ljv52

Hi everyone, just a fly by. I'm keeping up with reading but no time to post. But enjoy reading everyone's updates. Everything is fine, just super busy right now. I'm so mad cause my computer is messed up some how and I can't get my pics to download. Will try to do them at work today and post them on FB so I can copy them from there. Missing all of you -- a week ago I was leaving - hard to believe it's been a week already. Lori, enjoy your trip to Maine, I'm sure it wil be lovely (hope the rain is gone by the time you get there). arlene, wtg with the trainer -- wow -- sounds great. Sorry about your nutrition class -- why are they moving it? Maybe they'll move it back if you can't attend. Gotta run and go to work. Will CBL. Love and hugs to all of you. Linda

I'm home -- by the time we stopped at Sam's and then dinner and drove home it was 8 p.m. -- unpacked watched a little tv and off to bed. Now up and need to get ready for work. Will try to post some from work. Had a wonderful time, as Lori said, so nice to finally meet everyone in person! Linda

good morning all! On a lap top,, so excuse typos -- I just can't type well on these. Enjpying my son and dil -- had to take bendryl last night -- cause the cats just won't stay off me. LOL. they are so sweet but I'm so allergic. Just sat and visited last night. Son took all day off so I will probably get to condo after lunh sometime. Love you all an see you all soon! Linda

Leaving for the airport - see ya in the desert!!! Can't wait!! Linda

joyce safe travels tomorrow -- Laura, good luck on the job tomorrow -- you'll be great -- patients will adore you! Sandy, next time for sure you must come. Judy, thanks for offering bail -- we'll try to behave ourselves, but you never know. I'm already on vacation!!! See ya all on Friday afternoon. I probably won't be seeing you until after lunch, we'll see, Linda

Oh, I thought she said something about Stoney's before Maybe Cadillac Ranch is not country. I was thinking Stoney's. Looked at the website -- this might even be better. Interesting. OMG they have a bull -- must get Janet on that bull for photo opp. Linda

So much going on. I agree, Jodi has gotten me even more excited too. I hope the limo will give us a quick ride down the strip so we can hang out and scream at the people!!!! It's going to be a wild night Friday in LV!!!! Just think of all the extra calories we can burn dancing. I'm sure casual is fine - it's a country music club -- so there will be cowboy hats, cowboy boots and jeans galore! oh my, if we get free drinks AND have a driver I think we'll be having some fun and possibly get into some trouble!!!! It's been a long time since I was able to let my hair down that much!!! Can't wait. Got my hair color fixed up last night - had a nail that needed fixing and got that done but guess what? Another one broke this a.m. so I will go back again tonight. I've NEVER had this problem before - so if I manage to get to LV with nice nails, it'll be a miracle!!! I get to leave tomorrow - today is my last day of work -- I'm certainly ready. I do wish EVERYONE were coming -- Laurak and Laura I'm so sad you aren't coming. Better do some work. Linda

