Kat817

Don't know about invinsible yet, but I AM up, and working on the getting dressed part! Hey it's a start!!! Thanks so much~ Kat

Terry, I am heading off to bed, just wanted to say thank you for always being there, and being strong for me---I have no idea why but your post reduced me to tears! I am so glad to have all of you in my corner!!! I truly feel blessed. Night All~ Kat

Pat I am an emotional roller coaster! I have gone from high to low all day---one minute I feel invinsible the next very vulnerable. I am hopeful, in the possibility of it being thyroid cancer, that is something I can cope with. It is not a killer--it is highly curable and easily treated. The part that is concerning to me, is the possibility of it including the lymph glands....that is harder to consider. They will have a better idea of that following the blood work from today, and also with the biopsy on the 19th. When I think of dealing with chemo again, I do get very emotional. Sad, angry, and scared, all rolled into one, makes a VERY bitchy Kat!!! To say it was hard the first time is an understatement....but I went into each day convinced the worst was over, only for most days to be proven wrong! But to know that going in, makes me nauseated to even think of it. I am doing my best not to get too worked up about it. I do have 2 other tumors in my body that have remained the same for over 7 years with no change. One in my mastoid and one in the fibula of my right leg. The biggest difference is they are both in a bony area, this is not this is tissue based. But, with any luck, it too will be nothing to worry about, and can be removed, so I can get back to a normal life. It is interfering right now...mostly because I cannot lie on my back, it cuts off my air. And swallowing is not natural....and I eat like a bandster. You'd think this would help me dump some weight, but it hasn't!!! Well that's enough thinking about it right now! I am off to the shower and then to bed. Thanks again for all of your concern...it helps lots! (((hugs))) Kat

Try your test first thing in the morning Laura, the hormone that shows is supposed to be strongest then...or at least that is what the OB told my DD. Thanks for the good thoughts guys--I bounce, from feeling invinsible, to vulnerable---to just flat out feeling it is not fair!!! Well I am off to bed, I am exhausted, I know it is from waking up so many times...everytime I roll on to my back it wakes me up---that really sucks! But one thing is for sure, even though I am so tired, I am NOT pregnant. If I were, I would be rolling in the dough----between lawsuits from Rick's vasectomy then a few years later, my hysterectomy---ya know it kinda lowers my odds a bit!!!! Will check in in the morning. Hugs to all! Kat

Proper fill level is the best thing for getting back on track, long enough to learn a new way of eating. Also, even though some of us were hard to convince of this (me!) exercise is key! It does not have to be an hour of non stop sweat inducing work....even walking the dog in the neighborhood, is exercise! You just have to move. If putting on the music and dancing is something you enjoy then that works! Just find something you can do, and work from there. Curves works for a lot of us---it is low impact, and you choose how hard you work...it doesn't take much time, and they help chart your progress. If you feel like you are eating properly and still not losing, try logging your food intake for a week or so, see if you have a weak area, that is thwarting your progress. If you want to post here what you are eating we can try to give some imput.... Hang in there, it takes awhile sometimes to get to a good point of restriction, and it truly does help when you do!!! Kat

Hi everyone--just stopping in to say hi to ya! Got to get dinner fixed, just wish I knew what it was going to be...might be a surprise for everyone!!! LOL @ plastic wrapped Pat & her "feely" Dr.!!!! And maybe Betty and I like our minds in the gutter---most of the time you concur my friend!!! Will be back to check up on everyone later---I did get my next round of tests scheduled. I have a 2 day test on the 16th & 17th, then the biopsy is scheduled for the 19th. Did another round of blood and an MRI today....too much fun! Talk to ya in awhile! Kat

1) One physical (other than weight) thing about yourself, what would it be? I want to say be rid of this stomach skin...but that is tied in with the weight issue....but that is realllllllllly what I want changed. 2) One non-physical thing about yourself (mental, situation, etc.), what would it be? I would want to be more patient...and I am quite sure those around me would want that too!!! 1) One physical (other than weight) thing about spouse, what would it be? That he be physically healthy--he has had a rough 15 months--heart surgeries, GI bleeds, etc. I want his general health to return now... 2) One non-physical thing about your spouses (mental, situation, etc.), what would it be? That he would have the ability to recognize health when it returns, he is begining to see the glass as half empty---he never did that before all these health issues---I want his good outlook back....I need it! Kat

