Austin Texas Real Estate Blog

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I Changed My ActiveRain Profile Picture Today

As I detailed in my last post, I am attempting to lose roughly 40 pounds of excess weight over the next few months.  I was simply tired of feeling sluggish and out of shape, and I had watched a season of "Biggest Loser: Couples".  I figured if the guy who weighed 526 pounds could run, so could I.  :)

At any rate, in an effort to keep my photo current, I decided to switch it out tonight.  I am roughly at the mid-way point for my weight loss, having dropped almost 20 pounds so far.  Mainly, I am feeling stronger, thinner, and healthier, which is what matters.  I probably won't switch it again until I meet or exceed my goal.

I have placed both photos below for comparison purposes.  I decided to stick with the "thumbs up" pose.

Thanks to those of you who have commented on my previous post, and also to those who have emailed privately to encourage me.  I appreciate the support and accountability more than you know. 

Thanks for reading!

 

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Comments

Jason, "been there, done that" and know what a commitment it takes.  Congratulations! The picture is great.

Posted by Mary Kay Hopkins, LLC e-PRO, GRI, CRS, CRB 2 months ago

Jason- you lost it and I found it... LOL  Just kiddin.

Keep going, you will achieve your goal. 

Sometimes I think that if I put as much focus on my diet and health as I do in my loan business, I'd be much healthier, thinner and happier!

 

Posted by Melissa Kulikoff (Texas Loan Officer) 2 months ago

Hi Jason,

Congratulations on your weight loss!  Keep it up....photo looks good.  It's hard to diet especially when you're stressed out.  But instead of reaching for a fattening snack, eat fresh fruit.  That works for me.

Posted by Amanda Nicodemus, Spring TX Real Estate www.amandahomes.com 281-380-5589 (Spring TX Keller Williams Professionals 281-380-5589) 2 months ago

Hi Jason-

I like the new profile pic and think you are Lookin' Good!  I do miss the red shirt, though. You look great in a color.

--Sara in San Antonio

Posted by iTexas Realty Co. 2 months ago

Looking good! Keep up the pattern. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Posted by Amy Law (Alliance Properties) 2 months ago

Way to go Jason.  And I think I'm going to challenge myself to get started.  4 years ago I joined Weight Watchers (which for me was a really great program) and dropped 30 pounds.  I've managed to put nearly 25 of it back on over the past 3 years.  I need to get back going in the right direction.

And doing it slowly and eating healthy and getting some exercise... is the way to go.  Fad diets just aren't good for your long term health.

Posted by Tammy Lankford/Broker Lane Realty Lake Sinclair-Central GA 2 months ago

Keep upthe great work Jason and your looking good!

VB ;-)

Posted by ROBERT A.SWETZ - Commercial Real Estate (Commercial Real Estate - www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com) 2 months ago

Jason congrats on your new pic; you look great! Great job!

Posted by Paige Walker, Broker and Owner - Your Louisiana Real Estate Connection (Century 21 Millennium) 2 months ago

Keep up the good work Jason, and I really like the thumbs up!  It's up for you doing such a great job!

Posted by Evelyn Johnston Real Estate Agent Elkhart Indiana Subdivision Specialist (Prudential One Realty) 2 months ago

Congrats - gotta be one of the toughest battles, since you have to eat.  it would be easier if you could just give it up all together, like smoking

Posted by Ann Gioe, CRP (Prudential Indiana Realty Group) 2 months ago

Jason - Congratulation losing the weight. The best thing about losing the weight is you say your feeling better. The pic looks good job!

Posted by Robert Schwabe - Orange Park FL Real Estate (Keller Williams- First Coast Realty) 2 months ago

Jason - I can sure see the difference, but I bet you notice it more in terms of how you feel. I haev to admit I have been much more sluggish about exercising in recent months for a variety of reasons, but am working on getting back on track. Keep up the good work - we'll look forward to hearing about your continued progress.

Jeff

Posted by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360 (RE/MAX Moonlight Beach (CA DRE Lic. # 01490977)) 2 months ago

Maybe I'll go back and delete my Face Book remark.

Bill

Posted by William J Archambault Jr (The Real Estate Investment Institute ) 2 months ago

Dude, keep it up!... I agree with Jeff, I can see the dif... And, hang on to the "thumbs up"... To me, it's your icon, I recognize it immediately... you own it... Walk the walk, keep the faith, you're on the journey now... Best.

