Kat817

OOPPS!!! I can eat cake and ice cream on my grandbabies birthdays withOUT dumping---or wanting to eat the entire cake! Amazing difference of one little 3 letter word!!!! Kat

Well....I cannot honestly say I have worked extra hard to get my 100+ pounds off over the last year and a half. I have exercised, in moderation----some times more than others, like now, winter is hard, I prefer being outdoors. I did join Curves, but it is not expensive, I have never belonged to an expensive gym. I too am married, and I have grown children, I provide day care for my 3 year old granddaughter, I went back to taking care of her within a week of being banded. I have a large extended family, I stay busy with. We work cattle, I buck hay bales....very busy! The band has allowed me to continue my normal life, and as the weight dropped off, life has become much simpler, and easier too!!! I had several reasons I chose banding over RNY. I am a cancer survivor---so with that history, I am at a higher risk for recurrance. With the band, I can keep my nutrition up. I honestly was afraid of the malnourishment part of RNY. That and the permanence of it. If for some reason I ever needed the band out I could do it! If they discover some magic pill to burn fat--I can take it and be fine, my insides are not cut and re routed. I do not diet. I eat as I always ate, with a stronger tendency towards health. I try to live today in a manner of how I want to live the rest of my life. The band keeps me from overeating, without consequence. I would have lost weight without exercise, but as it come off, I had a want to DO things! I want to buy clothes, I want to go play with the kids---it is an amazing change! It might take a year and a half to have gotten this weight off----but I am in Misses size clothes, I can run, I can sit cross legged on the floor! I can eat cake and ice cream with my grandbabies on their birthdays with dumping, and without wanting to eat the entire cake! Banding was a good choice for me. It felt the safest route. Safer in my personal situation that RNY, and without a doubt safer than remaining morbidly obese---which is where I started---and I am now only overweight, headed for NORMAL!!!!!!!! Good Luck in your decision, research is key!!! Kat

Hi Nancy, sorry I didn't get the welcoming done sooner!!! My Dr. gave me a card, and some honor it some don't, and some places it depends on the cashier, or waitress. I don't stress too much over it. There is a man I totally dislike that is an assistant manager at Golden Corral, and he was a jerk when we tried to reserve the room with the big sign saying "Reserve Me for your Party", for my inlaws 60th wedding anniversary. He refused, saying it was their busy day! It is more of a racial thing with him, I have since been told. Now if he is at the counter when I go in, he refuses to let me have my meal for a childs price, instead he will do it at the senior discount. I have paid the full amount before, it is not that big of a deal but I really don't like him. So when he said that to us, I told my DH with the jerk standing there, "that's ok pay it, I can waste an easy $20 or more of food in here today!" He gets all flustered and says to me something like -Ma'am we ask that you not take food you cannot eat-. I told him "yeah, I know, I ask you to make an exception because I cannot eat much food, but we can't always do those things can we?" He sees me walk in now, and he leaves!! Most of the cashiers read it and charge me childs meal prices---he was just a jerk! He told my friend when she showed hers, that the surgery must not have worked! We go to Golden Corral for breakfast, about once a month as a family---meet the parents, both sets, sisters, brothers, kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, assorted adopted family friends....the whole crew! Every one pays their own way as we go in, we get to eat and visit, and no one has to cook, or clean, and when we leave we have the entire weekend free....we have seen everyone!! Well it is shining BRIGHT outside, and still snowing like crazy!!! It is blinding! Laura, Avon used to make this lotion called Silicone Glove. My Mom worked for a printer for years, they used this lotion, it makes a thin coat over your skin, and it drastically cut down on the paper cuts, it is not oily, does not bleed off on paper products. Not sure they still make it, but it might be worth checking on. I have an Aunt & Uncle in Washington State who own and operate a fish cannery, and they used it, it kept the fish smell from penetrating into the skin. Cindy----recovered from that hard (!) vacation yet??? Got my soup in the crock pot! DD made it to work, but Great Grandma got to keep Kinsey today----so I am doing laundry and other fun stuff!!! BBL to check on everyone-----it is boring in my house!! Kat

