Posts: 4,918
11/30/12 6:38 P

Hello, my name is Darlene and I live in Tacoma,WA. I lost my husband 7 yrs ago and I'm still kicking. I feel like he is on vacation and when he comes back he will be with me in Heaven.
I have 2 daughters who are married and the youngest one has 2 daughters and they live with me but their older one lives with the other grandma in Shelton were all use to live but the oldest one.

I'm a christian lady that goes to church and Bible study on Tues and Thursday.
Darlene

Posts: 6,487
11/15/12 7:20 A

Hi team , some of you know me from other teams, as we have I similar aims it is inevitable we will meet up in teams . Just looking at my teams I noted they all have positive names or themes, that us how I am A positive person,
Briefly I am Irene usually called Ree but I don't mind either , I am English married to Maurice and we live near Nottingham, I m an oldie but a goodie I hope, been sparking for a few years now, I help administer 2 teams,
Weight wise I have lost about 35 pounds very slowly really at maintenance now, determined it won't creep back, I eat healthily rather than for slimming. Exercise? I do my own programme to music most days, I walk round the small town where I live but can't do marathons etc. I prefer to look at what I can do not dwell on what I can not do,
Hobbies! ? I do counted cross stitching, I read write, play scrabble on line, I do research into historical dress , and occasionally now I do talks on that topic. Present project is researching teen ager wear of the recent past , I am to do a talk on it to a young women's group.. Enough of me, I look forward to meeting you all, I am certainly in for the long haul,there are no quick fixes or magic wands! Ree


Edited by: STITCHINGNAN at: 11/15/2012 (07:22)

SparkPoints: (26,842)
Fitness Minutes: (20,915)
Posts: 32,281
10/28/12 6:26 P

My name is Sandra I have been with SP since last Feb. Today I am starting fresh with WW on my own. Married for 42 years 2 sons both are married 1 grandson who is in his 3rd year of college. I have 3 cats. DH and I live in California. I am ready to take this weight loss journey all the way.

current weight: 292.0

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275

SparkPoints: (4,623)
Fitness Minutes: (1,750)
Posts: 572
10/25/12 12:43 P

Rejoined~ New Username...

I was a member of sparkpeople a couple times under different user names but since menopause, my thinking gets all screwed up and I let emotions get the best of me. So I end up dropping teams or leaving sparkpeople completely. But I'm back to stay this time, no matter what til I lose this weight.
******************UPDATED 10-27-2012********************
Ok, I had these big plans and guess I'm trying to do too much all at once. So here's an update on what I will be working towards now and hope with everything I have in me, I can stick with.
I went back to weighing and will weigh once a week instead of daily, starting tomorrow. After 30 years of weighing daily; going cold turkey just isn't going to work for me. So it'll be once a week for now.
I plan to do a modified low carb plan. That means I will basically be giving up 98% of the junk carbs but allowing the veggie and fruit carbs that most low carb plans frown on. For now I'm going to allow myself the 150 grams of carbs a day maximum but work to keep it lower.
In the past this would have me so frustrated I'd say to H*** with it and leave sparkpeople. That's not happening this time. I'm determined, come h*** or high water, I'm going to stick it out and do my best each day to eat in moderation of whatever I do eat and get in 30 minutes of some form of exercise and over time maybe add a little more. There will be days when I'm very active and then there will be days where I do good to get in the 30 minutes. It is what it is. All I can do is what I can each day.
I know this is a process but it looks like I could find something that would "click" for me and not be so friggin' hard.
But I'm not leaving and each day I'll do the very best I can.



Edited by: LOSINGVICKI at: 10/27/2012 (17:39)

SparkPoints: (50,058)
Fitness Minutes: (27,567)
Posts: 1,145
10/4/12 3:54 P

i'm back, again. i hope to stay this time. I'm Jessica. I have been a SP member since 12/15/08 and I am SUCH a slow loser. LOL. i haven't lost ANY weight for years. LMAO

