Saturday, January 1, 2011

Day 827-835 Farewell 2010--You Were Incredible To Me, Plus Videos and Pictures!

Day 827-835

Farewell 2010--You Were Incredible To Me, Plus Videos and Pictures!

2010 turned out to be an amazing year, indeed. I look back on everything that has happened and I feel a mixture of emotions. The good far outweighs the bad, but it isn't the "bad" that necessarily brings out a slight sadness. It's changes. So many changes, I lost count at some point. I just watched the video of me playing racquetball after losing just over 100 pounds and my bottom lip started to quiver with emotion. There I was, nearly 400 pounds at that point, and I was feeling better than ever. That was me. It's still me in many ways. When I watch that long and somewhat boring video--it's like looking at the old Sean, the Sean that's gone forever. Is that strange? To kind of, well, "mourn" the loss of the person I was? Even though the man I've become is far better off in numerous ways? I sometimes get too introspective for my own good, I think. But you know what? It really is all good. Being a normal size is a dream come true. Hitting a goal that I sometimes thought was unattainable, that, my friend---makes the entire year a shining success.

I'm forever changed in so many ways. It's like wearing a seat belt in the car. I automatically do it every time now, I buckle up with an effortless motion. At over five hundred pounds, I never put on a seat belt, ever. Most of the time, it simply wouldn't fit. Other times, the effort required was more than I cared to invest, even at the extreme cost of my personal safety. Many of the changes I've experienced, have become automatic--just like wearing that seat belt every time. And that feels very good.

Christmas 2010 was my third Christmas along this road. It was very strange to not have Amber with us (she opted to stay with her boyfriends family--and come home after Christmas), and having Christmas dinner with my girlfriend Karen AND Irene and her boyfriend Allen, was---well---slightly awkward. (If you asked Karen and Allen--probably Extremely Awkward!) We were all guest at my mom's place in Stillwater. As strange as that might sound to some, it isn't really. Irene and I have no ill will toward each other, we get along fine. It's a mutual understanding that divorce doesn't mean we're enemies. We have two beautiful daughters, who need two parents, like they've always had...and they still have that...we just live different lives in different households. It's about love, forgiveness, understanding, and a respectful consideration for each other. Let's talk about something else---because I'm walking that thin line of being too personal here...something I've done many times throughout this journey...But I don't necessarily regret that...It's that kind of transparency that has made this blog what it is today. It's a very real account of a consistent, positive effort--out of the trappings of morbid obesity, and into a new way of life on many different levels...and I'm proud of what it has meant to me and the opportunities it has provided.

Someone once asked me if I get paid from this blog, and if not, why do I put so much time and effort into these writings? (Keep in mind--the archives have nearly two years worth of daily post--nothing like the sporadic posting schedule of today) My answer to them was "no, I don't get paid." But that wasn't really true. It may not have provided a paycheck, but it has given me something far more valuable. Every time someone sends me a message telling me how these writings have helped them--that's my pay...and trust me, it feels so incredible to cash those "checks." And eventually, through books, speaking engagements, and other projects--I plan on making this world of weight loss, my career. It's my passion. I must!! So--no, I don't get paid to write this blog, but it's blessed me in many ways far beyond a paycheck.

My sleep lab study was horrible. It was easily the worst night I've had in a very long time. The good news is, I'll be getting the results soon---and with those results, a new CPAP and plan to be well rested in the coming year. I must be well rested--because we have lots to do!!

I'm looking forward to 2011. Oh my--I'm really looking forward to this year...wow. So many wonderful updates to come along the way, and I'll report them all right here. I sincerely thank you for reading and for giving me your support!

Instead of writing about some of the highlights from 2010, let's take a visual tour---below you'll find some video and pictures from a most amazing 2010. Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...

Good Choices,
Sean

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The sleep study. Very happy about getting this done...I needed it, big time!

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With Courtney on Christmas Day

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Dressed to brave the frigid temps for the Annual Anderson Family Christmas Day 5K! (it was just two of us Anderson men heading out there...and we were the ONLY PEOPLE on the lake. We couldn't believe it! It wasn't THAT cold. In this entire city, not one other soul was out on that trail...It was very strange. The other people were probably out there when the sun was shining---we waited until the temps chilled into the 20's with nightfall.

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Something rare here---me wearing a hat. I'm not a hat person--but it was very important to wear one for this 5K--My ears thanked me for the warmth.

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With Courtney and mom

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My dear sweet mother! I love her!!

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With my Aunt Kelli, Uncle Keith, Mom, and grandma


The freedom to fit on and ride a water craft like this---wow, it's one of the greatest feelings along this road.


I was still nearly 400 pounds here...it's very strange for me to watch this video...very.


Right before getting the "505" tattoo--Having second thoughts...


Getting the "505" tattoo.


