I AM SO HUMBLED AND SPEECHLESS!

Friday, August 07, 2009

I am sorry but I just have to write my Blog on this today because this is something I never want to forget. I do go back and read my Blogs again and again as learning tools and this is definitely one that is going to up there as far as a confidence booster or a reminder when I am feeling down just exactly why I am doing this.

I am speechless and humbled at the same time. I am so honored to have been chosen as The Done Girl of the Day. I feel like I am up there on a stage accepting an Academy award or something. I have lost count of all of the Spark Goodies I have received and so far this afternoon I have well over 10 pages of comments on my Spark page just pertaining to congratulations. This is just mind blowing!

I actually found the team, I AM Done Being the Fat Girl by accident. I was visiting someone else’s Spark Page when I saw this under all the teams they were on. Who ever came up with that name is a genius. I am thinking to myself what a great way to express what we are all going through. I have to check this out. I was hooked after reading the 1st thread.

I am reading through all of these responses and I am saying to myself – “me, I inspire all of these people? They are happy to read what I write? What I say matters?” I do not see myself like that. Here I am at now 344 pounds and I inspire people? All I have been doing is trying to offer encouragement to others. Handing out tidbits of knowledge I have picked up here and there. I mean after being overweight my whole life you would think I have a Masters Degree in Diets with all the information I have packed away in my brain. I know all of this stuff and it is only now that I am finally starting to use all of this stuff I have learned. I am just trying to share what I know to help others so that they do not become so OBESE. There I said the word. I am just trying to offer advice where I can and encourage where I can. This is a tough journey to become a normal weight and to have to travel alone so I want to be there to help whoever I can.

Like I said I am humbled. I have always equated self worth with that number I see on the scale; that is why I have to see that number on that stupid thing. I have been successful in pretty much every area of my life except my weight.

It is actually all of you that inspire me. It is all of you that are helping keeping me on track. I guess that is the whole essence of Spark People. We are all in one place sharing our knowledge, giving support and motivation being there to laugh and cry with. No one passes any judgments. You are all there for me when I need you no matter what time of the day or night it is.

I THANK all of you for your kind words and support. God I love Spark People! You have made this one of the best days of my life. I LOVE YOU DONE GIRLS!! !!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GLM19566 8/8/2009 1:56PM

So very glad that you found the DONE Girls Team. You are very deserving DONE Girl-you have been a great inspiration and support for all on this and the other teams your on. All that you have done for all of us is so much appreciated Report Inappropriate Comment

NO_SNOW_BODY 8/7/2009 10:35PM

you are an insoiration and can only go up from here Report Inappropriate Comment

YATMAMA 8/7/2009 8:40PM

Congrats!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUSTWANTTOLOOSE 8/7/2009 7:32PM

Yvonne, You deserve it ... you are an inspiration! Report Inappropriate Comment

WANDAC2013 8/7/2009 7:14PM

Great blog! You are so involved with SP, no wonder you are an inspiration! You go DONE GIRL---And keep on goin'! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRNCSSTNKRBLL 8/7/2009 6:16PM

Only a Masters Degree in Diets? What about your PhD? LOL Congrats, it's not a surprise to me. You are such an inspiration and give gr8 words of wisdom. Report Inappropriate Comment

DIVAJTIA 8/7/2009 5:12PM

You are always such an inspiration...I run into you all the time...I know what You mean when you say we are so blessed to have found the Done Girls...I too found the site accidently and its my lifeline to health...Thank you for being You and being there for all of us..... Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSAN134 8/7/2009 5:11PM

Yvonne, I am not familiar with this team (although I going to check it out as soon as I finish writing this) but I am so not surprised that you have been given this award!!! You ARE an inspiration and so giving of your time and support. You rock Lady!!! Congratulations! Report Inappropriate Comment

DUMBSKITTY 8/7/2009 4:54PM

A Masters Degree in Diets? LOL...I LOVE IT... Comment edited on: 8/7/2009 4:56:47 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

Adopt a theme song to inspire you on your new journey

Thursday, August 06, 2009

I was reading in the Spark Blogs today a Blog about theme songs. I think we all need to adopt one. I am choosing I will survive by Gloria Gaynor. Yes, it is about surviving after breaking up with supposedly the love of your life. Well, I am losing a love of my life - food. Food has always been the center of my life. I would wak up thinking about food, what am I going to eat for breakfast and thoughts of food stayed with me till I went to sleep. Food was generally part of most of my conversations. Exercising in the pool each morning the 1st thing we all did was swap recipes. When I planned to go visit family members menus were always part of the discussion. I would always share a good new restaurant that I found with anyone who would listen. Food, food, food oh how I love food.

