HI I am usually on the California Board. Been doing a lot of soul searching lately and a lot of prayer. My surgery was scheduled for 8-9-04 but they called it off because of a bad EKG. Well it has gone sorta down hill since then. I am now scheduled for a Cardiolite stress test. My dad and his wife have been called to haiti for a mission. Two of my sons 13 years and 11 years have been baptized I was excomunicated a few years back. sort of a relief the burden was lifted off my shoulders (guilt) I went with my family to the going away meeting (dad says they dont call them farwells anymore) and I realized I was where I needed to be. So if I can get myself up in the morning I am going to go to church on Sunday. I am asking for prayers for a clear test. Glad I found this board. Erin

Yes I certainly do compare myself to others. I think that's human nature. With the Olympics just over, I think about the ones running in a race, they're all going at their own pace but they compare themselves to the other racers so they know how they are doing. This is NOT the Olympics and this is NOT a race. The racer who came in last still ran the race. They still finished the race and they did the best they could do. They were actually IN the Olympics. I had this surgery. I may not be the faster looser and I may not be the best looser BUT I AM A LOOSER. I'm running my own race at my own pace. At about 4 months post op I stopped comparing myself to others. I'm much more content to do it at my own pace (whatever that may be). I'm just approaching 6 months and I've lost 76 pounds. I'm thrilled especially since it's starting to show. Others are starting to notice for the first time. I'll be a slow looser with you. Let's just keep on loosing. Melody

I'm in a rut too Hydi. I eat basically the same thing every day. I get the Tyson Chicken patties from Costco 17-20 gms of protein in each patty. I generally have one everyday for lunch. My family eats something totally different (we are a casserole family) and I don't eat the potatos, noodles or casserole items. I'm six months out and in the last 6 months I have boughten Banquet TV dinners when they were on sale. The meatloaf, and the salisbury steak are good, lots of protein and a nice break from eating the same thing every day. I also get the wafer meats that come in the little packages that you make a sandwich out of, I'll just eat on that (no bread, just meat). I'm really in a rut. Same thing day in and day out. I concentrate so much on protein that I sacrafice variety. I'm anxious to read other posts on this topic. I wish you luck Hydi. Melody

He, he. Miss Hydi. That's what most of the kids at church call me. Glad you enjoyed the questions. I was excited to answer some but nobody has posted. And, my kids where being especially good this morning. Bless them. I'm enjoying getting to know you all. Thanks for starting this and keeping it going!

Wow, I really need to update my picture. Forgot to post my own answers! 1. What is your first memory of school? A: I remember getting in a line in front of the door and the teacher telling us it was time for recess. I thought, "What the heck is this recess business?" (I was a first child and nobody explained it to me prior to school) 2. Have you been to Disneyland/Disneyworld and what was your favorite ride? A: Only Disneyland. I think Splash Mountain was my favorite last time. I went one other time when I was 8 and the Jungle Safari and the Haunted Mansion were my favorites that time. 3. Would you rather go on a cruise to a tropical island or Alaska? A: Pre-op I would have said Alaska but now I'm not sure. My brother-in-law is going to Jamacia on his mission and I'd love to take a cruise there to pick him up. 4. What's the best thing about yourself that you've discovered since your surgery? Or, if you're pre-op . . . what are you hoping to discover about yourself? A: I discovered myself period! I'm very confident now (to a fault sometimes) and others can see the person I always knew was in there somewhere.