mousecrazy

Great car! Beautiful, and you look fabulous, dahling! Back to INXS...love them! I think Michael Hutchence is so cute...well, he used to be 20 years ago anyway...don't think I've seen a picture of him in forever. So, they replaced him? Great memories of those bygone days....I got all their autographs, once upon a time, by getting a backstage pass. Crazy and fun. Not a groupie in the usual sense of that word, but a big music fan nonetheless. I"m harmless now, at 50! Congratulations!

It's great to be able to have this seminar regarding the band and our Christian view of it. Our loving God allows us to make bad choices, but also provides the opportunity for redemption. Being led to have lap band surgery is just a path we can take to seek that redemption...not the ultimate redemption; that comes through our prayer and relationship with God. I'll make this short, since it could take forever to lay out the case step by step. We make bad choices, we suffer the consequences, we ask for forgiveness and redemption, we are led to it. For the other bad choices I have made, there was a way to change, a way to be better. I thank God for allowing me the bad choices; because of them, I have been able to support and love others who are looking for the way out of their bad choices. If we were perfect, there wouldn't be a need for God's redemption through Jesus Christ. I see the lapband surgery as a path, not a circumvention. (Sorry Kathy... I'm not that good with scripture, but I'm trying to be better at it...Mikey seems better at that!) Cindy

Yes, here I am! Up in the middle of the night, because I coughed so much it woke me up, and thought sitting up for a while would help. The big fat headache I had, I kept until last night. It seems to have backed off right now...I would guess this is some sinus infection thing. I can't stay well for 2 weeks in a row! Bleccck. So, I got up, took some Benadryl, sat in the recliner, and am catching up on everything. Oh yeah, I've even got a little fever. I didn't post Friday, since I was swamped in class, then had to host the big staffing meeting for the teachers on Friday afternoon...turned out fine, and I don't host again this year. Yesterday, I took my DD to UNT for a GS thing...called CSI. They could earn a couple of badges...ya know I had this headache, and a fever, then got there and I promise, there were almost a thousand kids there! It was obvious they had not planned for that many, so it was unorganized. That drives me crazy! We had to leave at noon to get something to eat, then went to my (step) niece's baby shower! That was fun, but still....24 people, lots of noise, etc. My niece had contractions that took her to the hospital, premature labor. They gave her a shot and sent her home. During the shower, I could tell she wasn't feeling that good. After everyone left, a friend, my DD and I put up all the stuff in the baby's room...is there anything more adorable than baby clothes! When I left there last night, she was having contractions, but didn't want to call the dr. Her sister stayed with her last night - her DH is in Daytona on a business trip. My personal feeling? I'd tell him to get on a plane! I don't think she'll make her due date, which is 2/17. I think she'll hold off as long as possible, since he'll be home tomorrow night. He would be sick if he missed it...first child! After being gone all day, I came home and didn't want to even touch my computer! I've read up on everyone...Beanie, please forgive me for addressing your PM to Renee...I'm goofed up in the head! Benadryl.... Dianne, dang. What a hard knock! Along with the rest of us, you know you have our prayers and love and support, and we do want to know what is going on with you and your 2nd surgery. ((((hugs)))) Eileen, happy anniversary! 16! We'll have our 10th this summer. I was 41 when I had DD, and turned 42 the next month! Where's Pat? I miss you, girl! Bettty, wasn't the rain great? I'm getting sleepy, so will browse the new posts, then back to bed! Love you guys, Cindy

I found myself saying to my best friend last night, that I was ready for a new chapter in my life...I just didn't know where it started or what it would be. Looking at that idea more closely, I feel very positive about what it means. I think it means that I am coming to terms with the big losses of the last year, and know there will be better days. One of the teachers I work with wrote this on a sympathy card: "Your life will never be the same, but it doesn't have to be bad." That's a big idea. Doesn't that statement cover almost any big loss or change? Acceptance and moving forward is the goal; not moving away or forgetting. There's a blurred boundary here, at least when you're in it. I imagine that once you are past this point, it is more clear, and you find out you "had the power" all along. I've always liked that line from The Wizard of Oz...what the good witch tells Dorothy when she says she wants to go back to Kansas...funny, that is where my grandma lived, and where my mom grew up. One thing for sure, we're not in Kansas anymore! We're on our way to somewhere else, and we can always return if we need to. Things won't be the same, but they don't have to be bad. I am grateful for the anticipation of my niece's new baby...she'll be born soon. I am grateful for the bigger idea of the cycle of life...my mom left, a new baby is coming. I am grateful for wireless internet, so I can journal in the middle of the night, without waking everyone else! To be continued.....Cindy