I've been lurking all day, trying to read bits and pieces while I work. I'm so glad I'm getting away this week -- Apples hugs hugs and more hugs. I think our weekend will do all of us a world of good. Katie has been at her house and Aylah has been staying with her. But as usual, there is drama -- there's never a dull moment. So I too was up until way too late and not sleeping well again either. So no gym for me this morning. Tomorrow for sure. I keep wondering why our lives can't be simple and easy like they should be at this stage of our lives -- life is too short for this kind of stuff. Julie, so glad you are checking your bag -- it will be much easier for you. I never do carry on - between my back, hip and fibromylgia I just check it, plus, that way I'm not so limited in what I can bring. Glad you're pain was better this morning. Sounds like it's all helping. Lori, can't believe your credit card was compromised -- you just never know - we've had that happen a couple of times. Just always make sure you really are talking to the credit card people when you get calls like that -- so many of the calls are even fraudulent these days. Arlene, love your attitude - yes we WILL win -- also just gotta warn you, I'll be speaking Texan after being around you awhile. I tend to pick up on accents quickly -- I also still speak with the long O's from when I lived in Duluth 40 years ago!! Just don't want you to take offense if I start to speak that way -- it's just something I tend to do - maybe cause I lived there once -- not sure. But I love the Texan and all southern accents. Laura, you did do a lot for that teacher --most parents wouldn't do that -- you are so nice to be so generous. Poor Nelson -- it's hard - but he's a great kid and smart and he'll get it all figured out. He's always in a crowd of girls -- LOL. I don't envy you during his teenage years -- girls are going to chase, chase, chase him and it'll be a worry, trust me. Your sister needs to grow up -- honestly I wonder sometimes what people expect these day - don't understand how or why someone her age would even WANT to live with her parents, especially if she feels they are watching what she eats, they pick on her, etc. Get a job and take care of yourself. Why is that so hard? It's like my step kids -- they don't want to work, they don't want to save, they don't want to be responsible -- heck they don't even want to get up before 9:00 a.m.! GRRRR. Sorry, stepping off my soap box, but stuff like this really bugs me cause I had to work so hard, etc. when I was a single parent and no one gave me any help of any kind (not that I wanted any, but you know what I mean). I worked for everything I had and I don't understand this mentality at all. Okay, really shutting up now. Sorry. Cheri, hope all is well with you - haven't seen you on here for awile. LauraK, when's the next date? I hope this works out well - at least for awhile - nice to have a friend over the holiday period. Eva congrats on the last couple days of work!!!! You go girl!!! Enjoy that retirement party! We'll Celebrate all weekend!

Oh Lori, sorry about your friend's daughter. Such a tragedy. Nice of you to send a card even though you've been out of touch. Hope your DD is feeling better -- she probably needs to eat more -- is she having a lot of morning (all day) sickness? LOL. I ate pecan pie when I was a kid, so I just naturally assumed everyone in the country grew up eating it. It's my DH's favorite too -- I make him one pie at Christmas every year. But if we go out to eat and he can get it, he'll order it. I love it, but can pass it up. I'll add that nothing is too sweet, rich, or chocolate-y for me -- I can eat it all anytime, anywhere. I'm like Paula Deen -- the more butter, etc. the better I like it. That's why I have to completely avoid it all - I couldn't have one bite, no way. No Arlene, I'm not a techie like you guys -- I'm old school. LOL. I have no time to text!! Gosh, it would drive me insane -- i watch my kids and that's all they do - I would go out of my mind for sure. Seriously. Julie, hope it all goes well with the adoption -- what a nice grandma you are to help out. Maybe you and I will win a big jack pot in LV cause we've been dishing out money to our kids lately -- that would be nice, wouldn't it? And deserving! LOL. Well, still at work, gotta get back at it. CBL Linda

I can't believe we have so many pecan pie virgins in this group!! What in the world???? Linda

Arelene, I got your text -- I don't text -- but enjoy getting them occasionally. Gotta run, just wanted to pop in and say hi -- busy day at work. Did get to Water aerobics this am. -- feels so good. Apples, good luck on lunch today - -thinking of you. CBL Linda

Apples, sorry to hear you've been under such stress these past 6 months. I know how tough it is and you are such a strong and wonderful lady, it's hard to think of you being so unhappy. Hugs and hoping everything starts to get better soon. Kids just left -- got here before I got back from the gym -- busy day around here, but gorgeous weather - sunny and about a high of 70, perfect fall day. Okay, I'm just checking in to see what is going on. CBL. Linda

