Brenda C.

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I have had a difficult week, and all I can do is sigh.  It has been an unusually difficult year for me, and trust me, I have moments where I want to just give up & stay in bed all day.  Monday, I spent the day with my 18 year old cat Trixie.  I shared my kitty's last day in the sunshine, petting her and making sure she felt the love.  I have given myself a little room to deal with grief, but I keep reminding myself to push forward.  The sun has a bad habit of leaving the Pacific Northwest as soon as Autumn hits - so I think having a sunny day was extra special Monday.  I may take some of her ashes back to Hawaii, just so she can enjoy the sun -- her favorite thing ;)

Tuesday, I had such swollen eyes, I had to put aside my swimming for a second day in a row.  But Wednesday, I was back in the pool, working toward the goal I set for myself.  As of this posting, I have swam 491 miles, and I will keep going even after I hit the magic 600 miles, because I know I can.

Life is not supposed to be easy, so you have to remember that with the bad times, good times will follow.  Never be too hard on yourself, as we usually are our own worst critic.  If you treat yourself with kindness and firmness, you will only flourish.  Yup, I guess I learned a lot raising myself (most of my generation knows about the single parent house blues).  My pushing myself forward is what keeps me going.  Sure, I have had my moments where I really needed to hide for a day (sometimes longer), but I also know I am the one person who can keep me looking forward.  Remember, you spend more time with YOU, than any other person.

Why am I sharing this with anyone bothering to read my blog?  To show that if you let life get you down, you only have you to blame.  If you face life with determination, you will have YOU to thank!  As always, Stay Positive!

Brenda : )~

I will be the first to admit that surgery doesn't make everything perfect or completely better.  So much of this process is in your head -- mine seems to lead me astray from time to time.  Being honest about my portion control, eating choices, and whether I am doing all that I can do, is what will see me through this last third of my excess weight.

Facing the two year mark, I get frustrated just like everyone else.  I get it in my head I have failed.  Sometimes I feel "Why do I try, it isn't really working... Haven't I lost enough, yet?"  DON'T fall victim to the voice in your head that will lead you astray.

Having lost 2/3 of my excess weight equates to over two hundred pounds -- yes, I have lost over two hundred pounds, and still have another 1/3 to go.  Is this frustrating to me?  Sure, it is.  Do I have weak moments?  YES.  Am I proud of myself? Sometimes, well most times, but I still have to keep pushing myself.  Being stubborn is probably going to make me finally succeed!  I get made when I feel like I am not "winning" at a certain task, so that is when my stubborn or persistent nature steps in.

This is not a race - remember this!  You (and I) did not gain all this weight in a short amount of time, so consider what I did -- I will give myself 5 years to lose the weight I gained, as that is how long it took to gain it.  If I beat the 5 year goal - kudos to me!  If I do not, then I will have to re-evaluate why I haven't succeeded.

Being honest with yourself is really hard sometimes.  Sure, I can make excuses & try to believe them, but at the end of the day, I still have ME to face.  You can lie on your food journal, you can lie about your exercise, but who is that hurting? Think about that for a second.  When I want to end my laps early, I usually swim an extra 10, just to make up for my negative thoughts.  It isn't really a punishment, it is showing that I CAN DO WHAT I SET OUT TO DO, if I PERSIST.  When I do more than I set out to do in any given day, it makes me feel a little better about myself.  I like me enough to work harder to be better.

If you are getting surgery (or have gotten surgery) and expect to not have to work for your health, you probably will not succeed -- long term, that is.  Sure, the first - second year is amazing, but... Eventually, bad habits come back into play, your metabolism is too comfortable with your diet/exercise routine, and the weight starts creeping back on.  Do not let negativity cloud your journey.

On that note, Stay Positive!!!

Howdy folks!

It's your accident prone swimmer here with some news!  I just received a bag of swimsuits from Jeanette -- thank you! Thank you!  I have to photograph and list them, they will be for folks in the size 18 & under category.  I will be able to help supply some more swimsuits, as I go through mine!  I pretty much got wiped out of the supply over the summer, I think I have one or two still listed, and will go through my own suits - there will be 22 & 24 sized suits needing NEW HOMES, so hang in there, they will get posted.

