SparkPoints: (819)
Fitness Minutes: (115)
Posts: 5
5/22/13 10:33 A

Hello! my name is Genevieve and I have been a spark member off and on for about 4 years. I'm back on now and ready to lose the weight again after baby number 2. Looking for people to keep me motivated and help to hold me accountable.

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
5/20/13 3:26 P

Bren - happy you decided to join our conversation. :) if there is anything we can do to help with motivation, let us know.

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 458
5/20/13 8:34 A

Hello... I have been on Sparkpeople for a long time. I have been a member of this page for a few months, but have not been very active. I need motivation and help staying focused. I am making small steps to get back into a routine and will be more active on this site. Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Pounds lost: 10.8

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Posts: 1,492
5/17/13 10:34 A

Thank you for the welcome, Joette.

I need weekly challenges to stay the course. If they are too long, I lose them. Have been distracted by a son who is ill, but plan to set a weekly challenge for myself.

Thanks so much for the encouragement -
barb

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
5/17/13 5:39 A

Barb, sounds like a very nice place to live. Springtime is a great time to refocus. Getting outside and enjoying the weather is wonderful. Hopefully our team can help you stay focused too.

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 1,492
5/16/13 11:46 A

I have been on SparkPeople for quite a while and have been so up and down. But it is now Spring - and I feel like time to really get serious. I am officially "old" - that is what I tell my kids but still loving life as God gives me each day.

I do need to lose weight if I want a few more years. Am fairly healthy - no major complaints - so do not have any excuses. Just need to get focused!!

I live in Pendleton - a pretty little town in NE Oregon - famous around here for the Pendleton Round-Up in September when we grow in population by about 100%.
barb

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
5/10/13 3:24 P

SP is truly an amazing place!

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 1,451
5/10/13 9:49 A

I find the more I spark, the more focused I am. This is a great site and we should use it to it's full potential. Nice to meet all of you!!!!!

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5/10/13 9:48 A

Hi Daisy,



NBlondheim

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SparkPoints: (2,881)
Fitness Minutes: (1,425)
Posts: 113
5/9/13 10:36 P

Hello!

I have been doing SP for approximately the past 3 weeks with pretty good success. The first 2 weeks I went strong but kind of fell off a tad bit last week but I am back to going strong again. I am 26 years old, married just over 9 months ago, and I teach 4K. I think a need a good challenge that changes to keep me motivated and on target.....therefore, here I am! :)

current weight: 235.6

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SparkPoints: (87,258)
Fitness Minutes: (64,864)
Posts: 6,161
5/9/13 3:53 P

SHAREBEAR, you could be my twin, lol!

My name is Daisy. I also am not new to Spark but I am new to the team. I also had a lot of success about two years ago (I dropped 30 lbs to my lowest weight EVER) and I have since regained weight (I added on between 10 to 15 pounds in the last six months). I agree also that this team seems to have a lot of activity which I need so I'm really glad I joined up! I'm hoping to lose the weight again and go back to feeling good about myself. I had a major change in my life six months ago (I switched job locations) and it hasn't been an easy transition for me so I fell right off the wagon and started eating terribly because I would come home too exhausted to cook and I started drinking more than usual.

So I'm hoping by joining this team that I will get back to what used to be my norm!

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
5/7/13 4:56 P

Happy to have you on our team! :)

I look forward to getting to know you better through our team activities.

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 1,451
5/7/13 12:33 P

Hello team! I am joining you as I need some motivation to stick with it (particularly the eating portion).

This team looks like an active and supportive team, which I think I will appreciate being a part of.

I am not a new sparker; as I have had much success 2 years ago. Since then, I have been keeping the weight off (mostly), gaining some back (10lbs), building muscle and feeling better about myself over all.

So, hopefully, I can drop the added fat and continue to build muscle, eat healthy and enjoy live.

May Minutes: 713

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/30/13 6:28 A

Veronica- the community portion of SparkPeople is the BESTEST part! The amazing people that are awesome sparklers will always be here for each other! Jump in to our conversation and challenges. :)

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 9
4/29/13 11:32 P

Hi! I'm not entirely new to SP but I am new to posting. Today was my first post!

