Monday, June 24, 2013

I WON!!!! I WON!!!!

This win has absolutely nothing to do with crafting or DTs or paper creations, BUT rather with Life After Breast Cancer and the quality of LIFE in general!!!! Gosh, I have to share with all of my FOLLOWERS something that I am very proud of and an anecdote to let you all know that there is LIFE after breast cancer. For those of you who have followed me through all of my rehab after surgeries, chemo, and radiation and enough steroids to choke a Clydesdale horse, I just have to share my latest excitement.

In December 2012 at my regular follow-up at the Cancer Center, I was told that it was time for me to add much more cardio and bodywork to my regimen, to continue to get the remainder of the poisons out of my body. After chemo it is typically more than a year before bones and body are ready for anything strenuous...so I was READY!!!!! My next follow-up was now at 6 months...woooohooooo!!!! In addition to all of the cancer hooplah, I also had experienced a very painful torn rotator cuff which meant more steroids. Jacque was puffed up to the point that I didn't even recognize myself...hahahah

So in January of this year I was ready for a new----back to the original ME---prior to breast cancer!!! I went back to the Fitness Fusion Gym in Hendersonville and talked with most knowledgeable, understanding, and caring personal trainer in this universe, Jennifer Sargeant-Byrd, who suggested that I begin with the exceptionally fun cardio program of Zumba. I asked, "What in the heck is Zumba???" But on January 7, I began my Zumba adventure with the multi-talented and inspirational LaRonda Dupuis and I can honestly say that from that very first class I was addicted to shaking my tailfeathers, although quite slowly at first....haha..I claimed the back row as my very own so that nobody could check out the oldest member of the class and see how slowly her tailfeathers moved....Big smile!!!!

The members at Fitness Fusion were all invited to participate in a 2 month CHALLENGE, from April 15 - June 15, based upon inches/pounds lost as well as a complete formula developed by Jen and Lo to determine complete body improvement. Like a lunatic, I joined in and paid the entrance fee and knew that this was my opportunity to take the challenge VERY seriously. I would attend EVERY Zumba class that a body could endure!! I would take on 2 hours of personal training each week with Jen, the toughest trainer alive (Quasimodo and drill instructor all rolled into one...hahahahah) and 2 hours of toning with Lo (who was not much easier, believe me)!! I would attend every 3 hour Zumba party in the area!! I would take an active part in Master Classes!! I would participate in Core classes!! I would give up sugar and libations for 2 months!!!! AND I WOULD WIN!!!!!

NOTE: In May I went back to the Cancer Center for the next follow-up and I had lost 18.5 pounds since January so something was working....Yippppeeeee!! My cancer markers were fine and dandy, my Vitamin D level was great...and all of those other tests were wonderful as well. Needless to say I remain the Poster Child at the Cancer Center....SMILES!!!!!!!

Back to the Challenge....at final weigh-in and measuring (with a lot of nervousness and trepidation, I might add) I had lost 17 pounds in the 2 months (a total loss of almost 30 pounds since January!!!!) My body fat had decreased significantly, muscle mass increased, visceral fat decreased, and I lost 6.5 inches around my waist....AND the metabolic age for this OLD 66 year old woman is now at 37 years!!! Woooohoooooo!!! And that means that now I am shaking my tailfeathers so fast and furiously that who knows what the future holds...hahahahahah

 
and YESSSSSSSSSS, I WON THE CHALLENGE!!!!! I feel healthier than I have in a very long time and YES there is a life after breast cancer!!!! Hugs to all of you for your continuing support of me...and a special thank you to the best Zumba Instructor in the world, LaRonda Dupuis...and to the most incredible personal trainer anywhere, Jennifer Sargent-Byrd!! I love you both and appreciate so much what you both have done for me!!!! Now, you can both be a little easier on me.....wink wink!!!


144 comments:

kbrandy4 said...

Woohoo!! Massive Congratulations Jacque!! You must be so proud of yourself and so you should be, well done!!
Hugs, Hazel xx

Edilza Teixeira Scrap e Artes said...

Parabéns Jacque!!!

Que você tenha uma saúde plena e que Deus te abençoe sempre!!!

Beijos e tenha dias abençoadas e iluminadas

Teri said...