It's the end of the swimming season for most folks, so if you are ready to retire your swimsuit, consider paying it forward to another Obesity Help Member!  I am happy to accept (and will pay your postage) if you want to add to the Swimsuit Album -- thus far, I have found new homes for 38 swimsuits!  The way the Swimsuit Album works is a member contacts me, pays the shipping, and gets a swimsuit to help them stay active!  No profit is made on the suits, and the majority of the suits have been mine, I just figure it is a fabulous way to get folks swimming.  There shouldn't be the excuse of not having a suit to keep anyone out of the water -- I even have scoured the clearance racks & thrift stores to keep adding to the supply.

Mile 482 was swam yesterday!  I have to get ready for today's swim, and even took my quercetin which is supposed to help as an anti-inflammatory, increase stamina, and is great for prostate health (just wanted to see if you were paying attention!)  Anyhow, this happy little flavonoid is supposed to help my body, so I have been taking it for awhile now - my homeopath just LOVES ME...

When I say making friends on OH is easy, I really do mean it!!!  I got the pleasure of meeting another OH Member yesterday, and I just may join HER support group!  Having support is the absolute best way to stay on track with working toward your health goals!  I have had some trying moments that have steered me off course, but I am working toward reaching even more goals in the year to come (I celebrate 2 years since I had surgery on November 16).  I am 2/3 of the way "there," so this last third of my excess weight will take a lot of effort and support.  I actually got to chat with a lady who said she had a friend who was starting to gain back since she had her surgery over a year and a half ago.  I told her it is very common, as we are sadly falling back on bad habits, our stomachs (like a balloon) can be re stretched and less effective at restricting the quantity of food we can eat.  Sure, losing a lot of weight is great, but the trick we have to learn is how to keep it off.

So, if you need support, I hope you will reach out to get it!  If your surgical center/doctor's office does not have one, a simple Internet search may help you find one.  Looking at your State's Forum here on Obesity Help is a GREAT RESOURCE!  If you still cannot find a surgical support group, consider looking for TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), OA (Overeaters Anonymous), Weight Watchers, or even your local paper may have weight support groups that have been put together by individuals.  Finding a friend to make this journey will help! Go for walks, a bike ride, just do something to keep you moving.  
Okay, it is that time of the day to suit up!  Swimming has been my exercise of choice, but I also bike and take long walks/hikes, it is important to find something YOU will enjoy!  Stay Active, Stay Positive!

Brenda : )~

Okay, before I start whining about Karma being out to get me - which I swear he/she/it is - I went to swim for the first time in two weeks, and I did all right.  My leg hurt, which I knew it would, but I was still able to swim for a mile and a half - passing the 479th mile of the year.  Including the half mile sticking to the side of my goal, I only have 120.5 miles to go to make my goal of 600 miles in one year.  October is just starting, so I have three months to make my goal -- THIS IS DOABLE!

My complaint with life is just silly, I split my jeans climbing into my truck.  So, instead of making an extra trip home before doing some of my work, I just yanked my shirt & cardigan low over my butt, and wore my messenger bag on my back.  Sigh.  Splitting my pants is seriously the slightest of life's challenges that I have had to deal with in the last three months, so I just have to chuckle, hope my butt wasn't visible, and be glad I work independently and not in an office!  Sad thing was, I just added a tie inside the waist, as the pants were getting too loose, that will learn me not to just retire the pants when I should have.  One less pair for the donate pile... Unless I actually just sew them up, as I was going to do.

Why do I tell the world about the stupid things that happen?  Just to show that we all have the same kinds of obstacles, but how we walk around them - or leap over them - sets us apart.  Sure, I have had some really unpleasant things happening in my life, but I try hard -- really hard -- not to dwell on them.  It took me a little longer to write in my blog, but I actually did come onto Obesity Help 4 or 5 times since July, mainly to answer emails and check in on friends.  Today, not only did I pull my Big Girl Panties up, I also split them!  But, I kept moving forward, and decided to face life & ask, "As that all you got?!"  Hmmm, in retrospect, maybe I better not egg life on...

I weighed myself today, was sad with the result.  I am actually 12 pounds over my lowest, but I am still having to repair the damage and keep moving forward.  For those of you who do not know my journey, I am coming up in a month & a half on my two year "Surgiversary," and I have lost over 200 pounds, and making it to 2/3 of my goal.  That's a lot of weight!  I keep trying to remind myself to look at the victories, not the "but I still have 100 pounds to go."  I think saying I have 1/3 of the way left may just make it a little easier.

