A Sincere, Albeit, Quick Word of Thanx!!

Monday, March 29, 2010

To all of you who responded publicly and privately to my request for info on living a vegetarian life style I say

I was overwhelmed by the response and I now have enough resources to keep me busy for quite some time

Love

John

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HAVALOVER 3/29/2010 11:23PM

Our pleasure! mmmm, tonight I had the yummiest mushrooms.... Hugs! Mirie Report Inappropriate Comment

NJMATTICE 3/29/2010 9:49PM

( you're welcome ) Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 3/29/2010 9:22PM

Glad to help. Report Inappropriate Comment

GERIKRAGH 3/29/2010 8:54PM

Busy is good! Report Inappropriate Comment

You Can Still Enjoy A Good Meal

Monday, March 29, 2010

I love to eat. I can see a lot of you nodding your heads in silent agreement. Not only am I an emotional eater I am an eater who looks at a meal as something that can be a wonderful life experience. I love to cook, to bake, to grill. I brew my own beer.

One of the reasons I have failed in the past in this journey towards health is I have always felt deprived. I always felt as if something had been taken away from me and I would act , well I'd act like I was five. "I'll show you!!!" Then I'd gain ten pounds. I used to think it wasn't fair, that the world got to sample all of life's pleasures and I was stuck eating cottage cheese.

Thanks to Spark People and thanks to my Spark friends and especially thanks to my daughter-in-law, I no longer believe that.

I am on my way to West Virginia. I usually break the trip in half and drive to Louisville on Sunday afternoon. My daughter-in-law has never cooked for me. she is in culinary school. when I talked to her on the phone she said she was excited about cooking me what she called her "go to" meal. when my son was tied up at work, this is the meal she would cook for herself.

Let me pause for a short frame of reference here. My left leg weighs more than her whole body!!!

I cannot believe meal I had for six hundred calories. if you take away the two ounces of white wine I drank it is even less than that. She cooked, salmon, in a small amount of olive oil, artichokes and asparagus tip sautéed in the same pan. She garnished that with a fresh pineapple-tomato-onion salsa in its own juices. I had with it a serving of wild brown rice.

Who knew!!! (Not me!!!) OMG it was delightful. All that good, wonderful food and it wasn't going to clog my arteries.

My friends, this journey is not a punishment, but rather a discovery of what can be, if we look hard enough. It means that you can still enjoy a really good meal and not feel guilty about it. It means you are not any differant than the rest of the world.

I'm off to WVA. I'll catch up with you this evening

Love

John

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VTORIA3 3/29/2010 6:51PM

Sounds like a fabulous meal! I've got to get me a chef! All kidding aside, healthy eating can be really delicious when one takes the time to use fresh ingredients. Which reminds me, I need to make sure I put some herbs in my garden this year...having a few varieties to use when cooking can make an amazing difference over dried. Enjoy your trip. Safe travels. Report Inappropriate Comment

REMODELINGPAT 3/29/2010 6:11PM

Whoa! What a FEAST! I think when DGD goes home this summer, I will rediscover the kitchen and all the marvelous healthy things that can go on in there. I used to cook a lot, but when I became a working mom, that changed. Report Inappropriate Comment

WANDAH3 3/29/2010 5:37PM

Now that's what I call a wonderfully exciting bonus prepared by a DIL that obviously loves you. Have a safe trip. Hugs, Wanda Report Inappropriate Comment

GERIKRAGH 3/29/2010 12:40PM

I think it's called naked food. Food without all the sauces, etc., that we think it needs. I love to cook naked--the food, that is. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMBELISLE 3/29/2010 11:59AM

Some people eat to live. Others of us live to eat. I'm hoping I'm somewhere in the middle of that, but boy do I LOVE a good meal with lots of flavor, aroma and visual stimulation. Creating meals with the right proportions and healthy substitutions can make for a truly wonderful experience that doesn't pack on the pounds or clog the arteries. Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 3/29/2010 11:28AM

