Great2BThin

I'm watching the news and it's showing the snow in Texas, glad it's not near you Arlene. Now they are showing snow in Abilene, MN is that near you Apples? roofs collapsing or something. Now they are talking more snow for us possibly on New Years eve morning. BRRRR Could use a few days of a warm up. I like the snow but I like the warm ups too. Veggies, I can't do many veggies either, I do peas quite a bit, a little asparagus (my favorite). But I stick to 1/2 cup portions and when 3/4 of that is protein it's hard to get many veggies in. Linda, glad you get to go back to water aerobics. I know what you are saying about therapy being easy. Mine is too and they said it was because I was in such good shape and strong muscles before surgery. I am grateful for that, as I can't imagine struggling to do some of those exercises with the pain from the surgery and then from being out of shape too. I think it's also helping my recovery go quickly and smoothly. Still haven't decided what to do about my New Year's eve dilmna. I actually would prefer to stay home and have lobster with DH and watch tv and play games. We are invited to a very good friends house however, and she's not having many over and we are rarely invited out on NYE I feel I should go. I have to let her know tomorrow. She just gave me the details today, I thought maybe she had changed her mind.

Just got done watching another oldie, Holiday Inn , with Big Crosby and Fred Astaire, never saw before either. Now it's about nap time. LOL I went through closets today too. I had hung stuff in the spare bedroom 3 yrs ago when we moved into this house that was way too small. They were clothes that I had gotten about 15 yrs ago when I lost a lot of weight, they were mostly 16's. I remembered feeling so good when I could wear them and I hung on to them to fit into some day. Well somehow I just passed them on by, they are way too big. But why I hung to them I don't know they were so dated, big shoulder pads, pleated pants with very high waists, etc. But in away it was hard to get rid of them too as I remember feeling so good in them, but truth be told, I feel even better in my clothes now, so they went into the Goodwill bag as well. I have 3 bags to drop off, want to do that by the 31st so I can get a receipt for 2009 for taxes. Tonight we are going to the place my daughters wedding will be for a food tasting to pick the menu, I think we are sampling a beef dish and a chicken dish, of course, gotta have beef and chicken. LOL Not sure how much of a tasting it is vs a meal if we should do dinner or not. Guess will do the tasting first and if still hungry grab a bite on the way home. Janet, sounds like you are having a lazy day like me. Kindda nice! Arlene, hope the pain subsides. Apples, worried about you since your post last night, hope the stones aren't worse.

I had an amazingly good Christmas, one of the best ever. It's amazing to me how differently I handle the food aspects of holidays now too. I still get to taste and sample my favorites but then I am full. And really it's in those first few bites that you get all the taste and memories of those traditional foods anyway. I managed to lose 2 lbs over the holiday! I got lots of new clothes and gift cards for even more new clothes, I can't wait to wear them all. I am still recovering from knee surgery less than 2 weeks ago so am very swollen so hard to try on clothes right now. As for New Year's plans I am torn, I kindda just want to stay home and veg and play cards or something with DH, but we are invited to a dear friends that evening and feel obligated to go. It's hard for me to go out right now as I need to keep my leg elevated and when I go somewhere and have it down long it swells up like something ugly.

Well my 'long winters nap' yesterday sure didn't affect my ability to sleep last night. LOL Just got up after 11 hours of sleep, did wake up a few times for pain pills but think the old body is getting the rest and recuperating it needed after overdoing it over Christmas eve, Christmas day, and the day after for my mom's bday. Then shopping the next day didn't help. I'm feeling better each day too, lots less pain last night. Usually night time I wake up with horrible pain and didn't do that much last night at all. I'm totally on my own today too as DD went back to work and I have no therapy for DH to come home to take me too. Tomorrow I have therapy and DS is taking me. I am hoping to be able to drive after New Years. It's my driving leg this time however and a little more difficult than last time. I'm tempted to try driving right around the neighborhood and see how it goes. I thought of going up the rec center I work at and doing some of my therapy exercises there, but it's so far from the car into the place I'd be worn out before I got there. Julie, hope Mimi is feeling better soon. Apples, hope those stones have passed, though I understand that's the most painful part but then it's over right? til next time anyway. Linda, good luck on getting that next fill. I too worry about gaining it back, think it's natural after having been so overweight for so long and always gaining it back in the past. I can't believe I've kept it off for 6 mos already though.

