Kat817

Awww Betty---maybe letting him bite you would have been the start to a whole new gift!!!!! Although with only 8 more pounds to lose---he might have got a bony bite!! BBL, Kat

Hi everyone--sorry to hear that more of us are under the weather--Mandy, rest when you can--like Beannie told me, it does help. Sherry--I HATE when my stomach gets sour that way---eeewww!!! It has been a rough few days here. My best friend, Becky, has been waiting for her Dad to pass away. He has been in the hospital on comfort meds, and nothing else. He died this morning about 5. She is naturally tore up. It is so hard not knowing how to help. This is very wierd...I wish I had a way to get his pictures to show you guys...but for years he worked a side job (he was an engineer with Intel) as a look alike.......get this, for Gerald Ford! And they died within a day of one another! Too wierd. they have several pics of them posing together. Becky's Dad had Alzheimers, and had been ill for about a year. He suddenly dehydrated, and his body just quit accepting nutrients the Dr. said. So they spent Christmas in the hospital...sad time for them. There is a story going on here, well in Albuquerque, about a little girl she is 11, she was being chased and attacked by a Pit Bull, and ran out in the road, and was hit by a car. She just was moved from ICU, and they expect her to recover. Poor little girl! I think we should all make a list of all the food we are disposing of as of Jan. 2. We could have an exorcism of it or something!!! I too think I am excited about getting back on track. I know I have gained weight, I just refuse to look yet!!! Denial-----gotta love it! Oh I have to tell you guys---I took copies of the pictures DH and I had made to everyone while we were all together on Christmas Eve. My niece made a huge scene, about me being vain and self centered, and in love with myself, because I gave her a picture of us instead of a gift. I bought gifts for her 3 children (17, 15 & 9).....I just gave her the picture, not intended as a gift! Irritated (as well as half embarassed) me to no end!!! I almost made a rude come back, but refused to lower myself that way....now I bounce from being glad I held my tongue to wishing I had blasted her!!! Of course I always think of the perfect thing to say, after the perfect time to say it has passed.... Eileen--- I need a haircut...no I need my hair back!! It is still falling out like crazy! It is feeling very reminiscent....not a good feeling! Hope it stops soon, or I am going to be wig shopping. Years ago, I used to take my nieces (not the snotty one!!! She is DH's neice!) to have their hair "done" (not cut-they were not my kids!!), and have their nails done, each year for their birthdays. They are grown now, and have kids of their own, but they still talk about it! Fun times! All you Texans---have a great meeting...wish we were headed that way, I'd detour to see ya. But we won't go again until Spring. Especially now, we have a Winter Storm Warning going on. Expecting several inches of snow overnight. Well actually for the next several days...fun fun fun! OK, I am off to bed, it is late. I will be back to do some personals, as soon as I can. I am thinking of you all---- Kat

Thanks for all the sweet words...her Dad died this morning around 5. Services will be Friday...all but one family member is already here. My friend, Becky, is pretty tore up---which is to be expected. I will be in and out as things take place. Today I did take the kids and pull them around the football practice field on their toboggan sled. Connor, 10 months, is justa giggler--he has fun, but is just along for the ride. Kinsey at 2 years, is an absolute riot! She anticipates the turns, and slides, and screeches, and yells "Run Granny!!!"!! With the walk to and from the field, I definitely got my time in today!! Tomorrow is Curves, and we have plans to go bowling with friends on Friday night...I may make this!!! My lungs are super tight tonight---it feels like I am relapsing with this stupid cold/infection. I better not be!!! I'm sorry I am not catching everyone in personals---I am reading and following---I appreciate you all being there!! Kat

