Kat817

Rick just called and I had to share this with you. Since it will hit home with a couple of you! He has a promotion in the offing, and one thing that will give him a leg up over the competition is speaking a second language!!! Yep he starts his Spanish class this Wed. evening!!! There is only one other guy who has the experience plus his business degree that would be his competition, and he is Navajo, and speaks the language. Rick has his Masters in the ASE they require of their hands, and this guy does not, so he figured the second language would benefit him, plus be fun. He takes oddball classes here and there---soI shouldn't be surprised, but this one made me laugh since all of you are doing the same. I might have considered going with him, but work is paying for him!!! Well I have work that needs done.......dangit! Kat

Many times it will work for me trying to up the calories. It seems to remind my metabolism what it is supposed to be doing!!! My first fill to be honest was not a walk in the park. I had a different Dr. do the fill than did the surgery, and it was not as simple as I had hoped to find my port and inject it. I have a low profile port, so the area to hit it with the needle is small. But even with several pokes, it was less traumatic than I had imagined it!! I got some restriction from the first fill, but not a lot. I had to remember to slow down, and chew well---but if I did, I could eat without issue. My first fill I was given 1.25cc. in a 9mm band which holds a total of 4cc.'s of saline when full. I went back 4 weeks later and was given only .50 cc. I never expected much from it, I mean it was half a cc! Boy was I wrong!!! I had tight restriction for about 2 weeks, and it settled in then, I was able to eat, just my amounts were really limited. That was the last fill I had....July of 06!!! I eat pretty much anything, just less of it. I try to get my biggest part of my meal from Protein sources...then veggies, and finally if I have room, a bite or 2 of starch based foods. I am much tighter in the morning still. For Breakfast I usually have 1/2 to 3/4 of a yogurt cup with granola in it. Snack--if I have one in the morning which I usually don't---is almonds, or fresh fruit. For lunch I usually eat left overs. Today I am having left over roasted chicken, some green Beans, and a few bites of mac & cheese. I usually have some cheese or an orange, or something in the later afternoon...it keeps me in check with dinner, or I can eat too much at one sitting. For dinner my DH wants of all things Chili Dogs. So I will make him chili dogs, probably with tater tots or some other thing he seldom gets!! I will eat about half a hot dog smothered in chili with cheese and onions---probably half a bun----well 1/4 of the bun. A tater tot or 2 and I will be way full! If I get hungry or want sweets later, I will have a fudgesicle. I tried the SF fudgesicles, but did not like them, so went back to the regular, eat one, it is not high cal---and then I am satisfied! Then I begin drinking lots of Water so I can have my pouch flushed out before bed---otherwise I tend to reflux when I lay flat. But I did that terribly bad prior to banding too, so it is not a band issue----just a me issue!! Good Luck with your fill. Most Dr.s have you back on liquids or mushies for a day or 2---so be sure to stock up. Did he tell you whether to eat the day of the fill or not? Mine never said, I did, but never had an issue...I have just read on here where some Dr.'s told them not to eat prior. Hope all goes well for you! Welcome to LBT!! Kat

It's really not a trick per se, it is just that sipping tiny bits of pineapple juice sometimes helps--if the problem is not serious, and if it is "stuck" at the band. Just take a few small sips of room temperature pineapple juice---unsweetened straight pineapple juice. The acidity helps to break down the food. You might also try a Papaya Enzyme tablet. Kat ps---good luck!

