ljv52

Laura, I'm just getting back from my girl's weekend -- got home earlier and took my DH and kids to dinner for Father's Day. Very excited to get to meet you -- do call me and give me an update tomorrow afternoon so I can plan what time to leave. Have a safe trip, hope the weather is good. See ya tomorrow!!! Linda

Hope Apples is okay - they had like 30 tornadoes in Minn. yesterday. We are having a severe watch right now here as well. I'm sure I'll be heading to the basement fairly shortly. I checked out Desert Rose has 2 bedroom condos 800 square feet -- full kitchen, 2 baths, 1 king bedroom and the other bedroom with a queen bed and a pull out couch in living room - cost would be $419.84 total for both nights -- problem is none are available on Oct. 1 (unless the website is wrong -- we could call and ask) -- the following weekend is available for 2 bedroom condos (Oct. 8). Has anyone made plane reservations? We could even do 3 to a condo so everyone would have their own bed and it would still be only $140 for both nights which is as cheap as the crap hotels (like Tropicana) -- plus we have a kitchen. I'm game for changing dates. Hope everyone has a great day! Linda

Safe travels Laura, sorry to hear your mom is in pain now, but glad you were there to get her to the doctor and get her some meds. As you said, "always something." Another friend and I will head to Cedar Rapids Sat. a.m. -- we will have a girls weekend -- spend it shopping for my dress for the wedding and then spend the night with a friend who moved there about 3 years ago -- unbelievable that it's only a 1-1/2 hour drive and we haven't seen this friend since last August - time just gets away from us -- we're all busy working. Looking forward to finally shopping and getting my dress for my neice's wedding -- just a month and we'll be in Florida visiting. How fast time flies. Linda

JBand, I agree with Great -- I consistently lost 2 lbs. every week -- I was on liquid shakes the two weeks before surgery and again followed all my surgeon's orders for how and what to eat immediately following surgery. Once I was authorized to start exercise, I started to exercise, mostly walking at first and then adding to that with other types of exercise. I lost my weight within 11 months. Good luck, we hope to hear more from you. Linda

Since everyone seems to be looking at single rooms, check out Riveria -- it's at $79 per night -- it's kinda between the strip and downtown area -- says it's newly rennovated -- just thought I'd throw it out there. Tropicana is old but is on strip - that's $71. Also Mandalay Bay has a GREAT pool area it's $160 per night but I've ALWAYS wanted to stay there for that pool - hear it's fabulous - would prefer to share a room if we stay there (Janet I could share with you -- DH still smokes in all our hotel rooms so I can handle smoke if that's your concern but also understand if it's quiet and privacy you are seeking). I'll stay where ever everyone else wants to stay I'm pretty easy -- Most of the casinos have shuttles to other casinos and some to the malls -- there's also that new train or above ground subway transportation on the strip. Laura, hugs on DD issues, but I can meet you any night next week -- no problem for me. Jessica, get out of your funk -- get up and move or come on here and post -- do anything to get your mind occupied and to quit thinking about food -- this is when it's the hardest. Hugs. HOpe the medicine is helping your DS. Lori, hope you get those concrete guys there soon - honestly do ANY contractors show up when they're supposed to? I get so infuriated with things like that. Linda

Kurby I read Lapband Companion -- good infor but you get the same info from here and your surgeon - but I recommend getting all the info before surgery that you can. Hoping Laura posts soon about her DF's results from PET scan. See you all tomororw - I'm beat. Linda

