Kat817

Good Morning! Glad to see you are OK Ms Jen--was getting worried. On another thread I chat on, they threaten to send the flying monkeys (Wizard of Oz) if you stay away too long, and I was getting ready to call in the monkeys!!! Glad you have some down time from company. Have they diagnosed any further on DH? When you need to vent---we are here, I know how hard it is with an ill spouse. Tracy, wish I was there to give you a hug, I know this must be difficult for you, and I can only imagine how he feels. I know you cannot make it an extended vacation, but don't forget to celebrate with him that you ARE glad he is with you---the boy sounds seriously depressed, and who knows what kind of mind games Mom has pulled. Or what he heard or saw that led him to the place he is in. And if it is some sort of chemical imbalance, then even he has no idea what is making him feel the way he is and act out. A friend I have who is bi polar said she lived in terror, not knowing why she was so different, so she turned to alcohol when she was 13, because it made her forget to worry about it! I truly believe Cody is lucky that he got kicked out of school when he did, it alerted all of you to how things are with him, and will give you all a chance to intervene and help in the situation. Since I am currently out of patience with my band, and unable to do anything about it---I will send you my patience to help you deal with the upheaval going on now. And aren't you glad you made the decision you did about marriage/insurance coverage--if he needs help, you can do it! I too receivedmy Secret Santa assignment, and need to get shopping, I have lots of ideas! So I have a question about this----------can I ask for outside help in fixing the gift? From fellow Violets? I have an idea for a special part of my gift. Let me know so I can get started! TracyK--180's-----I am begining to think it is something to do with the name---the Tracy's are going to hit goal before any of us!!! Congrats girl, and BEFORE the lovely TOM hits---wow! So I decided to just snack on leftover steak fingers for breakfast. They are small, and very tender, so I grabbed both of them that were left from my meal, and heated them, ate one, Kinsey ate the other, and wanted more! So it is official, I would never have eaten the 2nd one, I was full, so now my granddaughter out eats me--at least at breakfast! I began shelling some pecans---something I just cannot do with her here, she eats them as fast as I can shell them! I am making no headway, and she is going to make herself sick!! Pamela--enjoy your parent meetings. So when they come to you without speaking English, do they have the same attitude I see that is so prevalent in parents these days? That all their kids problems in school must be YOUR fault. My cousin who teaches sent me on one of those emails about getting to know you, where you erase their answers and put in your own. On the one she sent, one of the questions was "Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?" Her answer was "The parent to a child who was flunking out, who used horrid grammar, and cursed, and accused Teri (cousin) of not understanding her child." She seems to be having a rough year. She said even the girls on her Volleyball team she coaches don't want to put forth effort this year. Bless all you teachers! Jenn---I know the wake will not be for you to show off the new you, but I still hope you surprise the heck out of them! Hugs to you as you deal with it. Judy, how is the knee this morning? Ok--------I need some new dishes for Thanksgiving-------your assignment Violets----is to post your favorite!!! (((Hugs)))) Kat

Sorry Tracy, that is a VERY common attitude, and issue with the clothes. Everytime we sent the kids to see their Mom they come home with no socks--not a one!! And once she called us to say we needed to bring Abbey another coat, she had lost hers when they went shopping. She also let her younger son throw Lenny's shoe out the window, and did not bother to get it. It is a game---it may cost you $$$----but don't fall into the trap she is setting, and don't let Cody feel he is a bother---sounds like you are dealing with it! Judy your ring is very pretty, but I agree, it does look more like a cocktail type right hand ring, than a wedding band. We chose ours, and nobody but us liked it!!! If you can imagine a S layed across, like a band, then nestled inside each of the little curves of the S is a diamond. Both tip in from a different angle, yet if you run your finger across the top, it is smooth and even. Our thoughts for choosing this design, were that we were each come into this marriage from a different direction, yet it has been smooth sailing! My original wedding ring, is gorgeous, and seldom worn! It is a wide band with a single marquise cut diamond mounting---I gouged myself, my DH, all the kids....ruined clothes....it is deadly! So for our 5th Anniversary Rick bought be a beautiful, simple, Black Hills Gold band, no stones at all, just the design, kind of a lattice with the grape leaves in the greens and pinks of the Black Hills gold. It is huge! When it is sized, it is going to mar the design---I WILL have it done when I am finished losing. This ring was bought as I said, because we liked the symbolism. It was easily sized. Rick bought me a titanium band to match it, and his titanium band to go with it for Christmas last year. It has 3 small inset stones across it. Hoping this will hang until I can resize my band. He likes this set----I miss my band! On my right hand, I change rings depending on what I am wearing! I color coordinate, or pick depending on my mood!!! Usually only wear them on my ring fingers. I think your glitzy ring will make a wonderful Grammy ring!! Kat

