Kat817

Sometimes a hamburger patty works for me and sometimes it doesn't. I don't know if it is the way the meat reacts after being cooked, it seems it is hard to chew it well enough. I do it...IF it is moist meat. I also try to have other textured food with it, to help in the chewing breakdown. Sounds wierd I know, maybe it is in my head!!! Using ground beef in other things, I try to crumble it very fine to start with, and it seems much easier---I begin cooking it, then use a hand style potato masher on it, and it crumbles real fine. And as gross as it sounds, after I drain it, I rinse it off with hot water. It helps remove more of the grease, and when you mix it into your taco seasoning, or spaghetti sauce, you will never taste a difference. But you have helped cut the fat in it. So I have a question for the teachers out there. My newest granddaughter (actually a step granddaughter to be....) is going from Kindergarten to 1st grade this next year, and there had been talk of holding her another year, or putting her into pre first (?) but in the end the school moved her up. She is struggling. She can count, knows all her colors, letters, the sounds they make...the basics, but she cannot seem to sound things out phonetically, nor does she retain the sounds she has figured out, or the words prior. For instance.... She was trying to read me a simple sentence this morning in a color book that said "Draw a picture of what you want for your birthday." Right off the bat, she did not recognize the word 'Draw', so we began with the sound, but when she determined it was a D and not a B, and we come up with the 'duh' sound and moved on to the 'r', and I told her to put them together, blend the sound, she had already spaced what sound the 'd' made. We finally got through the word 'draw' she of course knew 'a', and then we began with the word 'picture', it was a hard one, so I told her what it said, and we were going to begin at the first, but she had already lost the word 'draw'. This little girl is not stupid in any way, but she is having serious problems...and at this rate they will only get worse. My DD is looking into Sylvan, but I would be glad to help her in any way I can, I will be keeping her along with my 2 yr old granddaughter this summer. She also has no concept of rhyming words. We have been working on this while we swing, I say a word and as she swings if she comes up with a sound alike rhyme word, I give her a push---trying to make it a little fun too. We do it with the 2 year old counting, I push for every number she counts. My soon to beson in law, has now got full custody of the little girl, so they are hoping with some consistency she can catch up. Her Mom is still in the picture, with limited, and guarded visitation. There are issues with Meth use. So....any ideas how I can help her? I see books, work book type things---I have no problem buying...and we have lots of childrens books, and we do a story time to put them down for nap/rest time, and we read at other times. I want her to have fun this summer, but would also like her to be better prepared to keep up this next year. We are also working on tying shoes---and the retention issue rears its head again. If you talk her through each step, she has the physical dexterity to do it---which the 2 year old does not, but the 2 year old remembers the next step---and she does not. Anyone know of a website I can print out fun learning things from? HELP----I am an out of date Granny---who needs help to help her! Thanks!!!! Kat

Jenn---my SIL is on her way home today from a nieces graduation---I will call her tonight and get a # for you to call. She also has a very good friend, who is in the area, that has been banded and lost over 140 pounds!!! So she may be able to connect the 2 of you as well! As soon as I get the info from her, I will PM it to you. Hang in there!! ((((hugs)))) Kat

TracyK, you are going to have to look elsewhere for the good advice on tacos---especially Taco Bell tacos---I eat them regularly!!! I take my granddaughter and we share a kids meal!! We each eat a taco, she gets her cinnamon twists, and I take a drink of her tea before we eat, and it is a done deal for under 3 bucks, and she thinks it is a treat, because she gets the toy....I never get the toy----poor me!!!! We make tacos here at home....I order them in most mexican places. just because I can eat them so easily. Maybe whoever puts you in line over eating them can chastise me too!!!! Denise, my hiatal hernia tore loose again.....best thing to do is discuss it with your Dr. I am back to taking meds, and sleeping on an incline. Being reflux free was nice. Both of my parents have these problems, and neither are banded. Look at the number of meds out for the problem....it is a huge portion of the population. Odds are it is not band related....just anatomy related! But talk with your Dr. you'll feel better when you know for sure. Today I spent finishing up the videos for my parents anniversary. Lots of memories, going through the pictures from the last 50 years! Another thing that shocked me is how much my daughter and granddaughter look like me!!! My gosh our pictures at 2 years old could all be mistaken for the same child. How is it, I think they are adorable, and always thought I was a strange looking child???? LOL Well school is out, I have 2 granddaughters tomorrow, so I better get some rest. Everyone take care!!! Kat

Due to family history, my PCP put me on aspirin therapy 3 years ago. I spoke to my band Dr. about it, and he said since I take 1 baby aspirin a day, just to be sure to take it with food, and I'd be fine. Talk to your Dr. often times there are solutions!! Kat