Username: Will Work For Books (I have a major book addiction haha!)
NAME: Veronica
Where are you from? (state or country): Canada
How long have you been with SparkPeople: 4-5 months

Marital Status: Single
Children and/or pets: No kids, no pets
What motivates you: Progress/success. Whether my own or seeing someone else succeed is very motivational to me.

I guess I should also mentioned that I came to this group because the weight loss group that I was in (not on SP) was closed due to dwindling numbers. I found that without the check ins, challenges and accountability I grow stagnant and tend to lose focus. On my own I tend to lose sight of my goals so I'm hoping I can find some accountability here!

Edited by: WILLWORK4BOOKS at: 4/29/2013 (23:38)

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/29/13 4:42 P

Lande0318 - yay! SparkPeople is amazing! I am really excited you chose our team too. Jump in and have fun with the journey

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (28)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 1
4/29/13 10:40 A

GoodMorning! I am new to SP, but not new to losing weight. I would like to lose 8 more pounds in 3 more weeks to bring my total weight loss up to 50 pounds in 1 year. =) I am really proud of myself for this accomplishment so far, but I still have another 40 lbs to go (after the 8) and I'm sort of in a rut and stuck. so I thought maybe this would be a good place to get some support and friends. So that's that.

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/27/13 9:42 P

Barb - I am happy you are here! I am looking forward to you being on the team

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Posts: 1,492
4/27/13 2:37 P

I have been looking for a team that would best fit me - have been reading thru some of the posts here and feel that perhaps this is one for me. I love the idea of a weekly challenge. When I have joined a long-term challenge, i usually become discouraged and quit.

I am retired and live with a son - belong to a 24 hour fitness and find that I am more consistent if I go every day. When I miss a day or two (like on the weekend), I will then end up missing a week or two.

I really do not stress over family issues (and have a few serious ones right now). When I get discouraged, I just give the situation to God - He created me and I do know that whatever the issue, He is the One that has the best solution - definitely not me. I just tend to make a bigger mess.

Right now, my focus is drinking more water. I really do not drink enough. Coffee in the morning and perhaps a glass or two of water during the day. Do not drink anything else, except sun tea in the summer. No soda or those "power" drinks or Starbuck coffees.

Thanks for "listening" and I will be around!!
barb

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/24/13 5:28 P

Lorie -

I am looking forward to getting to know you better through our team activities! If there is ever anything specific you are challenged with.. Or would like a challenge for, just speak up. :)

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Posts: 95
4/24/13 10:21 A

Hi!

My name is Lorie and I am a 42 year old stay at home mom/wife/teacher from Texas.
I am looking for motivations to get up and keep moving!
I'm so close to my goal weight for the first time in years and this is when it all seems to get stressful for me so any and all new challenges are welcome!!

current weight: 145.0

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Posts: 83,610
4/18/13 8:23 P

Pounds lost: 26.0

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/18/13 4:56 P

Hi Kim! I am happy you are here. Take things slow. Baby steps will get you there. Getting involved in the teams part of SparkPeople can be an amazing thing... The people here are amazing!

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (1,572)
Fitness Minutes: (535)
Posts: 34
4/18/13 4:40 P

Hello, my name is Kim and I am obese! I have been sick for 3 1/2 years and not able to do any kind of working out. I have lupus, fibro, myasthenia gravis and some other health issues. I recently had my thymus removed which they did by opening my chest like open heart surgery. This has made me feel better. I started working out in the pool yesterday. I was tired after 15 minutes but pushed myself to do 30 minutes. Today I returned and was able to do 38 minutes in my pool workout. Hoping to increase my time daily and or weekly. I am not setting any monthly or weekly goals of weight loss I am just going to try to do it one pound at a time and not get discouraged.

Pounds lost: 7.0

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Posts: 83,610
4/17/13 10:09 P

to each of you!