May SparkPoints: 1,401

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775

SparkPoints: (36,167)
Fitness Minutes: (28,751)
Posts: 2,607
9/12/12 4:03 A

hi everyone I am Lynn. I am 51, soon to be 52. I joined sparks back at the end of May and really got going with it at the beginning of June. I have been very motivated and I have made major changes in my life. I have two problems that seem to be road blocks for me right now and I need to get myself turned back around so that I can really continue the work I have already started. The first is that I have problems staying on a sleep schedule, I've done the sleep challenge a few times and it works for a while but then I find that about one day out of the week I simply can't go to sleep so it messes up the entire week trying to get back to a full nights sleep, then I'm good for a few days and repeat. The other is that I injured my back in August. I am not really sure what it is, xrays reveal nothing anatomical so I am guessing I strained it pulled it. I have a lot of back spasms, that are go away with some simple stretches. But I have lost some of my motivation to go through the total workout at the gym. I was seeing great results with my inches lost but my body is really fighting to hold on to the pounds. I need to get motivated again to get up in the gym and go through the strength workout that was designed for me. It just hurts my back... and I have to take frequent breaks. SO... help me get motivated to get back up there so I can strengthen these muscles gently so my back is strong again. I want so much to keep going at the true pace I was moving until the middle of August when I was advised to slow down for a while, well, it's been almost a month and I can't seem to get myself past my water aerobics classes (which I have missed a few of due to sleep time).. I feel like I upside down and backwards right now.

May Minutes: 0

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Posts: 6,577
9/3/12 1:58 P

Hi, I am Jae.. I have so many health issues along with depression, due to my age, my health issues, and my slow metabolism I find losing weight and even more important being consistent with my goals very hard to do.. I think this team will help me stay focused to be in it for the long haul..

Pounds lost: 0.0

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Posts: 7,783
7/16/12 4:17 P

WELCOME JESSICA! I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKE IT HERE. WE MAY NOT BE THE FASTEST LOSING TEAM, BUT WE ARE PRETTY CONSISTENT. BEING IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL MEANS THAT WE ALL KNOW THIS IS NOT AN OVERNIGHT FIX. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED SOME TYPE OF DIRECTION. I'M NOT SURE I CAN HELP (LOL) BUT WE WILL CERTAINLY TRY.
ERIN

current weight: 218.0

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SparkPoints: (16,527)
Fitness Minutes: (13,090)
Posts: 8,084
7/15/12 5:24 P

Welcome others.

I just joined today, hoping to grow with you guys.

SparkPoints: (139)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 6
7/6/12 11:39 A

Thanks Erin! I really appreciate your encouragement :) I'm sorry I've been slightly absent on the message boards - I have been tracking my food though....whew...haha.

The fur-babies are definitely staying regardless of whatever else happens! I will go on the "what's stopping you" thread next...but my dissertation is going to be related to Latino immigrant women in the South and language use as it impacts community incorporation - hopefully from both the perspectives of the women I work with as well as the attitudes and behaviors of local community members. In a nutshell...:)

Thanks again!

Posts: 7,783
6/28/12 3:13 P

EAGLEONTHEMOVE - First of all, great username! I can just see you spreading your wings and reaching for the sky. Yes! You are definitely at a transition point in your life. There will be some things changing and some, maybe not. Let's hope one of the constants is keeping your fur babies (I am a pet lover). But possible relocation and not sure the boyfriend can join you? Those are a big deal. Add working and a dissertation to that and trying to change your lifestyle and it is almost overwhelming. You must feel like you are constantly playing catch-up. There are just some things you have to do until that dissertation is done and turned in. Then you will have more free time. My dissertation took me several months to write and then have it accepted. I thought it would never end but once it did, I felt like a duck out of water. It seemed like I had been studying my entire life and then it was done! What do you do now?

I really hope you like it here. I keep trying to think up new things to spark the team on and to keep us moving toward our goals. Some of us have huge physical challenges in addition to our weight. Others have family problems. Everyone has a story and never be afraid to share yours. We have been posting them in the "What's Stopping You" thread on this team. What is said here stays here and no one will judge you for it. Welcome to the team and I really look forward to getting to know you better and would love to hear what your dissertation will be on.

Erin
Leader - In It For The Long Haul

current weight: 218.0

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200

SparkPoints: (139)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 6
6/28/12 11:40 A

Hi,

I am new to Sparkpeople and to this team, and this is only my second post ever, so...yay!
I joined because I am really trying to find a way to be healthy and balanced in my kind of chaotic life. I'm a 25 year old grad student, I work, have a boyfriend of 5 years and a dog and cat, have a garden, and try to go to the gym regularly with my co-worker/friend, and I LOVE to cook. Cook used to = bake, for me, but I have gotten much better about expanding to healthier options, so even baking now more often involves whole grain homemade breads, etc. But I'm really bad about being good at one or two things in phases, so either work takes priority and my studies and health fall behind, or studies take over, and so on and so on. It's very frustrating and I want to find a way to keep it somewhat balanced. I am also in a pretty transitional time of my life right now, with just about a year or so left until I complete my degree and most of that will be on dissertation work and so I will be looking to move/get a job elsewhere plus sort of waiting on my boyfriend as he decides where his career will take him and if we stay together or not, blah blah blah. In light of all of this, I feel like I have slowly but consistently been gaining weight and my body changing in ways that aren't particularly flattering or beneficial for about the last year, and I am ready to make more purposeful changes in order to find that balance and get back to where I feel my best!