Well all of that is changing. Goodbye my love, not all food but just the bad stuff. I am giving up the ooey gooey chocolate I love so much whether in one of those hot molten lava cakes I love or a nice hot fudge sundae. I am giving up those scrumptious pizzas just loaded with all of that cheese oozing all over the place. No more pulling into fast food restaurants for a "fix". I could go on and on but you get the picture.


At first I was afraid I was petrified
Kept thinkin' I could never live without you by my side;
But then I spent so many nights
Thinkin' how you did me wrong
And I grew strong
And so you're back from outer space
I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face
I should have changed that stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I'd've known for just one second you'd back to bother me
Go on now, go walk out the door
Just turn around now
('cause) you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
Did I crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die?
Oh no, not.I. I will survive
Oh as long as I know how to love I know I'll stay alive;
I've got all my life to live,
I've got all my love to give and I'll survive,
I will survive. Hey hey.
It took all the strength I had not to fall apart
Kept trying' hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart,
And I spent oh so many nights
Just feeling sorry for myself. I used to cry
But now I hold my head up high
And you see me somebody new
I'm not that chained up little person still in love with you,
And so you feel like droppin' in
And just expect me to be free,
Now I'm savin' all my lovin' for someone who's lovin' me
Go on now.. etc.

Well I will survive! I am choosing me. I am learning to eat healthy and look at food as fuel for my body. My Mother always said, " I eat food to live but you Yvonne, I am sorry to say, you live to eat food." I would always laugh because I really did not want to listen to what she was trying to tell me. I was not ready for one of her "diet speeches - AGAIN. However, I am slowly changing my ways and will soon be able to say, "not anymore Mom I have a whole new outlook on food."

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LADYSUNBEAM 8/6/2009 11:47PM

I'm so jealous now, that is such a great song to have as a theme song and I can see how you can relate your personal relationship with food to it! Amazing, now you got me thinking about finding my own theme song. Maybe we should start a thread for theme songs for our journey? You are so full of great ideas and creativitity, my life is so much fuller since I met you. I thank God everyday for putting you in my life while I am on this journey as I know you will play a big role in it. Love ya sweetie! Sandra Report Inappropriate Comment

KARVY09 8/6/2009 8:03PM

That's such a great anthem! I saw that blog today too! I think I'm going to pick "The Distance" by Cake... It always gets me to push for that extra minute or so of running! Report Inappropriate Comment

DUMBSKITTY 8/6/2009 7:41PM

AWESOME theme song...I really like this idea...this is definitely a great song...fits so perfectly (I have it on my ipod!) for SO many things in life... I'm going to have to come up with one of my own... Report Inappropriate Comment

YATMAMA 8/6/2009 7:11PM

My online nickname has always been NOLady for New Orleans Lady. My signature song has always been New Orleans Ladies by LaRoux. I'm wondering, though, if there might not be a new song for me now since so much is changing within me! Report Inappropriate Comment

MUSTANG_SALLY2 8/6/2009 8:54AM

Hmmm... this is a good idea. I'll have to think some to try and come up with my own theme song. Yours is a great choice! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAWNWATERWOMAN 8/6/2009 8:50AM

Awesome post Yvonne... and I love the choice of your "theme song". I am going to ponder on this and find one for myself. Great idea. I have been quoted that same line about living to eat food. Guess we find out that we're more alike every day. Love ya, Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment

I am so proud of the 2010 New Years Challenge Team!

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

I am so proud to announce that in just 13 short days the Team lost as a total of 309 pounds. In a little over 2 weeks this team has grown to 185 members. One piece of knowledge that most of the Team members do not realize is that only 150 posted their weight results. That 309 pounds only represents part of the team. Had everyone posted their August 1st weight I am quite sure the numbers would have topped 400.

They also do not know that many of those 150 members that posted only joined on August 1st so we had no weight loss from them to record and contribute to the totals since they missed the 1st 13 days. I am quite sure they will all catch up though because the excitement on this team is so contagious.

A few members even put on a few pounds and that is OK too. Women especially are prone to some water weight build up certain times of the month. Your weight will fluctuate day to day which is why they say you should not weigh yourself every day. So if you gained a few pounds don't beat yourself up. It is OK because I know you are on track with your program. Things happen. The true test will be on September 1st after a full 31 days. Those numbers should be astounding. Excitement was all over the Team's Chat Room and in emails sent to me that they are anxiously awaiting to see our Team weight for the month of August and hope that it hits 600 pounds. I do not doubt this because our team membership is growing every day.