Good evening, just got done watching White Christmas, I have never watched that movie in all these years. I was surprised, just like It's a Wonderful Life, the movie really wasn't that Christmasy. the info said that movie was filmed in 1954, I can't believe it's that old. DD got a kick out of it, thought it was corny. My little nap today turned into be 3 1/2 hours. Guess I really was tired and worn out. Can I do it again tomorrow? LOL I am doing nothing but resting. DD is feeling better and will probably return to work tomorrow. I pray she didn't give DH nor I the stomach flu being home here all day. Like others have mentioned I am afraid of vomiting with my band. Believe it or not, I am tired, and will chat with you all tomorrow. Laura, glad your dad is feeling a little better and that the chemo is helping somewhat.

{{{{{{{{{{Apples}}}}}}}}} (those {} are hugs) So sorry you are suffering from kidney stones again. Wish they could figure a way to relieve you of those.

Also, my band has loosened as I've lost weight, and 5-7 lbs tends to loosen the band enough so that I need another fill. Since I want to lose more than that in order to build in a cushion, I'm pretty sure I'll need another fill both to get there and then to help me maintain. Even with another fill, I don't expect it to be easy. That's what my surgeons office always says, the more you lose the more likely you are to need a fill as you lose the fat pad between the band and the stoma. I got one fill right as I hit my goal, though it was a very small one and it helped keep me at goal. Now it's weird as I lost most of my fill but am still doing good, might still be my drugs and fluid retention that are affecting who knows, but I'm not complaining.

Just got home from my therapy and it went well but was somewhat painful. My bend has improved 17 more degrees though, I am at 100 degrees now. I am less than 2 weeks out from surgery and have improved 30 degrees in my bend already. My leg is sure more bruised this time than last, the ugly purple greenish yellowish bruises on my leg are huge! Now I am home the rest of the day either in my recliner or am planning on a 'long winters nap' here shortly. Cheri, I am glad you are learing to take care of you. That's what I am trying to do too, too bad it took me 50 yrs to do it! DH is already telling me when my folks come back for DD's wedding in March that we tell them that with all the commotion and craziness that will be going on that week at the house here, that it would be best that they stay with one of my sisters. Blackeyed Peas, so is the point of eating them supposed to be a luck thing then?

Oh no Apples, he definitely wasn't a guy that would buy personal hygiene products. He did one time after my son was born I hemoraghed (sp) and needed so much before I ended up in the ER and he bought so many other things we didn't need just so he could have other stuff in his basket. LOL Well I am not totally flying solo today, DD is home from work sick today, she has the stomach flu. Sure hope I don't catch it. Only thing on my agenda today is therapy and lots of rest. We are invited to a New Years eve party later this week and we are having serious thoughts of a just a quiet night at home. Speaking of New Year's eve, it's now time to discuss your traditions. Mine which only started recently is to cook some lobster on NYE other than that never really had a tradition. Anymore we usually watch CNN or Fox on cable since it's on eastern time so we can see the ball drop at midnight back east but only 10pm here and we celebrate then and go to bed. LOL Party animals we are! But I know some folks do black eyed peas, anyone here do those and is there a significance for doing those on NYE??

Apples, Remember I met you, you are definitely sane! One of the most level headed, kindest, generous people I've met! And I think you are right, that Norman Rockwell family image is just an image, it doesn't exist in real life. As much as I'd like to think that even DH, DD, DS & myself are 'normal' and that image, I am sure we are not. But I did the best I knew how at the time and when I knew better I did better. Actually truth be told I am sure I overdid it today. Not to fear as the rest of the week I will be forced to take it easy and rest. I am not driving yet, DH returns to work tomorrow so I will be housebound. I am a little nervous about being totally on my own, it's the first since surgery. I felt that way on the last knee too, but I did fine, actually got to enjoy the days of solitude. DH is leaving work for a few hours to take me to therapy tomorrow. I am anxious to see how that goes since due to the holidays I haven't been since last Wed.

LauraK, I hear you on everything being out of whack for the holidays. My eating, the types of foods I am eating and when I am eating is so off from what is normal. It's really hard to tell right now just what is 'normal' for restriction and a fill. I find I like the structure of my normal routine as I get older too. After New Years this week everything will be back to normal and you will get a handle on whether or not you needed that fill or not. But, heck, maybe it helped get your through a very tricky time of year foodwise too. Personally I am glad I wasn't able to eat all the treats I have eaten in years past over the past 2 holidays. That's what I wanted my band for, it gives me an added element of control. And I don't feel like I am missing out at all.

