Inauguration Day

Monday, January 21, 2013

Today I am inaugurating my eating and exercise plan. I feel inspired as the President is inaugurated with all the pageantry of Washington, D.C. that it is a great time for a new beginning. I will not be greeted by a million admirers, the sounds of Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce and the Marine Corps band, but perhaps my better angels will rejoice that I am making a new beginning down what I know will be a difficult road. If you are inaugurating a new start today--I wish you much success in this new year.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ADKISTLER 1/22/2013 1:22AM

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KTACKEBE 1/22/2013 12:16AM

Woo Hoo! Report Inappropriate Comment

MNABOY 1/21/2013 11:52PM

Let's do this together! Report Inappropriate Comment

PERSISTANT123 1/21/2013 2:54PM

Can you hear me shouting and cheering you on? Report Inappropriate Comment

BABYNURSE2000 1/21/2013 2:29PM

Rejoicing with you as you restart your commitment to the program as it fits your life. You've been a great team leader for Joplin, and I look forward to continuing this journey to a healthier lifestyle with your inspirational leadership. Best of luck to a successful year! Report Inappropriate Comment

Coming Home!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Today I am very thankful. After moving out and trying to move on--I got the opportunity to come back and make a fresh start at home. It has been a difficult journey, but I am very glad to be reunited with home and family and am now determined to work harder than ever to achieve my goals and get my life back in order. I am grateful to DW for giving me this second chance and to my maker for staying with me through this time. Thanks to all my spark friends who have sent notes of encouragement. I hope to get back to full recovery physically and spiritually as well. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIGHTHOUSEGIRL1 6/17/2012 9:57PM

and best wishes to you in all you do. ...we're here for you !! Report Inappropriate Comment

PERSISTANT123 6/15/2012 5:32PM

May things work out well for both of you. We're here to cheer you on! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 6/14/2012 9:57AM

wonderful, starting your day with gratitude is the best way Report Inappropriate Comment

ANDASI 6/14/2012 2:57AM

I am happy for you ! Report Inappropriate Comment

SAISHA100CJ 6/13/2012 1:22PM

Gary, I am very happy for you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know all will work out well. The best to you with your healthy lifestyle, too.. I know you will do great! Report Inappropriate Comment

FITANDFIFTY2 6/13/2012 11:26AM

You are in my prayers.. Hugs to you , Spark Friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

Moving on

Saturday, April 21, 2012

There is a lot of discussion of the importance of moving--moving physically, spiritually and in relationships. The philosopher Heraclitus proposed that life is all about change, such that to put one's toe in the water flowing by in a stream is an unrepeatable act--it will always keep changing with the flow of the river.

I believe that this is true. If you watched the movie "A river runs through it" it carries this theme. Having acknowledged this truth I will also acknowledge that change can be very painful. Starting over again at this "serene" age was not something I saw coming. The truth is, I was in a relationship that seemed unable to change although both of us were changing. This caused a lot of conflict (much of it silent/passive) that was not pleasant. Nonetheless, it was familiar. And familiarity is often hard to give up for positive change.

Being alone can, in fact, spoil you. I come and go as I wish, I see what and whom I wish to see, I structure my apartment to my liking and not anyone else's liking. I go exercise when I want to go, I eat at the restaurants I want to eat at and I realize this could be another comfortable pattern. However, I am not a person who wants to go through life by myself and I know this will inevitably lead to change, some of which I will like, and some I will not like.

One thing is certain, I am very determined to get my weight loss/fitness program back into high gear. So far, since weighing in on April 2, I have lost 8.4 lbs, I am exercising on my recumbent cross trainer a little more every day and feeling stronger. My blood sugars are normalizing and I am requiring less insulin. My chief physical difficulty is a foot ulcer and a toe with some infection. This means I am forced to stay off my feet as much as possible. I hope to see that situation improve soon, but if not, I may have to have surgery. No matter--I am determined to march on to renewed health and strength.