Jenn, I am so sorry for your loss, many people don't realize how a friend can mean so much, I feel sorry for those people! I have a SIL in Golden, who lost her husband to brain cancer not too long back. She has found great comfort in a grief support group. They meet, talk, they also do some pot luck meals together, and different things. She says she values them because they don't expect her to pick up and move on right this very second. I don't know where in the greater Denver area this particular support group is, but I can ask her. I am sure there are many. Part of her requirements back when she was in school led her to a divorce support group---she was SOOOO opposed to going, but she said it was the best thing she ever did---even though her own divorce was long over. She eventually led divorce support groups, and led seminars on it. So for her, when she lost her husband, finding a grief support was a natural thing. She now travels with a woman she met through it, they have taken cruises, and meet for dinner, etc. They understand one another. Talking to others who have been there, might help. I luckily still have my best friend, but we are ALWAYS here for you to vent to and cry with. We do care. Sending big (((((HUGS))))) your way, I am soo sorry. Kat

Currently reading GONE by Jonathon Kellerman, and Bad Boy by Olivia Goldsmith. I find myself reading less now that I can use my laptop in the yard while the kids play---I used to read!!! Kat

Hi y'all---glad to see everyone doing ok. I sat at this computer most of the morning...I am doing a DVD of pictures through the years, to be shown at my folks anniversary party. Scanning them in, and organizing them into some semblense of order...then deciding on background music, and ripping it....it was time consuming!!! But they will LOVE it!!! I think then when I have a bit more time, that I will try to get most of their old pics transferred over to DVD, so they can pop one in and look at their old pictures. Maybe plan it for part of their next years Christmas. Make a set for myself while I am at it, and my brother. After that, I met Rick over at the golf tournament, ate some shrimp--and boy did I want more!!!! They had big bacon wrapped grilled shrimp, yummy!!!! From there we went to our friends house, where Rick helped her DH put a metal shed together, there must be a thousand or more screws involved!!!! They worked until we decided it was time for a ride!!! So we rode up to Durango, CO and had some mexican food for dinner. Walked around a bit, and come on home. Coming home, it was just after sunset, about 8:45, and we were keeping an eye out for deer. They are everywhere, and on a motorcycle, we watch carefully. We see our friends braking hard, which always sends my heart into my throat----it is not a deer it is a cow!!! So the guys run it out of the road, and we ran down to the house and alerted the owners.....scary! Tracy, I fully understand the no wedding thing! Rick and I had both been married before, with the big wedding thing. We have a connection that is deeper than I could ever begin to describe, I had no doubts whatsoever that he was the one for me, but marriage???? Who needed that???? Well when he ask, I agreed, and then things went a bit nutso. Our families both are very involved in their respective churches. Mine being Methodist, his being Church of Christ. They began talking weddings, we would change the subject!!! One time when they had gone down to the homestead in Texas, my parents happened to be out of town at the same time...so off we ran to the judge!!! They were not thrilled....but both were happy we were now married, and no longer living in sin!!! Then many years later, our oldest DD (actually mine from the first marriage) was married and stationed in Hawaii. We went over to see her, and we did a 5 day tour of the other islands. When we went into the Fern Grotto, the tour guide said many people get married there...it was beautiful! So a year later, while she was still there, we took the other 2 kids over to visit with us, and we all went back to the Grotto, and we redid our vows with our kids there. It was relaxed, beautiful, and very emotional! I looked at him through mature, experienced eyes. I knew he had been with me through good and bad, and would always be by my side. My DD had this HUGE plumeria lei made for me, and to this day the smell of the plumeria, can take me right back to the musty green of one of the most wonderful days of my life....and in reality we had been married for almost 20 years at the time!!! Ride with it....if you ever want to do something different you always can!! I would give the same advice to Laura---don't "do" the wedding the way everyone else wants or expects, or what etiquette says is right, do it your way!!! Just like you are, with the sand---very cool idea btw!!! Enjoy it most of all....take the time to let your heart absorb the reality of your love. As has been pointed out, so lovingly by our Colorado Violet, we never know what lies ahead....and we need to remember to love with all our hearts, when we have it. TracyK, just remind him how each and every truck he has, will be loaded down as you move into your new house!!! My DH has 5 motorcycles!!! And at last appraisal over $85,000.00 in tools---and no that is not a typo!!! He has been a diesel mechanic for over 25 years. He no longer actually "wrenches" much anymore----but the Snap-On and Matco guys know him well anyway! I understand your hurt over your feelings not being considered, but keep in mind it could be bars and other women.....and have another talk---you never know when something will click and he will really hear you!!!! Gotta go get some chocolate milk, my mexican food is burning my tummy!!!! TTYL, Kat

Me too, I thought maybe his wife's Mother had passed and that they were gone. Hope all is well with him. Kat