I try really hard to make most of my carbs from whole grains. Instead of white bread, I do whole wheat...same with rice, brown rice as opposed to white. I can, as in, I am able to eat bread and rice....but with this, I was like you I did not want to do Atkins or any other diet for the rest of my life!! So I do my best to approach it with an attitude of what I can do to promote health. I eat oatmeal---I even occasionally do the packets of the pre sweetened flavored. When I do that, I try to buy the Weight Control, just to keep the sugars down. The more sugar I eat, the more I want, so I try to offset that!!! There are some things that as far as I am concerned simply are not the same with the whole grain substitutes--so I eat them the way I like them....not every day, and in a much smaller quantity---but I eat them just the same. Grilled cheese for example, I only like it on soft white bread, toasted crisp....where I used to inhale an entire sandwich, and seriously want, and sometimes eat another, now I can only eat 1/4 to 1/2 of a sandwich---and I enjoy the heck out of it!!! I know myself well enough to know that by depriving myself, I am simply setting myself up for a binge! I wish I was stronger, but have found this happy medium is best for me. My weight is going---probably slower than if I were to totally eliminate the carbs, and sweets....but this is the life I choose to live from now on, and it is working! Try the new things, slowly.....small bite, and chew well, then wait a few minutes...not seconds, to see how it feels when it gets down. If all is well try another. Take your time! Then after a few bites, just quit! If you find yourself starving later, you can go back for something, but if you stay full-----then you have avoided the pain of overeating! The goal is to eat until you are no longer hungry, not until you are full. Much easier said than done--------I hope one day to master the idea!!! Still working on it! Good Luck as you progress on to the new foods!! Kat

Morning girls! It is white where I live! Several inches on the ground and coming down hard. DD is not going up to work, some of the roads where she works are actually closed. The airport there, is next door to her plant, and it is closed this morning. So no Kinsey. My son is sitting at home waiting to see if they close our local airport. He is supposed to fly from here to Denver (which is already showing a 90 minute to 3 hour delay) and then into Wyoming, where he picks up a truck and trailer and then is supposed to drive them to Williston North Dakota. Has me a nervous wreck....of course! Then tomorrow I am supposed to take Dad to Albuquerque for the final doplar, and testing required to schedule his next carotid artery surgery. Right now there is an area exactly half way between me and Albq. where the road is closed, due to snowpack. Might be a good thing the freezer is stocked, I may just sit tight at home! Just got off the phone with my friend Becky, she is having a horrible day, had both of us in tears! Today is the year anniversary of losing her Dad. Her son has recently bought into a towing company, and he does all the wench truck calls. She had a nightmare, of a car sliding into him while he was hooking up a car, and pinning him between the truck and the car. She is so upset....and scared....being a typical Mom, she wants to call this 27 year old and ground him! She works with Manda--well for the same HUGE company, and she too has been told to stay home, the road is not passable yet--they are in the southern mountains of Colorado where they work. They are only a few miles from a large ski resort, the resort is reporting 18" overnight!! No wonder the plows cannot keep up! Plus when you factor in it is a college town, and all the schools being out, I bet the roads to the resort are a mess!! I am glad she and Manda are staying home. Rick said it was slick on his way in this morning, but he usually hits it before much traffic, so he has fresh snow to drive on, not ice. Now I need to go look through the freezer and find something good to dump in the crock pot, and let simmer all day! This time of day nothing sounds good to me!! Thinking Green Chile Chicken Cheese Soup........easy, think I have all the components....and Rick loves it! If it snows a lot---I intend to try to get Rick to take me snowshoeing this weekend in Colorado. It was so much fun! Exercise out the wazooo----but fun! Yesterday in Walmart they were putting out swimming suits! We looked around, and there were all kinds of little girls sleeveless dresses and things! And for some reason all of the Valentine shirts they had were either sleeveless or short sleeved, nothing with long sleeves. It will still be serious winter here, and most other places! It made my heart happy to see summer things again though--I am sooo ready--we wanted to take a motorcycle ride on Christmas day, we usually try to! But it snowed. C'mon summer!!! Well I am off to raid the freezer-----will be back in a bit, with this weather looks like I am doing nothing else today! Kat

The panic, and last minute nerves are very common!!! I am not on any detailed diet, I eat what I want, when I want---some times not always the quantities I think I want, but then again, that is what got me to where I was!!! The head hunger is more of an issue than the real true hunger. Once I got some restriction, I no longer have real hunger. There IS hope!!! Without a doubt in the world!! I love my band! The thing with these support forums is that when people get their band, and all is going well, and they have full time jobs, or are not a computer addict (like me)---they simply do not post daily. There are more posts with bandsters looking for help with an issue, because they come back looking for help! If all of us not having problems posted new threads every day, there would be page after page of threads like "Another problem free day" "Another 2 pounds GONE!", on and on. But they don't do that! We do have threads for NSV's (Non scale Victories),and we have the before and after--you should check out, it shows some amazing changes, and gives you an idea how many of us are here without issues or complications. I am well over a year and a half out, I am almost to my original goal weight. I probably could have been there, I just have not chosen to be very tight in my band, and have opted to not diet in an effort to speed it up. Instead I have chosen to live these days like I hope to live the rest of my life. In moderation! I eat almost everything. Almost....I refuse to try to eat another glazed donut, it made me sick!!! I ate 2 bites, it felt like I ate a dozen donuts--yueeech!!! Anytime you need encouragement, or assurance it is well worth it--let me know!! PM me, email me--whatever! Hang out, tell us about yourself, and hang on it is an awesome ride, going Down the scale for a change!! Welcome to LBT!! Kat

