Kat817

Hi girls-- Just a quick note, have spent the day at the hospital here trying to coordinate xrays and tests with my band Dr. who is 6 hours away. I am totally dehydrated, and had to beg to keep my Dr from hospitalizing me. My eyesight is in the legally blind category!! The vitrious fluid/gel in the eye is dehydrated and lessened, which makes your eyes look sunken----but it also causes the lens on the eye to sit different, and it is wierd---I cannot see squat!!! Anyway....I went and had 2 liters of Fluid by IV. I go back at 7:15 in the morning for 2 more liters then again tomorrow afternoon, and same on Wed. I My band Dr. wants me to have more fluid so not to travel tomorrow----and his surgery day to do other lap bands is on Wed. so I see him on Thurs. Which with all the fluids, and such, he said my band might right itself before he sees me, but I still need to come, we need to fix it. All indications are not that it has slipped, but that it has prolapsed. Since I have no fill the band is wide open, so he thinks as I vomitted so hard and the dry heaves are so strong, that I literally pulled the lower stomach back up through the band---or at least a section----and that with the swelling, it is stuck! He said if it rights itself----and there is no sign of slippage or beginning signs of erosion from it, then I might consider filling it some, and that would keep it from happening----otherwise I am looking at losing my band all together. It is very upsetting, but right now I do not need to lose any more weight. I am tall 5'9" and I am down in the 150's now-- 153.0 at the hospital, dressed, shoes and all. So by the time I get this done I will be in the 140's.........not sure I want to live with restriction when I do not need to be....I don't know I will make the decision after all the facts are in. I am exhausted, I have not slept but about 3 hours in 3 days-----I am too dry mouthed to sleep! Seems like the fluids helped that, so I am off to bed I think. Will keep you posted! Hugs~~ Kat

Well girls I am home finally, almost 6:30! I went and had my X ray study done, no barium, since they knew nothing was going through. Then Rick took me to the Dr. I mentioned my eyes were suffering....I cannot drive, come to find out, they are bad enough right now to have me considered legally blind!!! It IS due to dehydration, causeing the vitrious liquid in the eye to dehydrate and that causes your lens to flatten--and it sucks! So I saw my PCP, he tried to admit me to the hospital, which is full with the gastric crap that started my problem!! I begged not to go! So instead he sent me back to the hospital to the outpatient nursing for IV fluids---2 bags tonight....and 2 bags morning and night until I see my Dr. in CO for my band. He wanted a urine sample, and I could not pee enough for one, but the drops I got----he said I was on the verge of renal shutdown. I have since peed without issue following the IV so I am fine there. I spoke with my band Dr. following him getting the X rays. He said rather than a slip he thinks I prolapsed my band. Since I have no fill at all, and the opening is bigger, that when I vomitted so hard and repeatedly, I tried to vomit the bottom of the stomach back up through the band. Especially since this happen before and eased, same way. Slips do not come and go. If it is prolapse without a slip involved, I have 2 choices only. I can have fill put back in so there is no way for it to occur again, or have it removed. I go to see him on Thursday. He said tomorrow is too soon to travel, I need more hydration on board tomorrow----he too thought I should be in the hospital (damn Dr.'s!) And Wed. is his surgery day----he has several bands scheduled. So seeing him would be much briefer. So he said to take an extra day to hydrate and come on Thursday. So Rick is starting a vacation week on Thursday and taking me and we will just figure it out as we go. He said there is a good chance that with all this hydration the stomach will right itself, and I will go back to "normal". But the problem will recur everytime I vomit or sometimes even the positions I get in could cause it.....and it puts me a serious risk of slippage and possible erosion if neither have happen yet. So for now I sip and toss as I can handle it----if I am thirsty---I drink, and just be prepared for it to come back up. If it rights itself I can eat and drink as tolerated. I was so dehydrated they poked me 7 times to get an IV established-----so it is still in---they will use it tomorrow, then likely move it, as it is in the back of and above my thumb!!!! I am totally exhausted! Thank you so much for all the well wishes. I am very upset, but ready to fix it one way or another---I am afraid of not eating at all! I am going to be way below goal at this rate....how wierd! I will check in later or after my appt for fluids tomorrow. I am needless to say not playing or even making an appearance at our game tonight! I have to be back at the hospital at 7:15 AM and 4 Pm for the next 2 days for 2 liters at a time. Should help me feel much better! Talk to you all soon. Lotsa Love! Kat

