A New New Dawn

haha, I was trying to quickly read through all the posts I missed this weekend and thought Terri's last post said she was going to focus on boating and belching!

If I don't get on here (much) or at all this weekend as Brad is coming out (yay) and the kids will be home, I hope everyone has a fun and relaxing weekend. Don't do anything I wouldn't do! (Don't worry, that leaves lots of room for opportunity).

Well, at least keep them closed

Here is the info for the next support meeting (lapband only) at CDH: the next support group will be: Monday, September 23rd from 6:30-8:00pm (same location): Winfield Room (located near the cafeteria). Note, it is people at all stages, pre and post-op. If you want to contact the coordinator I can give you her email as well.

I had my surgery done by Dr. Klem. I would encourage you to attend the support groups CDH offers the last Monday of each month as you will hear a lot of real life stories, suggestions, encouragement, etc. Dr. Klem did a great job for me! I am one year out and about 80 lbs down. It would have been more but the past few months I have been lax about taking care of me (a lot going on personally) so now that things are settling, I am back on the "band" wagon.

I "love" reading your story and what an inspiration. I appreciate that you share the trials and triumphs and know that it may take longer for others but it can be done. You look amazing and your energy is incredible. Thank you for sharing and keeping it real.

Hi, Ladies. Dee and Di, my heart goes out to both of you fabulous ladies that I am proud to know. Dee, I understand your wanting to stay on FB at times in the "fantasy" world; however, know that we are always here for you. It's not my business how or what happened with Charlie's truck but maybe it would be a good idea for Kaleb to find ways to earn money to help if he is not already doing so. It really helps teach that responsibility and take some of the pressure off of you. Just do me one BIG favor, no Craigslist guy gets your cash without doing the job. I hope today is going better for you. Di, you are so welcome for the flowers. It was the least I could do and glad it made you smile. You are a beautiful lady that needs to keep her "smiler" working too. I am surprised they lasted so long! Ma! What can I say - you are truly BIONIC. I should be able to recover as quickly as you have. I am confident your next surgery will go well for you!!! I am also happy to hear hubby is looking out for you! Wow, so Ange is due soon. That is AWESOME news. How's your band treating you since surgery? Michelle, sooo happy for you. Heck, I would be crying too! I believe in you and know you will do well. I am glad you have a couple weeks off to regroup and re-energize! I can't wait to hear that 100 mark too. How's business going at the firm during "off season"? Terri, scrapbooking, party hosting, quilting, traveling... so glad you seem to be enjoying your retirement and finding things you enjoy and keeping active. Do you feel more energized to do things with the weight off? Also, sorry I was wrong about Machu Picchu. Ericka's group voluntarily did a trip up a mountain next to it to see it. I guess you don't have to, it's just a different aerial view. Heaven knows I wouldn't make it 8000 stairs at that altitude either. I hope you are doing well and Franc is too. Carole, I cannot wait to see the final product of your kitchen. That's really neat that your husband is doing a lot of the work. It is a source of pride I imagine to see it all coming to fruition. It's very nice! How's your band been treating you lately? Anymore road trips? Audrey is doing much better at school. After she got thru that first night of being alone. She is starting to meet people and make friends so I am very happy for her. Ericka's drop off on Sunday went well too! I was a bit sad on the way home thinking of being all alone, Brad in Omaha, the kids gone, etc. Both of them will be home this weekend though w/ the holiday. I am supposed to be meeting with someone Friday that wants to adopt Symba. I hope it works out. His home visit was already done, it's more a matter of making sure Symba is a good fit. Symba is a sweetheart but has his issues. I have to keep him separate from my dogs so it's fun in my 800 sq foot house. I rotate the dogs so they have time to roam and get to be in the yard, etc. I will still have my 2 doggies though, Benny and Kobe and will know how Brad must feel being alone in Omaha. Now that my garage is empty of all the kids' dorm stuff, I have room to be packing boxes and will begin that process. Brad should be back in town in a couple weeks and will take some things back. It's hard to pack too much as I don't have a lot of stuff and am still using most of it as my day-to-day stuff. My back is better this week. I was sure it would be bad w/ moving, stress, etc but it's just the tingling right now and not the agony. So that's good. Sorry for my novel, but you know me Have a great day, ladies. Time for me to blow this pop stand and head home. Muah!

