Remodeling_Me
275 / 194.4 / 145
1/24/2005 9:01:53 AM
Hey all... just wanted to share w/ my GoaD family that yesterday was my 2 year anniversary.

I have to tell you that THIS anniversary is COMPLETELY different than last year's (you can read my 1st year anniversary rambling on my website... http://tinyurl.com/5h4fs)... I mean, last year I had SO MUCH success as far as weight loss goes... I had lost 65 lbs & I was sooooooo motivated & so religiously OP. I was right on the verge of leaping into ONDERLAND... it was such an exciting & emotional time for me.

This year, however, has been REALLY rough weight-wise. Yeah, I made it into ONDERLAND (in February) & haven't looked back, but it took me 32 (w/ many weeks of nothing in between) weeks to reach my lowest weight of 185.6... 17.5 lbs... averaging out to a 1/2 lb per week.... perfectly OP (98% anyways), still determined to do what I knew was right, etc...

I joined a gym in June, worked w/ a Personal Trainer for the summer, loved every minute of it! I’m still going to the gym... mainly for Aqua classes (awesome workout), but the weight training has fallen to the wayside & I really want to get back to it (got a weight bench for Christmas! LOL!).

The last 4 months or so have been all about trying to keep my head above water (& not doing a very good job of it!). I’ve been stumbling & some days I’m completely up to no good :o) ...I’ve stopped moving forward (even if it was sooooo slowly) & have even taken several steps backwards. My weight loss for the year is now sitting @ about 7 lbs. WOW, that’s a tough number to wrap my head around.

Yeah... sometimes it feels like I’m losing (the battle), especially when I look @ a number like THAT... feeling like I completely wasted a full year of my life... but then I sit back & realize that I’ve not given up... I’ve not thrown in the towel & said “I can’t do this!” I KNOW that this is my life & what I’ve learned this year is that it’s not as easy as I thought it was! :o) But I didn’t start this because I thought it would be easy. I didn’t begin this journey w/ a finish line in mind... I KNOW that this isn’t a race. I know that this isn’t all about always doing the right thing... that it’s more about stumbling & learning along the way. THAT’S what this year has been about for me... stumbling & learning along the way... being proud of myself not because I succeeded... but because I’m still here. I’m not giving up... that’s never crossed my mind.

I DO want more, though... I WANT to move forward & make it to goal this year. I want to PARTICIPATE in the challenges, rather than just head them up! :o) I want to find the time for ME again... time to be MINDFUL & THOUGHTFUL. I’ve been so darned busy lately that I’ve not taken the time for ME that I need & I’m going to make the point of doing so again.

Okay... I’m rambling on w/ absolutely no thought of where I’m going (word-wise)...

...just know that I’m OKAY.

I’m sorry that I don’t have as much time for all of you right now... I miss being a part of GoaD on a daily basis, but I’m still here.

Thank you for being here for ME!

Julie



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75#s GONE!! 6/12/04
*personal weight-loss site - see profile*
MAMACIN
134 / 130 / 125
1/24/2005 9:09:32 AM
I thought about you yesterday Julie as it was 2 years ago yesterday that I started posting on this board (because that was the day I signed up for WW online due to major work conflicts with attending my meetings). You have served as such an inspiration to me the past two years.

And I know exactly what you mean about the 7-pound thing. From August 2003 until August 2004 I had a total net loss of 7 pounds too. And like you, I was too stubborn to give up -- although there were MANY times where I felt like it! LOL

I know you...and I know that you are just as stubborn as I am :) You WILL win this battle no matter how long it takes or how much effort it requires. And I can't wait to celebrate seeing you at goal this year!

And WHEN is the NC trip this year?? And WHERE is Lisa these days??

Hang in there Julie...it's your year!
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Cindy -- This time it was for ME! 22 weeks at lifetime.
No excuses! Never ever give up!
Starting Weight: 191.5 -- WW Goal -- 136; Personal Goal -- 125 in 2005
ABUREENA
1/24/2005 9:11:25 AM
I think the fact that you're posting on you 2 year anniversary, notwithstanding the ups and downs you've had is truly inspiring. Many would have quit, but you clearly have seen that this is a lifestyle change and not a quick fix. That's something to be proud of.

