The First Christmas Party (with a few more to come)

The First Christmas Party (with a few more to come)

 

Saturday December 2, 2006

 

Well, around 150 people saw me at the first Christmas Party of the season. Probably 100-120 of them had not seen me since a year ago. It was the Cycle Club Party and as I had not ridden much in 2006, my new appearance was a shock to many.

 

I last volunteered at the MS 150 the day before LapBanding. Flipping burgers for 500 riders when I was eating SOUP was tough. But that was the last day many of these folks had seen me.

 

Well, 81 pounds down got quite a few reactions. Dropped jaws. Stunned silence, and quite a few "You didn't have THAT SURGERY DID YOU?".

 

One friend about dropped his dinner plate when he turned the corner and saw me. He rushed to go get his wife and bring her over.

 

I answered everyone's questions. No- I DID NOT have Bypass surgery. (they didn't ask about the LapBand- and I didn't tell) Truthfully-much of the first 50 was while healing from the repair to my hiatal hernia and tears in my esophagus in July and August. The next 30 pounds has been while working with the Deaconess Dieticioness. So, while not actually lying, I was being incomplete.

 

The most exciting game of the evening involved me as well- HEY! WE CAN PUT OUR ARMS AROUND JC ALL THE WAY! About 20 people tried that one.

 

All in all a good night. It was nice to be able to get back out with friends that I hope to ride with in the future. As a year ago I never expected to ride again, well, that just makes the whole thing even better!