Laura, just be careful what you take until you know for sure....you know to be 4 weeks or 6 weeks pregnant---at some point you have to be 2 weeks pregnant!!! And I kid you not, extreme fatigue was my first clue. I would nap after sleeping all night! And it was well before I could turn a pregnancy test positive. NOW bear in mind---these were antique pregnancy tests, the ones now are much more accurate, much earlier!!! Just be careful, and if you get any other symptoms (because yes the bigger boobs is another sign!), then buy a test and check..... Are you currently taking folic acid???? Sorry the Mom in me slips out sometimes! Kat

Hi~ What a day! I love my Mom to pieces, but trying to go shopping with her and the granddaughter is tiring in a major way! I am going to have to do one generation or the other!!! I think my problem is lack of sleep. I wake up gasping for air it feels like every few minutes. This has happened now for 2 nights. I was thinking it was severe reflux...from stress. It is not---it is the nodules on the thyroid causing pressure. So now I get to try some steroids---see if that reduces swelling at all. I did my blood work this morning. I have appointments for testing on the 16th & 17th. I might end up in the hospital over night for that study, as I have several family members with iodine allergies---so it is better monitored they said. Then I have a biopsy on the 19th. That's longer than I wanted to wait, but they want to see now if the steroids bring any reaction. I feel somewhat like a guinie pig!! Thanks for all the good thoughts, and stories with GOOD outcomes, have you ever noticed that everyone always wants to tell you horror stories? My neighbor told me her sister died from secondary cancer to the breast from the thyroid....my research told me it is usually the other way around. Which is what part of my testing will be---it is a common secondary cancer to some others, breast included. So then I see my SIL, my Mom tells her I didn't get good news, she never even ask (which is fine!!!) but launched into her Dr, reducing her medication for her bad thyroid, and now her hair is falling out. Wah, wah, wah!!!! I feel so mean!!! Good thing I am not flying anywhere, I may be in court with Amanda!!! Laura, do you ever crunch ice? Like in a drink, do you crave the ice? That was my first clue to being iron deficient! I had no idea---but was told when it come up in the Dr.s office. We would go to the Sonic, I would get just a huge cup of ice, no drink---just ice!! It has a name, I just can't pull it out of my head right now, when you crave odd things---ice being the most common with iron deficiencies---which I bet you Terry is right on the money with that!!! Since you aren't pregnant.....are you??? Sleeping ALL the time was my first sign! Followed closely by tender breasts---which is a massive understatement---for about a week breathing hurt them, then it eased!!! Anyone have suggestions for what to cook for dinner? I am so blah, nothing sounds good, nothing sounds fun to prepare.... Laura, I would sit down, and write a detailed letter to the hospital disputing the bill, and telling them each step of what happened with your money and who told you what....that way it is officially being disputed, and they cannot turn you into collections. Send it to as many department heads, and operating staff as you can find to send it to, starting with the Chief of Staff. Pamela, did you make it through today? What is in store for the remainder of the week? One more day of training didn't you say? Or was today the last day? Well I have to go make my bed up. I went to make it this morning, and the sheet pulled loose, and I was in a snit so yanked them all off, and threw them in the laundry!!! I let it air all day, now need to put some bedding back on it! I responded to a post yesterday, then come here today and a long time LBT-er decided that I was talking about her! I wasn't...but found it rather comical SHE saw herself in the comment!!! PM'd me to take me to task over it. I am biting my tongue....er fingers....to just let it be, and be civil! I have NEVER had issues with anyone on this board, and know from what I read, she cannot say the same! I never had a problem with her, but really dislike being scolded for something that never involved her....and having my nose rubbed in that yes she is at goal, and she looks good and will continue to post about it...blah blah blah!!! Not a good day for her to decide I needed taken down a notch!!! Will check in with all of you in awhile! Kat