LauraK, Even without much restriction, ever since I got my band I have never been able to eat bread of any sorts. I am trying to debate what to do about another fill these days. It's weird. Before my emergency unfill of half my band in the hospital with my knee surgery I haven't felt any difference in restriction. I have a 14 cc band and had 11cc of a fill and it took that much to keep my restriction up until I got that last one in June. I've been great since June. Now they took out 5 ccs putting me down to 6 in my band, I did get 3/4 cc back but I am really not noticing any difference than before my surgery. Maybe it's the pain pills etc. that have taken my appetite away, but I was to go in this week to get a little more of my unfill put back but think I will wait on it, why get it back if I don't need it? Also, I am now 2 lbs below where I was before knee surgery so can't complain about that.

Phyl, sorry you are in a tough spot with your son. I think your DH is probably right though in quitting answering the phone. It would be so tough to do, but if you give him the money you are probably just enabling him. I want to see that 'Morgans' movie too, DH doesn't though. He doesn't like how they are making fun of small town or country life and values. But it looks hilarious so I might see it with DD. Arlene, taking down Christmas already? I couldn't do it. I am one that needs to leave it up til New Years, once New Years comes and goes though I am ready to take it down. My grandma never takes her down til Jan 6th which in the Lutheran church is Ephiphany. Well gals, did I get lucky at Ann Taylor Loft today. I slept 13 hours last night and felt pretty good today so DH said we could go 'for just a little bit'. Well much to my surprise was a sign there that said 'store closing sale 50% off all marked down merchandise'. Who can resist that? I got 3 sweaters, 2 blouse type tops, 3 knit tops, 2 pairs of twill type pants and a pair of jeans, are you ready for the total? $137!!! I still have $113 left in gift cards too. Some of the items are even springy probably left from last year as she said they took everything out of the back. My biggest bargain was one of the pairs of pants was $4. I did struggle a little there in the fitting room trying on so many clothes, I had to take my compression stocking off my leg as it stuck in all the pant legs plus it was hard to decide if the pants fit as my knee is so swollen. DH was sitting on a chair in the store waiting for me and I was walking in and out to show him my outfits. When suddenly I heard a man in the fitting room next to me, so I asked the clerk if DH could come back with me as I just had knee surgery and she said as long as he stayed in the room with me and not in the hallway outside the dressing rooms. So in he came and he helped me put on the pants and stuff, big help! Then I went to Victorias Secret for their big sale. I knew I needed new bras with the weight loss and hadn't been measured for a new one in over a year. Before lapband I was a 42DD and am now proud to say I am a 36 C or D. So cool, I've never been a 36 that I can remember. I was buying 38D and they were gaping on me so I got 2 new bras and 5 pairs of panties as they were 5 for $25. Today I will go through my underwear drawer and anything that says Lane Bryant on it is now history! I am relaxing now and DH says I am grounded the rest of the day. He was so cute though and such a help carrying my clothes and purse. LOL He even offered to carry my bras in Victorias but I said I could handle them and my crutches. He was glad when we were done in that store. I did go to Bass Pro with him and he got to spend some of his giftcards. Dinner last night with my family went pretty well. Parents are leaving tonight but told me good bye last night so guess I am not seeing them today. They did have a whole seperate Christmas with the entire family except me and hubby and the kids. They all exchanged gifts, etc. and then did our name drawing ones the next day. Don't understand why the farce of that if they had one Christmas already w/o me. I had invited them here and they declined so they could all 'be together'. When my sisters left last night they actually said they hoped my recovery continued to go well. That is the first they have even mentioned my surgery, never called, nothing in the 10 days since I had it. With my parents leaving tonight the family issues will settle down now. I won't see nor hear from my sisters at all and I won't be pursuing it, unless it involves something for Grandma. If Ican't drive I may need to ask them to pick something up for her. Shan, are you eating solid proteins or slider type foods. Concentrate on the solid proteins and that should help. Julie, be careful with skipping meat for cookies, you aren't going to be getting the protein and nutrients your body needs. I think with the small quantities we are able to eat, proper nutrition is even more important especially when we have ailments in our bodies to heal, etc. Apples, hope you are haviing a good day with the family.