Posted by René Fabre (The Talon Group) 2 months ago

Jason - I don't think it matters what your weight is....you have an awesome smile regardless!

Posted by Lina Robertson, REALTOR®, Springfield, MO, Real Estate and Homes For Sale (RE/MAX Solutions) 2 months ago

If this is something you truly wish to achieve...go for it!!! Cant wait to see the picture of you meeting your gaol Jason! :)

Posted by Carole Provenzale and Laura Cerrano Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City/Feng Shui Manhattan ) 2 months ago

Thanks once again for your encouraging words, all of you.

Bill - I didn't see the Facebook remark.  Maybe that's for the best?

Lina - Thanks for your compliment!

Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC) 2 months ago

Actually, even though I said I probably wouldn't switch it, my wife says the lighting washes me out, so I may change it sooner after all.  :)

Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC) 2 months ago

Jason- I like your knew profile photo and the white shirt is a much better color on you. I too, am working on my weight problem. I am the only one in my entire family and ancestry that is overweight. 

Posted by Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.) 2 months ago

Hi Jason,

 

 

WOW!!!!!    Congratulations !

Posted by ROBERT TWARON satxmilitaryrelocation.com 2 months ago

Congrats!  Hub and I just started a workout routine and we are very pleased with the extra energy you get from working out only so far!  I bet wifey is liking the new look too!

Posted by Renee Burrows - Las Vegas NV Valley - Homes For Sale - Real Estate Market News (The Force Realty -Realtor>Estate>Probate>REO>Short Sale) 2 months ago

It is crazy what a reality show will do for motivation.  I'm often amazed why what people double my size can do if pushed to a certain extreme that I couldn't motivate myself to do.  Hats off to you for completing half of your challenge. 

Posted by Jennifer Archambeault - an Austin Texas Realtor (Cardani Group, REALTORS® - Austin Texas ) 2 months ago

You're looking very fit, Jason. Good job!

Posted by Maria Morton, Kansas City Real Estate (Prudential Kansas City Realty) 2 months ago

 

Cool!!! Keep it up. I need to get back on the wagon. Kinda sorta like a heathen, I have backslid a little...

 

Posted by Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.) 2 months ago

Jason -

I admire the progress toward a hard goal.

But I like the old pix better....it has no background to detract from your face and gesture.

Posted by Jim Hale - On the MOVE for You! Eugene - Springfield Oregon Real Estate (ACTIONAGENTS.NET) 2 months ago

Good morning Jason,

Love your new picture! You are almost half way to your goal and I'm so proud of you. Accountability is the key in taking on a goal like this (then isn't it always?). Congratulations and keep up the great work!

Posted by Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) 2 months ago

Good for you, Jason.

I have been on the "wedding diet" lost 18 lbs so far. Now to keep it up after the wedding cake is gone.

Cheers!

Posted by Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor-Realtor® Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams-Ann Arbor) 2 months ago

Great results. Amazing what sticking to a plan will do. Probably some parallels between successful dieting and successful real estate practice.

Posted by Gary L Waters PLLC-Realtor Viera Suntree Melbourne Rockledge Brevard County FL (Century 21 Baytree Realty, 1211 Admiralty Blvd, Rockledge) 2 months ago

Jason, great shot, your thumb looks much thinner...okay I just had to , besides there was not one smart a** remark and I felt I needed to fill that void.

Seriouly, you have inspired to undertake the same path. I am trying to loose excess weight as a direct result of your blog,,,,thanks

Posted by Gerry Michaels GettysburgGerry (Community Benefits Real Estate, Gettysburg, Pa) 2 months ago

this is really great news, half way there already is wonderful!!!!

Posted by Barbara-Jo's Beach Blog - Clearwater & Pinellas County Florida Real Estate (Charles Rutenberg Realty) 2 months ago

You look wonderful Jason!  I thought you looked wonderful before as well, just so you know.  But, thinner is better for your heart, your lungs, your knees and various other joints.  Congrats on your success and best wishes on reaching your goal weight.  I won't repeat my smarta$$ comment about your thinner thumb here!  xxoo  Enjoy the holiday weekend with your family!

Posted by Susan Mangigian, West Chester PA Realtor RE/MAX Preferred, ABR (RE/MAX Preferred, West Chester, PA, RS152252A) 2 months ago

Awesome job Jason!!! Keep it up. You look great!

Posted by Betsy Schuman Dodek Potomac Luxury Homes (Washington Fine Properties - Washington DC Area Real Estate) 2 months ago

Go man go. You can do it. It pays great dividends to be in fighting form.