Julie, when you get on the plane stop and ask the flight attendant to help you. Tell her/him you have shoulder problems and can't lift your bag. Otherwise you might have to lift it, cause if I'm the one (or someone like me) is standing next to you I can't lift it for you either and you don't want to even attempt to lift that bag (please). It could really hurt you badly. If I were you, I'd check it, but I understand if you're trying to save $$ but I just look at it as part of my ticket, but I hate it since it used to be free. I'm bringing my bathing suits -- I plan to spend quite a bit of my time in the pool/jacuzzi. I always bring a light sweater or jacket even on the plane, cause I even get cold on the planes these days. Yes, it sounds hot, but remember, it's not humid, so it won't feel as hot to those of us used to humidity. 95 with no humidity is more like 80 here in the midwest. It should feel like heaven to us who've been dealing with high humidity and rain. Don't forget to pack sunscreen girls! I'll probably just bring casual clothes -- I've been there so much and yes, you CAN dress up but you NEVER have to dress up -- we've gone to shows all dressed up and then been seated next to people wearing ripped t-shirts, shorts and flip flops! I miss the old days where every one dressed up -- it was so much fun! LauraK, happy to hear you had a great date -- sounds promising -- enjoy. Melissa, everyone's given you great advice. I once worked for a guy who owned a printing business - I worked in the office and he and one other guy worked in the back - it was one of my favorite jobs as I look back over my 40 years of working in offices, so hang in there -- it might be something you'll truly enjoy with time. Headed to the gym. CBL. Linda

Quote: Someone said we would never think of moving back to our parents house as adults. I came back for a few weeks when I was 19, but moved out as soon as I could. My mother would have sucked the life out of me if I had lived at home or even in the same town. She wouldn't have meant to do it, but she had expectations. Amen to that Eva, exactly -- my mother would have done the same to me. And, we all couldn't WAIT to get out of h.s. and move the heck out -- I didn't have any friends who stuck around after h.s or college with their parents. I'm back from the gym, showered and ate my fruit/yogurt, kinda halfway watching a game. Just checking in on all of you. Sorry about the lapband cards -- yes you get them from the website -- need the no. from your surgeon's office -- I just assumed all of you had gotten them - they really are quite nice - I'll show you mine next week. I guess cause I live with a man who LOVES buffets (and we also go to Vegas a lot) that's why I use mine so much. Are we bringing any thing with us like before pics or anything? Of course, most of us already have seen each other's pics. It made me think of that cause I put on an old night shirt after my shower that is HUGE on me now but was so tight I couldn't even put it on before surgery -- made me think about how far we've all come. No matter where we are in our journeys, we've all come a long, long way already! Watch out Vegas, Janet's posse is on it's way. Later!

just checking in before I head to the gym. Lori, I hope you're feeling better this a.m. Janet you truly are so fabulous -- truly, you brought tears to my eyes with your posts to Lori!! Whatever would we do without you? Joyce, where are you staying on Thursday night? janet, we were posting at same time. Sorry about the family drama -- I agree with you - what the heck were you supposed to do? God, I can't believe these kids today and the way they want to pull us parents into their dramas - we never did that -- the last thing I ever wanted was for my mom to know any of my business. Geez I just don't get it at all. Sorry sorry sorry. Glad you said no to him moving home I feel bad for the kids -- poor Kaitlin.

Oh my yes, Lori, I think you and I really truly need the Vegas trip -- we missed out on Florida - so please do not cancel - I'd be heartbroken!!

Janet and Lori, I love you both so much - a week from right now we'll be sitting in person talking - can't wait. Janet you are the greatest -- and Lori, please don't be too hard on yourself -- it's been a tough few months for you but Janet is right - you CAN and you WILL do this. We're all in this together. Linda

MOrning all, this will be quick as I'm at work and busy. I am flying to Vegas Thursday and spending night with DS. I don't know for sure what is going on yet - DS is very busy -- he said he's taking 1/2 day off on Friday, but I'm assuming it's afternoon so he can drive me to the resort. I just can't commit to any for sure arrival time yet as it's all contingent on his work and when he can get away. Sorry I can't commit to any specific time as of yet. I'll be there as soon as I can as I'm so anxious to meet everyone! CBL Linda