I love healthy food. It can be just as tasty as not so healthy food. Report Inappropriate Comment

TWENKY215 3/29/2010 10:25AM

I hear ya! There is nothing like eating a good, satisfying, delicious meal. If we can get some healthy food in that we enjoy, I say go for it and go for it often. Eating is the only habit that I have as well. I don't smoke or gamble so why not have fun doing something that our bodies need the most of all. Congrads and have a safe trip. Report Inappropriate Comment

GREENCAT1 3/29/2010 9:32AM

MMMMM..... now I am inspired to cook a really good meal tonight that will stay within my goals! My son goes to WVU. He is home on spring break. His appetite is for healthy food so it is easy to cook for him and still stay grounded in my goals. It is amazing the QUANTITY that a growing young man can down! Have a great trip... Report Inappropriate Comment

STORMTMB 3/29/2010 9:30AM

Sounds like a wonderful meal - and from your description, I'll bet you could come home and fix it for yourself and Joan. Then you could have that wonderful meal as often as you'd like plus sharing the joy with your lovely wife. Safe travels to you and enjoy your interactions with your client(s). Report Inappropriate Comment

WEEZIE1122 3/29/2010 8:31AM

Years ago my sister-in-law were having a delightful discussion on our looove of food and my brother rolled his eyes. He actual said that he ate because he "had to." This statement stopped me in my tracks. I have never looked at eating as a "chore." Food has always held a lot of pleasure for me. I understand that I have an unhealthy relationship with food but could you imagine eating only because you "had to." Sounds boring and sad to me. But then again he is not 100# overweight. Report Inappropriate Comment

DOLLBABE56 3/29/2010 8:17AM

Yummo! Sounds delish! Have a safe trip to WVA. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKNLOVE 3/29/2010 8:01AM

Thanks for sharing! I needed to hear this.The old me came out for a few days...gave into temptation, and ate too much. Just have to retrain this mind of mine.It is not me who lives, but Christ that lives within me...HE will help me! Have a great day John! Report Inappropriate Comment

NJMATTICE 3/29/2010 7:33AM

I am enjoying taking my LOVE of food to the healthy place. Your meal sounds beautiful and delicious and healthy all rolled into one. I hear ya buddy. Loud and clear. Can I tell you about the beautiful breakfast I had? MMmmmmm was it good. I will always get excited about food. It is just who I am. I'm built that way. Have a healthy and safe trip. Love, Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

NUTRON3 3/29/2010 7:05AM

Alright! Report Inappropriate Comment

Halfway There

Sunday, March 28, 2010

As of this morning I am slightly more than half way towards my original weight goal. When I began, what has become the seventh best experience in my life, (My wedding day and birth of six kids ranks one through six.) I set a goal of losing one hundred pounds. As I wrote it I was way skeptical. I couldn’t imagine me one hundred pounds lighter.

The Spark was published two weeks after I joined and I devoured it. I was comfortable that no one tried to sell me a drug or a program and I didn’t feel like Chris was pointing a finger in my face and telling me I was some sort of evil nasty person for not always living a healthy life style. I felt like he was welcoming me to participate in a process that would finally give me the confidence to put together in a logical and cogent order all the ideas that had been floating around in my head for so long.

Then there are all of you. So, so many of you that along the way gave me tips, gave me encouragement and gave me the best gift I believe anyone can give anyone else, your friendship. When I get up in the morning and head out the door I look over my shoulder and I see all of you clapping and waving and yelling “Go John.” I mean who couldn’t succeed with friends like you guys?

So for what it’s worth here is what I have learned so far and even some stuff that didn’t work but I learned from:

I decided I was not on a diet. To that end I am only going to weigh myself every two weeks. This happened quite by accident to begin with. I was out of town for a funeral last weekend and Sunday is my weigh in day. I didn’t get home until Monday and I decided to wait until today. But I noticed last week that I was more relaxed not worrying about the Satan called a scale. (I got that phrase of a really good Spark friend) I made good food choices because one day I will reach my goal weight and instead of going OMG, stressing out and eating everything see, I will know how to act and behave. I realize it may take me a little longer than I’d like to get the next fifty pounds off but I need to learn to be comfortable with me. Once it’s gone I have promised myself it isn’t coming back.