Posted by Charles Edwards (Century 21 EXCLAMATION) 2 months ago

I like the fact that you did not use the word diet.  Your lifestyle changes will definitely work

Posted by Richard Weeks, REALTOR®, Broker Associate, GRI, ePRO, eAgent (Bill Griffin Real Estate) 2 months ago

Good for you Jason! The before and after pictures are truly remarkable. Keep up the great work (out)!!!

Posted by Craig Rutman North Carolina (Raleigh Area) Realtor (Home Buyer and Seller Specialist) 2 months ago

Your face is definitely thinning out.  Keep up the good work.  Can't wait to see difference between your original pic in the red shirt and the one you take when you reach your goal.

Posted by Chris Ann Cleland, GRI, SFR (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA) 2 months ago

Congratulations Jason. Keep up the good work. Super job!

Posted by Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES ) 2 months ago

Awesome Jason!!! Keep up the hard work and I think it's great that you have put yourself out there to everyone to be committed to this.  The number is great, but how you feel is really what it is all about.  I am short, only 5 feet and have lost 20+ lbs. in the last few months and I can't tell you much better I feel physically, I have about 8 more to go, it's the hardest.  

Posted by Kim Darling Realtor,GRI, "Your Home Team" Fresno/Clovis Real Estate (Keller Williams Westland Realty) 2 months ago

Good work Jason,

Losing weight and getting healthy is a difficult thing to do but your doing a great job and I'm sure that feeling better is the biggest motivator! Congrats on your progress!

:)

Posted by Jody Keating Connective Realty,LLC, Bryan/College Station,TX 2 months ago

I wish you success Jason. My son motivated me by dropping 80 in a year.....so last week my wife and I decide to begin eating less and healthier. In a week we are already feeling better. Mostly dropped sugar.

Posted by Trey Thurmond, College Station , Texas Homes (Brazosland Classic Realty) 2 months ago

Hi Jason. That is a great accomplishment! Congratulations.

Posted by Lana Robbins Realtor ®, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey, FL (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC) 2 months ago

Wonderful and congratulations, what a great accomplishment. Have a wonderful weekend and a great 4th of July.

Posted by Barbara Heil-Sonneck - Home Staging Atlanta (Design2Sell - We Stage Atlanta ) 2 months ago

Jason - Congratulations on the success so far. Being down 20 pounds is already awesome and Im sure you will reach your goal in no time. Keep it up!

Posted by John Cannata - LegacyTexas Mortgage Sr Loan Officer - Frisco Texas ( 972-325-4912 Also available evenings and weekends) 2 months ago

Jason, WOW!  Awesome feat, congratulations!  Thanks for sharing and inspiring me.

BTW, I don't think you should ever give up your thumbs up picture.  It's like your signature, and when I'm in a hurry, i find myself scrolling through comments looking for your thumb!

Posted by Melissa Brown (Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS) 2 months ago

Picture is great, Jason... And your smile is bigger!! :) Continued success on the journey...

Posted by Ashley Myers (Manning & Company Real Estate) 2 months ago

Congratulations..keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress. New photo and old are both looking good. Love the thumbs up!

Margaret

Posted by HomeRome Realty Author:Real Estate the Rome Way 410-530-2400 2 months ago

Happy 4th Jason.  And congratulations on your weight loss.  I give you kudos for recognizing and doing something about something you are not happy about.  I like to watch Biggest Looser as well.  those folks really are inspirational.

Posted by Dawn Fabiszak, CRS, GRI, SFR, CNE (Keller Williams Real Estate ( Denver metro area, Colorado) 2 months ago

Congratulations Jason!!!!  Keep it up ... we're all rooting for ya.

 

Lori Cofer

Posted by LORI COFER ~ PULLMAN WA -- Realtor® ~ 509-330-0086 (Beasley Realty) 2 months ago

Congratulations on the positive changes you're making!! We all could stand to eat healthier, right?! :) 

Posted by Sonja Patterson REALTOR for Cypress, Houston, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Realty Center) 2 months ago

Jason, looking good! I use the Biggest Loser as inspiration too. I've lost 13 pounds but I'm stuck and trying to get over that plateau.

Posted by Robin Scott - Broker CRS ABR SRS Austin Texas REALTOR® (Robin Scott, REALTOR®) 2 months ago

Hats off to you, Jason! My battle is at the opposite end of the spectrum but I too am making progress. Frankly, my program is quite enjoyable, unlike yours.

