My New Life

Hi gang... Just wanted to share my NYC getaway with you. I would not have been able to do any of this 18 months ago. Have I reached my goal? No...sometimes I think I never will--but I fee so healthy and "normal". I am maintaining the same weight up and down the same few pounds for about four months now. This is something I never could do in the past. My husband and two kids and I headed to NYC via train on Wed, we saw the parade which was and experience--glad I did it..but I am too old for shoving and pushing of big crowds. We went to the park to watch them blow them up the night before and I actually enjoyed that even more. After dinner w/ my family and neighbors everyone except my daughter and I headed back to CT. I booked an extra day for my 12 yr old and I...at the Crown Plaza in Times Square. She was on cloud nine! We walked 15 blocks to Central Park and took a horse/carriage ride and then went to the Top of the Rock--the new observation decks on top of Rockefeller Center...it was amazing! The next day we did quite a bit of shopping--and took the subway down to Ground Zero, which was quite emotional. We did some more walking and shopping at South Street Seaport. My daughter loved the fact that I did not tire like I used to. I was not winded in any way..and walking did not bother any of my joints. I thank my doctor for this surgery and you all for your support...It is truely a different life that I am living..and I am truely greatful. XO Joanie

Joanie: Ain't life grand? I am walking now in the mornings at the Post Mall. (6:45am if anyone wants to join in!) (red sweat-shirted just got-out-of-bed-hair goil) I digress... The other morning the usual entrance was not usable. It was frigid cold and beginning to snow... so naturally, and without any thought, I *ran* to find another door... RAN! I realized what I was doing AS I was doing it! What a joy! I was so happy and felt so free! I will be going into NYC on the 8th with some bypass buddies and look forward to being able to walk without the pain and stress of it all. So glad to have met you along this journey's path. Bravo to you! Towanda

Hi Joanie, Glad you had a great time and made so many wonderful memories for yourself and your family. We are truly blessed with our new lives and it's important that we get everything we can out of them. Take care and have a great holiday, Julio

Joanie, I am so happy for you that you enjoyed your holiday so much not only being with family but celebrating your health as well. It is such a blessing to have this chance and really make it count. You are doing a great job maintaining while continuing toward your goal. CONGRATULATIONS! terri

Congratulations to you sweetie, I am so happy for you. Its such a wonderful feeling being able to enjoy yourself with your family and not get tired or out of breath. I am so happy for you. It sounds like you had a wonderful time too. I love NYC. I can't wait to take Erin to see the lights and Rockefeller Center. I would love to take her eventually to Ground Zero too, we lost our neighbor on 911, he was only 39 years old. His parents live next door to us. He was such a sweetie. He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. Tom grew up with him in Milford. I still can't believe it will be 5 years since that tragic day. Well you have a great weekend and you should be so proud of yourself. Great job. Love ya KimC

Dr A. did a little work. You've done the most, and a great job at it. Yes, life is about living. You do. Lots of love Peter

Congratulations on your freedom! I went to NY on 11/11 and I was hurting..and thought I just want to be able to come back here and be able to walk and not be in pain. Sounds like you did that and then some! Isn't it great to spend that quality time with your child(ren) - without fighting off pain the entire time. I have to think that the quality is even better without having the pain gnawing at you -at least it does me. I am truly happy for you - and it is something I truly want for myself as well! Take care, Nancy J8

Joanie, I'm glad you had a great time. It is so wonderful that you can do things now with your family and not feel tired or embarrassed. I also think its great that you have pretty much maintained for 4 months. Good job. I've come to realize that this journey isn't about getting to an ideal insurance minded goal weight.. It IS about feeling better and healthier. It IS about being able to live a normal life. Keep up the good work! God bless. Kelly

Hi Joanie, I can understand how you feel about this and thank you for sharing this special moment with all of us. I will email you private this week. I am still very busy at work Have a great day! Hugs Kathy K

joanie, so proud of ya! glad you had a great weekend, hope you did lots of shopping! congrats! love, Phyllis