Hello all my 3FC friends. I have been away from the board for awhile. Welcome to all the new folks on the board and is it ever nice to see and read about all you people who serve as my inspiration. I am especially proud of Sandi for going into the spotlight, being the star that we all know that she is! That is a tough place to go when your used to giving the spotlight to others - good for you Sandi! As for everyone else, what can I say? With or without weight loss, there are healthy changes happening and that is fantastic to read about! Congratulations to all.
I have been busy working and raising kids and it seems like I then lose myself. I am a manager for 130 people and then I come home to manage two kids and a dog. There is little "me" time after all that is said and done! However, I am fortunate that every once in awhile that angels are kind enough to give me a message indicating that I had better smarten up and take care of myself if I intend on caring for these other people in my life. Maybe it is a woman thing but I feel guilty if I am looking after me when there are other people that need caring for. How sick is that thinking?!?
The exciting news at our house??? Well, we have adopted a new baby boy and his name is Spud. He is brown and furry and is a Bichon/Shiz tsu cross. I am absolutely in love with this little fella. This is quite a statement being that I was raised on a ranch and dogs belong outside NEVER in the house. Well, this dog belongs in my house and in my heart. Pets are therapeutic and wonderful. If I had known how great it would be for the kids and my husband and myself, I would have done this years ago. Not only that, the puppy exercises me, loves me unconditionally and never talks back (unlike the children!). Could it get any better?!?
Anyway, just had to tell you that I am home again after a short sabbatical. I, fortunately, have lost 35 lbs rather than gained but I have times when I fall off my plan. It is hard to stay motivated when you work in isolation on developing a healthier lifestyle. It is so much more fun coming here. It is just so nice to come here to give and receive support with such a wonderful group of people. I have missed all of you.
Welcome back Jenaya. You are so right about feeling guilty when you start helping yourself instead of others. But I'm learning that you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others or you are doing both a disservice.
Oh, Howie, how I wished I could say I lost thirty five more pounds but unfortunatley (but still fortunatley if you know what I mean) it is just 35 lbs. but that is enormous for me and I am feeling really good about it. You continue to do well but I am sorry to hear about your back and the upcoming surgery. I know that is a stress that is weighing on your mind. Let's hope this will be the last and you'll be as good as new after this... And, if I had lost another thirty five pounds and was anywhere close to the success that you have been achieving, you would never get a word in edge wise because I would be shouting it out to the world.
Ah, I really have missed you good folks! Thanks for your kind words and welcomes. Yes, I feel a picture of Spud will be making its way to my avatar (once I figure out how to do that). It is -34C where I live so my little girl (10) bought the little fella a parka (I know, it sounds ridiculous but he really was cold and I truly am insane - talk about marketing. I know he is a dog but darn, he is such a nice guy how could I possibly allow him to be cold. That would be cruel) and boots so perhaps he will have his first photo shoot online in his new duds (which, by the way, he gladly wears - isn't he a smart dog?!?).
Would someone please remind me why I have done this to myself? Just when you get the kids sleeping through the night, you add a dog into the mix....nuts!
I did it! I actually did it (although not on my own...there is my little Spud..the kids chose the name, I am sure it will grow on me). Sorry, I am a new and confirmed dog lover!
Coming Home in time for Christmas...
Nice to see you again -- I'm so glad you returned, although it sounds like you managed to continue to progress beautifully! 