I found one friend who looked apparently at life as a competition. The 3 of us were friends for many, many years, we raised our kids together. When my other heavy friend and I divorced, she said she would never, EVER divorce her childrens father. She has dealt with his infidelity, her own, and a very emotionally abusive marriage for well over 25 years now. Through it all, she remained the slim, tiny one---as are her Mom, Dad, and both sisters---none of them are big. Well the other friend and I have both been banded now. I have had more success than my friend for whatever reasons...nothing she can control it seems---and the thin friend has nothing nice to say to either of us!!! She talks behind our backs---told anyone and everyone we were banded, like it mattered! The real kicker is she has now found religion, and found new friends, who understand how important marriage vows etc. are. Both of her new friends are big... I am not anti religion---just pointing out where she went with her holier than thou attitude. Long before being banded I too had an "A" type of friend. She starved and diet pilled her way to being thin. And that was all we could talk about. Her weight---what she ate, what she didn't eat----NOTHING could not be turned around to her weight again! I was trying to lose too, so wanted her to go walking with me, she could not be bothered, she preferred to pop pills. Now the only way she maintains is to drink--hard alcohol---it makes her tired, so she sleeps, and doesn't eat. I should have known then she was not my friend!! Ended up she is now hooked up with my ex husband--just takes me awhile sometimes!! Long before that even, the woman next door began slimming suddenly. Drastically! I finally ask her if she was ok, she said then she had had bypass surgery for WL. She lost down to maybe a size 8-10. I told her often back then how great she looked. She has some issues now with nutrition as we get older! But she still looks great, she never threw it in anyones face, and is constantly telling me how good I look. She did not push anyone away. I agree it is wonderful to have this site so we can obssess over things without having to subject those unbanded to our overactive thought proccesses involved in it!!! Once again I am VERY glad y'all are here!! Kat

The longer you are on the liquid, the easier it should get. I would not go against what my Dr. said. If your Dr. is used to operating on people with smaller livers, and you ignore his orders of a diet, and yours makes surgery difficult, then it is not your Dr. that failed. It is not east, and following the surgery, the continued liquid is not easy either--but both are very important...and now is not the time to begin bucking the system. I am not trying to be mean, or difficult--but if you want permission to eat food----the person to get it from is the Dr. None of us here has any idea what your overall health is going in to this surgery---nor what your Dr.'s experience level is with higher BMI patients or patients with larger livers. Have you begin noticing the weight loss? Often times that was the only thing that got me through the hard times on liquids---was actually seeing the scale drop! Liquids in=Liquids out is a normal....it will ease after you begin adding food. If however the Optifast is causing serious diarrhea---call your Dr. and see if there is another option. You do not want to dehydrate. The best thing I found was to stay busy--I began taking walks when the serious eating urges hit--it got me some exercise, and allowed me some down time, away from the cupboards, and the constant food commercials--to reflect upon why I was doing this, and as I walked I would imagine myself being thin, and it helped keep me in a positive frame of mind--kept me from eating, and worked in a little exercise. If the diarrhea keeps you from going out walking---maybe a work out video at home would work. But if it is that bad, I would check with my Dr. Hang in there, most of us had to do full liquid diets at one point, if not before, for sure after---and we survived it! You can too! Log on for extra support anytime you need it!!! Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Not sure I am up to facing off with all the hard bodies in a swim suit either Jane!!! There will be plenty to do if we opt not to swim!!! Kat

I agree totally! It was a last resort option to try before going for a total unfill. The longer your body fights to try to work something through, the more swelling occurs. If I were to ever try it, it would be in a worst case scenario---and I would never do it more than once before seeing my Dr. My DH had an issue due to blood thinners, where he had a bilateral Mallery Wiess tear of the esophagus where it attaches to the stomach---and the Dr. told us he would likely bleed to death in a matter of minutes. They ended up putting a balloon in his stomach, and another in his esophagus and inflating them to apply pressure. He was in ICU for days...he almost died with it too. The esophagus is not indestructable!!! We need to be careful with it obviously!! Glad your son is ok--how scary that must have been!!! Kat

I have to agree, I would not want to go back to my 20's in general. I made some really bad choices in my 20's! But there are times I would love to go back and enjoy certain aspects more---more quality time with loved ones lost since then---that type of thing. But have to live through all the other stuff again----nope!!! 40's have been very freeing (not even sure that is a word!) I take me as I am, and expect others to do the same. I have come to terms with the fact that not everyone will like me, nor will I like everyone! It is not an issue anymore, we can all co exist with it! The best part of my 40's is the Granny thing! I thought there was no way I would ever love anyone or anything like I did my kids, and my DH----and then come grandbabies!!! Lack of stress ranks right up there with me in my 40's though! Kids, money, work....all the things that used to cause the most stress----have eased! Kids are all married and in their own homes, and doing well, money is less of an issue----the house is paid off and college is behind us! And the one left going is paying her own way!! And I have quit working. I sold my daycare several years ago. Grandkids you get to send home! Steph---sorry menopause is giving you such grief. I had a hysterectomy following a cancer Dx several years ago....that wasn't easy either--but I survived it---I WON!!! Nope not willing to go back---I would however not mind looking like I did in my 20's----as has been pointed out----I miss the skin! I too got fat in my 30's. Oh well, not worth going back for! Nope, nuh-uh, noway, nohow!!! Kat

