Hiking, swimming. running, JOY!!!

WOW, What a week.....AT first it was a bummer that our vacation plans got cancelled, as hubby's car broke down and our vacation budget was used up to get another car... But in the end, we had a great week here in Connectucut...Thank you to everyone *****sponded to last week's e-mail about daycation spots in CT.And to all *****sponded to my happy post about the new dress.....I have not been online much, and havent had a chance to post....Now, why havent I been online??? Well...we have bee having a blast..taking the kids to the beach, and hiking, and swimming, and going to Six Flags.....I can't get over what a difference a truely active lifestyle makes....Being able to be active with the kids, and hike the beautiful trails in Connecticut, that has been a real treat.... There is this walking bridge in Meriden, that crosses the highway (691). And for as long as we have been driving along that highway, we have wondered about how to get to that bridge...Well, today, My hubby and I decided to just go for it and try to find it...And we did!!! we walked above the highway, and to a beautiful trail around the mountain, to the other side, the Merimer reservoir right by Mine Island...lovely....I would never have dared to do that before....Just walk, hoping that we would find what we were looking for....Not worrying about whether the walk would be too much (it did almost prove too much for my husband, but he is a trooper, and stuck by me as I kept trying all the trails)...And finding the Reservoir was a total surprise, and it was so peaceful and lovely, I loved it... And as far as six flags was concerned, I still hate going on rides, but had a blast in the water park, and at the end of the day, when we were leaving the park, I WAS NOT IN AGONY, I WAS NOT DEAD TIRED, AND I RACED MY SON UP THE STAIRS ACCROSS THE BRIDGE....AND TO THE CAR.... Now, that never happened before... every time we went to an amusement park before, by the end of the day, I could barely walk, or remember my name for that matter...LOL What a difference 140+ lbs loss makes....... What a difference a change in attitude and a change in priorities makes.... I will never be an exersize nut...I do it because it is necessary..BUT I have made a promise to myself that I will have an active lifestyle, and that I will include my family... SO rather than going to the gym as much as I could, I do these other things, and go hiking and race my son and swim across the lake with my 17 year old...I run up the stairs at my job, to the third floor, because I CAN, and I walk during my breaks at work because I want to be active... It is a completely different life, and I am happy to say that we have an active family... Having WLS has enabled me to make drastic changes in my lifestyle, and for that I am grateful... WOW I sure do go on.......sorry...... Have a great weekend everybody, and stay active.....It's fun

Hey Dorota, Thats so awesome. I am so very happy for you on your success and having such a wonderful time with your hubby and the kids. It sounds like a lot of fun where you went. I am so very proud of you and all you have accomplished. I know how that feels enjoying your family now and doing things you never could do before. The feeling of having energy and not getting tired or achy is a great feeling, I just had that going on vacation a few weeks ago too. Going on rides, walking the park and just having so much fun with my daughter and husband, what a rewarding feeling. I agree with you 100% on staying active and having fun too, this surgery was a gift to us all. Have a great weekend, and lots of fun. Hugs KimC

It is awesome, isnt it Kim.....I am so thrilled with that part of my journey. I was never able to be so active before, something always got in the way...I remember , a couple of years ago I did start walking in the mornings with my daughter...it was great, until my asthma kicked in, and my hips started hurting...then it was over...well, it is different this time...

Good going Dorota! So glad you had a wonderful vacation that filled you and your family with wonderful memories! Enjoy every moment of your new life! Be Well,

Thank you Julio, I am enjoying my new "abilities"..makes me feel a little bit like a superhero...faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to hike mountains and race little boys.....there is no holding me back....haha

Are you kidding me? Go on and on and on Dorota! What you are sharing is part of why we have our surgeries! It so warms my heart to read your story of REWARDS this past week. You have such a wonderful family and to read about the ways you share your new body's ability to move WITH each family member gives me a full picture of a woman who is now full of life and love. BRAVO. Thanks so much for sharing your success with us. I do believe these kind of stories give each of us a light at the end of tunnel feeling of hope and possibility. It does me. See you at the walk? I will be there. And girls? Wait till you see the gorgeous hunks that are coming to help us walk! I DIGRESS. T.

I am planning to be at the walk, with the part of my brood that does not have to work.....My 17 year old can't go, as she is working, and my hubby will most likely not be able to go as he is working...but I will be there with the little ones.... Towanda, I have had a great week....right now I am trying to get the family to go hiking with me again today, but I think i am out of luck....no one wants to go... of course, they are either sleeping or barely awake...... Looks like a not-so sunny day again today, oh well, will find something to do...... THank you for your kind words, as always... Dorota

Dorota, What a great way to spend vacation with the family!! Day trips are sometimes the best. It is really great that the whole family is active and is having a fun time being active together. Congrats on all your great accomplishments. I am so glad that you were able to keep up and have such a great outlook on your "new" life. It makes us newbies have a lot to look forward to and gives us so much hope! Keep up the great work and posting such inspirational experiences! Nancy K

Thank you Nancy.... Good Luck on your Journey....I know you will experience many rewards..... Enjoy it.....

Way to go !!!!!! I know Dr Aranow will be proud of you ! SMILE! I know what you mean and you feel FREEDOM and ENJOY your life! Keep your tools for rest of life because there are more aheads for you to enjoy more with your kids and your family! Hugs Kathy K