Kat817

Eggs are not good for me either! They are a slow go, or have to be mixed with other stuff---as in huevos rancheros, or with hashbrowns---so...I usually eat very little. Cindy--------oh my this could be the blind leading the blind!!! I think if you go to User CP---and then on the left hand side of the screen you can then go to EDIT OPTIONS and in there you can opt to allow PM's---and somewhere right in there you can allow email if you want. Don't feel like you need to allow email, if you simply open it up so we can PM you we can exchange it in private, and no one else will be able to email you. Now to send one of us, or anyone else on LBT a PM---go to one of our posts, and click on our user name, it will drop down a menu that will give you options of sending a PM or an email---among other things. I don't want to go check it out-everytime I try to do that, I end up losing my post!! Hope that helps. If not---we will get someone involved who is much more computer literate than I am---in other words, most anybody!!! Wonderful gift idea Pamela---Tracy sounded thrilled to pieces! How is Susanne today? I know nothing much about the disease, it sounds horrible though. My DD dealt with some serious female issues while they were in the service, what useless Dr.'s she had! She is lucky to have her DD today, they let things slide, putting her off, giving her BS diagnosis--terrible that they consider themselves medical professionals over there! Tell her we hope she is on the mend. Judy got the PM---good idea, will stop and check that out while out shopping today! OK---GINA!!! I hate to put you on the spot, but you MUST share your pictures with everyone here--OMG girls you cannot imagine...she is much like our TracyK, keeping her huge success to herself! Gina posted her progress pics on the Before and After---and she has done SO well! As I told her, I liked the new Avatar---but Holy Moley, she has lost almost a hundred pounds already! So Gina--show the rest of our crew!!! And yes--I'm gonna tell on you in Jersey too!!! LOL---I really am proud of you--you have done an incredible job! Well Rick and our son have gone with our friend Gary to hunt. Rick technically does not hunt anymore. But he often goes with the guys, to set up camp, and spend the night, sometimes the weekend, then comes home. Gary will be staying a week, or until he gets his elk. This way we know exactly where his camp is, etc. Rick will be coming back tomorrow evening, our Son sometime Monday. They are nuts, it is deep in snow up there, and predicting up to 2 feet more! They have a winter tent and a woodstove for the tent--but no thanks!!! So today Becky and I are off to finish my shopping up, and get hers started! Someone has to light a fire under this girl and it looks like it will be me! I'll check back with all of you later today! (((hugs))) Kat

Cindy---I do not want to put you on the spot or anything...but!!! Isn't there always a but??!! Since I cannot email you or PM you, will just ask you here---and please do not feel you are being stalked! We all exchanged personal addresses and emails not long ago so we could exchange Christmas/Holiday cards, and keep in touch should something happen, and one of us not be heard from. If you care to join our list, you can PM me your information, and I will forward it on to the others, and send you ours. No one will share it without your ok, and you do not have to participate to hang with us here. We tried to include name address phone # email husbands/ SO's name (for Christmas cards mainly) birthday---so we can remember one another on their special days. OK, I am done stalking for the night!!! Kat

