Great2BThin

Good morning! I am up bright and early today, woke up to my dog barking. We had a great big Blue Heron in the backyard trying to catch and eat the gold fish in DH's pond out back. We think it got about 3 of the fish. Pretty bold bird. Today and 3 other days this week I am volunteering in the church office and filling in for the sec'y that is out on vacation. A friend of mine was doing it and asked me to help her, well help means that she is doing 1 day and I am doing 4. At the time I committed I didn't realize that I would be moving next week or that I was doing that many days. I've tried to get her to do at least one more day but she refuses as she has to get ready for a graduation party for her son. Well, DUH! I am moving! So I am stressing a little bit. I know if I say something at church they will be fine with me not coming a day or something, but I do feel I made a committment and need to see it through. Julie, I am going to have to agree wit Jodi here. As soon as your pain gets better on your shoulder you seem to over do it and then it gets bad again. Please take care of you, I know you want to do all these things and be there for your daughter and Mimi, but when your pain gets so bad you can't be anyway. Moderation is the key! Don't take on too much with this wedding, cooking, baking and all that you can't enjoy the wedding. We want you well and painfree! Thanks for the birthday wishes! Janet, thanks for the birthday wishes! I am going to dinner tonight to REd Lobster and yes I am getting lobster! YUM! DH took me to a chick flick last night as well we saw Letters to Juliet, I liked it, he of course did not.

Joyce, trying to find you on FB are you the Joyce Cramer that has interests of crafts and rummages and retired after 22 yrs with Region 4 Northstar or something like that. I eliminated a few as I knew you were in KS but this Joyce doesn't say where from. I'm Lori if you get a friend request from me

LadyKC, I will find you on FB what is your name?? As to your breakfast the other day, sounded good to me except for the potatoes. On weekends I get breakfast out sometimes just at McDs, I get a Sausage McMuffin with egg, take off the muffin and eat half the egg and half the sausage so it's not much more than what you are eating. I've never been able to finish all the one egg or the one sausage patty. It's an adjustment getting used to these small portions, after all we didn't get to the point of needing the Lapband for our portion sizes. Phyl, sorry to hear about your friend, I must've missed that as I was trying to catch up on posts. Jodi, goodness you got a lot going. But the great thing is you are going into this holiday with a plan! A NY gathering sounds wonderful! We could shop!! LOL And I love shows. Janet, I forgot my camera when we went house hunting so only had my phone to take a pic with I am attaching what I have from the inside of the house, it was dark out and the light is terrible.

Hi there, I've been missing for a few days, managed a post or two on Facebook from my Itouch but too hard to get to this site and post from there. Glad some of you saw my house pic. As you heard, we did find a house! After 2 very long stressful days looking it was the last house we saw. We were getting very discouraged, and just weren't on the same page when it came to houses, he didn't like my favorites and I didn't like his. We saw some filth too, one house had dog poop in the living room even. Then we saw this 'one more' on the last day and both in unison said this is the one. It's brand new construction, built as a spec home so never been lived in. DH and realtor got very agressive in their price negotiations. We got it for several thousand dollars under their asking price, plus got them to throw in a fence, sod and side by side fridge. And since it's built and ready and vacant we can move in quickly. We need to be out of our CO house by the 28th, and they can close there on the 28th so if all goes well I will be in my new home for Memorial Day weekend. We fly out for the day next Mon or Tues to do the final walk through, then come home here to packers on Wed the 26th, moving van loads on the 27th and then we will drive most of that night. It's all moving so fast, I've been praying for God's timing in everything and it's just clicking along. Peaches, welcome!! LadyK, sure you can join us on Facebook. Many of my Facebook friends don't know much about my band either and my band friends don't mention it on my facebook page. I'm at the point now I don't really care who knows though, I did at first. Janet, glad your trainer had a talking to with you and you are giving yourself some credit! Apples, I agree with others you have a beautiful smile, after all this work it will be stunning. We all need to do what makes us feel better about ourselves as we go on this journey. For me, my one thing if I do it, it would be my legs. Arlene, congrats on more of a loss! Jody, glad Boomer is doing so well. I would get so attached to any dogs I fostered, I'd end up wanting to keep them all. As a child many girls had a horse fascination, not me, mine was dogs. Even now, DH jokes that when we retire we need to have land so I can have more dogs. I have 2 black lab mixes now. Jewel, congrats on the school grades, you will be great in nursing school. Julie, glad the pain is getting better, pray it stays that way. Don't over do it now though as you feel better. Eva, have fun in your travels! Laura, sorry to hear your mom is having a tough time. it's got to be so hard on the care givers trying to remain strong and hold it together for everyone else. sounds like you had a fun little get away to the resort! Well I know I am forgetting someone, and it's not intentional, I am just so exhausted and read about 8 pages to catch up. I love ya all and miss ya, look forward to being more regular again but probably won't til I get moved. Some days will be more so than others.

