A New New Dawn

Thanks and I thank you as well for your encouragement!

So true! I cannot believe my "babies" are 18 and 20 already. I missed out on far too much but NO MORE!!

Thanks AJ!!! I loved reading about your weekend as well. Ain't life grand? Thanks for all your encouragement along the way.

You should go! Rock that new body (go on a weekday though as the lines are soooo long) but you can enjoy the waterpark and the amusement park. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for all your inspiration in this journey!

Maybe you could get an airplane or a cool design for the new ones!

Thanks everyone! It was a great day indeed. It felt soooo good to be a part of the fun, not put on a happy face and be hurting or sad inside, and have the endurance to walk the park all day.

The house is beautiful and it sounds like the pool will be a great source of enjoyment and therapy. I am very happy for you and great job on living w/ the band and being successful. I, agree, that we need to find our own comfortable weight and glad you have found yours.

That is a great story!!! Even better that it's YOUR story.

LOL, enjoy the new vacuum and the new knees you are gonna get! I am happy you are going for it and look forward to your recovery to a new you in so many ways. You are too young and way tooo awesome to be hobbling around. You have grandkids to chase, pool parties to attend, and a hubby to cater to.

Hi, Ladies... Looks like everyone is doing well right now! YAY!!! You are all fabulous women that I am honored to know and have as my treasured friends. I had a very nice weekend. It started Thurs and Fri with orientation at Loyola. It was fun and a bit stressful (Audrey learning to not "freak" over everything) and getting all the pieces in place. Saturday, Brad and I did a bunch of stuff around my house, errands, bought a new lawn mower (terribly exciting for me as I have been so frustrated w/ mine not working), picked up a really nice snow blower for our new house that my best friend's boss was selling. I really enjoy when he and I are together and just doing ordinary things together. Being on my own (alone) for so long, it's nice to have someone to do errands with and take care of "business" around the house, etc with. Sunday, we went to Six Flags Great America. We didn't get to go on too, too many rides as the lines were 90 minute waits for most of the rides; however, I did go on a few. My back is paying for it today (mostly the standing for so long) but it was a great day w/ Brad, Audrey and 2 of his kids (William, his oldest is in Michigan right now). For Brad, it was great as he hasn't been to an amusement park in 26 years!!!! What?!?!? He loves the rides too. Can I just tell you that I have always taken my kids to the parks over the years here and even on vacations, etc. I always waited for them to get off the rides as I couldn't fit and some, I am just chicken. I FRIGGIN FIT ON THE RIDES, DAMN IT!!!!! Woo HOOOOOOOOOOOO! Audrey fist pumped me on one of them saying she was proud of me that I could go on them. Awww!!! I am not a thrill seaker that loves all the rides (some I am too scared of) but I try to get myself on most of them so I don't get to the point of being afraid of everything. It was a lot of fun.

Sorry ladies, I don't have time to read all and catch up but I wanted to say a quick hello. So sorry for the loss of Sushi and hope everyone is doing well. Big hugs and yep, it's a Brad weekend. Tomorrow, Six Flags Great America w/ him and his kids. He hasn't been to an amusement park since 1986! I am a little leary if I will fit in the rides but will be happy if I do!! <3

Happy Tuesday, Ladies. I hope everyone is well. Carole, so sorry Sushi is not doing well right now. I hope the vets suggestion helps. I am glad you had a nice visit with your family. Thanks for the info on what I can send for care packages and how to go about it. Diane, I hope this is a calm week and one that brings a smile to your face and peace within. You deserve it, my friend. Janet, any big plans for your almost birthday weekend? Partying it up like a ROCKstar???? Waving your hands in the air, acting like you just don't care??? How far along is Ange now? Dee, continued prayers for you and your family. You, my friend, are a rockstar in more ways than one. I bet you never realized just what a strong woman you are!!! Michelle, ya you, the skinny mini, shrinky dink! That is awesome about the run!!! I am so proud of you! Another day closer to classes being done too! Terri, how are you feeling these days? How's it been w/ the band? The upcoming trip sounds incredible!!