Cute, cute, cute! Both the jammies, and the hat--methinks Tracy has good/fun taste! Pamela--IF the weather cooperates---maybe your brother or someone could come and be at the house, so you could drive to where Susanne is? Rick and I did the long distance thing for almost 2 years---we were 357 miles apart, from my driveway to his! We saw each other every 2 weeks. I would go to Denver one weekend a month, and he would come here one weekend a month. This was before the average joe had internet! And it was back when the phone company charged a fortune for long distance---none of the flat rate---or nickel a minute! My phone bill years ago was always over a hundred bucks! So was his! Now with cell phones, it would be so cheap! We wrote letters every day! I hated Sundays and Tuesdays, I never got mail from him on those days!!!Mondays and Wednesdays were my favorites---I usually got 2 letters! And we burned up the expensive phone lines. To this day he is my favorite person to talk to! We learned so much about one another and ourselves---talking was all we had most of the time. We didn't go to a movie where you were quiet...or a restaurant to talk about other people, or quietly eat---we talked, and wrote---it was so hard at the time...but I am so glad we had that time! I hope your Sweetie gets better soon---and that your heart does too....I'm sorry she is sick! The kids were not especially cooperative tonight. Partly because my grandson had not had a nap--partly because my granddaughter is 3, and realizes you smile for a camera, so she was making the wierdest faces, trying to smile---not her natural self at all! And mostly because my DIL wanted to get a family picture---and HATED herself in every one. It is such a difficult place to be with her. She has recently put on a lot of weight--easily 80 pounds in the last year and a half. She is not seeing it yet. She is working on it, doing Pilates etc. But...she kept saying things like, she didn't like this one because she looks like she has a double chin. Problem is, she does have a double chin...pictures will show that. Or she would complain that she looked too big next to Lenny. Well Lenny is 6 foot tall, and 160 pounds---everything looks big, next to his skinny butt! So she was getting stressed, and things just kind of went downhill from there. We finally got her to stand behind a nice leather chair, with Lenny sitting in the chair, holding Connor---had her lean over them---which hides the body, and stretches the neck, and she was happy.......but by then Connor was tired, and he would not smile---and Lenny was like Kinsey and smiling very fake, but she didn't care, SHE looked better! I gave up, went and sat in the Living Room and visited with my friends son. I am going to go through the pics again tomorrow, and will see if any are going to work for me! Michelle--had to laugh at your push to 600 posts! Well I am going to go finish getting some things done, and go to bed! See y'all tomorrow! Kat

Lord give me patience, and Judy, if you have any pull, please have him HURRY!!!!!!! If you are one of the lucky recipients of a slighly weathered looking, or possibly smeared Christmas card---then you should know, how hard I worked to control my temper! I buckled down and began my cards, was working away while Kinsey slept. She got up, so I went to get her some lunch, and she proceeded to try to help herself to my tea---which was on the table with all my cards. Originally it was on the table in a glass---but more recently it was on the table literally! I was throwing cards, and other junk right and left off of the table, attempting to save what I could. I have not cooled off enough to go and see what was salvagable. Just be forewarned, I would love to blame the condition of your card on the post office, unfortunately, it happened here at home. Sorry! Time to go assure a 3 year old, that Granny is not going to explode into a million pieces. PLEASE hurry with the patience! Kat