I'm really excited about this group because looking through a lot of the posts has been encouraging and seeing how in many ways we are all in the same boat plus the people in this team seem to be pretty connected and engaged in this process with each other. I hope to contribute and encourage everyone else as well and look forward to seeing change happen!

Posts: 7,783
6/8/12 6:35 P

185 - I CAN CERTAINLY RELATE TO THAT. I WOULD BE FAR FROM THIN IF I REACH MY GOAL BUT I AM GOING IN 10% INCREMENTS. THAT SEEMS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR ME. IF I LOOK AT THAT HUGE AMOUNT THAT I TOTALLY NEED TO LOSE, I BACK OFF THINKING I WILL NEVER MAKE IT. ESPECIALLY SINCE I DIDN'T START UNTIL I WAS IN MY 60'S.

current weight: 218.0

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200

Posts: 7,783
6/8/12 6:32 P

WEEKENDS - ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER - ARE SLOW ON SPARK. MANY PEOPLE DON'T LOG IN AT ALL DURING THAT TIME. BUT MONDAYS, THINGS PICK UP.
I HOPE ALL OUR NEW MEMBERS FIND THE SUPPORT THAT YOU NEED HERE. AND HAVE A LITTLE FUN ALONG THE WAY.
ERIN

current weight: 218.0

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200

Posts: 765
6/8/12 2:30 P

I'm the heaviest I've ever been in my life and it's time I get back to a weight I know will be healthier. I'm working towards getting down to 190-185 lbs. I won't be thin but I'll be much better off than I am now.

Posts: 227
6/3/12 5:30 P

I would think weekends would be when Spark would be the busiest.

Posts: 7,783
6/3/12 3:37 P

I'M SORRY YOU DIDN'T GET A WARM WELCOME. WEEKENDS TEND TO BE A LOT SLOWER ON SPARK. WAIT UNTIL THE FIRST PART OF THE WEEK AND YOU MAY SEE A DIFFERENCE. ALSO, CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEAMS MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. I WAS READY TO QUIT SPARK SINCE I HAD BEEN ON IT FOR NEARLY A YEAR AND NEITHER OF MY TEAMS WERE DOING ANYTHING. IT GOT VERY BORING, VERY FAST AND I DIDN'T SEEM TO BE LOSING. SOMETIMES WE NEED A KICK IN THE PANTS INSTEAD OF "YOU CAN DO IT - YOU WILL GET LAST WEEK'S HUGE WEIGHT GAIN OFF THIS WEEK - JUST GET RIGHT BACK ON TRACK." I LOVE SUPPORT BUT OFTEN NEED A SWIFT KICK.

ANYWAY, WELCOME TO THIS TEAM AND I REALLY DO HOPE YOU LIKE IT HERE.
ERIN

Edited by: REACHING4HOME at: 6/3/2012 (15:38)

current weight: 218.0

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200

Posts: 227
6/3/12 12:34 P

Hi. My name is Rebecca.

I have been trying to stay active on the SparkPeople website for a few days now. I joined a couple teams but I wasn't really feeling as much response as I had hoped from the members. I am looking for a team who will treat me like family and encourage me. I am hoping this is that team.

I wouldn't say I have motivation to lose weight. There is no driving force that pushes me to lose weight, yet.

I do however have determination to no longer be over weight. I have let this go on too long. I am sick of the way I feel all the time.

I want to be happy, healthy and I have goals in mind for my life. Being healthy is the ultimate decision to help me with my life goals.

I have set up small rewards for myself as well as some big rewards.

I am an avid animal lover. I have two amazing cats. One is a BLACK SPCA Rescue named Zim, and I recently rescued a Bengal Kitten from being put down because she wasn't up to the breed standards. (She has a social disorder I think)

I am married. I am not going to say happily because right now I am not but at the same time I love him with all my heart. Marriage is just work sometimes it is effortless and other times it is grueling.

I love to cook. I actually dream about opening my own restaurant one day.

I love to draw. If I could make comics I would.

My job is a graphic artist/web designer. I make websites, images and flash.

This is me in a nut shell.

Anything else you want to know just ask.