Hi everyone, Apples, have fun this weekend -- you look fabulous and will look fabulous compared to others too!! I'm constantly asking DH and the kids "do I look THAT old" when there's someone identified on tv by age (like on Oprah, etc) who's in their 50s - smart people live with me -- they always say "no". LOL. Well, I think we're as young as we feel which is more important anyway. I don't feel any older than I did at 40, so I can be 40 if I want. Happy Band anniversary Apples and many, many more -- you are such an inspiration to all of us. We love you. Apples, those clothes are gorgeous -- oh my that Bob Mackie is just too beautiful -- beautiful colors too. Love the dress as well -- love them all but those two are my favs. Looking at your 'before" picture is mind boggling -- it's you but it's NOT the YOU I know. Laura, thinking of you and your folks and keeping positive thoughts!!! It's so hard waiting around for news. Hugs. Charlene hope the weigh in went well. Wow, that difference in ring size is incredible. I commend you on staying on the shakes this long -- no way would I have been able to do that -- I did it for 2 weeks before surgery and thought that was a major accomplishment -- you are amazing. How's your mom today? My DH is doing great - I took him Won Ton Soup and egg fu yong for his dinner last night -- when I got home and asked if he was hungry, he said, "oh not really" so I said, "well I bought you Chinese but I can reheat it when you're ready. He literally threw back the covers and kinda jumped out of bed (well as much as you can jump after surgery) -- the poor man was starving -- he hadn't eaten since Tuesday night. LOL, was glad I thought to buy it -- much tastier than campbell's chicken noodle soup and the surgeon had said for him to eat light last night. Lori, thanks for reminding me that you stopped losing short of your original goal -- I had forgotten that. I have tried everything in this 6 month period and nothing has worked - I'm sure eventually I'll lose a few more and if so great but if not I'm happy at this weight -- but it's still surprising to me that I could consistently lose every week and then one week Boom! I just stopped losing completely and then have only lost 3 lbs. in 6 months -- it's interesting that our bodies do things like that, especially with as closely as I follow my calorie intake and exercise as much as I do. It's truly weird. Maybe my metabolism will change eventually - I'll just keep working the program and see what happens. But it made me feel better to remember you had experienced the same situation. Thanks. Your car luck has been awful -- hopefully now that three major things have heppend it's over and you'll have better luck in the future with your cars. Peaches, yes, October 1 trip to Vegas is planned -- hope you can make it. Phyl, any new doggies in your home yet? I agree with Eva -- the right one will find YOU. I hope I'm not repeating a story I've already told, but when we had to put our last dog down, she was just a few months short of 20 years old -- she finally lost control of her bladder and we had no choice -- but up until then she was old, but happy and functioned. Well, DH had his first hip replacement surgery scheduled when she lost her bladder control, so we had to take her in a week or so before his surgery. About 10 days later I came home one night from visiting DH in the hospital and innocently switched on my computer -- and on the Yahoo home page was a pet search which I'd never seen on the home page before - so I thought I'd search to see "what was out there") and low and behold came across my little Merry - who looked like my former dog's twin -- I contacted the shelter immediately (it was about 10:00 p.m. when I sent the e-mail) and they called me right away and said she was available and they would meet me at Pet Smart on Sat. morning. I truly believe that Rusti (former dog) hand picked Merry out for us and sent her to us from heaven. Still gives me a lump in my throat -- still miss my Rusti -- she was one special angel. Saw me and my DS through a lot of hard times. Julie, sounds like you're ready for your busy weekend - have a wonderful time and enjoy yourself!!! Hope you have a few paiin free days to enjoy. Sorry about the tooth -- happy you were able to get right in. Janet, wtg on boot camp again!! I'm impressed -- keep it up!!! I expect you to "show us" bootcamp in Vegas - by the way are we definite on the dates yet? PJ good to hear from you again -- sorry about your ex -- do NOT allow him to make you feel any guilt -- stop that and trust yourself and know that you made the right decision for YOU. He needs to worry about only himself now and allow you to live the life you want and deserve. And he needs to remember that it's only money and it was ALWAYS half yours -- he's not GIVING you anything. Hugs, we love you and support you. Kurby, don't beat yourself up -- you'll do just fine. Try to enjoy your vacation and work on mental preparation -- read all you can -- I even bought a lap band book before surgery and that helped me as well. Anny, welcome to you, congratulations on your losses - hope you'll keep coming back, you're doing GREAT!!!! LauraK still hoping we can make it work out on Monday. Let me know if you book a hotel. Gotta run everyone, I'll CBL -- have a great day!! Linda

Hi everyone, just checking in. DH did fine in his surgery, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. Phyl, that dog looks perfect -- think you should take the plunge -- i don't think you'd regret it. Earl will love it too. Apples, have fun on your weekend trip -- wish I lived closer to get some $5 outfits -- wow! Lori, I may have to go see Marm too - -looks cute. Maybe I'll take GD to it instead of DH. LOL. Julie, glad you checked in -- sounds like you are doing okay. I know what you mean about the work not making you feel worse -- that's what exercise is for me too -- I feel sore if I do it and if I don't -- doesn't make any difference -- pain either way. Well, gang, gotta run - busy here today. I'll try to CBL. Linda