Inhale, exhale... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Yay for Ange gaining weight!!!! How sweet they took you out! So "breathe" brings me to another song I like.... I find music therapeutic so bare w/ me

Inhale, exhale... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Yay for Ange gaining weight!!!! How sweet they took you out! So "breathe" brings me to another song I like.... I find music therapeutic so bare w/ me

Hi, Ladies! I hope everyone is doing well. Diane, I hope you can get a reprieve from being "on" today. I hope you are also able to talk to your hubby and let him know how you feel so he understands it isn't "him" and it's the stress talking. You really do have soooo much on your plate personally and professionally. I would be concerned if you added moving on top of all the stresses you are already facing. As for my back issues. Well, I have felt like a hot mess since starting treatment w/ the chiropractor. I can see it will help in the big picture; however, in the meanwhile I have been in a lot of pain and stiff from the treatment (adjustments, electrode treatment, and deep tissue massage). But it's more sore muscles and stiffness from being adjusted. I am getting some relief from the tingling I was having in my back. I am taking it easy from exercising too much as that seems to aggravate it; however, if I lay around or sit too much I get stiff. So I am sticking to just moving around (cleaning and purging) throughout the house. I also bought one of those contoured pillows to help with my neck position while I sleep. For now, they have me going 3x a week so I am back tomorrow for another electrode treatment, adjustment and deep tissue massage. Thank God for medical insurance that helps cover all this. Thursday and Friday I am off work for orientation at Audrey's college. Getting sad (and excited) for her that she is leaving the nest and both of them will be gone. My CMom's talented Vinyl Design daughter is making a couple things for her that I am excited about for her new dorm and a personalized coffee mug (gotta have that). Friday, Brad will be here as well for the weekend. August will be crazy with me purging more and packing bit by bit, getting Audrey packed and prepared to go and moved, Ericka coming home (the 22nd), 2 days of visiting family, shopping, packing and moving her in.... Ok, breathe Dawn. Off to clean the upstairs... have a great day ladies.

I know it's been a while since you posted this so I hope you are in a better "place". I think your first step needs to be to forgive yourself. I sense a lot of self-loathing and sadness. I think if you can find your happiness, you will value yourself more and know that you deserve to be happy too and it will be easier to take those steps forward. I agree with Missy that eating on a regular basis is very important so you are not on a feeding frenzy at night. It will also keep your metabolism stable and keep you satiated. Please, please do not allow another nurse (not trained in lapband procedures) to do your fills. While they may know how to inject saline into someone, you are both risking your jobs and your health. They can also damage the port if not done properly. I am not trying to be harsh, I am just concerned for your well-being. Since it has been a while since you were banded, do you remember and do you know the guidelines for how you should be eating? I would be happy to share some ideas if you would like a refresher. I hope you are on a healthier path since you posted this and please come on here for support. It isn't for us to judge. We may not coddle, but we will care and do want success, health and happiness for you.

Thank you for sharing your story. How are you doing now?

When it rains, it pours.. literally and figuratively! Michelle, I am still so damned proud of you and excited for you!!! You rock, sista!!! To all my friends here that are like family to me... I dedicate this song to you today (I just love Josh Groban too, btw). Prayers for Ange and Charlie!!! Big hug for support to all of you and the amazing women and pillars of support you are for me and your loved ones.