Also, you've hit Onederland, which is awesome. And you're 70 lbs lighter than you were when you started. Both of those are tremendous accomplishments. Keep it up and happy anniversary.
PSSKC5
186.5 / 177.5 / 164
1/24/2005 9:17:16 AM
HI Julie,
First I want to say congratulations for your great success over the last two years. Sure this year wasn't as great as the first year, but losing 7lbs is still huge. Think of how happy you would have been to lose 7 lbs before weight watchers. I always think of a no weight gain week as a 1lb bonus. Without WW I averaged a one pound gain a week. So according to my calculations you've avoided 52lbs!

The second reason I wanted to write, was because you were the first person to write to me when I joined the boards last week. Your words and your success were inspirational to me. While I didn't do that great this past year, I did know I had it in me. I got motivated after Christmas to get back to goal and have had three good weeks. I KNOW I will be successful and committed. You have it in you too, don't ever forget that. Now it's just a matter of time. Take it at your pace, just don't give up.

Pat
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LT WW member starting over
Orginal weight was 203
Cooper River Bridge Run 2 Apr - goal is to be at goal!
shasha
133 / 106 / 109
1/24/2005 9:30:54 AM
what THEY said, jules .. and you said it yourself: it's a LIFESTYLE and LIFE will continue to happen. we will NOT be 'pefect' like you were your first year .. that's INhuman! we will have slips .. we will veer off track .. but we 'start again' over and over and over and over and over .. look at me, girl. there's no number big enough .. hehehehehe ..

and get back to weight training! that's what got rid of those few pesky pounds (from last winter) for me .. keep those muscles challenged .. speed up that metabolism!!

do try and post more often, gir. NOT posting makes things worse .. don't i know THAT!

love and hugs,
marcia
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"Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they will never cease to be amused."
- Anonymous
MARCIA, 5 ft. 1 1/2 in.
INTEND130
208 / 184 / 130
1/24/2005 9:37:37 AM
Thank you, Julie, for your honesty. As one whose weight has plateau'd for 5 weeks, I have an inkling of how hard it is. Good for you for not throwing in the towel! Good for you for continuing to be involved in GoaD -- and for being our cruise director.
Let's try shaking things up in our journeys -- different, harder workouts, more water, more fruits and veggies are on my list. I'll stand with you, Julie -- heaven knows, you've stood with all of us.
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Elisabeth

New challenge goal of 176
crosbybeans
237 / 161 / 150
1/24/2005 9:38:39 AM
Hi Julie,

I can't possibly think of anything to add to this, but wanted to say I'm glad you're here with us. Happy Anniversary, and may the upcoming year bring much happiness for you!

Cindy
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Go Astros! Go Texans!
Dailia
170 / 144.5 / 145
1/24/2005 9:45:40 AM
Hi Julie,
Way to go - you found the positive where others would have only seen the negative. Sure you're not where you wanted to be, but like you say, it's a learning experience and sometimes it takes us longer to learn lessons than others.
Julie, you know I'm a leader and with your permission I'd like to share your story with my members tomorrow night. It definitely is a success story because without WW you wouldn't be where you are today.
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If 'if' and 'but' were candy and nuts - oh what a party we'd have.
malachi
496.2 / 438.4 / 160
1/24/2005 9:53:49 AM
Julie,

I just want you to know that you are one of those on this board that inspires me.
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Mal (short for Malachi)
Joined President's Challenge 11/23/04.
Attitude is EVERYTHING!
JIMBO1962
499 / 334 / 190
1/24/2005 10:22:16 AM
Julie, you've done awesome and continue do do awesome. You're an inspiration and motivator to many of us here. Thank you for that!

Keep on keeping on...the rewards will be great!

Jim
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OP since 3/25/2002 - 6'3'
SHAREE2
269 / 200.2 / 150
1/24/2005 10:24:13 AM
Dear Julie,
1st Congrats on you 2 year Aniv!!!!
When I 1st started coming to this board about 18 months ago you were there for me, cheering me on and getting me into the challenges etc. Without you and so many other people here on this board I would have quit a long time ago.

You and I have simular start weights and stories, I too have struggled this past year. Finally made it to onderland only to slip more than a few times. But like you I am not going to quit or give up on me.

I think its important, specially for those people out there on this board who have demanding jobs and hectic family lifes to remember to make time for themselfs. To get that exercise in, make sure you are eating right etc. Because this is for ourselves more than anyone else. You havent lost site of that.