Hi, Ladies, Sorry, it's been crazy busy. Tonight was a bit rough w/ Audrey. Her roommate went home for the weekend so this is the first time Audrey is alone. She was in tears earlier that she is trying to participate in all the Welcome Week activities and even trying to meet others but no one has talked to her. Her roommate has a lot of friends going there and has been including Audrey but it also makes Audrey feel like she has no friends. I was trying to reassure her it will get easier and she will have lots of friends, etc. I had already planned to go down there tomorrow w/ my dad, stepmom and Ericka for them to see her and her room, Ericka, etc. To which she reminded me and then she will be alone again. At 4, she has more welcome activities and Sunday her roommate comes back. It broke my heart but I knew I couldn't come "rescue" her either and she needed to work through this. Well, she was having trouble getting her laptop connected and started working on that again tonight and got it connected. So, I was happy that she stopped crying and occupied herself. This is probably the first night she has even slept on her own somewhere without me or someone she knows in the next room. So this is big for her. Keeping in mind, 2 years ago I had her in counseling as she couldn't even be in her bedroom without her sister there and be alone. This is a HUGE step for her. On a happier note, Ericka had a great time on her trip. Terri, you may know all of this already but I guess there are 2 mountains you can climb up to see Machu Picchu. Ericka climbed Mount Machu Picchu. She said it was pretty intense as it was like 8,300 stairs to climb it. I am not sure I could do it as I am so scared of heights. She said the other mountain wasn't as high but the stairs were steeper. I am sure I could make myself do one of them if it came down to it as the views were amazing!!!! I will get some pictures and share them. She had such a great time as I am sure you will. She worked out a couple weeks before she went and thought that helped her lungs and she had to use her inhaler w/ the altitude. Ericka goes back to school Sunday. Her old babysitter is letting me borrow her car so we can fit everything. Her dad's house is not too much out of the way on our way (he is 60 miles from me) so I told her we can stop there so she can see her brothers. They are so cute. CMom, aw, the pics are adorable. I am so happy to hear her due date is right around the corner. How exciting!!! I am also so happy to hear how well you are doing!!! Dee, how are the kids doing back to school? How is Charlie doing? Carole, so excited about your house coming more and more together. What a relief it will be when you can be more settled in. I love the leaves you posted. Fall is such a beautiful time. I took Ericka to Olive Garden for dinner and they have a seasonal pumpkin pie cheesecake on the menu and it took me a back that it is that time of year. Mini, I hope the studying is going well and you ace your tests!!! Miss hearing from you and hope you are doing well. Di, I miss you my friend. I hope you are doing well and that you are getting settled. I also hope you are taking care of yourself.

Hi, Ladies, A bit of a quick fly by Ericka made it to Miami and will be here a bit after 10 pm tonight. She has never flown internationally and didn't know she couldn't bring fresh fruit/food back w/ her. Thankfully, she "claimed" them so they knew she wasn't trying to sneak anything as they told her it would have been a $300 fine if she didn't. They took everything but her bananas. lol. My gram lives close to the airport so we are stopping to visit her on the way home and gram is staying up late. Terri, I can't wait to hear about her trip in Peru and glad you are in better shape to go on trip. She said they had to climb so many stairs and some people couldn't do it, aside from the endurance needed to do so many stairs, it was hard breathing w/ the altitude. Dropped of Audrey yesterday, she was so excited setting up room. Had a few bumps as she gets b*tchy when under stress and I wasn't going to have it. She had a couple bouts of that today on the phone and I wasn't having it either. I really think this is a great opportunity for her to grow up and looking forward to that.