Pounds lost: 26.0

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/15/13 2:54 P

Hi Rachel! :) I am in michigan too. I am southeast michigan. I am looking forward to getting to know you better through our team activities. Jump in! :)

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 1,232
4/15/13 8:01 A

Username: ASA109ZT
NAME: Rachel
Where are you from? (state or country):West Michigan
How long have you been with SparkPeople: Technically since 2009, but I didn't really start using it until 2010.
Marital Status: Married to a wonderful man since August 2009. We will have been together 10 years this September.
Children and/or pets: One beautiful daughter named Lorelei Grace (1 month old tomorrow) and two stinky, but cute dogs: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Duncan and Stanlee.
What motivates you: I want to be a good role model for my daughter. I feel better mentally and physically when I am taking care of my body.
Anything goes: I have lost a little over half the baby weight since my daughter waas born last month. My goal is to lose the rest of it by mid September and be comfortably under 200 pounds by the end of the year. I am excited to join this team. I think small weekly challenges will help with my weight loss goals without overwhelming me. I am still working on establishing a schedule with the little one and am not sure what life will look like when I go back to work at the end of the month. I'm looking forward to my first challenge.

Pounds lost: 0.0

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/13/13 8:43 P

Hi Denice! I am happy to have you here. This is an amazing place. I think our team is pretty awesome too. ;)

Jump in to our discussions and challenges.

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (61)
Fitness Minutes: (90)
Posts: 2
4/13/13 8:35 P

Hi, my name is Denice. I am a happily engaged 35 year old mother of 3 daughters, 2 stepsons and 2 stepdaughters. I was a CNA but unfortunately a spinal injury and a torn meniscus ended that. I now direct the part time afterschool program at my church. I am looking very forward to being a part of this team. I was looking for motivation and I believe I can find it here.

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/7/13 6:07 P

Pam, I am happy you have decided to join our team. This is an amazing place to be... I think our team is pretty amazing too. ;)

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (36,302)
Fitness Minutes: (16,899)
Posts: 2,166
4/7/13 5:29 P

Hi - found this team after going to IMAGEMLOVER's SparkPage. (I always check out a page when someone's blog is featured in a daily e-mail). I discovered 2 challenge teams on her SparkTeams, and I'm thinking this is where I need to be right now. I've been Sparking since last September, having lost some of my excess wait on my own before finding SP.

Username - NITTINNANA
Name - Pamela, but most often called Pam
SparkVersary - 09/10/12
Birthday - January 14
Anniversary - June 1

So, yes, I'm married. I have grown children, 2 sons from a previous marriage and a daughter with Paul. We have 2 cats, Mandy and Eve. Also 2 dogs, a 1 year-old Boston named Christmas and a 7 month-old foundling Heinz dog (57 varieties) named Pita. Pet pictures on the SparkPage if you're interested.

Retired RN. Grew up in Maine, spent my working life in CT, IN, and CA. Retired to Fulton, MO where #1 son lives. #2 son came to Fulton 8 months later. Daughter still in Orange County, CA.

I'm not sure what motivates me. I only know I'm really stale at this point. I've marked 1s and 2s most days this week on my SparkCoach check-ins, and the suggested links have been worse than useless. So here I am, planning to work on some challenges.

Pounds lost: 40.0

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/2/13 5:12 P

I hope you do find our challenges able to help you stay focused. If you have any ideas, or ways we might be able to use in our team, please feel free to share them. :)

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (1,509)
Fitness Minutes: (1,065)
Posts: 93
4/2/13 10:10 A

Good Morning all! I would really like to be a part of the weekly challenges. They keep me gonig and focused. I hope I do well.

I am a 47 year old mother of 3 grown boys ages 22, 17, and 13. I have had a long journey but recently discovered that somewhere along the way I lost who I was. I allowed 60 pounds to creep up on me and now I am more determined than ever to make 2013 the year of me. To go back to the things that I like to do... my boys are old enough that I am now the priority... and if they don't want to wait 45 minutes for dinner while I work out, well then they can eat a bologna samich. :-)

I hope I do this challenge proud!

Pounds lost: 3.0

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
4/1/13 8:35 P

Carolyn, I am really happy you are here. There are some amazing sparklers on our team.

It sounds like you have some challenges. I am sure you will succeed! Baby steps and staying focused.