Now, y'all might wanna Bah Humbug me....but I say Haydee, you know what is in that bag now....break it out!! What better stress relief is there this time of year, than for Juan not to be able to keep his hands off of you?? I have this cologne I used to wear regularly back in the day when Rick and I first connected. Through the years, I wore many different ones. About 3 years ago, he walked across the road from work to Walgreens, to grab some junk food---and when he walked in, he said he smelled it! So he walked over to where the ladies were discussing which one to buy, figured out which it was, and brought it home to me. It is a Revlon product, sold only now through Walgreens according to them---it is called Ciara. He loves it!!! To this day he watches how much I have---and that is what he wants me to wear! He brought home 2 bottles the other night--it was on sale. Kat is set up for awhile!!! As for set points, I agree whole heartedly Terry. I sat at 185 for probably 4 years, then woke up one morning and weighed 240--I swear it seems like that is true, I have no memory of slowly gaining those 60 pounds, it was like pouf they were there! Then I remember watching each diet take me back down to 240...then up, up, up and add another 5 lbs or so....until I was 290 pounds! But once again I am sitting on the 185---but it is ok for now, it has given me great peace of mind, concerning maintenance---I know how easy it will be to relax, and live life at my goal weight. If I was satisfied where I am, I would have it made in the shade! I eat---but I do not overeat. I splurge, but I do not binge nightly. I exercise enough to be healthy, and toning up---but I am not locked into an hours a day program in order to maintain. It is such a relief! To know this life exists! For me! For you! Well, I cheated this morning, and printed address labels, and printed my Christmas letters! So, this afternoon I am going to take the Grandkids to my friend Gary so he can take some pictures for me. Hoping some will turn out, and I will share them with you! Then tonight, I will do those dang cards. We have a steer going to butcher tomorrow---and my FIL decided last night, without consult I might add---to give him an extra scoop of a special feed out grain we have been giving him...and they called this morning, and he is down. So Rick is out there, pulling the dang thing around with the 4 wheeler, he has to walk it off, or he will founder and die. If he dies we lose the meat, we have been feeding him specially, so it would be an expensive loss. Personally I do not eat it! I prefer to go to Safeway! BUT I have kids, and family who do eat it, so I hate to see a thousand bucks shot! So who knows how long he will be walking the steer. I was hoping to get some things done---but he was kinda grumpy anyway, maybe this is best!!! My SIL's (Rick's brothers wife--in Denver), Mom died yesterday. I talked to her this morning, they had already made it to Las Cruces NM, and she was so tore up she could not talk. And the day before, one of my DD's friends went into premature labor and her water broke, so delivery was the only option, and her son weighed in at 1 pound 2 ounces. He is not expected to make it through today, although he DID live for now 3 days. Her first child a daughter was born 4 years ago, and only weighed 1lb.9 oz.!! She lived, and has thrived, seems to be perfectly normal! But boys have much lower survival rate in preemies. Then one of Ricks employees called and his Dad died---he was younger than Rick and I! He died cutting wood! Kinda scary, he had a heart attack---same thing that SIL's Mom died from. Speaking of which Michelle, you be careful, we lost a very close friend Phil, in Denver to a heart attack as he shoveled snow! We spoke with him on the phone on Tuesday, and he called to talk to Rick on Thursday, and Rick was working so he called him over the weekend, and he had died the night before! It is serious business---be careful, it scares me! The weather is headed our way--supposed to begin snowing this evening and last for several days. I love it everywhere but on the roads! Oh and the sidewalks--I still wanna go walking! I am going to go re shop my SS----so one of you will be receiving behind the others----be patient----I will get it to you before St. Nick drops down the chimney! Think while Kinsey sleeps, and yet more peanuts roast, I will start on those cards!!! Talk to y'all in awhile! Kat

HI girls- Back from a great day, finished up my shopping for the most part, and just had fun with Rick. Laura I sent you a PM---just a few minutes ago. TracyK---how scary, glad your sis is ok! Suzanne---yea!!! Good test results always make me happy! Pamela--you will love the concert--enjoy! Does your brother have any idea how lucky he is? #1 he has you for a sister, and #2 he got rid of the witchy gf, before she was a witchy wife!!! Judy--you feeling any better? I got up with a super sore throat about 5 this morning--gargled some Listerine, and it helped. Then when I got up to head to Albq. I could hardly walk, my hip was freaked out, I hobbled, barely able to walk...Rick kept asking did I want to cancel---I refused! Suddenly as it started hurting it quit---must have had a nerve pinched! Jenn---if you are getting our creeping crud--hope you feel better soon! You know, I quit smoking in 1991---and since I always had kids around, I kept my cigarettes in a leather case, so my lighter was always with them, and I usually stuck the case down next to where I was sitting, so the kids could not get it. To this day about once a year, ALWAYS immediately after dinner, I will reach down in the side of the chair, and about the second time I run my hand back, I realize what I am looking for! I have not smoked a single cigarette in 16 years----and I still do it! I am like Pamela though--I cannot do it---one and I would be smoking again! I enjoyed it...but have a family history that is horrid, I needed to quit, and I just could not see myself paying $1.50 a pack cfor ciagarettes! Now they are twice that +! Well I would love to finish my personals, but I have to get a shower, and Kinsey will be here before 6 in the morning. Will check back with all of you then! (((hugs))) Kat