I used the Gas X strips once or twice right after banding, but never since. I have noticed, if I am not careful, and swallow air with my food, I burp more! And I have had the trapped air feeling---I too pound my chest to "burp" myself!!! Chewing well is a necessity, it is something you have to really concentrate on for about 3 weeks....and then it becomes a natural thing to do. I do slip up.....and then I hurt....so force myself to re-do the forced chewing until it seems normal again. Are you avoiding drinking with your food? If I drink with my food, I do the air block much worse. At home I just move my glass to the kitchen and it isn't an issue, at a restaurant, it is always right there, and I sometimes grab it out of habit, and drink! About mid swallow, I click on what I just did!!! And I usually end up uncomfy for a few minutes, while everything settles back down. Have you noticed whether certain foods, or drinks or how you drink them (straw vs. no straw) makes a difference? It may take some detective work on your part to figure it all out. Try one of the gas strips prior to a meal, see if it helps..... Let us know!!! Kat

1- Does anyone eat hot dogs ? and if so when after surgery did they first have one I had a pretty strict post op diet, so was on liquids, for 2 weeks, full liquids another 2 weeks, then mushies for another 2! Following that I was ok for regular food. I can't tell you exactly how long, but yes I have eaten hot dogs all along since then. When my restriction was the tightest, I avoided the bun. Each day with the band is a new one, so I guage how I am feeling for the day, if my breakfast goes slow, I am very cautious, and would avoid them, if I feel good, I try it one bite at a time, giving myself a little time to see if it is going to go ok. Overall hot dogs are not a real healthy food, they are full of nitrates, and sodium....we could and should make healthier choices most of the time. But hot dogs are part of every day life around here with grandkids and cookouts, so we do eat them....me included!!! 2- How about string cheese? Yes, I eat it regularly, along with the small packages of cheddar that they sell in the same area at the store. I take them with me, when I know I will want to snack on something. I take them to the movie for instance. Cheese is a big part of my snack diet. 3- salads ? lettuce and all that? I was really afraid to try lettuce, thinking it would be so hard to digest---it went very easy!! I try to keep to crisp greens. I have had some spinach leaves that were kind of wilty and they didn't do as easy, I felt like it was harder on my band to pass them through. I also watch the skins on like bell peppers and cucumbers, they seem harder to digest. I peel the cucumbers....and I add carrots, and radishes, anything I have on hand, toss some cheese on, maybe a boiled egg, or some tuna....sprinkle with some sunflower seeds, and a bit of dressing...and I call it lunch and dinner lots of days!!!! It is my summer favorite!!! 3- Does anyone tolerate pizza? if so , which is the easiest I eat pizza on occasion. Unlike most it is not the crust that gets me it is the marinara sauce gives me massive heartburn!!! I choose thin crust...and can usually eat a single piece of pizza. If we are elsewhere and they have thick crust, I eat a couple of bites, then just eat the remaining toppings---it is usually enough to fill me up completely. The only foods I have ever PB'd on were a yeasty glazed donut, and popcorn chicken. The donut, I took 2 bites, and it felt like it swelled up to the size of a bowling ball in my belly!!! Never again! I avoid raised donuts!!!! The popcorn chicken, was my own fault. I bought my granddaughter a cup of popcorn chicken at Walmart while we were shopping, I was walking along, not thinking, picked one up, popped it in my mouth chewed a time or 2 and swallowed, just like in the old days. About half way down my throat, I realized what I just did, and we left, before we could get to the car, I was hurting. I slimed all the way home, and ended up tossing it not long after getting home...I have since eaten it...and chewed it well, with no problems at all. Everyone's bands will react differently, and as I started out, everyday yours may act differently for you. Just try to experiment carefully, avoid things you know are bad for you, is the easiest!!! Try to attempt something at home the first time or 2. Take a single bite, and chew well, and then wait and see how it does. Do not eat until you are full, by then it is too late, just eat until you no longer feel hunger, then by the time everything settles, you are full, but not painfully so. I could have lost more weight if I were to eliminate more foods from my diet, but I choose not to. I liked my life rprior to the band with the exception of my weight. I have not changed a lot except the amount of food I eat, and now that I have lost weight, my ability to move with ease has allowed me to exercise more.. Before that would have seemed horrible!! Now I actually enjoy getting my heart rate up, and challenging myself. I walk every day...and don't hurt doing it! The rest of the weight will come off, in the meantime, I am enjoying the life I have now. I love my band---hope you find you love yours as well!!! Kat