Oh and it was a misquote from the receptionist, it very likely could be a slip Dr. himself said........crap! Kat

Good morning, I agree with Pamela, everything seems just a little more "right" in my world when I wake up to see TracyK's morning post!!! I have been on the phone 3 X with my band doc's office. They are calling and working out a swallow study for me as I type this. When they tell me to go, I am gone! Not sure when they will work it. I have an appointment with my PCP at 2 this afternoon-----so I can get referrals if I need them, and to have him on board with what all is going on. I want to say some things are seeping through----I am still urinating this morning....and I have tears, something I did not have the other night. So wierd to cry with no tears!! BUT I need more nourishment than the little I am getting without question. All parties are agreed on that. Band Dr. says it does not sound like a slip, sounds like my band is receiving too much pressure.....so unsure what can be done about that. My PS likely pulled me too tight over the top of it, and that could be what is causing the swelling I am experiencing right over the top of it----or visa versa......but sounding like the 2 are related. Is a relief to know something will be figured out anyway---I am pretty scared. Do I want to lose my band? HELL no!! BUT.....I do not want it to cause me life long issues either. I am well within my goal weight Tracy---this morning the scale is reading 153. The loss should slow down, now with me taking in so much sugar and with everyone gone, and Kinsey at my Moms I am not doing anything to burn any off. Besides shaking, I am frozen as any popsicle I have eaten! Well I am set up, leaving right now to go do the swallow study----results to be sent by computer to my band Dr, ASAP following the study this IS an emergency they said to remind them. Ironically, I am drinking a 7-Up and it seems to be settling.....who the hell knows???? I have the 2 PM appt. as well I am keeping to keep my PCP in the loop so I can get referrals if needed. So will be home later today and check in. Love to all! Kat

This damn thing updating every few seconds, makes letters drop in every post I make!!! I am sipping 5 ml. every 5 minutes out of a syringe---I have to take in 9 of them to make my 3 TBSP goal per hour. Just thought I should clarify!!! Kat

Hi girls, just dropping in, to update....things are not good. I go the stupid stomach virus again, ran high fever, and vomitted non stop for hours. Not to be in a TMI situation, but for one reason or another I was in the bathroom non stop! Lasted for a day and a half, got a shot for the nausea finally, and it eased. But from that day on I have been totally unable to eat or drink, and get anything to pass. I drink, because I am obsessed with it, I am dying of thirst----but get a cup or so in, and up it comes. Well we had family coming in from all over for my MIL's 80th birthday party, and I made it through, then Rick took me to urgent care, where I received IV fluids. The instructions were to sim 5l. from a sysringe every 5 minutes or so (= to 1 tsp.) with the goal of 3 TBSP per hour. Now I am to try not to swallow any of this, rather allow it to absorb through the tissue in my mouth, sublingually. I am to keep my stomach pouch as totally empty as possible. I am supposed to suck on popsicles and all my drinks have to be full sugar versions. My weight is dropping rapidly, but not in a healthy manner of course. I weighed in last night in ER at 154.5----totally bizarre to not be concerned with weight loss all of a sudden! I have been in contact with my band Dr. he supports the way we are handling it. I have to talk to his office manager tomorrow, he would have called her but she was out of town with a sons soccer game. I need to find out how to get (if it will) my insurance to cover. If my PCP can refer me to the band Dr. or if I need my PCP to order the swallow study, then refer me.....or if I must fly blind with a local surgeon for a total band removal. He said the TT has pulled up and likely is the issue at hand.....I am like way too restricted, even though I have no fill, and it is due to pressure on the band. I am scared and unhappy with my options......but life is not always fair I suppose. So....I will update you as I have any changes.......and when I have more energy to sit here, I will try to get some personals done! Til then (((((hugs))))))) to all! Kat