I receive one notice of a new post, and then no more until I visit the site again. So if I miss one...I miss 'em all! Has been a difficult holiday, my best friend has been dealing with her Father dying. They have removed all but comfort meds now, and she has been by his side for the last few days. This is pretty ironic I am telling you. For many years, he worked for a company who provides look-alikes. He was a look alike for Gerald Ford, and I just heard he died today. So I had her boys and their families, and she and her DH join us as they could for Christmas, and tried to spend time with her at the hospital. She has a sister, but she and I are much closer. She sat with me the night my Grandma passed...we have been through a lot together. Please remember her in your prayers. Besides that, Christmas was good, the grandbabies were great fun! We bought my 2 yr. old granddaughter one of the Radio Flyer bouncing/rocking horses--which we left unwrapped under the tree. Good thing since it took us awhile to build the "some assembly required" thing!!! She come in, screeched in excitement, climbed on, and refused to get off!!! She opened a few things from atop the horse...and was a happy camper. Eventually everyone else opened up all of theirs, and she was still rocking and bouncing away--finally her curiosity got the best of her, and she come down to see what was in the other packages---but it was a good 2 1/2 hours later!!! And my 10 month old grandson, attempted to make his Christmas dinner out of wrapping paper---he ate every bit he could get his hands on! We spent some time sledding today--my legs are already sore! Tomorrow, we are splitting wood....fun fun fun!!! I might get this challenge done. My eating is horrid---I am gaining as opposed to losing. I am actually looking forward to the New Year, and the regaining control! WOW!! Me??? Hope everyone is doing well. Will check in in the next few days! Hugs to all!!! Kat

Becky, try something besides the pureed chicken. Try some yogurt, or some mushie veggies. Sometimes chicken is an issue. I am not familiar with your prior issues with swelling, but it could have delayed your healing some, and anytime we have swelling, liquids are the answer. I think you are handling it right, and giving it some time. But when you are ready to try again---go for something besides hard protein, even in a pureed state. Depression is not uncommon--we are truly mourning food, and the way we used to eat. It will pass, but don't be surprised if a period of anger at the situation follows--not trying to scare, you it is just a normal part of grief, and we are greiving our loss of lifestyle and food sometimes. You are going to make it through this, and be eating soon. Til then we are here to provide support!!! Kat

Underwoods was alive and well when we were there in September!!! Hot rolls and all!!! Actually, the hot rolls were all I avoided! It was still pretty good. My real weakness is the catfish buffet we go to, between Comanche and Rising Star. It is all you can eat. While they let me eat for free---My brain still has a much bigger capacity than my stomach does!!! Yeah I relate to the weight problem all too well!!! Kat

I don't live in Texas--but we own a place in Comanche,(right off of Hwy. 36) and are there several times a year. We go through Abilene on the way in and out. I would love to meet up if the opportunity presents itself!!! We currently live in New Mexico. I know where both May and Brownwood are. We have family in Comanche, and in Stephenville, as well as several little places around the area. Looks like you are off to a great start with your band!!! Keep up the good work! Kat

Feel better soon Mandy---- bbl Kat

Merry Christmas my friends. I hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow...full of family and love. I want to thank you all for being such great friends to me, for the support you never fail to give...and for always understanding what I am trying to say, when my words fail me. I cannot imagine walking this new path without you all by my side. I hope you all have truly special holidays. Kat

Betty--hope you are ok!! Falling is no fun! Enjoy your celebration! Roberta--wow!! I wonder where the saline went too! Hope you do great with this fill. Julie--hang in there, we all have times that it just isn't happening fast enough! Judi--I was opening this to ask Roberta the same question, when I saw you had already done so!!! Great minds and all that!!! Susan--what's going on?? Haven't seen you in awhile, I have been running and playing catch up. I finished all my shopping, and have been helping my Mom and my MIL....too much! I have been to Curves the last several days steady---I know I had better be a little proactive here!!! I am also eating all the wrong things--my MIL keeps making us fudge and peanut brittle. I made some too---but I gave it away, well so did she, she gave it to me!!! Damn her! Oh well, I will get the surge of energy following the holidays. It will all get going again....not going to stress too much at this point. I may or may not make Onederland by 01/01/07....but I will make it none the less! Oh yeah--in addition to Curves, I have managed 2 walks, and shoveled not just my own walks and driveway but 2 neighbors as well!!! And we are due more snow tomorrow! Ok ladies---I am going to turn off the Christmas lights, and head to bed! Have a great weekend!!! Kat