Good morning, I am up and ready to leave for the airport for our flight to SLC to look for houses. Dh got home last night to sleep for a few hours before we leave again. Praying I find the right house in the right neighborhood near the right church. Apples, you are one brave woman to get all that dental work done, you have a nice smile now but I bet it will be stunning when you are done. Sorry you are losing sleep over your family. Praying whatever the situation is that it passes soon. You are an amazing woman despite what may have happened in your past. Jewel, congrats on the B's! Janet, I didn't realize you moved in your job and had a new boss. That explains why we don't hear as much for you on here. Hopefully things settle down soon. Eva, have fun in Chicago.

Good evening, I am feeling so much better about things tonight. I got SOOOO much done today. I got 6 loads of laundry, cleaned my entire house, paid bills, trained to fill in as church sec'y, talked to movers, realtors, mortgage companies and I'm still moving, though just sat down and may just collapse. I will have tomorrow pretty free for Grandma now. DH called and is coming home a day early tomorrow so that will be a bonus. Jodi, that is so sweet of you to offer your services if I get straned in JFK again. Apples, is one of your sons going in the military? I read a response to something but am so far behind in catching up but I am figuring one of your son's is doing something for 2 yrs????

Thanks for the catchup Janet and Linda. I'm so sorry to hear Julie is still in pain. Well my journey home started about 36 hours ago. I am now in the Salt Lake airport awaiting the final leg home. Just think if I was moved I'd have been home last night. I did get a hotel room last night for about 4 1/2 hours but slept about an hour but was nice to have a place to shower, etc. Then I have about 36 hours at home before I come back here to hopefully find me a house! Just talked to DD and seems she's not been feeling well. She went out with her DH and my son for DS's bday and was the designated driver so not even drinking and passed out 3 times in the club. The police wanted her to go to the ER but she did not, she's been fine since. then last night her DH got rear ended in his car, he's fine she said. I got an email from my mom wiht a list of things to do for Grandma. You know I do not mind taking care of my grandma at all. What I do mind is my mom telling me what to do from FL, she's not even here, I feel it's like she doesn't trust me or what I do isn't good enough. But that will be over soon. I will check in when I can, glad to hear we have so many losers here!

Oh Allie, so rry to hear all that. I was wondering where you went. But the good thing is you are back and you are catching that 20 lbs while it is sstill 20 and before it's 25 or 30!! You can do this!

Greetings from 35,000 feet in the air. I am back over US soil but still no where near home. I got out of Barcelona over 24 hours ago, flight was very long and late as they had to fly out of the way around the ash, then we got to NYC and my flight home was cancelled. DH had to go to ATL for work so I am flying to SLC to spend the night so as to not spend it alone in New York, I found that scary alone. I won't be home til noonish tomorrow and am exhausted, then when I get there I have so much to do. Our house is under contract, I have stuff to take care of on that, call mortgage companies, moving company, visit grandma, laundry and pack to go house hunting in SLC on Wed. We need to be out of our house by the 28th if this all goes through. I have way too many pages to catch up on. I hope someone can catch me up. I missed ya all! The cruise was wonderful, weather could've been better but not bad. I am curious to find out if I gained as i seemed to eat too much!

Cool, when are you going? I lived in Wilmington before Denver. No sales tax there! QVC outlet stores there and PA too!!

A cruise would be wonderful, my favorite vacation!

I am looking at lots of photos on the internet but we've made a couple trips so far to SLC and plan one when we return from the cruise tolook at more houses. I know the right one is out there.

