Lubbock and stuff

Good evening all. It is a perfect evening in Albuquerque and I felt like writing tonight.

About 45 minutes ago I returned from my latest visit to see Dr. Syn in Lubbock. Dr. Syn is such a contradiction but such a wonderful man. He is an Asian American, Southern Baptist, Republican, Hummer Driver, single bariatric surgeon - so except for the southern Baptist, republican, hummer thing he is a perfect catch - He was thrilled with my progress - and believes I can still lose another 100 pounds - yikes.

The drive from here to Lubbock is certainly a different drive than it was last September when I made my way there for surgery. It seems to go more quickly that it used to. There have been so many things happen in my life since then - maybe my mind is trying to put it all into perspective and the time just passes.

I am a very different person than made that first trip. I am now, officially, 203 (Dr. Syn's scale) pounds thinner than that first trip. But the emotional changes, the physical changes, the many things that have filled my life since that trip in September of 2007 are mind boggling.

Some of these "special events" might not seem so special to some of you - but they are most significant to me.

Last week I crossed my legs -for the first time in 15 years.
I went shopping in a men's store that doesn't sell big and tall sizes and bought a shirt.
I bought new shoes because the old ones kept falling off my feet.
I went through the 5th belt since last September.
I went to Hawaii - and walked 2 miles to see a waterfall - maybe just because I could get there - it was the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen.
I dug holes in my back yard to plant trees.
I walk 2 blocks every night to get my mail.
I had to ramp my treadmill to a 4.0 incline to get my heart rate to training level.
I fell in love - and that, like some of my weight has gone away - but I did it.
I registered for a week long, full time, weaving class.

This month my life has been racing along - 6 concerts for my job, talk of a new title at work, plans for Charlie and Scott's wedding (along with 4 others coming up), planning my trip to San Francisco in 2 weeks for Gay Pride, work on the back yard and all this in the midst of spring house cleaning.

Now those of you who know me - know that 8 months ago - there was not one of the things listed above that I was capable of doing. Thank you all for the various parts you have played in this journey so far.

I know there are some nurses from the hospital who read this - God bless them - friends who took care of me when I came home - there is NO way to thank you JC and Beth, my wonderful sister who came to visit me, and my neighbors who have been amazingly helpful. Those of you who constantly read this blather and send me nice notes. Old friends from High School, friends of friends - people I don't know read this and send wishes - Bless you all - because your support and kindness has been a huge part of this journey that I could not have made alone and I could not be more blessed that you are all in my life.

Good Night! Chuck