Things I can do now and other stuff...

The other night I was thinking of all the things I can do now that I could not do a year ago.  (BTW I've lost 101 pounds since this time last year and 90 since surgery in July).

Wrap a regular bath towel around me - all the way (that WOW came a few weeks ago) Shop at regular stores.  I've NEVER shopped at Gap before. Cross my legs - I love sitting that way Feel my collar bones See my hip bones when I'm lying down Sit in all chairs and not worry Have my kids hug me all the way around Have people not recognize me Want my picture taken - I'm a bit of a camera ***** now I weigh much less than my 6'5" husband, as I should Feel good in a bathing suit - even if it is a 16, it's far from were I've come I was in Gap and asked the sales clerk about their jeans.  I told her that I was looking for a size 16, she looked at me and said "I think you're wearing the wrong size.  You look more like a 14".  I almost jumped over and hugged her.  Now seriously, how many women would hug the sales clerk over being a 14.  But when you've been where we have... Yesterday DH and I had an all-day date.  We went snow shoeing in Lebanon Hills and went over 3 miles.  It was wonderful.  Then we went to dinner at Buca's.  I had a tiny piece of chicken (about 2 ounces) and he was dishing the artichokes on my plate.  He went to put a second piece on and I thought "crying out loud quit piling my plate with food".  That was a funny thought if you had seen the tiny morsels on my plate.  In the past I would have considered which dishes had the most food. Here's some pictures of our adventures in Leb. Hills...  Enjoy your 2008! You can't really tell but this was a pretty steep hill...

Hello.....you are looking great! Congrats on getting into the size 14s!!   WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!! You look like you were really having fun on your all day date!! That is so nice that you do that for each other. The list just keeps getting longer on those things you couldn't do a year ago doesn't it? This surgery is the answer to a lot of prayers. Hugs, connie d

Congrats on your success.  I can not wait until I have a list that long!! Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best in 2008.

Hello Resident Snow Bunny!  You look great and is that jacket cinched at the waist?????????  Bet that's something you wouldn't have done last year. You and DH are adorable!  Looks like a lot of fun for a date.   Bonnie

wow way to go woman!!!!!!!!!!  that is so awesome.... camera ***** thats funny!  Keep up the good work...  Marsha

Hey Staci, So funny that you posted this.  I was just thinking about this exact same thing on our drive back from Ohio today.  As I was sitting in the car thinking..... Hey, I can cross my legs while sitting in the car. I find myself feeling my collar bones in amazement. I can get down on the floor and get up without crawling to the couch for help. I can buy clothes in regular sizes now!!! Whoo Hoo. Sit in a booth and not think "Am I going to be able to fit" Not being afraid of the camera. ...and I know there will be more to add this my list soon.  These last 5 months have been great and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me!!! Happy 2008 to you as well!!!  Wishing you the best yet to come.

What a great list!  I can not wait until I can make a list like that...you are a great inspiration.  Also, what a great date to have being outside and enjoying the outdoors while enjoying each other....super cute pics as well! Happy 2008!

***HIJACK**** Love your new avatar NicoleLynn!  Glad to see YOUR face!

EFFIN' A there is hope! Thank heavens! Stacey, thanks for posting this. Man, I seriously have never shopped at Gap. I know that's just a small reward, but I am going to cherish that moment when it comes. Cross my legs, what's that? Bones, huh? Gosh, you all give me so much hope and a mile long list of things to look forward to in the coming year- THANK YOU! I love the snow shoeing pics - you two are HOT! Are you hooked up to Camelbaks? WTG gettin' your water in GF. Looking forward to meeting you next month!

You guys are the BEST support! Yep, them thars are camelbacks and I love them.  I keep getting DH's hand me down stuff.  He got a new one for Christmas - one that can hold more stuff.