I am all packed finally!! Got the papers to sign for the offer so it's sounding like it will be a go on that one. Janet good to hear from you!! I am an introvert too, don't like customer service too much but did do it for several years with the airlines. Probably why I got stressed out. Though I always wanted to be a stewardess (that's what we called them in the day) when I grew up. Well DH should be home soon, and we can go through our papers. thanks for all the support here!

Well here I sit at McD's again enjoying their free wifi while someone else is looking at our home. We've had 3 more showings today all spaced apart so from 1030 to 1130 I was gone, from 1 to 2 I was gone and now 3 to 5. We are still going ahead with showings until everything is signed sealed and delivered on the first offer. The relo company is checking into the buyers loan qualifications to be sure they are qualified to buy our home, looking good so far they just need to verify the info they provided. She forwarded a contract for us to sign and fax before we get on our flight in the morning. Joyce, I did not know that about cell phones, I do have T mobile. Will ask DH what he thinks. I know last year when we were over there, DH did get 2 phone calls so his worked at times. Regarding the wind, I had the 80 degree windy day in SLC on Tues. and then on Wed. they got rain and snow, yesterday we had the 80's and wind in Denver, this morning rain and snow, so it's coming your way! Apples must've left for the lake place, no junking the thread today! LOL Just joking Apples, I love it when you do. Linda, DH's commute will probably be a little shorter in the 'less desirable' part of town so that is a plus. The more I think of that house the more I am leaning that way. However, by the time we get back from our cruise that hosue could be gone, but there will be others. Jody, nope I do not garden. Gets dirt under my nails. LOL Seriously I do not have a green thumb, I just enjoy DH's efforts. But then again he has to battle our lab mix dogs. Today I went out back and she dug up my tulips. GRRR Little stinker! Oh I almost forgot. I know you guys think I am the shopper so have to tell you my latest 'deal'. ABout 2 weeks ago I took Grandma to Penneys and she got several new outfits and then the next day went with DH and he got a new sport coat and some dress shirts. They had some promotion called spring rewards or something and you'd get some reward certificates in your email depending on how much you spent during that promotion. Well I got $60 worth! And they can all be used together. So I went to JCP today to find $60 worth of stuff to get, of course, couldn't find a thing. LOL Think I just couldn't think and was in a rush, they are good til May 31st so will spend them when I get home. Did spend $10 of them on socks for DH. Exciting stuff! Well not sure if I will post before we leave, so talk at you on teh other side of my cruise!

Thanks gals for the pep talk on my stressing out post last night. This vacation will be good (we leave in the morning) to just take a breath. Today I have to do laundry, pack and take Grandma to Walmart. About the less desirable side of town that we love the house, it's not a bad area at all, very nice and some very affluent houses etc. I guess it's more of the snob factor east vs west. So maybe I had or have a little snob in me, I think it came from years of living on the east as well and hearing that but then again that all came from folks on the east! LOL And if this house that we loved isn't still available (though it's been on the market for almost 3 most) there will be others. Poor DH not sure when he will be home again. He's in Atlanta today, will get in at 8 tonight. We leave in the morning for NYC and our connection to Spain. Gone til Mother's Day. ON the return he is flying from NYC to Daytona Beach for meetings first thing Monday morning. I will come home alone. then from Daytona he may meet me in SLC so we can find a house. But then from there he has to go to Vegas. He is anxious to get moved as things will be easier for him from SLC. Well gotta go, another showing in an hour, they just called and I'm not dressed. I think however, we will be taking this offer that came in lat night. Just spoke to the relo company and it sounded good.

