Hi, to all my OH friends!

I've been away from the board so long, that only a few of the names are familiar. I asked to be laid off at work on December 22 so we could go to California to spend Christmas with our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. We were there until January 9, 2007, and loved every minute. The kids were so surprised at how I looked and just kept encouraging me the whole time. I have never felt so good! I've lost 95 pounds since August 10 and have a tremendous amount of energy. In fact, I took Ehren, our grandson, to the mountains to have a snowball fight. I ran around like a little kid and chased him and then ran from him. I ended up slipping on the snow and falling down, which Ehren thought was major funny, but I got right back up and started all over again. I'm now down to 241 from 336. It just seems to melt away. I've started exercising again since being off work and will probably add some muscle weight back, but that's better than fat weight! I have applied for a permanent job at work instead of a seasonal but haven't heard anything yet. I'll probably be called back to work the end of February or first of March if I don't get the permanent position. I really like working--seems to be more fun than I remembered. Maybe it just feels good to be out of the house. I look so much better that I don't even mind going up to people and talking to them. My son tells me I'm back to the Mom I used to be when he was growing u***** my husband, says my whole personality has changed back to the girl he married 39 years ago. I really feel like a girl again, too. Sure hope everyone had as great a Christmas and New Year as I did. I even lost 11 pounds through the holidays. Well, it's time to get to Curves so I'd better get off of here. I'll try to get a new picture taken for the board. Craig's looks wonderful! I can't believe how much smaller he is. Way to go Craig!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take care and God bless you all! Linda

Linda, Welcome back - all good news to hear from you! That is so exciting that you are feeling better and that others can see a difference in you not only on the outside but on the inside too! Sounds like you had a fun visit with your family making lots of memories for your grandson! Good luck with the permanent position! God Bless, Marilyn

Linda, Congrats on the weight loss. Glad to hear you were able to spend the holidays with your family. I too look forward to playing more with my grandkids. I still do play but get short winded so not able to do as much. I wish you the best on the job. Julia

Linda, Keep up the good work. Isn't it wonderful how we feel so much better with some weight off. I am in the stage now where people are saying,"you are just losing too much, you are so skinny" I love it. No one has ever told me I was skinny. LOL. Colette

Linda so glad you had such a great time with your grandson. Isnt it wonderful? Glad that you are being so happy and able to do things you havent done in a long time. Hope you continue to post on the board. Love Jan