Kat817

Sorry Pamela---do you know what you did to throw it out, or hurt it? Is it a flare up of a previous injury? Not that it matters, when it hurts it hurts.......hope it improves quickly! We went to Lindzies 1st grade music program tonight! We could not believe these kids!!! Some were dressed up to a point of looking comical. And others, were in dirty, unkempt clothes. The things some of these parents had these kids wear was beyond me!!! But it was great fun, we laughed, Rick got a huge kick out of it! Her own Mom didn't show up, and Ryans Dad and Step Mom come, but his Mom is out of town...so I was really glad we went. She did so good!!! The only other thing I really noticed for the first time, is that those teachers looked awfully young!!! Well Rick is snoring in the chair beside me, I guess we will go to bed, Kinsey will be here early in the morning. She was supposed to go to my parents for the next 2 days. Rick is off now, until after Christmas, and we were going to do a movie or something tomorrow, but my Dad has a horrible cold. He feels awful, so guess we will keep her!!! I don't want her getting it if we can help it, and he sure doesn't feel like dealing with a kiddo!!! So...maybe we will do A chipmunk movie instead!!! I mentioned seeing that to her Mom and Manda said she would rather not, that they wanted to take both girls. I told Kinsey that her Mama said no, she responded with "Mommy is mean acshully" She listens to the 6 year old waaaay too much!!! Ok girls, sleep well---Pamela----feel better! Big old hugs gently coming your way!!! Kat

Wouldn't surprise me to find several rolls of duct tape in the back rooms at BL. There is no way to tighten skin like that----without surgical intervention. Chickie should know, she worked out--or ran --like a mad woman, and is toned beyond belief, even though her pics are down----and even she had to go the surgical route....as will I! I will gladly do the TT---------it is so worth it to have this much of the weight gone, and know the rest will eventually come off too---makes even the plastics worthwhile! Kat

Welcome to LBT!!! Sounds like you have a list of valid reasons to look forward to being banded! I cannot tell you how much I love my band! Even though my weight loss has slowed, I know this could never have happened without the little silicone fist wrapped around my stomach! The idea of not feeling a constant need to eat---was absolutely foreign to me. It has been a Godsend! We look forward to watching you make your way into bandland. Don't be a stranger, keep reading, and learning, and preparing. If you have any questions, feel free to ask--and if you don't get an answer, ask again, oftentimes this board moves pretty fast, and things can get buried quickly. Welcome aboard!! Let the losing begin! Kat

I agree--when I herniated the discs in my back, I did all the wrong things!! Eventually I got the message----ice and rest....and it did help. Will hope yours improves drastically and quickly! Hugs and lots of Purple Healing power to you!!! I cheat in a massive way with the candy!!! We make what we call turtles, but they are also called bears. Preheat your oven to 325--line cookie sheets with parchement paper. Waxed paper will work, but might smoke up the oven a bit from the hot wax--but it does not smell, and will not change your candy. Lay out 5 pecans in a manner that is kind of a star--it is supposed to look like a bears head, arms and legs. Then lay an unwrapped caramel in the middle of it...put it in the oven for a few minutes....I'd guess to say 3-5 minutes. Just let the caramel get soft, not liquid melted! Use a butter knife to flatten the caramel a bit. The way I used mine, I slid it down into the tub of margarine, just coated it without actually seeing butter on the knife itself. Then I used a mix of 1 bag of milk chocolate chips and a bag of semi sweet chocolate chips and about a tablespoon of Crisco, melted it in the microwave. Takes about a minute and a half, stir after the first minute. Then spoon the chocolate over the caramel, letting the bears head,and feet stick out. The guys gobbled them up. I avoided them, caramels and my fillings don't mix well!!! Call me if you have any questions. I have a more detailed and involved recipe, but we couldn't use it this year. I used to buy sweetened condensed milk, and cook the can overnight in the crock pot, and it would turn to caramel....but every can we found this year, had the pop top, and they explode!! LOL Off to Target----be back in awhile--call if you need help Haydee-- Feel better Pamela! Kat

