I'm SO living vicuriously through you right now!! I tried shopping a few weeks ago but after nearly being mowed down by an old lady running to tell her friends the sweater in her hands was $4.99 I vowed to stay away til I'm back to normal! great deals on shoes and clothes girl, enjoy your new posessions!!

Hi Rick. Support is so important and I know it's part of the reason I haven't gone completely crazy! I try to be careful about comparing weights with my husband. It's tricky! I've always wanted to weigh less than him, but it's certainly not a competition. We're about the same right now and he's doing much better than me with hitting the gym. But regardless of the numbers on the scale, we're both working at being healthier. That's what is most important. I'm sure your wife appreciates that you love her exactly for who she is! I'm so glad that you have a fun, warm trip planned! I'm headed to Miami and Naples in February for work. Even though I'll be working, I'm looking forward to actually feeling the sun on my face for a few days! I'm glad that we aren't alone too! Hugs, Stephanie

Oh my! Perhaps waiting until Sunday night to heap praise is a better idea! I'll wave to you from Claremont on Sunday. I know you'll enjoy your time with the little one. Don't pay any attention to that scale. Your body may be holding on to stuff due to the change in your diet. I know that I easily fluctuate up to five pounds on any given day. My scale this morning told me I had gained three pounds too. Maybe it's the weather??? One more day of the test and you'll be done! You go girl! Hugs, Stephanie

Friday Friends Good morning. Happy Friday everyone! I'm so glad that it is Friday. I'm not sure two days is enough of a weekend for me but I'll take what I can get. Who has something fun planned for the weekend? I'm afraid my weekend will be comprised of homework and take-home work-work. Let's not forget laundry and other housework! On a happier note, I booked a cottage in Maine for a week in July this morning. Now that's something to look forward to! We had such a nice time last year and it was a truly relaxing vacation. I feel better just having it on the calendar. This morning I am thinking about people who support me in my weight loss and maintenance journey. I'm so grateful for all of them. That list includes each of you, some members of my family, friends, and my husband. Some members of my family haven't been so supportive. I think it's tough for a large family to watch one member shrink. I don't live near any of my family so they don't see me that often but when I do see them, I can tell which ones aren't that pleased with my weightloss. That's their problem! I read this in a "Dear Prudence" column. *********************************************************************** Dear Prudence, I'm 24, and I've been with my boyfriend for about 18 months. We were friends in high school, then met again after college, and started living together almost immediately. We have been talking about marriage lately, which I am beyond excited about; however, my boyfriend has informed me that I need to lose 20 pounds before he will propose. He claims that's the only reason he hasn't asked me yet. In his words, he wants "a hot wife." Am I crazy to think that unconditional and true love still exists? Everything else in our relationship is great. I don't want to walk away from something so wonderful, but this just seems a little ridiculous. Help! --In Love With Mr. Vain Dear In Love, I have a plan that will make both of you happy. It begins with you starting on a new exercise program. Get a comfortable outfit and a pair of excellent workout shoes. Then put all your worldly possession in a suitcase, pick it up, walk out the door, and keep on walking. --Prudie *********************************************************************** I absolutely LOVED her response! I'm so thankful that I'm not in that kind of relationship. I know how lucky I am to have someone to share my life with that loved me equally at 350 pounds and at my current weight. He'll continue to love me regardless of whether I lose more weight or not. It occurred to me this morning that I don't often say "thank you" to him for all of his support. I thanked him profusely for taking care of me as I recovered from plastic surgery. But I don't necessarily thank him for all of the little things he does to encourage me. I'm going to sit him down tonight and let him know how much I appreciate him and the support he gives me. Who are you thankful for in this journey? Who supports you in the big and little ways? Have a great weekend everyone! Hugs, Stephanie

Hi Rick. Thanks for the compliments! I think you should update your avatar! We would all like to tell you how great you look to echo your wife's words I'm sure. I understand the "garrish" reference. There's something about seeing yourself minus all those pounds. I especially see that in my face from time to time. I had to get my picture renewed last summer due to the same plane boarding fear. When I take out my license, I almost think it isn't mine! What an accomplishment to wear a medium shirt! Good for you! Who you are is pretty amazing. We're fortunate to have you. Hugs, Stephanie