Apples2

Thanks for those kind words, Linda....just want you to know I will be OK. I am one to deal with things and get on with life. This was just a little tougher than most. Having lunch with the little turd tomorrow. Love him to death but things are now on MY terms. All this talk about doing nails/hair etc. for the trip makes me want to share this fact. I have NEVER had pedi/mani, or a massage of any kind. Weird, huh? I have grown such nice nails since I NEVER have missed a day of taking my Vitamins and Biotin since banding. Well, did a trip and fall the other day and broke two nails...on ripped straight thru the middle of the nail. Painful and another stupid move on my part. Rushing around and tripped. Anyway, I will do my own nails a day b/4 the trip. I don't usually do them when I am working around here. They don't last. Jodi....haircuts around here are $15-20. When I do my cut/color/highlights it runs about $100.

Julie...bean harvest began about a week ago. But, got loads of rain again and it all came to a screeching halt. Just the way it is. October is supposed to be drier and warmer than Sept.

Phyll...I am naturally an upbeat person. Always appreciated that I could (most days) go to bed happy and wake up happy. Very close little family the four of us. Not since April and not sure if we can undo this damage done. Love my son but not what he has done to his family. I am staying strong thru it all but cried myself to sleep more night than not this past 6 months. Sorry to be so vague...you'll understand when we discuss it why I didn't put it out here. Lori....I felt so bad when I read your post about your gain. YOU ARE TALKING TO US FAT GIRLS....NO ROOM FOR SHAME HERE. Janet said exactly what should be said and I really don't have much to add except don't be so hard on yourself. Damage is done, brush yourself off and go back on plan. You can do it. And, just think how good you will feel about getting back to where you want to be. Keep the damned chips out of the house. LOL....Hugs We were going to go up and close everything down and winterize today but DH and DS got a new toy and are "playing" and I didn't have the heart to tear them away from it. They got a big A$$ excuvater for their business. Don't ask me what kind....I tend to not pay attention....all I know it's big with a huge bucket. I will drive up to the lake tomorrow after delivering to the caterer and take care of what I need to and DH will go up while I'm in Vegas if not harvesting. I guess I'm ready to get back to real life. Harvest season is my favorite and super busy. One last dental appt b/4 Vegas trip. (Wed). I have been so lucky to have not too much pain after my appts. Just a couple of days with the pulling and the two orals surgerys when they cut the gums off. I am so very happy with the results. I still catch myself doing the closed-lip smile or putting my hand up....gotta knock that off.

Gosh, Melissa....you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Please try to get into your dr or find one closer. You might have to miss a day of work but better than missing weeks if things get worse. In the mean time, baby your band. Get out the protein drinks. Hugs

Gosh you girls have been busy. Phyll and her appropriately placed icons always put a smile on my face. Just so darned cute. Phyll...bring the wine if you want to...you enjoy your wine. You could find a bottle out there too. Oops...you'll be in Janet's car so you can bring whatever. So looking forward to this trip. I am usually in LV at least once a year if not twice. My last visit was a year ago in April and had two different groups of friends out there at the same time. I had planned to bring my white jeans and capris. Anything goes in Vegas. So looking forward to leaving behind the stresses of the last year. DH told me this morning that I need to just go and forget about it all. I agree. The benefit was a huge success. Raised lots of $$$ with our silent auction. Ppl were very generous. Our caterer is 40 miles from here and tomorrow I have one last delivery to make to her. My truck is packed full. My third trip out there in a week but really don't mind doing it. Janet...hugs on the DS issues. Boy, I have quite the stories on my youngest DS that I will share when I see you guys out there. Don't want to bring anyone down with what has been going on but it will give you all some incite as to what hell DH, older DS and I have been through since April. Pure hell. Told DH this morning "We are lucky...he's alive". He has dished out a lifetime of crap in the last 6 months. DH is always asking me if I told "My Girls" (you guys) what has been going on. He thought it would be good for me to dump and share....he's right but didn't want any of the crap "out there". It's been hell and many, many times this summer just wanted to run away from everyone. It all got pretty bad and not sharing did not help matters at all. Like I said, didn't want to place the burden on you guys and a lot is so difficult to even talk about. Will fill you in when I see you guys and try not to dwell on any of it. Will check back with you all later.