I agree with the donating things fully-as I stated before. I do however, have tons----of tops---large sized--as in 2& 3 X----will be glad to give to anyone wanting them. Shoot me a PM and we will arrange it! Our shelter here is moving I found out last night, and will not be taking any donations other than cash until Feb. 1st. Any takers? Mostly casual--some still with tags. Kat

Was going to pop in and say I heard from Terry, she is swamped with work, the season, and being a wonderful Daughter--------but I see she is logged on right now, so maybe she will tell us herself!!! Kat

Jane your card made it to New Mexico yesterday. Things seem to always be slow here---so they likely made their rounds!! Actually, the envelope is here on my desk, it says it was mailed from St. Louis on the 11th. Got to me yesterday. Kinsey was convinced it was for her because it was little like her, and she loved that it looked like it was hugging all the toys!!! Too cute! I am up early, ready for her to be dropped off, and my DD calls, she is not going to work. She is going to try to get back into the dentist. She has one socket that is not healing, she is still in pain, her face is still swollen, she has taken all her pain meds, and went through a bottle of ibuprofen---so it is time to have it looked at. Sounds like she may have a dry socket--they are sooo painful! And it is the upper one---so she may be infected, they go into the sinus cavity oftentimes, and infect easily he told her. So I have a free early morning. But we went to bed at 9-----not sleepy enough to go back to bed!! So yesterday, when going through some cards I keep on hand to find a thank you card, I ran onto some nail stuff my Mom bought me easily a year ago!! They are these nail polish things from Avon, that you just press onto your nail, and then have to use polish remover to take off. I put it on, yesterday, and was not too impressed right off the bat. Seemed like it was not stuck good etc. Then got busy making the enchiladas, and doing laundry. Just forgot about it, til this morning when I remembered to look at it closely again!! Now I could not tell it was put on any different that standard polish, but it is instantly dry....this morning I am liking it. Will see how well it wears. Good Morning TracyK--have a great day at work, don't forget your book today! Need books? What do you read??? I have a library almost!!! My best friend Becky, her Mom reads sometimes 2 books a day. A lot of them are romance novels, but also a lot of current fiction. She goes into Walmart and buys all the new books as they hit the shelf. She also has asthma so she does not store books, due to the dust. She send them with Becky by the black garbage bag full! We go through a pull out what we will read, and the rest get traded at a local book exchange place. I will admit I read a lot less than I used to, I have credit at the bookstore like crazy!!! My Dad and my daughters both read on my credit!!! Kinsey and LBT have taken priority over my reading of late!! Think I'll go check out the morning paper, will check back in in awhile!! Kat

Will include both Mommies 2 B in my prayers Denise. Laura sorry about the ticket DH got....radar detectors, I swear by mine!!! Great NSV girl!!! I used to watch Days of Our Lives, until Marlena became possessed, and I couldn't hang--and that was a 20 year addiction for me! Suzanne-I am so glad your heart is ok! Sounds like you need to slow down!! Speaking of slowing down----I am off to bed----will check with all of y'all tomorrow!! Kat

