Last year I went on vacation and I was dreading it the week before.  Nothing fit, I was huge, and while I was happy to be seeing friends, I was so tired all the time and had so much to do before leaving.

Last year, I could barely help carry my own things in to the condo, let alone help with others.  I just stood there, well sat there panting and sweating and wondering when we would go to dinner.

I barely left the condo. I didn't go to the pool or the beach. I didn't go to the outlets or the boardwalk. I just sat on the balcony and watched everyone having fun.

I was angry and depressed because I had been denied surgery...and didn't have the money to hire a lawyer.

I left the condo that week, full of hope and a check for the lawyer fees that one of my friends basically said "enough of this. here's the money, hire the lawyer and get the surgery".  I went home, hired the lawyer and paid her back in payments for the money my friend lent me.

Now this year, well, 13 months later, we are going on vacation again.  Rather than our usual jaunt to OCMD, we are going to Kiawah Island, SC. We have a three bedroom/three bath villa on a private lagoon, just a quick walk to the beach.

and....

I am down 177 pounds. I am down almost 40 pounds more than the friend that lent me the check to hire the laywer.

We've ordered bikes and I can't wait to ride bikes around the Island

I've sent a bunch of healthy recipes and offered to cook a few nights so we a) eat healthy and b) save money

I'm taking my laptop and two exercise dvds just in case it rains and we can't get out.  For the first time I see the laptop as a way to keep exercising -- and not just to keep in touch.

I can't wait to see Charleston and explore.

I'm not worried about where will I sit in the car and will there be room for me. (although, there goes the "i'm too fat to sit in the back excuse". 

I'm not ashamed to wear my bathing suit.  I had purchased two last year, but never wore either. Now, don't get me wrong, I'll be wearing my tshirt over my suit, but still...i will be going to the beach!

I'm getting new clothes (a friend has a bunch of hand me downs waiting for me).

For the first time in forever I can't wait to see how much I LOSE on vacation rather than how much I GAIN!!

What a difference a year makes.  It exciting to know that NONE of my friends have ever seen me this thin.  Sure. I have a long way to go..but in just over 81 pounds I'll be in wonderland..something I haven't seen since 7th grade. When I had surgery in September I told my surgeon that I'd be happy to be able to say I weight "twosomething".  Now, "onesomething" is on the horizon.  In just 32 pounds I will be closer to "onesomething" than "twosomething.  I never thought I'd ever be able to say that...

I can't wait to see their faces...and leave them all in the dust and tire them out for a change!!