If you've had backslides, remember, this is a journey, not a quick fix.  Sure, we all have our moments - good & bad - but trying to focus on the good will always make the bad times a little easier to deal with.  If you aren't using a journal to follow your food, consider the numerous options out there -- I use an application on my phone - free, easy, and it even emails me to let me know how I am doing!  If you aren't getting at least 30 minutes of exercise EACH DAY, start parking a little further from the door, and start getting some passive exercise in!  Are you getting all your protein, supplements, and water?  You should be!  Just think of your health as a piggy bank, if you add buttons, toys, and odd things into your bank, you'll never be able to afford the big things you are saving for!  I put shiny coins in my bank each time I have protein, veggies, water -- so I know my nutrition is adding up to good things.

I need to go back to my list of goals & awards - I actually decided to reward myself every 25 pounds lost.  Be kind to yourself, be patient, and above all else take care of your body - it is the ONLY ONE you get!

Stay Positive, and don't let life keep you from living!!!!  I split my pants, but keep on going!
Brenda : )~

Life has a way of getting in our way.  Yes, I have been dealing with a number of outside issues that not only cause me emotional problems, but I ended up injuring my leg severe enough to keep me hobbling with the help of a cane.  Today, I will return to the water!  Whether I'll be able to swim my usual amount, remains to be seen.  I miss being in the water.

Having so many things keep happening to me physically, it is making my goal of swimming 600 miles so hard - but, I never give up.  I'll post the photos of the leg, and maybe admit how I did it, but I decided that I need to get focused on what I have been working toward - my continued persuit of health!

Not having my usual activities has left me 14 pounds heavier than my lowest, big sigh.  It isn't all just a lack of moving/exercise, it is also emotional eating.  Yup, we all know that can take control when we aren't feeling emotionally strong.  Here is where I say, "Pull your big girl panties up, and do what you know is right!"  Life happens. 

I will add my usual Brenda-ism, that had I been a skinny lady, my leg may have been broken!  For once in my life, having BIG calves saved me from a worse injury, insert a laugh here.  When bad things happen, and they always do, you have to TRY to see the positive in the situation -- the other possible reaction is negative, and we don't want that happening.

Okay, I promise to write more, but in the meantime, REMEMBER, Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~

I was laughing as I was writing my friends here on OH -- which is a wonderful time for me to reflect on my journey.   That's when I said to someone, "I really love shopping at Non-Fat stores," making a reference to Lame Giant... Lane Bryant, if you didn't get the jab!  Clothing is so much cheaper when you are closer to the "normal" sizes!  I bought 15 items at one store for under $75!!!  Old Navy I spent $42 for 6 tops, 4 camis, a pair of sleep pants!!!  My new Brenda-ism since the last Brenda-ism: Non-Fat Stores!

Clean out your closets!!!  Start watching for sales!  Start looking at the Non-Fat Stores!!!  You will have more fun then when you were in High School, I promise!!!

Am I too old to wear this?  Who cares!  I feel FABULOUS!
Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~

Not a whole lot of things trigger my head hunger (ha, that should be read with a tone of sarcasm), but I do want to talk about what I call H'Anger.  Nope, not a hanger for clothing, it is the emotional need - or severe want, I guess - to feed my angered psyche.  Some folks eat when they are sad, when they are happy and/celebrating, but I haven't had too many folks say they eat out of anger.  I am one of those who will reach for "forbidden" foods when I am severely pissed off.

Intellectually, I know I am not REALLY hungry, I just feel like if I feed the anger, it will magically disappear (HA!).  Thinking back, I know I used this tactic as a child.  Why in the world would a person feel a way to get back at those people they are angry with, would be to shove food in their face?  I guess I may need to reflect on this, and I'll get back to you!  Punishing others by eating is in fact punishing myself, sigh.  Maybe I do have more things messed up in my head, than I previously though (currently think).

Before anyone tells me that "anger is a useless emotion," I seriously get it.  As a child, I really was that kid who tried to please EVERYONE.  Always working hard for acceptance, yet because I was fat, I never quite met the mark (at least in my head).  Being the Teachers Pet was just an added bonus -- and probably making me an easier target for those who didn't just single out the "fat kid".  So, if I have always wanted to please others, why would I live a fat life?  Almost as vexing as the Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop question.

