Monday, May 23, 2011

My Three Year Blogiversary! And a Giveaway!! Woohoo!!!

Dang.  Three years ago I started this blog - actually three years and one week ago (let's just say I've been a little busy, hence the late post).  Back on May 14, 2008, all I knew is that I was ready to lose weight, and I wanted to write about it so that I'd remember how hard I'd worked at losing it and hopefully, would not do the traditional regain dance that I knew too well. Long story short, I lost over 100 pounds and have mostly kept it off for over a year and a half now.

Here's where I am today, three years later.  As you all know, it's been a bit of a rough year since January, what with my ankle injury, losing my main (and favorite) form of exercise - running - and all the planned races for the Spring, and then, of course, my mom's cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery and recovery.  A lot was going on, both emotionally and physically.  I've had to completely change my workouts - and I haven't been as strict with my eating as I probably should be.  But you know what?  Even though my ankle is (still) not healed, I feel strong.  I feel healthy.  I feel good about myself, even with not quite fitting into my Bermuda shorts from last summer.  I like who I am, and I like how I live my life. 

I've learned so much about myself in these last three years.  I've become more secure in knowing that at the end of the day, it's ME who has put in the effort (or not), and it's ME who will see the results (or not).  I've heard a lot of opinions, I've gotten the emails, I've read many, many blogs where they do things a different way - one that works for them.  But this is me, and I've gained the confidence to know what is right for me.  How I lost weight may not be right for you - heck, it probably isn't.  If you get anything from reading about my journey, I hope it's that it IS possible to make a major change in your life, no matter what your age or circumstances. 
Clockwise from top left:  May 08, May 09, May 10, May 11. And look - I'm STILL thin!!!  It's amazing to me that I've kept the weight off!!!

Over the past three years, I've made some wonderful, supportive friendships through blogging.  I've been lucky enough to meet a couple of you in person, talk with a couple others on the phone, and exchange personal emails with many more.  I want you all to know how much I appreciate your taking the time to come here and read my blatherings, and leave me comments and be so supportive, especially during this rough start to my year.  You have been there through my victories (anybody remember when I finally conquered my nemesis, the box jump?), and my defeats (no half marathons for me this Spring), my celebrations and my worries.  As a token of my appreciation, I am doing a giveaway of my homemade granola - just a little something, made with love, by me, for you.  Well, three of you, anyway, because it's my three-year blogiversary - get it?  LOL.  This is open to everyone worldwide since I'm doing the shipping.  Anyone who comments is entered - but please be sure your email is either linked or listed in the comment so I can contact you if you win.  Winners will be chosen by random.org and I'll post them on Friday.  Good luck, and thank you again for all of your support!
Yummmmmm, granola!

43 comments:

  1. Happy blog anniversary Shelley and what a ride it has been.

    I'm blogging since June 2009 and your blog was one of the first I found and I haven't regretted a single day of it.

    You are one of my favorite bloggers and such a sweet person. It's an honor to read your blog everytime. And I hope we will be able to do that for a long time too.

    The best thing would be if one of us could either visit Texas or Holland but we have to keep dreaming for now about that.

    You've got my email.

    Congrats to a wonderful blogger who has accomplished so much!

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  2. time really does fly huh

    I think Ive been reading you as long as youve been blogging and feel as though I know you well.

    as though we are FRIENDS.

    thank you for sharing YOU with us.

    Carla

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  3. Congratulations, Shelley. kimncolumbia@aol.com

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  4. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, which are only made more awesome by the adversities you've faced! Not only do you feel healthy, you ARE healthy. The fact that you lost so much weight and kept it off is a testament to your strength and resolve. You are a success story in a sea of failures. And for that, your body thanks you. Keep it up, Shelley! You are awesome and an inspiration to all of us!

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  5. Happy bloganiversary! I really enjoy your daily posts! You are so nice, and your blog is beautiful. Also "myjorneytofit" was the entry door to discovering so many others inspirationals blogs... since I discovered your blog, one month ago, I feel less alone in my "journey". Thanks Shelley I meant it, thanks for sharing your stories! Kind Regards from Madrid!

