ljv52

Good morning everyone. Laura, glad to hear from you, sorry the consult didn't go better. Glad Nelson is doing okay and he truly will be fine, although I'm sure he misses you and wishes you'd come home. That's just a kid thing. Glad his daddy was there for him, that was nice for such a busy guy. Janet, I forgot to send hugs your way on your home invasion - that was terrible but so glad you and GS are okay, how scary. Apples, we live exactly 65 miles south of Des Moines -- loads of people commute there every day from our little town, however, it is a 4 lane highway. That job sounds perfect except for the commute -- too bad you couldn't work from home half the time or something. Julie, glad you are safely back home and had a good time with your family. Arlene, I've had fibromylgia for over 10 years and I had thought it was better since losing the weight -- wrong -- since the weather turned cold I've been suffering. Need to get back to the doctor as I took myself off pain meds since I'd been feeling so great. Hope you get some relief and sorry to hear you are suffering with this. Lori, hope you made them all jealous. Hugs on your sister and mom issues, I know what it's like to have a difficult mom. I could never please my mom -- no matter what she constantly made me feel like I was a failure even though I knew I was not. I used to cry every time I hung up the phone with her. Like Janet said, I still wish she was around and I miss her but I sure don't miss the way she made me feel. Our relationships with mothers/sisters is so complicated. I'm sure you won't be like your mom with your kids -- I know I make darn sure I'm the opposite with my son and my step kids. If anything, I'm way too easy on all of them. Weather has been horrible -- seems like most of the country is experiencing rain/cold/snow. Globally, congrats on the weight loss, hope you'll keep coming here for encouragement - it helps. Oneday, hope all is well with you and your family. We've had our DGD a lot lately -- her mom has been in and out of the hospital over the past 3 weeks with kidney infection and complications from her juvenile diabetes. She needs to take better care of herself, especially now that she has a little one that relies on her. It's been frustrating cause she started a new job and is missing so much work. We are just keeping our fingers crossed they don't fire her or lay her off for missing so much. So far they have been understanding, but it's a constant worry. Had to have work on our van yesterday -- ended up with a $1200 bill -- ugh -- DH said it was all necessary, but geez, I'd rather go shopping. Phyll, if you can walk the hills of San Fran, you are doing amazing!! Wow, I'm impressed. Okay, gotta go do my walking tape, hope everyone has a great day and happy Friday! Linda

Good morning everyone. Laura, thinking of you and sending love, hugs and prayers your way. Glad you were able to leave right away, as everyone said, Nelson will be just fine. You need to be there with your mom. I went through this with my mom 6 years ago so I know exactly how tough it is. Welcome to all the newbies and please take all the advice these lovely ladies have been telling you. I listened to them and I can vouch that it works. I especially agree with journalling your food, it really helps to keep you accountable. If you've never done it before, you'll be amazed at how quickly calories add up. Apples, you got such wonderful deals, but then again, you do so much for so many people, if anyone deserves great deals, it's you. Hope your doggie gets better. I love animals too - my long haired doxie/terrier mix (shelter dog) is my little baby. She's 11 now. My last dog who was also a shelter dog and lived to be just a few months shy of 20 years old. Lori, glad your surgery went well and you are doing so great -- knew you would. You're like me, you want to do "normal" things too soon -- try to take it a little easy. Phyll, my DH wants a motor home so badly, but someone's gotta work (me). He's been disabled for 12 years and can't wait until I retire so we can buy a motor home and hit the road. Since he's 4 years younger than me, it's going to be awhile. Stay safe in your travels. Meredith, haven't seen you mention how the exercise classes are going -- are you enjoying them? I know you've been sick recently and hope you're 100% better today. I also grew up on a farm - we had huge gardens, milk cow (my grandma even churned butter until I was almost a teenager) and butchered our own beef. It was a wonderful way to grow up. Lots of work, but taught all of us that hard work is good for you. But was part of the reason I think we all focus so much on food -- we all worked so hard we could eat huge amounts of food and not have to worry about getting fat. Problem was, I still wanted to eat that way when I grew up but I had left the farm behind and spent all day at work behind a desk. Janet, I'm like you, I still miss some of the food -- but again, like you, not worth it. I have really changed my focus - instead of the food being the center of attention, I turn the focus to the people I'm with, it's worked so far. Joanne, glad you are back safe and sound. Great pics -- baby is so beautiful. To everyone else -- thinking of all of you, just gotta run right now, it's my exercise time. CBL. Linda