Hi, Ladies, C Mom, you are doing amazing. I am in awe of your strength and determination. So happy recovery is going well. It does sound like that nurse needs to GO!!! No one treats my C Mom that way!!! Btw, Delaney is a DOLL! What a pretty name too. How is Ange feeling? My vinyl creations I ordered from Paula were a big hit with Audrey and my bf, Patricia. Skinny Mini Mouse... you will definitely be in my thoughts as you prepare for the next huge step in your journey. You are so smart and so driven I have faith you will do well. I know it is difficult but you seem to flourish in being challenged. Terri, sounds like things are going well for you. (except the rain). I am glad you are doing well. Scrapbooking is a good source of fun and escape too. I will have to consider letting "killer" out to protect me in this neighborhood o' mine. ha! He has a very deep bark and can be very intimidating. Dee, how's everyone doing? I hope the Dee household is healthy and doing well. Are the kids back to school this week? Hang in there with school, my friend. You got this! Diane, I hope the move is going well and everyone will be settling in soon. How are YOU doing these days? Carole, thanks for your concern. I hope to be moving in a couple months. It's all dependent on whether my job will allow me to work 5 days remotely. I am just starting to train in a new area and I need to get through that before considering that. As it is, I will be working remotely 2 days per week. I am off this week for moving the kids off, Audrey's 18th bday today, and Ericka coming home late Thurs. Today she is exploring Machu Pichu in Peru. She is having the time of her life. My ex was going to help move Audrey in Wed and that's not happening, nor is he helping Sunday with Ericka. Doing it alone, yet again. He was supposed to come see Audrey yesterday to Celebrate her bday but was "too tired" from work so she spent a good part of yesterday and the day before in tears. Ugh. Anyway, I am excited the kids are starting another great year and sooooo excited to see Ericka in a few days. Have a great day!!!

quick fly by as well, happy Saturday everyone of you fabulous ladies! Janet, so happy for your recovery and progress coming along so well. Glad you are home!!! Terri, how's the scrapbooking (sorry, if my memory fails me) coming along? I got a bug to do that a few years ago and for every holiday or anniversary, etc. I would give Brad a couple more pages... I stopped and need to get back at that. So much for me giving you my quilt colors, heehee. Carole, I will be so happy when your kitchen is done. It is so stressful whilst under construction and without having a fully functioning kitchen. However, I imagine it will be beautiful once it's done. How's your band treating you. Michelle, how exciting that school is winding down (even if it darn near kills you in the process). Your family must be so proud of their very driven mom!!! Dee, I hope Charlie's recovery is coming along. Try not to fret over where you are at with Math. I have been out of high school for 24 years and cannot remember hardly anything of what I used to know. Kind of like not beating ourselves up over our (former) weight. We can only work on improving and move forward. Think how long you have been out of school and give yourself more credit. Regardless of what level you are at, you are doing it and that's what's important. And btw, NOOOOO WAY, not adopting "Symba" my foster doggy. He is very sweet but has ISSUES. He is very protective of his crate so, thankfully, the weather is ideal (70's) so I have his crate in the garage as he seems less stressed in it away from my dogs, he also is dog aggressive so I have to rotate the dogs around my little house to keep them separate. Definitely will have to go to an only dog home. Other than that he is very sweet and affectionate and the former owners were not forth coming about his aggressive issues! Have a great day, doggy is whining.

According to my Cyber sister, Paula, Janet is doing quite well and nurses are impressed! I think she looks great for 2 hours post-op pic taken. Plus, look how skinny she is and all that extra room in her bed.

That is awesome aj!!! So happy for you. Wish I lived closer so I could enjoy the fruits of your labor as well.

100 LBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY SMACKAROOOS!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS FRIGGIN AWESOME!!!

Janet, CMom, MaddysGram, whatever other alias applies.... I will be thinking of you and know you will do fabulous. I am very excited that your new knees will match your new bod and soon you will be keeping up even better with those incredible grandkids! Bionic grandma here you come!!! Big hug and may the drug texting and blogging begin! It's my bff's bday tomorrow too so it's a good day in my book!

Dee, I am so sorry for the relationship with your son. Perhaps you could try writing him a letter or is there a mediator (friend of the family, relative) or someone you both get along with that could sit with both of you? I can imagine this is very painful. CMom - I am thinking about you and sending prayers your way! I was going to get you the fringed dress to practice your Charleston dancing; however, the way you keep shrinking, I figured I should wait. Yes, don't forget your tablet, so we can "drunk message" you whilst you are under the influence! Carole, how are you doing? Di, how are you sweetie? I hope you are doing well and just busy packing or moving into that fabulous find of a house that I am hoping came your way! Terri, how are you doing? I cannot believe next week I am moving my "baby" off to college!!! Oh my! I hope you are doing well. When's the next trip? Mini, I hope the work opportunity comes to fruition. You deserve it. If not, I am glad you are still looking at the bright side of owning the business. All your hard work is paying off.

