http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal.asp?id=JOURNEYTO50 JOURNEYTO50's Blog on SparkPeople, home of free diet plans and a healthy living community http://assets2.sparkpeople.com/assets/nav/logo_spark.gif http://www.sparkpeople.com/ http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4451926 I think that a teacher's year does not run January to December like most people's. We count the years from September (or August) to the end of summer. The nice thing about counting time as a teacher is that in addition to the typical "restarts" that we all have for New Year's, we have the addition "new beginnings" at the start of the school year and again after each quarter as the year progresses, and once again at the start of summer. It is so much easier for me to set 9 week goals and ke... Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:58:45 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4412229 I am definitely in this for the weight loss...at least that is how it all started. But, the thing that makes me so happy with sparkpeople is that I can work on all the other things in life that not only kept me from weight loss goals, but also those things that I always wanted to do and never found a way to accomplish.! <BR> <BR> I read an article today on the site about consistency. I am doing better with this than ever before, but I could be even better. So, after taking three weeks to ... Sun, 7 Aug 2011 12:03:40 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4363396 This week my computer went down! I was lost without it! I was able to get online briefly when my kids were otherwise occupied and their computers were free. I could check my bank account, my email, my facebook page, and spin the spark wheel! But, I couldn't spend the time I usually do tracking, finding recipes, and talking with spark friends. I missed it! <BR> <BR> So I spent today catching up. I visited teams and some spark pages and blogs. I caught up my goal pages. I made two new... Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:00:45 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4324414 Day #22: Posting a picture of something I wish I were better at.... <BR> <BR> I am posting a picture of an organized desk/living area. I wich I were more organized at home and at work. <BR> <BR> At work I teach and many things are out of my control such as many people working in the area and moving things around. I certainly want my students and staff to use the teaching materials, but we never quite find the best way to tidy up completely. At home, I have family members moving throug... Sun, 26 Jun 2011 20:54:41 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4322489 Day #21: Posting a picture of a place I would like to visit before I die.... <BR> <BR> There are so many places I would like to see in this country and abroad. But, I daydream about going back to a place that was important to me growing up. I was born in New York City and lived there untiil I was 6 years old when we moved out of the city to Rockland County. My dad continued to commute into the city and I remember trips into NYC on the train. I have been back to New York CIty several tim... Sat, 25 Jun 2011 19:32:37 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4311985 Day #20...I am posting a picture of something I cannot do...... <BR> <BR> I cannot run. I used to run in college. My dad was a runner. He especially loved 10K's, but he did quite well on half-marathons and did the New York City Marathon several times as well as the Orange Bowl Marathon in Miami before trying triathlons. So, while we were in college, he coached my brother and I to run. I did mostly 5K's and tried a 5 mile once or twice. <BR> <BR> Now, I am so much older and carrying too... Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:07:56 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4307249 Day# 19: Post a picture of a nickname that you have and tell why...... <BR> <BR> Well, I really had to take an extra day on this because I was not thinking simply. I kept thinking that no one has ever called me anything by Nancy. I really had never had a nickname. I was getting ready to just write that and post a picture of a question mark...when my husband reminded me that to my kids, I am "Mom." I started out as "Mommy" when they were young and now that they are all between the ages ... Sat, 18 Jun 2011 18:55:51 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4303595 Day#18- Posting a picture of my greatest insecurity...... <BR> <BR> Well, that's easy. I teach in a smaller rural district. Budget cuts are everyday discussions. I teach a very small, very specific population of students and, so far, I remain needed. But, I worry that I will be affected and I worry about how I would continue to carry insurance coverage (my husband is retired), and put the kids through school, and help with their living expenses until they are on their own. I think it i... Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:43:42 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4301164 Day #17-Post a picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life...recently. <BR> <BR> Very recently...my son left for LDAC 2011 (Leadership Development and Assessment Course)at Ft. Lewis -McCord. It is 28 days of assessment following three years of preparation in Army Officer Training. A great deal rests on his performance in this assessment and a great deal went into getting ready for this month. Emotionally, it is huge to u alls. It has been a huge journey adjusting to his... Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:38:11 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4299219 Day #16: Posting a picture of someone who inspires me..... <BR> <BR> Whew! Almost didn't get this one in. The weather is playing havoc with my internet connection today. <BR> <BR> This is a picture of a friend and colleague. We watch TV and see all these wonderful people who have risen to fame and even use their fame for good causes. They are role models and people surely to look up to. <BR> <BR> But in everyday life, we run across the "angels." The people who do their best and are... Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:12:17 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4296292 Day #15: Post a picture of something you would like to do before you die..... <BR> <BR> I grew up with a horse. He was a Palomino Quarter Horse named Major. He was young when I got him and I had him until I was finishing high school and getting ready to go away to college. At that time I found him an excellent home and started my life...school, marriage, kids, etc. <BR> <BR> Before I die, I would like to own a horse again. I live in rural Minnesota and so it is within the realm of p... Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:05:04 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4294135 Day #14 Post a picture of you NOW...... <BR> <BR> Since I let my son take our digital camera on his latest trip to Pierre so that he could take flood coverage and sand bagging efforts, my husband was nice enough to snap a cell phone shot today. I cannot emphasize enough that I have run from cameras for so long, this entry held me up almost three weeks on proceding through the challenge. But, not wanting to be the person who starts something and does not finish, here it is. A picture of me... Sun, 12 Jun 2011 19:20:24 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4292146 I have been thinking everyday that I need to resume the picture challenge and finish what I started! I told myself that I probably stopped when I let my son take my camera to Pierre when he helped with the flooding, but my husband still does have a cell phone that takes photos. I then thought it was probably because I have been sharing my computer with my daughter while hers is being repaired, but somehow I managed to get on enough to do all my other "sparking." So, I am left with the real... Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:41:58 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4249402 Day #13: Posting a picture of my favorite music artist or group... <BR> <BR> Right now, I am enjoying listening to Rob Thomas. I like the sound of his voice and the messages in his lyrics. I like that he is not too overexposed and "showy." I like that he sings songs to his wie. He is enduring and encouraging. It is "feel good" music that allows you to ponder and think about what is important in life. His music is great to walk to.... <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.... Sun, 22 May 2011 19:45:10 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4247835 Day #12: Post a picture that defines you..... <BR> <BR> I think we all wear many hats in a day. But, I think once we have children, we are always someone's mom! My kids are finishing college and venturing off, but I never stop thinking about them or worrying about them. I still make job decisions based upon their needs and where I want to be in life to be available to them. I joined Sparkpeople on March 2 to be able to keep up with the next stages of life. So, this is my picture.... <B... Sat, 21 May 2011 21:40:36 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4246168 Day 11 - A picture of your IPOD or other music playing device on shuffle, <BR> and then list the first 10 songs that play. <BR> <BR> An IPOD? Really? No. I am not that technologically advanced. I am lucky to be managing blogs. My new digital camera is a huge challenge. The picture challenge is not so much a challenge as to what to write, but in how I am going to manage to add a picture!!! <BR> <BR> So, no. There is no IPOD. Instead, I have a radio. Two radios. One in the car and ... Fri, 20 May 2011 20:51:22 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4244066 Falling behind on a 30 day picture challenge is not something I want to do! But, I came home from a field trip yesterday and fell asleep. So, here is my next entry. <BR> <BR> Day #10-posting a picture of my closest friend.... <BR> <BR> I married my closest friend. This is a picture of my husband and two sons at my younger son's graduation. This picture is three years old as the kids are starting to graduate now from college. We are wondering where the years went. In all that time, fri... Thu, 19 May 2011 19:43:13 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4239669 Day #9-Posting a picture of something that motivates me.... <BR> <BR> I like this picture because this woman seems to have nothing weighing her down. I would like to not worry about things like debt, extra pounds, health, etc. I want to feel healthy and free of things