Sometimes the mind is just set in a certain way--and I for one have chose not to fight it. We raise cattle. We graze them in clean alfalfa, and feed them well. We sell them to people to have them processed for eating. This way THEY choose how much is hamburger, or what thickness to make the steaks. Now me??? I buy my meat at Safeway!!! Is there a difference? Probably not. And I do occasionally end up with our own butchered beef in the freezer, but not of my own accord!!! DH is at fault!!! Speaking of hanging the deer to bleed out for processing...my DD had my 2 year old granddaughter at a friends house, who had just shot a deer. They were taking it to be processed, and in NM this year there is a size requirement on deer, so you have to have the head, to prove antler points. So they had cut off the head, and it was sitting in the bed of the truck, and the body was hanging by a utility crane in the bed of the truck. My DD was not quick enough to catch the little one as she run out into the yard. She stopped, looked at the deer, then at the removed head, turns her hands up and says "Uh-Oh broken". Now if they were to begin her seeing this regularly and eating it regularly, she would likely be fine with eating it....and not shopping at Safeway!!! Oh! If you like Fry bread with the sweet, honey and butter...try it with salt and crushed chile pepper (pequi).....it is not something I eat often. And when I do eat it now it is a bite or 2 of DH's....but mmmmm. Here, the Navajo's hand pat it out to a size bigger than a dinner plate, and fry it. yummmy!!! Like I say tho, 2 bites and I am done---I used to be able to eat the whole thing, smothered in beans, and meat, with lettuce, and tomatoes....aka a Navajo Taco. The thought of that much food hurts now!!! Kat

I know a woman here in town, she is a cashier at the local grocery store. For years she had quite a drug problem. She finally completed a rehab program that stuck, and has been clean for over 5 years. She is a pretty woman, but her teeth had literally rotted out of her head. About a month ago, I saw she had been advanced to a cashier from a carry-out/bagger position---and I saw that she now had a full set of dentures. If you had not seen her before you wouldn't have known they were not her own teeth. The point of this is. Yes you made yourself fat. I made myself fat. I ate the food, and I did not exercise enough. This woman did the drugs that ruined her teeth. She made a choice to get clean and healthy......and went to rehab. I made a choice to get healthy...and was banded. No one criticizes her new smile...she doesn't have it because she is a failure. She has it because she chose to change the direction of her life. So did I and I chose the band to help me. Anyone who knows me, and continues to view my choice as a failure---is not worthy of me anyway. I know we all have the self doubts. That is natural, and acceptable, and maybe even necessary for us to be pushed into the changes we must make. BUT for others to view us that way is totally unacceptable!!! We have all been there, and we will continue to be here....full of support for you and your decision! Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Carlene, while I too feel for the poor Kayla, I believe you have obviously raised Cheyenne in a manner that will not have her going to school and humiliating Kayla. I am sure that both she and the other friend saw how you were hurting for the girl, and they probably will as well. They will take their reaction to the situation from you. They are probably apalled at the way she has to live with him, and they probably will have more compassion for her than if they had never seen him in action. I would bet your granddaughter is even more thankful to have you in her life, as her role model. This will remain in their memories for life I would imagine. So while it is a true shame the poor girl has to live with him, it may have helped cement in your DGD and her friends minds what they will NOT tolerate in men in their lives! Have a talk with Cheyenne and her friend, ask them to keep a close eye on Kayla, as depression may very well be present. She needs her friends more than ever, remind them how special they are to Kayla especially now. You raised your DGD right, she will do the right thing! Kat