I had one person email me and she was so psyched because she told me that was how much she weighs now. She excitedly told me that we "lost one of her". She is really pumped now to do this. The MOMENTUM on this team is incredible. Every one is doing the Happy Dance today.

I had so many of my team members email me back and congratulate Sandra and I for setting up this team. Some went on to say the success was due to our leadership. NO TEAM MEMBERS, THE SUCCESS WAS ALL DUE TO YOUR HARD EFFORTS. Sandra and I just gave you the tools and the meeting place to do it. The success of our team is the result of everyone's positive posts and supports in our Team Chat Room or our Share the WooHoo Moments thread. We have a number of Team Members whose health right now is not the best but everyone's love and support are pouring out all over the site. The Team cares! And it shows big time!

So I thank you team for all of your hard work! Now let's go out there and
some butt for next months totals. I know you can do it.



LET'S KEEP THE GOING!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KARVY09 8/6/2009 8:42AM

It's a great, supportive team. I'm continually astonished at how awesome SP is and how it's a shame I didn't hear about it until June. Since then, thanks to the support of all the people here, I've lost 21 pounds. I encourage EVERYONE to find something that weighs the same amount as what you've lost, just to see how much weight you've been carrying. Those who complain about losing only a few pounds each month should try lifting three packages of butter and see that it really is a significant amount of weight! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSAN134 8/6/2009 12:51AM

I'm so excited for this challenge! The team is so cohesive and supportive of each other and I know that we CAN DO THIS!!! The New Year is going to be amazing! Congrats to you too Yvonne!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYSUNBEAM 8/6/2009 12:31AM

Isn't it amazing what we did in less than 2 weeks!! I can't wait to see what our total wieght loss for August will be as I know it is going to be a HUGE number! You are so right, the team is the result of it's members, we simply are providing the tools to make it happen. By the way, congrats on that additional 3 pounds lost, you are doing awesome! Sandra Report Inappropriate Comment

NO_SNOW_BODY 8/5/2009 10:34AM

The team and it's leaders are awesome. I am glad to have joined back in July and happy to continue to see those numbers, maybe Oprah will take notice after all LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

GINNY1647 8/5/2009 10:09AM

Seeing the success rate, I think I have to join this team. Enjoy your day and your success. Comment edited on: 8/5/2009 10:09:48 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

Seize the Momentum!

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

It's not just about eating right. It's not just about exercise. There are 4 components that make up a successful weight loss plan. They are: meals, moving, muscle, and mindset.

Our Meals

Out of the four key elements in seeking weight loss, nutrition is the most important element in achieving the results you desire to lose weight. Spark People provides us with a Nutrition Tracker. I can not stress how important it is to use it. It gives you your own tool to provide yourself the accountability you need to stay focused on reaching your goal.


Let's Get Moving!

The secret to weight loss is in expending more calories than you consume, so that requires movement! You need to have a well-rounded program without this element. Choose something you enjoy or you will not stick with it. My favorite is pool aerobics and I absolutely love Pool Zumba. You would be surprised at the total workout you get in the water. They say that whatever exercises you do in the pool is like 1 and half to 2 times that on land. So stop poo pooing water aerobics plus it is fun!

Our Muscles

Those who have often plateaued when trying to lose weight or have found that walking is simply not enough exercise over time. Walking is a great start for anyone at any weight but at some point you need to add more. Strength training is about reshaping your metabolism, so that the effects of aging, and thus losing weight, do not become so challenging. Increasing lean tissue muscle is the secret to creating a fat-burning machine, and that makes weight loss a whole lot easier!

Mindset

It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult undertaking that will determine its successful outcome”(W. James).

We need to reprogram our attitudes. Spark People provides us with a great network of Spark Friends that are here to help. They act as our springboards for new ideas, they let us vent and then try to pick up the pieces, they help motivate us, the celebrate our victories with us as we reach our milestones. However, our attitudes have to start deep inside ourselves.

