GMFAY33's SparkPeople Blog

Week 1 with Spark Solution

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:35:15 EST

With a 2 pound loss I usually would be elated.

But it has and is difficult for me to follow this process before I have read but a few pages of the book. If I'd now be doing it from the start I'd have preferred taking 2 weeks to read the book before joining the team.

Photo of Baby Evan

Mon, 4 Feb 2013 16:31:43 EST

Born 2/3/2013 Wt.7 pounds 1 oz lgth 19.5 inches
Photo on my Spark Page.

Smart baby! Although born during the Super Bowl game, he did not want to interrupt the men who were watching the game, so waited for half time.

January 2013 Weight report

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 19:04:27 EST

On January 7, 2013 I committed to get back to shedding some more weight. On that date I weighed 145.5. Traditionally I gain 3 to 5 pounds over the winter months. But as of this morning my scales gave me a 143.5. When I joined Spark my goal was 135. Oh, I certainly could afford more than that but it would give me a 30 pound loss which at the time was at the end of the rainbow. I still have a few to go but I can see that far. 304 Spark Friends for your friendship and support o...

Funny or Gross ??

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 16:34:51 EST

At the baby shower given for my Granddaughter, Amanda on Sunday, a game supplied by the father-to-be involved 7 infant diapers which were passed around. Upon opening each one the brown contents were seen to be squashed/smeared chocolate candy bars which we were to identify....smelling allowed !!! Must have been something to see us do this.

Super Immunity Diet must be working !!

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:32:18 EST

I believe inDr. Fuhrman's Healing Foods plan !!!

Last Wednesday I had a colonoscopy done. As I was leaving the building I started with a drippy nose and sneezing. Otherwise I felt fine.

All my life, a head cold meant at least 3 weeks of drippy nose, sneezing and body aches. But this time only mild symptoms with no aches...and only 3 or 4 days!!Except for stressing the foods on this diet I have not changed anything in my life.

I am far from where I hope to get...

re. today's Spark quote:

Wed, 2 May 2012 17:08:04 EST

"The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their interests and his are the same. Stendahl"

Just the other week the Pastor of our church told us that when a shepherd notices one of his sheep keeps habitually straying, he will break the sheep's leg. With the sheep not able to walk, the shepherd will put it on his shoulders to carry it. By the time the leg has healed, it now stays nearby the shepherd at all times.

March 30

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:22:22 EST

O.K with foods

7589 steps

Was feeling a bit sluggish today so usual walk was less than 2 miles and more of a stroll

March 29

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:13:18 EST

Calorie count 1200 plus.

Step aerobics for 20 minutes

Total steps only 4083

March 28

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:39:38 EST

I got little housework done today but after my 20 minutes on the treadmill this morning, I took a walk late this afternoon and added another 50 minutes. My pedometer showed 9100 steps!

But my calories increased to 1400; still o.k. Eating out daily with dh needs to be worked on. Having a light lunch doesn't hold me long enough. And we go to places where he likes the food. His list of likes keeps shrinking.

All in all I feel I am doing well.

March 27

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:22:39 EST

My latest attempt to succeed with streaking of at least 10 minutes, but preferrably 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise; and by several recordings of by food intake each day, keep from overeating.

Today was a good start with less than 1300 calories eaten
20 minutes on the treadmill this morning
and a 3 mile outdoor walk from 4 to 5 PM

I did a 2nd exercise because Wednesdays get pretty involved and I probably will be happy for a 10 minute exercise then.
...

Day 4

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:05:22 EST

Too much wasted time today:
As many of you, frustrated trying to get onto Spark. I got up early so that I could have a good start of my day, finally realizing the trouble with Spark was more than the recent usual.

We then as usual on Wednesdays spent about 2 hours at the church. Soon after getting home a rep. from the bathroom shower replacement co. arrived 2 hours early. Thought things were finally going to go better since I would have time to get in my walk.
...

Day 3

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:02:28 EST

So far I have been happy with the amount of exercise I've been doing having started at almost a standstill. My exercise of choice is walking. Although I have stayed within my calorie allowances, I could trim back some more with that.