Good evening, here I sit and can't sleep. think my mind is too busy thinking of things. LOL Probably shouldn't have planned a vacation in the midst of house selling and all. Looks like we have a decent offer on the house anyway and DH & I are okay with accepting it, but it's now up to the relocation company. It was too late to call it in to them today so will be calling them in the morning. It's a full price offer, but they are asking for $3000 in closing costs. Plus it is contingent on their house closing, it is under contract however. Hopefully we can get all the T's crossed, and I's dotted on this tomorrow before we leave for vacation on Friday. And it's not like we can still be reached on our cell phones as we will be out of the country. We plan on paying for internet access on the ship so they can get messages to us. Now I am in panic mode about finding a place in Utah as well. DH says not to be as we have 2 mos of temporary living expenses the company will pay for and we can just rent for a bit, but I really would like to just find a place and move once. And now that we have this offer it just makes it seem all so real that I really ammoving and could have less than a month left here. That saddens me quite a bit, but I try not to say too much to DH as it makes him feel bad. I supported this move and still do, but it's just not going to be easy. So opinions please on where you would buy a house. In the area that you wanted and where resale is easier but houses are more costly, or an area where the houses are a litle less and you could get the house you've always wanted but isn't in 'the' right part of town. it's still a nice area, it's jsut that in SLC there's a real west side vs east side mentality or was. All the new growth is on the otherside of town and I do really want a newer house. So is it 'location, location, location' or is it the perfect house??? Eva, I think my one sister thinks she is going to be okay as the company still has to have a presence in Denver (I'm not so sure about that) but the other has said she is going to keep her eyes out for something else. Good luck to you in your quest. I always thought real estate would be fun, but wouldn't have the confidence or personality I don't think to be a sales person but maybe something behind the scenes. Laura,have a safe trip and congrats to your DD!

Darn it all, I hate it when my email alerts to new posts don't work. When I am as busy as I've been I rely too much on those. Things slowed this afternoon and got to thinking, gosh I know the board hasn't been this quiet and there were 3 pages to read. First things first, our realtor 'facebooked' me in response to something I sent him and said he was in the process of receiving an offer on our house. Pray it's a good one, that was a few hours ago so haven't heard more. We've had so many showings. About 12 since Thursday at least it seems like a lot when I am cleaning and getting out of the house for them. I am becoming a regular at McD's, I get a diet Coke (more on that later) and bring my lap top or Itouch and veg for an hour or two. Next, about the house hunting in SLC. Condo, no way would DH ever consider a condo. He LOVES yard work the man is crazy! At least I don't have to do it. He puts in ponds and waterfalls, etc. Plus my dogs, probably wasn't wise to get 2 new lab mix puppies about 2 yrs ago at this stage in our life but we expected to be here near the kids aka dog sitters. It will be a challenge going forward to travel and what to do with them. There used to be a great kennel there that we used, might look into it, or pray we have a great neighbor kid that loves them and pay them to watch the dogs. First job, I worked in an insurance office doing filing and stuff and through the business dept at my HS and had my first experience with sexual harrassment as well. It was bad, we had an office party and unbeknowst to me he spiked my drink and tried to get me drunk and take advantage of me. Luckily I wasn't drunk and had my wits about me. I was 16. Jodi, no worries about offense. Thanks for the concern though. Regarding the dog and exercise, here's an idea. How about you quit the gym, keep the dog and make him your partner and walk him lots???? :thumbup: Of course I am partial to black labs since I have 2. Eva, do you work for Qwest? my sisters both work in their hdqtrs in Denver and are concerned about their jobs as well. One is in HR and the other is an admin. asst to one of the VP's. Apples, wow you worked hard as a young 'un and yes your brother does sound like you have described him well. Do you just have one sibling? I have 2 that I could easily do without. We basically tolerate one another right now as we co-ordinate things for Grandma. Froggi, welcome!! as others have said fills are very individual. I had about 8 or 9 of them as I was losing over my first year. At first I told no one about my band but started telling folks as they were noticing my weight loss. And have come now to the age where I don't care so much what they think. Or I am getting more confidence as I lost weight or something. Laura or Phyl, I got my lab results back and am low in the white blood count, is that bad??? I am awaiting to get the results from the dr. though I have my copy of them and of course don't know how to interpret. Laura, Nels looks like he is having fun in the pool, is this his little girlfriend?? Melissa, good luck with that fill, sounds like it is working for ya. Arlene, glad your mother is doing better. Hopefully you can get back on your shake diet. Can you bring the shakes with you in a thermos or something. Apples, yep am turning my nose up at the pickled eggs or pickled anything!