Jenn, if you want to train as a Diesel mechanic, and have your own tools, and want to work for one of the most despised companies in the world....come on down!!!!! Everything you hear about them is concerning oil, and here they actually do natural gas work....but it is no fun anyway....but this close to retirement, he is staying put!!! Good Luck tomorrow Pamela, feel better!!! When do you go to Susannes? Thanks so much for the well wishes. I am having a nuclear study ( iodine dose I would imagine) and a fine needle biopsy is my understanding....either the end of this week or the first of next. Blood work tomorrow. That should put all my test results getting done so I can see an endocrinologist, or an oncologist, or a surgeon....and get this party started. I am trying to remain upbeat, I am struggling with it. The thought of going through chemo again has me seriously troubled. It was extremely difficult the first time---I felt like it took everything I had to get myself through it...and continue with a semi normal life. I feel better, I know I am healthier, but I am also older, and know what I am looking at. I know that each time I thought it couldn't get worse, it did! I know I am whining......just venting. Overall I feel pretty positive. I know with my history it puts me in a high risk....but overall thyroid cancer is not a killer, and it is not common. Whatever it takes. But dammit girls, my hair just began growing back!!! Wouldn't ya know it!!! Well we just finished watching an amazing end to the game, and are heading off to bed. Will check in in the morning, or when I get back tomorrow. Kat

I agree, I think it must be an entire lifestyle change for it to be as successful as possible. You telling what all you do, just makes the point, that you will carry more poundage than someone of the same size without any muscle....and we all know which one is best off!!! I love my local Curves!!!!! I did go into it hoping to be slender...but mainly I wanted to live, and with all the meds and health issues, I was not going to live as long as I hoped to, and the quality would have been greatly diminished as well. I am healthy once again....at least my numbers are all good....now I am working on the slender!!!! Kat

I hate trying to edit on here anymore, why can't they fix it??? Kat

<p>Pat---you give your Dr. free feels---you kinky gal you!!!!</p> <p>Kat</p>

TracyK I am so sorry for your nephew!!! I know how devastating that can be. Depending on what type of "institution" he were to be sent to, it could be a good thing. If his Dad is that terrible, and he has tried before, he might succeed next time if steps are not taken to address the problem---and home may be part of the problem. I will for sure say a prayer for him! Pamela--sounds like maybe the bug is burning itself out...drink lots of liquid, stay hydrated, that will help with your throat. I have to have a nuclear medicine work up on my thyroid, and a fine needle aspiration biopsy. There are several issues the Dr. does not like, that could be bad. BUT the overall possibility of it being cancer are fairly low, it is most common in under 20 and over 70 years of age. I am neither! They do not like that it is a growing nodule on a normal reading thyroid. Usually benign growths disturb the function, my in functioning fine. It also showed cold on the scan whatever that meant...I thought that would be a good thing, he talked like it isn't. I have some lymph glands that look a bit off, so they too will be studied. I am fasting after 8 tonight, so I can donate tons of blood to be looked at tomorrow morning. Fun! I am roasting alive, the kitchen is hot!!! I have dinner ready and waiting, but Rick has not made it home yet. He is having hell at work, he has no experienced hands, and inexperience is causing problems...he cannot find people to hire! He literally gets no applications....especially with experience. He has one experienced heavy duty machinery mechanic coming in to interview, but he wants about 2 bucks more an hour than they allow them to pay---which is most of the problem, but in a huge company that is ridiculously tight with the purse strings for the obvious amount of money they make.....it infuriates my DH!!! Oh well, hopefully he makes it home soon! Will check back in later tonight, while the game is on. Kat

I too was scared of the idea of surgery in a foreign country. I did my research, and chose a Dr. based upon that. I had friends before me and since me use the same Dr....but for me to be comfortable, I had to know it for myself, not just take their word. There are medical liasons you can use that are not affiliated with any particular surgeons....they help set up your travel, your surgery, in a choice of several countries, and then follow up care for when you get home. I personally did the research myself, and the Dr.'s team helped me to set up aftercare closer to me, and also aftercare very local in the event of an emergency unfill being needed. There are good Dr.'s and bad in the USA and in any other country you can go to....just learn all you can, and ask lots of questions, speak to former patients---several of them. It can be a positive experience, mine was awesome! Just be sure to look into it VERY well, so you can go in with confidence! Good Luck---I know exactly where you are at, and how you are feeling!!! Kat

