It's been awhile since I have blogged and it seems so much has happened since then. We went to Florida for a wedding and I wore "the dress". It was a gorgeous ceremony and I had a blast with my extended family there. I felt so pretty in my dress and danced my tushie off at the reception. It was a great trip and I really enjoyed showing off my weight loss to people who haven't seen me at this size. As far as the diet and exercise went, I walked a lot and made it to the gym in the hotel one time. I pretty much ate what I wanted, but I watched it. I put on a couple pounds and was ok with that.

When I got home, I got sick. It was a nasty lil flu/cold that is just about gone except for throat tickles and a lil cough. My husband got the same thing, but with very different results.

He has congestive heart failure and last weekend he had a cardiac episode, most likely a heart attack from what the tests showed. I had to call an ambulance last Sunday morning and it was pretty intense. They shocked his heart twice on the way to the ER and it was pretty touch and go for a bit there. After some time in ICU, he is home now, and he feels tired but fine. Unfortunately, his heart is only functioning at 25% of normal. We will be working with doctors to see about having a defibrillator implanted. It will not fix his heart but can shock it if need be. He's already on many medications for this, so we are doing all the can be done for now. The biggest change is a super low sodium diet for him, which is fine because it is mainly all the foods I eat anyway. It is a big change for him though.

I am back to work now and getting back in the groove of a somewhat normal life again. Routine helps...praying helps....friends help. Some days it is just enough to remember to breathe in...to breathe out. And that's ok.

I haven't gained any weight except for the couple pounds from the trip which I am happy about. I have taken it easy but have joined another Biggest Loser challenge that starts up in just over a week. I'd like to lose another ten pounds by summer and tone up some more. It's very doable and I am looking forward to it. It's nice to know that I can take a break and still be committed to my healthy lifestyle. It's a long haul thing and I am in it for the whole ride.

I'll be around more now and be able to catch up on all the activity here. I have tried to keep up with some blog reading and lend my support and encouragement to my friends here when I can. Thanks to those who have left comments and well wishes, they are so very appreciated.

Spring is coming, I can feel it...with each breath in and out, I can embrace the past and taste what is to come. Like the tiny buds that push up through the soil in the Spring, I am pushing through as well and seeking the light. I have a feeling it is going to be a bright and joyous season.

Every breath I take tells me so.