I would love to take a train across the U.S. I wish all the gorgeous old train stations were still around, too--from the soaring ones in the cities, like the long-gone Penn Station, to the little ones with the worn-down oak pews in the small towns. (The one in our town was recently sold at auction.) Time to yourself to think and stare out the windows at the changing scenery: priceless. Good luck; have a wonderful time!

Hello Hopeful,

Wow train journey thats so exciting to know about it...Enjoy the trip...don't get extra pounds... :),

New here and wanted to say hi....keep the good will going....will be waiting for your trip posts...with photos, if possible...

Well I think it is cool too. Enjoy the trip. I hope you get to see lots of interesting and beautiful things.

I had flown to Ireland 6 times, and Florida 2 times. My last time flying was in 1992. I've been petrified since then and have gone NoWhere!! However, in February I flew to Ireland again with my sister and her family. I'm so glad I did it...after 16 yrs!!

We took a train to PA from MA in 1991. It was a lot fun and really interesting! Get a good book, some good tunes, and enjoy yourself!

Do what makes you comfortable! I spent 16 yrs of people giving me shit for not flying and it really bothered me. It made my Anxiety about it worse. I did it, when I was ready. Now, lets see if I can do it again! Ha, ha.

How spacious is the seating on trains? I'm thinking about taking one to Chicago this summer, but I might just drive if the compartment is really cramped like a plane is.

Good luck in California!

Good luck on the trip Hopeful.

I have to say that I think traveling by train is wonderfully romantic (although you'll be without your hubby :) I absolutley LOVE the sound of trains at night especially. The rhythmic wheels on the tracks are just magnificent. I say have a great time and enjoy every minute of the scenery. It's not often that you get to travel across the country and actually look out the window and take in this awesome country (driving means keeping your eyes on that obnoxious road...I've traveled across country a few times myself :)

OKay, now on to the weight issues:

I was reading your blog after watching a show on Oprah on Autism. I know it doesn't have much to do with it, but after watching the show and seeing how trying and difficult these parents have it with their autistic children I thought of how lucky I am to have healthy children and to be (somewhat) normal myself. I then came and read your blog about how nervous you were about seeing the people in your California office. I'm not saying this to downplay the horrible reality of weight issues, but I do have to say that if you put things into perspective worrying about some extra weight and the way that others might perceive you is pretty far down on the scale of things that you could be worrying about.

That said......last night I went to the store and a handicapped guy helped me check out of the line. He asked me if I found everything I needed, looked at the stuff I bought and said "oh, I see you found a few things you didn't need" (meaning the ice cream). I had to kind of laugh at myself....even if it was embarassing. Here I was being put down by a mentally ill person who clearly knew that ice cream was not a healthy option.

There you go, yet another reminder that the fat follows you no matter where you go :)

Have a great time in California....remember that we all love you and wish you a safe trip!

Molly

I don't like flying much either, but in order to get anywhere in the world from Here (New Zealand), it's kinda necessary... or to take a ship... which takes too long! I hope you enjoy your trip, take care and try to make the most of it. I am sure you will enjoy yourself once you are on your way.

Hope you enjoy your trip - the train sounds very exciting.

The train sounds great -- lots of hours to bask in the quiet and get back to yourself. I'm not a mom, but I imagine you don't get very many minutes alone. Enjoy the peace and don't sweat the corporate stuff too much. You'll be back home before you know it.