I have a "bully" that pushes me to keep working on me. My bully is "tamoxifen". Most common side effect that almost everyone experiences is "significant weight gain". I lost 35 lbs the first 7 months I was on it. :)

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (7,348)
Fitness Minutes: (4,027)
Posts: 1,503
4/1/13 7:53 P

Hi Everybody

Username: WHITNEYTEACHER (I'm a retired Biology teacher)
NAME: Carolyn Whitney
Where are you from? (state or country): Northern California - really small town, the nearest shopping (not counting Walmart) is 90 miles away - Amazon.com is my friend.
How long have you been with SparkPeople: 3rd try, this time since Feb. 4, 2013

Marital Status: Married 2002 - 2nd time, widowed in 1999
Children and/or pets: 2 pomeranians, 3 adult children
What motivates you: Positive encouragement

Anything goes: What else would you like to share about you?
My doctor's latest comment in January when I brought up the difficulty I'd had in losing weight was, "With your family and medical history weight loss will be very difficult if not impossible." A SparkPeople dietitian told me on Saturday that for me, "a 1/4 - 1/2 pound loss per week would be a reasonable expectation". No wonder the doctor said it would maybe be impossible, that means 5 years from now I can expect to have lost the 60 pounds I'm shooting for and I'm sure she expects me to give up before then. I'm just stubborn enough though that if someone tells me I can't do something I feel like now I HAVE to do it. I don't give up easily and am usually a pretty positive person. I'm limiting the number of Spark Teams I belong to because I check in regularly with all of them. I decided I needed some challenges to keep me going for awhile so, after much team searching, decided to give this one a try.

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
3/27/13 6:31 P

Hi Brandy! :) happy to have you as part of our team.

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (2,054)
Fitness Minutes: (2,406)
Posts: 17
3/27/13 11:55 A

Username: BAXGIRL04
NAME: Brandy
Where are you from? (state or country): KS
How long have you been with SparkPeople: 2011

Marital Status: Married
Children and/or pets: 4 Daughters & 2 Dogs
What motivates you: My Children

Anything goes: What else would you like to share about you?
I need to hold myself more accountable. I do good for a while and then I fall off the "wagon". I give myself excuses as to why I didn't get the exercise in for the day. As long as I keep trying eventually I will succeed.

SparkPoints: (44,262)
Fitness Minutes: (23,181)
Posts: 4,555
3/16/13 9:25 P

Welcome, Terry!! m

Good for you, for getting involved in TOPS! I hear nothing but positive feedback about the way they reinforce people's good eating habits.

For me, 60 was a "major turning point" milestone year, too. I started losing my 75 lbs. when I was 59, and today, at 61, I've maintained that loss for a couple years. Given all the other "health stuff" that can plague us with the years, I figured I'd get rid of some of those (high cholesterol and triglycerides) stemming from my weight. Although losing these pounds hasn't completely gotten rid of the pain from my arthritic right hip (the pelvis is somewhat twisted - had physical therapy for it), I still have quite a bit of pain, but it's noticeably better.

All the best to you in your efforts! We're pullin' for you!

current weight: 120.0

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
3/14/13 7:15 A

Way to go terry! Even a few minutes today is more than you did yesterday. Exercise doesn't have to be intimidating. :) babysteps

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (230)
Fitness Minutes: (450)
Posts: 2
3/14/13 12:31 A

I do like the tracker and need to exercise but I always leave it out of my day. Tomorrow I will get up and do the Just Dance WWI exercise part and keep at it each day. I'll let you know that I did it tomorrow night.

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
3/12/13 4:24 P

Hi Terry! Wow! You chose us? :D

SparkPeople is an amazing place to be for tools and support to reach your goals. The people here are amazing!

I look forward to getting to know you better.

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (230)
Fitness Minutes: (450)
Posts: 2
3/12/13 1:46 A

Hi I want to track my food and exercise and this is the first team I've joined. I have been in TOPS since 1993 and while I have changed a lot of stuff I still am way to heavy. I need to lose 63 pounds to go and want to do it this year as I am almost 60.

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
3/6/13 6:23 A

Hi KarLi! I look forward you you being part of our team! Jump in to our discussion and challenges.

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 727
3/6/13 2:19 A

Hi I'm KarLi from Seattle & I'm married. I originally joined SP in 2010 & left. So I recently returned about a month ago. I'm ready & I'm working on changing my ways. I'm in it to win it no more excuses for me now is the time. I'm glad to have joined this spark team & ready to commite to a healthier lifestyle.

