Apples2

Chicago in the summer is fine with me. I will swing through and pick up Linda and whoever else along the way. Now, none of you take this wrong....you guys start mentioning not getting to visit much on that Vegas trip and I get the guilts over the meltdown and crap. Yes, this next trip will be sooooooooooooooo wonderful and Cheri's world for all to see. Love to all and hope you had a wonderful bday, Cheri. You are special. (in a good way...heck, everyone is special in their own way).

This whiteout storm we are having is absolutely wicked. Cannot see the big bright yard light through the blowing snow (only 20 feet or so from house). Took DS an hour to drive home earlier today (15 miles). He was happy to get home. Gosh, I hate to whine continuously but this winter has been one for the history books. If I knew how to post a damned photo on here, I would share the mounds of snow surrounding our house. Right now there is not way I can open my back door. Not a good combination. 55 yr old stressed out woman unable to step out the door. AZ is looking soooooooooooooo good.

Meredith...great minds think alike. When I was posting to LauraK today the thought came over my mind about "posing" so that the extra skin would not be noticed. LOL. (TMI warning). Just be a princess on your back for the initial "induction". Gosh....not only do we support each other with our WLS concerns, we are relationship experts as well. Good thing none of us are prigs. I have always been a dog lover, Meredith. I grew up with a minimum of three dogs in the house. DH grew up in a family where there was a "farm dog". You just threw it the leftover crap from the table and never would ever think about buying dog food. He has been totally in love with the dogs I have brought home. This kills me to say this but the first dog I brought home, he took out in the grove of trees and shot it. Too much of a bother. And, if you think that didn't get me thinking that something was wrong with this man, you are correct. It's just the way they did it on the farm. Never took the time to nurture or train a dog. Dog acted up...dog was gone. A major sin in my book. Well, after that horrible incident and me a forgiving person, I decided that I would "teach" him how to love an animal. Right now he is in his recliner lap top and lap dog on his lap....100lb black lab. Once I showed him that dogs were human, he is sooooooooooooo in love with every dog he meets. Tanker is our "empty nest dog". I missed my boys so much when they left. Had quit my job after working since early teens and it was so lonesome out here on the farm. Heck, Tanker knows everything I say. We have conversations.

That's a classy looking outfit, Great. Love it. I need to get this stuff done and off my desk so that I can get a look at my clothes and decide what is going south with me. DH just rolls his eyes when I start pulling things out. Nothing wrong with taking a couple dozen cute jackets, is there? LOL

Oh, Oh Arlene...I hear Janet coming....someone is going to catch hell for eating breaded chicken/fried nuggets. Hope they were good! LOL. Full whiteout blizzard conditions here and no travel. 100 care pile up on the freeway by Fargo. So sick of this crap and being trapped in the house. DS just left to go home pulling a trailer with a skidloader on it. Why are guys such risk takers. Now will have 1/2 hour of worry till I'm sure he makes it home. Don't know what the little bugger was thinking coming out to work today anyway. He worked till after midnight last night putting in a new sewer system for a neighbor. (Tree roots caused major backup).