SparkPoints: (32,218)
Fitness Minutes: (16,159)
Posts: 3,145
6/2/12 10:07 P

and best wishes to all! ........... SP certainly does offer such wonderful tools and Teams ............ I am happy to be a part of it ............ and have fun ................ 2B/ jan

current weight: 157.0

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Posts: 7,783
6/2/12 4:53 P

current weight: 218.0

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200

SparkPoints: (3,904)
Fitness Minutes: (7,133)
Posts: 18
6/2/12 1:45 A

Yes, the long haul. I am working on little things to make the bigger picture better. I recently joined SparkPeople. I am also trying the 10 minute Challenge to start somewhere. Happy to be here!

May Minutes: 115

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SparkPoints: (2,554)
Fitness Minutes: (1,178)
Posts: 14
6/1/12 5:09 A

Hi! I recently joined Sparkpeople. I totally changed my eating habits a year ago and lost 25 lbs. I have since gained about 5 lbs back and want to still lose another 20 lbs. I keep struggling and feel stuck at this point. I feel so much better now that I am on a healthy diet however I still have a sweet tooth and once i start i find it hard to stop. I hope that joining Sparkspeople will help me lose my extra weight gained after the birth of my 2 children.

Posts: 1,272
5/26/12 12:28 P

Hi Everyone~
My name is Sandy. I am about to turn 51 and don't know how the number doesn't match how I feel... hm, and that varies. Sometimes I feel like I am still in my 30s and sometimes I feel like I am in my 80s... anyway: where to start.

I am married, but about to be divorced for the second time. Never thought I would ever be divorced once, let alone twice. My husband moved out 1 year ago today... I guess he isn't coming back. That's ok.

I am a Christian mom of 3, my son is 25 and my girls are 21 (yep, they are twins). The girls and my son-in-law live with me. And I am going to experience the joy of becoming a grandma for the first time in January! So excited!!!

I am a teacher's assistant in a KIDS program with the school district. I have been with the school district for 13 years, wow, and I love my job. I work with 3 to 6 year old children with Autism. It is a fun, exciting, rewarding, tiring, amazing job! I have been in the same class with the same teacher for 8 years. I also do some private tutoring with an 8 year old with autism, and I work part time at Lakeshore Learning. So, I am pretty busy.

I have been a member of sparkpeople for several years. I lost 45 pounds when I first joined. My weight has stayed about the same since then, fluctuating a little, but basically staying about the same. Now I am ready to lose the rest of the excess baggage. I know that sparkpeople works. And I know that one of the most important tools is being involved with a good sparkteam. So, here I am... ready to get started again. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you!
~Sandy

current weight: 238.0

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SparkPoints: (6,879)
Fitness Minutes: (6,840)
Posts: 2,157
5/21/12 5:05 P

Welcome to the team.

Posts: 7,783
5/21/12 4:49 P

WELCOME TO YOU ALL AND I HOPE YOU FIND WHAT YOU NEED IN THIS TEAM.

current weight: 218.0

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Posts: 193
5/21/12 4:37 A

Looking to get back on track and keep going for the long haul.

I am Boni and live in Central Kentucky and have been losing my weight all my life.

I live on a farm, and work midnights as a police dispatcher. I am 62 years old, married to my husband for almost 20 years. We raise beef cattle, just small herd and he has hunting dogs, chickens and doves. It keeps us busy.

I need to get the weight off because of several health issues, so am praying this will be the year.
Have a blessed day.
Boni

Pounds lost: 0.0

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Posts: 256
5/17/12 10:50 P

Hey--just joined SP. I was attracted to the name of this group--implies that it isn't about the quick fix but instead is about a life-long decision to live a healthier life. (Though I do like the immediate gratification of the point system)

Not really sure what else to say.

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Posts: 225
5/16/12 10:31 P

My name is Sarah. I joined SparkPeople a few weeks ago and really think this may be the answer I've been looking for. I didn't have an idea of how much I wanted to lose, but when I received the computer generated goal of 50 pounds I thought ok. It would put me at a healthy weight for the first time in a long time. I know I am my own worst enemy when it comes to weight loss. I try unhealthy ways of losing weight or I just give up. Two years ago I joined a weight loss competition at work to lose weight for my wedding. I was determined to keep up with the good habits I had, but after returning from the honeymoon I slowly got back into my old habits. I am doing the weight loss/healthy habits competition again and actually joined SP in preparation for it. I am getting more out of SP than the work competition so I know I can do it this time.

Pounds lost: 13.8

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Posts: 7,783
5/10/12 5:59 P

I had to check out this team when I saw that two of my Spark friends were leading it.

My name is Erin and I am 64 years old, married and living in Nebraska after moving here from Wisconsin. Still miss Wisconsin as it is WAY TOO HOT HERE! I have 2 grown daughters, still living in WI. No grand babies and am retired. I do have some heavy duty health issues that have required a lifestyle change but I am coming at this way too late in life. I should have done this years ago but just got my first computer when I turned 60. That's when I found Spark. At my highest weight I was 354 pounds at only 5 feet tall. Now I'm at 237 and working on it daily.