Good afternoon, Ladies. Sorry, it's been busy around here and I haven't been on much lately. I so wish I could access the site from my phone and I would be on here more while I am waiting here and there. I am doing well but my back is still nagging at me. I can see some improvement from the chiro visits but not relief just yet. I also am watching my bad habits that I know irritate it. I never really paid attention to my posture and am working on that quite a bit. My worst habits are sitting on one of my feet at my desk and doing the same at home on the couch so I am sitting crooked all day. Mostly taking a deep breath, yawning, etc. is painful in the middle of my back. I am seeing some improvement so that is helping. I just know it's impacting my motivation as I don't want to do too much to irritate it. Well, Audrey and I are off to visit great grandma (my grandma) today. She is passing on one of her legacies of teaching me how to make her chicken and dumplings. Sure, it's not healthy but it's one of gram's specialties that everyone loves. Dee, I agree that soft foods or liquids for a couple days and until the stress level is down a bit I would hold off on a fill. I found when I was too tight I would eat more crap as it went down easier than the good foods. So it enticed me to eat pretzels, etc. I hope everyone is doing well. I need to run ~ off to grams. love you ladies!!

YAY FOR CAROLE AND SKINNY MINI!!!

I love the quilt C Mom! Make sure when you get the C Mother of the Bride dress that you get one that shows off those new sexy knees you are gonna have. I have pasted a video for you to get practicing your new knee moves so you can dance it out at my wedding.. Well, it's another night in the hood here. Ugh. I forgot I had Kohl's cash that was going to expire today so I did a late run to Kohl's. I come home to 4 squad cars blocking my street. I heard the cop coming down the street asking "who's Milo's mother" (they were arresting him). He is the boy that lives across the street from me... It actually saddens me. This boy is a year older than Audrey. He was a star athlete on the football team and an honor roll student up until his senior year. To my sexier twin, I hope things are going well with your son and I hope you are still doing well. Hope your daughter is doing well too. One thing I always see in the pictures you share is a huge smile. Your smile radiates and you seem to have such a glow about you through this journey.

I'm sorry Carole and hope the news comes out favorable (holding hope). If there is one thing you know, you are a very strong woman and whatever comes your way you will get through it. I saw a quote on FB that I really liked: On particulary rough days when I'm sure I can't possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through the bad days so far is 100% and that's pretty good. Big hug to you, my friend! Terri - hope you are feeling better today as well!

Or what about this? You pull open your knee and out comes more legos? Think how COOL the grandkids would think you are

this could be a fun idea Mom...

Though I often read the blogs, I rarely write my own..... Well, this time is different!!!! This weekend my fiance and I went to Six Flags Great America with my daughter and 2 of his kids. He hadn't been to an amusement park in over 20 years. For me, it hasn't been that long since I have been there (it's only 45 minutes away). I have been there and to several other amusement parks through road trips with the kids and family as well. I always wanted my kids to have fun, even though I had to wait while they went on the rides as I was too big to ride. My kids always had a great time but I felt an emptiness that I could only stand on the sidelines and not have fun WITH them. In addition, my sister ended up meeting us up there yesterday with her boys and husband. My b.i.l. is quite overweight and unable to go on the rides. Of course, he and my sister gave other reasons, but having been there... I got it. It was sad knowing that was ME for so many years. Well, a year after being banded and down 80lbs. I WENT ON THE FREAKING RIDES AND I FIT!!! The best part of the day was going on XFlight w/ my daughter, for the first time, and her looking over at me, doing a fist pump and saying she was proud of me and asking if I was excited. HECK YAH I was. I even rode the go karts and bumper cars w/ my fiance's son and have always avoided those as well as the seatbelt wouldn't fit! I am still a ways from goal, but this was a great reminder of what I have been missing out on in life and how much more this is than just losing weight. We walked the park for 12 hours (yes, from open - to close) and though I was exhausted, I DID IT!! YAY, ME!!!