Meredith....your pup story made me sob. I am one to need a Kleenex in hand at all times anyway but that story was just so amazing. My pup is as important to me as my sons and DH so I know how they can be considered "family". Thanks for taking the time to share his story with us. I have been under a considerable amount of stress the last 4-5 days. My Tanker has been taking care of me.....he always senses when something is not right. I got little or not sleep for two night straight and last night I was fighting going to bed too early as I did not want to wake too early. I was sitting on the couch and Tanker was sitting beside me. He actually took all is strength and pushed me with his nose to lay down. Then he got on top of me. His way of telling me it's "lights out". There have been times when I have been sick or had a kidney stone and he will put his head where it hurts and hold me with all his might. This is a dog that is not allowed up in the living area if he is not invited up. But, when he senses something is wrong, he is up the stairs in one leap to protect momma. Such a lover. LauraK...the way I see the loose skin issue is.....if a partner loves you, it will not be an issue. If someone is so vain as to be turned off by a little saggy skin then they don't get the treat of being where that saggy skin is. I have places on my body that look like melted butter but I would never do anything about it. I do have an issue with my lower stomach skin. Rashes in the summer and when I'm exerting myself working and if I don't lay just right in bed, it wakes me up. Silly but I had no intention of getting it taken care of until after a lot of trouble with it over the summer. Still thinking on it and both docs I saw said it should come off. But, DH loves me just the way I am and that saggy fat tucks right into a nice pair of jeans and slacks so it does not worry me about the looks of it. I'm excited to hear about your date. Good luck finding just the right undies. Cornflower blue is always a nice color. OK....here I sit typing and I should be working on my year end books. I have just a little left to do but have been putting it off for most of the day. I can be such a putts.

Good Morning All...Got a full night of sleep. Ahhhhhhhhh....just what I needed. Melissa....I love most parties and to dress up. I have never been one to like to have my picture taken though. I have been going to update my avatar and profile photos for quite some time but just have a tough time with it. The travel time would be the clincher for me as to whether I went to the party or not. If you were staying over then it might be worth the miles traveled. Good luck making your decision. Meredith...such happy news on Charly the dog. How was he found? Take care of yourself and get some rest. Janet...when you mentioned the vacuuming and being exhausted with doing just one room, it brought back that it was that way for me also. I was in such bad shape. The fall prior to my LB surgery, I remember trying to get the lake place all cleaned and vacuumed in order to close it up for the year. It took me a week. I would clean for 10 minutes and have to sit down and rest. I felt like if I exerted myself more than I did that I was going to drop dead. Now it takes me about 5 hours and I work start to finish without a break. I am still amazed at the difference in how I feel from then and now. Great....I can only imagine that you are on pins and needles and filled with worry over DD and Katelyn and wishing you could be with her. Try to relax a bit after the news she got yesterday regarding her cervix and trust that she will take care of herself. Hugs. Chris...your doc was quite aggressive with your fill. So cute that you little guy was there to help you through it. Brave little man. And, no shame in having certain fears (needles). I can tell you that I am very proud of the fact that I faced a fear this year head-on and truly have overcome it. I would hyperventilate when I needed to go to the dentist. An extreme fear of dentists that went back to the creep childhood dentist that I had. He was rough and gruff and used NO numbing meds or gas. Well, starting in May I have had every tooth in my mouth replaced with a new cap. Just completed the work a couple of weeks ago. I actually got to the point early on where I had no anxiety prior to appts. It all had to do with the professionalism of the dentist and his team to make sure I was comfy with what they were doing. Maybe getting these fills will lessen your fears. Kelly....ditto what Janet said to you about Christmas/holiday eating. It's normal to look forward to the traditional holiday treats and partake. I am lucky that I am able to eat more than the norm for a LB person. But, I get my cals from very healthy foods. I ate waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many yucky/fatty/sweet things during the holidays and really paid for it. I felt like crap for days. Just a icky feeling and had no hunger because of it. I don't know how I enjoyed those foods prior to having the LB. Blech Phyll.....got the old guy calmed down yet?????? I know the feeling of wanting to just walk when mine gets in a snit. He's a perfectionist and a workaholic....that should explain it right there. Laura.....nothing wrong in stating you are anxious for little guy to go back to school. The structure of a school schedule is the best thing for children (and mothers). Sorry you were ill on Christmas Eve and happy you recovered to enjoy Christmas day. Hope Nelson does not have to suffer like mom did with the rash. Hugs to him Linda...I think the last place I would want to be on NYE would be Vegas. It would be crazy. I like your idea of all of us in the same assisted living joint. My DH threatens that he would like to build me a house in town in the next few years. I would rather purchase some nice condo, etc. or a place like Cheri described. I would love to be taken care of and have no worries except who I was going to beat in the next card game. Where are you, Julie?????? Icky day here. Roads are icy and it is now raining. We are in winter storm warning until Sat. DH wanted to go out for dinner on NYE but I opted out. Should have picked up the nice big lobsters that I saw last week while shopping. Went into our little supermarket yesterday and they were so tiny and very expensive for what they were. I picked up salmon and jumbo shrimp. Good enough. Hope you all have a good day. I think I started this post two hours ago and many interruptions....off to make lunch.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR CHERI HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU Have the BEST birthday ever. What are you plans for today? Anything special? Do something just for YOU. Sending birthday loves and hugs.