HUGE congratulations to you, Jacque!! I follow your progress and smile, I'm so happy for your success!!! And I love your encouragement to others, you are a very special lady and I'm so happy to have found your blog!!! My sister is recouping from her second round of chemo and a round of radiation, your story helps me to believe she can beat her cancer!!! It's the attitude, I believe, that helps as well and I don't think I've ever heard of one as good as yours!! Kudos for taking care of you!!!!
HUGS, hugs, and more hugs!!
Teri

paperpapier said...

Congrats Jacque! So relieved and happy for you!
warm hugs,
Heaney

Lenoria said...

Congratulations Jacque, that is fantastic news and you look absolutely fabulous!!!

Louise said...

Congratulations Jacque!! You look fabulous, you go girl....
hugs Louise

Chrissy said...

That is fantastic Jacque, you are an inspiration to all...a strong beautiful lady who deserves this recognition and entiled to be so very proud of yourself..well done to you.

Luv CHRISSYxx

Nikki said...

CONGRATS you deserve it !!!
Your Smile says it all you look fantastic
hugs Nikki

Solange Barreto said...

Jacque, que notícias maravilhosas.
Fico muito feliz por você.
Parabéns por essa imensa vitória. Um ótimo exemplo pra todas nós.
Deus continue te abençoando com saúde.
Beijo.

Christina C. said...

WOW....girl, you put me to shame!!!! I can't even lose 10 lbs...sigh! You look FANTASTIC...AMAZING!!!! You continually challenge yourself and WIN....congratulations, my friend!
So happy for you!

juli (sweetpz) said...

Congrats Jacque!!!
I'm so happy for you =)
I've been following your blog for a while now. You've always remained positive and upbeat even while fighting this terrible fight! Good for you for beating cancer and living your life to the fullest! Wishing you much continued success on this magical path =D

*hugs*
juli

Danielle Champagne said...

Wow!!!! Jacque, this is such a wonderful story. I have no idea what zumba is, but you seem to have lots of fun! Your pic is absolutely fantastic, you look great! Take care of yourself. big hugs! xox

Phi said...

Congrats on your success. You are such a trooper.

Snoopy said...

Congratulations, Jacque! You can strut those tail feathers with pride. Woohoo for you!

Hugs,
Snoopy :D

alethea said...

Congrats to you Jacque, you are looking fabulous!!! HUgsxx

Lucy Patrick said...

Amazing effort, Jacque and you look so fabulous!! Well done to beating cancer too, what an inspiration you are! XOX Lucy

Carol said...

Huge Congrats sweet lady!! You deserve all the winnings and happiness. Keep those tail feathers going. Lotsa luv, hugs xxxx

Vanessa (aka V'ness, Nessa, oldschool) said...

Congrats girl!!!!!!!

Eemeli said...

Massive congrats Jacque! You are looking absolutely stunning!

Hugs from Finland,
Eemeli

Linda said...

Congratulations Jacque you did a great job
hugs Linda

Fabiana Strehlow said...

Oi, Jacque!
Que notícia maravilhosa você nos dá hoje! Isso é ótimo!
Ver você feliz nos deixa feliz também!
Parabéns, querida!
Você é uma linda mulher vitoriosa!

Abraços,
Fabiana Strehlow.

ursula Uphof said...

WOW Jacque, Congrats. You are one amazing lady and such an inspiration to many. I have followed you, not with much commenting. Hugs, Ursula

Ardilla said...

Congrats, Jacque! You did a great job...
(I must join you...)
Hugs,
Ardilla :)

Karen said...

Congratulations Jacque!!! You look fantastic!!!! SO excited for you!! : )

Lori Aragon said...

So happy for you Jacque! I know of what you speak :) Keep on keepin on girl!!! Diet is soooo important as well as exercise as you know. I'm joining you on this new and improved body adventure :) Blessings!!!

Lena Katrine said...

Oh my God!!!
Congratulations sweetie!!! I'm sooooo happy for you!!! Well done!

Enjoy Summer, and enjoy LIFE ♥
Big hugs, Lena Katrine

BEARKIS said...

Congrats,Jacque!!!Life is wonderful,BE HAPPY!!!!:)))

Larisa said...

Congratulations Jacque!

LINDA W. said...

Congratulations Jacque!!!!!!