Yep, just looked, and I do have our Card exchange addresses from last year, if you want me to send it! Kat

Hey Girls---I'm baaack! Wow Gina, good to see you over here!! We got toooons of pecans...ok not tons, just hundreds of pounds! My MIL has made plans for most of them, but I'm fine with parting with mine! The thought of shelling them all is daunting! We go to Texas (a little town called Comanche--SE of Abilene), just as Rick's cousin he was raised with headed in to surgery. She has (had) type 1 diabetes, and had been on dialysis, with kidney failure. She recieved a pancreas and kidney transplant a week ago Monday. She is out of the hospital, and in a hospital sponsored apartment now. Within hours of the pancreas transplant her blood sugar had dropped over 200 points! And before the surgery was complete the kidney was making urine! She has been a week without insulin for the first time since she was a kid! He kidneys had failed even with the treatment, to where she produced maybe a cup of urine a day, and her body was suffering from uremic poisoning, the first day after surgery she produced over 3 liters! She feels great she said! She and her husband run a foster home, she has anywhere from 3 to 12 boys at a time. She has an 8 year old of her own, and a son with brain damage from encephalitic West Nile Virus who is still at home---so she has a busy life, and is very anxious to get back to it! We got cows sold, others moved around, fields shredded---lots of things done, and left a lot needing done! I have my pre op appointment tomorrow at 3, and then I have to call after 2 on Thursday to see what time my surgery is scheduled for on Friday. I am ready, it is growing fast, it is alarming me. Anne- sooooo good to see you again! Pat---I think I might have the list from last years Christmas exchange of addresses etc---if I find it, I will send it to you. I think it was you mentioning a contact list---maybe not! Let me see if I can find it, and then whoever mentioned it, can have it! Otherwise we can definitely compile a new one, we have new ones to add anyway! I missed you all! Everyone sounds challenged by new jobs...Chris has a new packaged, nice sounding bf, hope Abi is better soon! Will check back in a while going to read up!!! Hugs! Kat