Carole, if there is an address I can send a care package to, could you forward that on? I would love to send one, if possible. Sissy!!! f**k ya!!!! (sorry, ladies but that was well warranted)!!! I am so happy for you! Dee, I hope Charlie is ok, please keep us posted when you can. Momma - oh HELL ya, Emilia (beautiful name) is looking good!!! How's ange feeling? How's your brother a.k.a - uncle doing?? Went to chiropractor at lunch. He actually said, though my back is what's hurting, that he is most concerned with my neck. Based on the x-ray it was as if I had a whiplash injury. I have had consistent headaches on one side of my head (not Migraine level but painful) and did an mri, ck'd ears, etc and could never determine cause. I hadn't even mentioned it to him but after he showed me my neck, it made me wonder and he agreed it could well be the cause. I just learned to deal w/ the pain as I felt silly since all tests were fine. They did an electrode treatment on my back today and an adjustment. Going back next week again. Have a great day, Ladies!

Very happy that Dee and Terri's visit went well. Safe travels home! The quilt was very sweet for a very selfless and deserving angel on Earth. Carole, sorry to hear about Sushi having more medical issues but so happy Sushi is still happy and being loved unconditionally. You are really a trooper keeping up with your exercising and not giving up. Janet, so sorry for all the challenges you have been facing recently. I hope today is a better day for all. How are Ange and your mom doing today? Big hug!! Michelle, sorry about your struggle. You will get there. You are a fighter and so driven I have all the faith in you!!! I am sure the stress of school isn't helping either. Thankfully, you are on the home stretch with that! Diane, I hope things are going well at home as well. What a sweet and caring son you have raised as well!!! That's very sweet!!

Happy Terri and Dee day!!! Ok, seriously, this is a picture of the desks right behind me...... wtf?????

Hi, Ladies! Well, gallbladder and blood test were fine. The doctor's office (nurse) called and said everything was fine/normal. I am still uncomfortable in my upper left abdominal area (near my port area) and my back is still bothering me a lot. I was dealing w/ some tingling in my back and now just this pain. I kind of feel silly because my abdomen was really tender and nauseous, etc. and they essentially found nothing. In speaking to a chiropractor he suspects I may have a pinched nerve in my back too (going to him on Wed). I can see my chart online from the doctor's office and am going to call them back tomorrow just to ease my mind as it says on the report: The right hepatic simple cyst is noted, measuring 13 x 14 x 21mm. This is a new finding since the prior study. Not sure if this could be causing me abdominal discomfort or not but worth asking about at least. Definitely need to get my back looked into. I have never had back issues and w/ the stomach issues it seemed it was internal and I really didn't think it was a back issue. I just want some relief. Sitting at my desk all day is not comfortable. Anyway, Diane, glad you had some Di time tonight! Janet - welcome back!!!! So glad all is well and guessing the family is glad you are back too. YES, Benny needs the dog whisperer!!! Funny thing is I see that show and they always have nice (and big) houses so I know they would never put my cubical of a house on there. So I have thought maybe once I move to Omaha I will try to enter him, lol. Terri and Dee ~ yahoooooo.... can't wait! Michelle, hey skinny twin!!! So proud of you! Ugh, it's 12:30 at night here (no, I shouldn't be up). Audrey is watching Teen Wolf and our doorbell just rang. Of course, HELL no I am not answering it at this hour and it freaked me out. I finally was able to get to window (discretely) and see it was the police. I opened and they asked if I noticed anything as someone had their yard stuff all messed up and vandalized. Earlier today, the police were at the door this a.m. because the guy across the street had his tires slashed. This USED to be a quiet, residential neighborhood and I hate it now. I soooo cannot wait to get out of here. I am always really nice to all the neighbors (even the "thugs") as I don't want to be on anyone's bad side. Last year someone went through my shed and my neighbors.... It freaks me out! No area is perfect but I just don't feel so safe here anymore and stopped crating my dogs at night so I feel safer if anyone ever tried to break in. On that note, goodnight ladies. Have a great day!