Sadly, most programs in Bariatrics do NOT address the emotional issues -- but this is changing!!!  In my opinion - yup, I have more than a few of those - anyone wanting to get surgical intervention, should have to do more than just pass a psychiatric evaluation (I actually challenged one program & paid out of pocket for a doctors expert opinion - I REALLY wanted to do "this" right).  Head hunger is probably the best known phrase for us WLS folks.  Cruel, we can think we want something so bad, we will be willing to do ANYTHING to get it; but when the going gets tough (or too easy), we sabotage ourselves with food.

Maybe it is a good thing I try to keep my anger in check!  Are you one like me, "eating your emotions away"?  Well, try to remember, what YOU eat in PRIVATE, will be VISIBLE to EVERYONE.  I do not care about your food journal - YOU should care about it.  If you are willing to lie to yourself (that's a little blunt, huh?), I am pretty sure lying to others will be easy... "I just cannot figure out how I am stuck/gaining/feeling yucky" -- do a REAL evaluation of what you are eating & what is eating you (that is a great pun).  Stop feeding your head & heart -- start feeding the entire body, HEALTHFULLY!

Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~

Last night at one of my support group meetings, we received a challenge: Keep a journal of your food, and get credit for eating five ingredient meals.

I have to say, the other group members are in for a good fight, I have been keeping my food journal for over two years - well, the current one on my phone is only 10 months old, but I have been keeping it daily.  My approach to eating has been the theory of less processed foods for a very long time -- that is where the five ingredient or less comes into use.  If it walked or was picked, that is ONE ingredient, or just the simplest food you can start with.  When you start adding oil, processed binders to any dish, it starts to sound more like a school science project.  I like the acronym, KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid.  Hey, whatever works, right?

Anyhow, what I have planned for tonight's meal is simple - chicken breast that has been cooked in a tomatillo sauce (chicken broth, seasoning, and tomatillos), and stored in the refrigerator over night (I am in love with the flavor).  I then take corn tortillas, dip them in hot water, and stuff them with the chicken that has been stored in the tomatillo sauce.  Roll them and place them open sides down in a casserole pan, then pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas, and add low fat cheese before baking.  It's easy, and less than 5 ingredients, if you don't count the seasoning.  Since I control what goes in, a full, non bariatric serving is around 250 calories.  I also make non-fat beans by cooking my own pinto beans & just mashing them with some bouillon.  Its a little more work than just buying a can, but it's worth it!

I wrote before about my orange chicken, I was bored and just started looking in the fridge for something to cook.  Orange juice with a little seasoning (I like a touch of garlic & onion, pepper to taste) in a frying pan with some veggies is FABULOUS.  Easy to make, tasty, and very healthy.

When I moved out on my own, I had to learn how to cook, my mom wasn't very domestic.  I am also a fairly picky eater, I hate mayo, am leery of fast food (I was 19 before I knew I could order a Big Mac with only cheese & lettuce), so I would create sometimes great, sometimes not so great dishes.  Apples in the microwave, unpeeled, are fabulous!  Sprinkle a little cinnamon, and attack with a fork!  You don't like cooked broccoli?  Have you ever simmered it in chicken bouillon?  Just do not cook it to mush.  Corn on the cob without butter?  I take my corn, remove the silk & save the husk,  a little olive oil then I grind seasoning that I use on my salads, pull the husks back up & tie with loose husks -- grill for 15 minutes, YUM!

In this world where it is so easy to just buy a box & microwave it, have you ever looked at the ingredients?  If I cannot pronounce it, I try not to buy it.  I make full use of my bulk foods section at my grocery store, it is fun to see what they have!  Quinoa is great to use as a filler in meat loaf or in the place of a rice dish.  If you purchase foods less processed in the bulk foods section, you are saving money, and getting a chance to flex you creative muscles.

When you stop and think about meal preparation, sure it can take a little longer when you make it from scratch, but you also know what went into it.  Before I had surgery, I ate very healthy foods, so I did not have cholesterol issues, nor problems with blood sugar.  I was severely morbidly obese, but I had a very healthy - just too large in quantity - diet.  When I cook, I try to find double uses for my meals -- I have lots of left overs, so I have become even more creative.  My family eats what I eat, so we are all healthy.  I am proud of my daughter for turning her nose up to fast food, when I have served the dive thru fast food because I was too lazy to cook.  "MOM! I hate this greasy garbage!"  My saving grace for drive thru - the grilled chicken salad!  Those folks at Wendy's found a way to get me to buy from them a couple times a month, damn it! 