Thanks girls, it is so good to be back! I missed you all so much---things would come up and I wanted to tell you, to laugh with you, vent to you!!! But I survived it, we ended up with hundreds of pounds of pecans, that I will ultimately end up with very little of (little being in the hundred pound range!) Rick and I do all the work and MIL wants to share them with all the kids, and grandkids and church family----and in the end, that is fine. I would like to have had some say and fun in sharing them, but it is ok. No snakes this year, but a couple of spiders the size of saucers!!! Barn spiders---ugly! Debbie is doing so well following her transplants. She lives a hundred miles away from the hospital, so she would have had to travel to and from 3 X a week---in addition to the time and expense, the bounce from that much travel was discouraged, so she is staying in a hosp. sponsored apartment for about a month. Plus being a house parent as she is, and you know kids and illness! This week is the first time since she was a child she has not been on insulin! Her kidney function was so bad that in the week prior to the transplant, she was only allowed a small amount of fluid, because she was only passing about a cup of urine a day. The first day following surgery, she had over 3 liters!!!! Amanda---so glad all went well for you! At least you don't have to worry about a record or anything!!! Judy, you poor thing---falling down the stairs sounds much funnier than it really is. Last winter I had a fall you would have had to see to believe, unfortunately Rick DID see it!!! I had my exercise ball in the LR (teach me to put things back up!), and when I walked by it my robe grabbed it, they are so rubbery so you don't slip on them you know, well it caused it to trip me, I fell ON the ball, and bounced myself half way across the LR!!!! I was so shocked all I could do was laugh, Rick jumped up---saw me laughing and busted out laughing!!! Manda said she would have paid good money to have seen it! Still makes me laugh to think of how fast it happen!! Jane, sorry about your experience with the ALS patient--poor thing. I know a woman, she is actually a good friend of a good friend....she is suffering with it, and her husband was killed in a motorcycle wreck a week and a half ago. She is totally unable to move, and is slowly losing her ability to swallow, our friend said---I cannot imagine. Such a horrible disease. Hugs to you for making time for her, and giving her the dignity we all deserve! Denise--it may be an old wives tale---but it has proved out with our kids, and grandkids, but we were told that anything over 140 BPM in a fetal heartbeat, usually indicates a girl! How exciting! Our son is actually talking about another baby---scary thought!! Jenn---so sorry about your Aunt. It is never easy---and when it is a favorite, it really hurts, I am so sad for you. Terry---so tell us, when you go to these bead shows are the beads like floating from all you bead addicts drooling over them??!! It sounds like fun, sensory overload! I like the textures I have seen in beads lately. I am sure they have always been that way, but until you, I never paid any attention to beads!!! Laura, I think I just assumed (yeah I know) that when I sent you the list, that you would have my name & info since I said I wanted to do it---but yes I do! Haydee---glad you are home! TracyK--You better start bellowing from the rooftops and keeping us apprised of your dropping weight, I for one need the motivation!!! I am praying the surgery gets me back on track! Man you should see how this thing has grown---OMG I am starting to look deformed! Tracy--step parenting is never easy, but when you succeed it is better than I know how to tell you! My kids, are just that, my kids. I would throw myself in front of a train for the ones that grew in my heart as well as the one who grew in my womb. You are starting full time with him at a difficult age, but it sounds as though even though he would never admit it, he is starving for affection, and attention. I believe you have received excellent advice, all I can add, is a little hint, I received once from an old neighbor. She suggested when my kids were acting up, to mention to her on the phone something they had done (good), when they could hear, but to act like I didn't know they could. So one day when Lenny was acting like a typical teen and sulking, I was on the phone with her, and told her how shocked and happy I was that he had taken the trash out without me nagging. He was moping in front of the TV, but well within earshot. I went on to say I wish he was happier, he was such a good kid, then went on to talk about other things, never mentioning the conversation to him. To this day I have never had to ask him to take out trash again. I used it with all my kids, when I felt they needed a little pat on the back, and were not going to just accept it----I bragged about them to friends, mentioned great things about them--and they take notice! He is going to need a firm hand and loving arms, and lots of prayers---you will have mine! You could not pay me to be that age again!! Michelle---I have not gone to look at the houses, I was afraid I was too late to vote, and will be happy with whatever---I just wanna go! Congrats on the NSV!! Pamela--hope your meds are kicking in and you feel better! I missed talking to you guys so much---I probably would have called everyone, but we are so rural, even phone service was a no go! And with 80 acres needing tended, cows to sell, and pecans to deal with---time was not in excess to go to where we could call! We did take off for our anniversary. We shopped! We bought an awesome hide/leather rug! Will try to get a picture of it. I know it will not be to the taste of everyone, but we like it!!! Gina---what's new girl? Kelly---will get an email off to you soon! Or call! Panda--hope you get your computer problems fixed soon! Ms. Jenn--where you hiding? Suziecat (think that is right, I can't scroll back any further!) welcome, I am so glad you finally joined us! I am having some issues with someone following me around and just making life fun---so I didn't ever speak before, and I feel bad! You are so welcome here, everyone here is supportive, we have diversity in many ways, and yet we all just love what we have together! OK---well my back home book is as done as my brain dead, self can think right now!!! If I missed you please forgive me! It is not an intentional slight!! Hugs to all of you! Kat

Hey girlies, I amBAaaaaack!!!! Going to read up, willpost as soon as time allows---need to unpack, and make some calls---my pre op appt. is tomorrow, and surgery Friday. I missed you all soooooo much! Cousins transplants were successful---she is out of the hospital and in a hosp. apartment for awhile. Within a few hours after the pancreas transplant her blood sugar dropped over 200 points, and the kidney began making urine before they could finish the transplant!!! Be back in a little while!!! Kat