Pounds lost: 20.0

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Posts: 2,657
3/5/13 6:30 P

Hi Jennie, welcome to our team
jump into the challenges - this week it;s taste the rainbow - eat as many different coloured freggies as you can each day - aim for at least 3 colours, or start a streak - your choice of focus - food, exercise, water, whatever you need to focus on right now

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
2/25/13 4:48 P

Welcome to our team jenine! I think our team has challenges that may be just right for you. Check out our fitness minutes of the month challenge. You can post your progress to that daily. There are lots of examples to what works for different people. Only requirement if you participate, post what your self set goal is, and make sure to post end of the month total. Goodies given to those who reach their goal. :)

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 6
2/25/13 10:42 A

Hi.
I'm Jenine. I'm 50, married with three sons ages 20-26. The older boys-Bob and Alex- live at home, and the youngest-Rick- is away at college. I joined Sparkpeople some time ago..maybe a year?, but have not been using enough of the resources....so am looking for a team that will draw me in. I live in California, north of SF. I have a handsome silver standard poodle named Hans, who has some special needs; and Alex has a mini doxie named Mufasa, who we half-jokingly refer to as Hans' therapy dog. My motivation comes and goes. I seem to be motivated by things like graphs and charts that show my progress, or "star" levels. [I like to do marathons (slowly) and I like to see the miles add up on my Nikeplus account. I joined Marathon Maniacs last year, and am working on a plan to reach the next level.]

Posts: 2,657
2/22/13 2:06 P

Welcome! welcome!

SparkPoints: (12,468)
Fitness Minutes: (11,715)
Posts: 563
2/21/13 11:06 A

Username: Tenthumbs
Name: Stace
Where are you from?: Southern Illinois
How long have you been with SparkPeople:2 days, but been here before

Marital Status: Married
Children and/or pets: 3 dogs/1 cat
What motivates you: Wanting to be healthier

Pounds lost: 4.2

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SparkPoints: (17,934)
Fitness Minutes: (13,716)
Posts: 249
2/14/13 9:37 A

Hi all! My user name is Tameni2. It is rough Japanese and means "For me." My name is JanaLee, but many call me Jana. I live in Washington state, but will always be from Colorado. I have been with SP since 2011 this time. I have been gaining and loosing the same 5 pounds for 4 years. This year started at the high end. I have got to do something to break through and loose the discouragement.

I am married, 22 years. I have 2 daughters. My oldest got married this past summer and is in college. My little one is 12. My motivation comes from her. She is amazing. I want to be a good example for her and help her beat this weight issue early.

Pounds lost: 8.0

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Posts: 2,936
1/27/13 12:17 P

Thank you for the very encouraging welcome. :)

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
1/26/13 4:11 P

Kathy, keep up those streaks. They help me stay motivated too.

I think you are amazing. You may have battled those same pounds all year, but you didn't quit. You are still working at a healthier new you. Keep those streaks going. They help build that willpower muscle. :)

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Posts: 62
1/26/13 3:17 P

Welcome Kathy!

It is a pleasure to have you with us! And
on your weight loss thus far!

Dee

Posts: 2,936
1/26/13 1:21 P

Hello Everyone... My name is Kathy
I live in a Los Angeles area rural town in the hills (but not those hills)
I've been on Spark People since 2008 but only active the last 2 years or so.
Married 43 years in April. 2 grown daughters.. no grandchildren yet
No pets but I consider my daughter's dog Cisco my "Grandpuppy"
What motivates me? I want to live better and longer
My high weight measured was 443 pounds. I joined SP at around 420. In 2011, I was down to 370. I have a long way to go.

I am joining this team to help me make progress each week. I spent the entire year 2012 up and down the same 7 pounds. Started at 368 and ended at 368. This year I am working hard to change that. For some reason,(my eating) I get down to 361 and then I'm at 364 again. I need to get past this. I am streaking exercise daily.. now 31 days. Plus I log in and spin streaks also at 31 days.