My turtle on my weight graph wants to get moving foreward again.

Ready, Set, GO!

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:36:32 EST

I know I have often claimed I was ready to get back to following my program and shedding some more weight. This time I have wonderful inspiration from Pixie and want some of that joy she is experiencing as WE and others from our Happy, Healthy Sparklers succeed.

I'll not follow her menus, although some things sound pretty tasty, esp. am not giving up meat. But I am going to control my eating and take advantage of our beautiful Spring weather with walks in our development. And ...

Stress, Anemia or Age...

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:24:36 EST

Since October I have needed to push myself much more than before. And since I have a laid back personality, that isn't a good thing when trying to lose some weight and otherwise improve my health.
Possibilities:
1. Stress caused by Bob's (DH) limited eyesight. He had bleeding in his retina (wet macular degeneration in his left eye several years ago and in October the right eye. Also glaucoma in both eyes. He always enjoyed the driving and went to the library weekly, haircuts m...

To My Teammates

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:24:55 EST

Traditional New Year's meal

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:59:40 EST

I was anxious to read what traditional New Year's meals had been eaten by my teammates. Did I miss any?

PA Dutch serve pork and sauerkraut. Even I was not aware of this until 30 or so years ago. It is for good luck -- pigs pushing foreward as opposed to fowl which scratch backward in the dirt. Bob and I took our son and daughter-in-law for brunch after church. DIL Bobbi did not even order eggs since they come from chickens.

With Bob and I having omelets for brunch ...

Happy Birthday to my daughter,

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 07:30:58 EST

Carol. Yes, we have our own Christmas Carol. 445

I'm back

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:05:32 EST

---starting tomorrow. Most of my starts here have been on a Monday but the first of the month may prove to be a better option.

Since June 1 I have been bothered daily with sciatica. My family physician sent me to a team called Hands on Healing. Therapy is not as deep as a chiropractor, but the muscles/nerves/exercises. After 12 treatments I was discharged with instructions to continue the exercises. My Thanksgiving Day became extra meaningful.

22 years later on October 22 ---

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:43:44 EST

In the year 2000, Bob and I (as many others of our church's congregation) were getting ready for church when the phone rang. For us it was our assistant pastor telling us that there would be no church that morning because there had been an explosion involving part of the building! The heating system which had 5 safety features caused an explosion. Yet, if it was to happen, God's hand was certainly there to protect us.

Normally our custodian and his wife would have been there to...

October 22 anniversaries

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:26:27 EST

On October 22,1978 as Bob and I were on our way to bed, the phone rang. Since Bob worked for the phone Co. and available for call outs for inside probllems he picked it up. But he mostly just listened. I later learned from him that our son was unconscious, in a hospital across the state of PA as a result of a one car accident. At 22, he had recently graduated from college and was in place to run a new Pizza Hut in another week.

After 17 1/2 days in a coma he finally opened his ...

Rain, rain and more rain!

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:37:48 EST

Somehow I was able to get in my 3 mile walk this afternoon between periods of rain and thunder. In the last 24 hours I collected 4 inches of rain in a bucket on our patio. Probably 80 to 90% of it was in the last 3 hours --but only raining 1/3 the time. Car wash anyone?
With all the rain we have had in the last 2 months on top of saturated soil and and streams/rivers high all the time this summer, there are again warnings of of them overflowing.

And the prediction for tom...

Aftermath of flooding

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 19:13:36 EST

Thankfully this is not at our home.

Pixie reports water is everywhere -- blocking roads etc.

But no running water.

On our local tv news tonight was a story about some people without running water AND sewerage backing up out of the toilet.

Who wanted to know how one can FLUSH the toilet with no running water!! 24

With tears in my eyes when I awoke

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 09:19:57 EST

--not because Bob, our grandson was visiting us with only Hunter and Haylee and not their Mother since she recently divorced him. That shock had passed.