When it is right, it's right!!! Congrats on getting things moving, keep us posted---and read up, go into this well educated, it helps so much!!! Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Veggie trays usually offer something we can eat. We also make pinwheels---roll ups. Using cream cheese, and various chiles, cheese, deli meats, etc. spread onto a very thin flour tortilla, rolled up and sliced. I can eat them, without problem...it is when I add liquid type things to the flour tortillas I have problems!!! Crackers & cheese are easy for bandsters to eat usually. In the frozen foods section you can find frozen rolled tacos, mini tacos, mini burritos, etc. All quick & easy to heat, we cut the rolled tacos into 2-3 pieces, so they are easy to dip, and eat. We make a queso dip for them. Not finger food, but easy for serving, without fuss---pulled pork BBQ for sandwiches. It is easy for others to eat, grab a bun, make a sandwich---for us skip the bun. We do all of these for our Superbowl parties! Cold --- you could have a variety of salads, like a bowl of chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, and have them all on ice, offer, a variety of crackers, add ons (olives, pickles), lettuce leaves, so they could roll it up. Melon is ok, if I eat is slow, and only a little bit of it. It is like eating and drinking together, and sometimes makes me feel like I am going to PB---but it never happens!!! It just causes a similar feeling. As for the shrimp being small, get some decorative long toothpicks, like they use to spear a burger....you can get them at a restaurant supply store, and make mini kabobs---spear a few together on the pick...would look nice and festive too! Play some happy music, have everything ready in advance... recruit some help if possible, and enjoy yourself!!! Take lots of pictures!! Kat

Just over a year ago when I went into surgery I was taking 2 medications for high blood pressure, I was taking Metformin for high blood sugar, I was taking a pill for high cholesterol, I had just been taken off of the Celebrex for joint pain...but every step caused pain. Both of my knees have been operated on, and I have herniated discs in my lower back (L-4, L-5). I am a cancer survivor, of uterine cancer. July is my magic 5 year mark!!! A year has passed, my banding surgery was a breeze....very minimal pain, more of a discomfort for a day or so is all. Following the rules, was much easier than I had anticipated...it is pretty easy not to want to eat all the time when you are not hungry all the time!!! Now, I take no high blood pressure meds, and my blood pressure today was 112/74. My DH is headed for heart surgery and we have to watch his closely, so I check mine too!! My blood sugar remains low, without a single solitary dose of Metformin since the day before surgery! The cholesterol meds, almost put an end to my surgery, they raised my liver enzymes!!! I quit it before surgery as well. Right now my good cholesterol, could still be a bit better, but my numbers are so good they shock my Dr. and impress him so much he is considering the surgery for his wife! I walk for exercise everyday, without joint pain. My back still has days that it reminds me it has problems, but they are few and far between, not a daily moan and groan. I can crawl on the floor with my grandbabies, and get up without help, of either a person or a chair...I can just stand up! I ride horses, and motorcycles on a regular basis. 90 pounds, and over 50 inches, has made a drastic difference in my life. I feel like I have a life again! The things you can do without the extra weight will make battling the cancer so much easier, or at least ease the pain the weight adds on. It seems to me the best gift you could give your son on his birthday, is more time, and in my opinion, the band could enable you to do that. At 29, he is not a child, even if he does still occasionally act like one!!! But please consider that maybe his objection to the surgery is more of him having something he can "be angry" over. Cancer that has been deemed uncurable, leaves the family as well as the patient/victim devastated. The surgery may just be something he feels a little control over. Surgery is scary especially when your health is not optimal in the first place. Possibly he is afraid he will lose you during the operation itself...and if anything can cause us to cave in as parents, it is guilt. That said, let him know you understand his fears, but that this is something you want to do for yourself. Assure him he is not going to be responsible for the debt. And take care of yourself. Find some support, through your Dr. or independent support groups/ Arrange transportation to and from the hospital, and someone to help you afterwards for a day or so if you should need it. And help yourself to a much improved future. I have no doubt that if I should have a recurrance now, I am in better condition to fight the cancer again, than I was when I dealt with it the first time. Chemo makes some people so sick they get stick thin. Not me, it made me nauseated, but the things that helped settle my stomach---were carb laden...and helped me get where I was a year ago. Try to have a heart to heart talk with your son, and if he still fails to see the advantages....let him see them as you live them, and improve following surgery--this is YOUR life, he is 29 and has his own!!!! Good Luck to you! Kat

Welcome back TracyK.....sometimes you just gotta do what ya gotta do!!!! Glad you found your way back to us. Some wird glitch got you it sounds like. Back when we had the ability to "rate" one another I got kind of a nasty post/rating, I was afraid, it would boot me from the thread!!! Then I read where it happened to you---wierd! All the pups sure are cute. I had to have my last pet, my cat Bailey put down a couple of months ago. I am afraid he was victim to the food fiasco---but he was over 16 years old, and I saw him suffering so put him down, and the following day the story broke. My vet called and I opted not to know. Prior to that, I had to put my 16 year old dog down when old age just got to be too much for her too. So far my heart is not ready to face that loss again. I keep saying I will get another one when I am 80 and it can outlive me! I miss having a pet. I know soon one will find me when the time is right. We have a big yard, and bigger hearts...so it is bound to happen. I have only had a few pets in my life, but have had each of them for long lives.....it is so hard to say goodbye. One of these days...... Kat