I am here, alive, and semi well! I have sipped and let absorb for the entire night and day----the only time I have gotten sick has been following an icee popsicle---was too heavy. Things are beginning to seep through----she (the Dr.) said my IV bag would last me 12 hours, meaning it would hydrate me for 12 hours. I am still urinating normally tonight....so some of mine must be making it through. All in all, I am tired feeling, but have no pain, and if I am not vomitting, which I am not now----I feel fine. s for my company. It was just Nick. Nick is a long time family friend----and amazing man, I love him to pieces! He did not require taking care of, in fact he and Rick have waited on me hand and foot!!! I told him the only thing that would make me feel bad is if he up and went to a motel---I trust him in my house should we have to go somewhere! OK---I have spoke with my band Dr. He is 100% behind how we are dealing with this at this point. He told me his office manager would be the only one who could tell me how to go about this where my insurance can cover whatever I am facing. I need to know if I can have my PCP refer me over to him for treatment....or if I need my PCP to order the swallow study, then refer me with the results.....or if I am going to be flying blind with a general surgeon here if it ends up that I am going to lose the band. I cannot afford my surgeon in Colorado without insurance coverage.....simple as that. He feels that 24-48 hours of no vomitting and I will reduce the swelling and be fine. He explained that while I do not have any fill in, the TT has put real pressure on my (insert big long word here I do not remember!) but it is like a fascia---hard muscle fiber......and it is pressing and causing serious restriction on it's own. I can attest to that, even with no fill, I am restricted, and no hunger. I have been days without serious food, and I am not hungry---I just want to chug fluids. Tried that threw them all up!! The sipping and leaving the tummy as empty as possible while still hydrating my body seems to be working. I will keep you posted --- right now it is a wait and see game. Naturally I am scared, and upset, I do not want to lose my band....but discussed it with Rick last night, and if it comes to it, I will go with removal as opposed to repositioning I guess....this has scared me. If I can get back to my normal, I will hang on for as long as possible, but clearly something has changed. I love you all for your concern.....especially when we have Violets going through such serious situations with hurricanes!!! I am so glad to get email from Tracy, and hear from Terry. Rick was so impressed that we all rallied and she called, as we were watching the weather channel, trying to see if we could tell if they were ok. He has friends, but nothing like I do---and it is not that he is unlikable!!! Just a man Well time for me to get my syringe and fill it with something to absorb in my mouth----wooo hooo life is such fun! We just finished watching Denver win a game they should have lost.....but they have also lost many a game due to the same type of bad ref calls......so what can you say??? I have a softball game tomorrow, going to go, minus jersey, and sit and watch, not participate, right now I simply do not have the energy, and the dehydration is seriously messing with my eyesight! Right as I told Judy I seldom wear my glasses, I am living in them! Yikes!!! The Dr. said it was due to dehydration---it is a good sign to look for blurred vision----the body is not hydrating the eyes properly! I am on full sugar versions of everything I take in----omg things taste so wierd!!! But I need the energy, and am attempting not to lose anymore weight this way. Who would have ever thought I would say that??? Life is too bizarre sometimes! Will check in with you gals soon. SOOOOOO glad we are getting updates from the Texans! ((((((hugs)))))) to all of you! Kat

The points I was trying to make were that so many of her problems are otherwise related than band related. As has been mentioned this originally was posted in a success area......which unfortunately this has not been for her. Newbies need to read all aspects, I fully believe that.....but also felt it needed to be pointed out to them that if they do not have these other health issues, that this post might not pertain to them. I have worked hard to be successful, and I believe others work just as hard and do not get the results, and I wish I had the answers. I am sorry my answer offended you----I try very hard to be a supportive LBT'er....but you simply cannot please all of the people all of the time. Several issues remained that she did need to get checked out----and I hope things turn around for her as well as those struggling. I am on the verge of losing my band quite suddenly. I got a fairly severe stomach virus, and have been totally swollen off for 3 days now. Spent the evening in urgent care getting IV fluids. None of us know when these things might happen. Learning good habits can help when these things hit. I stand behind everything I said, but I do apologize that it offended you. Kat

