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jennb40
on 12/12/07 9:54 pm - Nashua, NH
Topic: RE: Whati do you believe in?
WOAH....wait a minute Steph - how can Santa Claus live with you in NH? He lives with ME in NH...southern NH - not northern NH where you are. Mine has a twinkle in his eye, he has magical things, the is jolly, happy and very giving....he is my husband!!!! (We don't need to know what magical things are do we?!!!) Did they clone these boys? Maybe there are 3 of them if we count Rick!!! However, my Santa doesn't wear Hawaiian shirts...well he did once for his son's wedding in St. Thomas...but that was the first and probably last time. OK - so now we have determined there are 3 Santa clones....are there more?!!!!!
Stephanie Smiles
on 12/12/07 9:47 pm - My Town, NH
Topic: RE: Whati do you believe in?
Okay. Now I know what I REALLY want for Christmas! I want a Rick calendar! Each month he can wear a different "loud" Hawaiian shirt! Perhaps he has some for the different holidays. Pumpkins for Halloween, turkeys for Thanksgiving, hearts for Valentine's Day, etc. I'm betting people would pay big money for a calendar like that! What do you think??? Hugs, Stephanie P.S. Rick, thanks for letting us tease you!
Stephanie Smiles
on 12/12/07 9:44 pm - My Town, NH
Topic: RE: Whati do you believe in?
Do you mean that Santa isn't real???? That simply cannot be! I believe in so many things. I believe in God. I know that I am extremely fortunate in all aspects of my life. My life certainly isn't, nor has it been, perfect. But I have a good life and am thankful to God for that life. I also believe in people. I think that people have the power to make this world a better place. Most of what we see on the news highlights people who are not improving our society. For every one of those, how many hundreds are working to make society better? I'm beginning to believe in...myself. I've struggled with self-esteem for 37 years now. There are lots of reasons for that struggle, and most of those reasons contributed to my obesity. As the weight has melted away, I've become more confident in who I am and what I have to offer others. I'm sorry that it took me this long to experience this confidence. I think that all of my relationships have improved and that, in general, I am a happier person who gets much more out of life. I have a little secret to share. Santa Claus does exist. He lives with me in NH. When I think of all of the qualities Santa is known for, twinkle in his eye, magical things, jolly, happy, very giving, I can't help but think of my husband. He brings me gifts each day just by loving me and sharing my life. And, I am very grateful! Have a wonderful day! Hugs, Stephanie
jennb40
on 12/12/07 7:28 pm - Nashua, NH
Topic: RE: Whati do you believe in?
Wow Rick....you really want to make us think - don't you?!!!! I think we all may believe in different things, but I believe because we live in America, we can talk about our religious preferences without offending anyone - I believe in the freedom of speech. Like that old saying..."I may not believe in what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it"....and I believe we should all live by that saying. And you shouldn't apologize for bringing religion into this forum because I believe it is your right to do so. I would also welcome anyone's beliefs to be expounded upon because I do believe you have a right to express yourself. I personally also believe in God and his power and I think for my well being, I also have to believe and trust in God. I like that other old saying..."Please be patient with me....God isn't finished with me!" - And so true that I feel God deserves a little credit for my success in this journey. He must have thought I had something more to offer this world! On a lighter note..."YES Virginia, there is a Santa Claus"! He may not actually drop down my chimney and he certainly couldn't eat all those cookies and milk in one night....but the thought of giving to others and making kids happy - what can be wrong with that? Now poor Santa might need WLS - per the recent statements of the Surgeon General, but who wants a skinny Santa? He might just help those people suffering from extreme obesity not feel so bad about themselves during the holiday season - so Santa can be a good thing for them also!!! So let's believe that doing good for other people (maybe more so during the holiday season) makes a little Santa Claus in all of us. I just sometimes wish we were more thoughtful to our less fortunate people all year long rather than only at Christmas - even though I am sure many of us are. I also believe in you Rick - for giving us all these thought provoking posts and hanging in there with us MARCHers as our "male calendar guy"!!!! A big THANK YOU Rick! Barb
Rick A.
on 12/12/07 1:38 pm - Far Northern, CA
Topic: Whati do you believe in?