Lesa, PM'D you so we didn't divert the thread. Kat

I wish our local Target had stuff. I like the few things I see, but their plus size section here, won't even fill one rack. I don't have to shop plus size in jeans anymore, but would love to find some new tops....and I still have plus size boobs!!! Kat

Mine is somewhere in between! It is about 5 inches above and slightly to the left of my belly button. I have a friend and hers is right at her waistband and way left! Keep in mind we are both quite tall. But it seems like there is a lot of room, and that it should work either way. Will you require more fill, since the tube will hold so much more??? Good Luck in your relocation! Kat

I too had one fixed during my banding. I knew I had GERD, but until surgery was unsure what the cause. My Mom has had hiatal hernia surgery twice. Once many years ago when it was a HUGE incision, and once more recently laproscopically. I was reflux free for several months following surgery. Then it returned. I went into panic mode, thinking I had slipped my band, or was eroding. So we did the testing, and it seems my hiatal hernia repair, either did not hold, or tore through in a different, but same general area. I again have reflux. I lived with it before, will live with it now for awhile, until I decide on what course to take with it. Fixing the Hiatal Hernia is a no brainer during the band surgery. I would guess the percentages of patients with them already to be quite high, I was told the percentage of overall population with them, when my Mom had her last surgery, and was shocked!!! I cannot recall an exact # now, and don't want to mislead anyone with wrong numbers. I agree, that if you are serious about band vs. rny---then it is time to fine a Dr. with the same opinions. This Dr. even if he were to change his tune and do the surgery, does not seem as though he would be very supportive of the band, and the band takes serious team work with you and your Dr. Look around at other options. YOU are the one with the $$$$$ this is YOUR life....it needs to be YOUR decision, not a lazy Dr.'s. Good Luck!!! Kat

Just a few thoughts on the matter.... If you have ever been to Texas (no I do not live there), there are often miles and miles---into the hundreds---between cities large enough to support some of the mental health agencies referred to. If someone is down on their luck, getting to the place may be next to impossible. There is not public transport at every corner. It is huge, and by size alone, makes it difficult to get to where the help is. Another thing I have read about is how something like a High School student commiting suicide, puts the staff on alert, because other students see that, and it often leads to more doing the same. Not so much a copy cat thing, as that it puts the idea there...and when mental illness reaches a point, the thought is already imbedded. Perhaps these already unbalanced women also heard all of the news coverage of their fellow Texans---or others----and when they unbalanced to "that" point.....chose the same escape. I do not think it has anything to do with Texas. It is however hard to use any stats regarding Texas, the largest border state without bringing up illegals, and how the numbers affect the stats. Kat