Jenn, the other Jennifers idea of a list might be something that really works for you. My RL best friend, would accomplish nothing if not for a list!!! My brother is the same way! I always have a list going--well a few lists actually! There is the ever present grocery list on the fridge. There is a list of goals on my mirror. And my daily To-Do list. Most days I don't need the to-do, but if I am suffering from lack of motivation, I will make one, and work to cross off as much as possible!! The list making was suggested to my brother by his therapist back many years ago, and he makes them faithfully, on yellow legal pads, in his distinctive block printing (fairly serious brain damage) he lists jobs to do, other mundane tasks, then he makes lists of things he has, people he loves, blessings in his life. It is never surprising to see him sit down and pull out a list to share. He is quite an artist, he decorates his lists, mostly doodles, occasionally embellishing the list with pictures associated with what the list is. He lives alone, and spends hours on end with no one to talk to...the list making is his company!!! It keeps him on track! Something about both making the list, and mentally organizing yourself as you list things, as well as the accomplishment of crossing things off as they are done---helps! Back in the day when I was so unhappy, I would itemize every single detail to cleaning my house...vaccum LR, stack magazines, dust lampshades....every thing!!! Then as I worked and marked things off, it felt like no matter the mess I had called a life, I was at least getting something done! It was an extremely stressful time of my life. I was alone raising a child, I was trying to support us, and going to TX to face off with my ex in court---worrying that he would get off the charges and kill me! Everything I put on my list gave me time to think about that and not about him. It might be of help to you! it is a wonderful organizational help!!! Good idea MsJen!!! One I do, but had not thought to suggest!!! Not really any different than logging our food---kind of logging our life in advance!!! Kat

DH is outta the house and back to work, no wonder Ms jen is flyin' high and given such awesome advice, she is on a roll---get 'em girl!!!! Kat

Have you ask around on the NJ thread? I chat with them regularly, and although most of us in there are NOT from Jersey, some are! They might give you some leads on other Dr.'s and fill options. Kat

I based my goal weight on my DD! She and I are the same height. We both tend to muscle up quickly, she plays competitive volleyball....I always played softball...and I ride, do lots of physical activity. The BMI charts do not take muscle into consideration---my Dr. told me to take them as a rough estimate, but to keep that in mind. So I looked at her, and decided THAT was where I wanted to be. I figured the age difference would make that a stretch, so I added 10 pounds to it...and made that my goal weight. I too would like excellent results, who wouldn't!!! And Jacqui--you got them!! But in all truthfulness, if I were to not have this belly---I could be happy where I am. I take no meds, my health is better than it has been in decades---and I fit in clothes, normal clothes, in any store! I feel my band has been a success. I have no intentions of quitting here, but I am not going to kill myself, or stress non stop over the last of this weight---I intend to slowly but surely work my last bit off, and enjoy every day of the process! I think the question should be ask of you not the dietician---you know you, you know how much you work out, you know how your family tends to carry weight.....the question should be to you---how do you feel? Do you feel like you are at your best where you are? Do you, does your significant other, like your curves? Do you feel like you can live a normal life, and not worry every day and every bite about maintaining THIS weight you are at? Do you think you could do the same at 20 pounds less? What is your general health like? Would it benefit from further loss? Would you find the idea of losing another 20 pounds daunting, or depressing? Does the dietician saying that make you feel like you failed? That is nonsense!!! 176, for your height is a significant loss, and puts you close the the suggested range. I would not quit....I wouldn't quit working out. I wouldn't quit eating healthy. But if you weighed 20 pounds less, I wouldn't quit either one of those things either! Let your body be your guide....in the meantime enjoy the journey on the way to your destination..... You have done a great job!!! I cannot wait to get to 176!! Kat

