Getting Ready for Vacation! (long)

I'm so excited. We're getting ready for our vacation that we've been planning for MONTHS! Tomorrow night we're spending the night in Seattle (since the airport is over 2 hours away from my house) and then Saturday morning we're flying down to see my family in Arizona (Julie and Carrie and any other 'zoners, I'd love to meet up with you while we're there!) and will be there for a couple of weeks. I've seen my brother and mom since my surgery but not my dad. I'm kinda hoping that he seeing me may prompt him to consider it, too. He's over 300 pounds, has diabetes, high blood pressure, seriously bad back, sleep apena, varicose veins, and just about every other weight-related health issue you can think of. He actually was my "inspiration" (for lack of a better word) to get the surgery because I didn't want to end up with all of his health problems. Anyway, while we're out there, my parents, my family of 4, my brother and his 4 daughters, and my brother's fiance and her 2 sons are all driving out to CA and going to Disneyland. My husband said he can't wait to run all over the park with me because the times before when we've gone we've had to stop for me to rest, slow down, etc. Not this time, baby!!! He's going to have to keep up with me! I can't wait! Also, my daughter and I are (I'm trying not to cry while I write this) going to go horseback riding. I know you're saying, "What's the big deal?" That was another big reason why I had this surgery. My daughter (who is 12) has been asking me for probably 7 years to go horseback riding (she LOVES horses) and, of course, being over 300 pounds, I couldn't go horseback riding with her. I'm going to go with her in the mountains of Arizona. My mom is a volunteer at the Phoenix zoo and is planning a few 'behind the scenes' tours for us while we're there. We're going to have so much fun, I just can't wait. My "WOW" moments are going to start the minute I sit my not so big booty in the airplane seat. I'm sure over the next couple of weeks I'll be writing about many "WOW" moments for all of you!! One, just now, writing all of this, is the many active activities that we have planned. It's never been the case before! One thing I'm a bit concerned about, though, is that whenever I've been on a diet before and doing well and I'd go to visit my family I would always blow my diet while I was there. It's like my parent's home is a trigger or something, I don't know. I am a slight bit nervous about this, but I'm sure all will be okay. I didn't have this surgery to blow it after losing 120+ pounds and still a distance from my goal. I'm going to be checking in quite a bit to keep my support while I'm there. I'll need it I'm sure! Anyway, y'all, I'm going to close out for the night. I'll be checking in! Michelle

Michelle, sounds like a fabulous vacation coming up for you. It's so nice to be able to enjoy all of the activities you wanted to in the past but couldn't. Have an awesome time and enjoy!!! ~Wanda

How exciting! I can't wait to hear about every minute. You go and have yourself a GREAT time. Seven

Michelle, I totally understand the horseback riding thing. I haven't done it in years and can't wait. My past is filled with times I tried to go riding, but, was told I was over the weight limit...this is fantastic for you! If you do have triggers when you are with family, don't beat yourself up too bad...all of us do it! We wouldn't have been morbidly obese in the first place if we weren't affected in that way...at least, that is what I think! Good luck and have a great time! Lori