I need all the help I can get to

Pounds lost: 0.6

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SparkPoints: (31,066)
Fitness Minutes: (17,880)
Posts: 3,332
1/23/13 9:53 P

Welcome to the team; I'm so happy you found us. We have great challenges and I look forward to getting to know you.

current weight: 212.0

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
1/22/13 5:27 P

Welcome to the team. Jump in to our discussions and challenges! Looking forward to getting to know you better.

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (2,550)
Fitness Minutes: (1,080)
Posts: 31
1/22/13 2:33 P

Hello all. New to Sparkpeople and the group. Looking forward to joining some the challenges

SparkPoints: (31,066)
Fitness Minutes: (17,880)
Posts: 3,332
1/20/13 11:42 P

Welcome to the team, Bridgette. Be sure to check out the various challenges going on and chat threads, I look forward to getting to know you.

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Posts: 62
1/19/13 5:23 P

Welcome Mo and Bridgette

SparkPoints: (1,063)
Fitness Minutes: (543)
Posts: 22
1/19/13 11:05 A

Username: mactigerrr
NAME: Bridgette
Where are you from? (state or country): Florida
How long have you been with SparkPeople: Actively, since December 2012.

Marital Status: Never married, but in a long term relationship with my childrens' father.
Children and/or pets: Two boys, 2 1/2 and 9 1/2 months.
What motivates you: Being a healthy example for my family! And, cute clothes. I want to wear cute clothes again.

Looking forward to being a member of this team and getting to know you guys! I'd love to make some friends on here!

current weight: 176.4

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SparkPoints: (31,066)
Fitness Minutes: (17,880)
Posts: 3,332
1/18/13 9:32 P

Welcome Mary-Catherine and Mo! It's great to have you with us. Check out the challenges and chat threads, I look forward to getting to know you.

current weight: 212.0

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1/18/13 4:42 P

Mo - welcome to our team! Jump in to our discussions and challenges. :)

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 13
1/18/13 2:52 P

Username:Luv2WkOut
NAME:Mo
Where are you from? (state or country):Virginia
How long have you been with SparkPeople:1.5 weeks

Marital Status:Married
Children and/or pets:3 children
What motivates you: The fact that I am turning 40 in November and I want to look better and feel fit!

Posts: 62
1/17/13 12:23 P

Mary -Catherine

SparkPoints: (2,163)
Fitness Minutes: (740)
Posts: 96
1/17/13 7:45 A

Username: Refining_Life
NAME: Mary-Catherine
Where are you from? (state or country):Mississippi
How long have you been with SparkPeople:2 weeks (although I was a member off and on for several years a while back)

Marital Status: Married 10 years last August
Children and/or pets: Two of each! Two kids (9 year old son, 7 year old daughter) and two pets (5 year old beagle and 2 year old mutt)
What motivates you: Challenges! Having specific goals to work towards, and being able to challenge myself in different ways.

current weight: 174.0

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SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
1/16/13 9:00 P

Mel - that's awesome! :)

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (10,672)
Fitness Minutes: (7,198)
Posts: 183
1/16/13 8:35 P

Wahoo! I pushed myself further in my exercise today than I have in a long time! I increased my calories back to where they have been previously, and the increased amount of energy is fantastic!

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1/16/13 5:57 P

Welcome to the team everyone
Let's do this!

Posts: 62
1/14/13 7:45 A

Lu, Happy to have you here.

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
1/14/13 6:25 A

Welcome Lu! Part of this journey is learning to get that "D" word retrained to be.. Lifestyle. :) it takes time, but you can do it! Diets don't work. As soon as you lose some of the weight (or reach goal), your brain thinks.. "I did it! Now I can have all those chips I couldn't have while on my diet" with a lifestyle, its about learning to have everything in moderation. Giving yourself the ok to have a few chips, once in a while. But most of the time eating healthy.

Take babysteps, you will get there. :)

current weight: 137.8

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SparkPoints: (12,850)
Fitness Minutes: (2,786)
Posts: 1,044
1/14/13 2:43 A

HELLO I AM NEW ON 1/6, I HAVE 115 POUNDS TO LOSE.I LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING TO FRIENDS AND GETTING SOME MUCH NEEDED SUPPORTAS I HAVE TRIED EVERY DIET KNOW TO MAN AND HAVE SPENT LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY DOING SO.---LU

current weight: 226.0

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1/12/13 5:50 P

Melanie...