Hi all, Charlene, everything's bigger in Texas -- wow, that may be the largest baby shower I've ever heard of - loads of great presents though I bet -- lucky mommy. How nice you all did that for each other's kids -- that was a very nice pact. Kudos on the compliments -- you deserve it. And Janet's right - you can't have gained 2 pounds -- water weight for sure. Janet, glad you are asking Brook to eat healthy for you - not at all the same thing as criticizing her for her weight - I think it's a good approach - surely she understands (she's a smart girl) that her mom is not eating healthy - she can tell just looking at you and what you eat -- she's figured out you want her to be healthy, not unhealthy like her mom. Good for your DS on losing weight - I bet your happy he did that. Lori, hope you have some better weather this week -- I know what you mean about being cold -- I'm always freezing -- have to have a sweater at work -- heck even the other night we went to the concert in the park and between 8 and 9 I got cold and it had been very hot that day. I seem to always need to carry a jacket with me. And at home forget it -- I'm wearing my winter flannel plus my warm robe have a blanket over me and DH and DSS are in their shorts and tank tops -- it's almost funny but I'm miserable. Eva, like your new hair do and color -- makes you look even younger. Amazing Agave plant! So nice of you to do so much for your sisters -- yum, pulled pork sounds good to me. Kurby, wtg on your food -- you're doing well. Sorry about the mil issues -- I agree with you -- it should be up to you and only you who you tell - and your DH should keep your secret if you don't want certain people to know. Melissa, sorry you're having boss issues -- I've worked with quite a few women, but I've also had nasty male bosses - but overall they are better than the women -- usually much more drama with the women. Just try to keep your cool and do the best you can. It's probably well known in the office that she's a bitch on wheels. Joyce, too funny about throwing away your clothes -- I haven't actually thrown clothes away but I have put them in the closet and never worn them again -- so it's the same thing. Interesting about the profiles. Had a busy weekend. Very rainy and stormy here - got 4 inches of rain Sat. a.m. between 4 and 8 am. -- lots of people had flooding in their basements. We are lucky and had no problems. Since our bedroom is in basement that's a relief. Well, got on the scales today for first time in a month -- was hoping if I quit weighing the weight would magically go down. No such luck, still stuck at the same - I think my body likes this weight - I am still losing inches just not pounds -- I'm not upset -- just thinking I should change my ticker to indicate I'm at goal rather than stressing out about losing another 9 pounds just cause that's the magic number my surgeon came up with. I'm happy with how I look and everyone tells me not to lose any more. DH has surgery tomorrow a.m. -- hernia repair - always something. Laura is this the week you're going to NC? LauraK, are you busy packing for your trip? I do hope to see you next Monday! Phyl, loved your new hair color too - and loved the picture of the dog - too cute -- I love dogs! Julie, hope you're doing okay and hope you get done with all your projects soon! Apples, hope you had a great weekend! Welcome LaGordita! Just follow your doctor's orders and you'll be fine - there's no "normal" with losing weight -- all of us are different and our bodies react differently. Some people lose fast, others more slowly, but the goal is to lose the weight "forever" and never gain it back -- so it doesn't matter how fast or slow you lose, just that you work the program. It's not a competition. Hope you'll stick around and join in -- lots of helpful people here. Well, I'll CBL everyone have a great night! Linda

I have been at my sweet spot since my last fill in January. I'm at 6.5 cc's in my 10 cc band. My fills were done slowly -- after an initial 2.0 cc's my surgeon only gave me about .250 at each fill - I usually needed fills about every 12 to 15 lbs. lost, or about every 6 to 7 weeks. I have great restriction, I've only pb'd twice in the year and a half since surgery.

Lori, that is so funny about DH hanging pictures too high. I'm only 5'2" so my DH thinks everything is so low -- he's about 6'2". Every time we hang stuff he complains about how low it is. I never thought of it being relative to their height - I look at the wall and just know where it should hang. Love the colors you've decided on for the bedroom -- sounds lovely. Welcome Kidle, and no you are never too old to improve your health. But you need to understand it's not a magic cure -- only a tool to assist you in changing your lifestyle and eating habits which will enable you to slowly lose the weight. Congratulations on the surgery date - we'll be thinking of you. Be sure and come back and let us know how you're doing after surgery. Arlene, I agree with Lori, you took a big step in acknowledging your journey. Congratulations on getting to the point where you had the trust and confidence to share. Good for you. You're also a butterfly -- just now coming out of your cocoon. Keep soaring. Joyce, what you said to Arlene is so beautiful -- so wise -- thanks for sharing that, it really struck a chord with me as well. PJ hugs on all that you are going through. Try not to let the stress of your situation rule your life. Try to remember what you've accomplished and that eating doesn't change the situation or make it better - all it usually does is gives you instant gratification followed by huge amounts of guilt and dispair. Don't let your soon to be Ex ruin it all for you. Julie so glad to hear they approved a CT for you -- hope it all goes well today. I know it's hard to delegate -- I'm the same way -- just like the bake sale - do too much and hurt afterward but still I enjoy doing it -- it's hard for other people to understand -- I know cause I'm the same -- it isn't really "work" to us, but just part of who we are and what we do. Hugs on the pain, I hope the CT scan shows something "fixable." Jodi, very nice of Dassi to help you out. She's probably happy you are taking care of yourself. Did you happen to see Jillian's show last night? It was about a woman who's husband died and her kids were worried about her dying as well. It also brought up another important point -- you don't have to do all your workouts in a gym -- you could do some at home -- there's some good walking DVDs and other work out tapes there - heck there's also Wii fitness which has fun games -- you and Dassi could walk the dog or go to a park with the dog -- not all your exercise has to be away at the gym -- it all counts -- so if you want to do an hour every day try to do some WITH Dassi also. Janet, hope you're having fun with the family - sounds like a nice relaxing time -- better than running around spending $$ -- just enjoy time with the family! Laura, love the pic of Nelson's grad on FB -- is the party today? Will CBL. have a great night all! Linda

Thanks for all the nice comments. Aylah is our cutie pie and so sweet. She's brought us so much sunshine into our lives. Arlene, I don't understand why they are being so restrictive. What's up with that? Congrats on the 2 lbs. WTG!!! LauraK, hoping it all works out for us to get together. Cheri, glad the repairs are getting done at school. CBL Linda

Here's the famous swingset and a couple from our Elmo SEsame Street Live day.