g'morning girls- Just hanging out with Kinsey as she plays dress up with all the fun princess/ballerina dresses I bought her over the weekend at a yard sale a friends sister had taken them too. The school was supposed to be having a fundraiser sale during the Oktoberfest celebration, then winter decided to try to sneak in, and the weather was pretty windy and cold, so no one much showed up. I bought all kinds of stuff from her for the girls---cheap! The girls thought it was like Christmas when they saw them, and Kinsey has played all day long! It is still cold out, we froze hard last night. We picked 3 boxes full of tomatoes, to store in the garage, they last really well that way, in a box with newspaper between the layers of tomatoes. We will have them through Christmas anyway---not that I care, I am not a tomato fan!!! Glad all your teams, and drivers did well. Ricks did not, but like he said sometimes a team has to be thoroughly spanked and humiliated to get their s*#t together!!! He used to be a die hard fan, but since we moved away, he watches if he is home, and the weather is too cold to be riding!! We are starting a new exercise program tonight. Going to get back into the light weights...and going to do more resistance on the elliptical, but break it up into 2 rides. That way we can swap out, I can ride while he lifts, and then we can swap, and do the other, then swap back....not try to do it all in one run. W'ell see, I am sure we will find a happy medium. Rick is wanting to get his strength back. Yesterday was one year from his bleed...I sure am glad you guys were here, still am!!! Ok lets see some more pics!!! Yes, girls, I am tall---5'9", Kelly insists she is 5'4"!!! She admits to really stretching to get that though! Oops, my Princess took a break from dancing, and promptly fell asleep---so I better go lay her down so she can be comfy. Catch you all later!!! Kat

Morning everyone! Let me introduce you to Kelly, she posted above as want2bmeagain, she is the bandster I met over the weekend, and posted our pictures! She is really cool, I told her she could hang with us, her monthly support group kinda wimped out....so Kelly this is everyone---everyone this is Kelly! Kinsey is in hog heaven, playing and changing clothes, and the house that was cleaned yesterday is a total wreck, looks like a princess factory blew up in here! At least she is better at picking up after herself than Connor is. That boy is so hard headed---it almost scares me for him! Judy the change is tremendous!!! I wish sometimes (ok all the time) that it would be quicker, I would be done, and my TT done, and I'd be good....but it just feels wrong wishing time to hurry!!! You are doing so well, and doing it while enjoying it---that is important. It is a message that really needs stressing---enjoy the journey, not just the destination! Terry---did soaking the brass in the vinegar work, or are you the proud owner of 100 rings??? So if it does not turn out exactly like you invision, do you take it apart and start over....give it some time to grow on you....what??? Jane...you DO have a problem. That is NOT a long post!!! LMAO! Sounds to me like you have been hit by the funk....not eating right, not exercising right, not sleeping good....they all go hand in hand. I got my body clock all screwed up trying to keep up with Ricks work schedule when we were first married---he worked long hours, was up early and in late, and then I had kids, and I know I gained massive amounts of weight then! Eventually I had to make the decision to work my schedule with the kids, and support him as much as possible, but I could not be awake and going 22 hours a day! The first days were KILLER!!! I would make myself get up with the kids when they got up at 6 for school. Then I would not let myself lay back down until that night when we all went to bed---and I would go to bed at 9-9:30!!! Then when Rick was late and would come in, I would usually get up, talk to him for a few minutes, pop his plate in the microwave, get him something to drink, and oftentimes, I would go back to bed then. Occasionally if it was a weekend, I would stay up and visit with him while he ate, and when he hit the shower, I went back to bed. I finally got my body used to sleeping at night again!!! I still deal a bit with SAD....when winter hits, I have to force myself to do anything! I would otherwise find a book, and veg in front of the fire until the first signs of Spring!!! Hang in there Jane---we will pull you out of the dumps, and challenge you to find a time to work out someway or another! I admire you girls willing to track food intake---I am too lazy!!! I know I should probably do it sometimes to check and make sure I am within a good range....maybe this winter when I am searching for inside things to do! Anyone wanna come brand cows??? We have to get the ones we are selling off branded, so the brands can heal enough to go to the Sale Barn. No sense in keeping a huge herd over the winter. Keeping bred cows, selling off the last calves, and some older cows. Rick is looking into an electric brander---anything brand wise is expensive, because they have to be customized to each persons brand. At least ours does not have any out of the ordinary symbols, or combined letters...they cost more! By combined I mean like MY Dads, his H instead of having a standard cross connecting the lines of the H it is the top to his Che used the top arc of the C to cross his H. Or my BIL's has a 2 laid down on its side---ours is standard upright...so should be cheaper. Hoping so anyway. The biggest fear I have during branding is the open fire. We use a propane bottle, like a weed burning torch, it heats the brand in a tube....but it is in a corral, full of hay...near dry fields. I always imagine us the headlines in the next days paper!!! Speaking of which, I am going to go so I can call and raise hell with our newspaper. My account is paid through December 2008...and I am not getting my papers!!! We have a new delivery guy, but he has had enough time, and had to bring me back papers enough he should damn well remember! It infuriates me!!! And add into the fact, that the paper delivers 7 days a week, and they do not man the phones but 5! So last Sunday (week ago) I ended up with my Sunday paper being brought on Tuesday---with no ads! So you can only imagine how pissed off I was when I did not get one again yesterday!!! And from the looks of it outside, I did not get one again today! Be back later, after I rant my way to the top!!! Be nice to Kelly----I told her you would be!! Cuz I know if I don't tell ya--y'all might be mean!!! LOL!!! Kat

