Putting out an APB FOR laureen

Laureen  -  where are you?  I miss hearing about how you're doing and I miss your wonderful, sage, and uplifting comments.  You often write what I think but can never get out as well as you.
Hope you come back soon.
Margaret

Hi Margaret,

Here I am and thanks so much for missing me. . .

I have not really felt very connected of late, the board changes, people come and go and while I like to think I have thick skin, often I have felt like I'm not so needed and I don't want to sound like a braggart, nor a chest beater for what I am doing within my own personal journey and then there is the fact that the life I've been gifted with as a result of this journey is so very full that some days I don't have as much time as I'd like to be on here because I'm living life.  So I guess it's a combination of many reasons and the bottom line is I come here to offer what I've learned for me as much as for anyone reading and if no one responds, that is not the real point now is it. . .

As for what I've been up to, had a vacation, that seems like months ago, even though it was last week and I am dealing with some back issues that don't seem to want to go away, being in constant pain is no fun and right now I can totally relate to Judy and Eileen and while I'm trying to continue on doing what I need to, exercise wise, the pain has me worn down and getting up and to the gym has not been doable the past couple of days, which creates a sense of OMG, I will gain the weight back that I've been fighting so hard to lose, it's taken me 3 months of sweat equity to lose 6 lbs. and while that is a loss, it is tough going, but the good part is that my clothes that were not fitting at the end of last winter are now able to be worn, so this is a good thing, I just don't want to lose ground.  Went for xrays last night, blood work for my 4 year post-op check in this morning and basically life is good today, but some days it's a case of doldrums, even for me (lol), the person who is always looking for that silver lining.   Tomorrow, come pain or not, I will get up at 4:40 in the a.m. and get my butt to the gym, it's what I need to do and pain is not going to stop me, perhaps I will do things a little less, but not stop.

Kids are good, my older and younger grown adult children, turned 34 and 38 and my grandkids are good, oldest and youngest of them just had birthday's in the past 2 weeks, 10 and 6 they turned, and I am looking forward to seeing my daughters and older two grandchildren for Thanksgiving, as I will be going down to Florida for that holiday. 

Really, life is good today, but pain sucks. . .

Again, thanks for dragging me out of lurkdom.

Hugs, Laureen

Laureen I was ALSO wondering where you went!!! I remembered you mentioning that you were taking a vacation so I figured you didn't have time for us...LOL Glad that you are back!!

Sorry to read that you are also having back problems!!! It sucks!!!!! Mine is killing me yet...going to make a seperate post on it so I don't have to repeat it.

Welcome back!!

HUGS

Laureen...glad you are back...you always have great posts....please don't stop.

I haven't been on posting as much myself....usually just a hello to let everyone know I am doing okay.

Hugs....connie d

Yeah you are missed. The apple pancakes rocked....very delicious and I am always looking for a way to incorporate ricotto cheese in my food. I warmed the applesauce when I served the pancakes, yummy goodness.

Margaret is right, your comments and thoughts are very much appreciated...I know what you mean about feeling weird sometimes saying some things and wonderfing if anyone is really listening or understanding or if it helps anyone, well the answer is YES....i am on allot of wls boards other than OH and sometimes it feels like people are Hearing me...but I do appreciate you and your wisdom, being four years out myself...every pound is a victory, and this is the tuff part of wls.....maintaining ......and for me, I never made goal......but one day at a time....and lots of support by my peers....................again thank you.ll

Lois,

Thanks for your kind words and we are all similar in wanting to be heard, yet feeling somehow that it is not something we should want, aww the duality of being human.   Anyway, I am lucky in that I know you personally and we've spoken at great length about how we feel about never having reached goal and I have to remind myself that "goal" for me has been reached, I am healthier (other than this darn back pain), then I've ever been in my life, I am able to do things that 4 years ago were not even thoughts of doing and my life today is not one of isolation and fear of being judged because of my size, when I first started out, my goal was to be healthy and live life without having to take blood pressure meds or becoming diabetic or, having a family history of heart disease associated with obesity, not having an untimely death due to any of those comorbidities, I have reached those goals, so the number on a scale, while to say it does not matter, is not the main goal here, it is health and well being and the ability to live our lives without the encumbrances of being severely obese.

Hugs and hope that I get to see you sometime soon, Laureen

 Laureen,
I am glad you are here, and always enjoy your posts.  Your wisdom and practicality is something I need to strive for more.  

I am glad you had a vacation.  We all need a break from our regular routine.

I hear you on back issues.  One of the main reasons I retired on disability was the chronic back pain.  Take care of yourself.

Hugs,
Trish