I too am worried about Terry--also about her Mom, hope all is ok. This time of year is so hard on people, with so much to do, and emotions high & low. PLUS she has teenage kids! Hope she is just shopping like mad !! Terry----throw us a bone here----let us know you are ok! I'll shoot her an email as well. Kinsey and I went riding, met up with my cousin and his grandson Gage. We rode to the river, and looked and looked for Santa's reindeer-----didn't find any though. Was lots of fun anyway. Kinsey was only concerned that they not bite! TracyK--DH's employer is world wide, and they do not give Christmas bonuses, because they are not allowed to celebrate Christmas per se. They have to have Winter Parties. He does get Peer Cards regularly for $50-$100. And he gets spot bonsuses frequently--$50-$200. The Peer cards, he gets from his supervisors when they feel he is going above and beyond. He got one for $100. yesterday for going out on the all night call. IN addition to being on the clock for 19 hours. The Spot bonus is less random, they have certain things that have to be done to even qualify. He receives them often enough to make doing those things worthwhile. Both come in the form of a Visa card, with the amount you are given pre loaded on to the card. As a supervisor himself he is alloted so many to give to his guys per quarter too. For a few years the local camp boss would give certificates to everyone for a turkey or a ham, but then corporate put a stop to even that. NOTHING!!! They do allow the different depts. to celebrate as they see fit to do within the comfort of all employees. They usually have a big dinner--and at Christmas will draw names and exchange gifts. They didn't for several years, they had an employee who did not celebrate Christmas, but when he left, they discussed it and resumed. I have rolled beef enchiladas in the oven. I was out of Spanish rice ---I always buy one kind of package, Rick likes...so I improvised, and not sure it is a go!!! I used some garlic flavored rice, and cooked it with a re jalapeno salsa. Smells good----but nothing like Spanish rice!! We'll see. I personally don't eat it!!! When I got home this afternoon, I carried Kinsey in, she fell asleep on the ride home. Laid her down on the couch, and went out to get some things out of the car, and my DIL pulls up. As I said she had gone to a local little bistro with the Grandma on the crazy side. I have told you she does not watch my Grandson, and she carried that baby in covered in blood! He fell off of a ledge onto the sidewalk, while she and the Grandma were talking as they left. He has this HUGE purple bleeding goose egg on his little forehead. The grandma is a nurse, and she told her if his pupils remained the same sizes not to worry. He obviously made his intitial contact there, then scraped his nose, lip and chin. He looked so pitiful! I wanted to take him to the Dr. she was unsure, could not get my son on the phone---he is out to far on location. They stayed around for an hour or so, so I got to watch him, and he seemed ok, even though he looks so horrible. I hope he is ok. I talked to Rick, and he too thought maybe having him seen would be a good idea. I mean he is a baby still! I am going to make her crazy, I keep calling to check on him. Well I am off to put the final touches on dinner. Will talk to y'all soon! Kat

LOL, Jen and I have the same cards---although not all of mine going everywhere were the same!! I am just like you Jenn----90% of the time they have snowmen, in fact unless I buy individual cards, I only look at snowmen cards!!! My entire house is filled with snow men right now! Well some snow ladies, and even snow babies!! So then I have to decide which snowman card!!! I liked the 3rd fold in these!! Glad you liked them too, it validates my choice!! I bought some candy for my Aunt & Uncle yesterday, and Kinsey and I wrapped it up this morning so I would not be tempted!! Manda and I made tons of turtles the other day----I made her take most of them home, that we didn't package for the work people. Rick likes them---so I let her leave a few, but I am keeping them out in the garage where it is cold, then the caramel is too hard for my tender teeth!!! Keeps me out of them anyway!!! Yeah I understand the peek in through the day Michelle! I was supposed to meet the DIL in town, but she cancelled so she could go to lunch with Grandma on the crazy Mom's side!! I had fully planned on taking her to lunch, but....had not said so, so I got trumped, which is fine. I plan on going to get the pics later this week on my own--she can do her own thing with the others. I quit!!! Too much hassle over something so piddly! Kinsey just beat me fair and square at a game of Cootie!!! Looks like she is finished playing with the pieces so I better help pick up---I played too!! TTYL~~ Kat

I began riding again about 225---I picked that as a magic number because many, many men I know ride at that weight on a regular basis. I probably could have rode before that, with weight only in mind, but I was so far out of shape, I wanted to be sure I could mount without issue, or step ladder!!! Wish it would hurry up and warm up! I want to get out of here, before someone comes up with something for me to do!!! LOL Kat

