Great2BThin

Apples, that's sortta the response I've written so far. I've written something and saved it in my drafts to go back and read later today and if it still sounds right i will send it. Thanks for the input. I just don't get what she's trying to do, stir the pot at this late stage? In fact, I've invited them to dinner several times thinking if we were going to be co-inlaws would be good to get to know one another better, she's never taken me up on the offer and now wants to discuss this in an email? I think DD is going to have one challenging MIL going forward.

Good morning. I got a strange email this morning and don't know quite how to respond. It's from DD's future MIL asking me if DH or I have any concerns about this marriage. HUH? Why now 10 days before the wedding? We did have major concerns mainly about his passion for very expensive cars and electronics and debt situation, but that seems to be taking care of itself (he's decided to sell most of it), I know she had major concerns when they got engaged and caused lots of grief for them, but thought she was okay now. Just not sure what to say to her. Plan for the day is to get my hair cut and colored and clean house and do laundry. It's gotten away from me and I have dust bunnies all over. Apples, I think our situation is very similar. You wanting to wander but can't because the farm makes DH so happy. Me wanting to put down some roots for a change and DH's job making him wander. This promotion he got has been what he's wanted for years, I just couldn't hold him back from it. I know if I said no he wouldn't have pursued it. That means a lot to me too. Utah isn't the end of the world, it's an hour by air from Denver and I'll survive as long as we are together. I've loved all our previous moves, but this one is different. I am leaving family this time and mainly by family I just mean my kids and grandma, the rest doesn't phase me much. In fact it might be good to have some distance with the rest of them! :wub: Janet, how are your feeling today? Did you end up having to stay home? Phyl, look out I beat you once on Suduko, I'm getting better! I'm about half way through the games you sent me.

Janet, I hope the job situation settles down soon. Are there other places you can look for employment? Or I suppose you've been there so long the vacation etc. is pretty good now and hard to start all over?? Sometimes I wish all my moves were in the same city but mine have been coast to coast. But I have also enjoyed living in various parts of the country and learning the different 'cultures'. Sure they've all been US cities but it's very different living in say Utah and Las Vegas or California vs east coast. Though I thought this time we were going to plant roots, guess not. I'm trying to be upbeat about this move but am struggling some.

Phyl, I think I might beat you, this will be my 16th move, however, 3 of those were with my parents as a child, if we are counting during marriage then it's my 13th in almost 31 yrs of marriage. I do very much agree with you about the bed, that and some towels as I always want to take a shower after all that unpacking. Forgot to mention got on the scale this morning and those pesky 3 lbs I gained are gone!!!!! WoohOo!! Maybe my fill is working!

Yes I did find some shoes. I still need to try them on with my skirt and make sure I like them, am waiting to do that when my daughter is home to get her opinion, she's my fashion advisor! LOL

Not having too bad of a Monday here. I did get awoken by the phone this morning and it was 8am! EGADS I haven't slept that late in a long time. I was so glad though as I've been having such trouble last week with the jet lag and then the time change. I think I'm rested up now! Today was Grandma day, took her shopping and to lunch. Just got home and DS iscoming over in a bit to hear about our trip and see the pics. Also, he and DH are having a cigar out back since it's so nice. Every once in while they like to bond over a good cigar. Can't believe in a week and a half is the wedding. So much to do and so little time left! I agree, TP first thing in a new house! LOL And the last, unpacking the kitchen that way I can convince DH to go out to eat as long as possible!

Just got home from the inlaws they had us for dinner and wanted to see the Isreal pictures. I have them all printed and in an album now just gotta finish labelling them. Melissa, glad to read you will be posting daily, missed ya. Apples, I hate my photo taken too. I let Dh take some of me on vacation and that was a first in a long time but already I am super critical of them and didn't want to include them in the album. It is helping me alittle though to see them and gradually sstop seeing the 305lbs me looking back at me. It's taking me a long time to see the weight loss in myself. I've been at goal for almost a year but still see me pre-surgery in the mirror most of the time. The pics help me see the weight loss and gradually my mental image is catching up to my body.

Like the fishpond, Eva. DH has one out in our backyard as well. The ice finally cleared off of it while we were on vacation so he has since turned on the waterfall and counted his fish and they all survive. Here the pond has to be at least 3 feet deep so the fish have a place to hide/hibernate for teh winter. He has some rocks and crates or something under there too that they hide under. I don't know how they survive as we don't feed them all winter either, but he's done lots of research on winterizing and each year they all seem to make it. He'll have a hard time leaving his pond when we move, but am sure he'll probably dig another one. I love it in the summer with the waterfall and sleeping with the window open and listening to it.