Hope red is not too much as I've been using it for quite some time. LOL. Jodi, I don't know where you eat in LV, but the most expensive buffet I've ever eaten at in Vegas was the Rio Seafood buffet - and it's around $35 or $40 each. Most of them are reasonably priced -- around $20 for dinner on a week night -- maybe $25 on the weekends. Jodi, I could also get in big trouble in LV -- I lived there when I was single -- I've never ever run into any of them when I've gone (and we go a lot to LV). It would be interesting if that ever happened. Of course, it's now almost been 20 years and who knows if I'd even recognize some of them? I, of course, (lol) look much the same. LOL In my dreams, I'm sure. Sounds like you know what you are doing and I say have FUN while you can. Enjoy yourself. Sounds like you know what you are doing with this guy. You just need to keep your mind set straight. Lori, the M Casino is a little over one year old - it's in Henderson and it's gorgeous (all Asian decor) and has the most wonderful buffet -- if you can ever go there I recommend it. If we had enough cars it'd be fun to go out there but I don't think we'll be able to. The buffet is just amazingly huge and delish. As I said it includes wine, beer, espresso bar, etc. They always have salmon cooked on a wood plank that I love. Laura -- your new plan sounds good -- a new gym sounds interesting - -the factory!! Interesting! Please don't worry about the me post -- isn't that why we are here? To be supportive of you when you need it -- please don't ever worry about unburdening yourself -- that's all part of our "problem" and "recovery" in my opinion. If we had always known how to handle our problems/emotions, etc. we probably would never have turned to food. I feel so guilty that my DS is heavey set -- I know I must have failed him in some way. Although he's a great guy and very successful, I worry, especially while watching Biggest Loser. He calls it "Linesman disease" (cause he played football) and always says "it's hard to be petite".) So, yes he has a good sense of humor about it, but I do wish he'd quit eating fast food. That's part of his problem -- his wife doesn't really cook. Melissa, glad to hear that you're job is going good so far. You sound happy. Joyce, if you're planning a fill, you might want to change your appt. as some people say flying makes them even tighter. I've never noticed it, but it might affect you, especially if you just get a fill the day before. LauraK great going on running 2 miles -- good for you -- soon you'll be running the whole 3K. Just keep working at it -- increase it each day by just a little and you'll soon be running all the time. I'm proud of you. Wish I could run, but every time I try, my new hip gives me trouble, so only walking for me. Good luck on your date -- so happy you're meeting someone new! Julie, so happy to see you posting and happy you had a bit of a better day. Yes, Katie is much better, still on the mend, but has already gained some weight and looks so much better. They are trying to figure out if this bacteria might be what was causing her so many of her other problems the past year. If so that would be great -- and we could thank Mayo for that as well as they are the ones who grew the cultures. Her doctor told her today she can go back to work next month -- she only works part time, so that's a good sign. We've been keeping Aylah on school nights, but I think starting next week she should be able to handle it alone. Aylah has school only Mon. through Thurs. so it's not too bad, but it's plenty to tire me out. LOL. I gotta get home -- worked overtime and this has been sitting here for hours. Busy busy at work. Linda