Laura, I'm sending you hugs, kisses and love to you and your family. I am so very sorry. Please know that I will be thinking of you and your family and sending positive thoughts every time I think of all of you. Linda

Hi everyone, just a quick hello. I don't have any time any more to get on the computer and I miss my daily dose from all of you. I am thinking of all of you, and I try to sneak a few peeks occasionally to read, but never seem to have time to post. So, I'm posting without reading. Just wanted to say hi, i'm doing great, just busy. Had company two weekends in a row and every night I just seem to run out of time before I'm falling asleep. Sorry I've been gone so long. Janet, so sorry to hear about your aunt. Great, hope the surgery went well -- you'll be up and around before you know it. Hope everyone else is fine, I promise I'll write more soon and catch up on all your news this weekend - I have no visitors for this weekend, so I should be able to catch up. Hugs to you all. Linda

Hi everyone, Julie, so sorry to hear you are still in so much pain. Will be keeping you in my thoughts. Hope you can find some relief from someone soon. Apples, sorry to hear about your friend. I used to do lots of cross stitch -- he must have had really good eyes to still be doing it in his 70s. Bless his heart. Great, hope the snow melts as soon as it falls - wow, seems early for snow, even in Colorado. Our leaves are all changing quickly though -- i'm not ready for it yet -- there wasn't much summer -- seems too early. It's my DS's b-day -- he turned 37 - wow, does that make me sound old. LOL. Charlene, thanks for the heads up on Dr. Davis being on the Doctors - I'll have to tape it for that day. Hope you figure out what's happening with your stomach ache. Like Apples, I also was diagnosed with FM years ago and since weight loss, don't have nearly the symtoms I had before. Laura, what is the news on your dad? Was thinking about that today. Janet thanks for your note, it means a lot. CBL Linda

Yes, Cheri, you are right about the fat pad disappearing as we lose weight and exercise, but truly, with this last fill, there has been a huge difference. Before, I would feel tighter restriction for a few days but gradually I would again have to rely more on my willpower. With my last fill, it's been 3 weeks and I have restriction like never before and it seems to be sticking around this time. Well, finally I lost -- this morning I was rewarded with two pounds. That's the first loss since 9/1!! Wow, it sure gets harder to lose as we get closer and closer to goal. But I'm blessed because I've done better than I ever dreamed possible before my band. I still lost 5 pounds in the past month and that's truly a great accomplishment compared to my past behavior. That Wii video was hysterical -- I have a problem with the soccer -- I want to "dodge" all the balls coming at me rather than hitting them. LOL. The step on Wii is very simple and easy -- but it does get boring pretty fast -- even the more advanced one - then they just have a free range one where you can just step up and down without any type of dance moves -- that would be a good one for Phyll to strengthen her knee. My new schedule is great -- but still getting used to it. Gotta get busy and get my exercise in this morning. Have a great day everyone!!!:biggrin: Linda

