last nite. Here's to u sleeping another good nite. I'm also glad u were able to get outside and soak up some of that sun! Just be careful not to over do .. hope u had a nice dinner and liked the place since u didn't know where u were going,surprise's are fun. have a nice rest of the nite,glad ur feeling better Val Report Inappropriate Comment

ABRANNEWME2013 4/11/2010 10:40PM

Here's wishing you are pain free from here on out keep up posted Tema Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 4/11/2010 9:42PM

Yay!!! A little bit better every day! Nothing like a walk in the sunshine to make things feel better- not to mention the nap! xoxo Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMODER 4/11/2010 9:22PM

I ma so glad that you slept better last night. Here's to another good one. Hope you have a good time at dinner. Sam Report Inappropriate Comment