The 2010 Lose To Win kick-off speaking engagement. I was so afraid I would crash on that bike. The door opening I rode through was a tight fit---and the floor was slick...it really could have been bad!!! ;) Choose change before change chooses you! Good times, indeed. And OK---the funeral at the start was dramatic--but seriously--that's exactly where I was headed...and it fit with my over-all theme.


This was from 2009--but I love this video---from after the YMCA Turkey Trot 10K---and seriously--If I can do it...You can too. Love it.

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Big before picture---with my grandpa...Oh, how I wish he could have lived to see me finally do what he hoped and prayed I would someday.

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Huge before shot...oh my...

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Eating before a speaking engagement! Lasagna no less!! ;)

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Certainly a highlight for me during 2010!

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Oh my---wow...my least favorite before picture. But kind of funny...

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The first time I ever had both, mom and dad, in the same room together. It was a very big moment for me in 2010.

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With Amber!

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Goal. Very sweet.

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Love this before and after comparison picture.

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Get ready, because 2011 is shaping up to be a monumental year!! I can't wait! My New Years Resolution is to be more organized--and hopefully that translates to more frequent updates on this blog!! Thank you for reading, watching, listening, and thank you for your support!

19 comments:

  1. W2G!
    U R an inspiration to everyone.
    May you only know GOOD from now on.
    Happy New Year!

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  2. Great post, impressive honesty. Congratulations on all you've accomplished, and best wishes in 2011.

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  3. Happy New Year Sean! I don't comment on your blog very often, but I'm a long time reader. I'm so proud of you, so very happy for you, and I just know 2011 will be the best year yet for all of us!
    P.S. Hope Amber updates her blog soon!

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  4. You have a paragraph in today's Birmingham News. They have a story about Stephen Vinson on the front page!

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  5. Happy New Year Sean, I am looking forward to watching you continued success throughout 2011.

    You are an amazing man:)

    Hugs

    Sheilagh

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  6. Don't forget dude, Old Sean is the guy who stood at the foot of a terrifyingly huge mountain that he knew he had to climb, girded his loins, and said, "Right then, let's get started." That's a very admirable quality.

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  7. Awesome videos. :) I really like the one of you playing raquetball - gives me hope that I can do that too, whatever weight I am now. Thanks Sean! Have a gr-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-reat 2011!

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  8. Happy New Year Sean! Looking forward to seeing where 2011 takes you (hopefully fully rested!).

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  9. I really enjoyed the visual tour of 2010!

    I know it will be an amazing and busy year for you, so am glad to see the sleep apnea being treated. Happy New Year to you!

    Loretta
    =^..^=

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  10. Awesome pics, and I remember ALL of those videos, so I didn't re-watch them....it was definitely a fantastic year for you. I hope 2011 is even BETTER! :)

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  11. I am looking forward to this year as well, Good on you for getting in there and hangin with your ex. Gotta give it to you. That's ballsy. great pics, great year.

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  12. Happy New Year to You Sean. Because of you I know my New Year will also be amazing. I have passed on your facebook and blog address to many people that have been asking me how I'm losing my weight as when I say just calorie counting...that isn't enough to explain the whole journey. They also don't like that answer. Sounds too difficult to them. Well it isn't if you take the emotional ride as well. I hope they all reap the rewards I have from reading your blog over the last 6 months. All the best for 2011 and I'll keep my eye open for that book and you if you ever do a book signing in Canada...preferably British Columbia!

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  13. http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/01/body_by_blogging_birmingham_ma.html

    Here is a link to the article on Stephen and your honorable mention in the article :)

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  14. Awesome to see your progress and follow your story this past year!

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  15. Sean, I've just discovered your blog in the last few days and I've been soaking it up like a sponge. You are such a huge inspiration to me, and your honesty and openness are a huge part of your impact. I'm sure this change has been both exciting and challenging psychologically-- even the best kinds of change can be a bit uncomfortable sometimes-- but you can love and embrace the new version of Sean and still love the older version of Sean. The heart of the man has been there clearly from the beginning and is clearly still there. I think I've got a bit of a crush on you *blushing*, but you're way too young for me and besides, you look very happy in your relationship! :) Thanks again for sharing your journey day by day, Sean, and I hope that 2011 is your best year yet.

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  16. Sean,

    I almost didn't get past your bottom lip quivering:( Congratulations on your wonderful year/success/friends/loving family etc...and I pray this next year is even better! I love the old Sean just as much as I love the new Sean, same person, different shell:)

    I am so happy you got the sleep study over with and I hope everything turns out well and you finally get what you need to have a good nights sleep! Love to you always friend!

    Take care and God Bless!

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  17. Wow, you are an inspiration. Congrats on your journey.

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  18. Weight has always been a barrier in my life. At 53 years of age, I am still battling it. I have just started again after being away from the efforts since June and I plan to use YOU as my inspiration.

    I don't know you and I've yet to read ALL og your posts, but I will and I am proud of you.

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I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Thank you for your support!