Posted by Irene Kennedy Realtor® in Northwestern NJ (Weichert) 2 months ago

Irene - What makes you think my program isn't enjoyable?  Just curious -

 

Also, today's weight: 228.8  :)

Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC) 2 months ago

Jason, I need to do the same thing. Started today, it feels good to get back into an exercise routine and watching what I eat. The photo's great - better lighting!

Maybe I should start journaling my progress toward my weight loss goals...it seems to be motivational, hm?

Posted by William James Walton, Sr. Greater Waterbury Real Estate (Century21 Access America) 2 months ago

William - That's awesome!  It is definitely motivational, especially knowing how many people are aware that I'm trying to lose weight.  :)

Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC) 2 months ago

William - That's awesome!  It is definitely motivational, especially knowing how many people are aware that I'm trying to lose weight.  :)

Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC) 2 months ago

Thumbs Up to You Jason,

Your new pix looks bueno'...keep up the great work!

Posted by Orange Co. Real Estate~Lynda Eisenmann, Broker-Owner, CRS,CRB,GRI,SRES, Brea, CA (Preferred Home Brokers) 2 months ago

Wow, very impressive.  I do think first stepis having a goal and writing it down.  Even better to share it w/ others publicly.  I did this a few years ago when I wanted to lose 10 pounds.  I exceeded my target date and then went for another 6 pounds.  I looked the best I had in my whole life.  For various reasons, mainly job related, I've now gained some of that back and I've been telling myself that soon I need to reimplement this.  I have to make sure I'm in the right mindset and I'm not quite there yet, but I will be.

Posted by Debbie Gartner (Floor Coverings International :Westchester NY & Fairfield CT) 2 months ago

Well, Jason, I sure hope it IS enjoyable but I've almost never heard folks call it that. Rewarding, yes. In any case, the interim steps are worth the benefits you're already reaping! 

Posted by Irene Kennedy Realtor® in Northwestern NJ (Weichert) 2 months ago

Jason, I know how difficult it is to lose weight.  You're doing a great job, keep it up.  Love the before and after pic.

Posted by Tammie White Franklin TN Homes For Sale (Keller Williams Realty) 2 months ago

Yes I noticed great picture ... can You imagine we are half through 2010, I hope you enjoyed the 4th of July holiday have a fab...u..lous week

Posted by Lynn911.com ~ Dallas Real Estate Agent Top Team (Dallas Houses for Rent Dallas Apartment Rentals Lynn911.com ) 2 months ago

Congrats on the weight loss.  It is such a hard thing to do and I commend you for being able to stick to it and start to acheive your desired results.  The new picture looks great!

Posted by Debra Walsh Orange Cty NY Real Estate 845.928.8000 (Keller Williams Realty Goshen, NY - Realtor) about 1 month ago

Looking svelte. Dude at the gym is a fitness trainer. He recommends 100 squats, situps and push-ups twice a day. Takes about 10-15 minutes. The squats are the best. Pure body weight.

Posted by Andrew J. Lenza (Coldwell Banker) about 1 month ago

Andrew -  Thanks, dude!   I've actually been using a couple of iPhone apps to track the situps and pushups.  Today, I did 151 pushups and just over 200 pushups.  I amazed myself, frankly.  On day one, I did exactly FOUR pushups.  :)  I need to add squats into the mix.

Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC) about 1 month ago

Looking good!  I am getting bigger and really need to get motivated to do what you are doing!

Posted by Ann Allen ~ SRES ASP e-PRO REALTOR® ~ Birmingham Alabama Luxury Homes (Keller Williams Realty) about 1 month ago

Thanks Ann!  Go for it!  More than half the battle was making a firm decision to lose the weight.  I dropped seven more pounds since that picture was taken.  I'm thinking of revising my goal a bit.  I think I can lose more than I realized.  :) 

Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC) about 1 month ago

Okay, do you mind flying back to Charlotte and taking that weight back that you left on MY doorstep?!  I'm going in the other direction for some strange, old-lady-reason!  It's driving me NUTS!

Congrats on the weight loss, Jason--looking great!  Keep up the good work!

 

Posted by Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty) about 1 month ago

I couldn't help but notice the slimmer and trimmer picture of you!  You're looking awesome.  Keep it up and don't backslide, and you'll be the envy of all your friends!

Posted by Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales (Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Maui) about 1 month ago

Jason, I like it! Very subtle...

Posted by Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Exit Preferred Realty) about 1 month ago

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