Yeah I saw that too Beannie!!! Sounds to me like you are an official resident now of Twoterville!! WooHoo!!! Sucks that ya had to be sick to find out for sure at the Dr.'s but hey celebrate where ya can! Mary--when they open the cat walk up we too will drive to AZ to check it out. They had something in the paper about it the other day--some of the Native Americans are very put out with it, as it is supposedly looking down onto land where their forefathers fell to their deaths, so it is sacred ground...but they consider the entire Grand Canyon sacred...so, I dunno. But I WILL go, I am afraid of heights to a point, so know it will be a white knuckle walk, but I am going to do it!!! And I hopefully will be enough down weight wise, that all the other people won't be afraid to walk out on that glass with me! BTW, I am really glad your scope test went well, I was worried for you! Cindy---well this is it!!! From now on you only have to go back there IF you CHOOSE to!!! No one can tell you you have to! The day you have looked forward to has arrived, and now a new door is ready to open...doesn't it fill you with excitement wondering what is on the other side??? Eileen--must be slaving away for her bossy old boss!! Mandy--I was expecting the "Partridge in a Pear Tree", but I was expecting David Cassidy not Danny Bonaduce!!! I used to think David Cassidy was pretty cute!!! Then I saw him on a talk show and he was tiny!!!! Oh well....that put him on a back burner!!! I have a HUGE turkey roaster pan full of dressing (one of the old dark blue with gray fleck enamel pans), and another full of potato casserole. I know, mashed potatoes are what is called for, but the guys he works with always request potato casserole...so that's what I did. We also have roasted peanuts, and flavored peanuts (jalapeno, green chile, ranch, and a savory seasoning), bagged and ready for him to give to about 50 people he works with. He drew the bosses name in the Secret Santa thing at work...so he got his gift at Sears the other day, and it is bagged and ready...so once this all finishes cooking, I am ready to go! I went ahead and chopped all my celery and onions while I had the food processor out, and then put them in the food saver and will have them ready to go for Christmas cooking. I don't have enough space in my kitchen to leave those kind of appliances out, so I thought I would get it all done at once! I feel so efficient!! I have about a dozen gifts left to wrap, silly things I bought yesterday. I bought several packages of these UGLY fake teeth --I am going to put a pair in each of the kids stockings and then take a picture with all my "Bubba's" !! Everytime I think I am done, I need one more thing---batteries! I had the granddaughters picture made at Walmart as a surprise for her Mama, and they have never come in, they were due in the 15th...today they tell me they will try to get the roll Fed Ex'ed in tomorrow--it is so frustrating!!! OK, I am off to make me look less scary!!! Kat

Thanks guys---it is a little more relaxed doing them with friends than having them done in a studio!!! However, my friend also uses evil methods to make us smile naturally---I do believe this one is where she had her grandsons stuffed monkey and he was...er...scratching himself, in an effort to make DH loosen up!!! And I call her my best friend. But yeah we got even when taking theirs!! Kat

Snowing here too, Mary. In fact I have to tell you all, what my smart a$$ DH said to me last night. Thanks to Sherry, and her sizing help, I posted the picture he and I took for Christmas over on the Picture Thread. He was VERY surprised I shared it, since I was not real happy with it. So he sat there and a few minutes went by and he snickered under his breath. Well he wasn't watching anything funny, so I ask him "what?". He said, "The snow is all your fault, you used to tell me it would be a cold day in hell before anyone saw your pictures, and now you are posting them on the internet!" So there ya have it, the wierd, wicked weather is all my fault. I feel sooooo powerful!!! I have tons of cooking to get started for the company potluck today, so will pop in in awhile when I get everything underway. Til then--- stay warm! And Mandy you can come here for Christmas, we are to get another 6-8 inches today!!! And I am in New Mexico--in the 4 corners area. We have extreme temps summer and winter alike!! But it is definitely feeling like Christmas! Kat

Rick's & My Christmas picture....thanks for sizing it for me Sherry!! Kat

TY sherry!!! As soon as he sends them to my email, I will send one to you to size for me!!! Kat

Nanette---I would really like to get the phone number if I could for the El Camino Imaging Center---so I could call and check into whether they would be willing to do my fills. It is a shorter ride, than to where I go in Colorado. Plus at least there are a lot of things I can do there---meet friends "for lunch" for instance!!! It would be worth a phone call for me to find out!!! Look forward to hearing from you. Will be trying to make the January meeting, will mainly depend on the weather. It is snowing like crazy here right now...has been off & on all day. TTYL!! Kat