Oh Cindy I feel your pain. Back many years ago, when my paternal grandma passed away after suffering with Alzheimers for many years, my aunt (Dad's sister) reacted horribly! My Grandpa had a horrible time, the day we buried my Grandma, his brother died in Arkansas, so he and my Dad flew out the day after Grandma's funeral. While they were in Arkansas at the brothers funeral, a brother in law there died! So they extended their stay by a few days. Then (this is so incredibly sad) the son to the BIL, was taking a suit to the funeral home for his Dad to be buried in, and as he backed out of his driveway, he backed over his 3 year old son, killing him! Can you imagine? The family was just devastated by all the death, and especially the little boy. So Dad and Grandpa ended up in Arkansas for about 2 weeks, and when they finally come home, Grandpa, was just not doing well. He had had several heart surgeries, and a stroke, his health was not wonderful in the start, then the stresses he had been under, he was depressed, and ill. When Mom and Dad walked in to his house coming in from the airport, the dining room was completely bare! My Aunt had come in while they were off burying the family, and taken the china hutch, along with the entire contents, and the dining set, all antiques....as well as my great grandmothers secretary desk. As they went through the house, we realized she had removed every scrap of Grandma. Her clothes, her knick knacks, everything!Grandpa was just too sad to be mad over it, and said it would be ok. So in the end, my Dad, nor his brother, or my brother and I got anything of my Grandma's. We respected my Grandpa's wishes of not starting a fight over it, and went on with life. Fast forward a few years, and by that time Grandma's belongings were divided between my Aunt and my cousin. My Grandpa had also passed. So my cousin caught me looking at Grandma's hutch in her kitchen one day, and made some smart ass comment about me not worrying she would never let anyone else have it, that she felt like her having it would have made Grandma happy. I was so mad! I told her "Teri, you may have Grandma's things---but you NEED them--because you never took te time to make memories with Grandma! How many times did you go visit with them? You never did, you were too busy with your all important EMT job!!! I may not have her dining set, or this hutch, but I have things you will NEVER have! I have the memory of laying her first great grandchild in her arms, and seeing the rare smile (she was already stricken at that time with the Alzheimers). And tons of pictures to commemorate the day. Oh yeah how many pictures of y'all together do you have???? I remember going for ice cream cones at the A&W with her when I was a child and she was well---your family didn't even live here! I KNOW they knew I loved them both, when they called me at night needing a lightbulb changed--they knew I would come. When they needed someone to stay with them---who did it? I did it! When one of them was sick who stayed with them? My folks did, not yours. You guys can have all the things...we already have what mattered, time and love---things she would have given you, not stuff you had to take!" About the time I quit yelling...my voice had apparently kept rising! I realized there was a lot of family around...I got a few hugs, no one got mad at me over it, and I must say I felt better getting a chance to say it! Through the years, my Aunt has never changed, my cousin has though. She actually offered me some dishes etc. of Grandma's, and said she would offer more when it wouldn't hurt her Mom! I refused. On my birthday, she gave m a set of pillowcases my Grandma had embroidered. She come not long ago asking if she could look through my pictures and maybe make some copies for her and her brother. It was so tempting to hoard them!!!! I felt like saying no they were mine, she got the other stuff! In the end I let her...she chose a dozen or so, and wanted to take them....that is when I did refuse!!! I said no, they weren't leaving, I would make copies, and get them to her, afterall the pictures were the only physical things I had left! Mean I know but it felt good!!!! The Aunt was the same way after my Grandpa died. My parents opted to buy out the siblings of their part of his house. My Uncle in Mississippi, refused any payment, saying my folks were the ones who moved him into their home, and cared for them through the years. My Aunt on the other hand decided since it was just the 2 of them then, he should pay her half not a third!!! My Uncle set her straight, so she through a fit---and I do mean a fit---over the odd cent that dividing it by 3 caused!!! And she insisted they wait to take possession of the house until the check (a cashiers check no less) had cleared! They had no plans to take any more of "possession" of the house then than they had before! She was, and still is a whiny, controlling, psycho in my opinion!!! There is 15 years between her and my Dad, so he was gone into the Navy before she got up to any size, so they did not grow up close---and it remains that way. He and his brother however become very close, and he is 2 years younger even! Could be because it takes 2!!! The basis of this LOOOOONG story is----your family is not the only one that has more than it's share of greed. My Uncle told my Dad to let the court decide it...Dad declined, telling my Uncle that it was all ok, someday she would stand before THE judge....so I just keep reminding myself of that. And try not to have anymore tirades!!! Hang in there Cindy----and keep doing what you are---doing it the way your Grandma would have. Honor her. Cherish your memories, and pass them and her beliefs on to Haven. She is old enough to see the greed, and learn valuable life lessons from it. Let her know how glad you are that she is growing into a caring, sharing person, not like the ones you are dealing with. The lessons will carry her far! Come and vent ANYTIME!!! Or you can call me at home anytime! We care about what you are going through. It is a heart hurt....and I send my hugs to you!!!! Kat

I swear to you if my ex husband had not had a vasectomy, that is what he and his current gf's children would look like....He is a weasel (that is putting it oh so nicely) and she is just plain homely....it seriously could be their love child!!!! Poor little thing!!! Kat