So make it your goal to seize the Momentum. And a special shout out to my Team, there is no doubt that you are all seizing the MOMENTUM! This is one psyched team and the excitement shows.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ANNIEJAYE10 8/5/2009 1:36AM

What you say makes sense and you can bet that I'll be visiting your blog again to keep my fourth 'M' in check! Take care girlie -AJ Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYSUNBEAM 8/5/2009 12:35AM

LOVE IT!! That was an excellent blog, thank you for that as it is just another reminder of all that we need to take into consideration to make our journey a successful and healthy one! Sandra Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNBEAMJANEAL 8/4/2009 9:42PM

You always do such a great job at explaining the things we need to hear. Thanks. Comment edited on: 8/4/2009 9:42:37 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSAN134 8/4/2009 4:15PM

Excellent post!!! I think we forget when we are concentrating on losing weight that there is more to it than just eating properly and exercising. The Four-Ms......I like that!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRNCSSTNKRBLL 8/4/2009 2:33PM

I love this blog. It is so very true. Thanks so much for posting this. Great job! Report Inappropriate Comment

Now I am certain I will do just fine on Spark!

Monday, August 03, 2009

Today is a really bad day for me at work. I hate Mondays to begin with because the phone doesn't not stop ringing all day. I am a Mortgage Processor but I do have the luxury of work out of my house. I love telecommuting, best thing they ever came up with. I do it as a Contract Processor. It is extremely difficult today because I am having a major problem getting a loan to the Closing table today and it is tied to 3 different transactions. One can not close till the 1st one does.

I just returned from the Dentist. I had work done on a tooth that I broke and they tried to bond it rather than cap it. I like my teeth and I did not want a cap. I was told no solid food for the rest of the day if I want this bond to hold because of the where this tooth is positioned in my mouth. My Dentist says I give you permission to drink milkshakes or eat ice cream all day.

I wish! Well I only had some cherries for breakfast and a banana. You get the picture, I am starved. What to do, what to do. Ice cream is just calling my name. I did not cave in to the high tensions back at the office and have ice cream like I used to do because A. it always made me feel better and calms me down and B. That was what he said I could eat.

I came home and made up a huge batch of gazpacho throwing tomatoes, green pepper, celery, zucchini, onion, garlic, and cucumbers into a hug e food processor. It was delicious and now I have a big pitcher for the rest of the day. Problem solved. I stay on my food plan, get a free detox thrown in for the day (good for my liver to rest for one day), and tonight after work I will whip up a frozen banana or two and have "my ice cream" and the bond on my tooth should hold.

Yup Spark is definitely working!!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LADYSUNBEAM 8/3/2009 7:43PM

You are amazing girlfriend! You are doing so well and working the plan rather than letting your emotions and even a doctor's excuse convince you to do otherwise. Keep up the good work! Sandra Report Inappropriate Comment

BAMATEACHER 8/3/2009 6:55PM

Look at you!!!! What an awesome way to handle what the day has thrown at you. And just think how much better off every cell of your being will be after having all that gazpacho instead of ice cream. You rock!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TERJEGOLD 8/3/2009 6:23PM

Great restraint and resolve. You rock! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRNCSSTNKRBLL 8/3/2009 5:20PM

That was a clever idea for your food. Instead of going for the ice cream which I know could be oh so tempting, you figured a way to do something different and healthy but still be ok with you tooth. You sure do have Spark in your veins. Keep up the great work and I hope your tooth will be ok. Take care! Report Inappropriate Comment

NIMAWEYGH 8/3/2009 4:55PM

Hey girl I can relate. MONDAYS BITE!!!!!!!!!!!! I do payroll first thing and with the phone ringing here non stop you would think others would be glad to answer it so they can get a paycheck on time.....................but NO. Seems they walk through the door and forget how to answer a phone...............LOL Had a crown a few months back. Not fun. Dentist did not even mention the bonding thing, I guess cause the next day I was flying off to Hawaii with my Mom....... :-) Go figure. But I am so dang proud of you for sticking to doing what is right for you were the eating is concerned. And hey would that COLD BURR ice cream not make the tooth hurt??????????? hum Anyway you are doing great and like you . Later work at home person, when I get my book under contract that is going to be me too.........................sigh Nimma Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSIEMT 8/3/2009 3:23PM

Hey Travelnista! Wow! Your life sounds to busy for me! It sounds like you have "GOTTEN IT"! Keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment

DJS-DEBBIE 8/3/2009 2:33PM

Good for you! I certainly don't envy you your job, even with the telecommuting. I used to do that, before I became part of 'management'. Mondays are bad here too, and the first is especially bad because we start our monthly payroll/invoicing cycle. I supervise about 35 people who work from home as well as 4 here in the office and I have to review all their time reporting for the month. This feeds into the database that we use to invoice our clients, which I then also have to review (over 200 invoices). And of course, nothing ever goes smoothly. Thank goodness I have SP to help keep my sanity. Report Inappropriate Comment