Don't know what the issue was with the package Jane....it has several postmarks on it though!!! It showed you mailing it from Saint Louis on the 11th, then it had 2 postmark stamps from Houston....I couldn't make out the date, they were stamped over one another. It is pretty common for packages to arrive separately...keeping in mind this is a small town, and they drive the routes. There are a lot of NBU's, so it is not uncommon for a truck to do nothing but package delivery. Love it!! Lookin' good Laura. Glad you are home once again TracyK, what a relief to have the worst of it behind you! Will check back in a little while, I cannot log on to my email, going to go try to figure it out. Kat

Hi everyone---we too survived Christmas. Inlaws and all!!! There were a few points I wondered---glad now I held my tongue!!! It is bitterly cold here! Has not been above freezing today. Kinsey has made me nuts, she wants to go out and ride her new battery powered 4 wheeler, but has had to settle for doing so indoors! Too cold for me! I loved getting the cards from all of you---and even if Mandy's stayed in the car, I knew she was thinkin' bout us all!!! I am off to dinner with Rick and our son and his family --hoping to heavens my grandson behaves! Son leaves tomorrow for minimally 3 weeks in ND. They just pulled up, so I have to cut this short---hugs all around!! Kat

oh nice, it would NOT post, then did it twice-----or maybe more, I had to click it a dozen times!!! Kat

Oh Jaaaaaane-----are ya here? Jaaaaaaaane----guess whaat???!! I got my box, and I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It arrived this morning--not with my regular mail, so they left it on the porch and the neighbor I told you about, called my cell to let me know. I had them take it in, and picked it up from them when I got home a little bit ago! What a great Secret Santa you are!! I feel spoiled in preparation for pampering!!! I got this really cute metal mesh sleigh---which will reappear each Christmas from here on! In it was all kind of goodies! There was a set of RUSK shampoo and conditioner....a trio from Bath & Body Works in the Sweet Pea scent---lotion, bath wash & body spray, all in this suede and sheepskin holder. Some things for a pedicure (and I can actually do that now----for years it was torture just trimming my toenails, now it is easy!!) There is lavender foot soak, and scrub, and one of those callous shaver thingies, and a bath pouf (all purple of course!) and a lavender & citrus candle...goign to burn it on the side of the tub while I soak!! And she is such a sweetie, there was another gift included...something for Kinsey! I don't know what it is yet, going to let her open it tomorrow. Is that not special or what??? I am going to take a picture, but will wait til Kins opens hers and get a picture of both! Thank you so much Jane, it is all wonderful! I will think of you each time I use them! It was soooooo worth being late if that is what it took to talk to you!!! I was going to do a Michelle and give you a call, but was afraid of catching you at work---and did not want to wait!!! Thanks again!!! You made me feel very special with your note as well! (((((hugs))))) Oh yes! And it WAS shrink wrapped, and survived the trip in tact, and was beautiful with a gorgeous bow on it---I agree with her family, she IS the shrink wrap queen!!! Kat

Oh Jaaaaaane-----are ya here? Jaaaaaaaane----guess whaat???!! I got my box, and I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It arrived this morning--not with my regular mail, so they left it on the porch and the neighbor I told you about, called my cell to let me know. I had them take it in, and picked it up from them when I got home a little bit ago! What a great Secret Santa you are!! I feel spoiled in preparation for pampering!!! I got this really cute metal mesh sleigh---which will reappear each Christmas from here on! In it was all kind of goodies! There was a set of RUSK shampoo and conditioner....a trio from Bath & Body Works in the Sweet Pea scent---lotion, bath wash & body spray, all in this suede and sheepskin holder. Some things for a pedicure (and I can actually do that now----for years it was torture just trimming my toenails, now it is easy!!) There is lavender foot soak, and scrub, and one of those callous shaver thingies, and a bath pouf (all purple of course!) and a lavender & citrus candle...goign to burn it on the side of the tub while I soak!! And she is such a sweetie, there was another gift included...something for Kinsey! I don't know what it is yet, going to let her open it tomorrow. Is that not special or what??? I am going to take a picture, but will wait til Kins opens hers and get a picture of both! Thank you so much Jane, it is all wonderful! I will think of you each time I use them! It was soooooo worth being late if that is what it took to talk to you!!! I was going to do a Michelle and give you a call, but was afraid of catching you at work---and did not want to wait!!! Thanks again!!! You made me feel very special with your note as well! (((((hugs))))) Oh yes! And it WAS shrink wrapped, and survived the trip in tact, and was beautiful with a gorgeous bow on it---I agree with her family, she IS the shrink wrap queen!!! Kat