I love that Aveda mint shampoo too -- I got it at our local casino a couple of times. Really smells good and my hair turned out great with it as well. I went to Water aerobics this a.m. -- yesterday I went to the gym - can't remember if I actually posted that. Trying to get back to my "regular" routine. It's getting so exciting to think that we will all be in Vegas together next week -- it's going to be fantastic, I just can hardly wait. Julie, good to see you post -- sorry for the pain, hope you start feeling better soon - more hugs coming your way. Joyce, sorry about the adult kid drama -- i understand - it's just so hard to deal with - makes my stomach hurt - your DH sounds like he's very supportive of you. I have the impression he is not the father but your kids' step dad -- is that correct? What did you all think of Biggest Loser? I'm glad they made them do a challenge to get in - oh some of those stories were so sad - omg - especially that young man whose mother died and the girl who's 3 year old died of cancer. Made me realize how lucky all of us are. We have our problems but we can at least be thankful that we are now taking good care of ourselves. Re food in Vegas -- I really don't care where or what we eat. But for those of you who've never used your lapband cards, it's very discreet -- no one but you and the cashier know what you're showing them. Once in awhile I get a cashier that will charge me only $3 for a seafood buffet that is normally $20 - they are supposed to charge the over 5 price, but sometimes they make mistakes - and I never realize it until my DH tells me (or I'd probably correct them). And truthfully, I don't eat more than a kid about 10 years old would eat so it's fair. Of course, there have been times when I only ate as much as a 3 year old too (when I was too tight). I don't have a problem with using the card and have never had anyone look at me funny or anything. When I eat in restaurants I usually order regular sized meals cause I can take the food home that I don't eat. As far as packing food to bring to Vegas, I figure we'll need to go to the store after we get there anyway -- for Breakfast items, etc. -- so I'll buy some stuff then -- rather than packing stuff since I'm flying. I always pack our small soft cooler in my suitcase to use to take to the pool so I have that covered. It holds quite a bit. Cheri, hugs on the funeral -- so tough -- I'm really sorry for everyone involved. Such a terrible, terrible tragedy. Arlene, wtg on the exercise! I can't wait to hear your wonderful accent -- I love Texans and especially Texas accents -- as a matter of fact, my dear son was born in Texas (I say that's why he's so tall) and I haven't been back there since we left in 1974 (unfortunately) -- I can't wait to retire so we can spend some time down there. Well, gang, gotta get back to work. Aylah stayed home last night for the first time and it went well. Katie is doing okay so far so I'm keeping fingers crossed.

Hi everyone, Jewel, glad to hear you are feeling better when you eat - -I feel the same way - -like Janet I really don't need the band to tell me when I'm full - I eat the same things over and over so (except on those rare occasions when I do eat other things) and my band with .500 ccs less tells me when I get full quick enough. Don't need it so tight we can't eat our Protein. Glad to hear Jake is going better in school as well. Apples, glad you are back -- glad you have one last weekend at the lake. Looking forward to our trip. Just talked to DH and Aylah is going to stay home tonight with her mom, Katie took her car home. So sounds like things are getting back to normal -- I'm glad cause Biggest Loser starts tonight and I want to watch it UNinterrupted -- with a little one around that just never happens. LOL. Laura, glad you are taking a stand on your voluteer job -- and not letting them push you around - seriously if you had that much time I'm sure you'd be WORKING and making some good money NOT volunteering - I'm sure they will be grateful for whatever hours you can put in. That's one reason I never liked volunteering - you end up doing more and more until it's a full time obligation. Glad to hear the good news about your Dad -- hopefully with time and him starting to get his energy back he'll start to think more positively -- but that's hard I know. I think sometimes we are afraid to Celebrate the good news because we worry we'll cause something bad to happen. Which is ridiculous, but a lot of people do that. Sandy, congrats on your 5K and on ordering your charm -- good for you on both. Arlene, glad you enjoyed your Water aerobics. It's a great work out for those of us with Fibromylgia and other ailments. LOL. I love all food -- but I wanted to comment that in Vegas if we go to a buffet then we have a selection of ALL foods (American, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, sushi, etc. etc.) PLUS they honor our cards by charging us the child's price -- I've used my card for buffets for the two years since my surgery and I always find lots of band friendly food and it's cheap. So I just wanted to throw that out there for all of you. You can also get wine or drinks at all of them as well for an extra charge. Unless you go to the new M casino buffet which is fabulous and includes wine, beer and espresso bar with the buffet -- its a truly fabulous buffet, but out in Henderson unfortunately. My DS turns 38 tomorrow - that's MY baby -- can't believe he's that old. Ugh!! Where has the time gone? CBL hugs to all. Linda

Have you guys seen Drew Carey? OMG he looks fabulous -- he must have lost at least 150 lbs.!! Wonder how he did it. He looks amazing! Linda

Laurak, thanks for the information -- good for me to know for any future problems in this area. It's all new to me, this kind of stuff. Linda

