Hello Everyone! After a wonderful vacation with my family in Ireland, we had one day at home and then headed to Cleveland Clinic for my daughter's bladder surgery June 28th. She had a VERY difficult time after the surgery.

She is just now beginning to feel better, although she is battling a bit of depression, which is very uncharacteristic for her. It will be awhile (maybe several months) before we know if the surgery is successful, so the uncertainty is difficult. It is hard to be patient... especially when she is still healing from the surgery and experiencing some complications from it. I am just hoping and praying so much that it will all be worth it in the long run.
Lisa, that is SO exciting about Sasha having kittens!!!
Congratulations on being a kitty grandma!

I would love to see pictures of the kittens!!! Also, congrats on your weight loss and joining a gym! Have you started working out there yet? Can't believe your weather is in the triple digits. Yikes!!! Please do your best to stay as cool as possible!
Holly, congratulations on your new car!

I'm so happy that you have nice, reliable transportation with some new extra features. You deserve it!

I am in AWE of your baking skills! All of the yummy desserts you describe sound delicious!
Panda, I am so sorry about the way your mom has treated you.

You definitely do NOT deserve it! I hope you know it is about her shortcomings and not your problem. Regardless, stressful to be around. You are doing so well putting yourself out there and meeting new people. You should be so proud of yourself!

You sound like a very hard worker, too. That's awesome!
Flower, I feel your pain about carb temptation. Carbs are my enemy right now, too.

I have really slacked on exercise for quite awhile now and my eating has not been great either. I don't weigh myself often. The few times I have, my weight hasn't gone up too much, but I have been horrified when I see myself in photos recently.

I am SO out of shape. It is really a shame. I feel like I need to make drastic changes... but realistically, I need to start with some gradual, "baby step" changes. I hope you will be able to get control over those carbs! I am sending you

to go along with the link to the diet site Coop gave you. You CAN do it!!!
Coop, way to go on your incredible weight loss!!!

How is your OH doing? Are you still following his eating plan for the Celiac disease or are you back to a regular diet? Whatever you are doing, keep up the great work! You are an inspiration for all of us!