Well no Ann Taylor shopping for me today, I definitely overdid it yesterday and am paying the price today. I will be taking a nap shortly. LOL Did run out to Target with DH for a bit to get some groceries for tonight and that about did me in. Ever hear the expression shop til you drop? well I about did, so home we came for the rest of the day. But it was worth it I had a great day yesterday. DH promises if I behave today we can go shop tomorrow possibly. We woke up to more snow, had no idea we were even expecting it but then again haven't watched the weather. It's beautiful outside now. Well pain pills are kicking in, time for the nap, then the birthday party for my mom this afternoon/evening.

Merry Christmas night! I am home after my day of festivities and I way way over did it. I came home in tears from the pain, tiredness, but full of the joy of the day. I don't remember the last time I felt so blessed and loved at Christmas time, just what I needed this year and this despite my mom and sisters. First off, remember my earlier post about my $150 in Ann Taylor gift cards and I thought I could be getting more? Yep I did, another $100!! I have $250 to spend plus a pair of jeans to exchange there. I am set, I am saving at least half of them for spring/summer clothes. I am thrilled, this will go along way in completing my new goal sized wardrobe! And it meant so much to me that the folks who gave me these gift cards were all so proud of my accomplishments in the weight loss that they wanted to support me in this way, they were excited just giving me the cards. But alas, Christmas isn't just about the gifts. My morning started out great with DS spending the night last night and deciding he wanted to take over the Christmas breakfast tradition. We always make the Pillsbury Cinnamon rolls that come in the tubes you whack on the counter. He got up and made them, now he's not a cook, too funny, he frosted them before he baked them. LOL It was so cute that he wanted to do that. After we opened our gifts DSIL to be came and we had another little Christmas with him and then played a game we had gotten, Farkle. It's a dice game and it was a blast. Seems I am good at getting Farlkes on the first roll of the dice. LOL then we went to the inlaws for a short gathering since we saw them all last night and then it was to my sisters. I was dreading going there. It actually didn't go too bad. Neither sister ever even asked about my knee, my surgery, how I was feeling nothing. But it didn't bother me. I guess I have dealt with it now and really didn't expect them to. We had drew names in my family and had our gift exchange there and then dinner. I sat and visited with Grandma while htey all worked in the kitchen so it was real nice. I had gotten her a sweatshirt jacket type thing at a craft show and she just loved it and cried when I gave it to her. We just got home from there a bit ago, I was in lots of pain and about to go to bed, but decided to sit in my recliner and wait til my vicodin took effect. Tomorrow I am dying of course to go to an Ann Taylor store but will see how I feel in the morning. DD is cooking dinner for my mom and sisters tomorrow (beef wellington) for mom's bday tomorrow. They are all coming over here. Cheri, so much of what you said about my mom and sisters strikes very true. I appreciate what you wrote and have been kindda proceeding that way and I am noticing a little difference in mom's reactions. Thanks for the advice I appreciate it. Sounds like you had a great day with the grandkids. Melissa, ouch, bummer about the car wreck, hope you stay okay. Apples, sounds like a very relaxing day. I can see you planning for the gathering next weekend already though. Bummer, as I was typing this DMIL called to inform us that DH's uncle passed away tonight, he had cancer, just diagnosed in July (stoma-esophogual that spread to his liver). Services are probably a week from tomorrow. Arlene, get all the sliders out of the house now! I left all mine at my sisters. LOL All the cookies, desserts, candies etc. I left for Dad and Grandma to split up between them. The house has been purged.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! So far I am having an awesome day. Santa was very good to me. Both my kids got me a some clothes at Ann Taylor Loft and some jewelry plus I have $150 in gift cards to there so far. I say so far because I think I have another card possibly 2 to come. DS spent the night here last night so he could be here when we woke up and do presents together. It's the last Christmas that the 4 of us will be just us on Christmas morning with DD getting married this year. DD loves the Coach purse I got her and DS loves his new fly reel. It was a very special morning. This afternoon we are stopping by my inlaws for an hour or so and then it's to my sisters for that Christmas. But I don't think even they are going to ruin my mood for the day. Last night I had 22 people here for oyster stew, chili, etc. everything turned out really good. DD cooked up a storm all day and it was a real nice evening. DD then left with her fiance for his family's Christmas eve and we sat by the fire and listened to Christmas music and just vegged. To top off my joy this morning I am down another 4 lbs of the 22 I gained in the hospital with my knee surgery, I only have 4 more to lose to be back where I was. The past few nights I have literally gotten up every hour on the hour to, ummmm, use the facilities, it feels great to lose some of that bloat. Knee is still very swollen and can't wear any nice pants by I am dressed up nice from the waist up today! Have a wonderful blessed Christmas!