This journey has not been easy--I lost 85 lbs and regained 55, but at least I got stopped with the weight gain before regaining it all. My plan--moving forward with all due haste toward renewed health and happiness.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIGHTHOUSEGIRL1 5/20/2012 9:47PM

Gary, I'm glad you are back...I wish you all the best as you continue to march forward one day at a time. on your 8.4 weight loss. Hang in there and stay strong... Report Inappropriate Comment

SAISHA100CJ 4/26/2012 8:23AM

Gary, I wish you all the best. Change is certainly not easy but it sounds like you are doing well. WTG with losing 8.4 lbs. recently. That is awesome!! I hope your foot is better soon. Stay strong... you will do well. Report Inappropriate Comment

Going it alone

Friday, April 20, 2012

Well--here I am--somewhere I never expected to be--on my own. I was lucky to find a nice apartment and am finally getting things set up--including getting my internet connection back! The great thing about this change is that I am close to the wellness center I used to drive 40 miles to use. So--two days straight now--back on my favorite machine. I am dealing with a foot ulcer right now, so this is the only way I can get in my aerobics. I am also on the second floor--and for the first time yesterday--the stairs were a little easier for me. I am working on getting back to tracking all my food, but at least I have been eating healthier for the most part. I have been enjoying some great smoothies that I whip up in the blender--a scoop of Jillian's whey protein, a half cup of Greek yogurt, a half-cup to cup of fruit. This will sustain me through the morning. I have lost a little over 7 lbs in the past three weeks--my first loss in a long time. So--1 day at a time I am getting back on track.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SAISHA100CJ 4/21/2012 8:01PM

Gary, congratulations with the 7 lb. weight loss the past three weeks. Keep patting yourself on the back for the positives, and I am sure more will follow. I am glad you found a nice apartment you like and how wonderful it is closer to the wellness center! That is great! Take care of that foot ulcer.. I hope it heals well and fast for you. One day at a time, you will get stronger and stronger. I know you can do it. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANDASI 4/21/2012 1:45AM

There are a lot of positives on youre side right now you will get a momentum going and you will get stronger each day. I have found that at times i am more motivated when i live on my own because it motivates me to get out more to do activities and such. I loved all the pictures of the beautifull foods you used to cook maybie we will be privy to that again. Anda Report Inappropriate Comment

PERSISTANT123 4/20/2012 4:28PM

I'm glad that you are taking better care of yourself. I'm glad that things are working out for you, apartment-wise. Just remember to give yourself some slack and keep taking baby steps. Take it one day at a time and remember, we're still here! Report Inappropriate Comment

MAVERICK59 4/20/2012 11:51AM

You have a very positive outlook on your new circumstances. I wish you the best of luck. Belinda Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 4/20/2012 11:11AM

Well good wishes in your new apartment! Report Inappropriate Comment

Falling apart while pulling it together.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The past two years in my life have been a real roller-coaster ride. Dealing with personal issues, illness, weight losses and gains, gaining fitness then losing it. I recently wrote about pulling myself together to begin again--little did I know that personal problems would come to a head and after years of struggle--I am starting life again on my own. I am not blaming anyone for the problems but myself--but it is still hard to end a relationship that has been going for many years.

Life can be wonderful, beautiful, and painful all at the same time. Tears have been shed, joys have been great, but all in all life is worth living and I plan to do it. Those of you who have been following my story--I only ask for your prayers as I begin this new chapter of life. Thanks for caring.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HLTHYETER 4/23/2012 8:52AM

Thanks everyone for your positive comments and support. I need it right now and appreciate it. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANDASI 4/11/2012 3:56PM

Yes it does take time and patients. It does eventualy get easier the pain lessens over time. Try to not blame yourself too much it is never just one persons fault. You are experiencing a lot of things right now but just be patient, gentle and kind to youreself and keep coming to spark for support we are here for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

NOLACHERIE 4/11/2012 11:53AM

So sorry to hear of your sorrow but know you're stronger then you think. Hang in there, my friend. Broken hearts do mend - it just takes time. (Talking from experience). Report Inappropriate Comment