LOL---but you look pretty in front of the class........AND you can count in so many languages.........AND we would never let you miss it........so we will count for you!!! Kat

Morning girlies! 7:30 and Kinsey and I are battling over her wanting ice cream! Let the FUN begin!!! LOL Denise, your DD looks happy! Manda was so scrawny when she was pregnant, she looked like it was fake half the time! Like some kids basketball shoved under her shirt!!! She is like me....that did not last, after the child was born!!! Judy, Manda had trouble conceiving with Kinsey, so I will pray for equally wonderful results for your DD. Jennifer, go get the fill!!! I have/had at last notice 1.75 cc. in my band--it has been a magic amount for me for a loooong time! Maybe not in the restriction sense....I have much less restriction than others----but in staving off hunger---being satisfied on small amounts, it has been perfect! Honestly I would love to just make it where I am at, I feel such freedom with it at this level. But the more I lose, I am sure it will continue to lessen.... Michelle---your poor credit card must have been in some pain, for them to call!!! They called us twice when we went to Hawaii, confirming the change in spending. I found the check in comforting! Pamela--I am the same way, I am really enjoying the holidays this year. With my surgery, I really hurried to get the most of it done early. Now I find myself, with free time to relax (?) and do special holiday things with Kinsey. We cut out Christmas trees yesterday, and she glued sequins,and pompoms, to them, and stuck on sticky stars---made one for her house, and all of us Grannies too!! She was so proud of them! We made the gingerbread house. We have went to visit with Santa, and had lunch in town with Papa. Lots of fun Christmassy stuff. I think today if we manage to meet the DIL in town and actually order pics, that I will let Kinsey pick out something for her Mama, and get something for Connor for my son & DIL. He is not old enough yet to pick it out, but I am thinking he could give them like a new photo album, with some pics I have of him in it....something small, but something they will not expect under the tree from him! I slept good last night-------everyone else? TracyK---sorry you are having a rough one. I can sympathize. I never, ever not one time had an easy period. I had problems from day 1. I had endometriosis for years...I would go months with no periods at all, then once I started it would take medical intervention to stop. I ask for the hysterectomy for years, but Dr.'s went through a time they quit doing them so much, insurance balked, there was not a medical necessity for it. But boy when the cancer showed up, they made sure it happen! If they had done it 10 years earlier when I first ask, the cancer would never have been an issue. I hope you feel better SOON!!! Well.....thinking about calling my cousin and seeing how he feels about a ride today. I haven't got to spend much time with him lately---I miss his idiocy!!! We went through divorces at the same time. His wife left him with a son and 2 daughter to raise, so we helped one another out a lot!!! I taught him how to braid the girls hair---and he took that knowledge and ran with it, now he makes some high dollar braided leather horse halters, and tack, it is gorgeous!!! He helped me learn how to service the AC on my house, and how to start the weedeater! That was a fun day--I sliced both our ankles!! Thinking it is time to saddle up and visit with him for awhile. Will check back later! Hugs! Kat

Me thinks you need to re calculate.....it is better than you think!!! Love ya! Kat

Glad you are home safe Judy. I am off to bed, hoping to have a better night than last night. From now on, if I cannot sleep I am logging on, to see if it is a Violet condition going on!!! Sleep well EVERYONE!!! Kat

I ended up buying bullion cubes, they had more flavor---at least a more tolerable flavor!!! I did not buy the brick hard cubes, the ones I bought were sold by the small package, and were kind of oblong---and semi soft, dissolved very easily. I bought beef and chicken both---I know Knorr makes some, mine were actually an off brand, I think out of Mexico. They were pretty good though. I have also heard suggestions of the flavor packet from Ramen noodles, is tasty. I thought it was WAY salty. But did not try but one flavor. Welcome to LBT! Kat