Tina is the "Gold Star Girl" of the day! Can't believe I was not so anal and missed that. Slipped up.

Phyll....make sure to pick someplace warm when you go on the lam and if it's a really sour mood he is in, make sure he does not follow you! Hugs.

Sandy....somehow missed your post today. Sounds like your routine has been very draining for you. Have you thought of a family meeting with a assisted living professional to put it out there to your dad should the time come for something like that? Having it come from someone other than a family member sometimes goes over much better with the person. Make sure to take care of yourself also during this trying time. Hugs.

Tina...not sure if I missed a comment from you regarding your partner not accepting that you are doing the LB???? You know, the only thing you can do when someone doubts your decisions....prove them wrong. Keep up your attitude that this WILL work for you and that YOU will work with the band in order to achieve the results you want. I can tell you that I am 100% healthier since losing the first 50lbs. I can run circles around my dog and anyone else that wants to give it a try. There is soooooooooooooooooooo much that comes with feeling better physically and emotionally. Stick around....we'll walk you through this and this time next year we will still be giving you Kudos for a job well done, Tina. Mother hens is what we are. We are always happy when a new little chick enters the nest. It's fun to watch the transformation.

Phyll...so sad your friend did not get to enjoy his retirement in his new unit and with his wife. Gotta enjoy the moment because God will take us when he wants us. I saw the photos on facebook with the two dogs together. Adorable!

Eva....ummmmmm.....that "walk-in closet" comment was a joke directed at DH just to get a rise out of him. It would not happen in this lifetime. He does not understand any kind of over packing. His motto for 2 months of travel is "4 plaid shirts, will travel".

Joyce....good to see your post and that you are working ways to get your exercise in. Just gotta tell you, that Gizmo is soooooooo cute as was the card. Thank you. How did you get that dog so clean????? I bet not by spraying him LOL. Lori....prayers for DD. Hang in there. Worries.

Lori...we bathe Tanker in the lake during the summer and fall months. During the cold months we have a spray we use that is WONDERFUL. It hydrates the fur and skin and takes any odor away. We only have to spray him about once every two weeks. We got it at Wallmart. I wonder if many you can get it online also. Pro-Pet Select waterless shampoo. Bath alternative...no rinse. Just spray and brush in. Best thing invented for these cold months. No more stinky dog. Janet....I wish you could be home also. Barefoot and making one pot wonders. That's always a good way to spend rainy day. Cheri...have a great day with your mom. Enjoy. Arlene....yep....not sleeping because of worries...no new developments though...hoping for the answers soon. Just so ready for some peace. I will be fine and will crash one of these nights and catch up. I have ALWAYS been a good night time sleeper. This lack of sleep is making me into a real bi_ch but I put the warning out far ahead of time to warn DH and DS. DS giggled at one of my rants today. I cried and then laughed right along with him. No sleep equals being unrealistic with me. Crazy stressful here today with trying to beat the bank hours so need to do a bit more fine tuning reimbursements from corp and get my butt to town soon. Going to take time to have coffee with a friend at 4pm. Oh...big complaint....ran into a fellow Lapbander yesterday. Got my A$$ reamed for being too "skinny". On and on and on and on. I just stood there calmly and listened and then stated that I find comments on other's weight offensive and all the medical professionals I deal with state that I am within a healthy weight range and am sitting on the BMI chart. Turned on my heal and walked away. Thought I was a bi_ch until I met up with her.

