I was recently asked my profession. I haven't done anything glamorous, just working for a living.

Short version, I have done keypunch for Merrill Lynch, clerical work for Prudential, factory work in Penn where I was a closer on ladies garments (I learned to sew on a machine with a cutting knife), librarian - in other words, I did humble but honest work wherever I lived.

In New York City I started with Merrill Lynch and then the Phone Company, Texaco and finally Prudential Ins where I stayed for 7 years. When I moved to Penn in 1978 for my mother it was factory work (10 years) since that was what was available and I met my DH in 1985 (he had been widowed 5 months earlier) and we married in 1986 and it was his dream to return to his birthplace, Sumrall Mississippi where I volunteered at the local elementary school and finally got on at the public library where I worked for 7 years.

My DH was 63 at the time to my 33 but other than age we are almost identical in nature and it was an immediate bonding for both of us. I am truly blessed to have found my soul-mate and to have been able to recognize it! I shudder at the thought I almost turned him loose just because of age. 3 days into our relationship I knew he was the man in my life! 13 months later we married. When he turned 75 he decided he wanted me home so I am no longer employed. I love my status as an hw (housewife) but I am not meticulous in cleaning, preferring playing on my computer to the daily doldrums of cleaning and I spend a lot of time running around with DH. We have a golfcart and live on a "Rails to Trails" www.mylongleaftrace.com/ and www.traillink.net/ViewTr
ail.aspx?AcctID=6016508 and this is where I do 99% of my daily walking.

On Mar 27, 2008 I awoke and weighed 210 and said to myself, "no more." 16 months later I awoke on July 23, 2009 and weighed 120 and said to myself, "at last!"

And that is who I am. It hasn't been a glamorous life, but I found myself along the way and I have contentment.

...and a new body!

Love,
Linda

**I neglected to mention I assist my dad in his daily living. My mother passed away Jan 1, 2004 and we almost lost dad twice the same month. I moved him to my property Dec 2007 when he stopped eating and he is doing much better. Feb 2009 he had to go onto Kidney Dialysis but he is doing remarkably well now. We purchased a new mobile home for him and he loves his independence!