I know I will find support here, knowing the incredible leaders you have and hope that I can offer the same to some of you.
Erin

current weight: 218.0

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SparkPoints: (6,879)
Fitness Minutes: (6,840)
Posts: 2,157
4/23/12 3:32 P

Welcome to the team!!

SparkPoints: (152)
Fitness Minutes: (40)
Posts: 20
4/23/12 12:36 P

Hello! I'm new!
My name is Kayla and I am a stay at home mom of three and part time college student. I am here to shed 86 pounds, most of which I gained after getting married and having a baby.

Pounds lost: 7.6

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SparkPoints: (6,879)
Fitness Minutes: (6,840)
Posts: 2,157
4/18/12 10:39 A

It's so wonderful to see so many new faces on the team. I look forward to getting to know everyone over time.

SparkPoints: (6,879)
Fitness Minutes: (6,840)
Posts: 2,157
4/14/12 12:32 P

Welcome to the team.

SparkPoints: (4,944)
Fitness Minutes: (4,456)
Posts: 69
3/29/12 8:43 P

Hello! I'm new to the team! I'm dedicate to loosing weight and staying healthy

SparkPoints: (59,234)
Fitness Minutes: (44,681)
Posts: 8,010
3/25/12 8:18 P

Thanks! I hope your jeans are loose when you put them on in June! I had jeans that I saved from before my DS was born (he will be 28 this fall) I was one day going to fit in them. They fit very loosely today! I finally lost all that excess weight + Good Luck to you and your soon to be loose jeans!

current weight: 190.0

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Posts: 309
3/25/12 3:43 P

Wow! 80lb lost that is impressive. I see we are at similar weights. I am at 183.5.

I have a pair of goal jeans that still have tags on them ready for me to put on. I plan on wearing them the day that I turn 50. That's in June. Wouldn't it be awesome if they were loose? Makes me smile just thinking about it.

I'm hoping its that way for both of us!

SparkPoints: (59,234)
Fitness Minutes: (44,681)
Posts: 8,010
3/25/12 2:18 P

I too pretty much eat what I have always eaten. The key to losing weight for me was portion control and the trackers really are great and keep you honest!

current weight: 190.0

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Posts: 309
3/25/12 11:42 A

Hi all! I'm Cayla. I'm from Canada. I love cooking. I love food, Good food. I am a self employed woman, I am married to hubby #2 - 10 years this July. I have two grown children 25 and 21. I am a professional singer and actress on the side, but keep my business going to make sure the bills are paid. I have this red dress that I have to wear from time to time when I do a particular show - (coming up again in April). That dress is my nemesis. I always breathe a sigh of relief when it zips up - that is if I could breathe in it.

As long as I tell myself that I'm not on a diet I seem to be fine. So you'll never hear me utter those words. I am eating what I always eat, with a few tweaks that's all. Here's my goals for the next while.

1. Log my food every day - "honestly"
2. Drink 8 glasses of water every day
3. Move my body every day in some way.



Edited by: BRENNAGIRL at: 3/25/2012 (11:42)

SparkPoints: (6,879)
Fitness Minutes: (6,840)
Posts: 2,157
3/24/12 6:11 P

I think I will. Thanks

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
3/24/12 6:04 P

Welcome and thank you for introducing yourself. I wish you luck on your journey and I hope you enjoy being a part of the team.

SparkPoints: (6,879)
Fitness Minutes: (6,840)
Posts: 2,157
3/24/12 5:54 P

Thought I'd better introduce myself, for those that don't know me.
I'm Vicki and I live in Florida.
I'm working towards making the healthiest choices I can when it comes to taking care of myself.
I want to make exercise a top priority as I have a couple of health issues that exercise would improve. Also it would definately give me more energy.
I am basically trying to keep all my nutritional numbers within a set goal I think will work for me. It's not strictly any one specific program. If I had to push it, I'd be more inclined to say it's a lower carb plan.
I'm working to lose about 100 lbs but have no set time to lose it in. I'd love to lose it over the next couple of years, but I tend to be a very slow loser. So I'll take it one pound at a time.

