fears.....this could get heavy folks.....

You are smart and beautiful. I have found that people who lose more slowly, usually have more muscle. Hugs!

Hot Damn Laureen - you are one smart woman!!!  Here is some advice from your older sister: Don't worry about a number on the scale. Keep following the plan as best you can.  In my opinion, you have made goal as a wonderful person. That counts a heck of a lot more in this world. You are beautiful inside and out, no matter your weight. Kisses Annette

Bless your heart dear Sista for your kind words, coming from you they mean so much. I hope to see you again one day soon, still looking into New York, but the prices are heady, looking into hotel/motels in the surrounding burbs, that would be accessible to public transportation and more affordable, it would give some flavor to the trip too. . . Hugs, Laureen

I too accept that I have an addiction and the 12 step program has helped me so much. Thank you for the reminders. I have your garden recipe posted at my desk. Hugs!

Laureen: Some of us are slow losers; it took me three years to get to goal and lose my 180 pounds, so don't worry so much that you are losing slow. Those of us over 50 are going to lose slower because of our age.  I see other people losing faster and wonder why I didn't; I know some of it is because I did not have problems eating any kinds of foods, so I ate some things I probably should not have. I also had to learn to snack a little better (still learning that); and I don't exercise as much as I should because of my arthritic body.  Your words about addiction were really good; I will remember them. I deal with my addictions daily; sometimes not very well, as you can see by my financial troubles.

Hello Margo.....good post..... We all have fears that is for certain. My fear is also that I will fail at this weight loss and gain it back again like I have so many times before. It could be very easy to stray and start eating too much and all the wrong things because of depression, self doubt, fear, child abuse, spousal abuse...on and on. My greatest fear right now is Nic and losing him. He was so ill yesterday from his chemo. It just broke my heart to have to leave him and come back home. I am so afraid that when I leave something really bad will happen and I won't be there just because I have to go on with my own life.  This is what happened with my dad. I flew home to be with him and the doctors told me to fly back home because he could linger like that for a long time. My family felt the same way. Well I went home and the next morning I got the call that my dad passed away! I still am angry with myself for leaving him and getting on with my life as they say. I had a feeling and I should have stuck with it and stayed by his side!! This is how I feel about Nic....do I give him more time or is it really just my fear because of my dad. I am really having a hard time of this right now. I have the urge to pack up my car and head back to Iowa right now!!! What do you think???? I have tremendous relationshi******I won't even go there for now it is too complicated and involved. I have many other fears as well...I could also write a book!! I just put on my big girl panties and march on. Yes, everyone thinks I am just the happiest most put together person. That seems to be true but only on the outside!! I am fortune to be able to have a wonderful therapist to work with.....but still it takes a long, long time to sort through all the garbage....if ever! So you see none of us has the perfect life....at least not many. There are always those hidden emotions and fears. Fears that stem back to childhood and beyond. Thanks for posting about this....it helped to get alittle of this off my chest. Hugs, connie d

connie--thank you for your honesty...i am so sorry to hear that nic is having a rough go right now and i certainly understand your fears as a gramma and from the standpoint about your dad...i have no answer-just prayers and hugs--me-as impatient as i am and unable to accept someone saying go home- would be back there...just me....maybe that's part of why we have yet to move to hawaii-the tugging of being so far from my mom and kids and grands.... yes; many of us have many fears and troubles that stem way back and many could write books-and many of us have on here sometimes--we each need to help the other and i needed to express my feelings this morning. i am glad that my post gave you somehwere to put your feelings...here's another hug just cause!!!!

Thank you once again for the caring and concern for Nic. I just spoke with Jamie...she said Nic is actually feeling better after the new meds they gave him this morning. She said if anything changes she will call me immediately. Jamie said that it is a very long trip for me and she wants me to wait because there is more to come and she will want me there then. I still might go......I am going to talk to my other daughter about it and see what she thinks. I am very exhausted! Hugs, connie d

God bless you Connie! Something quite similar happened with my dad and myself. My aunt made me feel a bit better by saying he did not want me to see him die, maybe this is true. I understand about Nic, I know your heart bleeds for him. It is so easy to say leave it to God, but who can really do this??? I offer special prayers for you and your family, and you are in my thoughts everyday. They say sometimes that it is weakness, not strength that binds us together, maybe this is why this forum is the best. I love you.

Dear Linda....I know God has brought you to me for a reason. You are such a wonderful friend and so caring toward me and my family. God Bless you my special friend! Love and Hug......Boo