The End of Spark People

 On Sunday, members of Spark People got the news that on August 17, Spark People will be no more.  They are starting a new site but it is for USA only.  Many are hoping that at some point the company will make the site available to other countries.  In the meantime, we are finding ways to say in touch with people we have become friends with over the years.  

I joined on September 20, 2004.  At first I would forget to log on but over time, it became a habit.  I started to read blogs and eventually, I wrote my first blog.  I think when I joined there was a small fee to join but after you made a certain number of posts, you would earn a t-shirt.  I still have my shirt.  I bring it out when I plan to meet another Spark in person.  I also have a Spark apron and a Spark gym bag.  I don't remember how I earned those but they have been well-used.  

Yesterday, I was reading some of my old blogs.  Some of them brought back memories.  There were comments from people who were in my life for a season and then they moved on.  Some I remember and others are just names.

I was fortunate to actually meet some Spark members in person.  Since I am from Nova Scotia, I joined a Nova Scotia team.  There were about 5 or 6 of us who became quite close.  One of the ladies' husband actually went to school with my sister (small world).  She and her husband ride motorcycles as does my husband.  We traveled to their place and spent a couple nights and went for rides together during the day.  They also stayed with us one weekend when we were planning a trip back to Nova Scotia.  That summer, I took the train to Amherst to spend some time with my sister before two other wives flew down.  There were 4 men who traveled to NS on their bikes.  We all met up in Amherst.  The single man went on his way and we three couples traveled to Cape Breton to ride the Cabot Trail.  Good memories.

Because I want to remember, I made a copy of my Start Page.

Judy's Journey

Every day you eat sensibly makes it that much less likely you will overeat again. The new you will become the only you in time. Your inner self will catch up to your outer self in time. No matter how many years you spent building up a self-image labeled fat, frumpy, foolish, failure, it can be destroyed and replaced by the knowledge that you are attractive, effective, and successful, inside and out. Give yourself that time.

Member Since: 9/20/2004

Fitness Minutes: 123,621

My Goals:
My goal is to get rid of this excess weight. I am currently working on the next 5 pounds.


Update-July 2005 - I have lost 15 lb. I hope to be under 200 by September.


I did not reach my under-200 goal by September 2005.

I will be happy to be under 200 whenever it happens.

Update (July 2007) - I am still fighting to get below 200. The difference is that this time I am going to do it. Seven more pounds....

August 22, 2007 - at last I am 199. On to the next challenge.


April 3, 2017 - Ten years later and I have not reached my goal. In fact, since 2017 started, I have been going in the wrong direction. Yes, I am older but I have seen success stories for older women. I really want to be a success so that I can be an encouragement for others. Unfortunately, my energy has been almost nil. I want to eat so that my energy improves and I can get back to signing up for 5K's again.



My Program:
I joined TOPS January 2006 but did not renew my membership in 2012.


Personal Information:
Judy, 75 year old Canadian 



Other Information:
I enjoy quilting, gardening, sewing, knitting, reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, spending time with my grandchildren, and surfing the net.