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    Sunday, September 23, 2007

    What A Difference

    Mr. Sign and I had such a great time on the Michigan Princess river boat for the Blues Cruise. We attended the same event last year. This event is held every year by a lobbyist group that works with Mr. Sign's place of employment. Usually there are many senators and state representatives on board, but this year they were locked in the capital trying to hammer out a budget (to no avail).

    Last year, I went even though I was having gall bladder problems and felt a general malaise. I didn't want to miss a free meal. We watched couples take part in a dance contest but didn't want to draw attention to ourselves.

    This year, we ate well and listened to awesome music. We even entered the dance contest, didn't win but had so much fun being part of the crowd. We walked all three decks of the boat and spent much time outside on the outer decks. We talked at great length with the captain who has known us for several years. He explained again how he acquired the boat. He bought it at auction back in the seventies. He came only to purchase the life vests but was the only one there to bid. I think he paid the city $1 for the entire boat including the vests. It had sat empty for 25 years on the Grand River. Captain John took many years to bring her back to her original luster.

    Here is one of the staircases up to the 2nd deck.


    This was our table.

    The Michigan State Rowing Team rowed circles
    around us for a good part of the evening.

    This was the breathtaking sunset that we
    watched from each level of the ship.


    The following is a montage of us from last year versus this year.

    (Click to Enlarge)


    What a difference a year has made in our lives. Last year I never left my seat because I was so afraid people would see me. I didn't prowl around every nook and cranny of the boat enjoying the scenery. I tried to blend as best I could at nearly 400 pounds.

    This year, we explored every aspect that we could, running up and down many flights of stairs that could have never been traversed at our previous weights. We danced like fools and had a great time doing it without fear of being noticed.

    15 comments:

    snowelf said...

    Whoo hoo!! What a difference a year has made indeed! I love how you guys were "running around like fools"! :D
    And $1!! Seriously!!


    --snow

    Sicilian said...

    Gurl. . . I am so glad you enjoyed each other, the boat, and that you can reflect on the then and now.
    I am happy for you.
    Ciao

    Sheri said...

    How great it is that you can enjoy this together.

    barman said...

    I knew the cruise would be something but it looks like it even exceeds my expectations. Glad you two had a wonderful time and ...

    here is to Another Year! It will be interesting to see where you are this time next year.

    G-Man said...

    Jenn,
    Your story really tugged at my heart...I'm so proud of you and T...er Mr. Sign and you almost made me cry..You Rock, and I love you dearly..xoxox

    lime said...

    i'm so glad it was such a special time for you and mr. sign. glad you have no gallbaldder problems to worry about and glad you are feeling more confident and happy. :)

    Anonymous said...

    Sounds like so much fun. And I love the seeing the before/after pics. You guys have come a long way. You should be very proud.
    CONGRATS!

    terry said...

    it's amazing how weight touches every aspect of our lives, whether we realize it or not.

    i'm so happy for you two.

    GAB said...

    Your right what a difference a year makes. You two look great, fab,fantasitc. Im glad you were able to run around and get a good look.
    And wow what a deal on the boat, some people really get lucky.
    Ive been on two cruises my self and the second one I did the same got into everything. Now of course I'd be the one trying to blend!

    lalepro said...

    Sounds like you had a blast!

    Evalinn said...

    U seem to do such nice and fun things all the time! Hopa u have a great week.

    Suze said...

    You both look great and so happy! A blonde with such beautiful blue eyes should never hide and you won't have to ever again.

    What a great cruise...

    cadbury_vw said...

    it looks like a fabulous location and outing - i love doing stuff like that

    i've only taken one evening dining/dancing cruise in my life

    i am envious of your opportunity

    i can feel the exhilaration through your words

    i am so completely happy for the new life you are discovering

    DIXIECHICK said...

    WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES INDEED! YOU TWO LOOK GREAT...GLAD YOU HAD A GREAT TIME.

    What the Chuck said...

    Hi Jenn!

    What else can I say, except rock on!

    XO

    Chuck