LORIELP   13,948
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LORIELP's Recent Blog Entries

Reaching Out

Friday, January 15, 2010

Hi Dear Spark Friends,
I am having a problem and I know that just reaching out to you will make me feel better. As you know sometimes just voicing how one feel is so very therapeutic.
Here goes. I have been on this weight loss journey since May of 2008. Along the way I have lost 161 pounds and learned quite a bit about the why and how I ate myself into a morbid obese weight. Now I am enjoying my life at a somewhat average weight of 145 - 147 pounds. Some time through the holidays I became lax with my fitness and also my self control when it comes to saying no to trigger foods. Now I feel like an addict slipping off the wagon. I know I must get control of this because those pounds can come back in the blink of an eye. In the past weeks I haven't posted, logged anything on Sparkle either.
I am at a dangerous turning point in my journey and I still have at least 25 pounds to goal.
When I think about how much I have lost already 25 pounds doesn't seem like that much but it is to me now. I know what to do now I just have to gather the strength to do it.

Thanks to all of you, I do feel better now. Lorraine

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LADYNETTIE 2/25/2010 4:42PM

    The fact that you are aware of a possible slippage and are being careful, and calling on your friends for support speaks a lot about you. You have learned how to catch yourself before you fall! Take care and know that there are lots of us out here hanging onto each other. You can do this. We can do this together emoticon

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SANDRAHUGHES 2/24/2010 5:37PM

    Hey- I hope things are going better for you now. Will you post a new blog so we can hear how you're doing?

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VICTORIOUS24 2/8/2010 4:26PM

    Lorraine,

I think you are very smart in recognizing that you could return to bad habits and regain a portion of the weight you've worked so hard to shed. It might be time to sit down and restate the vision that you began with. That way you can refresh your goals and get back on track. It's very easy to slip back into those old habits and undo the work you've accomplished. I've done it before and want to kick my own butt!

Go back to what works for you. Start posting again, start tracking your food intake and your exercise minutes. Get the Spark back! Look at all of the things that you've been able to accomplish in the past two years and get back on track.

You can do it! Congratulations on all that you've accomplished in the past and on what you WILL accomplish in the future!

Vic

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TRECECOOKS 2/8/2010 12:27PM

    Thanks so much for putting your thoughts and feelings out there. It helps to know that this happens.

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SUNNIEDAES 2/3/2010 6:54PM

    Hi Lorraine,

Just thought I'd drop by your page and saw your blog. I must tell you that after losing 130 lbs. I, too, slipped off that wagon. I wasn't together enough to catch myself and all of a sudden those scales are 60 lbs. higher than they were. Grab hold of what ever you have to, to keep from falling into the abyss. You can do it. You are a very strong person to have accomplished what you have. Keep looking in that mirror and tell yourself you are worth it. I don't like that "tight" feeling that all my clothes have at the moment. Today is the first day in a very long time that I finally feel back in control. However, now I have to lose that 60 lbs. all over again. *sigh* Not sure why we do this to ourselves but I know without a doubt that you will get yourself back to where you need to be. Start small and move forward. Forget yesterday.

Love and hugs, Bonnie

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TUFFYBIRD 2/3/2010 4:57PM

    Yesterday is gone; you can't change it so put it in the past where it belongs. Tomorrow isn'there yet, so there's no point in worrying about it. Today, this hour, this minute ... those things we can affect.

I find this philosophy reassuring when I slip (actually I think I stole it from a self help group like AA). However I came by it, I find it helpful. I hope you do too. Just be kind to yourself (we all tend to be our own worst critics).

Hang in there SP friend; we're here to catch you.

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Pat

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DAISYBILL 2/3/2010 4:23PM

    Don't let fear get the better of you. Don't even entertain the thought of failure. You are not a failure. You have been on a long journey so far and it will never really end. So occassionally you take a side-step... that's life... but you will never really get lost because you know the way.

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GETTO140 1/28/2010 5:40PM

    This has been happening to me..I bought The Spark. Going through the basics is really refreshing!! I had so many goals listed in my goals before, I was overwhelmed. I now have 3 goals that are doable. I'm back in the grove again. I was within 1 pound of my 140 goal weight...and over the last year it's gone up a bit. I'm not exercising as much so I'm working on reducing my calories...finding different foods...and it's FUN again!! emoticon

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ANGELLACOLE 1/16/2010 3:51PM

    emoticon Thanks for sharing your heart and your struggles with us. I know you have it in you to finish your journey to a healthy you! You've come so far! emoticon

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CATH5109 1/16/2010 3:39PM

    I am having a similar problem, and I have just begun (6 months ago) I have been wondering about what my next step needs to be to reignite my motivation, and I have been feeling a little overwhelmed by sparkpeople.com--this is my first time on in a week.