Linda...now that's what I call "junking up the thread"! Sorry about your shoulder problems. Jessica....CONGRATS ON REACHING ONDERLAND!!!!!!! And, I love your statement about never wanting to go back. Also, way to go on exercising on vacation and not over-doing it on the food. Not easy to do...sometimes we validate going off of plan during vacation and don't get back on plan after. Way to go!!! And, Jessica, will be really great for Tina to have you to talk to. You have been through so much and have crawled out of a couple of pits in this short period of time since banding. And, what a great role model you will be with all that you have accomplished. 2 yrs ago would you ever have dreamed that you would be training for a 5K let alone running one????? No sleep for me last night or the night b/4. Maybe tonight.

Great...funny on the techie stuff (not really funny in the moment cuz can be sooooooooooo frustrating). My oldest gets so upset with us when he sees how we are with things like that. He always says "I'm going to send you two to the home for the technically challenges". Jodi...me too....always wanted to watch the NYE ball drop. Was on the Sydney bridge by the opera house one year at midnight on NYE....I guess that was about as exciting as it could get.

I'm excited...NYE date. Now, if I were a male, I would say dress sparkly and and show cleavage. Being coy and having some years of experience on you, LauraK, my advice is to "dress sparkly and show just "enough" cleavage. Have fun!

This new upgrade is so strange...I cannot change my font size. Other ppl have trouble with multi-quoting. You are our exercise QUEEN, Janet. Had an appt with my new NP today. Since we live in a rural area, every new doc just out of his residency ends up in rural MN. I am soooooooooo tired of 33 yr old chubby male doctors that do not understand that Aunt Martha DOES make a visit every month and that 38 yr old women DO experience early menopause. Have never had the opportunity to have a female with medical knowledge to talk to about certain things. Now, I am not shy when it comes to female "down-unders" and have always just done the stirrups, breathed deep, and thought "Nothing they have not seen b/4". Was such a breath of fresh air to talk female to female. Anyway, walked away with (my first time since 13 yrs old) and felt comfortable. Talked to her about my need to work off my added stress. With all the snowbound days we have had, I am like a caged animal with not being able to get out and walk. Anyway, she suggested upping the amount of weights and slowing down the treadmill. I will keep my same GP but will also see her on a regular basis. Got off on a tangent...sorry....my point is....Janet gets this whole workout thing...eating right...knows what it takes with how much to workout....

Arlene....WOOHOO!!!!! Way to go on the 2lbs! Now, that should make you feel better and make you set your sights on the last 8lbs that you gained back. I hope you can continue on your WW plan with no getting off that train....NO UNPLANNED STOPS from here on out! LOL Lori...way to go on the new duds. Don't ya just love a good deal on things you love? I have made consignment shopping my hobby this past year. I am always amazed by some of the good deals on good quality clothes...some with the tags still on them. I am looking forward to hitting some down south. DH and I also love going antiquing and museums. Actually, just getting out of the damned house with freezing will be good.

Arlene....WOOHOO!!!!! Way to go on the 2lbs! Now, that should make you feel better and make you set your sights on the last 8lbs that you gained back. I hope you can continue on your WW plan with no getting off that train....NO UNPLANNED STOPS from here on out! LOL Lori...way to go on the new duds. Don't ya just love a good deal on things you love? I have made consignment shopping my hobby this past year. I am always amazed by some of the good deals on good quality clothes...some with the tags still on them. I am looking forward to hitting some down south. DH and I also love going antiquing and museums. Actually, just getting out of the damned house with freezing will be good.

Eva...your soups and sauces sound wonderful. I use a small amount of leftover mashed potatoes to thicken soups a bit. It does not take much of them to make a nice creamy soup. Usually, a cup will to the trick. Mashed/cooked beans also are great like Janet does with hers.