Take what the room gives you in relationship to exercise. I darn near put myself in intensive care a month into this experience. I was up to forty minutes a day of cardio, seven days a week and posted a blog that said I was going to go to fifty five minutes a day and then a month later fifty minutes a day. My body wasn’t ready. I am still comfortably doing forty minutes, seven days a week. I am cheering on my younger and more durable Spark friends who are performing at a higher level. I am gaining strength and I am getting healthier so for right now I am staying at forty minutes a day. I do plan on starting to add strength and core training. In two weeks I am beginning a class on developing abs and core on the stability ball and using resistance bands. It meets twice a week for one half hour and it lasts four weeks. When I have completed that course I am going to look into retaining a personal trainer.

I made myself a priority and let everyone I love know I was doing so and why. Mostly we fail because we fail to communicate. I told my wife and my family what I wanted to do and why it was important. They understood. When people know WHY you are doing something they either help you along or get out of the way. I do miss my wing eatin’ beer drinkin’ buddies sometimes but as I am so fond of saying, “You are who you hang around with.”

As I posted yesterday I am starting to explore living healthier by eating less or eventually no meat. I am doing this slowly and I am going to research it completely before I get into it. I want to be successful if I do.

My stress level has decreased because I am reaching goal I have set for myself and so my self esteem is higher. Some people who know me live and in person cant believe I have/had a self esteem issue. But if you have been or are overweight you know what I am talking about. No matter how good you feel there is always that guilt or shame. By reaching small goals I feel better and know I can accomplish more.
I have two affirmations I read over and over:

“They way you see the world is the way you see yourself.”

“If I can find an excuse not to do something, I can find a reason to do it.”

Finally, I really believe that positive energy is the greatest healing tool God gave us. I have been profoundly affected by each of you and am grateful for you.

Have a great day

Love
John

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CRANBERRYKITTY 3/30/2010 9:51PM

Although I have only known you for a short time, I am very, very proud of you. Thank you for sharing this today. Best wishes, Sydney Report Inappropriate Comment

LAWRALOO 3/29/2010 2:53PM

I am so proud of you :) You've come a long ways since you joined spark and I have enjoyed being a part of your journey. :) Thanks for always keeping me positive :) You're made of awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

BECCALYNN75 3/29/2010 2:05PM

John, almost everytime I read one of your blogs there is a statement that I feel I could have written myself. This time it was: "Some people who know me live and in person cant believe I have/had a self esteem issue. But if you have been or are overweight you know what I am talking about. No matter how good you feel there is always that guilt or shame" Just this weekend someone very close to me asked me why I was so insecure about certain things. Because they have never been overweight they never realized the insecurity that causes. It was also a good learning experience for me too, in that I never consider the fact that naturally thin/fit people might not realize that. Report Inappropriate Comment

VALERIEMAHA 3/29/2010 1:14PM

I followed my friend GIRANIMIAL here to see what "halfway" we were talking about! MOST IMPRESSIVE!!!!!! And your attitude through the blog is quite amazing really. Besides the discipline and consistency that you need, the support and compassion of the SparkCommunity is definitely a factor in the ongoing motivation needed to achieve what you have...I quite agree with you! Spark On!!! Maha Report Inappropriate Comment

GIRANIMAL 3/29/2010 1:01PM

, John, on reaching your halfway mark! It really feels great doesn't it, especially when you once were skeptical about the feasibility of your original goal. I know that feeling! Your consistency and self-confidence are inspiring as ever -- and I really need it today, so thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMBELISLE 3/29/2010 12:14PM

Woo Hoo! Time to do the happy dance for John - he's halfway to goal! Way to go! Best of luck with leaving off meat. I most likely won't be joining you on that journey - as the hubby says, those eye teeth are in there for a reason. I am however eating smaller portions and increasing the varieties by adding fish more often to my beef, chicken and pork rotation. Have a great week! Report Inappropriate Comment