Julie you know we all admire and love you, without your presense here, even though lately we havent seen you much, we know you are still there, cheering us on from the side lines. You are always here for our touchdowns!!! That for me is the sign of someone who is never going to give up.

You and I both can make our goals this year... We just need to buckle down and get serious about the whole process..

You are such an inspiration to me and so many others.. Julie YOU ROCK!!!

Keep at it girlfriend.

Sharee
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OP since 9/13/03
30# Gone before joining WW
72.8# gone!Onderland 10/30/04
~personal weight loss site-see profile~ "To give up is to not live"
Email sharee2@hotmail.com
TULANES
155.5 / 154 / 135
1/24/2005 10:28:14 AM
Hey Julie,
I have been doing this for 4 years and although I haven't made it to goal - I just never quit!!! Although I took some BIG backward steps sometimes. Slowly but surely I will get there at my own pace. What I have developed along the way is this characteristic called persistence! And I think I love that almost as much as the healthy heart and lungs, healthier BMI, and happy attitude.
JHARRISON928
267 / 197 / 179
1/24/2005 11:24:33 AM
Julie,

I just want to encourage you to keep going with all the good you've done so far. I don't post often, but you are always quick to encourage others and have such a sweet sprit about you. We know you work hard and have much going on, so please set your resolve and keep progressing toward your goal.

You are right here in the battle with the rest of us, and as we make progress it becomes harder to continue, especially as things slow down or new challenges come up.

For myself, it always seems a series of ups and downs, slower periods and faster periods...and only you can decide when it's time to crank it back up into high gear.

You've done very well to stay the course this year and that's a major accomplishment in itself. Just keep that "day at a time" thing in your mind. Before long, something will click and you'll be on your way.

Mostly, just hang in there. We appreciate all you do, the challenges, etc. and know you make a difference in many peoples lives. That says a lot.

John
CHEESEPUCK
304 / 233 / 140
1/24/2005 1:05:37 PM
Happy Anniversary, Julie! :)

You've come a long way. It may seem slow, but slow and sure wins the race. And this isn't a race, it's about improving our health and our lives. :)

You inspire everyone so much! Thanks for keeping at it and for being a leader and an inspiration to our little GoaD community. ;)

Btw, I forgot to mention that last week, on Wednesday it was my 1 year anniversary. It's been wonderful being a part of this group and learning and sharing with everyone here. So thank you, Julie! And thank you, fellow GoaDies! :)

Liz
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IT'S ALL ABOUT COMMITMENT

Joined WW Online: 1/19/04
1/26/04: Bye 300's!
5/10/04: 10% GONE!
10/18/04: Second 10% GONE!

WW Baby: Wade A. Lott (Current weight: 71 lbs.)
LORALI167
208 / 185 / 167
1/24/2005 1:48:53 PM
You WILL make your goal! I don't know you, and I don't post very often, but I do read a lot of the postings and always like this particular board and all of the supportive folks here.

Just knowing that you have lost so much weight, and that you have continued to keep the weight off is absolutely an accomplishment and not to be taken lightly. You have a lot to be proud of and your determination is there.

Keep up the great commitment you've made. You will get there! We're all here for you!
kcb240again
240 / 227.5 / 195
1/24/2005 3:19:08 PM
Julie,
I re-joined on-line today and was happy to still see your name on the board. You were an inspiration to me eventhough my last attempt at weight loos was not too successful. Reading your honesty about this past year has really helped me. thanks for the post.
Kelly
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Now is the time.
My Hobbit name is Marmadas Boffin of Needlehole
sidlicious
193 / 174.5 / 160
1/24/2005 3:23:37 PM
Hey Julie--
I agree that it is such a great sign that you are posting on your 2 year anniversary. I took such a long break that I don't even know when my anniversary is (maybe in April sometime), and I have stumbled like everyone else. I didn't lose an ounce for a whole year, so 7 pounds sounds good to me!

Anyway, when I re-upped 2 weeks ago, yours was one of the names I was looking for, and I checked ut your website to see what you had been up to while I was gone. It was great to see you are still around, and even though you are struggling liek the rest of us, hey--you are struggling like the rest of us, and that's us trying our best, right? Some days are better than others, but we try on all of them.

So here's to your anniversary, and to making 2005 better than 2004.
Sid
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If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.