Miradormakings said...

Jacque this is fabulous news and you are an inspiration to all who are battling this disease,well done you and keep shaking that a*s at Zumba and enjoy staying fit.

Joan x

Unknown said...

Dear Jacque, big congratulations to you :) This is succh lovely news, I am so happy for you. Big well done xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Jacque - What a great news.
Wish you all the best.

Hugs

heidy said...

Congratulations Jacque,you look gorgeous!!
XXX Heidy

theCook said...

Wow Jacque, you look positively radiant on that picture! Happy for you!

Sue said...

This is the most wonderful news Jacque. BIG congratulations, your positive attitude is as inspiring as your fabulous creation!!
hugs Sue xx

gandi said...

Congratulations Jacque!!! :-)

Jane said...

oh Jacque that is the sweetest of wins....you have worked so hard and look so good. You are an inspiration the other ladies who have this dreadful disease that there is indeed life after breast cancer.......hugs xx

Ali said...

Brilliant news!!! Well done you - it is lovely to read such happy news - go girl!!!

Gunnila said...

Great news! Congratulations to you for your will and attitude! Continue keeping all those sassy teens at bay!

Christine Harrop said...

Well if that isn't the most fantastic news ever!!!!! I'm so happy for you. You have worked so hard to achieve your goal and outwitted that horrid illness in the process. Good for you!!! Love and hugs from Christine xx

zub momi said...

Congratulations! Love the smile and happiness on your face. Wish you all the best :)

ellyscard creatief said...

Wow You look great,congratulations Jacque.Wish you all the blessings.
Gr Elly

morkaren said...

Hvor ser du godt (og glad) ud, stort tillykke til dig fra morkaren i lille Danmark. knus morkaren.

Mervi said...

Congrats Jacque,
so happy for you!
You look great;-))m

Kelly Lloyd said...

That's fantastic Jacque, massive congratulations to you.
Hugs Kelly

Wilma und Silvia said...

Congratulation!!! It is great to see you won your battle. You encourage other not to give up!
Hugs Wilma

Wendy L said...

Woopee, you have done soooooo well, so proud of your courage and determination, Well Done. xxxxx

mags said...

Congratulations Jacque, a great achievement and you look fabulous.
Mags
x

Squirrel x said...

You are such an amazing inspiration for all of us hun - congratulations on the new you!! Hugs, Sxx

Margaret said...

What wonderful good news congratulations.
Hugs
Margaret M

Marianne said...

You look absolute stunning and you are such an inspiration! Congratulations Jacque!!
xxx Marianne

Brenda Lee said...

Jacques, I'm so proud of you! You are one amazing woman. Congratulations!!!!!!!!! You look absolutely fabulous. You are a true role model.

Daisychain said...

Huge congratulations Jacque, you deserve it. You look amazing! Hugs Christine x

Only By His Grace said...

A big congratulations Jacque. You look a picture of health.
You have worked so hard to achieve this wonderful goal. You are to be admired.
Hugs Maz

Planetsusie said...

Hi Jacque - sorry I haven't been by for a while but I saw this post on Bloglovin and just wanted to say how pleased I am for you. You look absolutely wonderful and the picture and your words in the blog just effuse 'wellness'! You should be an ambassador.

Big hugs to you Sue Pxxx

Geri said...

Congratulations, Jacque, I was so happy for you reading the story, you deserve all the good things happening to you!
Hugs, Geri

Dr Sonia S V said...

So happy for you Jacque and you are so wonderful to share your story.Being a doctor I have had to deal with quite a few cancer patients and I applaud your spirit so much!
Cheers
Dr Sonia
Cards Crafts School Projects

Ella's Design said...

Well done, Jacque! Such a huge achievement and the result of hard work and commitment...many congratulations! Hugs, Lisa x

Debbie said...

Congratulations dearie.So pleased for you.You deserve it-you've worked so hard.Here's to a new improved you.Big crafty hugs Debbie x

salem said...

WONDERFULL !!!!

Brigitte said...

Congratulations!!!!! You are a model of inspiration, what a great accomplishment this is!!!!! Bravo to you and your tailfeather, lol!!!! Hugs, Brigitte

rovianne said...

