I'm back!

Hi everyone: I've been gone a long time, but I'm back! Couldn't even post yesterday because my computer geek has my computer (and now he's on vacation ... hope he's in town at least!) The two weeks off were wonderful, but now I'm at work. Had to hustle when I got back because we had yearly health screenings this week. The cruise was fun but not as nice as last year's cruise. Princess is much nicer than Carnival. I don't think my brother had a good time either. He doesn't meet people as easily as I do and doesn't know how to just sit around and veg in the sun like I do. He was always looking for the activities to tell him what to do. I told him if the activities don't interest him, just sit on the deck and relax; that's what I do. I don't need anyone to entertain me. He did enjoy some of  the shows (something I don't really get into); I even went to one show I liked.  My big wow moments on the cruise were climbing 600 feet up the waterfalls at Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica (OK, I didn't do the total 600 feet .... because you had to walk down to the beach and then back up. But I did maybe 400, 450 and that's quite a bit considering what I used to be able to do). And I walked all around the Mayan ruins at Tulum, climbing up several hills to see the pyramids and other buildings; I stopped at going over the last hill to get to the other side of the big pyramid and seeing the beach ... it was just too hot and I was fried at that point. It was 90-100 degrees with about 90 percent humidity, and we had been in the sun two hours at that point. I still don't handle heat that well. All I wanted at that point was a bottle of cold water and some shade. I didn't even want to shop. But ... consider that six years ago when I went to Cozumel I didn't even attempt to do that excursion when I was 300 pounds. And here I was, a year after knee replacement, and I could do it, although I was physically wasted afterward. Saturday, I was so tired I was sick and laid in bed most of the afternoon ... didn't even want to visit the chocolate buffet. I had a good time; met some new WLS friends from Michigan, encouraged other overweight folks to consider WLS (I told them my story and showed them my "before" photo ... my old driver's license).  We also met with Linda Barnett in Galveston; talked with Kathy Frandsen too but didn't get together with her because she was too tired. We had a good time in Galveston before the cruise ... it's a wonderful city to see if you ever have the chance. Saw the Space Center in Houston, which was awesome.  What a great vacation! I was glad I had yesterday off. I got home Sunday night at 9:30; flight got to O'Hare and taxi driver took us to my mom's at about 5 p.m. and I thought, I could drive home. I was pretty perky at that point. I had had a nap on the bus from the pier to the airport and on the plane, so I was pretty well rested. It was nice to sleep in my own bed and cuddle with my kitties. Scooter cuddled with me the past two nights and didn't leave my side.  It's good to be home ... at least there's no snow on the ground.

it s good to see you back!!!! sounds like an awesome trip even if the cruise line didn't meet your expectations... wow --eileen- look at how far you have come!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i am so proud of you to make this trip--you rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you were missed however in pittsburgh!! understandably -but missed!!!!!

Gald your back. Sounds like a good vacation even if it wasn't as good as last years. It has to feel good to be able to do that much climbing. I could lay around and veg for quite a while. I don't need anyone to entertain me either. I can sit and watch the ocean for hours on end.  Hurray for no snow. I am ready for spring. Diana

Wow, Diana, look at that ticker! You are getting so close! Are you getting ready for a camping trip this summer? I'd sure like to meet up somewhere "in between" Caldwell and Kennewick! Karen C

I'm getting itchy to go. I hope I don't have to have my gall bladder out. That would be a real bummer. It has the dreaded sludge in it. I hope they have a non surgical solution. I am more than ready for spring. It is still cold here, but getting better. Diana

Glad to see you back! Sounds like you had quite a vacation.  I'm partial to Princess Cruises myself.  Haven't even tried Carnival but I understand they do a good job folding your towels into animals and placing them on your bed each day.  Glad you got to participate in more activity this trip!  That's always so much fun. Take care and rest up, Kathi

Eileen, it is so good to hear you are home. I am glad that you had a good time. I am another one who doesn't need to be told what to do, I will veg and people watch and look at the water for hours on end. I am very much a lake person. I am scared to death of water but I sure like to watch it. I am amazed at the things that you accomplished on this trip. Three cheers for you and being able to keep up with everyone else. It sounds like you had a good time even with the different ship. But I am selfish and I am glad you are here with us again. I am sending love and hugs to you.

Welcome home! Sounds like you had an awesome trip. I missed you in Pittsburgh.

Eileen, What a fun time and a well deserved rest. Welcome home.

WELCOME BACK HOME EILEEN!!!!!!!

WOW YOU MADE IT CLIMBING DUNNS RIVER FALLS ABOUT AS FAR AS I DID WHEN I WAS THERE BACK IN '96!!! WE WALKED LIKE A PENGUINE FOR 3 DAYS!!!!! LMAO WAS FUN DOING IT THOUGH!!!!! SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME THERE!!!! SOMEDAY I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO GO ON A CRUISE!!!! BUT I DON'T SEE IT HAPPENING FOR ME IN A LONG LONG TIME.....

HUGS