pineapple juice was recommended to me through the Dr. that does my fills. It was suggested for use in episodes where you are stuck on something such as bread. The pineapple juice is acidic enough to help break down the glutens that cause the bread to form a huge dough ball instead of it passing in the same texture you chewed it to. It can be tried with other foods, in small frequent sips---the idea is to get enough in there for the problem food to mingle with, and yet not to overfill your pouch. It has worked for me, and if something seems to just be sitting for too long, although not painful, usually a few sips do the trick to get things going again. With carbonation, anything that makes me want to burp, makes everything want to come up!!! You can also go to a nutrition store such as GNC and buy Papaya tablets--they do the same thing. I have never resorted to them, but understand they work wonders. And in worst case scenarios with other foods, including meat, you can drink a Tablespoon of meat tenderizer--it does the same thing, breaks down whatever the stuck item is. I cannot imagine it would taste good, or that it would be good for your stomach if done often though!!! (hi Dianne!) Kat

Love it Pamela! Jenn---you ok? We been wondering about you! Not sure if I am coming down with a cold,or whether something has allergies stirred up or what, but my nose is making me nutso! Last night, I was following Rick outside, to bring in some wood, he carries the tote out, I help him fill it, then I hold the gate, and the door when he brings it in. He was walking along, watching the ground which is icy...and did not see, a HUGE icicle hanging from the corner of the house--apparently it had popped the end cap off of the gutter---he walked right into it. I laughed til I thought I would cry. I threw snow balls at me trying to make me quit....I have no idea why I found it so hilarious, but all night long, even at times I should not have laughed I found myself laughing!!! The friends I ask you to pray for when they were lost--that you all saw on yahoo, and MSN----will be on Ellen tomorrow. Her Dad called to tell me, he said GMA offered them big $$$ for the story, but that Shannon chose to go to Ellen, and besides paying for their trip, the money is going to the Search and Rescue. I know nothing about how they pay or anything, I am anxious to watch it, she was such a quiet, tiny, thing as a child! But she was always good....picked up before you ask, set the table for lunch----ALWAYS trying to help. She is a perfectionist! Would drive me crazy!!! Of course I know little about her as an adult. I know at least 3 of her 4 DD's do not share her cleaning habits!!! Pamela---talking about cruising in the warmth is cruel! It is all of 7 degrees here right now! Snow is still everywhere. Not to mention ice and icicles!!!!! LOL As I read through your list, many of them jump out at me. Makes me feel very lucky for so many of them to be present in my life. I think we need to add one more. 45. Waking up knowing you will have messages from a wonderful group of friends on your computer! Kat

Also a small amount of fat, if you choose the type is good for you....olive oil, or canola oil, for instance. Eliminating all fats from your diet is not a good idea, it would also be VERY difficult!!! I realize low fat is not no fat!!! There are things I do low fat or sugar free in, but I let the taste be my guide. If it does not taste bad, or different, then by all means, I use it, and eliminate the unnecessary fat & calories from my diet--but if it is not something I care for, then I eat my usual ones. I have no problem with the Dreamfield pasta---I like it, and I like the fat free ready made pudding, but I don't like the sugar free ready made pudding in most flavors....it has been a learning process. And I do cut out when I can without disappointing myself!! Mostly my band has helped me with portion control, and it has eliminated my hunger so that I make much better choices than ever before. I am much more nutrition concious, than ever before. I find myself buying better quality of meat, it is tastier and more tender--I just eat a lot less so it is affordable! I also buy more fresh produce--it has more taste than canned. Now it is more important to have quality to me than the previous quantity. You can lose with the band without being deprived. As soon as you feel up to it, exercise helps a lot! I don't get as much in the winter, I much prefer being outdoors--and with the weight gone, I found myself WANTING to do things outside....what a concept!!! Kat