1. I can tie my shoes without losing my breath! 2. My eyes don't shut when I smile! 3. My big hips have less bruises! 4. I can feel my bones! 5. I can see my feet! 6. I can wear an underwire bra! 7. I can run! 8. I can feel my muscles! 9. I can see my cheek bones! 10. I can walk much further without getting tired! 11. I can cross my legs! 12. I look younger ( I got carded twice in one week!) 13. I can shave my legs in the shower! 14. I Have Dimples In My Cheeks.....they Are Coming Thru! I Can See Them! Now, As For The Dimples In My Butt!!! I Hope I Will One Day Never See Them!!! 15. I can get out of the bathtub without 911 on speed dial! 16. I can bend over and..... GET BACK UP! 17. I can shop......anywhere! 18. I have so much energy especially after I exercise! 19. I can bend down without getting out of breath! 20. I'm more flexible during sex! 21. My big bow hips have went down more than 20 inches! 22. Men are turning their heads constantly! 23. My face is so much thinner and prettier! 24. I have collar bones! 25. The fat from my back is disappearing! 26. I feel so good! 27. I'm starting to like what I see more and more! 28. I have a Fricking Rib cage and can feel it! 29. I fit comfortably in an airline seat! 30. I can ride all of the rollercoasters I want! Whee! 31. I can curl up in a chair with my knees up like a little kid. 32. I can give myself a nice pedicure. 33. I am amazingly small boned, who would'a known? 34. No more high blood pressure meds! 35. I no longer run from anyone carrying a camera. Kat

You also have to take into consideration that the complications threads are skewed overall in numbers. I mean....people post or begin a thread like that when they are having problems. When they are not, they do not post. Or you would have page after page after page of posts saying "Another good day", "Another 2 pounds gone", "I ate today with no problems"....we don't do that! Most people, get banded, have no problems, and go on with life, not bothering to hang out here anymore! Some of us hang out, we have made good friends here, and like being able to offer support. The overall stats show the complication rate to be low. And add into that, that a good part of complication rates are not caused by a bad band, but by a bad bandster! Now that is not in any way meaning to say that all complications are self induced, that simply is not so. BUT when someone eats meat the day after surgery, or induces themselves to vomit every night---THEY are the cause of the problem, not the band. There will always be the occasional problem...it might happen, but as has been pointed out, remaining severely obese, has a risk factor much higher! Good Luck in your decision, do some self research, I think you will find very different opinions on the band. I too would not have an issue having revision to another type of band if it were required, or offered at some point. The surgery was an easy one for me, discomfort, not pain, and a very quick recovery. Updating to something that would allow me to maintain this loss, and retain my health better---I'm there! Good Luck! Kat

I was banded a year and a half ago in Mexicali MX by Dr. Alberto Aceves, and I paid $7,740.00. That was all inclusive, the only thing extra I paid was for 1/2 of my air fare, they paid the other half. It covered my surgeon, the hospital stay, anesthesia, all labs done prior to surgery, EKG, X ray. My motel the night before, and transportation to and from San Diego. They also helped me to arrange more local aftercare. Although that price does include fills---I have used the Dr. they set me up with here, simply for convenience. I loved the Dr. and the staff. Was a great experience, would do it again in a heartbeat! I have recommended him to several local people who have gone on to be banded. Good Luck in your research, I know how frustrating fighting the insurance battle can be! Kat

I understand what you are saying about the tax increase due to their manipulations. The thing is, until "everyone" chooses to boycott, until they change practices---it is not going to change, and yes we will pay more in taxes. BUT, for someone on a tight budget, they are still going to be stuck paying the extra on taxes, even if they do go to Target, or a small local business. And we all will pay the extra until something changes. I do realize for change to take place, something has to change, and the logical thing is for us as consumers to not shop with them. But, when they can save, say $10 bucks on an electric blanket for instance (one thing I price compared recently--and the cost difference), the $10 bucks matters. It is one of those cases of some people might want to make a stand if they could afford to make a stand. I mean we don't get a tax break for NOT shopping there. We are going to pay the higher taxes, and also pay more for the item we are shopping for, if we go elsewhere. So when every dime counts.... Kat

I got a really nice welcome mat for my neighbor who sounds much like your bro's inlaws--it was made of recycled pop bottles, but it looks very cool. It had the label telling all about how much space it saved in the landfill, and how to clean it---spray it with a hose, it is plastic, although it looks like the usual welcome mat junk! Bought it at Linens and Things--for like $16.99. They had a good variety of recycled things---up to a picnic table, that looked like wooden 2X 4's, and was actually made from recycled plastic bottles, and styrofoam! I also saw some gift boxes---with all organic items. Try your local Wild Oats or whatever your areas organic grocer is. They sell gift baskets. They might have other cool ideas as well. A gift card to a local kitchen ware shop, is not totally impersonal, it shows that you know they are into that, but also allows them to do the choosing. You could always put the gift card down into something for the kitchen. We got one from one of Rick's friends last year, he gave us a shaker (like for martini's and such) and down inside was a gift card to a local liquor shop! There are also tons of new cook books out each year---do they like a certain TV chef? Will let ya know if I see anything while on my shopping trip tomorrow! Kat

