One-derland, and a serious ramble.

For the first time in almost 12 years, I am below 200 pounds. I thought I would be shouting it from the rooftops, but instead I've fallen into a long morning of introspection. There's been a lot of complex emotions that have happened for me as I've lost weight. I've felt sad because of lost time and happy because of time gained. I've looked in the mirror and not been sure if it was me or who I would be at the end. Some days it just hits me; there's no weight restrictions now, no rides I can't go on. I can jump off of things without worrying about my knees. I can run.

I blend into crowds instead of being pointed out. Yes, it's happened. I've had a couple guys behind me loudly say 'Hey man, you like big asses, right?' 'Not THAT big, haha.'


And yet, I feel exactly the same. All my life, since I was just becoming a teenager I've felt that if I could just lose weight I would be happy. It was this magical catch-all that could explain the mental processes I would experience that made me unhappy. The same mental processes that made me eat to excess.

It's like giving up a drug habit, really. Food is life and fuel, but when I made the decision to use it as a crutch, everything fell out of balance.  Now I'm working to find that balance, and that's been even more exciting than the weight loss.

I'm learning who I really am, and I think I'm pretty cool.

Not like 'Will Smith cool', but there can only be one Fresh Prince.

Dohhh... Raaay... Egoooon.

He plays himself out pretty fast. He's already shown his good manners by running out of my hand to jump all over the neighbor's dog, who is a fairly large dog. Nothing but butt-wags the whole way.  Having never dealt with a puppy, I am impressed with just how little attention span an animal can have!  He likes going over and actually sleeps right where Cody used to without us telling him. I think he smells him and he finds it comforting.

Meep, for her side of things, actually seems to sense that he's a baby, and hasn't been giving him the time of day, but every move she makes is hesitant. I got her purring last night, though, so I think everyone will come around.  Frankly they have no choice. Alpha demands it!

I'd like you all to meet...

Sir Egon!

Still with the breeder, but my puppy has been chosen. I'll be getting him within a week or so, depending on work schedules. Look at that face. Just LOOK at it.

Heartbreaker, this one. Look out, corgi ladies.