I wish we could go together TracyK----I need one so bad, but keep waiting---my shape is nothing I want seen in a bathing suit at this point!!! I am all hanging belly----------yeeeeeeuuuuucccckkkkk!!! I took my old suit with us when Rick and I went somewhere, probably Albq to his Dr. and we hit the hot tub, late, just the 2 of us, to unwind....it was fine when it was dry--------just a bit big. But when it got wet! OMG---I was so glad it was just the 2 of us!!! The weight of the wet fabric made it hang--the crotch of the suit was almost to my knees!!! I wrapped a towel around me and flapped my way back to the room!!! So yeah I need one too! As for some of the rooms-------if they are bigger, as in suites, we can do more than 2 to a room maybe? However it works out is good by me. Going to go read the other thread, see what is up today... Kat

Pat if you come to me asking for $$$ or for me to raise your kids, or even your dog, then you might need to start with an apology!!! But for prayers----girl you are already in them...and will have top billing for this!!! Of course I will say an extra special one for you! Please let us know ASAP how you are, we will be worried!!! I hoped to have a TT this winter, but with my other surgery, and we have yet to get my thyroid balanced again....so looks like it will wait. Mandy that is great news about Abi!!! So glad she does not have a seizure disorder to deal with. Hugs to you guys! Hope you feel better!!! Eileenie--how scary for your family! At least your niece has a baby before something like this come up. A whopper of a baby no less!!! I will add them to the special prayers tonight too!!! Betty--miss your morning posts! Dianne--how's things since your surgery? Sherry---you sound so busy!!! Any time for your Reiki? Chrispy---the new boyfriend keeping you busy??? Anyone heard from Darcy---been worrying about her! Cindy---you still loving the new job & office? Patty--you & the boys ok??? I know I have missed a bunch, and have not learned all the new girls yet!!! Hope all is well with each of you. Dad is home, he is not much different, worries me, but the Dr. does not seem concerned says it is temporary---- Well I am off to clean up the kitchen from dinner. Y'all take care and don't forget the special prayers for our Pat!!! Hugs~ Kat

One thing I have found with my band is that since I eat so much less than before, I really like to pack lots of flavor in. I am not a huge fan of a lot of the low fat versions of things, and since I now eat one enchilada say, as opposed to the 5 or 6 I would have eaten prior to banding---I take advantage, and buy the best I can in regards to flavor. The flavor of the standard corn tortillas, is such a big part of enchiladas to me....I eat them! I like lots of hot sauce! BIG--BOLD flavors!!! Love all the new ideas!! Kat

Yep Denise, y'all look great!! You should have your picture printed wallet size and give it to your DH---so he has it to see everytime he opens his wallet! Ok Laura, so you will learn next week what type of outfit to make next huh? Cool, keep us updated. I am interested, but easily addicted to things like that, and already spend way too much computer time anyway!!! Well I better get to the store---so I can start cooking. Be back to check in once I get things going! Kat

I am fine with you at any time TracyK--or anyone else! I don't expect to be spending tons of time holed up in a little motel room--unless we are sleeping, and even when I smoked my heaviest, I never perfected the sleep smoking thing!! And any time at all in the casinos, and it will be smoky---so I am fine! And if you or anyone else needs some alone, down time....I can always go see how the orgy is going....down in the preachers wife's room!!!! LMAO!!!! I do suggest whoever rooms with Laura first check out the ceiling, for any new hook placements!!!! Sorry Laura--I HAD to say it! I agree the cheaper Elvis tour is great----I am not a die hard---but would still like the overall---I have never been! I love seeing new things--so this is going to be great!!! I plan on doing, and seeing, and enjoying every minute!!! I'll do the spa, mani/pedi if someone else is going, but I am not going to spend all that time by myself, when my plan is to go meet y'all!!! Getting a bit excited here!! And Pamela---I can get Jen by the ankles, you grab her arms, and we will drag her!!!!!!!!! Jen--we HAVE to figure something out! Drugs! Something--you HAVE to be there! Kat