I am like Desnise, if I end up with a PB episode, I have to go to liquids, and avoid food for a day or so, or I irritate everything, swell up, and just invite the next PB to happen! Stress comes from so many places, and as bandsters we have extra stresses, concerning our food. We see all the goodies out there, and know we shouldn't, then deal with the occasional guilt if we have them anyway! We are invited to gatherings, without knowing what the menu is going to be or whether any of it is band friendly--and if you are new to bandland, the diet is restrictive for awhile as you heal--so those problems are increased. We stress over what to get for everyone, and whether we will get it wrapped, and whether we are over budget...and a million other things related to this time of year, that each on their own may not be enough stress to cause the related swelling, but when you add them all together, sometimes it gets to people, and their bands. Hope your PB Spree is over!!! Kat

Protein will not help with reflux. It works for a lot of things, this is just not one of them! Try elevating the head of your bed, or sleeping on a wedge type of pillow. sleep on your sides, not your back. Avoid drinking or eating for 2 or more hours before bed, not having food or liquid in your pouch will help a lot! I wait until I can drink after dinner, then try to drink a full glass of Water, then nothing, just let is wash my pouch out as much as possible. Try taking your Nexium at a later time in the day, on an empty stomach was one of my Dr.'s suggestions, you might ask your Dr, about it! Try a few days without dairy, and see if that could be an issue. If not, add it back in, and eliminate something else--see if you can pinpoint something causing the problems. Protein every 2-3 hours----what kind of protein? If your stomach is irritated already, and you are eating a difficult to digest type of protein, you might just be keeping it tore up. ***I am NOT a Dr. nor a medical professional---this is simply my opinion*** I would try to eat healthy, but at the same time take a few days and baby your stomach. Maybe get your protein from clear Liquid Protein drinks--something that the stomach does not have to work so hard with. Then I would eat easily digested foods, cooked veggies etc. Let my body take it easy for a few days. Then slowly try to figure out it a certain food or food group might be an issue with you. I mentioned dairy, because my Mom is lactose intollerant,and she says she feels bubbly when she inadvertantly eats something with dairy. Good Luck!!!! Kat

Hi Hammer, I agree with everything LJM had to say. I live in an area where there is no support group at all---so I understand that part of it! I come here to LBT---I usually get help, understanding and loving support! I have also told everyone in real life, so have people who know--so that too helps. I don't have a set amount of food I eat at one sitting. I try to plan my meals around what I consider to be healthy. Not 100% Protein, but also not much inthe starchy side of things either! I have never been one to seriously count my calories, etc. I had a goal to be healthy. I try to eat that way, and as much as I love food, I have to try to remember it is actually fuel for my body, and to try to get my enjoyment in life from something besides food!! I do enjoy food still, in a different way. Where before I would have a large steak and baked potato loaded, veggies and bread. I will now buy the best small filet steak I can find---and make a salad. I buy the tastiest salad dressings---I cannot eat a lot of it, so do not use the calories as my deciding factor. I eat a lot of spicy foods. It makes my palate happy with less food. I get more enjoyment in less bulk. Maybe that is my mind playing tricks--but it works! As for the PB's---have you seen a pattern in them? Certain foods? Places? Time of day? I found myself getting the golf ball feeling everyday when I would go to lunch with DH---finally decided I was either eating too fast, or not chewing well--or likely both. I have to seriously concentrate in those situations. Try keeping track, and see if a pattern emerges. Til then, like LJM said, be sure to go back to liquids following a PB, or you are setting yourself up for another due to swelling, and an evil cycle begins sometimes. And like she said, exercise! Even several short walks a day do amazing things!!! Good Luck~~ Keep us posted~ Kat

For Christmas I got a pair of gloves from Bath & Body works, they are lined with some sort of softener---you use your lotion, and put the gloves on, they did wonders for my cuticles!!! I tried them for just a short while last night--but I was able to read with them, but would not want to mess them up with food! Maybe pamper your hands!!! Have you been seeing your Dr. regularly since the band replacement, for fills? Sometimes it takes awhile to get to the spot where it works its best. I thought I might make it through the last of this weight without another fill---but I was able to eat a cinnamon roll yesterday for breakfast---so I am thinking I might need that fill!!! Good Luck to you--- Kat Kat