Congrats to you dear Jacque! What an achievement! Hope you can stay on this course, cancer can be beaten.

rachel said...

a massive congratulations Jacque - really wonderful news - you go girl xx

iReneM said...

Huge congrats and WELL DONE!!!
WTG, Jacque, you're looking GREAT :)

x

Unknown said...

WOW you look fabulous Jacque, big congratulations on your win....and also for having the willpower to do it all. Onwards and upwards! xx

Tine said...

Fabulous news, Jacque & many congratulations!!!! I go to deep-water aqua-aerobics twice a week to help me with my spondylosis so can recommend this activity too if you ever get the opportunity to try it.
Keep up the good work.
Tine :)

Glennis F said...

Wow - that is an amazing result - congratulations

craftymom205 said...

Congrats on your accomplishments.

craftymom205 at yahoo dot com

Peggy said...

Congrats! That is so exciting. You should be so proud of yourself.

Sonia said...

Congrats! You are a great inspiration to all of us!

Auntie Em said...

Congratulations Jacque!!! That is better than any other news a person could hear. No wonder you are so excited about your 'Win'!!!
I can imagine they all want to cheer when you walk in for a follow-up appointment. You are such a wonderful inspiration to anyone who has or has loved ones dealing with 'The Big C'! {{{Hugs}}}

Barbara said...

How wonderful. I salute your dedication and resolve to do all this. As a gym enthusiast, I can appreciate all that you did. Isn't it a great feeling of accomplishment?

Keep up the good work!! I think you have really taken great and admirable steps to insure your health and you are a role model for all of us!!!

Barbara R.

Anonymous said...

That's absolutely fabulous Jacque, You must be so very proud, you are truly inspirational
Big Hugs Julie P

Tanya said...

I'm so happy for you Jacque, stories like this really help bring hope back :) I lost my uncle to cancer recently, so it's really good to hear things like this to reinforce that it can be fought, and people can win :) And girl, you have won :D Love this story :) Thanks for sharing :)

Tanya xx

Christina - Pieces of Dreams said...

I feel so happy for you! Well done, your strenghth is amazing Jacque and you are an inspiration.
Hugs
Chris xxx

Donna said...

You look fabulous! And what an amazing amount of weight to lose. Congratulations! You deserve it after all your hard work! You Go Girl!

Nina said...

CONGRATS !
Well done - be proud of yourself !
:-) Nina

Random Acts of Krafting said...

Thank you so much for sharing your achievement and your smile. A heartfelt hug and congratulations.
Tanya

Ruth Ann Hunter said...

You look absolutely great.....your smile tells it all. Thank you for sharing your story which is an encouragement to everyone. hugs, Ruth Ann

Natasha said...

Congratulations sweetie, the journey that you have gone through and this result is amazing and you have every right to feel proud of yourself and scream your 'win' from the rooftops. I'm pretty new to your blog and havent been here through your battle with breast cancer but I feel a warm fuzzy feeling of happiness for you as you share this wonderful news. Hugs xNx

Carla S. said...

Huge congrats to you, Jacque! What a wonderful accomplishment! You look fabulous and you are truly an inspiration to all of us!

zehra said...

Congrats what an uplifting story TFS great accomplishment enjoy

April said...

Wow! look at you! You look fantastic! Congratulations! you are an inspiration to us all! x

Karen P said...

Way to go Jacque - you really are the poster girl for life after cancer hun and I'm so happy to hear you won something for you - you deserve it! Karen x

Jennifer Scull said...

wooo hoooo for YOU!!! I am so proud of you! boy howdy do I hear you on what those steroids can do to ya. I have several torn ligaments in the shoulder of the same side as my cancer, so have had my share of those nasty meds on top of what we get with the chemo. put on way more weight than any human should have to deal with. so glad to know there is a hope.

you so ROCK!!! love ya, girlfriend! keep it up! you are my inspiration in this battle! :)

Loly Borda said...

So happy for you Jacque! I want to share with you that for the last 5 years I put on 30 pounds, and your testimony is so encouraging I decided to take my weekly Zumba class more seriously from now on. I'll keep you posted. Thanks so much for sharing!

Regena said...

Way to go Dear, so happy for u!! u deserve it!!

Kimberly S. said...