Janet..woohoo on the bootcamp....I get tight when I lift. Yesterday I did all that food lifting that I took care of for the benefit. Tight last night and today. 3 pages??????? Just junking up the thread....luv ya too! I've only been to one Loft store. I will have to look for it. Most of my Loft or Ann Taylor were bought on the internet or consignment shops. Julie...Great has my flight info and I have everyone's. I will PM it to you next week if you want it. All you have to do is call my cell. I get in at 10:10 or something like that. Talk to you all next Sunday or Monday. Sending the love

Arlene....good luck with the weigh-in and congrats on all the walking, etc. you have been so into lately. It's gotta make you feel so good. I also vote no colds in Vegas. DH came down with a small one Sunday but gone by yesterday.

I am thinking semi-casual for going out for dinner. I vote "whatever". DH bought an enclosed trailer once he got out to Atlanta for DS's stuff. It's still loaded and sitting by my garage. He had a 4 BR house and we have a 5 BR house so really just waiting for him to let us know if we store and pull to his next destination. He is job hunting, even though he has a job around here. Warmer weather is more condusive to what he does. He is looking at Pheonix.

Great...keep in mind that places like the hotel we are staying at provide just the bare essentials. If it's like the suites we stayed at in FL, there's 1 roll of t-paper, 2 coffee filters, the teeny tiny bottles of shampoo and then we are on our own. I am going to throw some coffee and filters in my suitcase and a couple of extra rolls of t-paper. We needed to go out and buy some the last time. And, I don't travel without my extra food that I need to have for between meals. I have a suspision that I will be checking my bag. Average temps during the day in LV during Oct is low 80's and mid-50's at night. I will be travelling with a jacket anyway since it's been in the mid-40's nightly and I will be leaving my hotel a little after 4am. It's been chilly here for quite some time and makes it difficult for me to not overpack. No matter where I travel, I always bring 2 extra outfits just in case. Yep, I'll be checking my bag. Maybe limit it to 5 pairs of shoes? LOL. :rolleyes2: Baggage claim in MPLS is so simple and easy. LV is so much more of a challenge but not big deal. I will have some extra time. Scrubbing floors this morning. Got my guys meals situated and Tanker and I are going to make our last run to the lake for the year. My DH is the best about my lake habit. He will most likely join me Friday. Expecting 2 inches of rain tomorrow with a threat of tornados. That will put an end to the bean harvest for a bit. You all have a good one. Will talk later

We all have those moments, Joyce. Not a problem

Eva....If I hit the MOA, it will most likely be to look at what is out for fall and not buy much. I have everything I need. Would like to pick up a few baby items to have on hand for gifts. Shopping around here is not that great and there's always someone that we know having a baby. I really don't need anything for myself.

Joyce...I am about 4 hours or more away from our airport and fly out at 7am. Going to MPLS the day b/4 so I can just stay at one of the airport hotels, get a shuttle b/4 my flight and shuttle back to my car when I fly back in. And, doesn't hurt that the hotel is located right by the Mall of America:thumbup:

OK Girls...feels more real now that I just booked my room at the Mall of America Ramada. Will need to leave early on Thursday to make a trip through the mall. Don't have to worry about stuffing my suitcase.....can just stuff it in my car.

Cheri...funeral sounds tough. Hugs

I call Tanker my puppa, Sandy. I am not quite sure if I was considered nuts b/4 the dog....now I have an excuse. Good luck at school.

I was banded June, 2008. Had two fills after surgery, with the last one being Oct, 2008. I am in the maintence mode and have done just fine with just under 5cc's. Hope this fill does it for you.