Okay, first couple of pics are GD vacuuming the camper before we left - she LOVES vacuuming -- notice the huge smile!! Second is GD's first toasted marshmallow! Last pic is my Merry before she got her haircut (which I'm referring to as a scalping as they shaved her completely down to the skin -- a little too much of a summer cut).

Here's a few pics as promised. First one is DH and me celebrating our b-days together with my chocolate turtle cheesecake (looks kinda plain but has all the goodies inside, it's his favorite dessert in the whole world). Next three are from camping. I'm uploading these at work fro FB so they are kinda small -- if you go to FB you can see bigger and more pics.

Cheri, Congrats on the success of your grant being approved for your school. My friend who died last year used to write grants for schools that was her profession for the past 15 years -- her "retirement" job. She loved it. Hope you get some good and reasonable estimates for your home repairs. My husband is handy in "some" areas but he thinks he's handy in "all" areas. Some things he does well, others not so much. As I've mentioned before, I'm still waiting for some painting to be done that needed done when we moved here in 2004. Arlene, congrats on the bunco win -- I seldom ever win money but still love the game -- we have a good time once a month. I love facials too -- just love how my skin feels afterward. Phyll, I've had great luck with my last two shelter dogs -- both were minature dashound/terrior mixes -- both weighed about 15 pounds. First one lived to be just shy of 20 and my current one is about 12 and going strong. Both are sweet, smart and well behaved - nice lap dogs. I got the second one a fews weeks after we had the first one put down. My DH was never much of a dog person but both these dogs won him over big time. I bet Earl will be the same way -- he'll fall in love, just can't help it with sweet doggies. And Phyll, my co-worker has a Sckipperke and she is a real sweetie pie!! I agree, your Grand-dog is a special girl love looking at those pics of her on FB. Thanks for sharing what Al Roker said -- good for him -- it's about time that message gets out!! Kurby, your trip sounds good, but you're right, Disneyland will be very hot in July -- but this will likely be the last year you'll be suffering in the heat - I have a hard time now always being too cold and the heat doesn't bother me at all - the hotter the better since losing the weight. We love Disney too and used to live in So. Cal. so went a lot then -- can't wait to take DGD when she gets a little older. Train trip will be fun -- we want to do a train trip with our GD. Apples, great picture -- I see nothing wrong with your smile as it is, but happy you're taking care of it if it bothers you. You look beautiful - love that shirt -- very nice color on you. Have a great weekend at the Lake and good luck on that little job on Monday. :thumbup: Janet, wtg on the boot camp -- you rock girl! I'm impressed. Glad you survived -- if you keep going back you'll get even stronger I bet -- good going!! Hope you have a great time with your family this week. Are yo going anywhere are just sticking around your area? No, I didn't need to taste the baked goods -- I've been making all those things yearly for 40 years now, so I know how they taste - what is more tempting to me is tasting something (or someone's cooking) that I've never had before! I'm weird, I know. LOL. LauraK, I'll instant message you my work, cell and home phone numbers. I'd love to meet you if you do make it to Des Moines in the evening. We usually make our first day on a trip the longest one too -- I guess cause you're fresh and feel up to it on the first day of a long journey. Will CBL have a great day everyone! Linda