Taking the time to eat right is what you should do for yourself.  If you are worth the extra half hour, then why aren't you taking advantage of fresh ingredients?  If you limit the trips to the fast food drive thru, not only will you start saving money, you will eat better and your family will enjoy sitting down together -- instead of the "grab my bag & go..." eating I used to allow.

For the next month, why not try having at least three home cooked dinners, and see if you can stay in the five ingredient challenge?

Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~

I pulled an early morning swim today, I was a little unnerved, but needed to work off some steam.  I did mile 371 this morning, and I have to say, I am LOVING my new waterproof mp3 player!  I mentioned it, but did not give more information about it -- it is not in the ear, but plays through my cheekbone, and I bought the extended warranty, since I've already killed 2 sets of waterproof earplugs with my other player.  Yes, they do make waterproof mp3 players -- but mine is hopefully a better player, and I can still use my ear plugs to keep water from giving me the dreaded swimmers ear, sigh.  Anyhow, do your research, but I am rocking out to the Finis SwiMP3.2 Player.

What's going through my mind?  Well, I hadn't brought it up, but I had to have a skin lesion removed today.  I saw my doctor back on the 25th of last month with a wound that just would not heal -- it is in the middle of my waist, in the middle of my back, so not the best place to have stitches!  Anyhow, I have tried to not get worked up over it, but worst case they check the biopsy and tell me it is skin cancer.  After treating it for over two weeks, the wound that had been on my back a month and a half was still not healing, so I now have a chunk of skin removed & what will hopefully be a cool scar.  My doctor told me to not swim for a few days, and of course, don't bend over -- or I may pop a stitch.

Upon leaving the doctors office, I ran a couple errands, or at least tried to -- yet another store closure that took me off guard, sigh.  Losing weight means all new bras - I bought new ones the other day, but somehow grabbed one too small.  Stopping for a couple items at the grocery store, I succumbed to the fresh flowers.  Says the florist, "Sometimes we just have to treat ourselves!"  To which, I agree -- when is the last time YOU had fresh flowers?  Go out & spend a couple bucks - I got a good deal on a dozen "rainbow" colored roses, and I am enjoying them now.  When you buy your flowers, think about YOU each time you look at them, I promise it will bring you nothing but smiles!

I called a friend to invite her to a support group meeting, but she has a headache.  When is the last time YOU went to a support group meeting?  You know they are there for your own good, why not make a commitment to go to at least one this month?  Anyhow, I will be happy to see folks I haven't seen in over a month, and make sure I am back on the straight & narrow!  Talking with others who are going through the same issues is the best way to keep your head in the game -- so if you haven't gone to a support group meeting, it is time to start looking for one.  Ask your doctors office, check here on the State Forum -- you may find one closer than you think!  If you really cannot find one, consider starting one!  I did ;)

With most of the United States suffering from heat, I am still stuck wearing 3/4 length sleeves and long pants -- it's a chilly 64 degrees in Seattle.  Hoping my back is healed in time, I have some big plans for my summer!  I have two decks that run the back of my home, they need to be replaced, guess who is getting a quick course in carpentry?  Yup, I have been looking forward to being strong enough to do the grunt work, it will make me enjoy those decks more!  I must say, before losing more than 180 pounds, I could not imagine myself volunteering to do such heavy labor, but I am so looking forward to it!

Cleaning out my closets, I actually had to start replacing clothing, so for the first time in years, I am actually "in style".  I laughed when telling some of my friends the new stores I am now able to shop in -- and one especially, the "hoochie mama store"!  I will post a photo or two, but I thought the "80's look" was LONG GONE... Nope, it is back, and sadly, I love how it looks on me!  Shorts, short skirts, snug tops, correct fitting bras -- oh, and CUTE panties!  I didn't go too far, but I finally cut loose with some money and am looking pretty good.  Often I forget to reward myself for the hard work, but when I do -- I reward myself well -- you should too!

With the stitches in my back, I will be walking instead of swimming.  Lucky for me I have cool weather.  Stay positive, and get your body moving!

Brenda : )~

I think I figured out that all the things that are important to me have one thing in common: Commitment.

First off, I want to say that after the Olympic Diving Trials has finally "left the building," I am happily back in my usual pool, and I finally gave myself a treat for being committed to this whole process.  What was the gift?  I got something I have wanted for over a year now, but was just too much of a tight wad to "invest" in - Finis Bone Conductive SwiMP3 Player (not really a plug, more informative to folks wanting to rock out while swimming).