Obviously I do not know what will work for you, but I think for myself I just need to "rest" for awhile, without going backwards---that's the trick--is it always either losing or gaining??? Be kind to yourself, give yourself lots of stress reducing treats (hot bath? silent/alone time?, maybe cut back on some activity?) You are amazing and will always be so, no matter what your weight. I believe that you will find your way through this. Take care, Cathy

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MPRESS56 1/16/2010 8:09AM

    Hi Lori,

I know how you feel. I slacked off the logging food for the time just before Christmas. Then I decided to get back on track and a Severe cold hit me. I just started back again yesterday with logging and working out. While I was fighting the roughest part of the cold (about 3 weeks) I had little to no energy and was running a fever off and on. I hope I can continue to workout daily and log my food so I don't overeat. Over the holidays I did gain about 4 pounds. Let's keep encouraging each other to stay on track. They say the last few pounds are the hardest, I'm not sure about that as I still have still have about 60 pounds to go. Take care and may our good Lord continue to bless you and walk along side of you. emoticon

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COUNTRYMUSIC63C 1/15/2010 8:16PM

    Thats what we all are here for to encourage each other and it is great you are reaching out. We all need it sometimes. It is so esy to feel overwhelmed some days and this site sure helps me get past it and you are one of my motivators. So I hope I can motivate you a little. emoticon emoticon

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VERGE_OF_ME 1/15/2010 7:54PM

    Reach down deep inside and find the strength to get things turned around now. What an amazing journey and weight loss you have thus far. You know what needs to be done and how to do it....figure out why you are slipping back into the addiction and stop the fall short in it's tracks...because you are so right...it only takes the blink of an eye. I lost over 100 lbs with SP and gained back 50 of it QUICKLY. I fell right back into the addiction...but have it headed back again and have re-lost 30 plus of that 50. What a mess I made...don't repeat it. You have come much too far to let that happen to yourself. Find that strength again and just force yourself to track and put one foot in front of the other....sooner than you think...once you kind of detox...this will all be a memory...a small bump in the road to your goals. You are FABULOUS...and I am pulling for you all the way!!! Great job in sharing your thoughts and feelings...that will help you stay the course : )

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GERIKRAGH 1/15/2010 7:34PM

    Success is taking that first step. You can do it because you did it before. Go back over your original journey, read motivating articles. Good luck.
Geri

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GEE-KNEE 1/15/2010 6:20PM

    Lorraine,

I think we all experience those moments, but I know you can do this. I have total faith that the spark is still there. I think with trigger foods, it's just easier sometimes to stay away from them. If I don't eat candy, then I don't want candy..., but once I start, then I crave it. As for the exercise, just do it. I know you can lose that last 25 and maintain that healthy lifestyle that really does feel good.

Best,
Jeannie

Comment edited on: 1/15/2010 7:58:17 PM

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LILHLFPINT 1/15/2010 5:44PM

    (::hugs:: you are such a strong woman, lorie. i have so much respect and admiration for you.)

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RURAL3 1/15/2010 4:16PM

    I think you just took the first step. You can gain control and beat the blues that have come on you. One day at a time. emoticon on your success so far and emoticon kicking butt to come.

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GINGER_LOSTALOT 1/15/2010 3:57PM

    I'm glad you're recognizing your struggles and are reaching out for support. I lost 100 pounds 12 years ago, but I gained it all back plus some. I SO wish I hadn't. But here I am, looking up to you, hoping I can be as successful as you. We count on each other to be accountable. Hang in there and do what's right. emoticon

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JANEENV 1/15/2010 3:53PM

    Lorraine,
WOW! You are an inspiration! I have about the same amount of weight to lose as you do now, but I have just come back to SP after a year and a half of doing nothing for myself. I do not know how to "spark" your continuing journey, but I will pray that God will give you what you need to get there. With heartfelt empathy, Janine

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PKTREKGIRL 1/15/2010 3:26PM

    I am so impressed with your loss so far - you have worked very hard, and have come a very long way.