The other day my 9 year old grandson asked if I believed in Santa Claus? That's one of those questions you hate to hear from a child. I don't think I gave him a straight answer. I told him I wanted to believe in Santa Claus. There are so many good things that happen to people this time of year that have no easy explanation. Maybe it is just this time of year that brings the good out in all of us. My wife works at the local food bank and this time of year their donations increase dramatically. I think people just have a more giving spirit. It is a good thing because the need also increases dramatically after the holiday season. Families try their best to fulfill the wish lists of their children and the grocery budget is often times exhausted. So my question to each of you is what do you believe in? Do you believe in yourself? Do you believe in a higher being? Do you think there is no rhyme or reason for why things happen? As for me, I believe and trust in God. I have to think there is more then just what this world has to offer. I have called on Him many times and my prayers were answered. Sometimes the answer was "NO". I didn't like it, but that was the answer. I apologize if bringing a little religion into this forum offends anyone, but I have had to rely on God many times during this weight loss journey and I think He deserves a little credit for my success. My life is great and has been blessed by God, Rick
layddi
on 12/12/07 12:24 am - Pico Rivera, CA
Topic: RE: Walkers roll call : week 9
Put me down for 37. You know I've been putting in extra effort to getting more steps, it gets pretty fustrating when it doesnt show on the scale, but I have lost inches, hummm
Rick A.
on 12/11/07 11:35 pm - Far Northern, CA
Topic: RE: What is your gift to give?
Stephanie, It sounds like you are wealthy indeed and that has nothing to do with the size of your bank account. The soup kitchen donation is a great idea. Have a great day, Rick
Stephanie Smiles
on 12/11/07 8:56 pm - My Town, NH
Topic: RE: What is your gift to give?
Good morning Rick. What a lovely post to think about! I try to give of my time when I can. Last Saturday I invited my nieces over to bake Christmas cookies. That gave their parents the day to shop without them and also gave the three of us time together. It was great fun! I agree that this season is about giving things other than gifts. I feel so fortunate that there is very little I need. If there wasn't a present under the tree, I would fare just fine. Most of my family is fortunate in the same way. This year, instead of trying to figure out what to get for these family members, my husband and I are making a monetary donation in their names to our local soup kitchen. The soup kitchen does such great work and there are people in my town who need food far more than my family needs gifts. This also makes it easier on me and little cards notifying them of the donation are certainly easier to ship to far off states! I feel so blessed to have a good job, a warm house (gotta love that wood heat! ), a wonderful family, and my health. What more do I need? Hugs, Stephanie
Stephanie Smiles
on 12/11/07 8:50 pm - My Town, NH
Topic: RE: Checking in...
Hiya MsKeara. Thanks for giving us an update! You certainly have tons going on this year! I'm glad to hear that your pregnancy is going well. I hope that continues. I'm sure this holiday season will be tough without your mom. We seem to miss the people we loved and lost more around family-oriented holidays. Continue to take good care of yourself and the little one growing stronger inside you! Hugs, Stephanie
Rick A.
on 12/11/07 1:44 pm - Far Northern, CA
Topic: What is your gift to give?
This holiday season we each need to think what it is that makes us unique and what we have to offer someone else. I don't think the season is about what we can get someone, but how we can make a difference in their lives. A year from now most people will have forgotten what gift they unwrapped, but they will still remember the effect of your presence in their lives. Try in all things you do to be a positive influence. When given the chance lift someone up don't put them down. We must remember where we have all come from. Encourage others who are taking the same journey we have embarked on. Be proud of the progress you have made and help others to be as successful. Be honest when you have stumbled and they will realize that we are human too. We each have unique talents that should be shared. Give of yourself and it will be well received. What gifts or talents do you have to offer? Life is great, Rick
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