LauraK, I hope for SURE you will stay in Des Moines on the first night -- please please please -- I can definitely plan to meet you in the evening -- that would be great. Keeping my fingers crossed. Joyce, my DH is like yours -- very happy, loving and a lot of fun! Don't worry too much about your fills -- your doctor is the best judge of your needs -- I've had lots of fills, but very slowly -- and I was never too tight -- but I've been at my sweet spot since January. How can you tell if you are tight enough? It's hard, but if you feel full after eating the appropriate portions and not hungry between meals. I know without a doubt that I don't need another fill. I used to always need a fill after losing about 10 to 15 pounds -- or about every 6 weeks. Hope that helps you a little bit. Welcome Kurby, congrats on the August 12 surgery date!!!Where will you be spending the month of July? Julie, I'm so sorry about your pain situation. I feel so bad for you -- wish I could help in some way. All I can do is offer prayers and positive thoughts. Is your current physician with a pain center? I think Laura has talked about pain centers where the doctors are also anesthesiologists are the best ones -- is yours an anesthesiologist as well? Maybe you could go to a different one. Heck, I would go ahead and make an appt at Mayo cause if you're still in pain in 9 months, you'll still need to see someone -- it's easier to cancel if you don't need it. You need to talk to your insurance company and demand some help from them. It's ridiculous for you to go through this in this day and age. There's no excuse for it. Julie I know how you feel about preparing the wedding food yourself -- I always catered weddings for family/friends but when DS got married I was told "you are NOT going to do anything except attend and be our guest" and they had it catered and it was WONDERFUL. I enjoyed not being exhausted on such an important day -- so my advice is to just enjoy the wedding and not cook. Janet, I've stayed at the Grand Mayan at the Riveria Maya -- none of the others, but I love Playa del Carmen area better than Cancun (too many people). Are you going over Thanksgiving? We've spent several Thanksgivings in Mexico -- love to vacation at that time of year. I've never done an all inclusive -- usually love to out to the local restaurants when we travel, but now with all the problems in Mexico, an all inclusive sounds perfect. I'm jealous too. LOL. Oh, I wonder if the Brazilian restaurant at your all inclusive is a Brazilian bbque -- if so, yum -- they cook meat on these skewers and they bring the ,meat to your talble and slice off what you want - really delish -- they cook with lots of garlic in their meat. Yum. I miss the one we used to go to in Long Beach. Not that I can eat that much, but they had an amazing variety and everything was always so delish. And Janet, I will definitely keep my fingers crossed that I can make Vegas in October!!! I should have enough vacation time for a quick 3 day weekend -- if I can get a decent price on airlines, I'll be there. Looks like you're thinking of October 1 - is that correct? Heck, I can see my DS too!!! Janet, the only outdoorsy stuff I like is getting in and out of pools -- no working outside for me either. LOL. I used to do a lot more outside stuff but haven't in over 20 years -- did more than my share when I was a kid growing up on the farm. Wow, that was some power outage -- we have generators at work -- so no time off for us due to power outages. What caused it? Girls,I hear you on the older men issues. I never liked older men - that's why I robbed the cradle with my DH. Younger is better (except when you want to retire and can't). LOL, but he's worth it. LOL. I remember dating some older guys and frankly they just weren't for me if they were more than two years older than me. Always did like em young!! I guess that makes me an "official" cougar. LOL. But seriously, I thought I'd never meet anyone when just one day I met my current DH -- it was so sudden and weird truly-- I certainly wasn't looking. In fact I had pretty much decided I enjoyed being alone and then BAM, I met him and the rest was history - really quick - we moved in with each other within 6 months and I had to relocate from NV to So. Cal. to make that happen or it probably would have been sooner! I had to quit a job and just move -- I arrived on a Thurs. night, went to a temp agency Friday and started working Monday. That was 18 years ago this year. How time flies! Jodi, hope your new sleep study goes well. I was lucky and got rid of my machine after the first 40 pounds, but my sleep apnea was not very severe -- she said it was a 5 with the worst being a 12 and I was borderline not even needing it at my heaviest. So if you still need it, don't be too