ljv52

Hi Everyone Sure will miss Janet, Phyll and Apples -- Hope they have a wonderful time!! New name idea -- FFFF -- Fomerly Fat Friends Forever. Would make for an interesting shirt. Okay Jodi, Here's my attempt at an overview: Laura and family received great news that her Dad's cancer is in remission. Nelson spent some time at an oceanographic park but Laura pulled him out early (after week1) as the counselors didn't pay attention and didn't have him reapply sunscreen or make sure he stayed hydrated. Phyll and DH became new parents to Zoey, a sweetie pie puppy (see pictures on pg. 768). Cheri is so busy tutoriing and working she barely has time to post. Eva just returned from a trip to her family home in Colorado and is looking forward to her retirement this fall. LauraK is still with DD in Nevada but will be returning home soon. She stopped in Des Moines and met me on her way to Nevada. We had a wonderful (albeit too quick dinner together). Her DD's household goods won't be delivered until July 12 or so -- so she is dealing with an empty apt. Lori is pretty well settled in her new home, her DH is working on getting the yard in this weekend - she's had muddy doggies. She had to brave a new hairdresser in SLC and spent last weekend camping with her kids and DH. Today she's in Denver visiting GM. Phyll and Janet are meeting up today with their Lucky 7 group somewhere near Seattle -- a few hours out) where they will spend the long weekend enjoying some cool weather. I finally went dress shopping and got my dress (and lots of other clothes) for my trip to my neice's wedding in Florida which is just 2 weeks away now (I leave the 16th). Jewell is having a good summer but her DS is experiencing some problems with bathroom issues which is worrying her. Julie got insurance approval to go to Mayo and is waiting for an appointment. In the meantime she had her class reunion (she had a great time) and her remodeling is about 95% done - -just waiting to get some finishing touches done. Joyce has been fairly quiet but has had a tough time with the heat and humidity here in the midwest the past few weeks. Arlene's been doing great with her shakes and still losing every week!! Her mom is still recovering from her pneumonia. Haven't heard much from Judy -- she's keeping busy in Florida. All of us missed you and we're still waiting to hear how your weekend with your special weekend guest went????????? We are planning to meet at the Desert Rose Resort in Vegas -- arriving on Fri., Oct. 1 and leaving on Sun. the 3rd (a few are staying in a hotel until Monday the 4th) and we're hoping you'll be able to join us -- the Desert Rose is off the strip about 1/2 block and has 1 and 2 bedroom condos -- they have kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms -- currently we are doing 3 to a two bedroom condo -- so if you can come we'll figure it where you can stay. I think that's about it -- hope I didn't forget anyone/anything - if so please please forgive me - remember I'm one of the most senior members here and I suffer greatly from CRS!! Linda

Howdy everyone, Lori, glad you're hair appt went okay -- you'll find someone -- but I swear that IS one of the worst things about moving -- finding new hair people - when I left Reno I left the person who had done my hair for 15 years. And my DH left his barber of 25 years when we left LA. It's tough to find the right ones. Hope your DD will be okay. Hugs on that. Enjoy your visit with GM tomorrow. Apples, yes you will be missed -- it's never the same when you're gone, but we are happy you get away and have some fun! Yes, try to remember the pictures. Julie, so happy you are going to come to Vegas!!! Can't wait -- we will have a great time!!! Janet and Peaches have a great reunion -- take lots of pics. Okay, I forgot to weigh in the other day on the name for our group -- Let's see Laura mentioned FFG for Former Fat Girls -- maybe change it to Chicks -- FFC. Or FCNM Fat Chicks No More. It would be fun to have tee shirts made. Eva, glad to hear you made it home safe and sound!! Hope you can get some rest. LauraK -- so sorry to hear about the delay on the delivery - what in the heck is taking so darn long? How the heck do they expect someone to live that long without their things? Like Lori, we had to hustle to beat the moving van when we moved here - we arrived Sat. and the moving van was right behind us and started unloading on Sat. night. So I don't understand that at all. Hugs to you and your DD. I hope you can make it to Vegas. I bet we can probably get extra cots or roll away beds if we need them if more want to come. I'd love it if every single person could come. I'll have to see what is going on with my DS and DDIL - but if they are just going to work on Friday then I'll just have them drop me at the airport early and meet everyone for lunch too. Or, if my DS is going to be around to see me maybe we can pick you guys up at the airport and go to the resort. Probably won't know until closer to the time -- he won't know what he'll be able to do -- depends on how busy he is at work. My DIL is relatively new at her job so she'll probably have to be at work. Julie, hope you get your appt. for Mayo soon -- and hope all your problems can be resolved soon!! Your remodeling sounds so nice -- it's also so nice to have everything clean and done -- I have lots of projects I should be doing like that (but don't do them). LOL Arlene, how is your Mom doing? Glad your eye problem wasn't serious. Well, I'll CBL still at work right now. Linda