We had all of our jack o lanterns taken a couple of years ago. We had a bench on the front porch, and had 3 of the fake ones, mixed in with 3 carved paumpkins. We come home from somewhere, and found them smashed in the street...and one of the real pumpkins thrown on the hood of DH's truck. If I'd have caught them I'd put their head in the street with the pumpkins. I know the feeling----so sorry it happened to you and your family. Kat

When I was first banded, and going down through the sizes, I sent boxes of clothes all over! I made wonderful LBT friends, and helped some others out! I went to the threads of those preparing for surgery---like the January or Feb. bandsters, and made the offer. It didn't cost me and arm and a leg, and it felt good!!! Since then, I have been taking them by the bag to a local womens shelter. Actually, I take them to a local business, who then gets them to the shelter, the shelter is in an unknown place to protect the women. The best thing about going down in sizes, to Misses, and even some Juniors, is the sale racks! I love it! I have bought some nicer lines, but I run with my grandkids on a daily basis, and we paint, and play in the sandbox....that kind of thing---no need for fancy. First place I head in ANY store now, the clearance racks!!! Best part of that sentence, is ANY store, I can now walk in to most anyplace and find my size....just toooo cool. Of course I will never set foot in the 5-7-9 store again, even if I could, I hate what I see in the windows!!! Kat

Diane-that has been a hard thing for me to wrap my head around. If the first bite is an iffy one----to quit! It is not like we live in a poor country that we either eat now or do without until who knows when! I can go back to it anytime! But instead I would keep trying. Dummy me! Same thing, with the fact that I really, I mean REALLY try to quit eating before I feel stuffed full. I try to quit when I am just no longer hungry. I have to tell myself, if I were to get hungry again, I can go back later and eat another couple of bites if I have to. But nope, I want to eat it all and eat it all NOW!! I know I do a million times better than I did pre band, but I also know I still have room for improvement!!!! You already have the idea!! WTG! Thanks for the great card!! Kat

LOL Michelle! Prayers for you nephew are a done deal Jane! I had a similar thing done--I had a muscle scraped years ago--was a quick healing things since none of them were actually cut. Hope his is as simple and successful! They put a new Toll House Cookie place in the food court at our mall. I smelled them....mmmmmmmm. Did not fork over any cash though! Well I am officially an idiot! I cut the sausage, and cooked it, prepped the sauce had it done and simmering, put some mushrooms on to cook. Have the bread ready for the oven. Notice anything missing? Yep sitting here waiting for my spaghetti noodles to cook--DUH! Kat

Hi! My day was similar to Michelles, went very smooth, no lines of people to deal with. Kinsey behaved very well, we meandered through the mall after lunch with Rick, I was looking for me some shoes. My DIL called wanting me to meet her at Walmart to order some pictures. She called every 5 minutes I kid you not to tell me where she was or to change the exact aisle location to meet her. Finally about half way through the mall she called, and we left to meet her, I never found any shoes, get almost to Walmart, and she called yet again--she had left the disc with the pictures on it at home! That girl is a ditzy as ditzy comes!!! Love her to pieces though--good thing! So Kinsey and I said to heck with it, and come home. They picked her up early so they could go dress shopping for Lindzie, her school program is tomorrow night---gotta go to that for sure!! So I spent the rest of the day putting my house back in order after the baking marathon yesterday! Rick seldom requests certain things for dinner, will eat most anything---tonight he ask for spaghetti & italian sausage---so it is done, and waiting for him to get home. He has not been home since 10:30 last night! Glad you didn't have tons of cancellations this weekend with the weather Jane! Better go check on things in the kitchen. Have a good evening everyone! Kat

