Wow! It's been a month since I posted last. Does that tell you there's not been much going on since I got my date set for 11/16? Haven't heard a peep from the dr's office. Guess they trust me to do what they told me on 9/26. They can, but one would think they could be a little more customer inter-active. Oh well....

This past weekend, my 8-month old niece was baptised! (yeah!)....The whole side of my family was together (2 sisters and a brother...one sister (step) was missing, but no reason was given). Any..who....I had mentioned to my husband during our 3 hour drive to the ceremony, that I was considering telling my parents and siblings (well, my brother since the 2 sisters who were there already knew). He said, please don't, I have to ride home with you tomorrow. (ha)

Well, we were standing in the kitchen cutting the cake and mixing the punch, and there was a lull. So I grabbed my dad by the elbow and dragged him to an empty hallway outside. I didn't want to make a scene or take away from the celebration they were having for Emma. I started off with, "Dad, I have something to tell you and I'm not asking for advice, guidance or alternatives...I'm just filling you in on what I'm planning as a courtesy so you know what's going on". He looked at me like I was talking giberish. I told him I was having wls on 11/16 and that my sister Becky was going to come up and stay with me during the process of hospital and a couple days at home before she returns to her family (or they come up for Thanksgiving, however it works out.) He was a bit shocked and then started asking all the typical questions. What kind? How does it work? How successful is it? How long will recover take? etc. Then once we were done talking (about 5 min or so) he looked at me and said "Sis, what made you think I would try to change your mind or give you advice?" REALLY? Only because you've done it every other time in my life when I've tried to talk to you about a decision I was making or wanted to make? No idea, Dad.

So then, I told my step-mom (whom I've not been that close with EVER in the 32 years they've been married) and she was actually stunned and then hugged me. After I explained everything and answered he questions, she said "I'm excited if you're excited. Whatever will make you happiest is all I can hope for".

Now, I want to know this....WHERE ARE MY PARENTS AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THEM!? have they been abducted by aliens, injected with some syrum that makes them seem (or at least come across) as normal? When did they become so relaxed and easy going with things? This is the couple who ALWAYS knew what was best and were never bashful for sharing (or strongly suggesting) how they think we should proceed with our decisions.

Today I am 3 days from my second 22 birthday. Yep, I've made it to the point where I get to celebrate 22 for the second time. Then on Friday, I start my 2 week liquid diet. And, just for good measure, as if I need ANY challenges during the liquid diet, I have a wedding to attend on 11/10 with a large reception. I made sure everyone I told on Saturday knew that I would be on a liquid diet at the wedding, so I would not be eating, so please don't make a big deal out of it. They all agreed.

I never thought on 9/26 that 11/16 would get here so quickly. I'm glad it's almost here. I'm excited, anxious and nervous all rolled into one. I have started trying to teach myself the liquid diet just to get ready, so I've been doing liquids only for breakfast and lunch. Only solid foods for dinners. I'm starting to wonder, though, are the sounds/grumblings coming from my stomach from hunger, or nerves?

I hope everyone who is working through the process is having great success. Chins up....our day(s) are coming!!