Happy to have you aboard. I'm new here myself. I love
the idea of weekly challenges too, beings that i have a
long way to go, so i need to keep a *spark* in my routine

Here's to the Team!

Dee

SparkPoints: (31,066)
Fitness Minutes: (17,880)
Posts: 3,332
1/12/13 3:47 P

Welcome to the team, Melanie! I'm so happy you found us, I'm like you in that I love to compete with myself and that is what I love about this team. The challenges are for ourselves, not to compete with the other members; instead we support each other, cheer each other on as we compete with ourselves. I look forward to getting to know you!

current weight: 212.0

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SparkPoints: (10,672)
Fitness Minutes: (7,198)
Posts: 183
1/12/13 12:45 P

Hi all -

I find that having regular, but changing, challenges helps me to stay on track, so love the idea of this team.



Username: Melafyaiyai
NAME: Melanie
Where are you from? (state or country): USA - New England
How long have you been with SparkPeople: I believe I joined a couple of years ago, but have been faithfully on the site (again) since the beginning of November, 2012.

Marital Status: happy
Children and/or pets: yup - sure do. Check my page if more interested
What motivates you: Knowing that it's never going to be easier - menopause is not too many years away - and my body feels better when it is lighter and stronger. Too many years with my grandchildren (6 and counting so far) to spend them NOT playing with them

Anything goes: What else would you like to share about you? I love being competitive with myself - not so much with other people.

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1/11/13 5:45 P

Wow! Lots of new people! I love it, welcome everybody
I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you and sharing this journey with you.

current weight: 212.0

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1/11/13 11:37 A

Sharon and Dee.. Very happy you are here. Take your time and learn lots. Knowledge is power. Take baby steps... It's a lifetime, not a diet. You can do this! We will be here on the journey too! :)

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 62
1/11/13 10:26 A

Username: 170BY2015

Name: Dee

Where are you from? Pittsburgh, PA

How long have you been with Spark People: Second time with Spark. Not new to losing weight.


Hello everyone. I'm kind of a quiet person, even on the PC. My weakness is
sweets. I mean it... it's bad.. very, very bad. Like how someone is addicted to
a drug or alcohol.. yup.. that's how i am with sweets. I need to conquer that.
And exercise...yup.. important too. Thanks for reading and looking forward to
*meeting* all of you.

SparkPoints: (2,858)
Fitness Minutes: (717)
Posts: 21
1/11/13 9:21 A

Username: Shazzy38

Name: Sharon

Where are you from? (state or country): Miramichi, NB, Canada

How long have you been with Spark People: This is my 1st week at a 2nd attempt!

Marital Status: Engaged

Children and/or pets: 1 Son, 1 Cat

What motivates you: My Son


This is my 2nd attempt at this and I WILL succeed this time!! Although this 1st week is a toughy for me as I can not do much if any exercise due to a badly sprained ankle! :( .... BUT on a brighter note, I'M GLAD TO BE BACK !! :-D

SparkPoints: (37,198)
Fitness Minutes: (30,137)
Posts: 4,995
1/4/13 10:34 P

Welcome to the team sandy! :) I am looking forward to you being part of our team

current weight: 137.8

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Posts: 2,657
1/4/13 4:51 P

Welcome Sandy

Happy to have you here - thanks for choosing us to share your journey with!

SparkPoints: (9,484)
Fitness Minutes: (8,489)
Posts: 305
1/3/13 9:14 A

My name is Sandy, I live in Louisville, Kentucky. I have been married to my best friend for the past 30 years. We have a daughter, Jess who is 25, 2 dogs and 2 cats. I just graduated on December 13, 2012 with a Master of Art in Higher Education Administration. I work at UofL. I am motivated by fitting into my clothes better each day. I had a kidney transplant in 2002 and went up to 187. After hard work for about 2 years I went down to 135. I have had other medical issues so my weight has gone up and down. I am now at 161 and hope to get down to 140. I know I can do this. I am 53 years old and very determined to exercise daily and lose the weight. I have a home gym so there is no excuses. I work out religously every day and increase my intensity weekly. I look forward to the challenges. Thank you, Sandy

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