Good afternoon. Late check in for me today been a busy day. Started out with breakfast with DD and then to the venue for her wedding to pay the final payment. YIKES there goes a few thousand dollars quickly! then on to pedicures, lunch and my MIL's where she and my SIL and DD worked on making a new modern veil out of my old dated wedding veil. It is turning out pretty nice too. The weather was in the 60's again today but supposed to turn yuck tomorrow before hitting almost 70 later next week YAHOO!! 70's, daylight savings time kicking in, I'm loving it! I love Daylight savings time. Apples, I love 'old lady' pics can't wait to see the outfit you are wearing tonight. And enjoyed 'meeting' your family in the photos you posted today. Thanks for sharing. I'll wait til I have wedding photos and post some of mine. Janet, that blue top you have in is your color for sure. It's fantastic on you! Cheri, sorry not sure if it's my computer settings or color of your post but I couldn't read it at all. Maybe by brightness on the computer needs to be adjusted or my eyes??? But I see all the others okay. Welcome to the new folks! Jody, bummer you had a little set back in the hospital but congrats on being banded. I had a prefill in my band as well. Luckily I didn't have the issues you did. HOpefully you saw my post after Isreal but I did put you and all of us LBTr's here on a prayer in the wall.

Apples, the brand of my dress/seperates is Andrea Pappell or something like that and I will post a pic. Thanks for the shoe suggestions. Wish you could go shopping with me too! I was chatting with Janet on FAcebook earlier and telling her how I feel I missed out on so much when I couldn't make Florida. Llike I missed out on some serious bonding time. [ATTACH]19034[/ATTACH]

Good morning, slept til 530 this morning! I think I am getting close to getting over this jet lag. Just in time to spring forward this weekend. However, I love it when we switch to daylight savings time. I love the extra daylight in the evenings and the fact it signals to me spring is springing! Looks beautiful out today bright and sunny, supposed to be 50's today and 60's tomorrow! I know that sounds cold to the FL, AZ and CA gals but I'm loving it! Taking Grandma shopping today, I uploaded all my photos to print at Costco. I just can't get into this digital age, I like having the prints. I think it's going to be close to $40 though, UGH! And the shoes I bought to go with my dress for the wedding don't look right so have those to take back and hopefully find another pair. I do have a backup old pair at home if I don't find something but would like something new but htey have to be flat as the dress would be too short otherwise. I hate never being able to find pants and dresses long enough. I am too tall for regulars and if I can find talls usually I am too short for them. My latest fill seems to be doing it for me. I really like where I am at now, I do have an appt for another small one and will keep it as it's 3 weeks from now but if I continue like I am I will cancel it. Right now it strikes the balance between great restriction and not too tight. Janet, I got the Coach coupon too, so tempting but I must resist this time. You and PHyl have a wonderful time today! Apples, how ya doing today? Thinking of you Laura, forgot to mention I love the new pic. Arelene, good luck at doc's today.

I know that one too well, been doing too much of that myself stressing over this moving, the wedding, mom/grandma situation, etc. And i have no room to grow if I want to fit in my dress for the wedding.

Oh, no Apples, I didn't mean you were in the middle of anything like that, I meant just as you said the middle of the grieving, emotional stuff. Sorry for not being more clear, I did not mean at all to insinuate you were in the middle of a situation or anything like that at all. I'm so sorry if that's how I came across.

Ah Apples, sounds like you are knowing what the right thing for you to do is and you will get through this, it just sucks right now being in the middle of it. Vent away, no one here is going to judge a thing, that's not our job, we are here to support you. Just got home from an almost 3 hour lunch at McD's. LOL We went there because my friend had to eat quick and get home to vaccuum and get ready for carpet cleaners. OOOPS, we just yakked and yakked. Guess now her husband gets the job as she had to go to work. LOL It was fun to catch up. I am still really feeling the jet lag. I am so sleepy in the middle of the day and then wide awake about 330am. Thanks for the comments on my pics, yep DH is a tall one, he's 6'6 (my son is 6'8). I wasn't sure about posting the capri one as it shows my fat calves. LOL But I gotta get over that.