Melissa...don't be afraid to let your workplace know when you ask for the brace that you are having back issues. Maybe they could readjust your duties temporarily. If you feel you have injured your back at the workplace, it should be reported. LauraK....I love having my kids around also. We have oldest DS with us most days as he works here. He is easy to have around and goes home to his house every night. But, when I have a house full, I am happy to get back to the routine we have developed. Enjoy the rest of your time you have with DD. Julie....how did it go getting the new play room set up for GDs? Nice when they can have their own space to play without worrying about tripping over toys. Phyll....like Eva said....you have packed a lot into this last couple of weeks. Take care and try to get some rest. Even though it's been tiring....it sounds like your are having a great time with the kids. Have fun shopping, Great. Lots of good deals this time of year. I am looking forward to digging out the spring/summer stuff and doing my packing for AZ. Have gotten out some of the jackets, light sweaters, etc. to wear evenings and cooler days. Hard to know what to pack. The last two years in FL were so cold that I only wore capris a couple of days each trip. I guess I will be safe with a couple of shorts, couple of capris, couple of jeans and short sleeve shirts that I can throw a sweater or jacket over. I am stressed over not taking too much. Told DH last night to hook up the 8x28 enclosed trailer and I would just make that my walk-in closet. LOL. I think he thought I was serious. (scared him).

Good Morning All... Peaches...have a great trip to Europe. Sorry your DH stepped in to whine at the last moment. Don't let the guilt bring you down. Sounds like he had a chance to step up and talk about it prior to now. Just have a great time. Melissa....sorry about the back troubles. Do what it takes to protect that back. Tina...good to hear you are working on you and your relationship. No one else can do it for us. Getting back on your meds is a step in the right direction. Hugs. Janet....I must have missed a post talking about your DS being ill. I have a friend with the disease and it can hit when least expected or when he stupidly eats a ton of peanuts in one sitting. Maybe he will get the "Aha Moment" like his mom did and start taking care of his health. He's so young.....if only he could feel as good as his mom does. Eva...sounds like retirement is agreeing with you. Love hearing that you are busy and your days are full. I think I was more organized and got more done when I worked full time or more. I had to be. Now I am much more relaxed and easy going since I don't work. I was wound up tight in order to get everything done. Cheri...sounds like you had a wonderful day with GD and DH. I've been to Chicago but only to drive through the city or maybe around it. DH loves to travel but he chooses to not make NY City, Chicago or LA on his list of places to see. Not sure why...he loved Sydney and enjoyed our month there. I am not afraid to travel with friends and he's good about seeing me do it. NYC is on my wish list. Maybe should hope in the car this summer and travel south. Hit a few of you girls on the way down, end up in Chicago, stay a night or two in a hotel and head back. My kind of trip. Hey Linda....I saw your Christmas photos on Facebook. That Aylah is so adorable. Seafood buffet sounds wonderful for NYE. We are unsure of plans. DH wanted to go to casino and rent a room for a couple of nights. Gotta book months ahead of time around here. I am thinking of just buying a couple of lobsters and making dinner and having another boring (but warm) night at home. Still have to finish packing for our trip and going out on a cold and dark and icy night just does not appeal to us anymore. We were just talking about it this morning.....nothing kept us home when we were younger. I think it was Peaches that asked what all of us were up to today....this is going to sound like fun, fun, fun (not).....This morning we have the fertilizer rep here and we are doing our prepay purchases for next year's crop. After that I am heading to town with the crop insurance yield report then coming back home to make the year end payments, close out the three accounts on the computer and make the computer checks out that need to be mailed while being gone. Some of our utility companies do not allow online or credit card payments. Sure wish they were up to date on all of that. Most of my personal payments are made by credit card or online otherwise. Better get after it....our fert guy just showed up. Looks like meeting will cut into lunch time so better add another pound of hamburger to the pot (Making BBQs) Later.