Hi everyone, just checking in from work, so this will be short. Phyll, that bear sign was great - very funny. I thought it was real too, until the end. Laura, I wanted to thank you for talking about the pain management/anesthesiologists as I need to get some help for my pain as well. I checked and there's about 4 drs. in Des Moines I can go to. The one I went to previously who didn't do much for me was ONLY pain management -- so thanks for that advice. I'm going to make an appt. as soon as possible. I have constant back pain and then about 2 years ago started with hip pain which hasn't decreased at all since I've lost weight, in fact, it's getting worse, not better. I went to an ortho doctor about 2 years ago to get it checked out and he wouldn't even do an x-ray - he said and I quote, "you are obese -- lose some weight and your hip will feel better." Gee, and for that I was charged $150 for an "office visit". Anyway, not complaining, just glad that no one will ever be able to brush me off like that again. Julie, I do hope you can get some relief soon. By the way, I haven't had a chance to write to Oprah/Ellen but I will get to it, hopefully this week. We're having a new issue with my 20 yr. old step son. He moved to Oregon last year to try to get to know his mom. Well, he called last night and said she is always "using" and also drinks and she gets out of control and kicked him out of her apt. and won't let him even store his insulin there. She just refuses to grow up and get help - the poor kid. There's so much more for him there than we have here. He has a good job but doesn't have enough to get his own place. So, we'll probably send $$$ so he can rent a place. Honestly, if it's not one thing it's the other. My DS is coming for a couple of days. He has a meeting at the corp. office here so will be stopping off for a couple home cooked meals. I miss him so much, so will be glad to see him. I hope the scale moves this week -- it's been stuck for so long. Weigh in day is tomorrow, so I'm looking forward/dreading it at same time. Welcome Bandalouisiana and congrats on your weight loss and your ability to keep it off without restriction. I just recently got to my sweet spot -- even though I was getting fills every 6 weeks, it still took 8 months to finally get to my sweet spot -- although I too was losing regularly, when I went in for my fills each 6 weeks, I let my surgeon know that I was losing weight because I was "dieting" and not because I had restriction. Based on that he gave me fills about every 6 weeks until I finally just last month found my sweet spot. So, hopefully you'll find your restriction a little quicker than I did. I can tell you it's much easier now that I have restriction -- I finally feel like I have a tool to use at last. Well, gotta run, hope everyone has a great day. TTYAL. Linda

Naw, congratulations on your surgery! I didn't realize your surgery was this week. Your tummy will be swollen for a little while, I can't remember how long, but you can take some Gax X strips and see if that helps your bloating. This too shall pass!! Take care! Linda

Laura, sorry to hear your dad is sick again and back in hospital. Will be keeping him and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Nelson is sooooo photogenic - great pic -- looks like a poster pic - so cute. On my way to gym. CBL Linda

Hi everyone. Sorry I've been absent awhile too -- just been busy. Had my work transition -- had to work last week some extra days so ended up only have this past Sunday off and then worked this week my new day shift. Sunday we had Aylah and took her to the zoo, so I just haven't had much time -- I was reading the posts, but then wouldn't have time to write anything or even get all caught up on reading them in one day. My new schedule is good, but it's kicking my butt a little switching from nights to days. I've been getting up at 5:00 a.m. to get my workouts in -- as I'm way too tired when I get off at 6:00 to work out. So not much time -- I'm getting to bed by 10 every night -- will have more time on weekends to do computer things (gotta do Farmville first you know -- LOL). So busy at work never have time to log in and do much there either as this is our super busy time at work. Great, hope you have a great time watching the elk porn. I bet it's fun. Janet, my "girls" are not where you say they should be -- I need better bras I guess -- they are still way too far south. I agree with all you said about the skin - better to have the sags and flaps than that fat -- but it is depressing to look at - so we should all just quit looking at ourselves naked. I had a fill two weeks ago and FINALLY have restriction -- honestly, I never had restriction before - this is the first time -- took 8 months -- but I can finally only eat the amounts we are supposed to be able to and no more. I think those of you who are going to the surgeons who fill you with fluro are going to have an easier time getting to your sweet spot -- honestly, before now I would have slight restriction for a day or two after my fills but then it would disappear and I'd be able to eat whatever I wanted. I'm so happy to finally be able to rely more on my tool. Unfortunately I'm stalled -- I think I've only lost 3 lbs. since I returned from my trip and it's been almost a month -- I'll probably drop a few pounds this next week -- but I'm sure losing slower than I was before. It could also be because I stopped taking my Water pill -- my doctor said I don't need them any more so I think maybe my body is adjusting to that as well. My rings don't seem as loose as they were before I stopped taking the pill -- still loose, just not as loose. We had DGD overnight last night -- DD was sick -- she was a little angel -- she fell asleep on the couch about 9:30 last nght and we just sat and watched her sleep for awhile before we went to bed - GKs are such little miracles - just so special. Laura, hugs on your med problems - I know I told you before i had same problems -- Laura K. and I sound like twins in that regard. Welcome to you Laura K and all the other newbies, glad you are all joining us - this is the "best ever" support group. Apples, glad you're feeling better - sounds like the same virus my DD has -- she's been attached to the toilet as well. I sure don't want to get it. Our fall weather has been incredible -- sunny, warm days and cool nights -- just perfect fall weather. Janet, good going on passing up your Mexican meal -- I hope I have that much will power two years out - keep up the good work. Meredith -- your exercise classes sound great -- it's so nice you can do them during your hectic day -- AND get credit for them towards graduation. Great -- what color theme for the wedding? Did you DD find a dress yet? Julie, sorry to hear how sick Mimi was - glad she's getting better too. Doodles -- glad your DD is home and I'll keep her and you in my thoughts -- and hope all continues to go well. Well, gotta run and eat - DH is bbqing chicken breast for me -- he does a great job with that - always nice and moist. CBL -- Linda

