Hershey Park

One of my goals was to ride the rides at Hershey Park this year.
I was interested in booking a group of us post people to save a few bucks and to maybe blow our own horn.
"Hey, we lost weight in one of the safest and best ways there is!"
I sent out an email to the people I have on my mailing list, and received only one negative response.
So, I am posting it here in case anyone is interested. I think we need at least 20 in order to get the discount. And no, you don't count as two people anymore!
I will mention it at the next meeting at the General.
If I can't get anyone to go with me, I will go alone.

New/old thoughts and facebook

I've been trying to stay funny on Facebook, but the things that are going on in Washington are making me angry. If you read my Facebook, you will know where I stand. No need to state it here.
I've managed to post many pictures of my family, and to meet old friends, and find people that I thought I had lost forever.
I still have one person I would like to find, but the trail has gone cold and I am not willing to hire a detective to find them. I will just keep my eyes open and hope I do someday.
I found out I had more friends than I thought I had. I found out I was perceived as a different person to different people.
I have friends here in Lancaster County too that I didn't think would really care one way or the other. Surprised me a bit.
My scale is getting happier for sure since it doesn't have to work so hard anymore.
I have DJ friends who are using Facebook as a business tool, and I wish them well. I am more traditional, and use it the way it was intended.
But, I will not play Mafia Wars, no matter what.

Ramblings

It seems as time goes on, so slowly, that thoughts pop into my head. I don't know where they come from, or why they are there, but they are interesting, at least to me.
I sometimes will put a problem into my memory banks and let the brain work on it until there is a solution. If I can't find one inside me, then I can look elsewhere.
So, as time moves on in this bariatric world, new ideas are just happening all over, causing me to start asking questions, such as, why not?
"I am finished with this. I will never do it again, so why even think about it. I'm fat, and I will die soon, so concentrate on the things I can do."
I never thought I would be thin again, or able to do some things. Now, I can, and it's opening up new ideas for me. My dreams are much more fun to work with too.
So, someday soon, I will find a way to get to Hershey Park, and go ride all the coasters, just because I can fit into the seats.
I have looked at Kayaks, but they are too expensive right now.
I have looked at other parts of the country, but even though I have my heart set on Florida, liberal state that it is, I am still not convinced that that is where I want to go.
I have about $3000 in medical bills from things I needed to have done, but put off. The taxes here in PA. are horrendous, and we don't get anything from them. My monthly expenses added to the taxes and medical bills, put me over the edge financially and mentally.
The only way out is to win the lottery, and that ain't gonna happen.
So, enough for felling sorry for myself. I guess it's time to get ready for summer, and a new job hunt. In the meantime, I'm going to get back to living.

NAWLS

I just joined this at the invite of a fellow post traveler. I haven't had time to get to all of the places I like to visit, so this will be another to add to my list to explore in the near future.
It's seems to be a good place to get lots of info, and share stories, tips and tricks. The more I network, the better things will be. I need support, and socialization, and I need to move away from the negative side of the net.
So, here is the "about" page for you to see. Look up the "Brader Brats" if you go there. That's where I'll be.

NAWLS Network

Two Organizations, One Purpose.

NAWLS Network is a new, free resource offered by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (NAWLS). Both NAWLS and the NAWLS Network embrace a mission to help weight loss surgery patients achieve long-term recovery from obesity and live a satisfying and healthy life; and to provide support, information, and resources to bariatric professionals and support group leaders.

NAWLS Network is for people who want to connect, and to share information and support in a lively, social-networking environment.

It’s for patients AND professionals.

If you are a bariatric surgery patient who has had any type of weight loss surgery, or if you are just thinking about having the surgery, this is the place to be. We encourage you to sign up for free and start sharing your experiences with others. Upload photos and videos, participate in discussions, post blogs, or start a new group. You're sure to make some new friends while you're here.

If you are a bariatric professional or support group leader, take some time to explore. This is a great place to interact with other professionals and leaders in the WLS community. Discuss treatment issues and challenges. Create a private group for your local support group members, where you can answer questions and provide online support to complement your live groups. Talk about what's working for your patients and what's not. Compare notes. We hope you use this resource to further WLS care, support, and education. Enjoy!

More about NAWLS.

NAWLS is a safe, loving, and nonjudgmental community of bariatric surgery patients who struggle with weight maintenance and regain, sugar and carbohydrate sensitivity, transfer addictions, emotional eating, and eating disorders.

The membership organization was founded in 2005 by Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Wellness Coach, who became an advocate for patient support after her surgery. NAWLS provides comprehensive and personal support including retreats and workshops, coaching, teleseminars, books, classes, and now, a social and professional networking site.

Who is Katie Jay?

Katie Jay is the creator and director of the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. She holds a masters in social work and is a certified wellness coach. She also is an obesity survivor who underwent RNY gastric bypass in 2004.

She founded NAWLS because she wanted to create a safe, nonjudgmental community for bariatric patients to get the support they need to change their obesity mindset and unhealthy habitual behaviors, and to achieve lasting results.

Katie coaches clients on a regular basis, facilitates powerful WLS retreats, leads workshops, and does sensitivity training and education for nurses, who receive contact hours. She also speaks often at patient-focused conferences and events, bariatric professionals’ conferences, and at support group meetings. She also writes regularly for WLS Lifestyles Magazine and Beyond Change.

Katie published her popular and ground-breaking autobiography, Dying to Change, My Really Heavy Life Story, in 2006. She has since published her second book, Small Bites: Daily Inspirations for Weight Loss Surgery Patients, and is currently writing her third book to be released late this year.

She writes a free online newsletter, Small Bites for Your Life, which reaches thousands worldwide. Sign up to receive Katie’s free newsletter, and begin taking advantage of this instrumental WLS resource.

Also, check out Katie's blog.