Well heck if I'd known all of y'all were awake too---I'd have had some company!!! The dispatcher called Rick about 10:30, she could not get the on call mechanic to answer his phone. The guy was starting vacation at midnight, so refused to answer and work that final hour and half! So she tried to call the one that would be going on at midnight, he refused to answer until midnight! Then the one guy (the liar) is off in rehab---so Rick ended up going out, he has not taken a call in years, but he did last night! He called me about midnight, and the reception was horrible--I could not hear but about every other word. He usually called on his way in from location, because these are horrible oilfield roads, miles and miles of dirt roads. He was trying to say something then I hear plain as day "CRAP". Then nothing. So I tried calling him...off and on, no answer. I had no idea if he was mad because his phone was useless or if he had slid off the road, or hit a deer, or what. So I too was awake all night!! Finally he called again about 4:30--and we had excellent reception, he was then on his way to the yard. He called to tell me, that he had to wait for them to pump the job, to do the repair, so he was just going to sleep in the truck. Nice. One of us got to sleep! So I got Kinsey at 6, convinced her to go back to bed with me, we snuggled in, just sleeping great, and my MIL calls me at 7! Her TV is out, so she and FIL will probably be going shopping she says---could I help them move the old one? I have a 50" TV in my garage--a gift to them from the Denver kids! So I stalled her, told her it sounds like a cable issue, not the TV--which is not true! Called and told them in Denver, now they get to decide what to do. And now I am up again, and Miss Kinsey is still snoozing away! Color me jealous! I do not sleep well during the daylight though. Going to meet Rick for lunch, at least Kinsey will be well rested and happy! Tracy, sounds like you have a busy week ahead of you! We all probably do, but yours is booked for sure! Pamela, that was so sweet of you and Susanne to do with the tree. How long does it take her to drive back when she leaves so early? When do you get out for Christmas/Winter break? Hope Judy is sleeping soundly, and Bob driving safely---on their way to be filled! She will be at goal in nothing flat too! I must get busy! January 1st.....it's ON!!! TracyK---you poor thing, moving during Christmas, and visitors as well! My gosh, you must be so much better organized than I am! It would take me a month or more to move!! Of course we have been here many years! And you know when we paid the house off, I thought I would never move again! I might be wrong though!!! I really want out where I can have room, for parking and be near the horses--no cows! LOL But I might continue to drive out there, I am pretty settled right here! Michelle---enjoy the mall. We might end up there, it is very close to Ricks work, and with the food court, we can each get something different if we want--------not sure what we are doing for lunch. Anyone heard from Ms. Jen? I know we haven't seen her or Lunasa in the longest time. Come back girls! Gina you too----haven't seen you on either thread!!! Laura---get the grouchy account settled? Haydee---got the new batteries for the camera?? We need pictures! Jane----weather hold for your weekend clients? Denise---DD's morning sickness improving any at all?? Terry---you back to work this week? Jenn---you hanging in there girl? This too shall pass--hope you are feeling better! Oh---my mind was on a roll, then the phone rang, and I am now blank! If I missed you--blame my SIL for calling!!! Will check with all you loverlies later!!! Kat