Laura, I have a few questions for you concerning your SL thing. #1--not a question!!! I choose the casual jeans at the end, the last one, it is something I see people going around the city in, in your virtual world, plus something most of us could come closer to seeing ourselves in, regardless of whether we would look exactly like that--meaning something the judges may relate more too. With that in mind.... #2--do you know who the judges are? #3--have you considered making one of your virtual models a model of color? #4--does your "shop" sell only clothes for women? I keep thinking, so much of this depends on who is judging---and how much of this they will look at as something they could see in the real world. I mean are they going to look at the clothes and say---well the only one I see wearing something that low cut would be Jessica Rabbit, or are they going to take the virtual reality thing to heart. Because things that low cut, are seldom even seen in Hollywood. They look very cool! I am not dissing your designs at all----just trying to see them from a judging point---and not understanding how close to reality they will be expecting. Help me understand!!!! Kat

Well Terry----if the yellow submarine were there, I would be right with you!!! But to be that close and not go---------nah--better take it in while I can!! BUT-------------I want in on the pampering too!!! And TracyK---if you promise not to blow smoke in my face(!!!!can't you just see you cornering me and shotgunning me with smoke!!!) I could cope! Rick says I have pretty much quit snoring.....unless....I have a few to drink, so ya might as well count me as a snorer! However I sleep with a snorer everynight, so that is not likely to bother me a bit!!! So I called my cousin this morning, he is an hour ahead of us, and told him what my Mom said. He is her favorite on my Dad's side. He is my age, has been with his partner for over 20 years. He obvioulsy has better judgement than I did!!! So, I told him he was now a lesbian in Moms eyes, he laughed, and is going to call her later to give her a hard time!!! She is going to flip! She and my Dads sister went for awhile not speaking because my Aunt said something crappy about him. I was so proud of my Mom, she is usually non confrontational to the max--so her standing up was shocking! I have to go to the store and pick up a couple things, we are having our son and his little family over for the game, and I am cooking of course---nothing major, and something my grandson can hopefully eat without a huge mess!!! Think I will cook some of those little smoked sausages for him, good hand food! Albq. is only 185 miles away---and the differences are shocking! When we got there, there was no snow, not even on the Sandia mountains! Here it is still dang near a foot deep on the ground after melting for days.... OK gotta go ask Laura some ??? on the other thread about her contest! Kat

Kbug, if your Mom was having the kind of issues you mention, like being out of breath just walking from the parking lot, then chances are you would not still have her anyway. Morbid obesity is a killer! The surgery in and of itself did not kill your Mom----it was either surgeon error, or her health going into the surgery. I don't know (I did not go back and re read your original post---sorry) where she had surgery, or exactly how or why she ended up with sepsis---which in my minimal understanding, is infection in the blood stream---someone correct me if that is not true. Do you know if she was required and pre op testing? The one thing I can tell you---as a woman---near your Moms age, is this. I would have much preferred dying trying to do something about my weight finally, than dying locked in my home embarrassed to go out due to my weight, or dying from lack of oxygen on the floor of Walmart on an outing. Your being selfish and wanting her here is 100% understandable! I wish you had her here too, and that her surgery had been successful. As it has been for the vast majority of us. Many of us view this as what actually saved our lives. High blood pressure, and high blood sugar, were taking days off of my life every single day, now I have none of those issues. My heart goes out to you---and I do understand how you feel as though this surgery is what killed your poor Mom, however---the facts don't support that. The band did not have time to do any harm to your Mom. It was as I said either surgeon error, or a pre existing condition. If she had died 6 months later because she could not eat for weeks---or something that was the band at issue---then I could see the connection in your heart and mind. I believe you need to find out why she became septic--was something nicked during the surgery, allowing infection to set in? If so then blast the surgeon--in a forum or even in court. If you find out she was not required any pre op testing, and that she may have been ill going into it, then just use that to push yourself towards optimal health. I in no way want to minimalize your loss....you are right to feel anger, and selfishness, it is a normal thing, especially to lose someone this way when she had just made the decision to improve her life....it must be very hard, and I extend my deepest sympathies to you. I just had to respond, because there are many on this board looking into it, and death is one of the biggest fears--and in my opinion your Mother's is a HUGE reminder that this IS major surgery, and to choose your surgeon well!!!! I hope your heart soon begins to heal, and that the happy memories of your Mom take front and center very soon. Kat