Jewel, don't worry if you just right about you. We've all done that. I'm sortta in that mode right now myself. As we grow and move along in this journey we just gotta get stuff out. At certain times we each have more to give others in the way of advice etc. here and at others, we are the ones needing some me time. We are all here for one another and it always seems the right person at the right time has the right advice and help you need here. Another time someone may post something that you can relate so much to that you are the one that is there for them and then it's your turn to give back. This truly is a special place and I think we've all given and taken so much from it. Even Janet who started this thread to help others, I know has shared her own struggles and gotten help and advice from others on here. Where would we be without her though? Apples, yep my own immediate family is what I am focusing on now as when my kids have kids etc. I want to change the family legacy and I will be there for them. My home and my family is my passion. I just love that today DS came over at 10am already just because he wanted to be with us all, DD is busy in the kitchen and DH is just DH in and out and working on whatever he can find, or invent to work on. Works for me that he's in a cleaning mood today.

Apples, I liked what you said about having peace. Even though my posts the past few days sound anything but, I think it's what I am coming to get in my life lately. Peace. I am at peace about so many things and as much as my family has hurt me lately it is also giving me peace in that it's not me the problem lies in them. I am not doing anything to deserve what they give, in the past I'd have blamed myself for everything and then eaten to cover the hurt. I'm not doing that anymore. I am learning to deal with it, something I've never done before, hence my issues and questions lately about how to deal with it. I was going to take my parents to lunch today but guess who called to cancel? Seems they are busy and it's too cold to go out. So DH and my kids and I all went out and had a wonderful lunch and though I was hurt by her rejection, I am totally happy with what I got instead. not sure I am making sense. This year has been such a growing year for me and I've learnt and grown so much, too bad it took me til my 50's to do it! But I intend to live the rest of my life with that peace you mention, I am truly blessed by what I do have, and appreciate that more and more every day. Getting this band and dealing with my issues around food, etc. has shown me that so much of my weight wasn't even food related. Julie, bummer your plans got rearranged but glad that it's all still going to work out. Eva, wish I could come for dinner tomorrow. Sounds wonderful and that you are really enjoying the preps for it.

Janet, This whole Christmas fiasco at my sisters tomorrow started because I invited my Grandma to my house for Christmas eve and mom and the girls didn't like that so she always does what my mom wants, that's why I am so hurt. I've had thoughts of not going and if it wouldn't be for her I wouldn't. She's the only reason I am going. It has taken a lot for them to upset me so, but like you said, once they did...... I couldn't have said it better about what this group means to me. You have become like what family should be to me. I'd not have had the success with my band and getting my life in order without you all. Oh did I mention yesterday I got part of my fill back? In the hospital I had that emergency unfil of 5 ccs. I was so worried about it. No band slippage or anything like that. She drew out the rest of the fluid to verify how much I had yesterday and there was 6cc's left so I had an 11 cc fill, didn't even know it. She put in 3/4 cc more. I'm really not extra hungry and I asked her to be very cautious as I don't want to get too tight over the holiday weekend. I am thinking possibly I won't need as much of the fill back going forward either that or I am still retaining lots of fluids etc. and the meds have affected my appetite etc. I am down 14 of the 22 I gained in the hospital so only 8 more to go.