So glad everyone is safe, hope their property is as well. I am just home from urgent care....where I was given a bag of IV fluid, probably needed another, but they were closing!!! Anyway, I have a schedule of allowing popsicles to melt in my mouth once an hour and to allow 5 ml. of fluid to absorb in my mouth every 5-7 minutes, to get at least 3 TBSP in per hour, and to try to get it to melt into my mouth tissue and not to be swallowing it into my stomach pouch. I tried to drink all day with no luck. Party went well, glad it is behind us. I am exhausted though! Anyway, we have compant staying with us, so I need to go be sociable. Lots of love, and thanks to God and purple power that our girls are all safe! See ya tomorrow... Kat

HI all---just spoke with Terry!! Relief!!! She said she and Richard made it through the storm with no damage, that their neighborhood is fairly young so does not have lots of trees to cause damage, etc. She sounded good. Has not been in touch with her kids, but thinks they too are safe. They have spoke with other family and all of them are ok. She said from what she can gather looking at the reports, Tracy's area was hit hard, but not as hard as they expected, but she has no idea when they will be able to return. Haydee's area looked to be in the direct path. And we remembered the big old trees in the yard of the old home she and Juans Mom do the events out of....she has no idea about it or where it is to Haydee's home. She has intermittent cell service. And get this....I know it will not surprise any of you, but as we hung up, she and Richard were taking a drive to see if they saw anyone who needs help! She is without power and will be for who knows how long.....so has no AC-----I am sending her by telepathic powers the frost we had on things this morning! Anyone who hears from anyone----let us know! Kat

Terry so thankful you checked in. I have been up and down all night checking the weather channel. Worried does not begin too cover it. I am back towhere I was when I had the stomach virus before. I cannot eat nor drink without it coming back up. I am keeping some liquids in, because I am not totally dehydrated.....but not enough to feel like it is doing me much for health. One minute I plan on calling my Dr, on Monday---the next I remember that as soon as my swelling went down I was back to normal, so I don't want to get to hasty, know what I mean? The biggest problem I am having is not taking in enough to keep me warm----I can hardly type because I am shaking with cold----I am freezing all the time. And I have short sleeves for the party, where I know my SIL will have the AC going HIGH--they are both menopausing!! So need to find me a jacket that will work---but most of mine are too big I am sure! The scale remains in the 150's! Scares me! I never had problems, so suddenly now when I do I feel like I am losing too much. I lose according to how I feel, but yesterday afternoon, Rick got home, and well....he had been gone, and one thing led to another---when all of a sudden he says My God I can almost put my hands around your waist! He was freakihg out, and now he is determined I am going to see the Dr. he is insistant I am losing too much weight now.Hell before his belt would not go around my waist even......so it is a major change!!! I think the daylight and position had something to do with it!!!! Sorry TMI----but he is on my case now! Pamela----the hurt you are desribing, is exactly why my bike is hanging in the garage collecting dust!!! That reason exacitacally!!! Gotta go, guess we are going to go check out some of the airshow before decorating for the party....will check in tonight I imagine, and will be watching the weather for you TX Vi's......please keep safe! Kat

Wow------if I could wax poetic like that, I might have actually found something to miss about not having TOM!!! Love you too!!! Kat

Laura, my friend you are SOOOOO normal!!! I don't remember thinking how silly Manda looked with her smile.....she was crying her eyes out!! But Jace had this HUGE smile and his eyes were like SUPER wide open, like he was afraid if he blinked it would all go away.....some might think he looked silly, but it was a huge relief as a Mom to see him soooooo thrilled over the baby!!! Imagine not feeling pregnant, until finally one day you get a mild flutter, and you are so excited, but also try to convince yourself it is gas....so you won't be disappointed when it doesn't happen again!!! But it does! I remember exactly when and where I was when I felt Manda move the first time. By the time I got pregnant again, Ultra sound was done as general practice, especially with multiples, but nothing like it is now......my gosh we got 1 of the really dimensional pictures of Kinsey before birth, and you could see every contour of her little face! I LOVE how much safer they make pregnancy and childbirth these days! Just wanted to say I seriously doubt you looked or sounded goofy, you looked and sounded like a happy Mom to be! Congrats on seeing your little one!!! And thanks so much for sharing.....now if you wait an extra day from your due date.....he/she can be born on my bandiversary!!! LOL Kat

