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How is everyone doing? I am almost at 80 lbs. gone. I get to within a pound and then go up one instead of down, but it will come soon. We had a day of decent weather today in northern IL and Wed it is supposed to be 70! After the winter we've had, along with many of you, I wondered if Spring would ever come. There is a tree outside my office window which always blooms on April 20. There isn't even a bud so this may be the year I'll have to wait. We are planning a short trip to Door Co., WI soon. It is a beautiful place between Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan and we love to go right before the tourists start. Not like we aren't tourists, but it can be crowded in summer. It's my favorite vacation spot. I take a stack of books, an ipod and speakers and watch the lake--either inside or out depending on the weather. It's a great place to veg and when that gets old the shops are fabulous. Keep us up to date on you! Connie

I found out tonight I have an esophageal web and not a stricture like I thought I did. Should be fun to see what happens next!

Hi Connie! I love the coast of Lake Michigan when it's out of tourist season. Just a few weeks ago, I was in Saugatuck, MI for an afternoon, and it was gorgeous. Warm enough to wander around outside, and nearly empty of people. No crowds, certainly. I've gone and found myself in a new relationship this week. Just about a month ago, I was feeling all anxious, just starting to date again for the first time since I broke up with my partner right before surgery. The next thing I knew I was dating two women (openly, I'm not a player like that!). One of them has just captured me, and so I needed to start seeing only her. I'm all ridiculously sweet right now and oozing with that ooey-gooey fresh new love thing, so I'll refrain from going on and on. But I could. lol I found out on Saturday that I'll have the solo I wanted for my choir's Spring concert, so yay. ...Then I found out last night that I'll need to perform it in less than a week, also! It's in pretty good shape, but I have some things I need to fix up before Sunday. I bought a bunch of Size L tops. My lover (who didn't know me before, so wasn't making a comparison) told me yesterday that my stomach is flat. You know, things are pretty good in my world right now. Z

I love Saugatuck too! If I didn't have to drive through Chicago to get there, I'd go more often. I just noticed you are from Lansing. We have some close friends there who live in Wiliiamston. I almost took a job there once long ago before I met my girlfriend. Congratulations on your new girlfriend! Even though it was 22 years ago, I'll never forget that new in love feeling of ooey-gooey. It's the best! Connie

Hi Connie, I'm now 3 weeks post-op and down 37 pounds already, unbelieveable. This surgery is all about new beginnings and there are plenty happening. My relationship with George continues to grow. We met 1 month before my surgery and he has been there for me the entire time.He met me at the hospital when I went to check in and held my hand as I was being wheeled into the OR and gave me a kiss. On the day after surgery he came to see me with flowers and a balloon and washed my face and helped me brush my teeth. I am truely blessed. Kathy (see above) and I are getting involved with Dr.Aranow and his push for legislation to make inurance companies pay for weight loss surgery. Connecticut is one of the worst states for coverage. We have started a grass roots organization to get things started. I feel very strongly about this as I have been denied by 2 insurance companies before I got a job with the state. The weather here remains downright chilly, yet my daffodils and forsythia are at their peak and the weeping cherry buds are almost ready. I'm still planning on the veggie patch this year but will be harvesting things when they are at the baby stage as that will make a perfect serving. Pinkie size yellow squash and cucumbers are very sweet and tender at this size. I'm still very involved with the Northeast Ursamen, enjoying my second term as treasurer. Our club has been saddened by the death of 2 of our bear brothers within the last 6 months, one from a car accident and another recently from cancer. Mike, who died in the car accident ,I remember talking to on New Years eve about my upcoming surgery and he was so happy for me. He always made me smile because everytime he saw me he called me "Hot stuff". I wish he could see me now. I miss him dearly. I certainly wish summer would get here, I have a summer cottage at the beach I inherited from mom when she died and I want to open it up. I can't wait for the people to see the new me. Ok, enough rambling. Time for bed.

I'm doing great! I mowed the lawn yesterday for the first time in three years! I also trimmed shrubs and pulled weeds. It is so amazing. I just love being able to work in my yard again. I hate going inside. My neighbors saw me for the first time this week and one yelled, "What happened? Where did you go?" I told her I put myself in a drier and shrunk. They were very supportive and she said it will be good to see me back at working in the gardens again. I am hoping to bring my lawn back from the disaster it has become from neglect. What a difference 150 lbs makes, eh?

I'm headed out into the yard this afternoon too! Last summer/fall as I was changing everything about my life and getting ready for surgery, I let some things go. Today I will attack the remnants of the decorative grasses from last year, clean up dead things and make it pretty out there again. Last time I did this, 130 pounds ago, I had to take breaks every 10 minutes or so to make it happen. I'm looking forward to seeing what I'm capable of now. Z

Good morning Connie! I haven't been around much with the wedding and the cruise, but I'll update on that in another post. Just wanted to say hi and happy Spring! Rachelle

I was wondering if that was the reason you haven't been around. CONGRATS!!!!