Well I think I make it unanimous, the pictures are great Laura, the changes are incredible, and I am SOOOO glad to see you getting control of it while you are so young! You won't have the concerns of being the Fat Mom---none of that--I am so happy for you! We went to dinner, but I pretty much just stuck to chicken---I drank iced tea, the guys had a beer (or 3) so us girls were driving, so no margaritas for me! I am contemplating taking something for this cold I am coming down with, so it is better, I drink the tea! So, I behaved all day, and all through dinner, come home, and ate ice cream!! But it felt marvelous on my throat. As of now we are still heading out tomorrow to go to Albq. Will drop a few coins for you Laura. I have never had an issue with break ins in Albq, yet! I say Yet because it is bound to happen sooner or later at this rate! We got broke into several times in Denver---always in the better neighborhoods! The shop was in Commerce City which is 90% industrial, and therefore, more of a run down area in the overall city of Denver, we never had anything happen over there!! In Albq. I expected possible problems while parked for so long at Presbyterian Hospital, but nothing so far! This time of year is notorius, so I will be extra careful! Thanks for the reminder! Did you survive both meetings today--or were they yesterday---Pamela?? My days are running together!! Well I found my paper, so I am one step closer to actually doing my Christmas Cards-wait 2 steps closer! I bought stamps! Yay me! Judy, sounds like we must have caught the same bug on here somewhere--I did nothing much today, some laundry--felt yucky! Suzanne, I am hoping to feel up to Albq, tomorrow. I am glad day one is behind you, hope all is well and day 2 is cancelled. And Happy Anniversary! Wooo Hooo Silver Anniversary, that definitely called for celebration! Well, I am going to go fold the last load of laundry---I am such a dummy---I put these air fresheners in the linen closet, and then realized that the odor was gagging! So I rewashed EVERYTHING in there today! Nothing like making work for myself! Will check in to see if everyone is ok, at some point tomorrow! (((hugs))) Kat

I was thin--borderline skinny for many, many years. Following the horrors of an abusive marriage, I began seeking solace in something that did not hurt---physically---food. I kept that friendship with food for many years. I have a small group of friends who have always been there, all but one of my original group of friends has been supportive---I did tell about the surgery. She has pulled away from all of us, not just me---so not sure if it is related even. I do understand where you are coming from, when I was skinny--and 116-120 pounds at 5'9" with the way I am built, I looked too thin most people said, but that was my natural weight, I maintained it for years without concern or effort. I would seriously imagine in that time, I was not always nice, to overweight people. I am ashamed of that! But I too learned the lesson of humility, and how to properly treat others, regardless of size. Great thought provoking rant! Kat

Yep stress likely caused the first episode, and then add swelling from that to it---and you get right where you are! You have been given great advice, just exactly what I would do--liquids then mushies, baby your stomach, and when life settles down reintroduce some regular food. Good Luck! Kat

Donna---Susan--it is good to see you both back again!!! You were missed! Hope things begin to settle down with your bands, and as for me, you can both count on my suppport any time! Kat

Welcome to LBT ChiennesDad! Good Luck on your surgery tomorrow. For the most part, the question of why we are fat is relevent, so that we might be able to recognize what is happening, and work to avoid it happening again. Much of obesity is caused by emotional issues, and just because we can no longer stuff ourselves to oblivian does not make those issues go away. Recognizing the why, is an important first step. And since much of it is emotional, realizing we are not alone, in our reasons, and reactions to things in our lives--is a comfort and an encouragement---a form of support. Most of us here chose the band---some are still working towards it, but having someplace we can lay out the why of how we ended up this way is very therapuetic. The band has made a world of difference in my life, but the head games that got me here, are still there! You just have to recognize them for what they are, and finally figure out that burying it beneath the pounds is not getting rid of it! Once again, hope you have a very uneventful surgery and recovery, check in when you get over to bandland and let us know how you did!! Kat

