POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE ! That is what the word for the day is . Let everything you do today be positive . When you speak .. make it positive . When you eat make it positive towards your goal . When you Exersise today ... make it positive . You can not succeed at Anything , with out being positive . Say it with me now ... PMA PMA PMA .. Have a great Monday and make it a POSITIVE WEEK ! Natalie

I would LOVE to go to Alexandria to do that! Did you know that MN BCBS reimburses $20/month on gym memberships? A local gym is trying to sell me a membership and told me that. I still have to confirm it, but he had the literature from BCBS! You look GREAT in your pics. LOVE that prom dress. Hugs, Susan

Julie- I know what you mean about taking care of everyone else first. I finally understand what a friend told me years and years ago: "I wouldn't go a day without a shower, so why would I go a day without exercise?" My surgeon made me sign a contract saying I would exercise 4 times a week (or something like that-I forget the details, bad me), so hubby had to accept that I was going to do it. He's always been good about encouraging me to take some time for myself, but I've never been able to use it to go see a movie alone (maybe someday soon-I'm a new woman now) and I'd end up wandering the grocery store trying to kill the "me time" I was given. Now I know JUST what to do with "me time" and it ends up being a treat. Even the days I go in reluctantly, whining to myself, I end up feeling great and with a totally new attitude by the time I leave. I have to give credit where it's due. My friend Kara started exercising with me back in August and she has some serious SERIOUS determination. She has kept me going when I wanted to quit. Even when we don't work out together, which is most of the time these days, it helps knowing she's out there doing her thing and cheering me on in mine. She's lost about 40 lbs (I'm guessing) since August and she looks terrific! I like going to the gym after dinner most of all. It helps me get through the hour of no liquids, which is hard for me, and it fills up some of my evening time away from snacking. Keep telling yourself that you DESERVE to have time to exercise; it's a totally reasonable DEMAND you can make of your family, who will benefit in a major way from the extra energy you will have. If you need extra incentive, remember that the exercise will help your lungs and body prepare for your next surgery, and help you recover more quickly. Hugs, Susan Drop me a line if you need anything!

Susan, How do you like the power crunch. I have a box of 4 assorted flavors coming from Smart Health store. I hear the choc is fabulous. Mngal

Just about everything I can get my hands on. I had my 1% milk this morning and then a banana a little bit later. For lunch I had an omelet and potatoes. Since then I've had an ice cream bar (Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom No Sugar Added). Then reduced fat cheez its. Can I put anything else in my mouth to eat!!???!!! I don't know what's gotten in to me lately but all I want to do is eat junk. Becky