:smile: :myscared: TracyK and I can room together---nothing crazy 'bout me!!! No there is NOT!!!!!! LOL---ok...so maybe she would like my kind of crazy! So there! Besides, maybe I am like my Mom, and don't want to room with a lesbian, I might not like him!!!! LMAO--sorry Mom!!! Everybody needs to start gathering pics and stuff to bring to show! So I must be really tired, I am up all by myself, Rick has gone on to bed, and I am in here laughing my butt off!!! I am up for a Graceland trip, if the plane tickets don't break me. I have a question for you TracyK or anyone else who has been there. I understand his music is playing through the tour...HOW does anyone go without singing along? I am serious---I do not want to be the next big hit on YouTube!!! Don't be cruel..... Kat

Isn't it wonderful for food not to be the daily struggle it always was? Not to have the love/hate relationship with it--I too love my band!!! Kat

This is one of the issues that prompted me to choose banding over bypass. I wanted to be able to eat birthday cake with my grandbabies on their special days. I wanted to live a normal life. And I do! You are still very new to being banded, and I believe all of us to a point go through the "what in the hell did I do?" phase! But once you begin your fill process---and get to a good place of restriction---where you are able to eat, including hard Proteins, but unable to gorge yourself---you will see the amazing abilities of you and the band working together! I eat peanuts---and lots of nuts, almonds almost daily! I eat peanut butter---quite often---I babysit for my 3 year old granddaughter it is a staple! We eat at Taco Bell at least once every couple of weeks. The difference is, now a taco fills me up, not a Value meal, plus..... We usually buy a kids meal with 2 tacos, and my granddaughter and I share, she gets the toy!!! Boneless chicken is ideal for me! I eat chicken many times a week! Both at home and away....it is an any time meal for me! I have been known to reheat chicken strips for breakfast!!! I can eat a piece of pizza----yep a piece, not half the pizza anymore. I can eat toppings off of 2 pieces, and ignore the bread----unless it is nice crispy pan pizza---then I choose to eat the one piece and enjoy it!!! When you get to a proper fill level---you can choose your way of doing things. Yes you can give up all those foods, and diet til you make your goal weight....many do, and do so quickly!!! I have opted to take a different route, and it is still working!!! Using a bit of common sense, and allowing the band to help with my portion control----and I do not feel deprived---and the weight is coming off! It is true that some people are unable to eat certain foods---but many of us have no real limitations in what we can eat---and many choose to limit what they choose to eat. Proper fill levels are very important. Not enough and you will feel hunger---and over eat or binge on unhealthy foods. Too tight, and you will be unable to eat many types of food including hard proteins which are important! Going up in small increments allows you to feel your way along with food for awhile, and when you get to the sweet spot....you and your band can get to work!!! It makes the work so much easier, when you are not starving non stop! When a binge is 2 Cookies, not 2 sleeves of cookies! Hang on, these first days are full of missing things, and too good to be true commercials for food! Have you ever noticed how much better they look on TV?? Those hamburger patties are thick!!! Not so in my local places!!! LOL! You will get there, it takes all of us awhile. You will love the help your band gives you. I'm betting on it!!! Kat

