Hi and Happy Sunday everyone!

I thought I'd explain my new weight goal that I've set for myself. Some of you may remember when my weight went down to 106. I had originally set my goal weight at 112 -- but it dropped and it dropped quick and remained there for quite a period of time.

I love this picture and my Mom in her Whirly Bird Fun Tea Party hat -- but, they say pictures don't lie -- my bracelet had a hard time staying on my arm. That's what 106 looked like for me and I'm not overly happy about that one.
Some said or thought
and others who knew me pretty well, were worrying about me, as that was far below my goal weight and were concerned about my overall health. What great friends we have here! Friends that care -- and I, myself, can never thank you all enough for doing exactly that!


But, now onto my New Goals!! Some of you may have seen that I've readjusted my goal weight, as over the past few months, I've tried to gain a few pounds and I'm back to a healthier 115, be it in muscle weight or otherwise. Yes, a few items of clothing are a bit tighter, but that's okay! I'm 5'5" and 50 years old -- and not that age is a factor -- but I don't think I need to wear the same size of jeans that my son's gf wears! I never even knew that sizes went below 0 -- but that's what she wears -- and, when I could wear size 0 jeans, I knew it was time to rethink my goals and where my healthy weight should be. I now hope that I look better to my family and friends who thought I was way too thin and looked pale and worn out. As my parents would say, "At least you now have some color to your face!" Meaning, I look healthier to them and I'm glad I can lessen a few of their worries about me. And, no more fun "scrawny" comments from my co-workers -- I know they were just teasing around with me -- but I don't want to look or feel "scrawny" -- I want to feel and look healthy!

Plus, some of you may know that I do have a few autoimmune conditions, so, I've noticed that, after adding a few extra "healthier" pounds, it seems as though a few of my symptoms and number of flare-ups have lessened from when I was in that 106 area on the scale. I'm not sure if its the added weight or what -- but, whatever, I'll take it. For those of you that have any sort of autoimmune condition -- you definitely know what I'm talking about.

So, to sum it all up, yes, I've worked on gaining a few extra pounds and to, hopefully, strengthen my entire body so I'm better able to fight off a few illnesses if I can due to a lower immune system, try to slow down life and not feel too rushed or stressed and, mainly, stay strong to continue to be a healthy Mom which was my original reason for joining Sparks and to just be me!

This blog may sound odd to many as I'm increasing my weight, rather than trying to lower it, but, remember, how YOU feel is what matters the most and is what Sparks is sooooooooooo about! Don't feel left down or upset that you can't get to a weight that you were at probably when you were a teen. Numbers vs. Health -- I know which one I'm going for and I hope you find that you chose the same. Set realistic and healthy weight goals -- and do what is the best for you. Stay strong to take care of those that are counting on you and need you -- do it for those you love and YOU! You are so worth it!

Health and Happiness -- All the Way!!

(And, while typing this blog, I thought, today probably wasn't the best day to talk health -- as I think I've caught the bug that is in our area -- so, sorry, I'm not feeling well today, but there's always tomorrow and the day after that! So, it's time to rest that bug away and get back to feeling better again! A gain or loss in weight can't keep those little catchy bugs away -- time and patience and not passing it onto others, can!)