Hi everyone. I live in St. Joseph Michigan which is located on the southwest corner of the state. We have beautiful sunsets here as well as good amount of "Lake Effect" snow in the winter. HEALTH: I want to lose weight to become more healthy. I am fairly healthy now but I realize I could benefit by losing 30 pounds to stat. I was 180 pounds in High School a weight that doctors have said is your optimum weight. I realize I will probably never get that low. One of my more comfortable weights was around 230 pounds. I am now at 325 pounds. AGE: I am 66. My father's side of the family has a record of longevity, if you make it past the age of 49. (So far I am good.) My grandfather lived to be 96 and my dad is presently 96, still drives but stopped going (driving) to Arizona for the winter. SLEEP APNEA: I have had Sleep Apnea for 20+ years. It is caused by the fat in my neck. At one time I lost enough weight for it to go away then I gained the weight back. I would love to get off the C-PAP. ENERGY: I would like to have more energy. I get home from work and generally do not do much. My main summer activity seems to be trying to get rid of the Bermudagrass from the front garden, an impossible task. I like to write stories but usually only work on them during lunch hour. I like to work on photos with Paint Shop Pro X5. MOTIVATION: I realize no one is going to lose weight for me. My wife is supportive and wants me to lose weight but I have to do it myself. There is no one else to blame but me. Despite my crabbing I do enjoy life, friends, and family. I enjoy being around people but also welcome the moments I have to myself. I have many questions about life that I am trying to answer. Spark people and the challenges are a great motivator for me. OTHER PLEASURES: I enjoy planning Halloween activities especially the kids party at work. I would like to be smaller so a costume would be easier to find although i have had good luck at a local resale store. EXERCISE and DIET: I have tried many exercises videos. I log my food on the Spark tracker and am usually close to my days requirements, sometimes over. I am trying to watch my food intake as well as my nutrition. My son gave me a membership to Planet Fitness for Christmas which I am using. My Company supports us by offering good deals on health and fitness programs with area gyms and fitness trainers. CAREGIVER: In 2008 my wife had a urostomy followed by colostomy this year. She is doing quite well despite still needing a knee replacement. The ostomies need a lot of attention at times however, she is getting stronger and able to do a lot on her own. Her quality of life has improved greatly since the surgeries. SUMMARY: I know if I want it to happen it must be up to me to make it happen. I don't blame anyone for my weight gain. It is my responsibility. I need to find the drive to limit my food and to be more active. Spark people are full of encouragement and support; that is why I like being a part of the team.

I want to be healthier, have more energy, get away from needing my CPAP, fit into older clothes.

I am following the Spark program as best as I can.

I live in St. Joseph, Michigan. I have been married for 40 years to Diane, the most wonderful woman in the world. We have a grown son who is a machinist, also serving in the Michigan National Guard and a daughter who is a foster care social worker. No grand kids yet, wife is hoping soon.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the things we do that take our breath away. Never judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes. If it does not have a mother or does not come from the ground - Don't Eat It - Jillean Michaels Keep a Song in Your Heart - Lawrence Welk

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