Well our early morning did not work! In laws MUST go to church. Oh well....we will get there! Got some awesome news this morning, stopping my cleaning frenzy to ask that you keep her in your prayers... Rick was raised with his cousin Debbie, Rick's closest sibling is 8 years older, and Debbie only 6 days older. When Debbie was a few months old she suffered a stroke, and they discovered she had severe diabetes. She has controlled it with insulin through the years, and had a normal life. She married a minister, and had 3 sons. Her husband died from an asthma attack while on a retreat. Then her middle son was permanently disabled mentally due to encephalitic West Nile Virus. She began caring for foster kids when her own were small, she continued despite all the additional woes in her own life. She remarried, and everyone freaked out, he was a polar opposite of her late husband, he is a biker, and rough and tough! But he is apparently soft on the inside, they gave up their home, and moved to Foster facility where they have a group home, on a farm and house anywhere from 4-10 kids, in addition to the son they since had together. The son they had stressed her body severely, and she has been on dialysis for quite some time. This morning her call came--they have a kidney/pancreas for her! Now we know these things sometimes fall through, but we are sure hoping this works for her---she needs a good body to match her heart! We won't make it for the surgery, but will be there soon. It is her parents that I had planned to access computer from, so since they will be taking over for her at home, I will not be able to use theirs. If I can find a wireless connection somewhere I will, but if you don't hear from me, don't worry! Wanted to let you know---keep your fingers crossed for Debbie!!! Love to you all! Kat

Actually Diane, I will be as soon as my inlaws get out of church--something they do NOT miss, for any reason whatsoever! We actually got some wonderful news this morning, wanted to share, and ask for prayers. Ricks cousin we see while we are there, she is 6 days older than he is, and they were raised as siblings, has severe type 1 diabetes. It has destroyed her kidneys, and she has been on dialysis for several months now---waiting a kidney/pancreas transplant--and her call came!! We will not make it for the actual surgery which is today, but we will be there soon. Her name is Debbie, and she is an awesome person! She lost her first husband, a minister to an asthma attack, then she married this total opposite, a biker---we were all shocked!!! She had been a foster parent for many years, well she and her new husband moved and began being in home parents at a Fosters Home. They parent anywhere from 4-8 kids in addition to their own who is 8. Her older boys from her first marriage, are married and have kids of their own--but she is not finished being a Mom, not as long as anyone needs her. Her now 20 year old son was left with severe brain damage following a bad encephalitic ccase of WEst Nile Virus...so this gal has had her share! She had a stroke when she was just months old, that was when they discovered serious diabetes issues, so she has dealt with it her whole life--and now she sees the glow of that light at the end of the tunnel. Now we all know these things sometimes fall through, but we are praying hard! With that....my Aunt and Uncle where I was going to access the computer will of course be gone. So if I don't check in, don't worry! Will be back soon!! Kat

I ask my DD what their boat was named. She said the same thing, that to change it was bad luck...but the name does not fit them at all. It is a 2 then a 2 laid over on it's side then the fish sign! It is supposed to read To Lazy to Fish.... she said in reality, her bf refers to the boat as "MY boat" she refers to it as the "damn boat". Sounds like you got a Liquid Asset Pat!!! I like it! Kat

