1 Year Anniversary Post

Thursday, February 01, 2007

This came in last night - has to be one of my favorite posts ever on SparkPeople - from one of our all-time favorite members. In addition to losing 110 pounds in the past year, parttimer has also made 4,000 board posts to motivate other people on the site. Also, I LOVE seeing all the impact on her kids.

Go Moms! You can change the world (Dads too, but we have more Moms on the site since they are smarter :))

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parttimer has just submitted a new topic.

Title: One Year Today

Message: WOW - WHAT A YEARS IT''S BEEN. There have been so many changes.
The most obvious would be the weight loss - 110#. As I was out walking the
other day, my shadow caught my eye. It was skinny and had a waist. Where did
that come from? I''ve never had a noticable waist. My BMI went from a 45 to
a 27. The obese label is gone forever. That''s progress.

Flexibility - well I can actually tie my shoes with the bow in the center of
the shoe not the side. LOL. Although I''ve always walked, I now make an
effort to do it EVERY day for at least 3 miles, complete with stretches,
warmups and cool downs. We''ve also become more active as a family. The kids
love geocaching and we go whever the weather permits. It was great to be
reminded about this hobby through an article from SPARKPEOPLE. Hiking
through the hills and valleys is enjoyable and no longer as much a
challenge.

I still eat out more than I should but can make better food choices and
always stay within my calorie range with the correct combination of carbs,
fat and protein. My sodium level is way down as well as my blood pressure. I
was able to give blood again after being turned down for over 15 years
because of low iron. The entire family is eating more fruits and vegetables.
The kids are always carrying around water bottles - in the past it would
have been soda.

I''ve developed a more POSITIVE attitude towards my goals. Who am I
kidding - I never set goals before. I just made wishes and hoped that
somehow I would magically reach the goal. Setting steps and planning how to
reach those goals never occured to me. Since I never again thought about
goals, I never reached them. Weight loss wasn''t even a NEW YEAR RESOLUTION
anymore. Why bother? I''ve noticed that the kids have also begun to post
little motivational signs up in various places in the house and encourage
each other more. THANKS.

Using my SPARKJAR, I made a plan for paying for Christmas this year and have
it completely paid off. Something that never happened before. I also used
SPARKGUYS challenge to set up savings CD for each of my 5 kids and secret
savings for myself. 2 credit cards have been paid off and the accounts
closed.

I still have weight to lose but I''m confident that over the next few months
that to will disappear.

To SPARKGUY and his entire staff, I will always be indebted for this amazing
site and their support. It may be free but to me it''s worth a million. I
wouldn''t even have made an attempt if I hadn''t found SPARKPEOPLE. THANKS.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/messageboard.asp?imboard=33&imparent=4966420

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JEWITCH 2/27/2012 11:40AM

So motivating, thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHYAN 3/10/2007 10:04PM

This was very motivating to me. I have set up some stepping stones to reach the other side. The thin healthier me. To me this was more than an coincidence in finding this site. I am touched and motivated by alot of the stuff I have read. I just want to thank everyone on this site. I desparately was searching for something like this. I kept telling my fiance that I need a group to help me with my eating. Oh I forgot to tell you I am new here. Report Inappropriate Comment

ROCKET49 2/17/2007 7:18PM

Hey Parttimer! Thanks so much for posting your inspirational message. I actually copied it and printed it off so I would be able to put it in my notebook & have it available when I start to swerve off my health path. Congratulations and good luck on reaching your final goal! Rocket49 (Sharon) Report Inappropriate Comment

BTTRFLYGURL 2/16/2007 7:31PM

Hey i just read your blog. WOW congrats. It is so inspirational I am looking forward to losing that much weight, myself. I have been here for 3 days but reading some of the success stories give me hope & a little extra push to get off my rump & do something about it. Thank you so much for posting that. Report Inappropriate Comment

STACIARN01 2/15/2007 8:24PM

What an amazing and motivating story of true life hard work and dedication!! I am so impressed. You haven't given up and it sound like you are on the right path,not only with your weight loss,but with your life overall. I am proud of this woman!!! Stacy Report Inappropriate Comment

DEADEA6 2/14/2007 11:24AM

Hey, I'm a "side of the shot" bow tier. I'd like to see that gone, too. What is a "SparkJar?" That sounds like something I'd like to do. Deanna Report Inappropriate Comment

FAYE.B 2/13/2007 7:53PM

What a miraculous cascade of changes you've brought about in your life! Thanks for posting this hope giving message. FB Report Inappropriate Comment

STEVE2632 2/13/2007 7:29PM

Great success story. Life changing discovories like this should inspire us all. Report Inappropriate Comment

MICKEYD4 2/13/2007 6:07PM

Congrats, I really didn't want to exercise this afternoon because I live in Chicago and we got hit with snow today.but after I read this post I done 60 onthe treadmill and 45 on the bike. Thanks for the motivation. michelle Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPESHIFTER_V 2/13/2007 12:19PM

Isn't Parttimer the gratest? She's one of my favorites, too! Incredibly consistent, hard-working, and all this positive energy... Report Inappropriate Comment