Poor you! The only positive thing I can think of at this point is that with it just being a cold, medication is really not going to affect it. I was told with treatment a cold will last a week, without it, it lasts 7 days! Hopefully yours will ease up soon. What kind of meds are you trying to take? Have you tried liquids? How are you taking them? And how far out from being banded are you? Welcome to LBT! We actually have quite a few nurses around, hopefully one of them will have some good ideas for you!!! Kat

I have snack issues myself. Unfortunately what helped me is likely not to help you at all--my reflux returned! I have to stop eating after dinner, or I will reflux through the night. I used to go in and brush and seriously floss my teeth so I would be discouraged from eating anything, and it helped some. Do you crochet or knit, or something you do with your hands that makes eating and doing it impossible? I make handstitched christmas stockings, and noticed during the eveneing when I was working away at them, I did not have anything to snack on--I was not free handed, and did not want to chance getting them dirty. So--maybe a new hobby? Good Luck, I sympathize, as well as empathize! Kat

DETAILS!! We need details!! Men? Women? Drinking involved or not? Do they like games? What are the cost considerations? Help us help you!!! We have done all kinds of things for NY Eve before. Pot luck the dinner, maybe do a course at each house, and have each house have a different form of entertainment? Then plan to be somewhere special at midnight. We did this one year, there were 4 of us, 2 couples and 2 singles--so actually 6--but we made 4 stops. We did appetizers at one house, and she had a Scattegories type of game made up around the new years theme. Then we had dinner at my place, we had made DVD's of our group through the years--mainly the last year--we watched it after dinner, then gave everyone a copy. Then to the other couples place, for dessert----which they had all the parts for, and we all built our own dessert as our activity as well. Then on the the last house where we had drinks (several of them!!!)---she had planned a time in her yard to star gaze, right at midnight---instead we sat around a fire---it was snowing!!! We had made arrangements to have transportation---we had our friends son drive everyone home. It was inexpensive for each involved, and was fun--what we each had planned was kept quiet! I look forward to the ideas you receive! We have stayed home for years, this year we are actually going out to the grand reopening of a club DH and I used to frequent many, many years ago!!! Have fun!! Kat

Good Morning Violets! Well it is over, all that planning and work, and it is over! It was a good time for the most part!! Judy, sorry your DIL was being wierd. Wonder what was up with her?? My SIL was mad at her DD yesterday, she dumped her kids off with her Mom, and left to have Christmas dinner with the new boyfriends family. I would imagine her kids would have preferred to be where they were, but still, she should have been with them her Mom said. I stayed out of it, I was ticked at my SIL anyway. There were 6 kids running around 3 & under, and she insisted on scolding my 2 grandkids! Kinsey kept being told not to touch things---which would have been fine if she were #1--actually touching the item in question, and #2---the only kid involved. And these are not expensive not kid friendly things--one was a blow up toy, she decided they had been playing with it, but ended up with Kinsey in tears because she yelled at her. Then---get this one. HER grandson (who is a 6 ft. tall 15 yo---good, good kid) and HER husband were playing with Connor, acting like they were going to throw him at one another, and he was squealing, and screeching and giggling, and she kept telling him to quiet down and knock it off! Finally Rick got mad, and we just made an early exit!! As did our kids! But all in all it was good. Our time with OUR kids, was wonderful! They liked their gifts, the grandkids had a blast! That part was wonderful! The inlaw part was iffy!!! They got here and did the TV set up, while my BIL was setting up the TV, he somehow had a malfunction with the VCR---and it quit, with the tape he was using to test it still inside. So he opened it up, never so much as got power again! So they were going to leave them with just the old DVD player...which is no good, my MIL records on tape her soaps everyday, and then watches them in the bedroom at night with FIL...they have a routine! So Rick and I went to Walmart to buy a VCR---they do not sell them anymore!!! The only way to get one, is to buy a combo with VCR & DVD! So $80 bucks later they were back in business! They ended up thanking his brother for it! Oh well, it was the thought behind it we decided! The new TV is really nice!! Makes me think I am ready for an upgrade!!! But our TV is HUGE! And Rick built my entertainment center around it! Guess we will keep it for awhile longer, til the change is forced upon us!! It was so nice talking to Jane!!! She is such a sweetheart! I know there is no rhyme nor reason when it comes to the USPS. When the package gets here, I will definitely need the pampering you referred to Jane!! Was wonderful talking to you! I had to laugh, her card was the one I ended up getting returned to me---my fault not the PO's. Then the delay in the SS!!!! When it comes I will get a picture of my goodies and get it posted! TracyK---hope your move goes smoothly!!! Will be thinking of you! Tracy--hope Cody is fun today and not too much of a hinderence! I cannot believe they run a full time day care like that! I had people who worked holidays and wanted me to keep the kids even though it was Christmas day....but I don't think I ever just closed suddenly! I too ran several teachers kids, but most of mine come from the local courthouse. We live in the county seat, so the courthouse is a large employer here, and easily 3/4 of my kids were through county workers. But that also encompasses, jailers---and that is who was always wanting me to keep her kids, day, night, holidays whatever! She thought she hired me, I worked her schedule! I also always ask parents to have a back up plan in place, since I was privately ran, and I too occasionally would have an emergency. She actually told me it was my responsibility to find back up care. I ask her what if the person I chose were a child molester? This is YOUR child, YOU make those decisions!! She was so wierd, but her kids were so sweet!!! Some days I miss the day care, others....not so much!!! I too made out like a bandit for Christmas!!! I got a new Kathy VanZeeland bag ( I really like some of her purses), new little heart earrings, with pave diamonds in them, a digital picture frame, a digital picture key ring, some bears---to go with my bear"foots"collection,a gorgeous new saddle blanket--Doo will love it too!!!. Together Rick and I got a new GPS system for the bike, a portable speaker system for the Ipod, and a car kit so it charges as we listen, a camping lantern.....lots of goodies, it was one of those years we actually didn't get anything to put in the useless gift pile in the garage!!! LOL It is bitter cold out this morning....4 degrees when I got up. Kinsey just got here, and Manda said the thermometer downtown said 9. Guess I will go and let Kinsey show me all the goodies she brought!! Santa was extra nice to her too!!! Will talk to all of you later----Hugs! Kat