Good morning from Salt Lake City. Haven't had much time to check in lately. Today I am meeting an old friend for an early lunch and then she will drop me off at the airport for my flight home. Yesterday we looked at homes and I am very depressed. Houses are more expensive here. I had the area and type of house all picked out in my mind that I wanted however, it's out of our price range. Sure we could still afford it but we are trying to downsize and save for retirement and only want a very small mortgage. However in another part of town (there's an east side vs west side thing here I want to live east but it's costly) on the west we could get a dream house everything and more that we want for a price we want to pay. So now I need to decide is it more important to me to live in the area I want or in the house I want? And since houses are still high here do we wait are they still going to crash in price a lot? DH feels bad as he knows I am depressed about it and he feels responsible. We actually had thoughts of reconsidering and moving to Atlanta instead. But it was only one day actually one afternoon of house hunting there still much to see on another trip. Oon a positive note we are getting tons of showings on our house. No offers but about 2 a day so I am hopeful there, if only we can find something in Utah. My hair isn't much different, a tad darker and she put a few more layers in it but DH couldn't even tell any was cut off. Sorry no time to respond to everyone. Will catch up when I get home.

Thank you Cheri, I appreciate your explanation. I feel better about it. We have another showing tomorrow! DH has to go to SLC on Monday to interview candidates for a position he has open in Phoenix. I am going with and we have are going to look at houses in SLC on Monday afternoon. Kindda anxious to see what's out there. I had a kindda bad food day and tomorrow is looking difficult as well. We are taking G'ma to Outback for her 101st birthday. Also have plans to meet my kids for breakfast before church in the morning. I can do this!!

Good afternoon. Well we had another house showing today and another one scheduled for tomorrow. All it takes is one! I have an appt in a few minutes to 'get younger' I am going to a different gal as I had an appt on Monday with my regular person and have to change it and she hasn't called me back. I got impatient and want it done now, I am worried it won't be done before we leave on the cruise on Friday and I am going to SLC Monday & Tues. OK I hope this isn't too controversial, but I just want to say, I was a little offended by the 'stupid white people' comments. I hope I just took them out of context and am giving it the benefit of the doubt, but just think we should be careful of generalizing any race like that. Off my soap box now. Different life experiences don't make one race smarter than another just different with different experiences and iget how that could come accross on those standarized tests. There's no one size fits all. I got a new toy, an I-Touch, I love it, if I can ever figure out the new technology. My daughter is going to come over tomorrow and help me out. Well better get to that hair appt. This place has been a little quiet lately. Jewel, I think many of us with weight issues have just that same all or nothing mentality. I know if I couldn't be perfect on a 'diet' I would just say forget it and give up completely. Progress not perfection. We need to find balance in all areas of our life if we have that same mentality. I know I am finding that out and it's tough! What you have going for you is your young age, if you can get that now you are so far ahead of the game and I am proud of you for working on it instead of waiting til you are 50 like me! Joyce, let me know how you like that movie. I thought it looked cute, but DH says no way so I might have to see if my daughter will go wtih me or something. Arlene, congrats on another pound! Apples, miss ya! Janet, sure hope you get some relief at work soon. We miss ya too! But you sound like you od a great job of balancing it all. You have so much going on and yet still make your food choices and exercise a priority, you are my hero!

Good morning from soggy Colorado, they are actually saying it could turn to snow tonight. UGH!! This time of year I do not like snow, I am into spring and summer mode! can definitely tell my restriction is back, had a slice of ham for breakfast and I can feel it sortta stuck and could only eat a little bit. LauraK, one can actually move pretty quick. Will she have movers to do everythign or does she have to pack and move it? We actually only have to have a short notice and it gets done very quickly. The harder part is wrapping your head around the move and getting ready to go emotionally. Good luck to her in her new venture. Janet, sure hope your job situation improves. How long til you retire? We had 2 showings on the house last night. Hopefully that's a good sign.