Edited by: VICKI-B--56 at: 5/21/2012 (12:19)

SparkPoints: (59,234)
Fitness Minutes: (44,681)
Posts: 8,010
3/23/12 7:21 A

All new members! Please join some of our challenges! Gwen does a great job putting them together

current weight: 190.0

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SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
3/23/12 6:34 A

Welcome Rebecca. It's a pleasure to have you join us and I look forward to sharing this journey with you and getting to know you. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

SparkPoints: (3,768)
Fitness Minutes: (6,585)
Posts: 60
3/23/12 12:36 A

hello my name is Rebecca, I am 37, single mom of 3 kids with a full-time job. I have become accustomed to letting time take over in place of me making good choices. I have put myself in this rut since my divorce 3 years ago and now I see that I'm ready to live my life again. I want to enjoy life to the fullest in place of hiding like a hermit. I want to be comfortable in my own skin and try new things knowing I deserve that opportunity. I am so glad that Angelus told me about this group and look forward to being an active member in this community of friends on a journey toward a healther lifestyle. Thanks

Pounds lost: 8.6

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SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
2/16/12 6:21 P

Thank you, Martha. That means a lot. I am very happy you decided to join us. I think I'll be able to reach my goal weight in about 3 years. Here's to sparking for the long haul.

Posts: 2,718
2/16/12 6:08 P

Hey Angelus - you did a great job putting this team together and I'm delighted to join. I'll be Sparking for the rest of my life because i love Sp, it will take me at least 2 years to reach my goal and once i reach it, I plan to maintain it, helping others along the way!

Pounds lost: 5.0

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Posts: 770
1/28/12 5:04 P

Thanks Angelus_Quinn!

Pounds lost: 26.0

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SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
1/28/12 1:43 P

Welcome. Great goals. I also do mostly exercise video games. I wish you luck on your journey and look forward to getting to know you.

Posts: 770
1/28/12 11:49 A

Hello. I have been overweight since my mid-20's. I am now 41 and want to live a healthy life. I exercise 5-6 days/week. Have always eaten lots of veggies. This has had to change in the past year. I have some tummy trouble and too much fiber (raw veg, etc.) really does not sit well with me now. I am trying to relearn what I can and cannot eat and how to mind my metabolism. Being hypothyroid, it tends to be slow. While weight loss would be nice, I just want to be healthy more than anything else. I do most of my exercise with video games, but also have gymbox and dvd's.

Edited by: NC_BEARKITTEN at: 1/28/2012 (11:50)

Pounds lost: 26.0

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SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
1/23/12 8:54 P

Welcome Sue. I am looking forward to sharing this journey with you and getting to know you. If you have any questions please ask away.

Posts: 1,266
1/23/12 8:48 P

Hi

My name is Sue and I am from MA. I am trying to get back on track with the weight loss after a few setbacks, I would like to lose another 10 or 15 pounds, I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Pounds lost: 32.0

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SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
1/22/12 9:49 A

Welcome Char. I absolutely love that you used the phrase "medically healthy." That shows you have a healthy mindset to reach your goals. You can do this and I will be here for you being your loudest cheer leader. You are worth it.

SparkPoints: (8,293)
Fitness Minutes: (5,964)
Posts: 509
1/22/12 9:37 A

Hi everyone,

I'm Char and I'm 23. This is probably my umteenth time starting my weight loss adventure. But...I can honestly say this is it. I can't keep going back and forth. I'm going to keep doing this until I'm considered medically healthy. Smaller clothes, being able to fit into airplane seats and so on will just be an added bonus.

current weight: 380.0

380 335 290 245

200

Posts: 1,768
1/8/12 8:21 P

Hello New Members...much success to you all!

Posts: 10
1/5/12 10:57 A

Thank you Angelus and Mennoly, it's good to be here ^.^ I hope we all can give up our bad habbits at the begining of this year and continue with the new good ones which help us to reach our goals easily :)

SparkPoints: (59,234)
Fitness Minutes: (44,681)
Posts: 8,010
1/4/12 2:50 P

Hi all new members! Just wanted to wish you all a warm welcome to the team!

current weight: 190.0

272 241.5 211 180.5

150

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
1/4/12 1:45 P

Doga (sorry I don't know how to put the mark over your name), welcome :-) . It's a pleasure to meet you. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

To help you we have a 2012 challenge to give up junk food. You can do it at your own rate. You can give it up completely or work on cutting down. What ever you choose we will support you.

Again, welcome and thanks for joining the team.

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
1/4/12 1:40 P

GITRDONE2, I know I welcomed you on your spark page, but I apologize for not responding to your post on this thread. I never received notification of it. As you know I am happy to have you on the team and I am enjoying sharing this journey with you.