Mile marked today, 368!  Yup, on my way to 600, one day at a time.  The commitment thing I spoke of earlier is going to tie in, I swear, just keep reading.  Being active isn't always what I want to do every day, but I know if I do not swim, I will slowly start gaining weight.  Once you are over a year out, most folks taper off the weight loss, and the only thing that works for me is exercise.  Five days a week, I have a commitment to my health to swim, which is a good deal.  When I start to backslide, all I have to do is pull out my phone and look at myself on the beach at 474 pounds - works every time.

Having to write down every bite of food is a pain sometimes, but again, going back to my commitment to be healthy, it keeps me accountable.  Yes, I even mark down the 12 macadamia nuts I just "had to have," 115 calories that I have to account for.  I used to use pen to paper, then moved to the laptop, but in the day of the "smart phone," there is an "app" for that.  If I did not write down each bite I take, I already know what I do -- I underestimate what all I have eaten... Ever look up what the average "Happy Meal" has nutritionally?  I used to think that because I ate a kids portion of food, I was doing all right.  Nope.  If you are like me, I LOVE to see how my "numbers" end up at the end of the week -- how did I use my nutritional math to my advantage -- how can I do better?

Commitment to myself and others, that brings me to the important subject of support.  After feeling less than myself for close to two months, I considered what I was doing that impacted others around me.  Maybe folks take it for granted that there will be support group meetings whether they attend or not. When you are the one running them, you have to show up.  In a month, I attend two meetings in person, and lead two more, but I just had no one signing up to attend, so I dropped the ball.  It took a month before folks noticed, and I still just kept my head down and said I would come back when I felt better.  Well folks, when you are setting up things, you need to feel "up" all of the time.  Health does effect our mood, so I needed to commit to getting two iron infusions to improve how I was feeling physically and mentally.

Committing to getting your blood work done regularly may seem like something that isn't as important to some, but in my case, after surgery I had become anemic.  I will beat a pot loudly to make others hear me - take your supplements and have your doctor check you for deficiencies.  I feel great again, physically, and frankly my over all mood is improving!

Committing to take care of myself is pretty important, as if I am not well, my home & life seems to fall apart.  Trust me, daily chores when done regularly is so much easier than one, big, overwhelming project!  This is when I go back to telling folks that if you do something 21 days in a row, it becomes habit.  If you miss a day, then start the 21 days over -- it really will not effect you, trust me.  I have been on the same 21 days a few years now, and I am happier when I have a routine to follow.

Believe it or not, I feel a sense of commitment to all my doctors - and my nurses.  My main doctor has been behind me way before I decided I needed more help to get my health back, so I see her every couple of months to show her my progress.  My bariatric surgeon gave me his time and expertise, so I will give him back the next couple of years of my life to show he did not waste his time on me.  My reconstructive surgeon gave me ease of movement, so I am committed to show others that I am not wasting the new physical capabilities I have been given.  If that seems odd to you, just imagine what it would be like to have 18 pounds of loose flesh swaying every move you make, removed.  I will continue to work on my body, as I do not like being a wasteful person -- if you got it, use it!  Being able to move more easily, well I now love moving all day long.  Many folks think that after a year or so they can just live a "normal" life, but in my case I know I have to continue working on mine.

Having a positive attitude can come easily, if you are willing to change how you react and face your own life.  There are moments I would prefer to not interact with others, but I force myself.  I decided as a kid, that being isolated was not healthy, that if I can bring a smile on at least one other person's face, it also brings one to mine.  Trust me, I know what negative feels and looks like, and frankly, it isn't attractive to me.  Willing to say hello to ten strangers a day is not always easy, but if you try it, you will find YOU smile and maybe make a new friend.  When I was young, I was fat, but I decided that if I was the best person I could be, then I had few complaints.  Some fat kids are isolated, I was the opposite.  Being the first to volunteer to do things opens you up to meeting more people, and learning how to do more things.

I am making my commitment to write in my blog more regularly, as I just feel behind and it has been hard to dig my way back out.  One of the commitments I made when I started making friends on OH is that I ALWAYS respond to every email -- I will be working on my back log, but know that I will not forget anyone!  Find something YOU want to commit to, and do it!

Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~