Thanks for the info and support Laura---now we wait and see I suppose. I am waiting on confirming my order...if I can---the site is a bit different. As for the other---don't forget I do have the gift!! I think I am coming down with a cold, I feel crummy, and irritable as hell!!! I have little patience with Kinsey---dunno whats up! I think the plan is to go to Albq. tomorrow---hope I feel better! Well I am off to fold laundry--- BBL~~ Kat

Laura-------I am having serious Secret Santa problems---please contact me ASAP!!! I looked so I could call you, and have no #. Kat

Hi all- Will try to get in and catch up tomorrow. Rick is off, so life is chaos. I forwarded the addresses I have--- Miss y'all talk to you soon! Kat

Sorry for her problems, mine was simple---recovery nothing more than discomfort. Wish hers had been as easy---good luck to you! Kat

They double checked with the surgery thing, and since they were able to leave part of my thyroid, and since I am not having any sort of follow up treatment, I was able to donate as soon as I felt able. So....off I went to the vampires!! Back when Rick had his massive GI bleed, he had not regained conciousness yet, he was lying in ICU, receiving yet another unit of blood, and I happened to glance up and in big letters on the bag draining into him, supporting his life, it said VOLUNTEER DONOR. I made a promise to him, myself, God, anyone who would listen, that I would give back that blood!! I had donated before, but had been unable for years due to anemia prior to my hysterectomy, and then the years following it and the chemo I was inelligible--now I am cleared, and I have donated each and every time I am elligible! All the times before combined with this round, I am now over 2 gallons! Will do my best to CTC tommorow---Rick is home, and he decided tonight he wanted a pot of beans for tomorrow--cool!!! I have them in the slow cooker, now, that means easy tomorrow!!! I am off to the shower and an early bed. Hugs--nighty night! Sleep tight! Kat

Hi girls- Michelle---you are NEVER alone---you have my numbers! I agree totally with changing things up---I know it goes against everything we are told, and everything we are supposed to do, but I UP my calories for 2-3 days, and then drop back, sometimes even lower for a day, and it finally changes for me! So if I were you I would bump my intake--shooting for the added calories to still be healthy food--and then do my fill, and drop way beack then...since I am usually on liquids the day of the fill, and add food back in slowly. Now I have not lost as fast as many, but I am ok with that. Suzanne---good luck with your tests. What you are having done is a new one for me!! We have been through lots of cardiology junk in the last couple of years, my DH had open heart surgery a year ago in August, and have to have some things tweaked last summer. They never used any drug induced stresses on him, because the knew the valve was bad, and they opted not to stress it more! I hope it all goes well---will be thinking of you! My Secret Santa gift is boxed, addressed, and ready to head to the PO in the morning. I tried to make it tonight, but I took so long donating blood, they were closed. I bled so slow today it took forever! Cindy--A pound is a pound, and we count em all!!! Jenn I wish I had to will power---or won't power to stick to shakes for an extended time again! Rick and I decided we are going to hit it hard and heavy again as our new years resolution. Design ourselves a new work out, and do away with some weight!!! Cook better, work out more---a goal for both of us! I personally know us, and know our families, and dieting now, for him is going to be really hard. Better to get passed the holidays, and enter into it when success is possible---it encourages, instead of now when it would do nothing but discourage. I know it sounds like a cop out, but I know us---we are not good at denying ourselves!! Pamela---Suzanne make it back ok? Glad you got to spend a nice lazy cuddly day together, I love those too. Not long ago I threatened to throw out the recliners!! I wanted him on the sofa cuddling with me! Then last night, he gets blankets and pillows and made us a place in front of the fire, and I was not paying much attention, and what did I do??? Sat down in my recliner! Laura, we went and checked out our youngest DD's new house last night. Her DH did not want us or anyone there until it was just right. He collects horror movie things. Lots of dolls---Jason, Freddy, all kinds of gross things--he has an entire room filled with glass shelves, and all these dolls displayed like a showroom, still boxed. I bet there are 200 in there---a good portion artfully displayed, others columns made with stacked boxes. Nothing that interests me, but your thing coming out of the wall made me think of some creature he had that way on the closet door. Then in the other extra bedroom he has gargoyles--tons of them! Not his favorites, they are in 2 dispay cases in the dining area, and scattered throughout the house, but there are shelves full in the back room!! If ever they have a child, it will think it has been born into a nightmare!! Well...I got zip done today! Well my SS is ready to mail, that is it. Kinsey loved the decorations and the tree, she would just stand in front of it, and gaze! So guess I will go try to get some cards done tonight....First I need to find some Christmas paper I bought! TTYL~~ Kat