Hi everyone! Apples, never worry about leaving me out - I never notice those things cause half the time I do the same thing -- I never mean to forget someone, but sometimes it just happens. Glad to hear your "mom" got through surgery okay -- will be keeping her in my thoughts and prayers. Also sorry to hear about your kidney stones and also now about it effecting both your DS. You'd think there'd be some medicine you could take to prevent them. Kidneys are such complicated organs (I had renal failure last summer and was sick all summer). I worked this morning and I loved being back in the world of early risers!! Really have enjoyed my day so far. I'm only working 5 hours/day this week so am able to do my exercise in the afternoon when I get home rather than up at 5:00 a.m. to do it. Lori (and anyone else craving pizza), I have a recipe for you when you're hungry for pizza. It's called "pizza dip" but I just eat it on a plate with a fork -- someone made it for bunco one night and it's really yummy. Here it is: Pizza DIp 1 C. shredded fat free cheddar cheese 1 C. shredded non fat mozzerella cheese 1 C. non fat mayo 1 C. pizza sauce (I used a small can which was a little more than 1 cup, but it was fine) 1/2 C. diced green peppers 1/2 C. diced onion 1/2 C. sliced black olives 1/2 C. sliced stuffed olives 1 can mushroom pieces 1 Cup pepperoni Mix altogether in casserole dish and bake at 350 for 25 - 30 mins. If there's anything in there you don't like, just leave it out. I've also made it with ham and pineapple, leaving out the stuffed olives and mushrooms. It really does give you the taste of pizza and no worries about the crust. Meredith -- fantastic pics -- your DG looks so much younger than 90s. What a great lady -- I hope I grow up to be like her with my DGD. Also, you and Andrew are such a great couple -- so happy together. Cheri, congrats on Onderland and keep up the good work, and congrats on the blood pressure. Laura, your surgeon is so lucky to have you as a patient -- you are helping his statistics greatly. Hope that fill works out -- I hope you won't be too tight. I seem to have good restriction this time and it does seem to be helping -- I'm not eating nearly as much at every meal and don't have any hunger between meals since this last fill. Great -- glad you went shopping - afterall, you're not going to be able to shop much after your knee surgery so you better get it all in beforehand. Put that sweater on your Christmas list for DH to buy for you. That way you'll get something you want. I don'r remember if I mentioned it last week, but finally found some things at a Salvation Army store in Des Moines. I'm still far enough from goal that I don't want to buy any new winter things yet as I don't plan on staying this size. I really did find some great things, cheap. I've also been unusually cold since my surgery. I read an article about it recently saying that after we're at goal for 6 to 8 months our thermostat will correct itself again. Just another reason to get there as quickly as possible. I was so looking forward to the heat of summer and then we had a "year without a summer." Just my luck that it happened this year and not the year before when I was miserably hot. Julie, hope your GD is better today -- and so sorry to hear about your DD job. Also glad you took care of your estate business. I've felt so much more relaxed since we did ours (about 3 years ago). It was worth the money it cost for the peace of mind. Eva, hope you were able to get that hot Water heater valve fixed -- I hate leaks probably more than anything. Janet thanks for the reminder about changing the intensity of our work outs -- it's so true, the more we lose the more we have to do. Have a great rest of the day everyone. Linda

