http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal.asp?id=MSHOPPER63 MSHOPPER63'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=5134491 Today I had my first Spark meet, it was with Diane ( DIFROMWYOMING). I've spoken with Di several times over the last couple years, exchanged texts but there was nothing better than meeting her in person today. I felt like we've know each other for years. She's a very beautiful lady inside and out. Let me not forget to mention she has a very sweet husband. <BR> <BR> We toured Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, LA <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/7/4/l746100161.jp... Tue, 13 Nov 2012 20:50:34 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5122292 After being married 28 years I really should be used to disappointment but sometimes it's hard to suck up and put a smile on. Yesterday was my 28 anniversary, I started my husband day off great thinking, he took off but of course I had to work. Well to cut to the chase I didn't get as much as card. I wasn't looking for a gift but I would like a card expressing his love. Of course I have him a very nice one alone with a gift. <BR> <BR> Now for dinner we went to outback I ate very resp... Sat, 3 Nov 2012 09:04:39 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5118646 This has been a very, very long time coming in fact I don't think I have seen the 2's in over 20 years !! But finally with the support of my Spark Friends and hard work I am in the 2's. I've been trying half heartily for the last year promising I will do it this challenge but no go. Well, I have officially done it and I'm not sure I even believe it. <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/5/7/l57185761.jpg"> <BR> <BR> A special thanks to my Sapphire Sister and BLC fa... Wed, 31 Oct 2012 04:50:36 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5117652 I became lazy with the blogging but here's a recap for October <BR> <BR> Walking 3 miles daily <BR> 2 weeks no candy <BR> 2 weeks no fast food <BR> 2 weeks no biting my nails LOL <BR> <BR> We are about to have a break between challenges, I just have to stay focused and not lose my momentum. <BR> <BR> Tue, 30 Oct 2012 08:56:46 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5110548 I'm still walking 3 miles a day, finding it easier with each passing day. Today I was faced with a very uncomfortable situation which normally means time to grab a candy bar but instead I grabbed a book. sat outside and read for 3 hours. <BR> I'm getting stronger with every passing day, thanks to Spark family. <BR> <em>220</em> Tue, 23 Oct 2012 22:13:55 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5105392 10/18 <BR> <BR> Walk 6 miles <BR> <BR> 10/19 <BR> <BR> Walk 4 miles Fri, 19 Oct 2012 20:54:11 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5102892 Morning Walk 1.5 miles <BR> Worked which is nothing but walking 6 hrs <BR> Walked dog .5 miles <BR> Walked with husband 1 mile <BR> Total walking without work -- 3 miles <BR> <BR> Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:44:02 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5100925 For months now I've been waking up between 4 and 5 but finally I'm doing something productive with my morning and feel great. I added 7 more blocks to my route this morning. Snapped a picture of the sky just to document my walk. It was nice and cool too low 60's. <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/9/5/l956746822.jpg"> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 07:42:04 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5099482 Time to eliminate the E word from my vocabulary, no room or time for EXCUSES. <BR> <BR> Sunday <BR> <BR> Walked 3 miles <BR> Tons of laundry, stripping beds, etc <BR> Vacuumed my van out <BR> <BR> <BR> Monday <BR> <BR> 5 am walk <BR> <BR> My very small hubby is a diabetic after he checked his sugar I checked mine just to make sure it's still looking ok.. reading 87 !! NICE <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/3/9/l396969677.jpg"> Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:45:17 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5097858 This week has been amazing !! I managed to wash 2 cars, and 1 van during the week. Today woke up at 4:30 just can't sleep late, here's my day... <BR> 4:30 loaded work boxes in my van <BR> 5:00-7:30 watched tv, surfed the web <BR> 7:30 Cooked breakfast for my and DD <BR> 8:00 Started cooking a gumbo for dinner <BR> 9:00 Took dog for a 1 mile walk <BR> 9:45-11:30 Cleaned out the shed !! It looks amazing <BR> 12:15 went shopping with my friend , she need a new computer <BR> 4:00 - ... Sat, 13 Oct 2012 19:09:06 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5048936 Well, I've done it again. Today I was faced with a very difficult and uncomfortable situation. To spite telling myself I would not turn to food I did. I broke my week of no fast food and went to McDonalds. In all my years of working with domestic violence cases, the extensive training, still I found myself taking the blame for the actions of others. I know better so why, why didn't I say NO !! It's not ok for you force your intentions on me, it's not ok to send unwanted corresp... Fri, 7 Sep 2012 19:15:16 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5042897 Wow I really am not good at writing blogs. Tonight I decided I wanted to document a few changes I was going to make for the upcoming challenge and sure enough the last time I created a blog was at the start of the previous challenge. <BR> <BR> I've already made one important change and that's to limit my FB game time. Those games are additive. I need to spend more time visiting my spark friends and getting motivated. <BR> <BR> For me