Or the increased discomfort of my sciatica to the point of not being able to sit up in bed this morning to do some stretches. The result of a lot of movement yesterday.

BUT, as they were leaving, and I keep hearing it in my mind, 4 year old Hunter asked Bob if they could come here again next time. How precious!
...

A New Diet Plan

Sun, 4 Sep 2011 19:40:06 EST

This one should guarantee quick results:

Our grandson was here this afternoon with 4 y/o Hunter and 2 y/o Haylee for a 5 hour visit, but the time went quickly.

During that time Haylee requested four 4 oz. servings of crushed ice --- which she then crunched on. This, along with almost perpetual movement and she is a slender "big as she says" girl.

Hurricane Irene in SE PA

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:45:59 EST

This had been a record month of rain in our area this August. Then along came Irene!

Yesterday through this morning we had another 7 inches of driving rains. Local tv has given us a lot of information about the closed roads mostly in low lying areas/fast flowing and overflowing streams and rivers/ the expected track of Irene. Reporters say we presently have many new "lakes". Some cars were shown as they earlier had water up to the windows and a few hours later the cars were bar...

The Blessings of Being Able to Hear

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:48:14 EST

Our church met at our denomination's former camp ground pavillion for church services today. Lively contemporary songs got our bodies and spirits awakened.
Our pastor since July 1 has beenvery well received by our congregation and we hope for a revitalization of our group. We then joined in a picnic lunch where we had a chance to do some visiting with other members. It was a nice morning .

On the way home, we finally got to see our son's and DIL's apartment. Quite small an...

56 years and counting___

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 17:27:22 EST

____ not my age, but the number of years that Bob and I have been married. God has been very good to us. Besides health which is average for our ages (he's 85) and spiritual blessings we have:

1 DS who almost lost his life when he drove up a tree 2 months after graduating from college. He finally got married 6 years ago. This year his birthday was on Fathers' Day.

1 DD who was born on Christmas morning. Her birthday is always on Christmas! She and her DH have a DD...

I am determined

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 21:16:16 EST

--to get rid of these 7 1/2 pounds which have latched on to me in the last 11 weeks! I walked my 3 miles tonight for the 2nd time in 3 days and then carried 16 buckets or sprinkling cans of water to freshen my newly planted shrubs, etc. Thankfully tomorrow is planned as a catch-up-on paperwork day so I can rest up a bit.

I can't figure out my walk. This is Pennsylvania and not Kansas. But it seems that about 30% is fairly level, 40% uphill and 30% downhill. You might say I shou...

A happy first year with Sparks

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 10:46:20 EST

This has been a super experience for me. There have been friendships made with some wonderful people who have given me so much support ... some of it directly and some as they shared in other ways. You really are among my best friends and I thank you.

This past year I have shed 29 pounds, didn't quite make the 30, but that was without a goal date. When I even went to WW in previous years I didn't net more than a 10 pound drop for a year's time. I seemed to be of the mentality ...

best laid plans + monkey wrenches

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 14:19:17 EST

After my "words of wisdom" to a teammate who was wondering about obsessive thoughts of food throughout the day, my DH said he would like for us to go to Taco Bell for lunch. On weekends my menus are not that planned so I let him twist my arm a bit.

I ordered a fresco bean burrito just before a lot of people also entered the store. My DHs 7 layer burrito was served, not my sandwich---which I later discovered was not properly ordered by the order taker. I was told they would ...

Week 1 Day 1

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:29:52 EST

Today started out just great. After my devotions, reading the newspaper,breakfast, solving the puzzles, it was only a little after 9:30 A.M. So on to the treadmill followed by stretch exercises. It seemed like an ideal day in the making.

But then came the afternoon. How many of you have a DH who keeps electronics working. My DH is pretty handy with the remote control for his TV and gives it a good workout. But that is about his limit. Oh, he also can play DVD movies which h...

8 week plan

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 22:23:12 EST

I just finished reading Jen's Blog re. her plan to lose 5% of her weight in the next 8 weeks. She also has other committments made to assist her in making her goal.

