OH MY GOD...........!!!! (Long)
HOLY CRAP!!!!! I JUST REALIZED THAT TODAY IT'S 4 YEARS POST-OP!!
If I had even half a brain I'd be dangerous!!
Where to begin.....How about with an apology?? I'm really sorry that I've abandoned all of you. There's really no good excuse, so I'm not even going there. I have been looking in from time to time but not taking the time to post.....MY BAD!
It seems as though everyone is struggling with food issues at this stage. I would like to say that I am too, but that would be a lie. To say that I'm struggling would imply that I fighting......I'm not......I'M JUST EATING TOO DAMN MUCH......End of story!! I've gained back over 30 pounds from my low. Of course, I need to keep reminding myself that I'm still down over 100 pounds from my high! It's still hard to stay positive when I'm inclined to dwell on the negative.
But there is much on the "GOOD" side of the ledger too:
Back in December, I made a major change in my job situation. I voluntarily chose to give up my Supervisor position and went back into the Signal Craft as a Foreman. There were several reasons for this. Even though I loved the responsibility and all of my bosses were very happy with my work, there were factors that I believe were contributing to my weight and food issues. I was working nights which was affecting my sleep and just not sitting well with me. I was spending too much time at my desk in the office and not enough time in the field. The day to day stress was encouraging me to revert to my old eating for stress-relief habits. I was on call 7 days a week which made it hard to relax on weekends when you never knew when the phone would ring. It was a fairly long commute. By going back into the field, I lost a small amount of money although I can easily make that up with overtime. I also gave up my company vehicle which in these days of 3 dollar plus a gallon gas is a big loss!!
But all in all, I'm much happier. I think that after 30 plus years on the railroad, I'm an incurable "Field Animal" and not cut out for the office life. My new job involves lots of job planning and organizational stuff, which I enjoy and seem to be good at. I find that I'm naturally getting more exercise since I'm doing a lot of walking for my field research in planning upcoming work. It's a day job which entails half of my previous commute. My new boss is so happy to have someone with my experience as his foreman, that he pretty much lets me run things as I wish. Best of all, now if I'm going to work overtime on the weekends, it's planned ahead of time so that my life is more predictable. I no longer feel my blood pressure boiling up every time the phone rings on weekends!
All in all, despite my unhappiness with my weight gain, I'm feeling great and I haven't had any serious health issues. I still need to remind myself constantly, that I could not have even attempted the things that I'm routinely doing now before surgery. It just blows my mind that it's been 4 years today!! This anniversary really snuck up and blind-sided me!!
Anyway dear Marchers, I'm sorry that I haven't been here for you lately and I'll try to do better in the future. Just remember as I'm trying to: We're still all so much better off than we were 4 years ago!! For those of you whose anniversaries have passed..... Happy Anniversary!! For those of you yet to celebrate yours.......Happy Anniversary to come!! And to Maureen, who I was privledged to meet walking the halls of Middlesex Hospital and who shares my Anniversary date.......A SPECIAL HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND BIG HUGS to you my friend!!
Mike
Mike -
Great update post. I too have been absent as you have been, but I've been worse at some point stopped reading the boards except when something would come up that would remind me of where I've been and the bonds I've forged.
You know, I know what you are talking about regarding being management. I have never gone that route, but I know SO MANY who have, who have then taken a voluntary demotion because of it. In my line of work you have to have your sights set on a higher level of management in order to take the lower level management jobs because everyone ends up losing money from the lack of overtime pay and the fact that you can work your butt off with no compensation. You made a wise choice...especially if you were not happy. Life is too short to be miserable.
Right back atcha. I'm supposed to be leading the groun on 3/24 - maybe the three of us can meet for dinner (the cafeteria has the greatest chili!) and then go to the meeting together, what do you think? Pammie? Mike, I've missed you. Don't stress the weight gain, we're all there with you. Talking it out, connecting with people who understand, that's the important thing right now. Don't be a stranger any more. Maureen
Actually, I just remembered I'm seeing Aranow on the 24th, before the meeting - if I'm lucky I'll make the meeting given how notoriously late he always is. Are you seeing him for your 4 year check in? See if you can make the meeting, though, Mike - I think Pam can make it, that will be great for the three of us to catch up. M.
HI Mikie
Glad to see your face around here. Glad you made the change
in work status. I made a major change & moved back to AZ & still struggling with issues as it's only been a few weeks.
Things will calm down soon & I will be just fine. Take care
& please try & post more often so we don't worry so much about
you. Now it's Ken's turn.
Keep Smiling!!
Ladybug Marilyn 
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