Hi everyone, Had a busy weekend, just family stuff. So happy both Arlene and Apples will be joining us in Las Vegas in October. Wish everyone could come! Laura, I hope you get a refund on the camp this week. If they open it to children that age, they need to take the time to make sure the kids are being well taken care of. What a lapse of judgment to not make sure the younger kids are applying sun screen and staying hydrated. Sorry to hear your folks are still struggling -- it's a lot to cope with - I agree your mom could use some counseling - just someone to talk to -- just to unburden herself -- would be healthy for her. Lori, glad you enjoyed your camping trip -- and I'm sure you enjoyed being with your kids. I know what you mean about the mountains -- I really miss them -- that's why I loved Reno so much. Janet, Holy cow -- Andrew is lucky you are as cool as you are -- I probably would have killed him.. Glad he was okay and the car was okay and yes, it's a valuable lesson. It reminded me of when I first met my DH and we took his kids to a Disney performance somewhere in Anaheim -- and DH couldn't find the car -- he had parked in a different garage - so we always laugh about it too -- but it wasn't funny at the time!! Quiet on here today too -- Janet had a friend visiting over the weekend I think. LauraK when are you flying home? Hope all is well, let us know CBL. Linda

I went to www.cheapair.com and found the following: Leave Chicago O'Hare Fri., 10/1 America Airlines #1417 at 2:25 p.m. non stop to Vegas -- arriving at 4:10 p.m. Return Oct. 3 Frontier 772 leaves at 8:00 am. connecting to Midwest Air No. 531 in Denver arriving at 3:01. Total $371 with all taxes, charges, etc. All the cheaper flights have you leaving either early on Friday a.m. (like 7:00 a.m. or leaving late afternoon and you wouldn't land in Vegas until 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. That's not a bad price -- except leaving so early on Sunday isn't great. I'm paying that much with all the extra charges they charge -- extra for seats, suitcases, etc. with Allegiant -- but looks like that's the total price you'd pay. Check it out. Instead of leaving so early on Sunday, you might want to check out leaving MOnday am or search the airlines individually. Just call Frontier and ask what later flights they have and what the price difference would be. Here's another I found at www.frontier.com flying and out of Midway -- times are much better, but price higher: Frontier Flt. 053 leave Midway Oct. 1 at 3:39 pm to Denver; leave Denver flt. F9 0773at 6:05 to LV arrive at 6:58 Leave Oct. 3 Frontier Flight 79 0784 at 11:25 a.m. to Demver, Flight F9 0539 from Denver at 3:00 arrive in Midway at 6:17 pm -- much better. Price for that is $483.81 total. Linda

Fantastic news Julie!!! So happy -- yes, Mayo will definitely see you -- I hope soon. Tell them you'll take any appt. any time -- ask them to put you on a list for cancellations. This will soon be over. Joyce, Julie, with my hectic schedule, just laying around the pool sounds lovely -- I may just lay around the pool too and just relax in LV as I've been there so much (also lived there) and have seen it all and shop more than I need -- so I'll keep you all company I'm sure. Arlene, love your positive attitude -- keep it up -- it WILL happen I promise!!! Cheri, you're so busy too -- we women just don't ever stop, do we? I'm going to go check some flights right now. Linda