Phyll....ONLY KISS ZOEY....HOLD OFF ON THE EARL KISSES TILL AFTER OUR MEET!!! Didn't you just love that Eva? One cool girl. I love your Zoey stories. Makes me feel so normal. I always worry someone is going to think I am NUTS for the way I talk about my little baby boy. LOL

Welcome Pam and congrats on making the decision to a new and healthier you! Take advantage of every opportunity to use these next six months to prepare yourself for different lifestyle. It is so important to go into this well-informed prior to your surgery. I was upset when I was told I needed to do the six month medically supervised diet. It was the best thing for me. I spent hours on this site, asking questions, reading posts, asking more questions, etc. Another bit of advice....prior and post-surgery, do what your doc expects of you. So worth it. As far as the psych visit....just be open and honest. Do some thinking prior to your appt. so you are prepared. Good luck to you!!!

Sandy..Linda's post reminded me that I did not congratulate you on your 5-K....Way to go!!!! What an accomplishment. I don't run anymore....fast walk. Used to be on the track team in college. Ran the mile. I have long legs up to my butt, which came in handy. I loved running. Linda...good to hear things are getting somewhat back to normal in your household. Hopefully, Katie will feel stronger with each day and will behave herself. If not for herself, for Alayah. I didn't put my 2 cents worth in on where I would like to eat. I will eat anything/anywhere....why do you think I got to 249#'s?????? LOL. Anything is fine with me. I find that no matter where I go, there's something on the menu that works for me. Liver and lamb are about the only things that I turn my nose up to....oh yeah...and the rude lady down the road that always calls me deathy skinny.

Julie...surprised to see you still have not posted. Hope your treatments start easing the pain. Hugs

Oops...missed Sandy....so good to see you posting again.

Wishing everyone a happy Tuesday! Got home about an hour ago. Long day already. Up b/4 5am and one the road by 6. DH and I had an appt and both had to drive about an hour to get there. Had breakfast with him afterwards and then ran errands for the benefit the rest of the time. Had to travel to deliver ground beef and spaghetti sauce to the caterer who has a restaurant about 100 miles the opposite way of our appt. Lots of time to sing to the Bose in my new car! Good thing I didn't have a passenger. My dog puts his ears down when I sing. Home now and have laundry started. Waiting for the software guy to show up so I can reformat DH's card for the grain combine. Soybean harvest has begun and now the craziness begins. Nope....have not locked the door at the lake for the season yet. Will do that on Sunday. I was just packing last weekend. I have as many clothes up there as I do at home. Now just have to find room for them again. Janet....what a good GM/mother. It melts my heart when you talk about the way you stepped in. Also, shows what a caring person you are when you do not dog Andrew's mother and give her credit for being young. Phyll...hope you had a nice visit with Eva. Eva....hope you had a nice visit with Phyll. How was your hike???? I love walking...I just never post about it....not sure why. Just part of my day, I guess. LauraK....just saying "hi". Gosh...wish you were coming to Vegas. Jessica...hugs on the Jake issues. We had a way off the charts ADD son and a way off the charts ADHD son. We tried meds for a short time but they just were not my boys on them. They did not get angry but just "flat lined" personality. Give it a good try to see what you think. Stay in contact with Jake's teacher to see if it makes a difference in his classroom behavior. You might have to try a different med if the anger continues. Cheri might have some insight on this. Hugs. Sure with you could make the Vegas trip. Sounds like you could use a good break about now. Joyce...sorry for the kid troubles. Once a parent, always a parent. They can sure cause some sleepless nights. Hugs Laura...you should have called. I was probably just in the middle of a jigsaw puzzle, crossword or a book. Happy news about your dad. Treatments must have done their job. Your parents are living on the wall with this cancer. I am sure they just don't want to get too comfortable with the good news....if only they could...hugs. Gosh...with you were coming to Vegas. Great...Good to hear you did not have to evacuate. Would have been a bummer. Hope the fires have settled down. There were some iffy ones in Colorado last week too. Cheri....hope your week is going good. I am sure you are getting excited about the upcoming trip. You stated you have not travelled for awhile. Just keep our numbers handy....there's always an info desk or curteousy person handy at the airport. Not too many days till take off. Melissa....hope you just love your new job. You deserve it after the stress of your last one. Peace of mind is so important. I would rather take a cut in pay than work under extreme stress. I walked from my last job because of it. They had numerous warnings that one person could not physically or mentally handle what was on my desk. 2 others had walked and they did not replace. I handled it for 2 yrs and working 90 hours most weeks. Not worth it. Linda....gosh you have your hands full. Sorry to hear Katie ended up in ER. You certainly need to wipe your mind of things prior to this trip and just enjoy yourself. Can't wait. We'll have so much fun. I know I have missed someone. Sorry. Can't think and have too many irons in the fire at the moment. My damned software guy better show up soon....starting to tick me off. Will talk to you all in a bit.