All this sounds doable for me and I plan to make similar plans posting them tomorrow.

Anyone else wanting to join in? It should be easier if we can get our team spirit to encourage each of us on as we see the progress of others. Many of us should be doing this for our own health. Community can make each o...

Taking care of my Heart

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:04:57 EST

Valentine's Day is a great time to think about others we love AND how about loving our own selves!

SparkPeople remind me that I am important and need to take care of myself. Over the last year my BP has times of getting elevated by 40 to 50 points above what used to be healthy readings. I don't like that. When I recall this, I get motivated to improve my lazy, indulgent lifestyle. And no, I do not overuse salt or processed foods. Thankfully, my teammates on Spark fill in those...

Join in our Party

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:43:11 EST

Isn't it wonderful to read about those who are succeeding so nicely at this time of the year!!!. 243
Over the years when I repeatedly went on diets, I never expected a loss during the winter months.Sinus problems/colds/staying indoors/comfort foods to perk up my spirits/laziness/wearing loose, bulky clothes/etc. would at best allow me to keep my gain to 2 to 3 pounds with hopefully a fresh start in spring.

I was ready for repeating this pattern. But first, Lee took ...

Exercise is going fine ...

Tue, 4 Jan 2011 19:38:44 EST

... thanks mostly to being inspired by many of you. 304

BUT, I am not doing well with my eating plan lately. Seems I just feel hungry all the time. I'm drinking extra water and sleeping fine. I may need to readjust my food choices. My only sweet is a small piece of dark chocolate.

At least I am becoming more limber. Now that is unusual for me!

Fay

Boot Camp? Not For Me!!

Sun, 2 Jan 2011 16:18:49 EST

Even though Marcia is doing boot camp 243 , I won't be joining in -- at least with the Spark trainer.

First of all, I am not coordinated 234 . I'll do either the arms or the legs, but not together as shown. Maybe I could get some of them worked out in about a week. This does not include the 2 harder ones. So by WEEK 2 I MIGHT be ready to advance to DAY 2, etc.!! Just how many levels are there?

Better for me would seem to be walking and Anne Burre...

Insights from SANDHILL5

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:12:48 EST

Sunday, December 26, 2010

THE HOLIDAYS ARE ALMOST OVER, AND ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE
NOTHING WOULD FIT ME, NOT EVEN A BLOUSE.

THE COOKIES I'D NIBBLED, AND THE CANDY I'D TASTE
AT THE HOLIDAY PARTIES, HAD GONE TO MY WAIST.

WHEN I GOT ON THE SCALES, THERE WAS SUCH A GAIN
EVEN THE SCALE, HAD FELT ALL MY PAIN.

THE WINE AND THE RUM BALLS, THE BREAD AND THE CHEESE
AND THE WAY I'D NEVER SAID, "NO THANK YOU, PLEASE".

SO, A...

How can I encourage you?

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:39:49 EST

How can I encourage someone else when I am feeling so blah? I very much wish that I could perk up your day. The best I can do is just to tell you that I am your friend and I too am struggling. This is my least favorite time of the year exempting the feelings that come with the Christmas season.

I may as well realize that it is going to be a long winter for me and I will anxiously await mid-March when I hope to again become energized to follow the program more enthusiastically....

It' going to be a wonderful day!

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:33:58 EST

After sleeping a bonus 30 minutes, I arose with a positive attitude toward my Spark program. So far I've had a good breakfast, did some exercise and now will plan the rest of my meals and do some grocery shopping.

Even the sun is brightly shining which it hasn't been doing much of lately. So I'm ready to make the most of this day that God has given me. 104

Advent has begun

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 18:57:17 EST

This has been a wonderful day to start the Christmas season 445
While preparing to go to church this morning, I found a local radio station which had returned to the playing Christmas music.
As expected, our church sanctuary was simply decorated with the usual decorations. There was a special program with a visiting trio called the Jacob's Brothers. About half the musical selections were Christmas songs for which we usually were encouraged to join in singing. Oh, and ou...