Good morning, I am up awfully early today, seems my body still thinks it's in Isreal or something. DH finally gave up trying to sleep and went in to work. He had over 500 emails while he was gone and has about 400 to go. Sounds like lots of back troubles around here lately, hope it's not contagious like the dead battery virus was. And hope everyone finds some relief. My hip was hurting somewhat, it was real bad about 6 weeks post op on my knee. My ortho. doc xrayed it and yep I got some minor arthritis there, but not bad and he said I shouldn't have to do anything with it for 15 yrs or so as long as I keep my weight down so there's more incentive. I don't want any more new joints. Okay I am going to try and add some photos to this post the first is on our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, the 2nd is my 'Peters fish lunch', the 3rd is by the Jordan River, the 4th is in an ancient ampitheater in Bet She'an, and the last is on the Mt of Olives overlooking the temple mount

No I didn't feel unsafe in ISreal at all, it's nothing like what is portrayed on TV. And downtown modern Jerusalem was like any major metropolitain city here, lots of cafes etc. The tour was booked through Diesenhous or something like that. I'd rank this trip up there with one of my best all time vacations. I am really frustrated trying to work with my pictures though. For some reason I have a major mental block when it comes to digital photos and the computer. I have them downloaded then don't know what to do withthem. I want to label them all and put a description on them that will stay with them if I print them or put them on a disk. Any ideas on how to do that or an easy photo program?? My kids try to help but they either act like I am stupid or they go so fast I feel stupid. LOL I forgot to tell about one of the highlights of the trip. Coming home we had to get to the airport 3 hours early for the security etc. Security in Isreal is way more than here in the US, the first step is to be interviewed and the 1st passport check. I almost failed! Seems I look nothing like my passport photo taken 8 yrs ago and 126 lbs ago. No one has ever questioned it before though, I went to and from Barcelona last year and to Isreal this year and nothing til the way home. They asked for another photo idea, thank God I threw in my drivers license, I wasn't going to thinking my passport was photo ID enough. Since that photo pretty much matched and all the info was the same they let me go. WHEW!! Time for some new photos! It doesn't expire til 2012 though. I had a small fill this morning of .50cc, that takes me back to within .5cc of where I was pre knee surgery and my emergency unfill. I am hoping this is the spot. I can feel good restriction already, I went to lunch with Grandma and mushed up a piece of fish and couldn't finish it. Also knee doc says my knees are doing great! Don't go back for one year for xrays. YIPPEE!!! Someone asked about my move, I hope to not move til summer at least. DH started the job already but is doing it from Denver for now, I won't even attempt to list the house til April after the wedding. DS inquired about possibly renting it and that is an option as well. But not sure I trust him to keep it up well. And I don't want to get into a nagging type relationship with him either. So we'll see. Well I got a group from church coming tonight to hear about the trip and my house is a disaster. I will try and post some pics tomorrow when I have a little more time, hopefully.

I'M BACK!!! Whew just read 20+ pages of posts only to find on the last page Julies recap, Thanks! I read that we hit 500 posts in Jan and are at 600+ now well let me tell you almost 25 of those are since Feb 27th. LOL No way can I comment on them all. Apples, though, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have shared little about your family other than you had a horrible past so this must drag up a bunch of stuff. not sure if your family is near and you are having to deal with them all now in the funeral and all, but I am praying for you and your strength to get through it all. Laura, congrats on your bandiversary Jody, your prayer request is in the Western wall in Jerusalem along with a prayer for all us LBTers! I had a fantastic time. What a beautiful country. We saw so much my head was spinning trying to take it all in. I sailed in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee, saw Bethlehem where Jesus was born (that was a little freaky going crossing the border into Palestininan territory our guide couldn't go with us as he was Jewish and they aren't allowed to cross), saw the Garden tomb, walked some ancient roads in the old city, saw the beaches of the Medditteranean, etc. Our group was 17 people and everyone got along so well. I had a little trouble with the food, breakfasts and lunches were included but I didn' care much for a lot of the food and really missed my ham or bacon for breakfast! Found out I do not like falalfel (sp) but I do like humus (sp). The flight home was torture. We got up at 6am had a full day of sightseeing, then took a flight at 11pm from Tel Aviv for 13 1/2 hours to Atlanta and then another 3 hours to Denver. All in all I was up for 48 hours straight (did not sleep well on flight) with the 9 hour time change. We walked so much I was so thrilled with my new knees. They held up great. I have a knee doc appt this morning, am going to have to give him thanks for those knees! also am getting a small fill. I am very disappointed I didn't lose a thing, I ate so little and walked so much. AFter reading posts for 2 hours, I have little time to post, but will try and post some photos later. Thanks so much for the posts that I read missing me, that meant so much!

Anyone see the front page of today's paper. Article on lap band. Foreign surgeries tip scales to relax U.S. rules - The Denver Post

Good bye!!!! I'm so excited!! Don'[t post too much so I have too much to read when I get back! Just joking. Talk to you all soon.

