"OH MY GOD, YOU'RE SO SMALL!"

[mezanne1401 190]

These are the exact words that came pouring out of my niece's mouth when she saw me last weekend!!! Mind you, I am not SMALL by any stretch of the imagination, but since she has only known me fat, I guess I do look quite different! I haven't posted on here in a while since I'm back in the real world again. I was such a hermit when I weighed 300+ pounds. I quit working from home and now have an amazing job! I'm enjoying my life again and I didn't think that was possible. I have officially lost...drum roll please...113 pounds!!!!!! People look me in the eyes now! I didn't realize how invisible I had become. I notice that now I look people in the eyes. I was hidden underneath an enormous layer of fat and shame. The world is different now. The world is beautiful. I am beautiful. I like to take pics with my husband. I like compliments. The nickname at work is "Smiley"! At first they thought I was "another fake department head just sitting on their ass". I was recently told this by a co-worker. I held my head up and explained that nobody up there understood why I was so happy and if they would ask me, I would tell them that I have lost 100+ pounds and I have nothing to be sad about anymore! I bust my butt at work and it shows! They see me walking and moving around all day and not just sitting there. They like me now (which on a human level does make me feel better), but they like me because I can help put a smile on their face with my stories. They like me because I live my life. They like me because I like me! This has been the most physically demanding job I have ever had, but because of my weight loss, I can do my job and do it well! I started this job a month ago this week and I have lost an additional 20 pounds since I started! I've been working my butt off, quite literally! So, to all the "rookies", keep your head up! I'm 8 months out today and this has been the best 8 months I can remember and also the most difficult and worth every bit of it!!!!

Here is the most recent pic of my sweet little family!

[djbwilson 37]

You even sound happy in typed print!! I am so happy for you! Your positive attitude will keep folks around you happy, too!

[ElaineB 207]

You look great. This is very inspirational.

[prayergirl 55]

What a beautiful post. Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. I wish you continued success and may you realize how many people on this bored you have inspired.

[Susie in Lima 320]

So happy for you! Keep up the positive attitude! You are doing amazing!!!!! You have lots to be happy about!

[joatsaint 2,814]

So, there really are "pirate dogs!" out there? Just one more question, where are your buccaneers? Under my bucking hat! bwaaaaaah :-P

You look great,

Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!