disheartened, these things can take longer sometimes. Wow, that bat mitzvah will be very interesting -- hopefully everyone will decide to behave and get along. Sorry about your dog issues -- very sad, hope you can work it out. It an be so expensive, I know, but it's hard cause they are family, Phyll, sorry to hear about your problem -- how long will they leave the saline out? Just curious. As Jodi said, now's the time to prove you've been doing all; the work -- just keep up with your exercise routine and I'm sure you'll do fine. Also curious -- does it really feel different when you eat? WTG on the 2 pounds!! Hope your weather is better -- we've been getting the rain for the past 3 days too. Gosh, I spent 12 hours baking on Sat. and 12 hours on Sunday -- lots of labor intensive baked goods, but it is for today's sale and next week's as well. We have seperate buildings we're doing our sale in -- so I froze half of what I made for next week so i won't have to bake at all this weekend. Pretty tired, but we made lots of money at the sale today. You're like me and the places you've lived -- here's mine: OH, MN, TX, AK, OH, NV, CA and IA. You've done more than me but I agree with you, I've always very much enjoyed the different local cultures. Jessica, your DS is so adorable -- very cute. Loved the butterfly - very nice. Lori, happy belated band anniversary!! You'll get back on track, don't stress over it too much -- you'll do just fine. Sorry about your dog too - hopefully she too will get herself back on track -- poor thing,she must be very upset about moving. Dogs are so sensitive to change. Unbelievable that your house came with a finished basement -- that's amazing, especially in this day and age. Wow. Nice to ran into an old friend -- that's amazing when you think about it. I wonder if I went back to Reno if I'd run into anyone I knew. Wow that app on the I touch sounds great - easy to track as you can carry it everywhere with you. Joyce, re nicknames -- my family has always had tons of nicknames -- my kids all call me Lala too (partly from living in LA and also cause my initials used to be LA before I married my current DH) so when my GD came along we settled on "Uma" - because of the noise I make when I give her kisses -- it's a great nickname -- makes me feel less old. LOL. Apples, I can't believe you had extractions without any novacaine! How in the world did you manage? I have a high pain tolerance but not for my teeth - there's no way I could handle that. Way too much!! I'm impressed. Julie so sorry to hear about your friend, but gee, good thing that accident happened afterall -- now they can take care of those aneurysms hopefully before any ruptures occur. DH's father died of that and we've read information that indicates they believe people are born with them. I hope it all goes well for her. Eva, where in Ohio are you going? I'm from there originally -- Youngstown area. Charlene, good going on getting prepared for hurricane season. My sister lives in St. Pete, FL and ever since she bought a generator, portable ac and a few other expensive items for hurricane seasons, they haven't had any more hurricanes. When she wasn't as well prepared they had a lot more hurricanes. Hope that strategy works for you in Texas too. You're doing an amazing job with those shakes - I don't think I could do it -- I like chewing too much. Great job on the exercise. Judy, thanks for the advice on the dog peeing. Thanks for sharing that -- I've had dogs all my life and had a few who would pee indoors occasionally. My former dog used to "punish" us by pooping in the house occasionally - if we left her and she was unhapy about it she would go right in the middle of the living room -- a prize for us to find when we returned home. WTG on the scale going Down!! Hooray -- good job! Laura, great plan to not allow yourself computer time without exercise time!! I have only been getting 3 or 4 days of exercise a week the past few weeks, life has been too busy. I know I can't continue to exercise every day for the rest of my life, but honestly, I feel so much better when I do. As long as I don't gain any weight, I'll be happy,. What a great idea those handprint kits are - I have to admit I teared up pretty good reading that poem -- trusts me, you really do not remember these things -- so all the memories you can preserve you should -- wish I had more "things" to look at and touch from when my DS was a boy. All I have are some pics and some Mother's Day cards -- not much more. Very sad. In my opinion, you should make/keep rooms of "stuff". LOL. I've been reading and responding to these posts for two days so please ignore if I've repeated myself. I hope to download some pics tonight or tomororw night. Just wanted to say hi to you all and let you know I'm here, lurking. Linda