Relax Liz! I have never heard of anyone slipping a band by bending over! It is normal to slowly feel less restriction, that just means your insides are going down from the swelling, and your body is healing. You will gradually have to be able to drink more, as your body heals and begins to prepare for real food again! The band does not magically fix any of our prior issues!! Too bad huh! If you suffered with sinus drainage before, you will continue to----and it might make you seem especially tight or quick to "fill up" once you start eating. Sounds pretty gross, but that junk you swallow is filling your stomach, and taking up room. It is natural, and will pass through same as it did before. But in many cases it makes eating Breakfast a slower process, or one that is easier accomplished just a bit later in the morning. Acid reflux is a bit trickier. If you had it before, chances are at some point it might return. If it does, the first thing to do is have it checked to make sure you are not too tight, that is an early signal of being too tight. Work with your Dr. to treat it so that your esophagus remains healthy, which is especially important being banded. I had a haital hernia repaired during my banding, and was without reflux for many months, then it come back. Endoscopy shows my hernia has returned, or reopened....not uncommon at all the Dr. said ( not my surgeon, so he was not just covering his tracks!) It is much less now than ever before. I eat less, and there is a lot less weight resting on my stomach area when I lie down---it has to have helped! Keep drinking your liquids, keep hydrated. If you are sitting at work for 10 hours, be sure to move around as much as possible. Stretch your legs under your desk, rotate your ankles....keep moving. Also remember to breath deeply, fully inflating your lungs. The added oxygen will help overall healing and reduce any chance of pneumonia following surgery (ANY surgery not just lap band) And moving will lessen your risk of blood clots the same way, they are a risk anytime you remain sedentary, especially following surgery. Swelling is common, and can sometimes take several weeks to go down....seems totally unfair, we have the surgery to slim down, and we start out by all of us looking pregnant!!! But....that too is normal! Relax, worry about your healthy intake of your fluids at this point. Get some Protein in, and Vitamins...and soon you will be good to go again!!! Welcome to LBT and Welcome to bandland!!!! Kat