I found myself saying to my best friend last night, that I was ready for a new chapter in my life...I just didn't know where it started or what it would be. Looking at that idea more closely, I feel very positive about what it means. I think it means that I am coming to terms with the big losses of the last year, and know there will be better days. One of the teachers I work with wrote this on a sympathy card: "Your life will never be the same, but it doesn't have to be bad." That's a big idea. Doesn't that statement cover almost any big loss or change? Acceptance and moving forward is the goal; not moving away or forgetting. There's a blurred boundary here, at least when you're in it. I imagine that once you are past this point, it is more clear, and you find out you "had the power" all along. I've always liked that line from The Wizard of Oz...what the good witch tells Dorothy when she says she wants to go back to Kansas...funny, that is where my grandma lived, and where my mom grew up. One thing for sure, we're not in Kansas anymore! We're on our way to somewhere else, and we can always return if we need to. Things won't be the same, but they don't have to be bad. I am grateful for the anticipation of my niece's new baby...she'll be born soon. I am grateful for the bigger idea of the cycle of life...my mom left, a new baby is coming. I am grateful for wireless internet, so I can journal in the middle of the night, without waking everyone else! To be continued.....Cindy

Acceptance. I was reading a book last night, and acceptance was the topic. It was in Simple Abundance...I am sorry, I forget the author's name right now. Sarah Van...something. The point is that in order for us to move on in our lives, we must accept where we are now. That IS our weight on the scale, this IS our messy house, this IS my unfulfilling job, etc. Very simple. HUGE IMPACT! That idea clicked and clicked and clicked. It works in regard to accepting the death of my mom. It works in relation to the mess in my house. It works when I think about my weight loss, and how I've been in stall mode since Christmas. There's nothing magic about it...it is all ME. The good news is that if it's all me, then I can change these things. I can't change that my mom is in heaven, but I can change how I accept it or not. I can't wiggle my nose and clean my house (wouldn't that be GREAT?!) but I can choose one spot to clean and organize, and move to the next one. I can't change my past behavior with food, but I can change my behavior today. As the writer recommends, breathe a big sigh, and accept. Now change. I just love that. I am grateful to wear my new size! I am grateful for the opportunity to learn patience each morning, as I "accept" the traffic. I am grateful for the seasons and the progression of life. To be continued...

Just an FYI - I looked up the calories on the FF smoothies at Sonic, and they have 400 or more calories. I was bummed. Cindy

Good luck with recovering from that PB...I bet Alexandra is right. Your esophagus/stoma are inflamed and swollen, and liquids are probably just what you need, to let things rest and calm down. It's tough. You're tougher. Check with your dr., too, though, just to be on the safe side. Take care, Cindy

I'm glad you posted these tips...this may not be true for all of us bandsters, but what the band does for me is to allow me to gain some discipline. I don't feel as hungry most of the time as I did before the band. It stops me when my emotions win and I want to eat and eat...I just can't. Having lost 45 lbs makes me feel like exercise isn't so bad, even though I haven't really acted on that feeling. So, being able to do those things after the surgery, does not mean you could have done them before. But that's just me. Cindy

The fills are absolutely not a problem. My dr. doesn't use lidocaine because there's no need. I mean, you feel the needle prick, but I am a blood donor, and it's more like that than anything. No pain. I feel fine afterwards, just stay on liquids for 24 hours, and when you start eating, take it nice and especially slow. Good luck, Cindy

Betty, I gotcha on the early morning thing...I'm an early riser, too...usually fairly high energy, but just draggin' around these days. You must need some rest, so go ahead and take it! Patty, how incredibly wonderful to have some time in Disneyland all by yourself! I'm glad you were courageous and bought a small size...you'll get there! Eileen, hang in there, buddy! We'll get through these winter doldrums. Beanie, you will probably get to eat the carbs you really want, but it is funny. I was a total cereal addict, and now, I haven't had cereal in at least 5 months. And I don't care. Ice cream is my battle...I am pleased with myself if I make it 4 days in a row without it. It's a victory. I'm gonna pm you for a way to get in touch with you after your surgery. You have the totally right attitude and I know you'll weather the post-surgery days with your usual style and class! Anne, sorry about the cold. I hate those! Take your time and rest and take care of yourself! I appreciate the encouraging words re: problem drinking. I am very proud of DH. See you all tomorrow, hugs to all of you! Cindy