Good afternoon, I think I am about ready for my trip. I am probably taking way too many clothes. I had a couple pairs of jeans/pants and a couple capris, then I looked at teh weather and it's been 70's up to 80's but lately it's been 50's and 60's so I threw in more pants, etc. It will be a miracle if I wear everything I packed, DH is giving me a bad time about my suitcase. He had thoughts of us sharing a bag, silly boy! Jody, of course, I will say a prayer for you at the wall if we are there. Jewel, I know the ATL airport well, if you have any questions ask me. I fly through there all the time and DH lived there for about 8 mos. once for his job and we commuted back and forth, his company is headquartered there. It's a relatively easy airport to find your way around in. The best foodcourt for selection and quiet is usually the one on the E concourse (it's where most of the int'l flights are). I will be there tomorrow night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I fly through ATL to Tel Aviv tomorrow. Alfred Dunner, funny my grandma was trying stuff on and thought some things looked too young. LOL Guess when you are a couple months shy of 101, 80 is even young. Well better go finish my packing, just wanted to check in, not sure I will be on again before I leave, I am taking my laptop with me mostly to download photos to, but who knows I might not be able to resist and ahve to check in.

Good morning, Lovelies! DH just called and received a job offer for that promotion/move I mentioned awhile back. Looks like we will be moving to Utah, they are negotiating salary now so if that goes well...... I was supposed to have all day today to myself but told Grandma I'd take her shopping. We have to find something for her to spend $800 on herself. She is going on this long term care which is also part medicaid and she has $800 too much to qualify. She can't give it away but she can buy stuff for herself. Seems silly but after supporting herself for 100 yrs she is about to run out of money and needs some help, this is killing her to to this but it's a really good program. The medicaid lady gave her some ideas on what to spend it on, so hopefully she finds something, she is very very very shall I say thrifty or just say tight?? LOL I think it comes from living through the depression. Heck one day we were shopping and she needed lotion, she wouldn't buy the big economy size bottle as at 100 yrs old she might not live long enough to use it all and then will have wasted some money. LOL She loves Alfred Dunner clothes so we are going to penneys as they carry that brand. Jody, I am going to Tiberias, I am spending 2 nights there. One night in Tel Aviv and the rest in Jerusalem. some of the things I will be seeing are Caesarea, Cana, Galilee, Hifa, Muchhaka where Elijah hid from King Ahab and later fought the Baal prophets, Megiddo, Nazareth, Beit-Shean, Gilgal, Jericho, Bethlehem, we will walk the Via Dolorsa, Massada, Ein Gedi, and much more. Your talk about Purim is so interesting, last year at this time I was in a Bible study of Esther and one of the gals made those cookies we called them Haman hats. Some of your banding questions, clear liquids means you can see through it full liquids you can add more creamy stuff soft/mushies is things like refried beans, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, s/f puddings For protein drinks, I'd suggest getting some now and taste testing so you have some on hand after surgery that you like. I didn't like many of them and it's such a personal preference. I preferred the Isopures (available at GNC) but others called them Iso'pukes'. Also GNC had these protein shots they called them. They came in what looks like an oversized test tube, they are 3 oz and made from whey protein, they had the consistency of cough syrup. However, a few of the varieties had 43 grams I believe of protein in them, so one oz had a lot of protein. Those first few days after surgery I had such a hard time getting in my protein which was supposed to be 40 grams minimum but preferrable 60 to 70. I could only drink an oz at a time, these 'shots' of 1 oz of those gave me about 13 grams at a time. They weren't the best tasting but helped me a lot. Janet, have a fun visit with DS. I bet you look cute all the time!

Good evening, well my appt with Grandma went well this afternoon and I think I got everything straight and emailed my mom all the details. Time will tell 'if I did everything right' but if not mom has her number and I'll be out of the country!! I am taking Grandma shopping tomorrow. Janet, but the big bag of Fritos is a better buy! LOL Yep that's what I told myself when I bought them. DUH!!! Jody, congrats on being banded. How long are you on clear liquids? Seems every doc is different. BeckyO, hi if you are reading this, so happy to hear you are coming back! I had a 50% unfill in Dec. and am 1cc away from having my whole fill back, it's been a struggle. Eva, my sisters will help a little with Grandma while I am gone. Maybe they'll appreciate what I do! Apples, glad you had a good time with DS. How much longer do you have left in FL? I miss ya!

