I'm here, just real busy since coming home from Europe. We are in the midst now of our son Mark's wedding on 8/5. Told you it was a busy year for me . I've been keeping an eye on the board though. Have a geat weekend. Love, Deb

Hi Wendy. Yes, I've been through the wringer in the past two weeks. Before that. it was my job. That hasn't changed, except that my boss knows now that he had impossible expectations of me and the volume of work I had. I was so far behind in my work and had no resources to catch up. It really took a toll on me physically and mentally. That's why I've been struggling with my weight the past two months. I started grazing and eating the wrong foods. My boss was told by another peer of mine who came in and evaluated what had to be done that the workload was for 6 people not 1. So now all of a sudden, I'm getting the help needed to clear up all the backload. It is sad that it had to come to my illness for him to see what I've been telling him all along. Oh well. At least when I go back to work it shouldn't be so bad. My doctors who I work with went to him and told him that I needed help. I am taking the time to recuperate from this surgery and will not jeopardize my health for my job, It's just not worth it. I started looking for a new job and actually had applied for a position the day before my first admission to the hospital. Now I have to get strong and work toward losing the next 14 pounds. My surgeon will complete the hernia repair by inserting a mesh to strengthen my abdomen, so that I don't get a re-occurence of my hernia. I can't wait too long to do this. I plan on having my tummy tuck and lower body lift with the mesh. We are looking at December. At least this time, it will be a planned surgery and one I've been waiting for such a long time... to get rid of my large abdominal girth and hanging skin. Thanks for your prayers!! I need them. Hugs, Lucy

I have noticed a lack of posts from our anonymous junie! Anybody know anything, and if she is lurking out there, come on back, I miss your unique point of view on the world! Wendy

Lucy, Thanks for the encouragement. I have done it for 2 1/2 days now. So far so good. It is really hard I had let my bad habits sneak back in and take root. Hopefully I will keep up what I have started. My rule is if it is something I serve to my daycare kids for snack or a meal then I cant have it even if its just a bite. Even if it is good for me. I am trying to force myself to only eat at planned times and to give up the bite here and bite there stuff. It was killing my calories for the day. Well hopefully we will all keep coming here for encouragement and we will all make it to goal and keep it off. Thanks Lynn

Welcome home Wendy. Good to hear that you had a grand time on vacation. Ah, fudge one of my favorites too. Good thought about giving it to your kids. Why does food call us once we take the first bite?? I have food calling me too... Take care, Lucy