I think this is one of those areas like pre op diets that all docs differ. My rules are liquids for 4 to 5 hours then mushies the rest of the day. I loosely follow that, I did have nachos for my anniversary the night of a fill (had it early that morning). Some say the band or stoma could be irritated or swollen. My rule on this is follow the one's advice who would be the one you'd go to if something went wrong. Raining lots here today too, thought it was over as the sky was crystal blue and now we have rain and tornado warnings. Have a showing on teh house this evening!!! Cross your fingers and toes and pray!! BattleKat, whattcha eating? Are you still following the rules 100%? or are you like me, after a while on the band you get to more eyeballing portions and they tend to grow, eating more mushies, etc? Do you need antoher fill? are you portions growing? sometimes everything you are doing is right but you've been doing the same thing for so long that the body needs a simple shake up. Vary your routine and calories some. Just a few suggestions but Janet, our resident guru will be the first to ask what you are eating, etc. she likes those details! LOL

Great job on the loss Arlene! I shop the same way, Apples, many of the things I got today were 'off season' they were 60% off. But as cold as I usually am, I can wear sweaters year round. I was just talking with my son about ipods and itouches, I might get me an early bday present. LOL Not sure how much I would use one or not, Costco had some good prices on them. My new car has an outlet for an Ipod and thought it would be great to listen to in the car. And if I got the Itouch to play games on the airplane and stuff. Just what I need a gadget, I have a hard enough time with my computer and cell phone. Goodness, we are getting a hail storm, just started as I was typing this. Small hail hope it stays that way

I am back from my Upper Gi appt. I had to drink some awful tasting stuff while they took pics of it going down. I could see my band on the xrays, kindda odd looking knowing that was me. She said that everything looked great but that the official report would come from my dr. So that was good to hear. It wasn't an invasive test, just stood against a back drop thing like a chest xray and drank that kool-aid. I only had to take a couple small sips, when they first handed me the cup with it I thought oh no how I am going to drink that, it didn't taste good at all. Stopped at McD's as promised for the 'nugget test'. LOL 5 nuggets today. I can definitely tell I have more restriction now but not too much. I am back at what I'd call my sweet spot I think, I am exactly where I was before my unfill in the hospital with my knee surgery last December. I think I will stay here. Apples, enjoying the farm photos. So why do they call it tiling when there are no tiles?? Your mention of your boys go carts, reminds me of another of DH's and DBIL's stories. They would build carts with a 'lasso' attached. They'd position the cart by an opening in the pig pen. One would sit on the cart and the other would lasso a pig then slap it and it would take off running giving the one in the cart a wild ride. When DH's grandparents got married they got a cow for a wedding present. Grandpa would also keep a calf from that cow and then a descendant every year so DH's uncle still has cows from that original cow's line. I helped one year round up the yearlings to take to market, had a real hard time eating my steak that night! LOL I still think when or shall I say if DH ever retires his dream would be to get some small acreage somewhere preferrable SD if he could talk me into moving there. I like it there but would wnat to be near my kids. DH is the type that will never be able to retire persay, if and when he ever leaves the airlines he'd have to find something to do even if it's a greeter at Walmart. I know you all think I am a shop a holic, well I did some more today. Come to find out the hospital is very near a very nice mall. Who knew??? And they had a Loft there and all the clearance stuff was 30% more off and for an extra discount today another 30% on top of that. Who can resist a deal like that? Not I!! Besides it's my anniversary and I'm all alone. LOL

Happy anniversary to me!! I am all alone to celebrate it as DH is in Atlanta today. 31 yrs ago today I married the most wonderful husband in the world! Happy Birthday Linda too! and your DH as well! How am I going to celebrate today? Why going to the hospital and having an upper GI of course. LOL Have to leave shortly. Actually DH & I did go out to dinner last night. I might have to hit McD's for some nuggets today on the way home from my GI LOL TIme for a nugget pouch test and see how my fill from yesterday is doing. LOL Deb, congrats on the losing, a pound a week is great! Cheri, I did that test before too but don't remember what I was, but it said a very small percentage was what I was as well. Apples, loved hearing more about your farming. I couldn't picture what the tiling was, I was picturing them laying ceramic tiles some how in fields for something. DH's family does corn and soybeans too but also has cattle and I think grows alfalfa or some type of feed for them. They used to have pigs but got out of that a long time ago. When DH was young and spent his summers on the farm with his grandparents he has many stories about milking the cows, gathering the eggs, churning the butter etc. His face lights up when he talks about it. And then there's the stories of the trouble he and his brother would find themselves in, things like who's braver and can go touch the bull between the eyes adn then get chased down by the bull, etc. Eva, you must be burning tons of calories doing all the cement work. I bet it looks great too. Julie those girls are so cute, they must be close together in age as well.