Anne---I received my card and letter today---I LOVED your letter!!! I really loved all the cards from you guys, but Anne's letter--her personality shone through---I felt like I had known her and her family for years, and wanted to tell her thanks for that. Now Mandy's card, I assured my Mom who was here, before opening it up, it would be Disney---and Mandy did not let me down!!! We got our pics, back, and they are ok---will try to post one or 2 soon---I just have ZERO luck resizing them, and most of the time, they are too big, and they will not upload---so I may need help...hint hint Sherry!!! OK need to unpack groceries, jusy got my mail, and found all kinds of cards from you girls, and had to pop in here!!! Beannie-- I am glad you are getting some meds in---get well!! TTYL Kat

OK Jimboss---it is nowhere near as good as baklava, but I'll tell ya what an oryx is!!! It is an African (I believe) antelope. Many years ago, for some reason they began transplanting them into White Sands Missile Base, in White Sands New Mexico. Not huge herds, but apparently enough, and they over produced!!! They are a big animal, hooved, they have 2 long horns on the top of their head (like they would be anywhere else???), that grow straight up. The one my DD's boyfriend shot had 38 1/2 inch long horns. My BIL shot one 2 years ago, and it's horns were over 30". They are brown with white and black markings, I understand the width of the black strip down the middle of the head, indicated male/female. Both of the species grow horns. They are I would say between a large White Tail Deer, and an Elk in size, possibly bigger...never seen one outside of captivity or in the pics where it was already shot. The only way to get to hunt them is to put in to a draw, and draw out the once in a lifetime tag, to be taken onto the WSMR and hunt, with a guide. It is not cheap, the hunt is $3000.00. It is costing him over $3000.00 to have the head mounted as well, and will take about 18 months to complete---there is such a huge hunter following. Anyway, the meat is mild tasting, not real gamey. I would imagine it is because they are not run in a hunt....since it is a guided hunt. All that being said for the oryx....it will NEVER taste as good as baklava!!! But Jimboss--you get the oryx to eat, and I'll have your share of the baklava!! Kat

Today I got the last few gifts I needed. Most were things my Mom needed picked up, because now she and Dad have this stupid respiratory infection. I will wrap the last of it probably tomorrow night. I have made some candy---it really hasn't been as big of a deal as I expected. I have tasted, but not eaten any. I made peanut patties, peanut brittle, fudge, and divinity. I do not care for peanut patties or divinity, so they are not a big deal, and the peanut brittle I can take or leave. The fudge I love!!! I made a deal with myself about eating it...and have done fine!! I am baking pies this week sometime, and I have a couple of loaves of bread I need to bake. I have roasted 35 pounds of peanuts!!! But I have been working on them for about 3 weeks. I have taken it nice & slow, but it is eventually getting done! Darcy-glad the little one is feeling better. I used to have slumber parties all the time. I was the single Mom, so my house was easy...never a Dad needing to go to work the next day!!! I know I worry about Kim (my friend with the breast lump), and her waiting to hear from the Dr. I think the worst part for her will be knowing she has 3 daughters...and what her diagnosis will mean to them. I know it was one of the first thoughts that went through my head when I was diagnosed...that it was one helluva legacy to leave to my DD. I was pretty sure feeling, that mine was going to be cancerous---I just felt it. The waiting was hard, the drive in was horrid, we knew why he wanted us in his office. But hearing the words ended up being very anti-climatic. Was Was a relief to finally get started doing something about it. I hope to be a good friend if she gets bad news...thanks! Beannie--what did the doc say? My fever would break the same way, sweat would pour off of me, and my legs felt weak and shaky. I hope the Dr.'s scale is nice to you! Still saying prayers, for you and Dad, and the whole fam damily. Betty--yeah you need to tell us what fantastic party you all have in your neighborhood for New Years!!! You have the best neighborhood parties!!! Oh yeah and I am jealous of all of you Texans meeting up!!! Hope the hand feels better! Mandy--the pictures for Cindy are perfect! Your niece and nephew sound like my friends children. It got to where I would do anything to avoid having them at my house!!! I can sympathize with your washing machine problems. Mine are Maytag---and I hate the washer, it just doesn't seem to clean well. When I wash dark clothes, I have residue and lint all over them, after they dry I have to remove it with a washrag. The dryer has already had to have some pulley replaced. Never again!!! Glad you are making Sears take responsibility! Cindy---wow it is almost over!! I bet your DD is about as excited as you are!! Sherry--you look wonderful in your picture! I was trying to get down to fit the black pants for the party, and I think I can get into them just fine---but they moved the party and it is going to be very casual! Dammit! It is going to be at a local casino. I hate that. The smoke in the casino, even though the room we have it in is smoke free, it has permeated everywhere, and I am already having lung issues! I wanted to get pretty, and go have a nice evening...but they want casual. They have a live band, a hypnotist, and are giving away a Harley. At least the kids Polar Express party was fun!!! Dianne--how goes life with the new medication? Mary---where ya at? Jules graduated----Job Well Done!!! Enjoy the celebration!!! Chris passed---Way to GO!!! Wow I think you are already more credible!!! Patty--do not think you are waiting alone---we are all waiting on pins & needles!!! Pat--I am getting worried. I saw you once on another thread, and before I could holler you were gone---did we make you mad??? Eileen--vacation? Time away from the hovering boss? Isn't it time for more time off??? Anne--are you off eating all the cookies??? Cassie---now she is off making out with the fiancé`...whatcha wanna bet??? Anyone I missed----come out and see us and say HI!!! We went yesterday and cut trees for DH's company party. It was fun, lotsa work! Then last night we went and had pictures taken at my friends, we took theirs, they took ours!!! DH is horrible to take to a studio, he does not want anyone else watching him, and he is so stiff. These being friends, they can get him laughing and snap one! They are ok, not real happy, but we aren't pros either!!! Tonight my BIL was in town from Denver, so we all went and had dinner. It is supposed to snow all night and for the next couple of days. Was spitting rain when we come in, so I imagine when the temp drops it will start piling up. I am going to have to go buy me a coat....mine is huge on me now....and where before, I had one, and seldom needed it, I now find myself in the opposite court, I don’t have one, and am freezing all the time!!! Ok time to post this! Y'all have a good night, see ya tomorrow!! Kat