Posts: 10
1/4/12 1:20 P

Hi there! I'm Doğa. I've been stressed for 4 months due to excess responsibilities and gained 8 kg within 2 months although I've been doing cardio exercises each day for 1 hour. Till now I eat healthy foods and enjoy it but now I'm addicted to junk food :( I always decide not to eat them but each time I decided, after 2 days later, I find myself stressed and, so, attacking junk foods. Hope to overcome this addiction here with you ^.^

Posts: 1,768
12/30/11 11:21 P

Hello Everyone,
My name is Lynda, am 63 & retiring the end of January. I've been happily there for my DH for 42 years and have 3 children, 4 grandchildren & a great-grandbaby and now it is Time to Focus on...It's All About Me!

Want to Thank Gwen, Linda & Genevieve for being our leaders and creating forums for us.
It sounds like an awesome team that is very active, supportive of one another and committed and just the title...In It For The Long Haul...expresses exactly What I Need!

I have never had a weight problem until having my last child at age 34 (gained 45 lbs and did a middle age spread) and have been going up and out ever since....hormone replacement did me no favors in the weight area! I've tried and failed at every diet out there and throw in the towel easily. I hate to exercise. I am great at being an all talk and no action kind of person. So am excited that I found this group as for months now I have realized I can no longer keep going in this direction.

Am looking forward to getting to know all you spark friends and invite you all to stop by my spark page. Am anxious to journey here and receive help as well as give support. Together we can do this and make it happen!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and a healthy and successful 2012!

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
12/30/11 9:31 P

Welcome. Pleasure to have you join us. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Posts: 2,260
12/30/11 9:03 P

Hello, I'm a new team member and am looking forward to belonging to a group taking the long-term view.

current weight: 149.0

152 149.25 146.5 143.75

141

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
12/6/11 5:44 P

You're welcome. Please feel free to call me Gwen. That's my first name.

SparkPoints: (11,114)
Fitness Minutes: (18,885)
Posts: 77
12/6/11 5:37 P

Thanks, Angelus.

Pounds lost: 100.0

0 32.5 65 97.5

130

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
12/6/11 2:43 P

Again, welcome. You have accomplished so much. You should be so proud of yourself. With workouts like you are doing you have certainly brought out the athlete in you. Great job.

SparkPoints: (11,114)
Fitness Minutes: (18,885)
Posts: 77
12/3/11 12:45 A

Hi my name is Jen. I m 37. I have lost over 100 lbs. slowly over the last 3-1/2 years. So, I am definitely in it for the long run. I have not gained any of the weight I lost back at all, except for that TOM gain we all get during our cycles. It goes right away after a day or two. I walk 4 miles every day, run 1.5 miles once a week, and do 30 minutes of boot camp Cardio at leat 3 times a week. I am on a mostly whole foods diet, I make my own yogurt and granola, and I'm a CNA at an assisted living facility. My goal weight is 170 by march 21st. That's only 26 more to go. It's about 6 lbs a month. Then my husband will let me buy all new clothes. I've been shopping at goodwill while I keep loosing weight. Why buy new when it won't fit in a month?

Pounds lost: 100.0

0 32.5 65 97.5

130

SparkPoints: (21,637)
Fitness Minutes: (9,841)
Posts: 2,075
10/14/11 11:39 P

Welcome Mennoly - We are an active team that stays connected. I am the co-leader of "In it for the Long Haul". We here to offer suggestions and support where you need it. Stay with us and have a safe journey. May God Bless you with a nice weekend.

Total SparkPoints: 21,637

	20,000 21,249 22,499 23,749	24,999
SparkPoints Level 13

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
9/3/11 7:08 P

MENNOLY - We are a very active team. Thank you for joining. I look forward to sharing this journey with you. Please look around and jump right in.

SparkPoints: (59,234)
Fitness Minutes: (44,681)
Posts: 8,010
9/3/11 6:24 P

Hi everyone
Is this team still active?
I answered a message board a few weeks ago and then heard nothing. If this is still active I want in.

current weight: 190.0

272 241.5 211 180.5

150

SparkPoints: (4,419)
Fitness Minutes: (2,799)
Posts: 56
8/13/11 6:45 P

Thanks guys. Telling people about my loss helps me to remember why exactly I'm doing this. I've tried losing weight for myself before and I never stick with the workout routine. Once I figured out why I wanted to lose weight, I've actually stuck to it. It's been a huge motivator.

Having a set numerical goal helps me to know exactly how far along I am with my plans. Usually it helps, but sometimes it doesn't.

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
8/13/11 5:25 P

Welcome Robyn. So sorry to hear about miscarriage. I am glad you joined our group and look forward to sharing this journey with you.