TWENKY215 3/29/2010 10:31AM

Congratulations! Amazing is how I know you are feeling right now. Report Inappropriate Comment

OHYESITSME1 3/29/2010 7:25AM

Congratulations! What an amazing feeling that must be! Report Inappropriate Comment

WEEZIE1122 3/28/2010 10:52PM

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REMODELINGPAT 3/28/2010 9:27PM

The halfway point is definitely something to celebrate! Comment edited on: 3/28/2010 9:28:49 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

PINETREEGIRL 3/28/2010 8:04PM

John, I'm so happy to have you in my network of supporters. I love your posts. I'm excited that you're working so hard toward what you want! This is my favorite quote (roughly) from your page: "Do you want a good reason to be happy? Look in the mirror--that is your reason to be happy." Report Inappropriate Comment

FIT2BME2010 3/28/2010 5:17PM

Great post!! Your doing great! Report Inappropriate Comment

TINKERBELL200 3/28/2010 4:58PM

Congrats on being 1/2 way there John! I know since I reached my goal I have had so much more confidence in myself. It's great when you wear a new outfit and everyone says Wow you look great! What size are you wearing now? I have a great support system too, my hubby and kids, and church and work! What more could you ask for? Keep on keepin on and you'll get there! You're doing ! Just look at it as Phase ll of your journey! Lynne Report Inappropriate Comment

LUNADRAGON 3/28/2010 3:53PM

Bravo! Well done! Keep it up! Report Inappropriate Comment

CRYSELLE 3/28/2010 3:31PM

Congrats John, you are so totally Awesome :) Report Inappropriate Comment

TEENY_BIKINI 3/28/2010 2:23PM

Wow!!! That is amazing. Report Inappropriate Comment

FITBY50TOO 3/28/2010 2:18PM

WooHoo! Half-way! Incredible awesomeness! Report Inappropriate Comment

TAZZIEGIRL 3/28/2010 1:06PM

You are doing great. I'm a carnivore so I doubt I will be giving up meat any time soon though. Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 3/28/2010 12:46PM

You are doing great!! Keep it up!! Report Inappropriate Comment

STORMTMB 3/28/2010 12:09PM

Congrats on being half way there. I'm thinking that your new class will change your body and your metabolism in a great way and give you yet another boost toward your final goal. Keep it up and thanks for sharing the journey, Dude. Report Inappropriate Comment

I Need some Assistance, Please

Saturday, March 27, 2010

I am looking for some resources that might help me better understand the benefits of a vegetarian diet. Since I have been a Spark person I realized that I am only eating meat about twice a week and I have only had red meat twice in four months!!

This is something I want to do gradually. I dont want to wake up tomorrow morning and announce "Hey I'm a vegetarian." I also realize there are varying degrees of being vegetarian. I need something to read, watch, etc.

I Googled the word vegetarian and what I got was a lot of people trying to sell me stuff. I need to be educated. Anyone have any advice?

Request number two:

Stir Fry cooking. I want to learn how to do it healthy and the right way. Any suggestions on where I can go to learn?

Thank you guys. I appreciate the help

John

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LAWRALOO 3/29/2010 2:55PM

Also, please make sure you talk to a health care professional about this choice. I see a lot of people make this choice for the wrong reasons. I am not in any way a health care professional, I just want to make sure you're as healthy as you should be :) Talk to your Dr. before you decide to do this. Mwah Report Inappropriate Comment

KAT573 3/28/2010 1:02PM

Welp, you got a lotta help there; so go for it! I just get mags on vegetarian cooking and I have several of the Moosehead Restaurant cookbooks. I am not totally veg, and I am not vegan; Report Inappropriate Comment