That is FANTASTIC news!!! I always follow all of your news about your breast cancer (I had a scare a couple of years ago, but I was uplifted by how well you did!), and I am SO thrilled to hear you are doing so well, and you're THRIVING despite your past adversities! I myself have joined the Zumba movement and LOOOVE it, too!! I have lost 39 pounds in the last year and feel great! Keep up all your hard work, and keep the good news coming!!

Anonymous said...

OMG what an incredible inspiration you are! Congratulations on your win as well as your recovery. It sounds like it was A LOT of work but so wonderful that you were able to do it!
Super hugs for you!

Becky said...

Congratulations!! May God continue to bless you.
hugs :)

Suzan L said...

Congratulations Jacque! I'm so proud of you! You are such an inspiration for everyone!
Big Hugs,
Suzan

Mary Lou said...

Oh Jacque--I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!! Your sharing has given us all a positive outlook on life ;) You are DYNAMITE!!!!
Love always

Shazza said...

this is fantastic news, well done to you. You are such an inspiration. One of my friends has just started her battle, I will make sure to share your story with her to give her hope x

DesignerDiva said...

YOu are an amazing lady Jac, I don't know you but I too am immensely proud of you Mrs! Well done you deserve all good things in your life
Hugs Laurie xx

Marlies said...

I'm so happy for you Jacque! It's good to read that you are so much heathier now and you fight is over. You've been working hard with the zumba and workouts. You look fantastic! hugs, Marlies

Butterfly88 said...

You should be so proud. WELL DONE YOU!!!!!!

cathylynn said...

Congratulations Jacque! What an inspiring post to read and you look totally fabulous!!!! Gosh I bet you are on top of the world! God Bless You!!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Tracey T said...

Well done, you! Your story really made me smile and I've asked my sister, who has just finished her chemo and radiotherapy, to have a read of your blog! You really are an inspiration to us all (and, by the sound of it, a whole lot fitter than me!). Hugs, Tracey x

Bhawana said...

wow so happy to hear that and see you in latest pic. I love the fact you faced everything and having a smiley face always. God Bless You, Hugs n Kisses:- Bhawana

pst said...

Wow that is great Jacque, congratulations with this great win, you really deserve it!
Hugs, Petra

Dorte said...

Huge congrats sweet Jacque!! You deserve all the winnings and happiness. Wishing you all the best ;)
hugs Dorte

Anonymous said...

Well done you! Huge congratulations on your achievement, you are an inspiration!
Helen x

Kathy Gerace said...

WAY TO GO, JACQUE!! What an amazing story and accomplishments! You look fantastic in the pic! You should be very proud of what you have accomplished.
Huggeroonies,
Kathy

Janie Printz said...

I'm so happy for you Jacque ... You are an amazing inspiration to all of us. You look wonderful & I can only imagine how awesome you must feel. Way to go girl !!!
Big hugs, Janie

Irene said...

YOOHOOOOOOOOOOO, this is something to celebrate and shake all your feathers Jacque!!
Biggest hug and congrats from Holland, you rock!!!

xx Irene

Trish said...

Wow Jacque,
I am soooooo very happy for you- your news is terrific. I've followed your blog for quite some time and it's great to hear this.
Just keep on shaking those tailfeathers!
Hugs,
Trish x

Maria Therese said...

Wow that's amazing to hear!! Congrats!

Denise Goeldner said...

Great big grats you deserve it hugs xx

Lorraine said...

Congratulations Jacque. I love the photo, you look fabulous.
Go Girl!!
Lorraine x

Annie Rose said...

COngratulations! That's definitely exciting. :) You look amazing!

Hege said...

Congratulations!!!! You are a true inspiration!!! Keep up the good work! You look fabulous!!!

Love, Hege :)

Whisper said...

Oh Big Congratulations hun and a true inspiration too, Luv Sam x

Rene from OZ x said...

Go Jacque.
Rene from OZ xo

Turid said...

Congrats! It must be the best victory forever. Wonderful to hear! wish you all the best.
Hugs, Turid :)

Koraliki Beaty said...

Great Jacque - I heard about Zumba and loosing pounds during :) super congratulation- this is the best win post :P

Unknown said...

Congratulations Jacque You are a truly inspiring Lady. You look amazing and sooooo happy. I have not been following your blog very long but enjoy reading.
Hugs brenda

Rhonda Miller said...