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  6. Have I ever told you that I lurked for months before I commented? Because you were one of the popular girls and I was afraid you wouldn't like me back :-D

    Three years of putting it all out there is a lot and yet you continue to do it beautifully. Better than that, you continue to inspire in your maintenance!

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  7. Hi Shelley, I've been reading your blog for a while now and am de-lurking to say congratulations! On your blog, on your weight loss, on your maintenance. I've really enjoyed reading about your experience through this weight loss journey as I work on my own (30 pounds lost, 20 more to go but am struggling with a plateau for several months now). I find your cheerful, real, tell-it-like-it-is presence on this blog to be very fun, refreshing, and motivating. Thanks for sharing with us all!

    Christine
    cheimburg@earthlink.net

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  8. Congratulations friend! Love your blog, love the way I can tell what day of the week it is by reading your blog (no kidding) and love the way you look in your May 'll picture! Oh, and LOVE your homemade granola. I am granola challenged, and always look admiringly at the pictures of your granola!

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  9. Happy Anniversary! :) You were one of the very first blogs I read, and I think you are AMAZING! :)

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  10. I think I have been reading since day one. Every time I think about Greek yogurt I think about you. Your Wed workouts kicked my butt.

    Thanks for all your support. Your comments are always thoughtful and I feel that you really care. I can usually always count on a comment from you. You will never know just how much that means to me. After years of reading your comments to others I can see you are that way with everyone.

    Congrats on your 3 years and here's to many,many more.

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  11. Happy Anniversary and more happiness for maintaining your weight and health and active life style. Whoohoo, is right!
    Looking forward to more years of reading.
    Jan

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  12. I've read you for a long time, Shelley, and am always inspired by your positive attitude, amazing weight loss and maintenance, and your fabulous wardrobe!

    I think you'd lost most your weight before I started reading, and this post makes me want to go back and read the first year archive. I gotta soak up your essence! And I'd love some granola, though I tend to get binge-y with granola, but don't let that deter you if I'm lucky enough to be a winner!! Happy 3 yr + 1 week blogiversary!

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  13. Congratulations on three years of blogging! You have made AMAZING, AMAZING progress in your fitness, lifestyle & attitude, which is so clearly apparent. You should be SO proud of yourself for all of your hard work :)

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  14. Happy Blogiversary to you! I'm coming up on 4 years of blogging but it took me over two and half years to actually start losing weight. Thank you for all the support and inspiration. Rock on!

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  15. Happy Blogaversary, Shelley.
    You are one of the first blogs I read, and certainly one of my first and closest friends. I can even boast that I am one of the phone calls, and thank you so much for walking me off THAT ledge.
    I am so happy for you and continued to be inspired by your triumphs, and also how well you handle your challenges.

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  16. congrats on your blogaversary! I read you for awhile too before commenting. I am sorry you are unable to run at the moment but so happy for you to be swimming. It makes me think a sprint triathlon is in your future. I love your sense of humor and fashion fridays and am very glad I get to read you.

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  17. You are truly an inspiration! I think you should make a book of your journry. Through Blurb you can "slurp" your blog into a book and then have it printed. I'm in the process of doing this and it's a great reward for a job well done! Again, congrats and you look mav-a-loss darlin'!!!

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  18. Congrats Shelley for loosing so much but gaining so much perspective in return! You've made a wonderful change in your life be proud!

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  19. Woot! Happy Blogaversary Shelley! I am so happy to have been riding along with your journey, through your plateaus, fear of the box jump, through you Mom's cancer, your trips to Hawaii.

    I just wish we lived closer so we can be real life buddies!

    Yet, my favorite line of this post?

    "I feel strong. I feel healthy. I feel good about myself..."

    Love it!! Hugs!

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  20. Happy Blogiversary! 3 years--wow! I didn't know you had lost so much weight, so very impressed that you did it and kept it off.

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  21. Thank you for sharing your journey with us Shelley. It really helps me to believe it can be done and I look to you for a lot of inspiration!

