BOOBS Fun Facts 2011

1. How did you pick your blog name?  I did not get very creative here, just felt like this has been a journey for me!

1. When did you start blogging?       I just began blogging a month ago.  I am learning that I love it, and it has been very therapeutic for me in this process.  I look forward to writing and reading.  There are so many women here who know exactly how I am feeling.  That is so comforting.
2. Theme of blog (weight loss, family, circus clowns, sci-fi, erotica, fly fishing, doll collecting, star wars, etc)          My band is my "best friend" it felt natural to want to share this experience, but mostly it is for me, to be able to look back in a few years and see where I have come.
3. Did you go to BOOBs 2010?      I did not attend as I was not part of this  last year.
4. When were you banded?          November 9, 2007
5. How much have you lost?          46 pounds
6. What are you most looking forward to at BOOBs?        To meet some of the women whose blogs inspired me to begin my own, and to listen to how they became so successful at this.
7. What/who do you hope to find/see/accomplish at BOOBs 2011?           I hope to make some life long friends.  To learn some tips, and to share some fun, laughter, and just have an amazing time.
8. Children? Pets?           Adam (died in 1988 at 4 1/2 with cancer), Nichole my 31 year old daughter and best friend, Adam and Cole my grandsons, and Max my 18 month old Golden Retriever. Quinn and Tess are my 2 year old cats (they are sisters), and Bria my mom's new Yorkie.
9. Who is your roomie?           I am lucky to be rooming with Maria and Grace! I am so looking forward to meeting them both.
10. What day do you arrive?          I am coming in on Thursday morning
11. What airport/flight/time?       I will get to the city around 11am I am taking the train up.
12. What events are you signed up for?         I am going to the Drag Show and Jazzercise.
13. Hobbies?         I love to cook, read, BLOG, walking, playing with Max and my grandsons, shopping!
14. Career?         I work for OSF St. Francis Medical Center
15. Single? Married? In a relationship       I have been married for 32 years to Alan who is full time in the Air National Guard.
16. Your birthday month?        I was lucky to be born on Halloween, I am a real witch :) So watch out Maria and Grace!
17. What do you want other BOOBs to know about you?         I am very nervous about meeting everyone, worried about how I look, worried about how everyone will think about my banding nearly 4 years and only at 46 pounds, because I chose to go backwards instead of forwards.  I know this is ridiculous to have these worries, everyone has been so supportive, I just am nervous.  I am easy to get to know, I love to talk, and will talk your ear off.  I am loyal, so if we become friends you can lean on me, share with me, and trust that I will be there for you if needed.  I am in therapy and not afraid to admit it.  I had gotten into a depression with the weight gain and in April of this year began to see a therapist.  I struggle every day with the loss of my son, and I DO love to talk about him, so do not be afraid to with me.  I am so excited about this trip, and as it gets closer I am working hard to be at the lowest I can be.  It is a goal.  I am glad I have it to work towards.  I have a very stressful job, and I sit all day.  I work long hours like 12 hour days.  I do not get many vacations, since my daughter and grandsons live with us, it has been harder to just take time for me.  This trip is for me.  October 1st is Nichole's birthday and she is OK with me being in Chicago with you.  She is my workout buddy, and she has lost 15 pounds without a band.