Congrats Jacque!! You look great. What an inspiring story, thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Kimberly S said...

Wonderful accomplishments Jacque, wow! Congratulations! :) hugs, Kimberly

Angelique said...

Wow. Congrats. You are an example of never give up. Thank you for your inspiration both on life and crafting xoxo

wifeycookie said...

What wonderful news, Jacque! Keep it up. You are an inspiration.

Maryann Laursen said...

WOUW a biiiiiiiiiiig CONGRATULATIONS Jacque. I´m so happy for you, it is sooo great news, and I really wish you all the very best for the years to come now, that you don´t have this to worry about anymore either. Wonderful news hun.

loulou said...

Huge Congratulations!! How totally inspiring, you should be proud and shout out loud!!

Kelly said...

Congratulations Jacque!! So happy for you. Hugs, Kelly xxx

Laurian said...

You look fabulous Hun!! Well done, a positive mind will always succeed and you sure have proved that, woo hoo!!
Hugz
Laurian

Aartje said...

Congrats Jacque, be proud of yourself.
Great picture,
Hugs Aartje

Sherry said...

Huge CONGRATS!! I'm so happy for you!!

Hugs,

Sherry

elfenkind said...

Woow! Massive Congratulations Jacque! So happy for you. You should be so proud.

Tanya said...

Congratulations Jacque!!!!
Good news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Wow, you must be so very proud of yourself. You are a true inspiration xx

Craftdee Donna said...

So glad you're on top of the world, Jacque :-) Congratulations on your win - it's so nice that your efforts have been rewarded; with both recognition and good health. Donna xx

Jane said...

Oh Jacque what an amazing achievement and such lovely news to read!!! Well done you!! You continue to be such an incredible inspiration as well as a lovely lady too! huge hugs, Jane xxx

Lucy said...

Congratz Jacqui for feeling so good after all the misery you have had. I really admire your perseveration!
Hugs from Holland

Diana Crick said...

Quite an accomplishment Jacque, well done. You have such drive and determination. I do not think there is anything you could not overcome. You are a shining role model!
hugs, Diana

Sol said...

What an acomplishment... Not written correct .. I know.. You are AMAZING!!!! TOTALLY AMAZING all the way through... Not correct of me to say that I am so proud of you.. BUT I AM.. I am Proud to know you!. :o) And so Fantastic to hear that Zumba has been one of the things to help you get better after all the poison gone through your body.. And now I understand why you have been at the Zumba classes so often.. :o)..
I am proud to know you.. and So Happy for you..!. I am Amazed how strong you are. And I was sitting here smiling when reading your post, again.. Did not have time to log in and comment the other day when I read it the first time at work..

You for sure put a BIG SMILE on my face that day.. and today also!

I truly wish you all the best.. And I am so ashamed that I haven´t sent my Thank you for your help yet.. Totally kaos in my craft room still.. But I just got to sharpen up and get it sorted through..

Big Hugs from Norway! Solveig :o)

Lynne in NI said...

What a fabulously inspiring story! Congratulations, you deserve to be very proud of yourself!!!

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!
that's just fantastic!

Rene said...

You look AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats!!!!
Rene :D

Shirley N said...

Congratulations Jacqui, this is awesome news! And do you look fabulous! I wish you continued good health. Big hugs, Shirley.

Net said...

Wow babes you look fantastic - well done you!

Betty Neville said...

Congratulations, Jacque! You are amazing and I am really happy for you! All the best!

Nury Yasmín Rojas Martínez said...

Congratulations Jacque!!!

Dios te bendiga grandemente... sigue compartiendo tus saberes y disfruta plenamente junto a tu familia...

Perdí a mi Madre recientemente y la extaño mucho...

Hugs for you,

Nury

Kim. said...

Woohoo congratulations, you look amazing. Well done you.
Kim xXx

SemSee said...

What an amazing testimony! Your love and zest for life is infectious! Your determination and dedication is an inspiration! Jacque you have me in tears, happy tears for what you have achieved! You are amazing! Oh, and HUGE congrats on winning the challenge, but even bigger congrats for winning at LIFE! Hugs, Simonne xxxxxxxxxxx

jordanbev5@yahoo.com said...

What a wonderful testimony! And congratulations!