Hi~ Awww y'all are so sweet worrying over me! I will have 12 hours down tomorrow as we travel---then will be busy for several days---then we are running away on the 10th, going down to Austin I think, maybe, going to celebrate our Anniversary by ourselves!!! Then a few more days hard work, and a nice 12 hour ride home, with just us---no in laws!!! We are taking them down, that is where they are from originally, and all of their siblings still live in the area---we will be there a week or so working, then Ricks sister the one I was banded with, and her husband will drive down and spend a week, and then drive the folks home. It gives them 2 weeks without any of us having to be gone that long. BIL refuses to do any farm work except for shredding, he likes driving the tractor---he is not real good at it---but he likes it!! A couple of years ago he was shredding, and went to close under a tree, knocked the battery out of the tractor, and before the blades could die....yep he shredded it! BUT he is willing and that is half the job there!! Then after we get home, I will have a couple of days down before surgery, then I will get some rest following that. I am not a good "relaxer"....I cannot sit and watch TV and do nothing else! I will have a crossword or a stitchery...something! I can sit and read-----or sit here and check up on y'all!!! I intend to behave with my eating while gone---except for next Fri. & Sat. night!! Friday we will go to an all you can eat ( laughable to me these days) Catfish place, owned by an Uncles( by marriage) brother. It is soooooo good! One of the times I begrudge being banded, I love it soo much and can only eat my usual amount!!! BUT now I fill up on fish, skip the fries, and hush puppies, and totally avoid the cobbler for dessert! Then Sat. will be our anniversary and I am not sure where we will end up--but I refuse to diet that night either!! Pamela, I agree with TracyK---Advil Cold and Sinus is the best medicine ever created in my mind!!! I take it for headaches, and any sinus issue. I have taken it since being banded, without issue, but I am not really tightly restricted either. My fill Dr. said if I need that type of thing on occasion it is fine, but some people if given an inch take a mile, so he always says None!!! I could probably count on one hand how many times I have taken anything since being banded, but it is what I take!!! My DD called to tell me the same thing about that Kid Rock CD, she wanted to let me upload it to my Ipod before I left, I just never made it back over to her house, and she never come by here....her weekends are soo busy!! I would love to meet up with the Texans while I am there, but girls Texas is one BIG state!!! The little place I am going is on the diagonal between Austin and Abilene, still a heck of a long way from Houston----but man I wish!!!! Are any of you Texans closer than that??? hoping...hoping...hoping!!! Terry, that is the way Ryans funeral was last week. It was so full of young people, and everyone was just so overwraught---it was incredibly sad. One of the friends I went to lunch with yesterday, her son and Ryan raced together (modified stock), and she is heading to Phoenix to watch her son race again for the first time since his friend was killed in a race. She is scared more than usual she said. Ryan was from here, but was in Abilene at a race, they combined the race with a small family reunion, with family from the area there. He had over 25 family members at the race to watch him, and they all watched him die. I have been to several young peoples funerals, and all of them have been horribly sad. Sitting here thinking about that statement, there have been lots of them....such tragedies.One friends 9 year old son accidentally hung himself playing in his tree house. I was surprised how many parents brought young kids to Ty's funeral. Others in car accidents, cancer, and 2 suicides. One of the boys who committed suicide, he killed himself when his gf broke up with him. A year and a half later, his brother killed himself, and a year after that the remaining brother killed himself, they now have one living daughter. I always heard that school councelors worry when a kid commits suicide, because it is considered contagious so to speak...but was just in total shock about that family. I agree, it always makes me want to grab the kids and hang on! And now with the 2 of them's psycho mom out of the psych ward, it worries me! I went ahead a little bit ago, and turned back the clocks I have to do---the rest should autoset. I was afraid I'd go to bed and forget! Rick is taking advantage of the extra hour and is already sleeping. He will do the bulk of the driving tomorrow, so he can use the rest. We went to our favorite little Mexican restaurant tonight...I had some chips and salsa--3 or 4 I'd guess. A taco and some refried beans. I will usually order a meal, and then have some leftovers, but since I won't be here to eat them, ordered that. Randy the owner accused me of having 'another restaurant'!! We laughed, told him why I couldn't have leftovers...and visited for awhile, and when we ask for our ticket, because she never left it for us, she said he told her to get rid of it! Nice guy! Well I will check in when I can. Not sure if there is anywhere with a WiFi in town, will check, will ask his aunt. If not, I will borrow her computer and check in if I can...and will just have to read up on you guys when I get back. Will miss you all terribly!!! I will be taking my cell phone--my reception is crappy until I hit town. If something happens I need to know about someone call me! ((((((big GIANT hugs to all of you))))) I will miss you!!! Kat

Well for you "hummers", you could have hummed the "Oscar Meyer Wiener" song!!!! LOL Kat

Oh if any of you are interested here is the black Friday site I mentioned. The get the preview of the sales for the day after Thanksgiving, they price compare them for you, tell you which ones will be rebate items etc. I like knowing before Thanksgiving what the early morning specials will be, so I know how to make my shopping list...I usually finish up my Christmas shopping that day. http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com You do have to register your email for notification of when they add new ads, but I have done it for the last 2 years without issue. Kat