Hi all, just checking in. Laura and LauraK do hope you can make it. Cheri, if you can't get anyone else to help you I'll check on them for you and then you could just call the airline and book. No problem. I buy everything on line and pay everything on line. I couldn't live anymore without a computer. Would kill me -and TIVO -- I think life would be very miserable without either. LOL Phyll, that Zoey is one cutie pie -- you will probably lose weight -- the puppy stage is tough -- I usually adopt two year olds -- that way they are done chewing and are house trained -but you do miss out on some fun -- you'll get through it -- it's worth it. Saw a very sad story on the news this morning -- just broke my heart -- a beautiful pit bull who the owners said was gentle and never hurt anyone had to be put down because the owners were irresponsible - I guess Des MOines has a city ordinance that any pit bull (and I think some other known to be aggressive breeds) must be on leashes at all times, the owners must carry $100,000 liability insurance and there's a two strike limit -- and the dog was seen for the third time loose in the yard (no leash) so they put her to sleep. The owners are upset cause they say they couldn't afford the insurance. Okay, well, you can afford to put a leash on the dog and if not you shouldn't have a dog to begin with. Oh, it just made me so angry! But it is good that they brought the story to the attention of other pet owners in case they don't know about the law. Gotta run, I'm at work, just checking in. Was at the gym at 5:30 a.m. Linda

I arrive on Thurs. and will spend the night with my DS and DIL. My son can drop me off any time -- I'll probably plan to get to the resort by 1. Laura? LauraK? Jodi? Peaches? Judy? Linda

Yes, we have plenty of time to plan. LOL. Usually at this type of resort, they will hold your luggage if you can't check in early and let you change and go to the pool -- I hate these types of resorts where they make you wait until so late to check in. Linda

Aww darn, wish I wasn't already busy this weekend -- the chicken poop contest is really hard to pass up. LOL. Seriously, I do know what you mean! I booked on line and I think if it works like other resorts, we can request it when we check in - this resort appears to be very strict as it says check in at 4:00 and early check in must be arranged in advance and there will be a charge for it. So. . .if we all get there at different times we can change and hang out at the pool and then all go check in together at 4 and request rooms close together -- that should work I would imagine. Apples, I'll send you a copy of the confirmation -- it's $160 split 3 ways. As far as grocery shopping goes, I thought I could pick up waters or other drink requests, and other refrigerated items like yogurt, milk, etc. I forgot Janet was driving and will have a car -- I'd still be willing to do it except if we can't check in early it may be a problem. Maybe one of us can call after all the reservations are made and see if they'll make an exception since we are all flying in at different times. I'm so excited -- hope everyone can come!! Come on everyone, make reservations!!!! Have fun at the lake Apples. Linda

Fantastic!!!!! What a wonderful DH you have -- thank him for us!!!

I have the room booked and you are more than welcome to stay with Lori and me. I will be flying in on Thursday afternoon and staying at my DS's so if everyone will send me their requests, I'll go to the grocery store and buy what everyone wants/needs for snacks. Getting excited. Can't wait. Linda

Laura sorry about the vertigo issues, I get it too so understand the misery. Julie, sorry about your DM. Hope you get all the issues resolved and you hear from Mayo soon about your own appt. You're important to us too! Apples, hope the pills help your baby -- he and my Merry would be best friends during storms/fire works -- they could hid together and comfort each other -- now THAT would be cute -- her best friend is a large lab -- when she goes to Allison Camp (her doggie sitter who keeps her at her house) she and her lab pair up -- she's got 3 other dogs -- even other dashounds, but still the lab and her are the bestest friends. It's cute. Next time you are anywhere close to here I hope you'll stop in and meet me somewhere. Okay, everyone. I went to make Lori and my reservations at Desert Rose -- must prepay in full at time you make reservations so I want to MAKE SURE we are all in agreement on the dates -- Fri., Oct. 1st, checking out Sun., Oct. 3 and we all do want Desert Rose correct? Also, you need the "guests" name, address, phone nos. when you make the reservation. I'm sure we can add a third person at the time we check in. Not worried about that as the price is the same. CBL Linda

Apples, my little Merry is so afraid of storms too - I give her something called "calming treats for dogs" -- I order them from Drs. Foster and Smith -- they really help. I smear them with peanut butter and she eats them. Your poor baby!