Sometimes it simply takes force of will to get yourself going again. You must rally that determination you have within you and Just Do It. I know that sounds sort of cliche and Nike-commercialish...but it is really the truth.

You have it in you to accomplish all of your goals. You have proven that time and time again. So don't give up! Keep on going! You can DO this thing!

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MRSFRICKSTER 1/15/2010 3:15PM

    Hi Lorriane. I'm so proud of you to share this with us. There are times when you just may need a little support or encouragement to get over a bump in the road, and I am sure this is one of those times for you. Healthy living is tough isn't it? And I find from my years of up and down the scale, it is tough MENTALLY. Your mind set has to be right. By sharing this, I am certain your mind is coming back to center and you will be back on track in no time. You are going to shed those last 25 pounds in 2010! I just know it!

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MRSFRICKSTER 1/15/2010 3:14PM

    Hi Lorriane. I'm so proud of you to share this with us. There are times when you just may need a little support or encouragement to get over a bump in the road, and I am sure this is one of those times for you. Healthy living is tough isn't it? And I find from my years of up and down the scale, it is tough MENTALLY. Your mind set has to be right. By sharing this, I am certain your mind is coming back to center and you will be back on track in no time. You are going to shed those last 25 pounds in 2010! I just know it!

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JOECASTER1 1/15/2010 2:58PM

  Hey Lorraine, hope you are feeling better, just the fact that you post this, is the start of being back on tract. Don't be discouraged, we all go through these times,the good thing is that you are aware of where you are and what you need to do. Now all you need to is to get back on track and start loosing again. I know you said that you haven't posted, logged anything on Sparkle, that's okay.................
Make this your come back.

You can do it. just reading your post have inspired me to want to do this even more. I just join two days ago, I am also obese, close to 300 pounds, and reading you achievements is so encouraging, to me.
Thank you
Jo


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ANNE1123 1/15/2010 2:51PM

    I think it's really normal to feel what you felt around the holidays especially after making dramatic changes as you have. You aren't an addict, please drop that thinking even when salty snacks or tasty treats are a guilty pleasure. Keep thinking positively about you, loving self talk and if you do indulge,throw out what is clearly too much.No one benefits from sweet cakes or carbs without much nutritional value. (I'm writing this to myself and you!)

You look fabulous! Keep going! You are amazing, never doubt this! emoticon

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DJS-DEBBIE 1/15/2010 2:50PM

    Lorraine, you have come so far! You can do this. Just wake up tomorrow and decide that this is the day you get back on your program. One small step, one day at a time.
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Celebrating a Non-Scale Success

Monday, January 04, 2010

When I began my weight loss journey in May of 2008 I could only dream on ever being able to go to the Huntington Library and gardens. It my starting weight there was no way I would be able to do that much walking. So at the time I decided to make the trip as one of my long term goals. Now that I am 160 pounds lighter, I had the pleasure of reaching my goal! It felt soooo good. My daughter and I had a great day. Oh yes, I was thoroughly pooped out at the end of the day and my knees were pretty tired but I did it. I can't wait to go back again, next time I plan to take my 4 year old granddaughter.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUZWEBCOWGRL 7/22/2010 4:18PM

    That is great! Thank you for reminding me to celebrate accomplishments other than the actual pounds dropping. emoticon

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SUZWEBCOWGRL 7/22/2010 4:18PM

    That is great! Thank you for reminding me to celebrate accomplishments other than the actual pounds dropping. emoticon

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SUZWEBCOWGRL 7/22/2010 4:18PM

    That is great! Thank you for reminding me to celebrate accomplishments other than the actual pounds dropping. emoticon

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MOMMAROLEMODEL 1/12/2010 7:39AM

    Way to go!

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GEE-KNEE 1/9/2010 1:48PM

    It's so pretty there. I love the Japanese garden and the rose garden. I could see where this would be a great accomplishment. I haven't been since I lost weight, but I remember being just beat after a visit. I bet your granddaughter loves it.

That is a very pretty picture of you at the gardens.



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SUSIEMT 1/4/2010 9:48PM

    Yae Lorie!!

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MCAUDI 1/4/2010 8:24PM

    Congratulations! That is awesome. I am very excited for you.

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KERSKI 1/4/2010 6:54PM

    Great job! It's nice to see people reaching goals. Very inspiring.
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CATH5109 1/4/2010 5:21PM

    This is what it's all about. I am happy for you.