Good morning ladies~ Well it is official I am a grump! I have no clothes I can wear to Texas!! It is such a strange trip, I work cnon stop, and need to be able to run into town for things, and yet not worry about ruining the clothes I am in....and before I had tons of fat clothes....now not so much! I just refuse to buy much, because I do not plan on staying here. Add to that, I had already put away my summer clothes, because we are well into Fall/Winter here, so I am digging in totes to find clothes, then trying to reclose the totes and carrying them back to the garage, and DH's damn motorcycle seat is stacked on TOP of MY boxes! AAArrggghh!!! I may get packed, I may wear what I travel in all week! Pamela my Grandma would have nothing but a bottom freezer in her fridge, had one as far back as I remember! And there was Always a box of Hersheys in it!! Wonder if they come standard???? We have the 25cf Wide by Side it is called, it is not a straight up and down side by side....it is wider on top in the fridge section, and wider on bottom in the freezer section....it is ok, I like it. Ours are white--woohoo such imaginations!! Our kitchen is kind of small, so we went with white cabinets and appliances, with the color coming from the soffet area above the cabinets and the countertops. I like my kitchen---it is small, but I feel efficient in it! We are leaving in the morning, and my inlaws have yet to make any concrete decisions about this trip, it is making me crazy, I do not do well like that! I am fine with spontaneous fun decisions, something like this I want detailed, and to know what will be done when! I want to plan, I want my car in tip top shape for the drive, I want it clean, and organized! I want to be able to pack efficiently! I take frozen meals from my house here, then I can drop it in a crockpot there, or toss it in the microwave and not cook after working all day. Trying to pack it all, and figure things out, and she just says "I don't know, I haven't heard from anyone what they want to do" so I am doing my part, and trying to ignore the rest! I stupidly grabbed a little square (1.5"X1.5") sugar coated brownie bite a little while ago, and was going to eat it....it stuck, not in my stoma, in my throat, it was dry, and I am having more and more choking issues. I managed to finally swallow it on down, but it scared me, and depressed me! #1 why wasI trying to eat THAT anyway??? #2 I am going to choke to death if I keep trying to eat when I am home alone! Yep--not getting this day off to a good start!!! Off to get the tires rotated on the van since it looks like for this particular moment in time we are taking it!!! BBL--and I promise to be in a better mood and will kwitmybitchin!!!!! (((hugs))) Kat

Good morning! Pat, we are heading to Texas to take care of our place there, and to harvest pecans---such fun, I can hardly contain myself from the excitement! Only good thing about it at this point, is I WILL get lots of exercise! Then I come back and have surgery on the 16th. The biggest tumor in/on my thyroid is right in the center. Your thyroid looks kind of like a bowtie--the center is called the isthmus, and I have a 3X4 cm. tumor there, working down into the right lobe. I also have 11 others on the right side. And 2 small ones on the left. Having nodules is quite common, and chances are some of them are just that, and not tumors. IF the ones on the left are simple nodules, and IF the thyroid tests cancer free, meaning the cancer cells are limited to the actual tumors themselves, and IF the thyroid lobe on the left side looks healthy, they will leave the left side. If any of those issues do not appear normal, or he says, some of it is just how it looks or feels--then the whole thing will be removed. The advantage to leaving it, would be my body making natural hormone, vs. all supplement. So.....if we are going to TX to get things done, and going to be done with that and surgery before the holidays hit--nows my time. So we leave tomorrow. I am digging out my summer stuff I just put away! I have no idea what to pack this time of year. It is never just perfect, I either always freeze or burn. And many, many years the 1-2 weeks we are there, we will begin with using the A/C and before the week is up we are lighting heaters, especially if it begins raining. We have lots of fencing to do, cattle to sell, and innoculate, fields to shred (girls I drive a mean tractor!!!) Will be back a week from Monday so I can do my pre op appointment. Will be back to check on everyone, laundry needs changed out so I can pack! TTYL- Kat

I use a different Dr. for fills, than the one who placed my band, so the first fill, was a shot in the dark literally! He poked me over 10 times---finally gave up, and was sending me to the hosp. for Fluro. My SIL and I were banded together, so she went next, and he hit hers first time out...hers has always shown. So he wanted to try and see if mine was in the same position, he said most Dr.'s have a certain spot they use. Sure enough he got it that time out. I have a low profile port, and it was an awful small area to hit....about the size around of a pencil eraser, on a belly damn near the size of a football field!!! Second time around was only a few pokes....and I have never needed another fill...now I have lost enough weight to easily feel the port, so it will not be an issue~~~whew! Hang in there, it isn't fun...but it is the best we have for now~~~and since our surgery did not re route our insides, if they come up with the remote band they are delveloping, we can always have ours changed over---a huge advantage over permanent removal of intestines!!! IMHO Kat

