Finished one house ! CHECK !!

This was a project I'd started and STOPPED ten times in the last ten years ... I can't begin to TELL you how frustrated and angry ( with myself ) I felt ...

I knew i needed the income from this rental house ... but getting a grant to fix it , putting together the money , working with the contractor , doing everything I needed to do to bring it up to code while working in the cold unheated house in the WINTER ( largely ) ... all that was seriously daunting .

Especially in a hostile City .

Well I got my CO yesterday , my sucessful final inspection ( which means theyre releasing ALL the grant money YAY ! ) ... and gosh darn it I think we did a BEAUTIFUL job.

From a housethat was CONDEMNED to one that is rentable, comfortable , beautiful and LIVEABLE ...

Shoot I'd move in there ..it turned out THAT nice

I NEVER could have completed this before my WLS . No WAY NO HOW ...no matter what effort and sacrifice I'd tried to put forth ...

I just simply didnt have the ENERGY and HEALTH !

how have YOUR lives changed since WLS ?

What a great NSV!    And to make something valuable from something almost worthless is fantastic!

MM Mommy,
Why weren't you on HGTV?  I love watching people fix up their old homes.  Congratulations on a job well done and your determination to see it through.  Best of luck to you on your next adventure.

How has my life changed since WLS?  It's been almost 7 weeks since my RNY surgery.  Last night my DH and I went to the movies and I had to use the restroom in the middle of show (no surprise) I caught myself walking down each step, left foot , right foot.  Which normally I would step my right foot down then my left foot down on the same step and continue down the stairs slowly.  I hope that makes sense.  I'm very happy to say I just walked down the stairs like a normal person!

My NSV in public bathrooms is that I don't have to have the handicapped one to fit in. The others were always uncomfortablly small.

Hurray for you miss Ava.  hurray for health and energy. 

When we went on the cruise a few weeks ago, even with my bad knee, I realized how much more mobile I am.  My before pix were Feb 2010 in Porta rico.  That was the last time I was vactioning with DH and had to walk places (just from the hotel to resturant, etc.) and It was a major effort.  This time, I had no problems, lots of energy to shop all day. 

I would also not be having my knee replaced if I was still over 200lbs.  With that much weight, the knee was only a small part of my lack of mobility.

 Congratulations, Ava!! Your shares are always good and what a positive one.

My biggest change since WLS is that I think I look like I have always felt inside. I still am surprised at catching a glimpse in a mirror, but in a pleased way. I used to be surprised and wonder, who is that fat woman? When did she take me over? I was well aware of my weight, but always felt alien in my bigger body. Just not able to do anything about it till I had surgery.

Now my favorite thing is to feel like I blend in with a crowd. Can shop anywhere. Fit in any seat. Not be the biggest woman in a room. Always have something I like to wear and know it will fit. Some vanity things.

The best is that I am healthier. Normal blood sugar, much lower cholesterol, able to exercise, do yard work and housework easily.

Thanks for making me think about the changes.

Congratulations Ava!  I'm so glad you got that project DONE!

Changes.  There are so darn many.  Sitting in coast and being able to cross my legs.  Taking pilates 2x a week.  Last week doing my first Zumba class and not getting winded at all and not feeling to fat to have a right to be there.  This morning I bought my first ever pair of boots that come up to my knees.  Snug?  yup, but they zip up!

I think though that in my heart of hearts, it goes like this.  This week my son is showing a short film at the Napa Film Festival. I bought beautiful clothes for the Gala opening and closing night parties.  I feel confident and accepting of how I look.  I've always been secretly afraid that my size might embarass Zach.  Not this time!  Bring on the celebrities and I'll feel like I fit right in.

Anyone else every feel like you just didn't fit in because of your size?  Or worry about embarassing those you love?

Good for you...now wanta come help me with my renovations?????

We started the upstairs bath last week.

Liz

Ava!! Congratulations and welcome back!  I was wondering if that was what was keeping you from us.

I do hope you took before and after pictures - I'd LOVE to see them!!!

As far as NSV's go... pretty much what everyone else said.  Mobility, aches and pains gone, able to cross my legs, airplane rides are so much more comfy now, etc.