thanks LauraK, me too -- wish we could have spent more time together. I'll pm you my DS's info in the next few days for your daughter to keep for emergencies. Your hair looked great to me! LOl. We are so critical of ourselves, aren't we? Glad you made it to Cheyenne safely. Hope you and Lori can have a good time meeting tomorrow. Cheri, does Allegiant fly out of Chicago? It's about the cheapest to LV -- and usually direct flights. I checked last week and I think tickets were $100 each way for October, a very excellent price. I'll probably leave Thurs. and spend the night with my DS and maybe stay overnight Sunday at their house too. Can't go to Vegas and not see my DS and DDIL. Apples, i do hope you can make it -- won't be the same without you. Gotta get to bed working 8 to 5 next few days as one of my co-workers is on vacation which means 4:30 wake up so I can go to the gym. Ughh! Sleep well everyone! Linda

Lori (Great) and I will have a couch available at Desert Rose also. Linda

Thanks for the compliments everyone. We are super critical of how we look -- You should have heard what I was saying to myself when I was looking at that picture -- lol. I try hard to see only POSITIVES but you know I worry I'm lying to myself - I compare it to -- I think I look pretty darn fabulous for 58 BUT then there are those contestants who try out for American Idol who think they can sing when they can't. So I worry it's the same type of thing. Of course, LauraK is such a "youngin" to stand next to so I had to be especially brave. LOL. More thunder storms -- this is about the 7th day in a row - our grass already needs mowed again and it was just mowed on Sat. Ridiculous. We need a break -- feels like south Florida with all the heat and humidity. About 93 today and 97% humidity. Wne for breakfast? Depends on what time breakfast is. LOL. I'm not a wine drinker -- but I've known some people who drank wine for breakfast - probably not a good habit to start. LOL. Well, I better get back to work. Glad the cement got done Lori. CBL Linda

You are toooo funny Apples. Thanks for the compliment on the hair - I like it much better too. Got up this morning and decided to weigh -- I've been feeling really fat lately -- that pic with LauraK makes me look fat too -- it's just the way the blouse was hanging I think. anyway, low and behold I was down 2 lbs. -- it's like a miracle, just meeting LauraK helped me lose 2 lbs. LOL. Just shows that patience and staying with the program even when the results are slow does really, truly pay off eventually. Gotta run and get to work. CBL Linda

Sooo happy to hear this great news about your Dad - that's fabulous. I'm just so happy to hear that news. Apples, wow, that is a big difference - of course, as we all said you were beautiful before, but can see a big difference.

Here's LauraK and her daughter and me. Had a great visit, but a quick one -- met at Applebee's for a quick bite but since they'd been driving 10 hours today and I had 70 miles each way trip to meet we didn't get to spend too much time together but it was fun. Really enjoyed her daughter -- what a mature young lady - very sweet and smart (just like her mom). And how brave of her to move so far away to begin her new career -- she's an amazing young woman. Can't wait to get together with all the rest of you. Linda

Heard from LauraK right after I posted -- she's safe and sound in Des Moines - I'll be leaving in about 20 mins. to meet up with her at Applebees. We'll behave, I promise!! Those machines sound neat Lori, my gym is brand new and we don't have those. I'll be back with pics to load. CBL. Linda

Thanks for the kudos Joyce and I really will plan a get together before winter. Do you live near Shawnee? Congrats Lori -- wtg on the gym. I still need to get my free consult with a trainer - the only one they have lives out of town and he hasn't been able to work out a time/date when he will come here to meet with me - my work hours aren't convenient for him - I work until 6 - but you'd think he could come on a Sat.? I keep complaining to the gym that I'm supposed to get a free consultation and I'm not about to take off work to get it. It's been 3 months already! Geez! So glad you can get yours in right away -- let me know if you learn something exciting. Apples where are you??????????????? Haven't heard from LauraK - only another hour till I'm supposed to leave to meet her. I'll call her if I don't hear soon. Linda

Joyce don't be jealous, get even -- we need to plan a weekend together -- I have my hs friend in Shawnee and could see her and meet you on same weekend -- after my trip we'll have to try to plan something. Hope Apples checks in soon - with all the storms I worry (I'm such a mother hen). Linda