HO-HO-HO!!! It is finally here! I am so excited it is silly! My grandkids were too young to appreciate the excitement last year, but this year, Kinsey is understanding, and has Lindzie to keep her hyped up! And Connor--he is just ready to tear off the paper, he cares not whose it is or anything!!! I am excited for them! I have my lasagna made, and sitting, so I can put it in the oven in a few minutes. It is huge! Several years ago, the city built a new Senior Citizens center---and as all government things are done, it ALL had to be new! So I bought 4 of the extra large, stainless steel baking pans, and that is what I made this lasagna in. I actually weighed it when I finished it today--and thought it was a mistake, so went and got the other scale!!! This lasagna weighs almost 25 pounds!!! I got on the scale and weighed, then got off, let it reset, and got back on holding it. It is heavy! I am amazed to think I used to step on that scale and was excited as heck to see it say that--and now the idea of walking around carrying that all day seems daunting! Sounds pretty silly, but Rick and I were saying we are actually kind of excited to get back on the bandwagon, and work towards health again. Get back into our workout routine together, and to eat healthier again! I want to lose this last 20-30 pounds this year (meaning fiscally not calendar, think thats a bit much to hope for in a week!!) Hope the excitement lasts! Trying to get my friend Becky to hop on with me, her Dr. told her to lose weight, and for the first time in our entire friendship, she outweighs me! I find it so hard to believe! But out in the forest yesterday we (she her future DIL and I) were being silly, and made snow angels---mine was normal sized! I got into the snow and back up without undue effort (I mean I am not 16 anymore!!!) It is taking awhile to sink in....and as it does, the wonder increases! Cindy your cruise sounds fun! Not so much the puking people part!!! We found the same issues when we went to Cancun. Was nice, but the crowd was a party crowd, and knew no limits! Pamela---I love the fact that you embrace your beliefs. Your relationship with God is just that-------yours! As mine is mine. I have been told (by a grouchy old Aunt) that I have an infantile religeous belief. I responded by telling her thank you!!! For instance if I was currently in Jenn's position (which I have been many times) I would comfort myself as much as possible assuring myself that her Aunt she just lost is cuddling her kitty, and he is happy, and pain free. It may well be infantile, but it is how I choose to believe. Michelle---I too think the idea of Santa coming to a clean house is great!!! I remember being your DD's age, and being unable to sleep! We kept the stockings in the LR, but they were the only thing we were allowed to get into until everyone that was coming showed up! Did the same with our kids. If the grandparents were coming over to open gifts, they only got to open stockings until everyone got there. Of course Santa often left somethng out and unwrapped for them to have too! Kinsey has to come over today and get some cookies we made the other day. They left things down and Sienna their chocolate Lab pup, ate Santa's cookies! My Mom found a plate years ago (over 25) at a Halmark shop that says Santa's cookies, and has a small cup with it for milk. We used it for all the years since, and now the last 2 Manda has had it. The other day in Coach House Gifts I found them again!!! I bought 3. One for each of the kids. Manda said hers will go into the hope chest, and be safely kept for the day this one gets broken or something! Well I better get a move on, my relaxing time is over. I have to get ready to go to dinner with DH and his crew at work, and then have packages to deliver, and things to finish up for dinner tonight. Then we open gifts with Rick's family tonight. Lenny and Ali opted to open out there tonight with Connor, so they can go to Ali's families in the morning. Since Connor does not understand Santa coming yet! Then to Manda's in the morning. Abbey and Rhett are coming tonight to Grandma and Grandpa's so they can sleep in in the morning! Right now she is waiting for a serum test to tell me if I am going to be a Granny again!!! But for now they have no kids (not really wanting any at this point either)-so they can sleep!! Everyone travel safely, enjoy your loved ones, know I will be thinking of you and will be saying an extra prayer that you and yours will be safe and happy---enjoying Christmas! Love & Hugs!!! Kat