New clothes really needed

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:57:59 EST

It seems that ever since skirts and slacks have been available with an elastic waist band, that is the style found in my wardrobe. But this morning I slipped on a skirt that I had not worn since last winter and it was inches too loose. Originally a belt came with it; but since I always covered my belly with a shirt or blouse, the belt was put aside. Since I was in a hurry this morning I grabbed the belt and completed dressing with my top tucked inside the skirt. I still need to work some ...

Shed a Pound vs Lose a Pound

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:05:16 EST

To me,
When I lose something, I usually go looking for it to get it back. Shall I look for those pounds that you have helped me to rid me of???

No way! Instead I have shed/released those pounds and I am not interested in reclaiming them to put them back.

I am so blessed to have such friends to encourage and support me along the way since my journey is far from over. 304 220 223

Fay

Early Thanksgiving

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:30:27 EST

Since my DH and I have been invited by our daughter to join them for Thanksgiving Day, I cooked a 12 pound turkey for my DH and me today. After the meal I cut up the rest of the meat and packaged enough for 2 meals putting it into the refrigerator and the rest is packaged in several containers and put into the freezer. We'll be thankful all over again when I can pull out those additional portions this winter.

And I'll be thankful next Thursday when I don't have to do any kitchen ...

What a difference a day makes!

Fri, 5 Nov 2010 21:39:03 EST

Yesterday was rain, rain and more rain--totaling at least 1 1/2 inches. Today was still mostly overcast but still many blessings to enjoy.

1. I stepped on the scales and found that I have again shed those sneaky pounds that reappeared over the last 2 weeks.

2. DH and I went out for breakfast, finding a couple there that we enjoy visiting with when we happen to get there on the same day

3. A family of 12, a few that we know, came to celebrate the son's first ...

It's a Small World

Tue, 2 Nov 2010 20:35:49 EST

After reading Marcia's recent blog, I learned that she and I (although 7 years difference in age) grew up less than a mile apart. Her name is somewhat familiar although I did not know her then. 213 252

Vote for ?

Mon, 1 Nov 2010 18:44:04 EST

Are you getting all negative political ads? Seems like the nearest to positive ad says I have a plan for_____. Where have I heard that before? Or wish I had not heard it before? According to each candidate the others are not to be trusted. And we are to do are civic duty and vote for one of them!

As Maxine tells it:

From the Grave to the Cradle

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 20:18:29 EST

It sounds a bit backwards, but that is the way my day seemed to me today.

This morning, my DH and I attended a church service honoring the remembrances of a cousin of mine. The Pastor happened to be the former assistant Pastor of my DH and my church. The service was late in starting because of all the people wanting to show their last respects. Many left, but the church was still filled for the service.

Kraig was only 66 but sickly with heart problems for much of hi...

When will we (I) learn

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:19:27 EST

A tune just came to my mind:
It's what you do with what you got,-----------That pays off in the end.

If we would use the SP principles instead of feeling we can slip back to our comfortable ways which only made things worse for us in the first place, we might actually find ourselves winning. And great friends are joining us in our battles if we can open up to them.

I am not meaning to compare SP with God, although in both of them we can find uplifting helps each ...

After the summer drought---the rains

Fri, 1 Oct 2010 07:24:21 EST

After about 4 inches of rain the day before, I put a bucket on our patio 24 hours ago. Just over 8 inches collected since then!!! Since the rains are traveling northward, the rivers which are near- overflowing, will not crest until later today. Our granddaughter bought a home by a river last November. Hope her home will be OK.

Fay

Spreading the Spark to my physician

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:26:48 EST

I had an appt. with my family doctor today with needed follow-up on my 20 point increase of my blood pressure. Six months ago and then again 3 months ago, Dr. Sue had recommended that I lose some weight. She was happy with the slight drop of B P so far and then, I was sure she would miss it, congratulated me on the weight I have lost so far.

This was my opportunity to tell her about Spark People and how much I preferred it to Weight Watchers which she knew I had used a couple of ...