Hi everyone- Nothing new going on here, spent the night in the bedroom watching TV. Rick was downloading music, and watching football...between coming in to check and see if I was ok, did I want to watch on the big TV, could he bring me something.....I almost ask him to bring me some "be quiet and leave me the hell alone"!!! Not really, but his commercials, and mine did not jibe. And he has watched enough of my programs he knows the basic story so he would ask questions, while I was trying to watch....so I told him if he didn't be quiet, I'd pay his game a visit on my commercials, he kinda smiled, and shut the heck up!!! I bought tons of stuff from a friends sister, at a yard sale she had this weekend. She has 4 girls, and she buys high dollar things for them! All gymboree, and Childs Place, and Gap. Not your basic Walmarts clothes!!! I ended up with 4 little dress up outfits for Kinsey...the little ballerina dresses, and crowns, and boa tufted slip on high heels---I don't mean the plastic play shoes, these look fancy!!! I got a long orchid set, a short royal blue one with tap shoes, and a little like sailor cap, a pale pink ballerina set, full stand up tutu with matching pink leather ballet shoes, I think I ended up with 6 tops and 4 jeans for Lindzie, and a couple of jeans and 3 or 4 shirts for Kinsey. And they had several pairs of little jeans lined with red fleece--really heavy nice for winter, I figured denim and red, even Connor could wear that! I got Kinsey one and Lindzie 2 Columbia brand ski jackets, Kinseys come with the clip on mittens. And a booster seat, with the high back, denim with bright pink flowers---it is new enough, they are still selling the same seat in the stores. I got a pail, like a sand bucket type of pail full of hair accesories. And 7 pairs of shoes--4 of them in the box, with the size stickers everything on them, never worn!!! 2 of them Nike tenny shoes! A bag like a set of sheets come in, FULL of Barbies. All with clothes on (unlike most of Kinseys!!!) I think that is it....and I paid...for it all.....$15.00!!!! I tried to at least give her a 20, she would not take it. Said if I was interested, she would just as soon pass it on, as to deal with the yard sale, that she only did this one for the school. They had a huge sale in conjunction with the Oktoberfest---but the wind come up and the weather was yucky. Manda was so thrilled with it all!!! Kinsey was too, she was layering dresses on!!! Lindzie will get to see it probably tomorrow! Made me think of TracyK's shopping spree at her sisters...which btw Tracy, I was going to tell you---you said that you would be my sister and share, but the clothes wouldn't fit (we are very close in size---!!!!) BUT my point was going to be. Purses are one size fits all!!! LMAO---I am only teasing you!!! Lucky you, take full advantage! I just need to find a yard sale where someone spoiled themselves as much as these guys did their daughters!!! Wheeeeew I am exhausted, and I did nothing today. Housework. I passed a mirror earlier, and though good grief I am glad no one stopped by---look at me!!! But rather than worry over it now, I am going to bed! I'll check in tomorrow while the little princess plays dress up, with her Barbies!!! I love being able to find those special buys like that, and be the spoiling Granny!!!! Especially since Gina agreed that I am a meannie!!! j/k! Talk to y'all tomorrow! Kat

I have had both knees operated on, the right one several times, and I have a tumor in the fibula of that leg, and have been told, nothing high impact. So the jogging/running is out of the question for me. I do take stairs when I can....a couple of weeks ago at the hospital, you could not access the stairs from most floors, you had to have a hospital badge, that logged who went in...because there had been some assaults in the stairways. I thought that was horrible---a hospital!!! A place to promote health, and stairs are only an option for staff...and in front of each elevator are signs not to use in case of fire....I guess if it catches fire, we would all have to wait for an employee!!! Ridiculous....but I digress!!! I do use my elliptical, with my orthos blessing. He recommends it over my treadmill, because of the design of the footpads, and the give of them overall, reducing the stress on all of your lower joints, from the pelvis down. This winter will be the first time I will be relying on it for most of my exercise. As it stands now, I use it everyday, but I also walk outside everyday! When the weather turns I will do 2 rounds on it. We do light free weights for upper body toning....but I don't think my form is the best to be honest...I find myself getting very lazy with it! Kat

Denise, back when I took capsule medication, it was recommended to me, that I put the capsule into a small bit of warm water, just until the outer case of the capsule becomes softer. It looks like a gelatinous cover. Then swallow it, that way it is already ready to dissolve into the stomach. I would soak mine for just a little bit, less than a minute---then swallow it with a small amount of water, and a couple of cracker squares. Then give it a few minutes, and begin sipping a bit more water, to go ahead and wash it through. It sounds like it takes forever, but it really doesn't. And it made it possible for me to take the pills---mine were antibiotics, so necessary. I use this method when I take my pre treat meds when I go to the dentist, because the liquid meds were unbelievably nasty!!! Good Luck! Kat