Hi Laura, Count me in for the Florida trip. I will go where ever everyone wants to go - one thing I was thinking about earlier today though is we will need to either have cabs available unless we want to go to the extra expense of renting a van? Just something to think about. Unless we go to a city where one of us is local and already has a van. I will go anywhere to meet you people. CBL. Linda

Good afternoon everyone. Caught up on all the posts -- everyone has been busy. I have yet another thought -- Oprah is on a weight loss journey this year (if you don't know, she gained back 40 pounds last year and did a lot of shows on weight loss this past year). Anyway, I'm thinking we should contact her and try to convince her to have US on her show -- we are all in different stages of our journeys -- we could show before/after pics., etc. Now, I have no problem with sharing this info with the rest of the universe, but not sure if all of you would feel the same way. I'd be happy to try to contact Oprah's show -- of course, if she's so against wls she might not be interested, but if not her, maybe Ellen would want us on her show. I'd be more than happy to write letters or whatever needs to be done. Let me know what you think -- I don't want to even try if you are all against it. I didn't tell anyone at my work about my surgery until after they all started noticing I was losing, then I was honest -- and now 4 people in my company either have had or are in the process of getting insurance approval for lap band surgery -- so my point of mentioning this to all of you is that not everyone you tell is going to be "against" wls or talk bad about you -- sometimes we help to educate those who don't know about our tool and it helps them to decide to have the surgery as well. I'm very proud and happy that I've been an inspiration to those people. I joked with my surgeon that he should give me a "finders fee". LOL. Anyway, I'm working from home at the moment but will be going into the office in about an hour. This is my last Sunday to work -- I work 24 hours -- started at 8:00 a.m. and finish up tomorrow a.m. at 8:00 a.m. -- I work from home from 8 to 4 and then work at the office 4 until 1 a.m. and then back home during the overnight hours again. After today, I only work one more overnight shift, next Friday, so am happy for that. We are babysitting GD tomorrow, looking forward to spending more time with her. Laura, hope you, DH and Nelson all start feeling better soon -- sorry to hear yous sister is struggling, but I do think part of it may be that she is so depressed and who can blame her? Losing her job and having to move in with her parents at that age is very tough -- I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers and hope she will find the strength she needs. To those of you contemplating a small fill - I just had another tiny one -- .250 and it really seems to be helping -- I get full much more quickly and am eating less at meals -- which is what I wanted -- I too was able to eat more than what we are supposed to. I now have 6.0 in a 10 cc band. I've never slimed -- have had a pb a couple of times -- usually when I've eaten too fast. So I've been nervous each time I've had a fill but so far (knock on wood) it seems okay. My surgeon pretty much told me that I should be good and shouldn't need any more fills and told me to make my next appt. 3 months out -- and he said he doesn't think I'll need a fill then but wants me to come in just to get weighed. So I took that to mean, "if you have hunger issues after this, it's probably head hunger." We'll see. Gotta run, cbl. Linda

Eva, send me a friend request in FB - Linda Vilcone in Des Moines, IA and anyone else that wants to as well. Linda

