Old Time Lurker's (revisited)

hi, elissa and everybody!!!! i wanted to jump in here and say, first and foremost, how much i miss u. and thank-u so much for thinking of me. yes, i've been away for awhile and yes, i'm so not communicating like i used to. i'll try to be better with that...because i never want u guys to think i'm forgetting u!! my life has been very full since i last posted. i'm still keeping busy with work and my children... my divorce is pretty much final (just waiting on the date) and that is something i absolutley need/want closure on. i just read over my profile and it totally amazes me what a difference a year makes--in terms of my own personal growth--both physically and emotionally. i have so much to look forward to and i welcome it...with both arms wide open. my weight loss has pretty much tapered off now...but i'm totally, totally happy with where i am and the progress i've made. wearing size 14 jeans, some 16's (depending on the make) and i am shopping in the 'miss' department. although, if truth be known, i still will pick up something in a larger size because i like the way it 'hangs' on me. does that make sense? not hangs in a bad way, but loose and free-flowing. still cringe at the tight t-shirt look, i guess. oh, and guess what?? i'm turning 26 again..today! i thought that i was going to get an awesome b-day present of a snow-covered world when i woke up this morning, but, alas... mother nature decided to mess with me...again. aren't we due for, like, a big blizzard?? lol well, i hope this finds everybody happy and healthy! i love and miss u!!! (((hugs))) -karen

Hey Woman! Glad to hear you are doing ok. Sorry you are going through some personal issues..it sucks, but you will be stronger for it in the long run! Now, about those size 14 jeans...I was wearing the same..14, or 16 depending on the brand/cut...try Bill Blass stretch jeans...I'm wearing a 12! It makes me feel good! They fit nicely (especially on my legs) and are VERY comfortable. And hey, let's face it...any time we can say we are in a size smaller, it makes us feel happy! Yes, I am still going for the larger tops and everyone hollars at me. I am going to stop at Kohl's after my Dr's appt (just a primary care check up) and look at a few tops, that are slightly smaller...we'll see if I can actually do it. And no real snow..it stinks! I was hoping for a good one too! So, is it really a birthday or just a birth day? If so, have a happy! Take care and hope to talk with you again soon! Valerie

hey, lady! wow...just look at u!! u go, girl!! i am missing everyone's morphs! yeah, it sucks but if truth be known, i'm already in a much better place. i can feel it. bill blass, huh? i'll have to chk those out. i'm having some luck with some talbots. found them in a few different colors at goodwill. yep, it's really my b-day! thanx for the wishes! lol c'ya, val!! and keep up the good work, sweetie. u look FABULOUS! (((hugs))) -karen

*clears throat and starts to sing in a somewhat out of tune and cracking voice* Happy Birthday to you ... Happy Birthday to you ... Karen, So good to hear all is well with you, well considering ... ya know? Anyway, I just love your wonderful optimistic attitude ... always have. I am so proud of you girl. You have done an awesome job!!! So hard to believe that it was not that long ago that this all started for us. Boy time truly does fly ... but at least the time took some pounds and inches with it this time eh? *wink* Keep up the excellent work my dear friend. Oh and have a wonderful birthday ... treat yourself to something special ... perhaps a candlelit bath with the doors locked, soft music in the background, sipping on a nice glass of wine ... ahhhh nevermind that last comment ... make that a nice protein drink instead ... anyway, take a couple of hours just for yourself ... no phones, no kids ... nothing but YOU Chickie!!! Yeah right, I know, I know ... but we can dream can't we??? Hugs and kisses! And Happy, Happy Birthday!!! Tammy

ahhhh....thank YOU, my dear friend... actually, i was with ya all the way up to and INCLUDING the wine!! hey, it's my b-day! keep in touch, chickie! love and miss ya!!! (((hugs))) -karen

Happy B-day to you. Happy B-day to you, Happy b-day dear Karen. OK OK!!! So I don't have the greatest singing voice. What is your schedule? I guess I'll have to do another make-over day so I can see you. It's about time, don't you think? Glad you are doing okay. You do sound good. Been there and done that. I know it ain't easy. I was disappointed about the snow too. I was babysitting my grandson today and we were gonna go sledding. Hey Ms, I'm wearing 16 WP pants now, but I still buy loose tops too. My love handles show in a tight shirt. LOL. I am still loosing, lots slower now. I'll take every pd I can. Ok, let me know when you are free and we'll get together as soon as we can. ya. Miss ya. Elissa

hi, elissa!! i think u have an EXCELLENT singing voice, babe--and the song was well appreciated. yes! i would LOVE to have another make-over. my schedule is pretty much the same--sat and sun off. should we make plans for an official day?!? lol it HAS been too long! yeah, i'm hanging in there--taking one day at a time, u know? but it's all good, sweetie. talk with ya soon!! (((hugs))) -karen

Helloooooo Karen!! Glad to see you posting an update. Wow miss size 14 pants that's too cool! I'm wearing a 16, not far from a 14 and am really happy about it, I'm now TWO full sizes removed from the womens department, soon to be three! UGH good riddance to the plus tags lol. Have you ever tried the Lee Riders brand jeans? They sell them at Walmart and K-Mart, around 16 bucks or so. I have bought these ever since I've been post-op and have gone right down the line in size with a good fit. I was so glad to see that they are available in the misses dept too clear down to like a size 6. LOL, don't think I'll be needing a size 6 anytime in this lifetime tho I hope this finds you happy and healthy today and that we catch up soon in person. Linda

hey, linda! how's the ponytail hanging, gf?? yeah, i know what u mean...i love leaving the woman's dept behind!! i haven't tried the lee riders...and hey, how exciting is that? all the way to size 6! lol don't think i'll be needing it quite that far, either (could u even imagine??) but it's nice to know they're there. hope we can get together soon, too--it's been tooooo long!!! (((hugs))) -karen

Hey, Karen....and everyone else! Karen, Happy B-day to you!!! you don't look a day over 21!!! weight loss tapered off....me too. I agree....LIFE SUCKS sometimes. But when you get lemons...make lemonade!! sugar free of course. about the snow; I was driving to Harrisburg, so I was glad that it didn't accumulate. Hope all is well with everyone and continued success to all!!! Ken