CYNTHIAS50 2/13/2007 11:10AM

Since finding SP last year I have lost 20 pounds! This time I am doing it right, slow and steady and it's staying off! You'll never know how grateful I am for SP! Report Inappropriate Comment

MU55IN 2/13/2007 10:30AM

Congratulations. Sparks has had a similar effect on my life. Since September I have lost 15 lbs andtaken back the control of my life and environment. I have cleaned out the linen closet, the bathroom cupboards and my clothes cupboard. That may seem small but for a couple of years I would continually look at them, feel discouraged and shut the door. With Sparks I now feel capable -I can do things, I am not overwhelmed. It is baby steps that get you to the mile marker. I am happy trying new things again, meeting new people. I recognize myself as the person I was 20 years ago. So thanks SparkGuy You have helped to change many people's lives. Report Inappropriate Comment

PGTUCKER 2/13/2007 4:56AM

What a wonderful letter...I am so happy that you have done so well, not only with your weight but with your whole family...Congratulations. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLYDOC 2/5/2007 10:34PM

I've been a member of sparkpeople since october but I've only been really serious about it for about 2 1/2 weeks now...I've read many of the success stories, and after reading this..it only motivates me to lose the weight. lol I don't remember how I found sparkpeople but I am so glad that I have...Here's hoping (and working towards) a year from now that I can post my own success story=] Thanks for making sparkpeople what it is today. Report Inappropriate Comment

Healthy Lifestyle Change - 91 Pounds Lost!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Here's a great post I saw yesterday - from someone who has used the site for a year!

*****
Title: LOST 91 POUNDS!!!!

Message: Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary with SparkPeople and in that
year I lost:

91 pounds

14 1/2 inches from my waist

10 inches from my hips

3 1/2 inches from my neck

8 inches from my right thigh

7 inches from my left thigh

1 1/2 inches from my right calf

2 inches from my left calf

3 1/4 inches from my right arm

3 1/4 inches from my left arm

And I''m still not done!


Terri

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BFERLEYKO 7/3/2009 10:13PM

Congratulations Terri! A job well done good for you!!!!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BOYD110 7/17/2008 3:54PM

your doing great keep the good work up Comment edited on: 7/17/2008 3:53:43 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

LATINATX 11/12/2007 10:38PM

Wow! Report Inappropriate Comment

CWILLIAMS6009 4/1/2007 4:15PM

Way to go!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGELBELIEVER 3/2/2007 4:00PM

Terry, You are to be congratulated. my friend. Your story and wt. loss is awesome. You are living proof that the program works. I'm sure you feel so much better and must be proud of yorself. Thanks for sharing your story here on spark for all of us to shre in your success. Elayne Report Inappropriate Comment

KRAZZYLEGGS 3/1/2007 11:18AM

Terry that is awesome! I am impressed and inspired. Cheers Elizabeth Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNICHRIS 2/20/2007 7:24PM

Absolutely Awesome! So very proud of you. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNIE1962 2/9/2007 4:46AM

HOLY COW!!! Well done!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

107003 2/8/2007 3:07PM

Terry, That is awesome. I just started today with my Spark page so it was really exciting to see your story. Keep up the great work. Report Inappropriate Comment

Real World Spreading the Spark!

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Here's a great story someone shared about spreading the spark to others!

*****
Hello...my name is wendi. I have been on SP since sept of 2006...just wanted to share a story with you.

I was out shopping today when i heard the two sales girls and one of their friends talking in the store that i was at. The were going on about losing weight and how difficult it is. They cant get motivated, whatever they lose they gain right back, etc and so on. This went on for about 15 minutes while i was walking around the store. Finally i went to check out and asked one of the girls if they had a piece of paper and a pen. I proceeded to write down the SP web address and started telling them all about it. My success and the success of others on SP. While i was standing there one of them actually picked up the phone and called her friend and told her to pull the site up.
I was totally empowered and grinning from ear to ear when i left. I hope they will take it to heart and you will be able to help another person or two or three. Thanks so much for this site. It is a God send for me.

Wendi

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DDOORN 7/31/2009 10:23AM

Love it! I'm ALWAYS talking up the SPARK wherever I go! Now & then I'll print up flyers and take 'em along and leave them here & there...but it's always BEST when the topic of health and wellness comes up on its own and I can start talking about my success with SparkPeople and describe all that this wonderful online community has to offer! Don, Co-Leader of All Health Professionals, Binghamton Area Losers and Laid Off But Staying Strong SparkTeams Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYLYNN2 2/17/2008 4:03PM

i've been spreading the sparkpeople team to everybody. thanks for this website. peggylynn2 Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONORA7 3/1/2007 8:45AM

I am so glad I took a moment to read this. It has inpsired me, and so has your website. It is informative, intellgent, friendly, welcoming and extremely motivating. I have been struggling with my weight for 15 years and joined SP after a co-worker shared it with me. Now my husband is a member as well. We have both lost 20+ lbs. so far in the last 2 months. Our schedules are very full, so I am trying harder to explore the website and read the articles. They are a tremedus help. Thank you for all that you do! Leonora Report Inappropriate Comment

Great Blog Post!