Hello everyone, I've been busy pasts few days, but finally caught up in reading the posts. First of all, congrats to you IfYour on Onderland! That's fantastic! Julie, I hear you about your step kids. I have three step kids too and it is more than difficult -- I always feel like I'm walking on egg shells - and I raised all three of them - they were 3, 8 and 11 when I married their dad and their mother decided she didn't want to be bothered. But there are times (especially from the boy and the oldest daughter where I am the "evil" step mother -- it's very sad, but I think Cheri had helpful advice -- it's them and not the "facts". Your DH sounds like mine - a wonderful man who supports us. My D-in-law is weird too -- I never did anything but she holds me at "arms" length which was hurtful for me -- I always thought I'd have the type of relationship with her where we'd go to lunch, shop, etc. but no -- she is very "private" and doesn't share with me. I've learned to accept it and she's very nice and sweet, but not the relationship I expected to have since my DS and I were so very close. Sigh. But, it's fine, I have a wonderful DH and wonderful friends and all of you new friends who are fantastic. Janet, you are busy. Doodles, loved your pic - you looked so good - am I understanding correctly that that pic was before your surgery? You must look really awesome now - DH is very handsome too. And of course, the GS is extremely handsome - wow! They are too much fun, aren't they? Phyll glad to see you're back in action and posting again - missed you on here. Laura, hope the boys' colds are getting better. Julie, hope you have a great weekend. Great, sorry about the knee surgery, but you'll feel so much better afterwards - good you can get it done so quickly. Ery, you hang in there and ignore that woman - she's obviously jealous - you will never be a freak -- tall women are so beautiful with their long legs -- I'm only 5'1" and always wished I was taller. I hope I haven't forgotten anyone, please don't take offense, but my memory isn't what it used to be. I had a .250 fill on Wednes. and I do feel good restriction. I'm happy I had it -- I'm not going back for 3 months unless I need another tweak - but I have 6.0 cc's in my 10 cc band and my surgeon thinks I should be "good" and I think based on last fill that I am good. I'm just so grateful that this didn't make me too tight (at least not yet anyway). It's so funny about those buns/bread whatever they are - I saw them about a month ago at Sam's and passed them up but saw them again Wednes. and thought, "gee a burger on one of those might work (I do miss a good old hamburger with pickles and tomato on it), so I bought some Wednes. thinking, "if I toast it, maybe it will work". I haven't tried it yet - waiting for this fill to settle in a little bit, but sounds like maybe it will work. They are very thin - to me they look like thin english muffins almost. I can't wait to try them. I moved into my new desk at work tonight. I'll be working this Tues., Wed. and Thurs. days and then finish up my nights/weekends next weekend and start a full week of day shift on 9/14. It's exciting for me to get back to a "regular" life again. We had Aylah overnight and until 3:30 today while her mom worked. Her regular babysitter is on vacation. I did one of my walking tapes this afternoon and she got right up with me and tried to do it too - it was too cute watching her march, etc. She's just too much fun. Well, it's time for me to get out of the office and go home, so I will close - still working from home but at least I can change into my nightgown. Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone. Linda

Rose, so sorry about your DM and M-in-law. I'm sure you are the best care giver ever. Love the picture of you and your DH. You are more than beautiful -- so gorgeous. You've done beautifully with your weight loss. Glad you checked in with us as we think of you often. Please let us know how you're doing from time to time. Take care and keep up the good work with your weight loss. Linda

Wow, Meredith what a beautiful couple!! You are both gorgeous! You are doing so great -- 45 pounds is amazing -- congratulations on your jogging!!! Linda

Hi everyone, Thanks so much for all the compliments, it feels so good. Doodle, you are so observant -- yes, the little girls in the tub with Aylah are her twin cousins, Hazel and Lillie --they are just precious as well. Can't wait to see Eli's pics also. Apples, your DH is a stubborn DS -- I'll tell you -- hope he wasn't running any equipment out in the field with all those pain meds in him. That's how my Grandpa was -- nothing ever stopped him - he'd go right back out -- I don't remember him ever being in bed sick -- not ever. Janet, we also have something else in common -- I never told you before, but my nickname is also "Lala". LOL. Janet, you are so generous to help that girl out - and also to try to get your employer to do that as well. I understand exactly how you feel -- I've done similar things in the past myself -- it feels good to help out another single mom especially cause you can afford to do it. Kudos to you. We went to an Indian casino tonight cause DH needed cigarettes and I managed to win $85 playing nickle poker. So that paid for dinner, cigarettes and a tank of gas. It's more than we won the entire trip to Vegas. LOL. Oneday, do hope you are feeling better, take care of yourself.