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  22. Happy Anniversay Shelley! It's been an awesome ride! :)

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  23. Happy Blog Anniversary Shelley! You are always a source of inspiration for me, with doing things outside of your comfort zone but conquering races and everything. It's so funny when I see your before picture I can't believe that was you, since when I think of you, I think of how you look now!

    Great give a way!! I heart granola!

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  24. Happy Blog Anniversary Shelley, you are looking great!!!

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  25. Happy Blogiversary, Shelley! So glad I found you! Your persistence and sense of humor keep me inspired and smiling :)

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  26. Happy Blog Anniversary! Still lookin' good and a great source of inspiration.

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  27. You look so great and are such an inspiration to me. And actually, thats why I am here on your blog right now. I didnt know if you would see the post I did today on my blog today asking for your suggestions... I want to train for my first half marathon!!! As soon as the thought rolled into my head that hey, maybe I *can* do this I immediately thought of you and that maybe you would have some tips? I gotta be honest and say that I am excited but more scared!!! Its in Ocotber and I have a 12 week training program...

    Jennifer
    http://wecanlosethepounds.blogspot.com/

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  28. I cannot tell you how many times I have read your blog for guidance. You are ahead of me in terms of weight loss and number of years/months keeping it off, but I too have been going through a tough eating time, and I have looked to you in it.

    You are one of my favourite bloggers!

    Just in case I get lucky, although it's been a VERY unlucky Spring, I'll leave my e-mail...

    the.warkentins@gmail.com

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  29. Honesty and humility, such a winning combination. NO wonder you're a success!

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  30. I love you Shelley! Congrats on the 3 years! You are a definite asset to this community with your achievements and your support xoxo

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  31. Congrats on your Blogiversary!! You have done an awesome job of staying fit and keeping the weight off despite the challenges you have faced. I am truly inspired by you and still remember when you emailed me personally to offer me support. I wasn't ready then but you have continued to support me now that I am! Thank you and well done girl :-)

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  32. Where has this last year gone? When I saw the title of your post I thought - wait a minute, she just posted her two year just a bit ago. Time flies. Anyway, congratulations on all your triumphs. You've been such a positive, generous and uplifting force out here in the community. Thank you for all you've shared with us.

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  33. Congratulations on your 3-year anniversary! You look amazing. I've always enjoyed your blog very much.

    I also love and agree that everyone needs to find/do what works for them individually. Wise advice.

    Sadly, don't enter me in the granola give away. As much as I would love to eat it, it's one of the foods I cannot eat. :(

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  34. Thank you for all you've done for me. The emails, the phone calls, the blog. You are amazing to me, and I love ya for it.

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  35. Happy Blogiversary!
    I remember you conquering that boxjump. Running that first mile. The first half marathon. Good times. Ugh, remember the gallstones too. Yikes. It's been fun sharing the journey with you.

    You look mahvelous, dahling.

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  36. Shelly you are so awesome and have helped me SO much just by being supportive and writing your blog showing that this healthy thing is possible. I appreciate you so much. Congrats on how far you've come!

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  37. BIG BIG BIG (one for every year) Happy Blogiversary Shelley! I'm so glad I found your site, you are an inspiration not only in your weigh loss, but in your humour, your attitude to life and your honesty!! Cheers to many many more years!!!!

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  38. Keeping it off is the toughest part, I'm inspired by your success. Congratulations!

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  39. Your journey has been amazing and I want to thank you for being such an inspiration! You look wonderful and I'm sure you feel like a million bucks too!

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  40. Congrats on your success and even more on your maintenance! It's impressive and definitely the biggest challenge, one that I have not mastered. I have enjoyed reading and I do recall your box jump challenge.

    Good for you adapting as needed and staying the course!

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  41. Congratulations! You have done awesome! I would love to try your granola! YUM! jandcsmom1@gmail.com

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  42. Amazing. You are amazing, and inspiring, and strong, and persistent, and funny and human and everything I want to be when I grow up. Congrats on your 3rd blogaversary!

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  43. Sorry I'm late but happy blogversary. You have achieved so much :)

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