Sunday, January 21, 2007

I saw this post on someone's blog on another site about SP and loved it - thanks for spreading the spark!

*****
My best friend Sharon got me to join this free site online called Spark People http://sparkpeople.com/ and let me tell you OMG I love it!! It is like an everything in one type thing! It is the largest health community on the web! You get meal planning, recipes, calorie counter, fittness program you can do at home, excercise demos, tips & articles, expert answers & so much more! You also get your own personal homepage (set up similar to myspace but not all the images & simple to customise- easy loading!) message boards, your own team or you can join up with other support teams like for instance I found raw food ones, there is the 50+ pounds to lose group, 20 somethings group, pregnant or nursing moms, you name it! I even joined one that uses DDR (Dance Dance Revolution video gave) as cardio! ;) I also started a team there called Empowered Eating & Living which you can find on my page!

I love that it lets me customise things my way or just pick a plan! You enter in your height weight age etc and what you want to do whether it's lose weight, get in shape, maintain your current weight etc. Then it calculates all the details like how many calories you can eat & have to burn etc! You can choose from their meal plans or do your own! You enter in the foods you eat into your favorites so you can just click & add! It is a little time consuming in the beginning if you eat weird stuff like me because I cant just do a search & choose nama shoyu LOL but I can look at the label & enter the info in once then it's always there on a drop down menu of my favorites! Most foods are listed already like if you search for tomato, everything with tomato comes up like sauce, whole fresh tomatos, and other tomato items! You just add it to your page under either breakfast lunch dinner or snack! You can choose from all different excercises & add them to your routein with just a click also! Then check them off as you do them each day! It's so simple!

There is a point system where you earn points for doing things like drinking 8 glasses of water a day, posting on the boards, reading articles, making their recipes and also refering people! So if you do sign up, PUT ME DOWN!!! LOL my name there is RawVeganMom (like you couldn't already guess that LOL)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JEWITCH 3/13/2011 7:13PM

I'm sort of a hit and miss blog poster. I am slowly getting better but sometimes it i difficult to find the right thing to say. Report Inappropriate Comment

OUTOFIDEAS 10/22/2008 5:25PM

I am so frustrated with trying to leave comments on the daily blog posts or to access the e-mail sign up/changes page. I have been encountering this situation for over a month, and today's SPTEAM blog post just reconfirmed the problem. For example, I can access the daily blog posts and leave a comment directly from the sparkpeople "view points" page, but I cannot do so from the e-mail notifications which I receive. Today's SparkGuy post from Coach Nicole on the new e-mail series confronted me with the same problem. When I tried to sign up for the new e-mails, I was told that I had to sign in to do so. (I was already signed in.) When I attempted to sign in, I was told that there was already a member by my name (that would be me...) and that I would have to create a new user identity. I did not do so. I am amazed that I am being given an opportunity to leave this comment at all. I sincerely hope someone can figure this out. I'd like to receive the new e-mail series. Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

Family that has lost 188 Pounds

Monday, January 15, 2007

Here's a great SparkMail I received from a member (she gave me permission to share). She is also a mother of 5, so who knows how many people their lifestyle change will impact over the years!

*****
Subject: Thank you
Message: I just wanted to send you a quick email to let you know how much I appreciate what you are doing. I just read the State of the Spark Address (I love the name) I was over come with gratitude to you for all that you have done for me personaly as well as my mother and father in law and my husband. We are all following Spark and to date our weight loss in all is 188 lbs. We combined lost a PERSON!!! I have lost the least at 23 lbs.

When I read that you are using your personal monies plus not getting paid I just wanted to hug you and say thank you so much for caring about me and my family so much that you would choose to do this for us. Well since I can't hug you physicaly here is my web hug

You have done something many of us wish we could do. You have impacted in a positive way thousands upon thousands of people. You have blessed us so much that there is nothing I can do to express how much this means to me.

My father and mother are also using your system and guess what? My father who was on blood pressure and cholesterol medicine as well as being diabetic turned his life around. He is off all medications and 50 lbs. lighter. Thank you for being instrumental in giving my father a new lease on life.

You are appreciated.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JEWITCH 3/13/2011 7:29PM

So inspiring. t is amazing what a family can do when they work together. Report Inappropriate Comment

JEANETTE0611 2/14/2007 10:32AM

Wow, what an incredible testimony! How proud you must all be! Report Inappropriate Comment

BEECOMINGME 1/31/2007 3:36PM

I wanted to add that this website has been instrumental in my getting my life in order.... so far I have lost just shy of 10 lbs. and I have 90 more to go, but for the first time I have hope. Thank you! Report Inappropriate Comment

*~SERENITY~* 1/17/2007 11:19AM

I think there are many of us that would love to hug you for all you've done for us. I haven't been here long but I can tell you, this is now "home" to me. You, what you've started here, and all that you and your team pour into the site are what keep me going every single day. Thank you doesn't even seem to touch how much I appreciate Sparkpeople...but thank you, from the bottom of my heart! Report Inappropriate Comment