The first pic below was me in summer of 2007. I was about the same weight as I was when I had surgery. Okay, I may as well include some of DGD as well -- my darling Aylah. These were taken this Spring around Easter, before she got sick.

Thanks, Janet. Here's a couple more I missed. The first was Jan., 09 in Hawaii on the beach with my d-in-law. The second is my DH and me in April 08, the third was me being really "bad" with desserts at a buffet. The others are just two more from vegas that I liked.

Okay, in seond pic, I'm the curly haired one, the other is my sister. The fourth pic from left is my sister, Beth, my daughter-in-law and my son. From right is my neice, nephew, DH and me. Last pic is my neice, d-in-law, me and sister -- you can see how SHORT I am compared to everyone else! Linda

Hi everyone! Apples, I used to be like you (in my 20s) - I still love to bake/cook garden/can/freeze but can't do as much since my back surgery 10 years ago. But I do admire you for still being ABLE to do it after 30 years of such hard work, and it IS HARD work. Janet, sorry about the concert -- but again, can anyone really compare musically to MJ? I think it would be disappointing no matter what -- it's just been too soon maybe. Eva, I never mentioned that I had a favorite cousin whose name was Eva June -- she was my mom's first cousin, so she was my mom's age -- she was a great lady! I love that name! Thanks for your kind words. Laura, your mom and dad -- such a handsome couple! That first picture was truly glorious - the look on both your mom's and the other nurse's faces -- that's frameable. Glad you're feeling better. Doodles glad you are keeping GS dad in place and hope he gets some clothes. Well, I gotta run, but I'm attempting to post some pics here -- first on was me in Hawaii a few days before I started my pre-surgical liquid diet on Jan. 13 -- the others are me in Las Vegas last month. I hope I did them right. CBL Linda

Hi everyone, just checking in. Everything went fine at the funeral -- service was truly joyful and that made it much easier. My little talk went very well. I was the only person who spoke so I'm glad I took my time and wrote it out and "read" it to keep me on track. I had never done that type of thing before and honestly, it's been over 20 years since I've been to a funeral, so I wasn't really sure of what to say so I just tried to incorporate a little memory of each of her children/grandchildren that she had told me as well as some fun "red hatter" stories. Everyone seemed to enjoy it which was a relief for me and I also was complimented on what I said by many including her DH and children. Lori, lol on your grandma's fears -- just remember when she was born, cars weren't even all that common -- so it's no wonder that so much scares her. Bless her little heart -- she must be just so cute -- it's so wonderful that you are able to do things with her, what a wonderful gift for you. Meredith, glad you stayed home to relax -- I agree, driving up and back and loading and unloading the car, etc. sounds like too much work for just 3 days -- enjoy your time off, you certainly deserve it. Janet, anxious to hear how the MJ tribute concert went. I hope you had a great time. Laura hugs hugs and more hugs to you for TOM. I know how it is, as I had endometriosis myself -- I had a hysterectomy at age 31 and I never had one regret -- had so much pain for so many years -- that's been almost 30 years ago - you would think medicine would have found some way to treat it by now to alleviate some of that but obviously not. Sorry and hope the cramps are gone in the next day or so. I'm kinda surprised you can still eat raw oysters (I've never had them ever) but I understand you swollow them whole, so am just surprised (but glad for you) that you don't get stuck -- I guess maybe that's a "slider" food? Ifyour, sounds like you stuck to a great plan at the party -- living near Chicago with all that wonderful food makes it even tougher for you. Doodle, sorry about your GS's father - you know, I just don't understand these absentee fathers -- then to "demand" you bring him the min. he's out of jail -- he's lucky you would even CONSIDER letting him see him -- I'd make him jump through a lot of hoops -- like getting a job and giving some money to you for taking care of HIS son. I will pray your DD will not get involved with him again -- especially not right after leaving rehab. I know how worried you will be. Wow, you must be so thrilled to get back on a regular work schedule. I can't believe you've been working those hours -- I couldn't do those hours, no way. And hugs on the shingles -- hope you get better quickly. Larry, GitRdone gave you good advice -- just try to do your best everyday and incorporate healthy food and some exercise into your new lifestyle and you'll find success with the band. Just try your best everyday -- that's what it's all about -- remember this is not a "diet" but a "lifestyle" change. Read what IFyour wrote about how she handled her little party and that's the kinds of things all of us try to do now - by incororating these types of changes into how we approach food on a daily basis, we are able to reach our goals. You might find it helpful to set some type of food or exercise goal for every day to start with -- don't make it too hard - for example, you could say, my goal for today is -- to not eat any "bread" or something easy like that or my goal is "to walk around the block 3 times today before dark." You don't have to make them big goals or hard goals - just something you can definitely be successful at. By keeping the goals simple, they don't seem so overwhelming -- I thought you sounded overwhelmed in your post, so just wanted to try to give you some positive reinforcement. Julie, good for you on the Christmas shopping -- I shop year round for Christmas - in fact, I think I'm pretty well done for this year -- I always buy on sale -- I think toys and kid's clothes are overpriced anyway and you usually don't see sales after Halloween. Also, hope you feel better this week. Well, my dear friends, I lost a special friend this past week, but I am very greatful that I now have all of you. Truly, I think how much harder this week would have been without all of you, and there's just no comparison -- I am so greatful for your friendship -- thank you all so very much - can't wait to get together in Feb. CBL Linda