So much of wearing a swimsuit in public is in the way you carry yourself. If you walk out hunched over and a big old cover up, everyone will know you are embarassed and wanting to hide. On the other hand, if you walk tall, wear a cover up if you want, but make it a stylish statement, not a tent, and when the time comes to shed it, do it without blinking, like it is something you do everyday! I have found if I at least ACT confident, I can pull anything off, including a swimming suit---yep, I took my granddaughter swimming this summer, and it is in a college town---lots of hard perfect bodies!!! Put on the suit, and strut!!! The vacation will be what you make of it---plan to enjoy it, do not let something like this stress you out! It is all in the attitude!! Enjoy!! Kat

Hi girlies~~ Wow---what a long day, and I might as well have been on a treadmill, I got a lot accomplished but in the end, it got me nowhere, so I have to do it all again tomorrow!!! Well most of it! I took the car today, and had it serviced, tires rotated, cleaned, and fueled. Then the inlaws changed up plans on us...again...and we are taking the van! So tomorrow, I get to do it all over again with the van! Oh well, then if they change their minds again, which would in NO way surprise me, we are ready regardless. And in the end it was almost time for the van to be serviced anyway, and the car needed it 200 miles ago!!! Cool fridge Pamela***yeah pun intended!***, what color? I will never, ever have another fridge that does not have crushed ice out the door! I go to my folks, and they have an ice maker, but not crushed and not in the door, and I feel lost! Color me spoiled! Went to lunch today with my friends. Was kinda stressful, they were both very emotional. They have both lost their brothers this last year in crushing accidents...one had a car fall on him when he was under it working, and the other in the fork lift accident. I just feel at a loss as to what to say. Then tonight we went to see my next door neighbor in the hospital, she had back surgery. They fused several vertabrae in her back---she has polymyalgia, and several bone disorders, she has her ankle and one wrist fused, and this is like her 4th back surgery. She is doing well, has been up and walking, hoping to come home tomorrow or Sunday. I feel bad we won't be around to check on her. Speaking of hospitals, I have been trying to reschedule my pre-op and cannot get the woman to return my call. Makes me so damn mad! Laura, did you ever get your hospital stuff straightened out? Jane, my Mom is like Terry's DH when her mask come a bit loose the night in the motel, she slept on. I was ready to throw a pillow at her, when I think Dad finally jarred her awake! I cannot imagine the tornado being worse than the bulldozer snoring I hear at night!! But have to admit when he is not there snoring, I miss it something crazy! Judy, if I haven't already missed you--enjoy yourself! I know you will have a wonderful time!! Our little local paper has a picture section that is something like "Where has your Talon (name of the paper) been?" And people send in photos of them with the paper in far off places. We are going to have to get you something to take with you so we can rack up where the Violets have been!! Sure do wish Amanda would check in, so we know she is not locked up somewhere! Poor thing! Well I got my house pretty well cleaned...have the last minute things to do of course, but in general it is done. I need to finish up last of the laundry and put our stuff in the suitcase. I also have a bunch of things to take to my Moms for Miss Kinsey to have while I am gone! After we went to the hospital tonight, we met friends for dinner, and while we were there, we run into my dentist and his wife and new baby. She is 5 weeks old now, and is over 7 pounds---she was 3lbs. 9oz. when she was born (she is a Macy too TracyK), she is teeny tiny, and so delicate and perfect!! It is hard for me to remember my grandkids being smaller than she was tonight...omg! Tracy---let your body catch up to the weight loss---and you will kick in again! I have been stalled for months! But in its own way it has been a relief of sorts. I know now without a doubt, that I CAN and WILL be able to maintain this without trouble, without dieting all the time, all the while living a perfectly normal life! The regain is not going to happen. There is a normal, where you are not losing, and not gaining. I was afraid for a time it would always be a balancing act, and it isn't. I hope to lose the last of this weight, and maybe even a bit more, plus get my belly chopped! But I feel so good about where I am fill wise right now. I am worried how surgery is going to affect that! But I can eat, and eat more than a few bites, but less than I ever would have been satisfied with without the band. If I was at my goal weight, I would be ecstatic, I remain in the same 2+ 2-.....without effort. With doing enough exercise to feel healthy...it is reassuring to know it is possible. BUT I will really be glad to get to goal and do this! Ok....going to go will check in with you guys tomorrow...... (((hugs))) Kat