STORMTMB 3/28/2010 11:37AM

I think I could use some of these resources as well. I'm such a carnivore. It's a huge effort for me to not eat meat. I've read many articles however that say my blood sugar will come down a lot if I stop eating meat, especially red meat. My first step is trying to eat more fruits and vegetables and a smaller portion of meat. You're obviously waaaaayyyyy beyond that. Good for you and good luck with this journey. Report Inappropriate Comment

GREENCAT1 3/28/2010 9:10AM

John - There are a couple of vegetarian spark teams. They should be really helpful. The thing to be careful about when becoming vegetarian and trying to lose weight is if you decide to eat dairy products - watch the fat. That is obvious I guess, but it is easy to forget. A vegan diet does not include any animal products at all. A good source for information on a vegan diet is the PETA website. They even have menus for weight loss there. If you look that over, I would be happy to answer any questions that you have. I have been a vegetarian, vegan and I have a degree in nutrition. Anyhow, those are some good places to start. Oh - Dr. John McDougall too. I think there is a McDougall spark team and he has a website. An EXCELLENT book to read is, "The China Study", By Dr. Colin Campbell. Report Inappropriate Comment

TNTEACHER2 3/28/2010 8:51AM

Just make certain that you take the proper vitamins to make up for deficiencies which vegetarians can develop. Look on the internet at vitamins vegetarians need. Marcy Report Inappropriate Comment

TRIPLE_EMME 3/28/2010 8:49AM

I will put together a list for you. I'll be back in a couple of hours. Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 3/27/2010 8:52PM

These urls should help http://www.mayoclinic.c om/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ015 96 http://www.nlm.nih.go v/medlineplus/vegetariandiet.ht ml Stir frying is easy. You just pre-chop the veggies into equal size pieces and fry the veggies separately and quickly at moderately high temps in a small amount of oil until tender crisp. http://www.ehow.com/how_289 1_stir-fry-anything.html Report Inappropriate Comment

JCDROLSHAGEN 3/27/2010 8:00PM

There are any number of sources about a vegetarian diet. I would start with any book that Vegetarian Times publishes. This is where I learned about vegetarian diets when my daughter decided she wanted to be a vegetarian a few years back. She ultimately decided that it was not for her. However, I am using that knowledge today; I am nearly vegetarian at this point and I have been losing a lot of weight this way. I am currently reading The Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn which discusses a vegan diet (no animal products at all). Report Inappropriate Comment

JCDROLSHAGEN 3/27/2010 7:42PM

There are any number of sources about a vegetarian diet. I would start with any book that Vegetarian Times publishes. This is where I learned about vegetarian diets when my daughter decided she wanted to be a vegetarian a few years back. She ultimately decided that it was not for her. However, I am using that knowledge today; I am nearly vegetarian at this point and I have been losing a lot of weight this way. I am currently reading The Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn which discusses a vegan diet (no animal products at all). I researched for stir-frying and found this link at About.Com: http://chinesefood.about.com/librar y/blstirfrytips.htm It is pretty comprehensive on the subject. I think the amount of oil cited is a little high (I use about a third of what they say). The article also said something about stir fry sauce but no recipe for it. I use soy or a soy-vinegar 50/50 mix. You could also use chicken or veggie broth to moisten the food. Hope this helps. Comment edited on: 3/27/2010 7:58:57 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

GERIKRAGH 3/27/2010 6:09PM

Go somewhere where they have LOTS of magazines for sale and get a vegeterian one. There are lots. Go to the library and look at veggie cook books. A lot of them have prefaces which explain the eating. Go to a bookstore and look through the books and find one that has what you want. I even think they have "The Idiots Guide to Vegetarianism." I call myself a flexitarian. I eat as vegetarian as I can but if I get a little meat in, I don't sweat it. I don't like eggs but will eat them in cooking. I don't eat a lot of cheese, but do use it in cooking. As you said, there are lots of degrees of vegetarianism. I don't like to see or eat a chunk of meat but if it's in a sauce or soup (small pieces) I'll eat it. I really don't get much, but my iron is always low. So be careful and good luck. Report Inappropriate Comment

