I am 56, living in the high desert of california. I am a nana to a little girl nearly 4 yrs old. Mom to her daddy, who is 28 and in Iraq for a year in the Army. I have changed so much in the last 4 yrs, I had Gastric Bypass surgery June 08, I have lost 140 lbs and still going. I divorced my husband of 28 yrs, we are still best friends. I also returned to college but doing this online, which I think is much harder than being in an actual sit down be with other people environment. With online college it is an honor system to yourself to do your work learn do all the reading and do your posts your essays and be honest with yourself. I love this time of life, I live alone in a studio apartment in a senior building, I think I am one of the youngest and most active residents. I have a chihuahua puppy who is 7 months old and a total joy. Gypsy makes sure I get myself up and out at least 6 times a day to take her potty and for a walk.

Gypsy makes sure I take breaks from school work.
So far I love this site, i just joined today, My favorite read was THE SILVER PEARL. This fits my life.

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

10 years ago i was suicidal, I knew there was something wrong with my marriage but not what it truly was. At that time we were married about 18 years and finally my husband told me he is gay. That was a huge AHHA moment, I did not snap out of the depression quickly. I am still on medication and probably will stay on the medication for life. But I have grown blossomed and changed so much that I sometimes do not recognize myself. But I do love this new Patricia. I am stronger I am able to make decisions with out panicing. I am able to move from day to day and fall asleep at night knowing I did my best as a human being to thrive, to help others to thrive.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In ten years. I see myself as a 66 yr old woman who is still working and thriving. I am not sure what I will be doing in job wise but I hope it is in the field of helping others. Not a corporation tho but something that helps people maintain a healthy thriving lifestyle.

Maybe even a writer, I love to read and express myself thru words.

Role models, what are they really. some one we admire for some accomplishment.  This is really only living life. My role model is one thing that is in progress and changes daily. Role model is different from a favorite actor or actress.  One day it may be Merle Streep. Another Jack Black or some such actor or actress. But Ido put more importance on people such as Helen Keller.  Ms Keller took a barrel full of sour rotten lemons and made the best lemonade ever. Helen was destined to a life of breathing eating and just being. With the help of a her teacher and mentor she became a full functioning live human being. A woman able to give back to her community and life those things that truly make us humans.