Happy Brithday to You! Have a great day, Jessiebear! Cindy

Eileen, sometimes I think we live in a parallel universe....you have trouble sleeping, I have trouble sleeping; you're in a funk, I'm in a funk...Maybe it's just that it's the end of Jan., we have the long month of Feb. with no real holidays to look forward to (by that I mean, "days off") and spring is still too far away. Sorry about your taskmaster...I hate living in anzxiety over one of them. The administration/counseling at our school is convinced the teachers are screw-ups, so even if you work your behind off, which most of us do all the time, there's still one little ping-pong ball that gets dropped, and they make a federal case out of it. URRRGGGH. I guess I should start my little count-down chain... Please forgive the short post...I have a big fat headache. Last night, I took a nice, long soak in the tub, and fell asleep! What's the deal? One thing I can look forward to is that next week, a couple of teachers and I, and the principal, are going to an alternative ed. conference in San Antonio...so it will be a break in the routine. Beanie, I hear you on the alcoholism and family problems...having experienced it in my own little world, I can say that the effects are long-lasting and it's very hard to make a stand and break the cycle. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, and best thing, too. To all, have a great day...Cindy

You are amazing! I'm thrilled for you! Cindy

Happy Birthday to You! You must so excited this year, knowing that you have won the good fight, and have so much to look forward to! Hugs, Cindy

I"m just now reading this thread, and am posting to let you know that if we do this again, I want ya'll to remember I live in North Texas...the 28th isn't going to work for me...have a Girl Scout thing, then my niece's baby shower...but I would love to meet you! Next time, then? Cindy

I'm typing with one hand because I'm on (apparently) terminal hold with Earthlink...we had a dial-up acct, and changed to a DSL (also with Earthlink through Sprint) sometime back in the summer...well, we are being charged for both of them...you'd think that would be seamless, same ISP and all....but NO! Urrrggggh. Beanie, you and Irene are babes! I'm glad you could get together! Zan, I understand your reluctance yo post pictures on the web...I have 2nd thoughts about that myself sometimes. It's a sad day when we have to worry about stuff like that, but we do. Patty, stay after them! You will get a date soon! I'm still on hold. Helloooo? Customer service?????? Ira, YEA! I'm so glad you found the life insurance you were looking for! Okay, I'm off hold and the problem is taken care of. Betty, have you said this before and I forgot? What kind of position are you looking for...I mean, with the job? Eileen, thanks for the good words about the alcoholism thing...yeah, my grandfathers both had the gene...my dad does okay, but definitely must have his beer...sister's DH is getting worse. I guess she can live with more than I'm willing to. I'm not throwing stones, because I am no angel myself, but my crazy days are long over. Growing up is not all that bad...Having DD really changed my point of view, that's for sure! No offense whatsoever intended to my friends who still enjoy their drinks! Can you even believe we have ANOTHER meeting this afternoon? OMG! Jane, stop this crazy thiiiiiiiing!!!!!!!!! Later, Cindy

Hugs and prayers, Mandy. Cindy

Fantastic, Margo! That's what it's all about! Cindy

Way to put yourself out there! You've probably just freed at least dozen people reading this thread; you look beautiful, and I LOVE that bright smile! Cindy

Jan 25, Wednesday B: Zone Perfect S: Zone Perfect L: Zone Perfect S: beef jerkey D: Zone Perfect Water: 40 oz vitamins/calcium: yes Cindy

Jan 25, Wednesday B:

I'm not sure if I should say GOOD! It's about time they figured out the problem, or I'M SORRY. For me, I'd be somewhat relieved that it was something that can be treated fairly successfully. Cortisol is related to insulin-resistance...so it makes a weird kind of sense. (((hug))) YOu'll get all the details, and hopefully this will open a door for you. I wish you the best, whatever the case, and whether you're asleep or not. Cindy

Acceptance. I was reading a book last night, and acceptance was the topic. It was in Simple Abundance...I am sorry, I forget the author's name right now. Sarah Van...something. The point is that in order for us to move on in our lives, we must accept where we are now. That IS our weight on the scale, this IS our messy house, this IS my unfulfilling job, etc. Very simple. HUGE IMPACT! That idea clicked and clicked and clicked. It works in regard to accepting the death of my mom. It works in relation to the mess in my house. It works when I think about my weight loss, and how I've been in stall mode since Christmas. There's nothing magic about it...it is all ME. The good news is that if it's all me, then I can change these things. I can't change that my mom is in heaven, but I can change how I accept it or not. I can't wiggle my nose and clean my house (wouldn't that be GREAT?!) but I can choose one spot to clean and organize, and move to the next one. I can't change my past behavior with food, but I can change my behavior today. As the writer recommends, breathe a big sigh, and accept. Now change. I just love that. I am grateful to wear my new size! I am grateful for the opportunity to learn patience each morning, as I "accept" the traffic. I am grateful for the seasons and the progression of life. To be continued...

Somebody find them, please! They sound good, so if anyone's tried them, please post a review! Cindy