I too spent the day filling buckets and tins---Manda and I did all of hers for her guys at work. They razzed her when she won a Pampered Chef baking dish at the Christmas party that she didn't know how to cook---so she set out to knock their socks off with home made candy---so where did she go? Mama's house!!! We had a wonderful day though. Then tonight was the Civitan Lighting contest judging, so we drove through all the neighborhoods, looking at lights with the girls. Had some dinner and just got in not long ago. Long day, but a nice one. Not once today did Kinsey mention the brat child. She talked about the train, and Santa tickled her, and she told me her bell was home in the shelf---but nothing negative---thank goodness. It is still so cold here! We just loaded all of the things into Manda's car, and it was soooo nice to come back in to the fire! I am terribly spoiled to a very warm house! We went to Abbey's the other evening, and I about froze to death! They have an open fireplace, and other than that, they have the gas heater, and they are trying to get a handle on expenses, having just bought this house, so they are not running the heat much. OMG it was soooo cold! I told Rick, I worry about her all the time, so he went by today to see if there was a way they could put in a different type of stove in place of the fireplace---her DH does not want to do that. But he also does not want to heat the house. My DD is cold! I did a kid thing---rolled my eyes at him! Tracy I used to threaten to knock Manda upside the head and make her eyes stick back there, she rolled them so effectively!! Michelle, I think my list is about finished being marked off!! We were going to buy Christmas for the girl who used to rent from us. But Manda submitted her name to BP, and they picked her as one of their families. They do far more than we could have! Clothes, toys, bikes, food...utility vouchers if needed...they help out a lot! So sometime this week, Kinsey and I will go and pick and Angel from the tree, and buy that gift to take to the fire dept. We did one earlier this year, but I want the idea to stick in her head! Judy, glad all went so well for you with your performance tonight! The kids did their Sunday School program thing this morning, and Kinsey wanted to sing in the kids choir so bad, she is now old enough, so will have to make an effort to get her involved! They had the program, and the mens Breakfast group had made up bags with fruit and candy, and had them ready for Santa to hand out. But Santa never showed up! There was a man from the neighboring town church who was supposed to be here, but he was a no show! So they were given their bags...and sent on! My folks took her this morning so Manda and I could get a start without help! Well I am tired, so think I will head off to bed. It sounds too good to put off any longer.....sadly tonight it even sounds better than fun under the Christmas tree! Damn I AM old!!! (((hugs))) Kat

Physically I would have been able to return by day 4. I flew home 5 hours, and another 5 in the car on day 3. I felt fine. Mild discomfort, but nothing too severe. By day 5 or 6, the liquid in = liquid out would have been an issue. There were days at home, I barely made it! I quit the broth, and it helped a lot. That would have been my biggest issue, and I also got tired VERY quickly. We were in the middle of a home remodel for my DD, and I would give out mid afternoon---I wasn't even good for shopping (which shocked EVERYONE!!) Make sure you have plenty of clear liquid protein on hand, that will help a lot I found. As for the differences in Dr.'s---no explanation, except they each have their own ways and their own experiences they draw off of. You chose your Dr. based on trust, and it is suggested you closely follow what YOUR own Dr. advises. You will find everything here from a 30 day liquid pre op diet, to no pre op preparation at all! Some keep you in the hospital for 2-3 days (mine did), others it is done as day surgery and within 3-4 hours you are home. Some have a loooong post op diet (mine) others allow heavy liquids and mushies within days. The things they tell you to eat, or not to eat, vary widely. You went to YOUR Dr. for a reason, so stick to what YOUR Dr. has to say. There will be people who try to second guess what your well paid professional have to say---both in real life and on this site as well as others. I always take the advice with a grain of salt, consider what I think, and if necessary check with my Dr. and go from there. Minnesota Lady---you may not make that goal within your bandiversary---but WOW, look where you are, and you admit to not exercising or always eating right! Imagine where you would be this year if you had not been banded! You are down well over 50 pounds, and it sounds as though it has been without a lot of effort! Soon everyone will be making New Years Resolutions--all the new exercise equipment will be out, and diet food helps will be on sale--lots of things to motivate us! This is a hard time of year, with all the parties, and candy....but it is never to late, to jump start your band, and get going again. Do you need a small fill, to get restriction again? Hang out here at LBT---we will try to help keep you on the right track!! Good Luck to all of you heading off to surgery this week---will be waiting to hear how it went for you!! Kat