Awww Jenn, I missed the post--I am so sorry about your kitty. I know how much it hurts. I have had to put my dog and my cat both down in the last few years. I had had them both for 16 & 14 years respectively. My heart goes out to you and your kids. Big giant purple ((((hugs)))) Kat

Hi girls---it is almost here!! We had the family in, did the TV surprise, although you would never know it, to hear his Mom talk she knew all about it, all along! Even though up until she saw them there, she was telling me how she thought they would be in today!! She is one of those people who hates to be wrong! Cracks me up, but she was thrilled to have all the kids together, and they always have a good time. We ate too much, and played dominoes til late---soI never got to check in. Today we hauled wood! Surprise huh? Actually they shut down the BLM land, and forest land from wood cutting on the last day of the year, until next spring. So we went and used the last of our permits, with our friends, and then brought the wood back to my Dad. Denise, loved the video--prayers for your DD, that all will be well. Found out tonight another good friend of mine is going to be a Grandma for the first time this summer too! JANE!!!!!!!!!! I got your Christmas card back. It is MY fault! I used address labels to address my cards, and they had snowflakes on them. The first 2 numbers of your address actually ended up hidden by the snowflake....so it was undeliverable. I feel horrible! So sorry, I will drop it in a new envelope and mail it back out....it was not intentional! Terry---don't you think that your bosses DD had one very special angel that just knew she needed to be ok???? Tomorrow, I have to have a huge lasagna made for Ricks pot luck--will eat with them. Then will be going to the inlaws for Christmas with them, and our son and family. Then off to our friends, Becky & Gary's for the engagement celebration. He is proposing at the Fantasy of Lights, in a carriage ride tomorrow night. FUN!! Then Christmas morning we will go to Manda's for Christmas there with my side of the family. I have my pies made, all the veggies cut up for the dressing, and for a cornbread salad I am making, and have the cheeseballs made. I have everything else ready to do....potatoes to peel, other veggies ready to do the morning after gifts....it is going to be super busy!!! I will be thinking of you all--and hoping your Christmas is wonderful!!! Jane hope the PO is nice to you and your SS!!! For now---I am exhausted, so I am off to bed!! Will do my best to check in tomorrow. Hugs! Kat

I stopped in Penney's to buy the girls some of those super soft socks to put in their stockings. Ended up buying them all watch sets!!! Haydee, they have these nice watch sets with several interchangable bands....not cheappy looking sets, very nice sets. I have to buy this kind of watch for Manda. She is allergic to metal. So these have the band that actually sits under the plate on the watch. I was able to match the band sets to the girls personalities, or likes....Pretty basics for Manda, she wears the usual work colors, black, brown, navy, red, camel. The one I got her has some smooth leather, and some printed (crocodile or something!!!). Abbey's is bright colors, pink, lime green, orange, one with flowers---she will love it! And Ali, I bought one that has sueded bands in the nuetral tones. Ali I have never seen wear watches---but I bought the other girls, did not want her left out!! I bought those super soft throws like Laura mentioned for my nieces and nephews, then took them to a local place and had their names stitched on each of them. The longest name Christopher, ended up costing like just under 4 dollars! It was cheap! And now my great nephews cannot fight...or what always happened, is the oldest,( who is a manipulator deluxe!) would bargain and trade and make his little brothers deals, giving them this or doing that for them so he could have his pick of everything. Won't happen this year!!! My gosh Laura you are almost half way there with your weight loss!!! Woo Hoo Maybe I should change my name too...I am Kat everywhere, online, in real life.....everywhere!! Maybe something exotic!!! The post office smiled on me with mailing my SS. I was worried with the change going on---but it made it ok---I was so thrilled to get Michelles call!!! Well here is the latest "KAT SAGA". Rick just got home last night, and was in the shower--when his cell phone, and the house phone both started ringing. This was just after 7 PM, his Dad left home at 3 due at work on location at 4:30-5:00, and he had never shown up. He was not answering his cell phone, he was just missing. He is 80. I hate that he loves this job so much--he needs to be relaxing at home! But that is my own opinion. Anyway, Lenny & Rick and I load up, and head for where he was supposed to be, looking for ways he could have missed a turn or something. Now we are talking oil field roads, up dirt road passes, that are one lane wide, and rutted like you cannot believe from the inclement weather. Winding up one side of a mountain, and then going almost straight down into a canyon on the other side. He was due on location which is up on the mountain----in an area known as "Jackass Pass" because some jackass is always getting stuck. This name has been in place since our Dads were young and in the oil patch! Well he missed his turn to go up--he went straight, and through another pass called Ghouls pass (scared to ask why!!!) and dropped down into the canyon on the other side known as Ice canyon--for obvious reasons!!! It is steep and has huge chunks of ice hanging on the walls of the canyon. Beautiful, but intimidating! He knew he was in the wrong area then, saw a pumper (another oilfield worker) and ask, got himself turned around and made location about the same time we got there! Scary though! 80 year old mad lost---with snow due! He is home now, shift over, and I bet he makes his turn tonight!!! The Denverites are due in this afternoon to pull off the TV surprise. We'll see. Well going to go visit with Rick and see what our day holds. TTYL~~ Kat