HAVALOVER 3/27/2010 5:43PM

Hi John, Hope all's well on your end. I was looking for an article I just read about the benefits of cutting on meat (specially red meat), how it extends your life, and cannot find it... argh... However, everything I've read lately seems to agree on it. There is an article on the NY Times about the latest book from Michael Pollan entitled "Rules Worth Following, for Everyone’s Sake". The book is “Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual,”, a tiny one, just received it yesterday. I know that I've also read a couple of good articles in the Website www.realage.com. Go there and write "meat" on the search engine. If you have not taken the real age test, give it a shot. It is really cool and an eye opener. Hope I've helped some, even if I didn't find the darn article!!! Mirie Report Inappropriate Comment

NJMATTICE 3/27/2010 5:11PM

I can help you, sir. Start at nutritionMD.org Check out foodforlife.org any of the PCRM websites There is a "scrolldown" to access any of their sites. PCRM.org, I think. It stands for Physicians Council for Responsible Medicine (I think). There is PCRM for diabetes and the like. It's a great resource. Also they had a kickstart vegan month this past March and will be doing it again in September. That program gets you in touch with some great resources like engine2diet.com and talronnen.com who have great recipes. But I would start with Dr. Neal Barnard's site(nutritionMD.org) That ought to give you a great wealth of info. I look forward to seeing what you discover! Love, Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

Finding Support For Our Journey

Friday, March 26, 2010

I feel really good about the choices I made at dinner last night. The only real issue I had was the unsweet iced tea I drank. Our server, who did and excellent job kept my glass full. I was awake until late last night. So I turned on my computer and caught up on those emails that we all want to read but never seem to have the time. to read

I get a newsletter from Dr. Johnny Bowden every week or so. He is an exercise physiologist who I enjoy reading. The article I read last night was about The Four Pillars of Success. I wont regurgitate the article but I will tell you about pillar number one - support of family and friends on your journey. I agree with that. There is no way I would be as strong as I am without my wife. Every morning I am home she gives me "the hug test." Then she smiles and says "I think you are getting smaller." Good motivation.

This morning I was reading my Spark Page and my very good friend Marcyna said to me, "PS Each of your victory is my victory too!!!" Nice feeling.

I started to prepare for my day and I was thinking how true that statement is.
When I read your postings or your blogs that detail how you over came adversity, reached a goal or even when you struggled I feel like I am right there with you. Likewise, when you comment on my postings and offer encouragement I feel like I have the Verizon network traveling with me all day. That's a good feeling too,

Yes what I do and you do are our choices but knowing that I have this whole network of people behind me, as happy for my victories as I am for there's........ well it makes for some super motivation.

So this morning I give three cheers for me and for you and yes for you there in the corner , and you there sitting in the balcony and you.......




John

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KLEONIKI 3/29/2010 4:56PM

Yes, dear John, supportive friends and family are our secret weapons.. Co-sparkers, exercise buddies, and sparkfriends are the best vehicle in our trip to health and happiness. Happy to read you as always and hopeful for our common battles, dear spark friend! Take care K. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARCYNA 3/29/2010 2:47PM

Thanks for quoting me as a very good friend, I really enjoyed & and am so PROUD of it!!!! Comment edited on: 3/29/2010 2:53:37 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

BECCALYNN75 3/29/2010 2:00PM

I agree 100%. And you are one of the best at support, encouragement and motivation! Glad you are a part of our SP team. Report Inappropriate Comment

TNTEACHER2 3/27/2010 10:53AM

Wow, John. Each day I begin sparkpeople by reading your blog. You inspire me. Marcy Report Inappropriate Comment

JBLINE123 3/27/2010 4:26AM

I love the hug test your wife gives you!!!! Does she mind if I steal that idea for my hubby??? We are all here to support eachother, that is what makes SPARK so great!!! Good luck on your journey!! Report Inappropriate Comment

