Chicago Recap and Thoughts

I had a great time in Chicago.  Once again, our fabulous organizers did an amazing job, and I really enjoyed seeing some dear familiar faces and meeting quite a few new people as well.

The weather was really gorgeous, and one of the things we did was an art walk around town.  Here I am, inside of some art...   Unfortunately, while I brought my computer, I ... forgot my SD Card (doh!!) so I could only take photos on my phone!

With Joey at the bean!

One of the nicest times I had was at brunch with Joey, Gilly, Stephanie, Deb, Dawnya, Angela, Jenny, Linda, Read and Carmen.  It was so nice to catch up with them -- that is one awesome and hilarious group of amazing women!  I was honored to be included in their brunch, and was completely surprised when they gave me a beautiful engagement present -- a frame engraved with S&C.  Seriously, I totally got choked up.  Well, ladies, that frame is awaiting a true wedding photo, but for now, it has a place of honor in my home, and I put one of my favorite photos of Steve & me in it.  Here's how it looks in NYC... 

So, dear organizers, I can't thank you enough.  This beautiful frame is just a part of it.  Thank you for organizing the Chicago trips and for bringing so many bandsters (and now sleevesters) together.  Thank you for helping us to make even stronger connections within this community and for being such great sources of support, both on-line and off.  Thank you also for dealing with the BS that can't help but accompany organizing any big group meeting!  You all have done a wonderful job, and I hope that newbies will take over and plan future events.

As I said before, I had a really good time in Chicago, but this year felt different to me.  I had a hard time putting my finger on exactly why at first, but then I figured it out.  I was looking through my blog list on Blogger, and looked at some old favorites I hadn't seen (whether on-line or in person) for a while -- some of the bloggers whose support really got me through the peaks and valleys of the first 2 years of this process.   People like Angie (I am in Repair), Jenny R (Life's Little Journey), Sarah (Losing Weight.. Gaining Tons), Cara (the Dash) and Nella (Skinny B- - - -).  I was also thinking of other favorite blogging bandsters (to name only a few) like Amy W, Nicole, Jacquie, Robin, Stephanie, Maria, TessieRose, CindyLew and Roo, who I'd loved meeting during other years' Chicago trips, but who weren't there that year.  I missed all of them -- the trip just wasn't the same for me without you guys!

I was a little down, returning home on Sunday.  In some ways, it felt like the end of an era because things had changed so much from years 1 and 2 to 3.  I had felt a bit like that when I got used to being at goal.  While I was very happy with the status quo, I missed the joy and excitement of losing!  But that time is over, and now I'm on to a different phase, which is fine -- and an inevitable part of making progress.  There is no getting around that this is overwhelmingly a positive thing.  And, this new phase is exciting -- not just maintenance, but living life as a fit person, planning my wedding to Steve, and enjoying my friends, family and life in general all the while.