Yowsa girls---I sure won't be doing any of my own fills, and I have a feed store just down and around the corner---but they can keep their needles!!! I have bought many a needle in there, to be totally honest....but they were all for cows, and dogs! Yes they come individually sealed, but there is no way I feel like they are as sanitary as what my Dr. uses!!! I know in reality he buys his by the box as well probably, but what I don't know........keeps me happy!! I don't get why she uses eye saline---she can buy sterile saline in the IV bag at the feed store!!! I think what irritates me about it all, is that she is posting it, making others question it, and then when (not if...but when) she has trouble, it will make the stats for banding go down....when in reality it was not a band failure it was a bandster failure. Denise, sorry about the reflux on your anniversary. I too get it. I had a haital hernia repaired during surgery, but it is back....I sleep on a wedge, to raise me up, which helps, and I take meds for it. I have also found in my own case sleeping on my left side cuts down on my problems with reflux...on my back is the worst!!! In addition to my usualy meds, if I plan to eat something like salsa, prior to going to the restaurant, I will take a OTC zantac or something like it (usually Walmarts cheapo brand!!!). I ask my Dr. he said if it is small enough to pass, and it does not cause problems, taking it will not harm me in any manner. Lunasa--I did listen to the song, and it is beautiful. I sent the link to my cousins wife, who is a music major, and she is going to listen, and decide if it is something she could sing for them. My Dad is not the type to sing it!!! I am in the process of writing a quick bit to read regarding my parents, how they met, etc. a quick synopsis of their 50 years. Mainly to thank them for the amazing job they did as parents, I have always felt loved, and cared for by them, but also for the guiding hand in showing us how a loving relationship works....with one another, as well as with God.....for giving us a wonderful example to follow in our own lives. I'm not one to get up and speak publicly unless it is necessary either, but this is something I want to do...for them. Well I am taking the granddaughters to the carnival again tonight! I had so much fun taking them to the one in the next town over a couple of weeks ago, I decided to do it again. For $12.00 they get an arm band and can ride for 3 hours all they want. It is such fun watching them! Our little town is having Fiesta Days. Parades, carnival, a rodeo....tomorrow night they will have a pet parade, all the kids with their animals...kittens to snakes, to miniature donkeys. Following it, they will crown the Prince and Princess, kids under 6 who have had collection cans around town, each penny counts as 1 vote, and the money goes to a local childrens charity. Throughout the day there will be a booth where you can go and write on a piece of paper, your fears, and ill feelings, and put them inside of Zozobra...who is about 20 feet tall, made of a wire structure, filled with paper, and a few firecrackers, and everyones bad feelings, covered in white fabric, with a face painted on...to look like a grouchy old man. They trail a parade following Zozobra, aka Old Man Gloom, the adults with candles, through the town to an empty lot, where Zozobra is ignited with all the candles, and all the bad feelings are burned away. It is an old Mexican tradition. They have done it here since I was a child, and now I am taking my grandkids!!! So tonight we do the carnival, tomorrow the pet parade etc. Then Saturday they have the usual parade, and vendors of all kinds. The kids are riding a trackless train in the parade---so I will have to go watch!! Today we met up with my DH at a local golf course where all the local petroleum companies had a huge golf tournament. As well as the golf tournament, they have each company an area, one or 2 at each hole, and then all around the clubhouses, and driving range, set up to have BBQ's. Of course it becomes a huge competition. You can find everything imaginable!! Steak, pork loin, ribs, bacon wrapped shrimp, fajitas, pulled pork sandwiches...and that was just what I saw at about 4 holes today!!! They also have all the sides and fixings....beans, corn on the cob, chips, ice cream, cookies.....water, pop, beer......it is a blow out!!! I ate a rib, and the fajita fillings....it was soooo good! But it felt so amazing, not to be embarassed to be there, and be eating!! In years past, I always felt like everyone was looking at me, and my plate...they may or may not have been, but I was embarassed for me. This year, I was far from the biggest person around. I ate a bit and was done, I was up for the walk around, and I cannot begin to tell you my friends how awesome that felt. The days of liquids, and the days of mushies, and all the uncertanties we all faced----were soooo worth it! I cannot wait to read of your similar stories! Like Laura's pants.....WTG girl~!! OK, enough rambling!!! TTYL!!! Kat

I'm going to hide the video from my DH or he will be planning a Looooooong ride!! I can't take that many miles on the bike!!! We will do another small rally---in the 20-30 thousand range in July, have camp reservations in Sturgis, and then have a local rally over Labor day. I won tickets to a Foghat concert at the rally in July, from a drawing at the rally we just attended. It isn't like a big deal, their lead singer died a few years ago....and the concert is like in the beer tent.....no, I don't know that, just guessing. My tickets come with 20 free weekend drink tokens. Which figures, I cannot drink beer, with it being carbonated, and DH is still going to be on blood thinners, so he cannot have it either. They picked real winners with us!!! Oh well, I see free bottled Water for us! Betty, hope you feel better soon. Sounds like all the mucus draining might be what is upsetting your stomach. Feel better soon! Sherry---there is a word it begins with an R....you need to lookit up in the dictionary, and practice it on occasion....the word is RELAX!!!! Goofball!!!.....painting???? Girl what are we gonna do with you????? Patty---one more day out!!!wooohooo Chris, Dianne--hope the fills go well!!! I need one, but with the stress I am headed for in the next couple of weeks, with Ricks procedures, I am waiting, and going to schedule it for the week following his. He will be off of work for 2 weeks following, so we can drive up, and get me plumped then!!! Mandy--let us know what the Dr.'s had to say with you and Abi. I've been thinking of you! Cindy---you'll have fun in your shirts, watching everyone trying to read all if them! When we went through this tiny village on our way to the rally last weekend, we stopped for fuel, and were talking to the store clerk, about the powerball winner of over 62 million $$$ having been sold in NM, but as of then unclaimed. It hit the news last night, it was a man nearby, he actually bought the winning ticket from the store where we were talking about it!!! It was a local mechaninc! Rick and I spent the morning discussing what we would do with that kind of money! It boggles the mind. But it also reinforced several of the reasons I love the man, his generosity, and caring, continue to amaze me, after all these years! Well wish me luck, I am off to a smorgasbord of food today. The local petroleum companies, have a huge golf tournament today, and each local company hosts a hole, and then the over flow set up around the club house, and the driving range. They each BBQ something different, and have all the sides and fixings. Everything from burgers, brats, steak, ribs, bacon wrapped shrimp.......the options are numerous, and they each of course try to outdo the other, so it is way over the top! We will be there off and on for the next 3 days.....DH is working the grill one day, golfing tomorrow (they need his handicap he says!!!), and Saturday we will go just because he is expected to "be there" --- heck yeah he makes a paycheck for socializing, and eating, you betcha we will "be there"!! Do you think maybe Darcy hasn't got her internet hooked up at the cabin yet? Maybe Beannie has lost her phantom signal? We may have to have Eileenie let loose the special "geek squad" monkeys!!! hmmmmmmmmm Deb everyone well in your house still???? Check in girlies!!!! Better look around, then get busy---hugs!!! Kat