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MINIMOE1 1/4/2010 3:25PM

    You look SO happy and no wonder! What a grand memory you've made with your daughter and (soon) granddaughter.

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4MYBOYSANDSELF 1/4/2010 3:21PM

    Way to go! That's awesome!!

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BECAUSE_I 1/4/2010 3:16PM

    That's awesome! Very inspiring! emoticon

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NETTIEDEE 1/4/2010 3:13PM

    Good for you. Wooohooo.

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DAISYBELL6 1/4/2010 3:09PM

    Fantastic!

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GINGER_LOSTALOT 1/4/2010 2:47PM

    Good for you! Your granddaughter will really enjoy it, too!

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GERIKRAGH 1/4/2010 1:50PM

    Congratulations on your success. And how wonderful that you made a long-term goal a healthy and active one.
Geri

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DREAVG 1/4/2010 1:40PM

    Wooohooo. Good for you. The non-scale improvements are just as important, and I think they are more important, than the scale improvements.

Thanks for sharing and good for you,
Andrea

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Trying New Things....

Friday, December 04, 2009

Ok, so.... I decided to walk in the annual Christmas parade tomorrow. I am taking the dog too. I am a little nervous about it though. I am pretty sure the parade itself won't be too far but of course there is the return trip back to the starting point to pick up the car. It should be a fun experience... I hope. I got a super cute Santa suit for the dog to wear. I'll post a picture. emoticon
Fast forward..... The parade went well. I had not problems walking the whole route. The dog had a great time. She was quite a hit in her Santa suit. She enjoyed all the kids and they enjoyed her too. It was a lot of fun, I am glad I did it.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KIMBEEJ16 12/6/2009 8:53PM

    Nice going! I love both of your outfits...very cute!

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MCAUDI 12/6/2009 12:18AM

    Congratulations! How exciting for you.

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GEE-KNEE 12/5/2009 11:29PM

    emoticon

You and the dog look so cute. I am so glad it went well.


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BESTSUSIEYET 12/5/2009 10:01AM

    Sounds like fun! Hope you had a great time!

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FLOWHITE1 12/5/2009 3:46AM

    It is always good to try something different.I am proud that you are giving it a shot.Hope it's not cold.

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GEE-KNEE 12/4/2009 9:02PM

    That sounds fun. I hope your knees are good for you tomorrow. ...and I too want see pictures of the dog in her santa suit.

Hugs,
Jeannie

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SHANTODD420 12/4/2009 7:36PM

    Have fun sounds like fun. Take care and have a great weekend.


Shannon

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RONIH2O 12/4/2009 6:50PM

    Good for you and I would love to see pics of the little dog.

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RONIH2O 12/4/2009 6:50PM

    Good for you and I would love to see pics of the little dog.

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LILHLFPINT 12/4/2009 5:46PM

    (that's so exciting lorie! i can't wait to see pictures of your dog in the little santa outfit!)

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Non Scale Celebration

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

On Thanksgiving day I had the pleasure of being able to actually get down on the floor and play bingo with my granddaughter. It was such a fantastic feeling. Honestly it doesn't seen like it has been a year and a half since I began my journey. My life has improved in so many ways. But this change is at the top of my list. I don't to ever be known as "Fat Grandma" again.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BESTSUSIEYET 12/5/2009 10:02AM

    emoticon
You're a Rockin' Fun Gramma!!

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GEE-KNEE 12/3/2009 9:28AM

    I am glad you had a good time with your granddaughter. I am sure you will be "the skinny grandma" from now on. You are doing so great.

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CATHEITE 12/2/2009 2:39PM

    You've accomplished so much in a short amount of time. I'm so glad you had an excellent holiday!
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MCAUDI 12/2/2009 12:03AM

    Awesome! It is the small things that life that are so surprising and memorable.

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EVETROY 12/1/2009 6:18PM

    That is awesome!!!! And way better than any number on the scale!

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LILHLFPINT 12/1/2009 3:52PM

    (oh, lorie, that really made me smile. ::big big hugs::)

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GRAMTOTWO 12/1/2009 3:44PM

    Congrats to you! A while back someone on our team had us list 5 things we want to accomplish on our journey - one of mine was sit on the floor Christmas morning and open presents with my grandchildren. I won't be doing it this Christmas but next for sure. You are such an inspiration. Thank you.