Suzanne--is it a 2 day test, or do you just have to go for like a holter monitor hook up? Will be thinking of you! Kat

Evening everyone-- Wow---I have been running around like crazy! Tree is up, house is decorated inside, will do the outside lights in the next couple of days. The weather has cleared, and Rick is off, so shouldn't be an issue. We have our outside lights down to an art!! We set the cuphooks in the wood part of our eaves years ago. We have changed the type of lights a time or 2 but with the hooks it remains pretty easy! I have an antique wagon wheel (actually off of Ricks Great Uncles wagon) on our porch, and we wrap it, and the porch posts. Then go out and wrap the gas light post, and tie on a big red bow. I have these large wooden deer, we set up, and it is a done deal, we can go from them being in a tote in the shed to done in a half an hour!! Still need to do my cards. I am mailing my Secret Santa tomorrow. Finally got a box that works ok I guess, not what I wanted for it, but it will work. Rick goes on vacation again tomorrow---he has 5 weeks paid, and buys a flex week each year, and with comp time, and personal days---he has had quite a bit of free time this year---we just have not gone much, did a lot of close to home (300-400 miles) bike trips this year. Anyway with him home, my schedule goes out the window....so expect me here when you see me! We are planning to head to Albq. for a fun day sometime this week---do some shopping, and what all. As for gifts for DH's---sorry I cannot help, we don't buy for each other in the traditional sense. We usually decide what we want and buy it together---or plan a trip somewhere together. We do the same for our birthdays---they are only 2 weeks apart. We did the gift buying for years, but when we said we would only spend such and such, one of us always broke the rules, and then it got to where we were where you are now, and could not come up with something the other really wanted or needed. So we bought this awesome, super soft, comfy leather reclining love seat many years ago. We snuggled and cuddled on that love seat for years---and have bought something together ever since!!! That is what we are going shopping for in Albq. we have been tossing ideas. Yes we have both a Zune (30-chocolate) and an Ipod (80 classic- black). Love them both. Love the availability of Ipod accessories---but the sharability of the Zune is a lot simpler if you plan on having more than one or know of someone you will be swapping music or pics with. Well, I am off to bed---I won a massage bet--wooo hoooo!!! Yea me!! See ya tomorrow! Kat

My oldest DD pulled that trying to get and extra few minutes past curfew. We first pulled out an old alarm clock, and set it for her curfew----when she come in, she turned it off. If it went off, then I was awake and waiting---and she owed me---1 hour for every minute she was late. She could not go out again until the hours were completed. She raked leaves, did all kinds of household chores---and she learned to come in on time!!! As for the spanking or no spanking---all I can say is that as a general rule our society is spanking less and less as the years go by. Time outs, and such were something that you did not hear about 30 years ago. 30 years ago, kids treated adults with respect. Not so much anymore. They know they are in control---they have no fear of what is going to happen when they get home. I believe you would be hard pressed to find one of our grandparents or parents depending on our age, who were not spanked as a punishment. Yes some were extreme, and none of us here are promoting that, but they were raised knowing right from wrong, and how to both give and earn respect. The direction the kids of today are going is scary. Some of it has to be contributed to parents being afraid of being parents, and wanting to be the childs best friend instead. Before the battle begins---I AM NOT saying anyone here who chooses not to spank is doing that--but we all know people like that, I would bet. Kat