If you have ever taken medication for anything that can be connected to your weight....high blood pressure meds, diet pills, arthritis meds....anything, you can also get a print out from your pharmacy detailing that---my packet did not ask for it (also a BCBS but of TX),but we included it. If you have receipts from attending Weight Watchers, or receipts from food programs like Jenny Craig---you can include them. Also gym memberships.....anything you did to try to lose the weight in the past, can be included. They will even include a letter from you, detailing why you want this surgery. I have never heard from an actual insurer whether it helps or not, but I cannot see it hurting. Sounds like you are getting it together!! Yea! Kat

I signed up too now--I thought I did last year...oh well, I can keep up now---thanks again! Well I have to get the car cleaned so we are ready to load it down....laundry needs changed out so I have clean clothes to pack. I am going to be exhausted before we get there to work. I may welcome surgery in a couple of weeks so I can relax!! TTYL-- Kat

WoooHooo!!! You did it! You got the ball rolling, now you just got to chase it down!! You know what you need, and have a list to begin checking things off against. Be as thorough as you can, and remember whatever you obtain---keep a copy for yourself!!! Packets going to insurance have been lost before, and while the Dr.s office should make all copies to send, it would be comforting to know you still have all items yourself as well! I am so happy for you! Let us know if we can be of any help! Kat

I just told Rick the other night---no one cooked this much before I was banded!!! He replied it was because I did it all! Now that I don't the rest of the family takes up the slack, but man it is hard not to eat it all! And I am not hungry! I want to lose a few pounds before surgery, and hoping since I am going to be back to liquids for a few days I can drop some. Then finally we can get some thyroid hormone into my system, and it should boost my metabolism according to the oncologist--one can only hope. Losing your hair is very emotional---I hope this is not going to happen for your DD. Give her a big hug from her cyber Auntie Kat (if at 11 she will still let you!!)---and tell her it does grow back!!! Mine fell out straight, and light blonde, grew back darker and curlier--go figure!!! Kat

Cool!! Thanks so much Mandy---I knew I could search it out, but thought maybe someone was ahead of me!!! I like having an idea, so we can work a plan around it, of what to buy for who! We have a lot of it done already--I'd say 1/2 to 2/3 of it, but still of course have some to do. I am doing my best not to buy a bunch of small things for the grandkids. We bought them large things, and are trying to keep the little things down, not so much financially as just they have sooo much! Manda goes through Kinseys toys and clothes around Thanksgiving and clears out, but Lindzie just had a fit, and went crying to her Grandma that Manda was getting rid of her toys--got the MIL to be, mad at Manda---so she told Ryan he had to do it....we'll see! They are taking the hard toys---things that can be disinfected to the hospital, for them to have in Ped.'s, and the other things she takes to Sarah's House which is a local shelter. Well we take them to the church, where the house is located is supposed to be a secret, and the door is not answered, for safety and privacy issues. We always did the kids in Fall---they all have birthdays in the Fall, followed by Christmas, was a good time to clear out! Well I am off to lunch with my friends. One of them is the one her twin brother was crushed on the fork lift several months ago. Today is her birthday, her first in 47 years she is not sharing with him---she is very emotional, so another old friend and I thought maybe going out could give her something else to concentrate on for a little while. Then I have to get the oil changed and tires rotated so we can head to Texas this weekend. I will take my laptop, not sure about connecting anywhere though.... Will be back before I leave for sure! Kat

Few years back I would have been right there with you Lauren going through it----then a hysterectomy and chemo, and lo and behold, I have not had to shave at all since. My hair on my head, my eyebrows and eyelashes are all that ever grew back.....oncologist said it is not uncommon. Best part of the nightmare known as chemo!!! I suggest the laser----without hesitation---no competition! Kat

Hey guys---still ended up running out of time! Diane, so glad to see you up and around, welcome to bandland!!! I will do my best to get back tomorrow. We are heading to Texas this weekend. We need to get there, get some things done, and get back for my surgery. I have surgery on the 16th. Dr. feels it needs to be done now as opposed to later.... If anyone remembers the site for the black Friday ads---post it for me pretty, pretty please. Since I am unsure what to expect, I want to have a plan!! Will do my best to get back tomorrow! Kat

Excellent question, I look forward to seeing an average on the answers you get. I am hoping to have a TT, in either late Jan. or early Feb. I still have a ways to go to---but as I lose, I continue to lose in other areas, the belly just hangs there being gross!!! I have no butt to lose---but it continues to shrink and the belly remains...hurry up TT!!! Kat