Thanks for the uplifting words Janet. I am the oldest of 3 girls in the family. I think they are just insensitive and it's always about them. And they are all bitter, life hasn't turned out the way they wanted for any of them and they are victims. Neither of my sisters has even acknowledged the fact I had knee surgery, I'm not seeing any of them tonight for Christmas eve, I invited them but they all want to be together just them. My parents have been in town since Monday and I've seen them an hour and that was for the appt with my Grandma on Tues. I'll be fine and over them soon but the old hurts just come up at holiday time I suppose. My parents haven't come for a holiday in years. Janet, I think your fears about the weight coming back is something we can all relate to. You have such a good handle on the exercise though and keep an eye on any gain and get it off immediately, I think you will do great. That's okay Apples, I didn't mean that you needed to share what happened in your family. And I don't think you could offend me that easily. Your words are always said with love and concern for the other person in mind. I have had it out one on one with my mom several times and my sisters to a lesser extent. I will consider confronting them going forward. At least let them know how I am feeling. My mom I've done that a lot with lately. And I have let her know how much my sisters have hurt me. I think a lot of it on my sisters part is jealousy. They are both divorced several times, no kids (and wanted them), not happy in their jobs, gaining weight (where they have never had weight problems before) and they see me happily married to a great guy, 2 great kids, a daughter getting married, etc. my one sister has told me as much once in the past. I've always tried to be supportive of them, etc. Should be an interesting day tomorrow. Thanks for taking the time to offer your advice. Well gals, not sure if I will be on again today (probably will) but just in case. have a very Merry Christmas and know how thankful and blessed I am in having you in my life.

Arlene, enjoyed the story about your church sermon tonight. What a blessing too for the delivery guy. Linda, congrats on hitting 100 lbs lost! Sorry to hear about the vacation days and possibly not going to FL I know how forward you were looking to it. Apples, am I correct in assuming that the 'dark, depressing' stuff in your past has to do with your side of the family? I don't think I've ever 'heard' you talk about your family. If you don't mind my asking, how did you decide that it was enough and move on? As you know I have a rough relationship with mine and am sitting here tonight once again hurt by them and wondering why the heck I do it at all? Right now I do it for Grandma, but after she is gone, not sure I have it in me to go on with my sisters and parents.

Good late afternoon. Another busy busy day. First off was therapy which went well. I improved 13 degrees in my bend since Monday I am now at 83 degrees. Then stopped and got a bite of lunch and a few groceries. This afternoon I had my 1 week post op appt. and xray on my new knee. All went well but the coumadin has my blood levels too high, for your nurses my I/R or something like that is a 5 so the next 2 days I am to take no coumadin and then only 1/2 pill after that a day. I am also having constipation issues from the pain pills so she said to get milk of magnesia instead of the miralax I was taking so stopped and got some of that. Now tonight I am taking it totally easy as well as tomorrow so I can be rested up for Christmas eve and day. Looks like we will have our white Christmas, we got a couple inches today and supposed to be a few more inches tonight and stay cold. Eva, no my family really didn't have many traditions so it was easy to add DH's family's traditions. Arlene, not a lot of snow but enough. Roads were good today so that was good and I get my white Christmas. Apples, hope you aren't one of the ones sick. I have some left over thraflu from another time but really don't keep much on hand as it seems every time someone gets sick it's something different. Laura, I bet Nels had a fun day being an early Christmas.

PJ, so great to hear from you!! Sorry to hear of your seperation, but glad to hear you are doing well. You've had lots of change in your life and I have no doubt that one of those changes this year will be meeting that goal weight!! Check in and let us know how you are doing, we miss ya!

Me too! Isn't that a great feeling? But I know some folks have New Years eve traditions of black eyed peas or something. For DH & I it is usually a diet pepsi watching the ball drop on cable TV so that at 10pm we saw it at midnight back east and can go to bed. LOL Party animals that's us! LOL Except now it's no more diet pepsis. And recently we started having lobster on New Years eve.

Cheri you look great! So close to goal! I bet you can feel it. Arlene, mom had to write a check to Santa? Cute! DH's family always had Santa come Christmas eve too. They went driving around to look at Christmas lights but never fail his dad always forgot his coat or something in the house and had to run back in after they got all the kids loaded up in the car. His family never did stockings though. Interesting how so many of our traditions and customs are food related. My day went well but my leg is swollen huge. I had it down too long today. But I made it through the appt with my Grandma, good thing as my mom had things so messed up and confused. Then she gets mad at my grandma and says she's the confused one. Think we have it all straightened out, Grandma just needs to make some tough decisions going forward. Also made it to Costco and they had no wheelchairs, DH was going to push me so he went in and got out stuff and I waited, I knew that was too much walking. I am enjoying reading about the traditions. AFter we go through the Christmas traditions, it will be interesting next week to talk about our New Years traditions.