SparkPoints: (17,359)
Fitness Minutes: (1,704)
Posts: 83
8/13/11 5:13 P

Welcome to the team, Robyn!
I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I cannot imagine the kind of pain that must elicit.
I think it's wonderful that you have a numerical goal that you would like to reach. I've only been doing The Spark program for about a month now, but I already feel so much better. Little things like drinking only water and skim milk, exercising on a regular basis, and measuring my portions have really seemed to pay off.
I look forward to reading more of your posts, and thank you for having the courage to share such intimate details with us.
You're off to a great start!
Best,
Genevieve
(GCGARZA)

SparkPoints: (4,419)
Fitness Minutes: (2,799)
Posts: 56
8/13/11 5:02 P

Hi, everyone. I'm Robyn, 25 and living in Louisiana. After suffering from a miscarriage earlier this year, I decided that the best way to help myself and future children was to lose all the weight I've put on over the past several years. My goal is to lose at least 75 pounds, preferably 90. I want to be able to feel better about myself and have my old confidence back. In the past 6 weeks of so since I've been steady on SP, I've already lost 5 pounds eve after the setback of being out of town right after starting.

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
8/13/11 3:04 P

TRUPII - Nice to meet you. Thanks for sharing.

SparkPoints: (17,359)
Fitness Minutes: (1,704)
Posts: 83
8/13/11 1:00 P

Oregon? Awesome! One of my best friends from Yale was from Portland and she was so kind and down-to-earth. I've wanted to visit ever since....but alas, travel is not in the cards for me right now.
Best,
Genevieve
(GCGARZA)

Posts: 51
8/13/11 12:54 P

hola people!
thanks for sharing your stories. I am 23 years, and i live in oregon. kind of like KIMMIEGIRL, i lost quite a bit of weight a few years ago, but gained about 50% of it back. so now i'm in it for the long haul, to lose that 50% again, and keep going down!
I am definitely in it for the long haul. here we go!

current weight: 211.0

211 190.75 170.5 150.25

130

Posts: 20
8/13/11 10:50 A

Nice to meet you too!!

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
8/13/11 10:48 A

Welcome KIMMIEGIRL26. It is nice to meet you. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to getting to know you.

Posts: 20
8/13/11 10:47 A

Thank you and no problem.

SparkPoints: (17,359)
Fitness Minutes: (1,704)
Posts: 83
8/13/11 10:42 A

KIMMIEGIRL26,
Thank you for having the courage to write about your struggles. I look forward to reading more of your posts, and I'm glad to hear that you are fully prepared to concentrate on YOU. Good job! That is often the first step!
Being active will definitely help you get off any physical ailment related pills you may be taking due to your weight. At least that is what my physician is promising me!
Thanks again for joining and introducing yourself!
Best,
Genevieve
(GCGARZA)

Posts: 20
8/13/11 10:33 A

Hello im soon to be 28yrs old i live in western pennsylvania. I've been overweight most of my life. A few years ago I lost over 60lbs but unfortunely i gainned 45 of it back. So here I am now been off and on trying to lose weight for the last 6 month. Within the last 9 month I got out of a relationship that needed to end. So now my main focus is ME. I know I can lose the weight ive done it before. this time next year i want to be more active and I want off of my blood pressure pills.

SparkPoints: (17,359)
Fitness Minutes: (1,704)
Posts: 83
8/12/11 9:28 P

I am so sorry to hear about your diabetes diagnosis. I know what it's like to have weight-related medical concerns. I used to have high cholesterol and I still have high triglycerides (fat in the blood).
Plus, I just found out there might be something wrong with my liver. Ugh! Talk about incentive to eat right and exercise!
Please keep me updated on your progress!
Best,
Genevieve
(GCGARZA)

SparkPoints: (54,318)
Fitness Minutes: (59,871)
Posts: 10,076
8/12/11 9:14 P

Hi. I recently found out I have type 2 diabetes and my goal is to get my diabetes under control and have a better quality of life. I am excited about this new group and would like to thank you for starting it.

SparkPoints: (17,359)
Fitness Minutes: (1,704)
Posts: 83
8/12/11 8:03 P

Hi,
My name is Genevieve (GCGARZA), and I loved the SparkTeam format so much, I decided to create my own!
Here's a little bit about myself to get the ball rolling...
I'm 28, live in deep south Texas, and am (some would say) ridiculously committed to losing weight in a healthy manner. I've only been at it for a month, but I know from the way exercise and healthful eating make me feel, that I am definitely 'In It for the Long Haul'. The Spark is not some fad diet...and I'm certainly not going to take the road of an eating disorder (been there, done that...for two years actually) to shed the pounds, so here I am.
Putting myself out there, and entreating you to join me in carving out a better life for ourselves.
Best,
Genevieve
(GCGARZA)