:happybday2: :happybday2: HAPPY BIRTHDAY K@t!!! I hope it is a wonderful day for you!!!!:happybday2: :happybday2: ENJOY!!! Kat

*is there a health insurance company that covers the lap band most of the time? I have BCBS of TX, and it says it is covered, but I tried, and was denied twice. They required a years medically supervised weight loss plan. I did it for 10 1/2 months, and was in a car accident. They were going to make me start over after my surgery from the accident--totally ignoring the 10 1/2 months I already did. I ended up self paying. * is it safe to have it done in mexico? I did go to Mexico. I went where friends had already gone and had it done. It was a wonderful experience. I did careful research prior to going, and had several aftercare options set into motion before going. I met with my aftercare Dr. prior to surgery. I have seen him several times, we have both spoke to the surgeon since surgery, all has gone well. *if i choose to pay with out insurance what is a round about cost? It will depend on where you go. Prices range from low to high. Cost does not seem dependent on experience. I personally paid in the neighborhood of $8000.00. There were other Dr.'s in MX cheaper, but I had personal friends who had usedthis Dr. and his number of bands done was quite high. And all the research I did on him, come back good. Good luck making your decision, without a doubt it was the best thing I have ever done just for me! Kat

Where I am at in New Mexico, mutton is common place. IMHO--it is some nasty s#*t!!!! It is the main meat staple among the Navajo Indians, and we border with the reservation. They eat it mainly in mutton stew. It reeks when it cooks, smells like old lard in my opinion! The local Albertsons Grocery, my friend is a meat cutter there, and every 3 days they get fresh mutton in, and I do mean fresh, the carcas is still steaming when they roll it into the meat locker, and the packages steam when they wrap them! But it is in HIGH demand by the Native Americans. They fry it, and wrap it in Fry bread...it is ground, used in all manners. Personally they can have my share---tried it a couple of times, and neither time could I get past the smell. Now my DD's boyfriend just shot an Oryx...and I ate some of it, and it wasn't bad. However, in keeping with the thread----I'll take the baklava anyday and y'all can have all the lamb and mutton, and oryx etc!!!! Kat