Wow---there are more and more of us fabulous 40's out there!!! My band made itself known over the last few days. It was stress that got me! My Dad had some surgery, and we think he may have had a slight stroke during the surgery, he is having some speech difficulties. Cindy---I didn't mention it on the phone---he was with me, and is determined it is temporary and not stroke related, so I was not going to rile him up! Anyway---combine the stress to available hospital food---and eating was not great! Things I normally eat without issue, kept getting stuck, and my mind was a million miles away, so I was eating too big of bites! Not a band issue---a ME issue! We are home now, I had Soup for dinner, figured I would let my stomach relax and rest---and hopefully be back to normal soon. Lala---that is a sweet thing to say! I have a hard time saying anything negative about my band, I am thrilled with it, and the results I have had with it! My only complaint is with the skin on my belly---and I can hardly blame that on it!!! When I first come to LBT ---going on 2 years ago, there were some really caring people here who answered all my questions, and did their best to educate me so I could find the success they did....I am only trying to follow suit! Kellygirl, I have a friend who has 3 sons and now 5 grandsons! She says she likes being the only Queen in the castle! I think the thing I have liked reading on here the most is how supportive it sounds like everyones SO's are! I wonder if that differs among the age groups. Whether the 20 somethings have anywhere near the support we do? I have to say I doubt it. Young men especially expect a lot! Seems most I have read on here without the support behind them seem to come from the younger crowd. I like the maturity!!! I lost count how many different places we have all come from! Although I now know 2 of us are right here in the same area, actually even graduated high school together!!! Is that a riot or what?? Takes a lap band board to re connect!! But hey we have a 30th high school reunion coming up, and we are going to look wonderful!! Well, it has been a long day, and I hear a bubblebath calling my name.... Kat

Got home a little while ago---all is well--Dad is still not right with his talking, but we are going to adopt a wait and see attitude. We knew going in this was a possibility, unfortunately it was not a surgery that could be postponed or decided against. Roads were clear coming home, which was really nice! Made good time, met up with DH & my brother at Mom & Dads when we got home, and got them set up with firewood, and things around the house, while Dad is down, or limited in abilities. Judy---amazing difference in the suits! Keep up the great work!! OMG--y'all are never going to believe this!!! I just told you about the other New Mexican finding me on here and contacting me. We then found out we lived in neighboring towns, mere minutes apart. So she was in Albq at her seminar---we had exchanged some info and cell #'s to make contact. Well she ask me about going to school here, I said yeah, that DH and I graduated here and blah, blah, blah---wondered who all we both knew. Well get this--we graduated together!! Cracked us up! We will connect--and I will invite her over. She is scheduling in El Paso later in the month! Which is cool -- very quick! I forgot to ask her if she had heard we are having a HS reunion this summer! She will be down a lot by then!! I thought that was pretty cool! My Uncle looked at the colt, and he says she is fine, lighting plays a huge role in horses vision, so he believes it was that, he disagreed that there is a problem----which is good!!! Here is a laugh for you. There are still 2 snowboarders out of Albq. missing (no I know this is not funny!!! I'm getting there) They have mentioned things about the boys and their co workers have commented on the fact that they were partners. It has even been hinted at that maybe due to that, they met with foul play at the ski resort in Colorado. (OK on to the funny) So on the way home today we are discussing it, and I said I wished they would find them---maybe they ran off to NH to get married, since they opened up to same sex marriage about the same time the boys went missing. My Mom, in all her honest to God innocense and naivety--says to me "Why? Were they lesbians?" I calmly told her no they were not, they did not like women like that! She looked at me a minute and then realized---so then I got the "Oh sister!" LOL I love my Mom!! Well I am thinking I need something sweet, and I know I really don't----maybe a soak in the tub will get me past the craving.......dangit! BBL~~~ Kat

The smoke kills me too--in the quantities you find it in casinos. Graceland sounds fun---outlet mall shopping is great....but do we need to factor in the funds now to rent cars? Or how will we get there? Jenn are you opting out because it is too far to drive? How do you think you would do flying with Violets with you? I was so shocked to find everything changing! I was somewhat concerned with the activity option of our original choice, but figured, if they had these big cabins, there had to be entertaining things somewhere!!! I DO want to spend time sitting around talking without my fingers getting all jumbled up!!! If I had a strong opinion one way or another, I would post it---the truth of the matter is, it is not the where I was concerned with, it was getting to know the people that were going to be there. Laura, have you been here before, and experienced how the comped rooms are handled? We had comped rooms in Vegas several years ago, and it did not go well, so it makes me a bit nervous, but maybe it was simply a management issue. Guess I will just keep reading to find out what is gonna happen!!! I can't help but feel we lost our happy over all of this.... Kat