Joyce, great website -- really enjoyed all the pics -- I love the special olympics -- I volunteered here in April for them -- really enjoy seeing the kids participate. Your DH is very cute -- looks like he's a lot of fun!! Thanks for sharing. Linda

LauraK, I know what you mean, just let me know and if it's possible, would love to meet you somewhere either on your way or your way back -- are you driving back too? Linda

I forgot to mention my poor Merry (dog) DH took her to the groomer Tues. and had them do a "summer" cut -- they shaved her really close -- too close they never did it that way before - must be someone new or inexperienced -- I'll have to do before and after pics -- poor thing, she's probably going to be cold with the air on. Linda

Hi everyone! Got back Monday evening and by the time we got everything unpacked and put away, it was after 9:00 and I was exhausted. Been busy catching up at work all week so no time to write anything, have been busy catching up reading all of your posts all week. Whew, you guys were busy and I finally caught up today. Phill, hope your DS is doing okay, it's tough with him being so far away. I hope he will start taking better care of himself. Lori, hope your DD is doing okay as well. I always heard gallbladder problems as "fair, fat and forty" -- it's funny how there are several different versions out there. I was fortunate that I never have had any problems with mine - knocking on wood right now Had a great time on our camping trip. DGD announced last night "we are going camping again next week"! Sadly, she is wrong. LOL DH and I did make a major life's decision while camping -- I really liked the camper -- much more than I thought I would. So, when we can retire which may be as long as 8 years from now (cause I married a younger man who then became disabled so I have to work to keep health insurance until he's older), we have decided to sell everything and get a motor home and just go. I can't wait -- I'd love to do it now -- I'm so tired of "stuff" and working and would love to be "free" as a bird to do what I want. It only took about 30 mins. to completely clean the camper -- that's the life for me!! I did have a s'more one night but made another one our last night but after two bites, tossed it -- just too sweet tasting for me. That was new for me! It was great and I have pics which I downloaded at home and will try to post some here and on FB this weekend. Have a busy weekend lined up -- I'm on the Relay for Life team at work and we are having two back to back bakesales -- one this Monday for my office and one the following Monday for our other office a few blocks away. Have only about 12 bakers to make goodies for about 500 people to buy, so need to make a lot. Am making walnut horns, pecan tassies, several cute cookie pops (google Taste of Home Cookie Pops -- I'm making the ones that are chocolate dipped and the chocolate chip ones with icing hair and faces -- too cute). I also found a "low fat oatmeal" cookie recipe to try. I'm also going to make several flavors of rice krispie bars which are pretty low in fat too -- we always try to have a few "healthy" choices as well as others. So needless to say I'll be busy baking this weekend and next. I shopped last night to get all the ingredients and the bags, plates, ribbons, etc. for my stuff. Then I went home and printed labels for everything. So much work, but for a good cause so I don't mind. Only other thing I have to do for Relay for Life is walk on July 9. Have been so tired since getting home - so I didn't get exercise in until this morning. I did go to the gym twice while camping. I was just getting over a cold when we left and think I needed to rest up and get over it and rest up -- didn't sleep great on the trip -- bed wasn't very good really. The weather was perfect - Our last night (Sun..) we got some late thunder and lightning but it never rained -- in the 80s and gorgeous all weekend. Couldn't have been more perfect. DGD rode her bike, we played badmitten, swam in the lake, read books, played some cards, all of it was just heaven!!! We never turned on the tv and I don't have a lap top, so had no idea what was going on in the world -- even that was a nice change Welcome to the newbies - MLW, keep following doctor's orders -- you're doing great -- just stay positive. You'll get lots of support here from everyone -- we will all jump in and offer suggestions, lend an ear or whatever you need. Just keep coming back and posting. Crsti41, hope your surgery went well, hope we hear from you soon. Laura, hope the grad party goes well -- cakes sound cute, Nelson will love having his friends over. Hope your Dad starts to feel better soon - I think once the PET scan is over it may help -- I think it would be natural to be a little down and depressed until after that. I know it would affect me that way if it were me LauraK, when do you leave for your trip? We'll have to see if we can get together as you drive thorugh Iowa. And Joyce, I still have to see about getting down your way some time this summer or fall -- probably later rather than earlier, but for sure sometime this year! Cheri, congrats on the ten years -- yeah, i never got presents from work that I liked either -- I used to always feel the same way -- would have much rather had cash as I always needed money, especially when I was a single mother -- seems silly to get a present like that -- so old fashioned really. Your pics -- wow -- you look fantastic!!! So glad to finally see a good picture of you. It's amazing how different we look!! Lori and Apples, congrats on the two year band anniversary!!! Now that the move is over, Lori you'll get back on track - you've had so much on your plate, now you need to take time for YOURSELF. Don't stress over it, you'll do it. Oh, I laughed at that neighbor -- what a welcome to the neighborhood -- I'm amazed at what comes out of people's mouths sometimes -- what was she thinking? Just like a new girl at work - she was hired to work 2 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. shift (it's a call center that is staffed 24/7) -- her first day she said to me, "I hate working nights, I really want to work days, do you think I'll be able to go to days soon?" I said, "Well, you have to wait for someone to leave or wait until we get busy enough to add a new person to the day shift. But why oh why did she even take the job? She's been here 2 months and she's complaining constantly. Sometimes people just speak without thinking. I don't really like to be around people a lot - I have friends but not people I talk to or see all the time -- I just don't like that - I like my alone time - even my DH is too much company some times -- I was used to being single for so many years. And since all I do all day is talk on the phone, the last thing I want to do when I'm at home is talk on the phone. Judy, congrats on the part -- what play are you doing and what part is it? Sounds like fun. I don't have any constipation issues - I eat fruit every day and I take just a simple stool softener every day - have never had any problems. Hope that issue has cleared up for you. Janet, hope the estate issues are over soon -- what a sister! My brother caused problems after mom died, and just a few months ago my DS and him started talking again -- it was 7 years -- so silly -- my mom had everything spelled out -- my brother just wanted to be greedy and didn't "understand" why my sister shoud be paid for taking care of the estate - I was appalled at his attitude and told him "it's a lot of work" and she's the only one in that area to handle it - he lives in Ohio and I lived in Ca at the time -- just greed over a few thousand dollars. But I'm glad they finally made up -- it was tough being the neutral one. Gosh, I think we all had ribs over the weekend -- we had some camping as well. I couldn't even eat a whole one first night but then the next night I reheated leftovers and could eat 2!! That's the first time I'd had them in 1-1/2 years and boy, they tasted mighty good!! I love pork, but haven't had any since surgery -- I eat mostly chicken breast and fish and only occasionally eat beef. Eva, Sounds like you had a good holiday weekend. Hope you can retire soon - I'm so jealous - would love to be free now, but must wait. Jodi, Fire Island sounds very lovely and it's nice you and Dassi have that privacy - I couldn't handle that many people in a small house - I would truly go crazy! Julie, hope you have a safe trip home and we hear from you soon. Hope your trip was pain free as well. Meredith, so good to hear from you and congrats on your success!!! Arlene, hang in there with the heat and humidity and FM issues -- we had storms here this week and I was miserable too. But you're doing so great with your new program - so proud of you!! The weight will come off - but the less we need to lose the slower it becomes. I'll post some more later with some pics hopefully. CBL. Love you all, Linda

Jessica, the butterfly sounds absolutely perfect -- where will you place it? That can be your 50 lbs weight loss reward!! Good for you! Jodi, Your losing fluid in your band can be many things I've heard -- I'm sure your surgeon will keep his eye on it. It could simply be that they didn't put as much in as they thought last time or somthing similar -- if they aren't too worried I wouldn't worry -- for sure you didn't puncture it with food of any kind -- don't worry about that. Have fun at the island this weekend. Linda

Lori, I can't believe I forgot to mention that hail storm!! Wow, saw it on the Weather Channel at work yesterday -- never saw anything like that -- really wild. Sorry about your car and house damage - hope it all works out okay for you. So much stress - hope you are taking deep breaths and finding time to relax with your DH. Linda