that weigh me down in life. I want to approach days with great abandon and greet days with open arms. I think it really will come. I saw a saying on a poster at work that said that the only person who can discourage me is ... Tue, 17 May 2011 21:10:29 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4237082 Day #8: Posting a picture of my favorite color.... <BR> <BR> I like white. I think it is clean and crisp. It reminds me of new sheets, white roses and baby's breath, cotton, new snow, lace curtains, wedding dresses, sundresses, socks, and fresh paint. It works in any season and in any place. <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/6/9/l698323281.jpg"> <BR> <BR> Have a great week!! Mon, 16 May 2011 18:55:05 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4234650 Day #7: Post a picture of your most treasured item.... <BR> <BR> I really don't treasure any "thing." There isn't anything I have that I wouldn't let go if I needed to. I especially started to feel this way as we struggled to put kids through college-their success was more important. These days, so many things can be replaced and records are electronically stored somewhere! <BR> <BR> But, I have an interesting story. About 12 years ago, while spending a summer in Minnesota with family... Sun, 15 May 2011 19:46:19 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4232914 Day #6: Post a picture of someone you would like to change places with for a day.... <BR> <BR> I was talking with my daughter about this topic and she suggested someone like Oprah. I really do like Oprah, but I do not have the same lifestyle that she does and I don't really aspire to. <BR> <BR> I decided instead, to post a picture of my daughter. I think for one day, I would like to be that young and excited about college again, to have my whole life ahead of me, and to be so smart tha... Sat, 14 May 2011 21:27:31 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4231098 Day #5: Posting a picture of my favorite animal... <BR> <BR> I really love to take care of animals. I really like dogs because they come into our homes and become a family member. My dog Jess is full of personality. She is wonderful company and keeps me moving-getting me up in the morning and out for long walks! My favorite animal is the dog and this one in particular is my favorite of all. This photo was taken this evening in the yard. I am holding off on that summer grooming as it i... Fri, 13 May 2011 20:40:42 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4228991 Day #4-Post a picture of the cast of your favorite TV show... <BR> <BR> I follow a number of programs these day (Grey's Anatomy, Glee, Private Practice) and can talk about all in the teacher's lounge at lunch with my friends. But, my all-time favorite program and cast of characters come from The Gilmore Girls. It is a story about a mother and teenage daughter living in a small town in New England. I can watch an entire season on a weekend day on DVD and have a great time! The characters ... Thu, 12 May 2011 21:39:02 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4226246 Day #3-Post a picture of your motivation for weight loss..... <BR> <BR> I posted a picture of the beach on Sanibel Island off the west coast of Florida. I have lived in MInnesota for almost nine years, but I am from Florida. I go home to visit my parents three times per year. Very soon, I would like to go out on the beach to smell the ocean air, feel the breeze, and experience the water....in a bathing suit...without being so self-conscious. (It doesn't have to be a bikini). I would jus... Wed, 11 May 2011 18:11:33 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4223903 Today I am supposed to post a picture of me with the person that I have been closest to for the longest period of time. Today being my silver anniversary-25 years-I thought it was great to post in my blog that this person would be my husband (probably my parents, but I am going to post my husband). But, I am going to cheat and put up a picture of the two of us when we were dating and did some sailing off the coast of Florida. Back in the days when I wore a bikini, oh some 26 years ago! <B... Tue, 10 May 2011 20:09:01 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4221523 I saw this schedule on someone's blog this weekend and told them that I thought it was a great idea. The idea is to post a blog with a picture for each of the days following guidelines. <BR> So, day #1 is to post a recent picture of yourself. This is mine taken this evening after my walk. <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/2/0/l201832494.jpg"> <BR> <BR> Same time, same place tomorrow. This seems like fun!! <BR> <BR> <BR> Mon, 9 May 2011 20:47:21 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4171178 For three to four days last week, I forgot........ I got caught up in all that other "stuff." I worried about everything I could think of. I stayed up too late and got up to early just to worry about it. <BR> <BR> I forgot to take care of myself. I forgot to eat well. I forgot to track and work on goals. I forgot to rest. I got too tired to walk or exercise. I even crawled onto the couch or into bed and ignored the pleadings of my dog Jess to go for a walk. She gave me the "what did ... Sun, 17 Apr 2011 06:09:08 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4143989 I have found myself in "a place" where I could really mess up! I am discouraged at work, suffering from allergies and a spring cold, and facing the final big financial obligations of the school year (tuition, living expenses for the kids, last fuel fills, state taxes!) <BR> <BR> To this point, sparkpeople has helped me be distracted and motivated. I could spend only so much time worrying, so much time working, and the rest of the time...exercising, tracking, cooking, and visiting! <BR> <... Tue, 5 Apr 2011 11:32:20 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4112586 Today winter decided to let us know that it is not done in Minnesota! Just when we were getting used to some nice weather, we were hit withicy rain and snow. As a result, we got a snow day from school (I wonder how we make up snow days on extended days to make up snow days!-Oh well!). <BR> <BR> Because the weather is moving in again, Jess and I have been stuck indoors and unable to do our walks. So, I dusted off some aerobic videos I have kept since I had kids and was trying to work off ... Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:37:33 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4096980 I recruited my spaniel Jess to accompany me on my walks. She has gained a little too much this past year herself! She has made an evening walk in the milder Minnesota weather a lot of fun and something to look forward to. After a winter in the house, she is ready to go! Everyday when I get done with supper, she runs to the door and is ready to leave. I could hardly stay home and disappoint her! <BR> <BR> The first day, we went out a country road behind our house. It is a mile out to th... Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:26:58 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4091660 I got to share good news today with my friends that I managed to put fitness minutes up yesterday with a nice walk on the country road behind my house (out to Weber's farm and back is two miles). My spaniel Jess was in heaven as the weather in Minnesota is looking cheerier and we have both been stuck indoors. We are looking forward to another evening walk through town. <BR> <BR> I also lost 13 pounds since starting and am very enthused to start stage 2. I feel better. I have the website f... Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:56:37 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4088163 Not as easy as you might think! Copy and Paste into your own blog, change the answers to suit you. It's really hard to only use one word answers. "Borrowed" this from CGARR442 <BR> <BR> Where is your cell phone? <BR> Purse <BR> <BR> Spouse? <BR> Sleeping <BR> <BR> Your hair? <BR> Brown <BR> <BR> Your mother? <BR> Florida <BR> <BR> Your father? <BR> Florida <BR> <BR> Your favorite thing? <BR> Movies <BR> <BR> Your dream last night? <BR> Ridiculous <BR> <BR> Favorite drink? <B... Sun, 13 Mar 2011 12:56:10 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4079936 Yesterday I finished my first full week on the plan. I am very happy with how things are going. The small (and difficult) little changes are adding up. I gave up coffee and pop (except for my Sunday morning breakfast with friends) and have not missed it and feel better. The luch packing is great-it saves me minutes on my lunch time not going down to the cafeteria and with the snack in the day I feel very, very full. I weighed in last Monday and lost six pounds after only 5 days on the pl... Wed, 9 Mar 2011 20:16:48 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4066845 Today I played around with the website and changed my background color to something cheerier. I even added a photo. This is not easy to do when you have avoided photographs for a long time. The only photos I could find were around significant life events because those just have to be recognized. I will post a new photo every month and maybe feel much more comfortable with it soon. <BR> <BR> I finished three days on the plan and joined a challenge! I have read so many encouraging stori... Fri, 4 Mar 2011 18:31:36 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4064209 I am loving this! I feel more in control already. They site is great-and I am learning more about it every day. I love the variety of foods and the great meals. This was a great day! Thu, 3 Mar 2011 19:18:10 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4061449 This is my first full day to run through a day of meals. I had a lot of fun preparing meals. I am set up for tomorrow with lunch and snack packed and feel excited about tomorrow. I am still navigating around the Sparkpeople site-there is so much to see and read! There is so much to do! Wed, 2 Mar 2011 19:53:38 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4058739 I signed on yesterday for the first time. Today was my planning day to shop and explore the website and meal plans. I have already shopped for the last days of the week and packed tomorrow's lunch and snack. I plan to "Plan" and not get caught unprepared. I am very excited. I ate a healthier meal for tonight and have already abstained from pop! (one small goal). I told everyone at work what I was up to for their support. 79 pounds is a long way to go-but, it is time to make that change... Tue, 1 Mar 2011 20:52:33 EST