OMG---poor TracyTX.....we do miss you. Hope you will be back among us soon!!! If you are anything like me, you are hopelessly lost, when you get those messages!!! Thanks Judy for letting us know!!!!! Well Laura I have bad news. DH gave our old computer to a friend who rebuilds them, and gives them to the local Sarah's House shelter, which is for victims of domestic and sexual abuse. He said he thinks we had taped the envelopes containing all the discs into the covers of the manuals. I am thinking he is right, because all of them are MIA....even all the photo editing discs...everything. He said he took out the receipt which was stapled to the book as well, and he thinks the discs were all in there. I tend to do that, put them into the cover of the book, along with any warranty info, receipts etc. Which is why I thought I could easily put my hands on it, I had no idea he had taken it all with the computer. To be honest, I had no idea he even knew where to find the file in the file cabinet!!! If he knew that was there, I think he needs to take over some of the filing here at home!!! Sorry......I can ask around if you like, my Dad runs XP...but thinking the same friend built Dads computer, so he probably kept all that, but I will ask him. Tracy---have fun on your impromptu trip. Is relocating something you guys want to do? Mdrai---it will all be better soon!!!! Relax, take meds if you need them, and heal!!! Jennifur--enjoy your relaxing by the pool----I want a pool! I just want to be able to have someone else take care of it for me....hmmm a nice cute pool boy!!!! LOL Continued good wishes on the job front!! All you teachers get a big hug from me, we encountered so many special friends as my kids went through school. I agree it takes a different sort to do the admin junk. Which is the part of our local school system I was so glad to finally be away from! By the end it seemed like some of them were just looking for ways to make kids lose heart and give up. Thank goodness they had the good teachers there to encourage them, and they all made it!!! Haydee---flour tortillas, can be iffy with me. I try to buy the thinnest ones I can find, they tend to be less doughy. Corn are never an issue....I eat them in chips, or in things like enchiladas--without a single problem. Flour tortillas, if they soak up liquid, seem sto grow....especially in my stomach!!! I still have the occasional burrito---or part of one now, but I really am careful! Good Luck! As for exercise, I walk most everyday. I also have an eliptical trainer and a treadmill here, but when the weather is nice I prefer to be outside. I too get a lot of exercise keeping the yard in shape, and chasing grandbabies! The coming month is full of uncertainties still, so not going to set any strict goals. Will plan to do all I can when I can.....how's that???!!!! OK I need to go finish dinner....fun, fun, fun!!!! Kat

Our fill Dr. told My SIL who happened to be chewing gum in his office (!!) that it is frowned upon because it tends to cause saliva production, which fills your pouch...then empties it...similarly to drinking. She told him she thought the reason we were told not to chew it was from the fear of swallowing it and blocking the stoma. He told her if something like that were to ever happen, to eat something like a spoon of peanut butter, and it would break down the gum and allow it to pass, he said oils and gum don't do well together, and it would break it down. Now I don't know if any of this is true---or if it is simply another case of each Dr. having their own ways about them. I will say however, that using peanut butter to get gum out of hair does work, it makes the gum lose the sticky, and it kind of falls apart. 2 DD's with long hair, and multiple sleepovers...we have dealt with the gum in the hair thing!!! And for that peanut butter worked...not too sure about in the tummy.l When I chew gum, it makes me hungry!!!!! Go figure! I never feel hunger for the most part, but let me chew gum, and my stomach rumbles and growls and wants fed!!!!! Glad you had no problems from your gum!!! Kat