1WALKINGMAN 3/27/2010 12:18AM

I am always happy for a SPARKER who succeeds. Report Inappropriate Comment

TINKERBELL200 3/26/2010 6:01PM

I agree John! We are all in this together! Thanks for all your wonderful blogs! You should have been a writer! It's amazing all the support that is on this site, from friends who are having the same struggles. That's really cute how your wife encourages you. She must be amazing! Have a blessed day! Lynne Report Inappropriate Comment

MUFFINK9 3/26/2010 5:44PM

You are so right about support from family and friends and Sp friends, it is so helpful. I find when I open myself up and tell others my feelings and plans that I really hear myself better. Seems like it helps clarify aspects of this journey when they get reflected back to me from a trusted person. Report Inappropriate Comment

TAZZAT2003 3/26/2010 4:40PM

People are amazing! You are amazing! I can be having the worst day and no matter what I know I can rely on Jay, my family and you, always! Sorry I have not been here to motivate you this week. I am back now and not going anywhere! Have a great weekend! ~hugs~ Jessica Report Inappropriate Comment

REMODELINGPAT 3/26/2010 4:04PM

You are for the encouragement! Blessings! Pat Comment edited on: 3/26/2010 4:09:29 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

WANDAH3 3/26/2010 3:56PM

I loved that statement from Marcyna...."your victory is my victory too". It says it all. Hugs, Wanda Report Inappropriate Comment

AMYTATH 3/26/2010 1:07PM

The support I receive here is the only thing that keeps me going! Without spark right now I cannot maintain my success. Everyone here is responsible for my successes. I totally love your message today John!!! Amy Report Inappropriate Comment

DIASTER 3/26/2010 11:28AM

You just never know what your blog means to some and to whom it is going to touch that day.You have a beautiful style of writting that reaches out to us all. Seems we all have the same universal problems and we need each other to motivate and encourage each other. Thanks. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRIPLE_EMME 3/26/2010 10:45AM

I really love the Verizon analogy! The Spark network is strong and vibrant. Sparkle on, my friend!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 3/26/2010 10:43AM

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TWENKY215 3/26/2010 10:36AM

Three cheers and back at you too John. Happy Friday!! Report Inappropriate Comment

STORMTMB 3/26/2010 9:53AM

I like your analogy of the Verizon Network. The New Testament also talks about the "great cloud of witnesses" who are cheering us on as well. Obviously you and Joan have a great strength and bond in your marriage that provides for mutual support. You are loved, John, on earth and on high. Keep up the great work! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMBELISLE 3/26/2010 9:51AM

Our networks really are important. The hubby has helped me rearrange my schedule by rearranging his own so I can exercise every morning. While I wish he would exercise with me, I'm not pushing - I'm setting an example and appreciating what he has done for me. I think we often overlook what our network does for us - thanks for the reminder. Report Inappropriate Comment

YOYONOMORE1 3/26/2010 9:07AM

Joan sounds like she is a good motivatior, the hug test, that is neat. Have a great day John. Hugs, Shirl Report Inappropriate Comment

GREENCAT1 3/26/2010 9:07AM

I am fairly new to SP, but I agree - the community of support makes all the difference. My husband is on this journey with me and his support can help me keep going! We both celebrate our successes! Have a good day! Report Inappropriate Comment

VTORIA3 3/26/2010 9:07AM

Thanks, John. We appreciate you, too! A successful day for me is always driven by my fellow sparkers. I can hear you all in the distance, rooting me on, and it keeps me going when I feel I am running on empty. in the plural!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NJMATTICE 3/26/2010 8:26AM

Thank you John. And your blog, I consider to be my blog. So I guess my work is done here. "Have an incredible day". (Wanda's blog is my blog as well) Love, Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

AMABILE75 3/26/2010 8:13AM

What a wonderful image you painted... we DO have something similar to the Verizon network traveling with us all day... only it's the SPARKPEOPLE Network, and it is oh so much better. You are doing so wonderful. You are amazing. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKNLOVE 3/26/2010 8:01AM

I always love your blogs! I like "the hug test"...what a great wife! My hubby is very supportive too...it get "the curves test"...teeheehee Report Inappropriate Comment