Hi, Ladies... sorry, with having not been feeling well and running around, I haven't been on here much. Would sure be easier if I could access this group on my phone. My tummy is feeling better the last few days. I will find out next week the results of my gallbladder scan to see if that may be the culprit. My reflux has been better this week too but I had other issues instead. Anyway, all in all I am not doing too bad. I didn't get a fill and at least found out what is in my band (4 cc). The dr. didn't give me one until we figure out my issues. Also, he was telling the PA in the room that because I have a slight slip they don't want it too tight as that can make it worse. I think the scan they did this week at least showed the slip isn't any worse. Michelle, that is AWESOME! So happy for you! Yes, football is quite demanding time wise. My daughter was a football cheerleader at one point and I was amazed how much just their practices took. Plus, the games. Enjoy!!! Terri, can't wait to hear about your visit with our Dee. Franc gets to meet all the LB ladies too. How cute! As for my doggy, Benny... well, he has ISSUES. Essentially, he is a very nervous dog and also very scared (threatened) by people he doesn't know. He seems to be fine with people that ignore him but if people try to pet him, he will snarl and snap. People see him so little and think what a cute little (harmless) dog and don't expect it so they don't approach him with caution. Years ago he bit Brad's daughter as he freaked out when she rode past him on a skateboard and last year he bit my sister. I was frustrated w/ the issue with my sister because knowing he had issues, it wasn't a good idea to very loudly and excitedly yell Benny and just jump in his face. He bit her arm and ran away from her. The kids' dad comes over from time to time and he doesn't like dogs so he ignores Benny and it works fine. Sudden movements or strangers scare Benny. Ignore him and he is fine. Once he gets to know someone he is fine and is very affectionate. We are his 3rd home and I don't know what treatment he endured before. He is also very scared when I cook w/ oil or if he smells smoke (he hates the firepit). He is a good dog in spite of all that but... When you see CJ, make sure you tell him "shut the front door" for me so you get a good giggle from him. Janet, big hug to you dear!!! I hope your mother is doing better and you are doing well. Carole, awesome that you are able to get so many steps in!!! Such a loving momma taking care of her bab(ies). I went with my friend yesterday while she did her first 10k (6.4 miles). She was able to run most of it. She was sooooo excited as she's never run a 10k before. She is 47 and hopes to do a half marathon by the time she is 50. I felt like a slacker as a spectator seeing a VERY pregnant woman running it too! Definitely motivational though. You are doing so well; especially knowing the injuries and setbacks you have had. Diane, I sure hope whomever would do something so low like that was desperate as you said and I sure hope it was someone that doesn't know you. I cannot imagine anyone knowing (the awesome YOU) and doing that to you. I shake my head in disbelief that someone could do that. I am so sorry. I am praying for NICE JUNE today!!! I hope one of the authorities can help relieve the financial burden so you can get more assistance with your mom. Are there government agencies that help with this? We seem to have a lot of avenues here. Also, have you looked into your local chamber of commerce for suggestions? I am not sure if you have the same things there but our counties and each village's chamber of commerce offer a lot of community assistance. I never knew and was surprised at all they do. Also, if there is a senior citizen club in your area, they often know of or have a lot of resources. Big hug to you, my friend. Still no moving date but expecting late fall. Getting things ready for Audrey to head off to college. Gotta get sheets and towels today. Poor Ericka texted me yesterday after getting injured. Since she was very young she would pass out every once in a while out of nowhere. We went to the Children's hospital and they did all kinds of tests and never figured it out. Closest we figure is she is borderline anemic and they checked her ears and said one was weaker and can cause dizzy spells. It doesn't happen often (maybe 1x per year) or sometimes a few years go by without an episode. Well, she went to a outdoor spa thing yesterday with friends (she is still in Ecuador) and started feeling weak. She passed out and face planted. Thankfully, she didn't break her nose or teeth but her lips are cut up and swollen. I'm just so glad she didn't get hurt any worse than that. Have a great day!!!! Love you ladies.

Glad to hear Jack's surgery went well! That is great news!! ))))

Just logging in before heading to bed.... again, my thoughts and prayers for you Diane. This is such an unfortunate situation that just doesn't make sense. Big hug for you, my friend for peace and good days for you and your family.