Just a quick check-in. Needed to come this way for a meeting about a benefit I am helping with which is being held next weekend. Decided to bring a load home as long as I was coming this way. One sad girl loading that car! Phyll....you ex-friend needs a blanket party. In our part of the country it entails covering her with a blanket and kicking the sh_t out of her. If it's not in you to physically do it, you can carry the mental image. I agree with you and others...what a "B". Melissa....congrats on the job. Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!! Sandy...was so happy to see your post that you are going to stick around. I always wondered why you didn't but understand. No room for embarassment on this thread. We are here to support each other and be friends. No shame in going through the LB process and not getting it. If you felt you could do it, more power to you. Heck, I am kind of the weird duck here on this thread and I have been shown nothing but kindness. Just the occasional "whine" once in awhile cuz I junk up the thread. LOL. Hope you stick around. I loved it when you used to post. OK....no time for other comments. I need to head back to town for my meeting and to set up for benefit. After that, heading back to my beloved lake. I work Monday, meeting on Tues morning and then will catch up with you all. Just a couple of more days of heaven b/4 locking the lake place up. Thank God for the Vegas trip to look forward to. As far as the cruise goes....I'll think about it. May would not be the time for me to do it. Planting season and DH was so great about Vegas during harvest. Oh heck....when he comes to the lake tonight I'll just greet him at the door wrapped in Saran wrap. Reminds me.....stop at the store for another roll of wrap.

Arlene...melts my heart every time I see your posts with the photo of smiling Bethany. :wub:

Quick note...getting a late start here. There's always something that comes up as soon as DH steps foot of this farm. Taken care of...such a farmer I am! Janet...wake/funeral are for our land lady that passed away this week. She was 69 and we visited by email each day that we could and had become good friends. She grew up just across the county road from DH and was a lovely woman. As far as the shows in Vegas go...I would rather sit and visit with my friends. Have done many shows out there (most wonderful) but with such a short time to fit in 11 of us getting to know each other, I would vote against at this time. Choosing a nice restaurant for Sat evening would be great if we can get reservations. So many to choose from out there. Something for everyone. We can decide that when we get there if a dinner is something we would choose to do. So, I have the flight info from everyone I need to. Thank you. A text or a call and we can all hook up at the airport. As I stated last night. I do not mind doing a taxi to the resort if it would make room for more in Eva's vehicle if she is able to make the trip to the airport (such a nice gesture, Eva). We can work all that out next week. 44 degrees here when I got up at 4:30am. Not even 50 degrees yet.. I will be leaving my hotel at 4am when I leave for Vegas. Warning....I will be the one showing up in my parka. Better hit the road. Lots of errands in town b/4 I head to lake. Talk to you all next week. Anything comes up or a vote taken on Vegas trip, Lori (or anyone) can text me.