Good morning! Today is my last busy day before vacation. I have nothing planned for Fri and Sat. unless you count laundry, packing etc. But I have no where I have to be! This afternoon is a meeting with Grandma and a long term care representative and something with Medicaid which she may have to go on, it's not going to be fun. My mom wants this meeting, she'll be here in 3 weeks, I was pushing to wiat for the meeting when she was here, as I know I won't find out everything my mom wants. I hate being in the middle! And it's bringing up all the old, 'nothing I do is ever good enough' feelings I have fought my entire life and thought I conquered. That's my vent for the day. Jodi, I leave for Isreal on Sunday, we don't arrive in Tel Aviv until MOnday, so I assume the holiday will be over then?? We spend a night in Tel Aviv, then 2 nights near the Dead Sea, and then the rest in Jerusalem. I am very excited to see all the Biblical sights, walk where Jesus walked, etc. Also, on my surgery day, all I had was surgery. No other tests that day, just got there, checked in, they started my IV, they may have drawn a tube of blood, I don't remember. All my testing (and never had blood gases that I know of) was well before the surgery date, I had pulmonogist screening, cardiologist screening, psych eval and a bunch of blood tests beforehand. Your date is going to be here before you know it and you'll do great! Woke up today with a horrible headache, haven't had a headache in forever!

Good afternoon, just got home from my volunteer stint at the hospital. They've been giving me more and more to do. Today I visited bypass patients in the hospital, which I have done a lot of, but today I went over a lot of discharge info regarding followups etc. Been under a lot of stress lately and well let's just say I have handled like I always have, some how a bag of Fritos found it's way into my house and is now gone. Makes me so mad, why do I do that to myself? The stress is in regards to my Grandma however, it has to do with my mom and I disagreeing on how to handle something. I am the one handling it but she's down there in FL trying to dictate how I do it, I feel somewhat like I need to honor her wishes, but yet I am the one with all the work and also trying to honor Grandma's. We've exchanged some pretty terse words via email, I think the worst is over, I half expect the phone to ring any minute though. Jewel, true 4 days would be along time on a bike. And don't forget your 'tush' has a lot less padding now! Linda, the shower was great, she got lots of nice things. I think after 25 or 30 yrs of marriage I shoudl get a shower and get all new stuff! And you are never too nosy, I am too then! I will be in Isreal for 8 days, gone from home 10 days, I am going with a group of 17 from my church. I am very anxious. Janet, I always get to fly first class if it is available, one of the perks of DH's job. However, goign to Isreal we bought tkts with this group and are not using his flying benefits, it's kiling him to think he has to sit in coach if there is a possibility of 1st class being open. LOL LauraK, a master gardener? you must be good, what does that mean? Laura, glad your parents are coming to visit. I remember DH's sister (we met in HS) having a "Kiss me Donnie' poster in her room when we were dating. I think the lips were worn off of it! LOL I've got American Idol recorded but have been so busy and when I do watch tv watching the Olympics, but I have to disagree, do not like Ellen. I don't so much as miss Paula as I dislike Ellen. I wonder how the show will be without Simon next year. I didn't like Kara at first and she has grown on me, maybe Ellen will too.

I just got back from a day in Vegas and I think I need a vacation already, my schedule is jam packed and I do have a vacation to get ready for! I leave for Isreal on Sunday. today was my Grandma day and I was gone til 4 then left at 5 for dinner and my nephew's HS tournament basketball game. Tomorrow is volunteer day at the hospital, Thurs. is Bible Study and a meeting with a financial person with my Grandma for her. It's a good thing I got laid off from my job, I have no time to work! LOL Jewel, how 'bout a compromise, take the bike to Vegas! LOL Julie, don't feel too guilty about not watching mimi, I k now how much you enjoy her, but you gotta take care of you first so then you can take care of others. I agree about maybe cutting back on the chiropractor and PT that seems to cause you more grief. I've never heard of having to get insurance approval for an MRI before, hope it comes through soon. Arlene, not sure what 'Love' is as far as a show goes. So don't know if it's there or not. Melissa, I have never forgotten to eat, wish I could! LOL Hope you get your band figured out, sounds like you've had lots of stress. Laura, bummer on the PB episode at dinner. Glad you got better later. Janet, that sucks about your Ipod, I hope it wasn't your family. I did do some shopping, Ann Taylor Loft of course. Got a shirt on clearance there for $4!!! That was it and poor DH carried my Loft shopping bag all day along the strip and even to the show. Linda, we debated about a Cirque d Soleiel show, Blue Man and Donny & Marie. We'd already seen a Cirque show in the past and DH wasn't so sure about Donny & Marie so we wnt to Blue Man. Funny on my flight home I sat in front of Marie in first class. She was very friendly and nice and oh so tiny.