Excited to meet LauraK tonight -- can't wait to get off and drive up there. LOL. And, I can't wait until October now - I'm having too much excitement -- my trip next month -- and Vegas. I cut the tags off all my new clothes and already packed them for the trip -- no sense putting them in the closet/drawers - all I have to do is add my undies and swim suits and I'm ready to go. Arlene, sorry about the stall, but you'll get it rolling again. You are an inspiration to all of us. I got up at 5:00 and went to the gym -- I was proud of myself cause I was tired and really wanted to stay in bed and not work out but I promised myself over the weekend to try to work out every day until my trip so I did it. I want to look the best I can look when I get to Florida. My dress is sleeveless so I gotta continue to keep my arms in decent shape. Janet, I have to clean out my closet again - most everything is too big again and I need to get rid of it so I don't have to buy more hangers -- you know it's bad when all the closets are full and you run out of hangers. I certainly should not shop any more either. (Until Vegas that it cause I wanna shop at Ann Taylor Loft). Lori, yeah, I used to shop at that outlet mall too at the end of Las Vegas Blvd. -- its a great mall. I'm so happy you are running into some of your former friends and they are welcoming you. Have fun on your camping trip this weekend. Phyll, sorry that dog didn't work out, but I do think you made a good decision -- she might have been okay eventually, but I worry about any dog that has biten in the past. It could be a sign of very bad abuse too. As we said before, the right one will find you. What a wonderful DH Earl is -- I'm impressed!!! Laura, congrats on the 3 lbs. That's fabulous!!!! CBL Linda

Hi again everyone. Just a quick note - OMG I shopped till I dropped. Had a great time -- I am shopping deprived living here in small town USA and then usually when I go to the "city" I have my DH with me and I don't like shopping with him hanging around. Ran into fabulous sales -- I don't know what the occasion was but I got absolute steals on everything I bought (so I bought lots of course). I'm thrilled with my dress for the wedding -- on sale at Younkers from $178 -- with the sale and the coupon for an extra 20% off I only had to pay $39.99 for it. Even DH's mouth dropped open when I showeed him the original tag and then the receipt. It's purple with ruffles all around -- reminds me of the flapper dresses from the 1920s, I got another kind of casual dress at TJ Maxx -- a light weight dress on sale for $22 which I can wear to the rehearsal dinner - also can wear it to work after the wedding. I bought about 6 new tops (lost track), even got shoes and jewelry for the wedding all on sale - the sales were just incredible. Seriously, I spent less month on all the clothes than I thought I'd have to spend just on a dress. So I went a little crazy, but I needed them and I've worked hard so I deserve them! DH didn't seem to mind and it is so much fun to shop. My gf we stayed with is a beautician and she layered my hair -- looks better -- I wish my beautician had suggested it -- it makes a big difference. Maybe if we call Desert Rose Resort we can find out if there's two bedroom units available for Oct. 1 weekend -- the first time I checked there was availability and then like 10 mins. later there wasn't so I'm wondering if the website if maybe screwy or something. I'd love the Monte Carlo - I adore lazy rivers -- sounds great to me. I'll be meeting LauraK and her DD tomorrow so I'll take pics. Can't wait. Joyce congrats on ONEDERLAND - that is terrific and a great accomplishment. Enjoy your moment -- great feeling isn't it? Janet, wtg on the gym - I made it there M, W and F and thought I might go this afternoon but got home too late. Arlene congrats on another 2 llbs. I don't usually eat beef either -- mostly chicken and fish --but I'm eating a little more now than before. How do you find out your resting metabolic rate? Cheri, your garden sounds lovely -- we have had tons of rain -- corn is already much higher than usually is. Should be an early harvest for corn this year. Laura welcome home -- sounds like you and Nelson had a fun day. Hope you can make it to Vegas too. Eva, can't remember when you're leaving but have a fun and safe trip. Lori, congrats on joining the gym. Hope it makes you feel better to know that my gym membership is about $700 for two years and it's very small with no pool and no classes - just basic gym equipment and weights. It's all we have here in my small town (except for an ancient YMCA which has only 1 working treadmill and NO ellipticals -- and it's $240 per year for that but there is an indoor pool but they stopped doing water aerobics except for an afternoon class three days a week. SO it's ridiculous trying to exercise here. Costs an absolute fortune. I'll CBL. Linda

yeah, I can handle the heat in August (lived there 2 years plus was there last year in August), but I won't have any vacation time in August so can't go then. The Oct. 1 date was fine with me. I'm a definite YES for the Oct. 1 date. I thought I hit the quote button but I guess I didn't. LOL. Linda