Leaves of Change will be getting back to the basics... Mon, 3 Sep 2012 19:21:46 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4928417 Well, I'm going to start off by saying how horrible I am at blogging. I normally procrastinate when there's a challenge involving blogging. Today we had 2 new members join the Sapphire Beauty team. One member Marisa wrote a great blog and jumped into the challenge full force which has ignited my flame. Now onto the challenge.... <BR> <BR> Why did you join Sparkpeople? Discovered Sparkpeople 3 years ago, I was weighing 364 and suffering severely with back issues. It was a place to... Fri, 15 Jun 2012 23:18:49 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4895184 Nothing like waiting until the last minute to do my blog. I am just not good at doing blogs as most of my friend will tell you. <BR> <BR> The Spring challenge was a success for me, I didn't hit 299 but I did manage to below below 305. I was more active than the winter challenge. <BR> I'm learning how to deal with stress in other ways than turning to food. Trying to set an example for my team mates with Strength Training. <BR> Areas that need improvement... eating more veggies,... Wed, 23 May 2012 20:45:18 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4477389 Well, I am not much of a blogger. This year has been one for the record books, it seems like when it rains it pours. I know we are never given more than we can handle but lately I'm finding that hard to believe. <BR> I guess I should get used to my husband not being overly attentive. Maybe that's not the right word but anyway. We both work but I tend to be the only one to cook, if he stays home I'm still the only one that cooks. I guess I'm at a point where I'm tired of working, ... Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:06:09 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4283941 <BR> Ok well nothing like waiting to the last minute to write my blog for this challenge. <BR> During this challenge I will not use excuses to skip exercise. <BR> When tired or not feeling well I will at least do my strength training <BR> I will make wise food choices <BR> Stay away from the fast food joints <BR> Pack my lunch <BR> Increase my water to 10 glasses a day <BR> <BR> Check on my Sapphire Sisters a minimum of 4 times a week. Tue, 7 Jun 2011 19:41:38 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3903046 I Don't know what kind of exercise to do: <BR> <BR> If you want to really see changes, you need to do a combination of activities that include three elements: cardio, strength training, and functional fitness exercises. ( I will post this in the next blog Step 3) <BR> Unstructured exercise is important too. Parking at the farthest end of the lot, getting up to talk to colleagues instead of sending e-mails--these little things contribute to overall fitness. And if this informal type of act... Sat, 8 Jan 2011 10:37:28 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3902872 Step 2: ( The Life You Want; Get Motivated, Lose Weight, And Be Happy) Bob Greene <BR> These are only exerts from the O Magazine article, the entire book is listed above. <BR> <BR> Once you've found our motivation, the next step is to get rid of any excuses that stand in your way. I have no time, I'm physically limited, I can't afford a gym membership. There are a million cop-outs, and yet hordes of people-- even those with busy schedules and chronic pain-- manage to exercise. <BR> <BR> ... Sat, 8 Jan 2011 09:33:45 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3897603 This was taken from O Magazine, exerts from Bob Greenes new book. <BR> The Life You Want: Get Motivated, Lose Weight, And Be Happy <BR> <BR> Ten Reasons To Exercise ( pick at least one). <BR> <BR> 1. You want to fight disease. <BR> Exercise reduces your risk of a number of conditions, such as cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes (the National institutes of Health says healthy diet and exercise can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%). <BR> <BR> 2. You want to... Thu, 6 Jan 2011 17:03:07 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3842152 We are in the second week of the Great Winter Melt Down, our team challenge this week is to get to know your buddy and write a blog about how you will support your buddy during the challenge. <BR> <BR> I want to start by telling everyone how wonderful my buddy is. Her name is April, she's married to a very supportive husband, a Christian and loving school teacher. As I read about my buddy she mentioned how much she likes to stay organized, well I could sure learn a few tips from her. Th... Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:22:57 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3790408 All too often when dieting we judge our success by the number on the scale. The number doesn't change we think we're a failure. Well, I stayed on program, exercised 5 out of 7 days but the scale didn't move so all that is thrown out the window as we start to blame ourselves for not working harder. I'm so glad I noticed this thread on the BLC Winter Melt Down. Over the last 1 1/2 yrs since joining SP I lost 47 pounds and was really getting depressed because the scale isn't moving... Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:54:59 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3541296 I'm gearing up for the Fall Biggest Loser Challenge !! I am a proud member of the Sapphire Stars !!! We will shine bright throughout this challenge. <BR> <BR> As I do a self inventory and prepare for the challenge my biggest area of improvement is Exercise. <BR> <BR> Being honest I really hate exercising. <BR> <BR> I own the following equipment: <BR> <BR> Treadmill <BR> Stationary Bike <BR> Wii Fit, several games <BR> Neighborhood with sidewalks (lol) <BR> <BR> I really need help get... Mon, 16 Aug 2010 06:49:01 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3457159 I never realized losing weight was such a mind game. Yes we all know it's takes will power. What I'm trying hard to fight is the demons of BAD HABITS ! I guess it goes back to you can't teach an old dog new tricks, when your older and trying to lose weight you must learn new tricks. New tricks to choosing healthier foods, exercising daily, tracking food, etc. <BR> Sunday I was heading to spend the day with my younger sister, this is how old habits come in to play. I ate my breakfast and... Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:36:33 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3335798 This blog is to show my successes. <BR> <BR> 1. Successfully tracked food since May 18 <BR> 2. Drank 8 or more glasses of water everyday <BR> 3. Exercised at least 3 times a week, most weeks 5 <BR> 4. Only ate fast food twice since May 18. <BR> 5. Have not eaten any candy other than sugar free ( very minimal) <BR> <BR> Well, my scale is not showing a loss as quick as I would like it to. I often wonder if the darn thing works because it will show up to 8 pounds heavier at times. I keep ... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:22:00 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3294544 Wednesday - Cardio 30 minutes. strength training 15 minutes **** DONE***** <BR> <BR> Thursday - Cardio 45 minutes, strenth training 10 minutes *** DONE**** <BR> <BR> Friday -- Cardio 30 minutes, strength training 15 minutes **** DONE **** <BR> <BR> Saturday-- Cardio 45 minutes, strenth training 10 minutes ****DONE**** <BR> <BR> Sunday-- Cardio 30 minutes, strenth training 15 minutes <BR> <BR> Monday -- Cardio 45 minutes, strength training 10 minutes **** DONE... Wed, 2 Jun 2010 21:48:47 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3259526 Sizzling Summer Challenge starting 5/26, here's my exercise plans. <BR> <BR> Sunday Wii Active 30 minutes **** Done Moderate intensity*** <BR> <BR> Monday Wii Active 30 minutes **** Done Light/Moderate intensity*** <BR> <BR> Tuesday Treadmill 20 minutes **** Rested Pulled Muscle ***** <BR> <BR> Wednesday Wii Active 30 minutes **** Done**** <BR> <BR> Thursday Treadmill 30 minutes **** Done **** <BR> <BR> Friday Wii Active 30 minutes *** Done**** <BR> <BR> ... Sun, 23 May 2010 13:24:17 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3252943 It's Friday morning, I have worked out everyday this week, mowed our entire yard yesterday. Stayed within my recommend calories for the week. Yesterday my sister came to town so my daughter and I met her at Chili's I told her I would not eat because I already had my turkey sandwich. It was 2 hrs since I ate, she ordered the chili caso which I love but I did not touch one chip, I drank 3 glasses of water and actually was not tempted by the food. <BR> <BR> I think what helped me resist ... Fri, 21 May 2010 08:17:21 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3234980 1. I will tell myself every morning that I am worthy of being a healthier me !! <BR> 2. I will turn every negative road block into something positive. <BR> 3. Read one success story from the Spark site every evening <BR> 4. Post daily to my Sparkbuddies, this will not only motivate me to follow my own advice but <BR> aide my buddy on her weight loss journey. <BR> 5. Check out motivational books/ tapes to read during the summer challenge. <BR> <BR> 6. Re-read these tips weekly!!! Sun, 16 May 2010 12:08:52 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=2491211 Being over weight for 90% of my lifetime has taught me one thing <BR> ... I Love Food... <BR> Every special occasion, you get rewarded with food. These last 6 months with Sparkpeople has really opened my eyes. <BR> I am teaching myself how to ... Eat to Live NOT Live to Eat <BR> Will eating twinkies, pizza and candy bars help me live to 80? I think NOT <BR> Will eating fruits, veggies and a balance meal keep me alive longer? I think SO <BR> I know that I am addicted to sugar, it's... Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:51:55 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=2485628 When I joined Sparkpeople the only thing I had on my mind was losing weight and feeling better. Quickly I learned how important it was to set small goals for yourself since I have a large amount of weight to lose. <BR> <BR> 1st goal - Lose enough weight to get on the Wii Fit (accomplished 10/10) <BR> <BR> Ready to set 2nd goal <BR> <BR> 2. Weigh under 300 pounds by Jan 1, 2010. <BR> <BR> That would be 31 pounds. I realize this is ambitious goal but I will not get discouraged if i... Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:56:36 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=2468251 I bought the Wii and Wii Fit for the family last Christmas knowing that I could not get on it due to being over the weight limit. In April I joined SP and one of my goals was to get on the Wii Fit. This weeks weight was 332 so today I told my husband I wanted to try and see if the board would take me. YES it recognized me!! I am no longer over the weight limit. It said my weight was 325.5 but I do not think that was accurate because of being on carpet. My Wii age came in at 48 which... Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:08:39 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=2448789 We have really become fast food junkies. After joining Sparkpeople in April I cut out fast food, started cooking at home and lost 26 pounds. Then in July went on a weeks vacation where we ate out everyday, we became fast food junkies again and all because of my laziness. I regained about 7 pounds or so. I still logged into SP daily but really did not post, nor did I enter any food in the food tracker. Thanks to the motivational message from my SP friends I regrouped in September and ... Sat, 3 Oct 2009 10:50:45 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=2448758 You know I keep reading losing weight is HARD. <BR> So why is it HARD, well because it is very HARD to make smart choices when we are surrounded by high calorie, high fat, low nutrient value foods daily. Healthy food cost more and in this economy it's HARD to find the extra money to buy healthy foods. Losing weight requires exercise to burn off those extra pounds. Exercise is HARD because we have become couch potatoes. <BR> When I think of HARD I think of it as a word that can stop ... Sat, 3 Oct 2009 10:32:34 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=2411149 Hello my SP buddies, <BR> <BR> I have really been trying to increase exercise. Most of you know I have a very bad back. I do walk on the treadmill but my husband is wanting to get an exercise bike. He is having lots of trouble with his knee so he thinks the bike will be good for him as well. I have looked at several but of course they all have weight limits. I really would like to keep the price 250 or under. The weight limit needs to handle 350. <BR> <BR> Do any of you currently us... Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:57:14 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=2091871 <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/2/5/b255241111.jpg"> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/8/6/b866399124.jpg"> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/3/7/b372672740.jpg"> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/4/0/b402470947.jpg"> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/7/9/b792350433.jpg"> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/9/3/b93803139.jpg"> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/5/5/b557777092.jpg"> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/7/1/b7... Mon, 25 May 2009 16:41:10 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=2058446 Well, it's a happy time yet very sad. My one and only child Macy will be graduating on May 21 from high school. I can not believe it is already that time. You know the ole saying is right you blink and they are all grown up. I have no idea what to get her for a graduation present. Yes, she would love a car but we can not afford that. She'll be starting at the local technical college in the fall then transferring to Nicholls in a year or so. I figured when she went to Nic... Wed, 13 May 2009 10:32:57 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=2001333 Ok, I'm still trying to get an exercise routine going. Of course my back doesn't help because my mind wants to do it but my back says something different. Well, tonight I got on the treadmill with the intentions of walking 15 minutes = a 1/2 mile. I turn on the tv and find the movie Enough which I love with Jennifer Lopez. I walk, here comes my 1/2 mile yes I'm starting to feel the back but I say I can do it... 3/4 mile, no stopping me now then yes I hit 1 mile !! <BR> <BR> I w... Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:30:16 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=1986545 Today was my week 2 , I had high hopes of losing big this week. Well, as you can tell this isn't going well. I stayed exactly the same. I keep telling myself I will not let the scale get me down!! <BR> <BR> Things I've accomplished this week... <BR> <BR> 14 days without soft drinks <BR> Drank 12 to 16 glasses of water a day <BR> Exercised 3 days (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) <BR> (now that I know my treadmill can hold me <BR> I will be walking more) <BR> Tracked my food everyday... Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:09:04 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=1980160 Well, I finally did some exercise tonight. My back has really given me trouble this week so I haven't started exercising. Well tonight my daughter says Mom you want to Sweat to the Oldies with me. I was only able to do 5 1/2 minutes, she did 35 minutes. I did walk on the treadmill for 16 minutes. Total exercise 21 minutes. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:35:22 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=1967735 Well, it's the start to my second week. I'm staying very busy reading the blogs, success stories, etc. Last night I was thinking I never do anything for myself. I rarely spend money on clothes, I dye my hair at home, get my hair cut maybe twice a year, I always put everyone before myself. I decided when I hit 5o pounds I would get my hair cut and dyed by my sisters best friend, he's a great stylist ! I need a hair cut right now really bad so what I think I will do is get a cut locally @ 2... Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:30:39 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=1965220 Well, today is Easter Sunday a holy day and the day of my first weigh in. I am down 6 pounds in my first week. Now I realize since this is my first week a lot of this is fluid. Things I have accomplished this week... <BR> 1 - No soft drinks- not even diet <BR> 2- No candy or chips <BR> 3- I drank 64oz of water a day and more most days! <BR> I did have 2 chocolate chips cookies with my daugther but I planned for them. <BR> I haven't measured yet, but my goal is to tackle that this wee... Sun, 12 Apr 2009 09:18:20 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=1948145 Day 2 and no soft drink so far !! Gosh I didn't realize how much water I wasn't drinking. Getting down 8 glasses really does cut your appetite. Mon, 6 Apr 2009 12:44:18 EST