Hi everyone, you've all been busy today. Glad you got your hair done, Laura, always makes us feel better, doesn't it? My sister lives in Seminole both her and her DH work at the Veteran's hospital in St. Pete - it's a beautiful place! Congrats on the 4 lbs. Git -- that's how I lose weight too - I stay the same for several weeks and then lose 3 or 4 the next -- it's weird -- but I take it anyway I get a loss, but it can be frustrating until you get used to the way it works. Meredith, Happy, Happy Birthday! Hope this is the BEST year ever (I'm sure it will be). Thanks to all for your condolences -- I appreciate it and am getting through this okay. My friend and I are part of a red hat group -- and my friend requested that her red hat sisters be honorary pall bearers (dressed in full regalia). So I've been busy getting that organized and letting everyone know what is going on. Her DH and kids also asked me to speak at the funeral so I worked today on getting my little talk written down. I did find time to go to the gym. Someone was on "my" bike (the only one I like) so I decided to try an elliptical machine -- I really liked it -- felt like I got a good workout with that and then did my weights and my one hour water aerobics. I also do a 100 calorie bag of popcorn at night -- it's the lesser of two evils. Like Janet, I couldn't get through the night without it. IMHO I think it's okay as long as you stay within your calorie budget cause I'd rather eat that little bag of popcorn than give up completely and eat something much worse. That's kind of the way I look at it anyway. Same thing if I'm hungry for sweets or chocolate -- I grab a sugar free chocolate pudding or I do have skinny cow ice cream sandwiches I eat occasionally. Again, I'd rather do those than grab a regular ice cream or candy bar. So far in 7 months, I haven't had any regular candy, cookies, pies or cakes (except on vacation when I had a few treats) -- I have made a couple of low fat cakes for dessert for special occasions -- which turned out really good (except you still can't eat the whole cake, you know LOL). Great -- hope DH has noticed your hair by now. Where is Joann? Is she back from Korea? Haven't seen her on here in awhile. Hope everything is okay with her. Janet, I'm like you -- I have to stick to my schedule with my work outs or I tend to not get them in also. Hope you all have a great weekend!!! Linda

Laura, hugs to you and hope you have a good day -- take a nap while Nelson is in school and everything should be better after you get some sleep. Not much happening here, just plugging away - have a busy weekend with work, funeral, etc. CBL Linda