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GGCHET 12/1/2009 3:22PM

    Oh Lorie.....I can imagine that was the best feeling in the world.....so proud of you my dear.
I can get down with these kids......getting back up is still a bit of an issue:) I think it has a lot to do with age as well. I will be 63 on Thursday....I still feel 39 but my joints don't seem to agree! emoticon emoticon

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HEALERSHANDS 12/1/2009 2:47PM

    You know...Kudos to you for realizing the scale is not the only way we are getting healthy! Way to go. emoticon

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I Had A Great Day Today

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

I have the most wonderful day today that I feel like sharing it with all my spark friends. This morning I have an appointment with my orthopedist. The last time I was there was just about 2 months into my weight loss journey. With his head down into my chart, he asked me how I was doing. I proudly announced that I had lost 160 pounds in the last year and a half. So he says, "you had gastric bypass, RIGHT?" I answered with a NO, I decided to skip surgery. So the next question was, So how did you do it? I began to share all about Sparkpeople.com with him and of course I whipped out one of my Spread The Spark cards. It was a great feeling, one of the greatest non-scale celebrations when he asked me, well how much do you weigh now. I answered proudly 147. Then I added that I plan to continue to lose another 28 or so pounds.

So bad news is that I need total knee replacement eventually when I decide the time is right. But, for now I was given a cortisone shot. Surprise to me, the shot did not hurt nearly as my as I have been told by others. Hopefully it does the trick because sometimes the knee begins to hurt before I want to quit doing stuff like walking the dog for more than an hour. I really shouldn't complain because before the weight loss, I couldn't even walk into Wal-mart from the parking lot without hanging on to a basket. Many a shopping was cut short back in those days because of knee, ankle pain and also foot numbness. When I think back to those days, I am so proud of my self for sticking to my guns and changing my lifestyle and my eating habits.

Second great thing is that some one FINALLY noticed that my drivers licence doesn't look at all like me any more. Another opporitunity to Spread the Spark.

Last thing is that I was a Costco looking at new eyeglass frames. My face has gotten so much smaller that I need a completely different size and shape of frames. Once again, I handed out a Spark card. The clerk was so happy that she began to cry. She said that God had a hand in me sharing Sparkpeople with her. I told her that sharing Sparks and helping others who feel that that they have no hope, helps me too. Life is SOOOOO GOOD.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JEEPLADY41 11/29/2009 1:58PM

    Lori, my husband was given your Spark card at Lite-Weighs so you are seriously spreading the spark !!! WTG

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GEE-KNEE 11/28/2009 6:04PM

    I love that you hand out the spark cards. I have a few that were sent to me with my spark people t-shirt. I should hand them out. I don't know why haven't. I get asked enough about what I am doing.

I hope the shot helps, but it is cool that you can walk an hour now.

Happy Thanksgiving and
Hugs,
Jeannie


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CATH5109 11/25/2009 3:45PM

    Lori you deserve all the joy from your achievement. I am glad that you are getting that. As for future knee replacement, if it comes to that--I've known a few people who have had to have the surgery and they have done quite well. Just think, if you had not lost the weight that you have, how much unlikely a surgery would be of any help, AND your doctors would want you to lose weight before the surgery anyway.

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MCAUDI 11/24/2009 11:05PM

    What a great day to emphasize the new you! Glad the shot didn't hurt so much. My sister gets cartilage injections to help her knees and does well with them. Yay for spreading the spark.

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BUTEAFULL 11/24/2009 7:43PM

    emoticon I too haven't heard of spark cards, tells us more please

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KIMBEEJ16 11/24/2009 7:24PM

    Wow! I bet your doctor's jaw hit the floor when you told him of your progress! Bet that was a sight! And just think, when you finally do need your surgery, you'll be in so much better shape to recover and heal than you would have 160 lbs. ago!

Are you going to get a new license? I am once I reach goal. :)

I do not know what spark cards are but will find out. They sound like a great idea to give out to people.

Glad you had such an uplifting day.

Kim
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SHANNJ77 11/24/2009 4:23PM

    What an awesome day! Great job!!!!!!

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YOOVIE 11/24/2009 12:01PM

    A+

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DAISYBELL6 11/24/2009 7:45AM

    Thank you for sharing. Isn't it great how little things are often the most important things. Your life changes have been very inspiring to me.

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LHOLEWIN 11/24/2009 7:17AM

    What a great story. Thanks for sharing you success it keeps the rest of us motivated. Have a great Holiday.

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