Hi girls~ Home from my train ride, and I am just so upset! The weather here is not anywhere near what Pamela has!! It was sooo cold! So we put Kinsey in some new candy cane striped blanket sleeper type of footed jammies, since they are encouraged to wear jammies. She was not thrilled with them, she likes her Princess nightgowns! To her anything frilly or full skirted is a Princess, and every child under 13 is automatically her "friend" that is what she calls them--friend. She jabbered with kids in the train depot, and was a happy little girl. Then we got on the train, and there was a little girl (about 4-5 yo) in an obvious bad mood (she wanted a toy in the depot she did not get). She was wearing this little gown/robe set all trimmed out in the boa type of feathers....very cute, but not warm enough! Kinsey was enchanted with it, she ended up sitting in front of us---her, her snotty Mom and a younger brother. Kinsey tried to talk to her, she ignored us, the Mom actually moved the boy so he would not be sitting next to Ray---Becky's grandson, like he had cooties. Eventually Kinsey said something and called her "friend", and referred to her Princess dress-- she turned around and screamed--loud---the entire car heard her---"Shut up don't talk to me, you are ugly!" I know I am biased, and this was a pissy little girl, but Kinsey is not ugly in any way. To see her turn around with her bottom lip quivering and her big blue eyes full of tears--it took every ounce of control I had not to choke the little brat. We cuddled her, assured her she was not ugly, and to ignore the girl, she was being grumpy. Her waste of breath Mother, never said a word. I cannot tell you how many Moms, Grandma's and others, come up to us through the evening telling Kinsey how cute she looked, and not to be upset by what the girl said. Off and on all night she would ask us---or tell/ask us "I not ugly?" When we were almost to the entertainment area, after the story, Mom got up to take the little boy to the bathroom, and the girl threw another tantrum refusing to go---so she left her there (boy I wanted to throw her from the train!) I waited and then loudly told Kinsey when we get up here we will tell Santa what that girl said and he won't bring her any presents, he does not like mean kids! Kinsey did not understand--the little girl, was enough older she did! She looks at me all shocked, and I told her "yep I am telling Santa!" She watched us like a hawk the whole time we were at the entertainment! Was hilarious! So on the way back Santa walks through each car, visiting with the kids, and gives them each a bell (Polar Express)---I made a point of speaking to Santa in front of her (you should have seen her eyes!) I told him my granddaughters feelings had been hurt by another child calling her ugly, could he say something to try to counteract that. He come over and sat down with us, and picked her up and told her she was the prettiest candy cane he had ever seen, and he was almost tempted to take her to the North Pole, but Rudolph might want to nibble on this candy cane, and tickled her tummy---she was thrilled. Brat child, just watched. On the way home the brat unscrewed the bell handle from the bell, and screamed and cried---when her Mom tried to fix it she threw it, and hit another kid in the eye! The conductor told her Mom she had to sit down and be quiet, or they could move to another car! Scary part of this story, is if my son and his wife do not control my Grandson, he may turn out the same way, he is so mean right now! Kinsey fell asleep on the way home--I hope she wakes up and has forgot all about the brat. Isn't it sad, that whether we are 3 or 30 or twice that, that one single person putting us down, is what sticks in our minds and hearts, and dozens telling us different, does not lessen the hurt? Was fun being with her, and watching her enjoy most of the night. She was so good considering she swam for hours today, I was afraid she would be a total grump!!! She probably will be tomorrow when we are trying to make candy!!! Wonderful picture Denise!!! You look great!! This time of year, is killer for me as well!!! I am so looking forward to the New Year, and some excitement over getting started downward again!!! Resolutions here I come!!! Jenn---I never heard of the movie you went to. I have heard of the Legend one Pamela and Susanne went to, I have plans to go see it. But first up----is a promised trip to see The Chipmunks!! Pamela enjoy your sweetie! Judy--wish my candy was all done!!! I am leaving the fudge to the Moms this year, and doing other things. I cannot be trusted with that much fudge in my house!!! Good Luck on your program tomorrow!! Hope the weather cooperates for you. It has not snowed here, but we are back down to 9 degrees, so will likely see zero by 3-4-5 AM when it gets the coldest here. I went out and give some extra grain to the horses tonight, told them I thought about riding!!! If I have time tomorrow, going to go spend some time in the barn--it is very relaxing to me! Well I am off to bed I think. Fire is roasting me out of the room!!! Talk to y'all tomorrow! Kat