So sorry TracyK----until the new job can be found---want me to send you books to read at this one?? I would not want to bust my butt for them anymore either. Sorry Sweetie! Kat

Hi girls, I feel like just going through and saying uh-huh, that's right, I agree! Everyone has expressed all my thoughts already!!! Haydee you look mah-velous! You are shrinking all over, just getting to be a smaller you. I lost all my butt, then all my legs....leaving me looking pretty doggone silly!!! MaziesMom----so sorry to hear of your Moms dissappointment, I know all about the heart surgery ordeal, my DH went through it all not too long ago. She will feel sooooo much better when she is recovered, the banding will be a breeze! Did you notice her skin color improvement already? Jenn--I too believe regardless of the "free" fills---if he is not going to do them, they are not free, they are costing you mentally and emotionally. Your Dr, sounds to me, like a total ass! The fact that your weight was actually up to you, seems like it would show you were needing a fill. He is NOT the best judge of that! He does not live with you, he does not live with your restriction or lack there of. I would seriously, begin looking the first of the year, when finances are a bit better, and find a Dr. who is willing to work for his $$$. Fire him! Then I think I would write a letter to the Allergan people, and alert them that his stats are biasing the band, because he refuses a regular fill schedule! Might not do anything, but it might also make you feel better! TracyK---hoping hard that your Christmas bonus comes through today. It sucks they wait til the last minute where it cannot be used to supplement your income for Christmas. I know you will be be glad to get it whenever with the move though! Tracy--handsome group of men ya got there!!! And there you are, the only Princess in the Palace----and looking good too!! Laura--glad your sister is ok, scary thing. Did her health finally improve? Did they figure out what her problem was? Judy---MORE fudge? I am done, other than cooking for DH's feast at work on Christmas Eve, and then cooking for Christmas dinner. His crew decided to have a big pot luck, and I have been requested to bring Lasagna!!! Whatever! I don't blame them, you really only want so many holiday style dinners!!! Michelle---that is a helluva lot of pumpkin bread!!! I bet you made every kid in school hungry from smelling it! Pamela--I too would come and help you wrap if I could. Sorry you are still down. I would be a very wealthy woman if I had the magic cure though. When your back hurts you cannot do much of anything! Jane----I know exactly what you and Michelle are speaking of, I am just rolling along with the days as they pass, enjoying them completely! I too have my Christmas pretty much done (due to early planning prior to surgery!)....now I am just enjoying it! Ricks brother and sister will be here tomorrow to do the TV thing. His Mom called and wanted us to come and replace the cable today. We went out this morning, I made some breakfast burritos, and off we went. I looked behind the entertainment center, and it was dusty, and yucky! So we decided to eat first with the mess it was going to make. I was soooooooooo irritated!!! I was going to have to clean the mess and then they were going to waltz in change out the TV, and have no mess!!! Then as we were sitting there I looked up--------her TV is fine, the cable is fine! Her VCR had been turned on! Turned it off, the TV is fine! We ate, Rick did the brakes on his Dads truck and we come home!! They get to deal with the mess when they do the TV---they want the glory--not they get the guts too!!! I feel so mean saying it, but I clean up all their grandstand gestures it feels like! Think tonight we are taking the girls to see Babes In Toyland, a stage performance. Manda and Ryan are entertaining some of his business associates at a local high dollar restaurant---so the girls are staying here I think. It might be fun. Well I am off to find something to eat. Will be back to check in with the rest of you girly girls soon!! Kat