I flew out to Chicago this weekend to visit my brother and soon to be sister in law. Also met my mother there and 2nd cousin. My mother flew in from Jersey and my cousin lives out in the burbs of Chicago Everyone was impressed with my weight loss and how healthy I looked. It felt so good to get all the compliments. I was wearing all sorts of new clothing and just feeling really good about my progress.
The real wow for me was the plane ride. I was able to tighten that belt with several inches to spare. For once I wasn't spilling into the guys seat next to me and having to struggle to cross my arms over my body so I wouldn't invade the other persons space.
Another good wow was my eating and workouts while I was there. I did fantastic. I even took a 75 minute spin cycle class at the same gym that Oprah works out at - East Bank Club:
http://eastbankclub.com/generalinfo/about.php
It was HUGE! My brother is so lucky to have a membership there. The place is amazing. More like a country club then a gym. It has spa services, 3 pools, and 25,000 square feet of cardiovascular space with more than 450 pieces of cardiovascular equipment and nine 72-inch screen televisions. 1/4-mile indoor running track and a 60-bike group cycling studio, basketball, volleyball.. I could go on and on. I was in heaven!
Yesterday morning my mother and I walked all over Chicago before we went to the airport. We also walked with our 50lbs suitcases 7 blocks to the train and all over O'Hare Airport. It was nice to be able to keep up with her and walk at a quick pace. She had to tell me to slow down! She is like speedy gonzalez when she walks.
My quality of life is just so much better now. I am really thankful and feel blessed to be able to go through this whole transformation.