Apples, OMG, glad you didn't have heart failure when that mouse jumped out -- I probably would have. Sorry the dog made a mess, but at least you know the mouse is history!! Have a good weekend at the Lake. Janet, sorry for your day yesterday - too much crap at one time -- I don't know how you deal with it all by yourself. You are one strong lady, I hope everything works out for the best with all your stuff -- renters, ranch, work, etc. Wow, lots on that plate. Jodi, proud of you for getting your food cooked on Sunday - that's what I like to do -- especially since I get home so late at night and I'm starving by then. Much easier to have food made and reheat. Sounds like you are doing a good job of teaching Dassi how to eat correctly - wtg! Have fun on your date and don't forget that we get a full report afterward!!! Laura, glad you will be going up for the PET scan -- so nice of your DH to want to go - he is a keeper. Your mom and dad will love the support too. Have a fun, safe and relaxing weekend. PJ, you will make that goal -- I also have a neice is getting married in July -- I can't wait to buy a dress for the wedding - I feel like it's my "reveal" lol. I'm stuck at this weight but losing inches -- I'm pretty much done, but would like to lose a few more "insurance" pounds -- would like to be under 140. But everyone says I look fine. Biggest loser -- I never cared much for MIke, but he did look great, but I wonder if he'll keep it off (hope so). I loved, loved Darrius and yes, wasn't his new girlfriend just gorgeous? The one who amazed me the most was Melissa -- she really looked beautiful (although I never liked her either). Of course Sunshine and O'Neal were also favorites of mine -- and wow both of them were just great -- O'Neal very handsome I thought and Sunshine really beautiful. I also favored the Tongans (my son had lots of Tongan friends in Reno so I'm partial to them always - they are tremendous people). Sheri is the older lady who looked good I think or are you talking about Darrius mom? Both looked good. My friend came over to watch it with me and I was shocked at how much Darrius mom weighed (cause she looked so tiny) but she weighed 151 I think- I said, wow, I'm smaller than her (cause yes, I don't see that in the mirror of course). LOL. My friend and step son both said, "yes you are" LOL. Love that! Darrell was the older man with the hairy upper arms (yuck) who almost won the at home prize -- he looked amazing too (except for that hair on his arm.) Overall, it was an amazing year. Yes, I'll tune in for Jillian's show, not sure i'll like it though if she constantly screams at people -- hopefully she won't. Now, for Amerian Idol, I was for Crystal (she's from Ohio so I HAD to be for her since I'm originally from Ohio and we are loyal.) I truly thought she did much better performances and has a truly beautiful voice but she's different and I figured she wouldn't win, but she will do well I know. I also loved the young girl who screamed a lot (Shebone) and I think Katie and Big MIke will have good careers too. Lee was okay but very cute so I see why he won. I just didn't want that Casey to win -- so I'm happy. I cried at Simon leaving too and Apples, I was so worried they were going to announce Paula's return -- I was glad they didn't cause I frankly can't stand her on that show. She drove me insane the last few years. I will truly miss Simon - really a big fan of his and always have been (I always agreed with him every year). I don't think it will be nearly as good without him I like Piers (the British judge from America's Got Talent and would love for him to take Simon's place). We'll see -- we defintely need someone Simon-ish to take his place. I like Randy and Ellen but Kara kind of bugs me too - she's a little too "full of herself" in MHO. LOL. I watch Survivor and Amazing Race -- don't watch the others (no time), but I love reality tv too. Well, I'm ready to go tonight -- grocery store after work last night then went home and made macaroni salad, broccoli salad, baked beans, rice casserole (for kids who won't eat the salads and beans), cut up watermelon, cleaned and cut up strawberries. Finished packing all the other food in tub. Packed my clothes, etc. Made lists for DH of what not to forget in fridge and freezer. I'm very organized too -- I'll come to CA with Apples and Laura to help Janet. So leaving work tonight and heading straight to campground -- no work for 4 days!! Who hoo! I don't think I mentioned that my new gym (a chain that has gyms all across the country that I can use whenever I go anywhere -- "Anytime Fitness") has one near the campground and so I can go work out and then use their showers and get all clean every day (that should keep me going to the gym every day). I'll only have to drive about 4 miles to get to that gym. Everyone, have a fun and safe weekend. No time to respond to all your posts - but I'll be thinking of all of you and hoping you are enjoying great weather, friends, family and getting some rest. Talk to you all Tues. I plan on taking lots of pictures, so will bore you with those next week. Love, Linda

Congrats Arlene, wtg!! You are doing so great -- very proud of you. Apples, glad you are getting your teeth done -- like I've said if you can and are willing to sit through all the work, I give you credit. I really wish my smile were whiter, but after smoking over 30 years and drinking coffee, must settle for what I have now that I have so many crowns, can't be whitened without it costing a whole lot of money. PJ, sorry to hear of your problems. That's very tough -- long marriage -- it's a difficult adjustment. We are here for you and love you so let us know how we can help. Lori, how's the move going? Thinking of you. CBL Linda