Hi all. Wrote this earlier today and got busy and never got it sent. Katie went back to ER last night - she said she felt like she was having a heart attack and couldn't breathe. They did CAT scan, EKG, and found everything was fine (thank goodness). So didn't sleep well - and then they called at 2:00 a.m. so we could go pick her up. So needless to say, did not exercise this morning. I love having Aylah around, but it's much tougher now than it was when DSS was this age (4) and I was 41!!! Baths every night, homework (honestly), story time (love that though) and then hair every morning (and her hair is really really tough to do -- LOL.) I need to get some extra cash and have it braided - would save me time. Jewell, sorry about Jake's diagnosis. I'm sure with time and the right meds, he will start to feel better soon. I hope so. You sound so stressed out -- just try not to worry constantly -- it will all work out. Hope you can get in to see your surgeon-- I've been much more comfortable since I had the .500 ccs taken out. Janet, the story of you buying Andrew stuff reminds me of my step kids -they know I'm weak and will buy for them so they always ask me . Same with Aylah - I just love to buy her stuff too. Loved hearing the story of how you came to raise him -- sounds like he really needed you -- you are a great Grandma. Arlene, hope you enjoyed your Water aerobics - I really love how I feel afterwards. I didn't get to go to mine this a.m. -- didn't get enough sleep - but will try to go Wednes a.m. Went to gym yesterday and did okay -- I've been sore lately. Phyl, you're trip across country is making me wish my DH and I could buy our motor home and join in on the fun. Our day will come, just not as soon as I'd like. Zoey looks like she's enjoying her new home!! My Merry is doing great with her 3 legs -- unbelieveable really -- she's so sweet. I don't know what you and Earl did before Zoey! Especially Earl. LOL. Melissa, congrats on the job, I knew something better would come along. I'm sure it will work out well - family business or not -- sometimes that can be better -- you just can't judge until you're there awhile. In the meantime, hope you are feeling better too. Did you start work today? LauraK, hope you had a great weekend and are still smoke free. Eva, how many days left? Again, I'm so jealous!! Laura, love all the pics of Nelson and his playdates -- they look so adorable all the time. When your first day of volunteering? Hope it goes well. It's hard being a working mom, but you'll get your routine in place and I think you'll enjoy being back out in the working world again. Hope you get good results today from your Dad's PET scan. Thinking of you and your family. I'm so bummed you aren't coming to Vegas -- we will web cam you though -- so you'll BE there, kinda. Julie, hope you are feeling better -- hope after a few more shots and a little more therapy you'll start to feel some relief. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. Cheri, hope school is better this week - such a terrible tragedy - thinking of you today too. Lori, so happy you didn't have to evacuate. My goodness, one mile is close -- so happy your DH was home with you - and so happy they got it under control befire more homes were lost. We light a facility close to that area so heard about it this morning at work. I loved the Survivor episode last week -- and agree that Wendy had to go. OMG she really drove me insane at the tribal counsel!!! What did all you Big Brother watchers think of Hayden winning? I was okay with that -- except he's so young to get that much money!! Hope he uses it wisely. CBL Linda

Hi everyone. Sorry I've been missing in action a few days -- just busy - had time to read but not write anything. Went to Des Moines Friday -- I was suffering all week with an eye infection -something I've never had before -- my eyes were actually "running" (kinda the same thing as a runny nose) and then were super red all week - my lids were crusting together in the mornings, etc. Katie had to go to an appt Friday afternoon in des Moines so I called my eye doctor and they got me in to see him early Friday afternoon -- so he said it's a bacterial infection and gave me a script for drops -- he said they are "kinda expensive" Holy Cow! They were $105 for a tiny little bottle. Jeez! Anyway, eyes are much better - I will get reimbursed 80% but always takes about 10 days -- that's why I really dislike our prescription plan - have to pay so much up front. I'm on such a tight budget this month. Oh well, glad I prepaid my trip to Vegas. Katie is doing okay -- still doing her infusions at home and we've had Aylah most of the time. Katie's trying to do too much I think and then wonders why she doesn't feel good. So we've had Aylah most of the time lately. Gotta run -- get dinner on the table. Will try to check back later. Linda