Yep Jane, looks like I am going to live afterall. The nausea is still close to the surface, but if I sip slow and steady, it stays down. Fever is gone, aches and pains are gone.....just a 24 hour bug of some sort----glad that 24 is over!! I am sure the residual nausea is band swelling, so I am continuing to baby it, sticking to liquids today. Scale is showing the drastic change, but not claiming it, because it will be back as soon as I can eat normally again!!! LOL Still seeing that number on a scale I was standing on, was something I never thought I would see again, and had not seen in well over 25 years I'd guess! Was up and down all night, sleeping so much yesterday, made my night kind of wierd---but I would flip on the weather channel and watch what was happening. One report would make it seem better for you Houston girls, the next worse.....don't know what to think or believe, so opted just to say a prayer! I am thinking of you and praying for you today......be safe! TracyKS---glad you got your card, it yelled your name when I read it!! I assissted several years with school pictures, as well as numerous other things. It is so sad the kids you see that you know do not have anyone saying those things to them. Then when they get to a certain age, the parents may be saying them....but they hear nothing the parent says, but YOU they take it straight to heart!! Kids.....go figure! Got my bedding washing, and need to clean the kitchen, but sitting for a bit to let the nausea pass. I wanna put something in the crockpot to have ready when Rick gets in, just not sure what.....any ideas???? Kat

Hi Vi's, I too have been worrying about my TX girls. I also have family and other friends it is affecting as well. Manda's FIL is in a little border town near Corpus....and has already been mandatorily evacuated. I spent the day sick in bed. I woke up middle of the night freezing, and while the temps are down, it was mine being up that had me cold. I hurt everywhere, from the hair follicles on my head the the joints in my pinky toe....and everywhere between. I am trying to keep tylenol and fluids down, most everything is coming up. Fever is running in the 101-102 range. Head is throbbing.....no sore throat or sinus problems, just the stomach virus thing again. I cannot get away from it. Laura, watching the ultrasound was very emotional. After Manda trying so hard to have Kinsey, her 20 week US was done on my birthday, and she invited me along, to watch and find out what the baby was. We all cried!! Terry, sorry you had to postpone your services, but in the end, it will be so much easier than worrying over everyones travel arrangements on top of the weather itself. Haydee, hope you make it home ok! Hugs Hon! TracyK, I hate seeing you so worried, I so wish I could help---NM doors are always open to you! It is raining here soooo hard the pump alarm woke me up....we have a submergable pump in a low area of the patio, if it blocks up it has flooded into my garage! So Rick put a pump in, that when the thing gets covered in water it begins pumping it out....and sounds an alarm that like to have scared me to death! Kinsey come this morning, she went into my room, and she looooves the new colors, she tells me, "I feel like I am in a Pooh Honey jar" and she is right, it casts a golden glow on everything---and it is honey gold, she nailed it! I got NOTHING done today. She went to my Moms and I slept all day. Unless I was sitting on the potty or puking in it! YUCK! And it scares me to no end. I have my appointment scheduled for the 18th---to have my blood work, and the CA-125 done. To get my bone scans scheduled.....and I have to be well to do it. I want the 5 year mark.....I am going to be a survivor! Judy, my glasses when I wear them are transitions, the only problem I have with them, is that I always drive in sunglasses, the glare of of other windshields etc really gets my eyes, and in the cover of the car, my glasses lighten up----so I am without sun protection in the car. So I always have to have sunglasses in the cars. Fact is I seldom wear my glasses, only to drive at dusk! Well my head is throbbing, and my water is not settling....but I am trying to wait it out, I took some Tylenol.......so I am going to go lay back down. TX girls, I love ya, and I am praying hard for you-----be safe my friends!! Kat

Still plugging away doing some deep cleaning, while I can without Rick trying to convince me to sit down and relax! I work best like this at night----just meandering from job to job----slowly but methodically getting them done. But it makes him feel bad if I am up doing something and he is riding his recliner! But he has worked all day---I do these things at night so I do not have Kinsey helping! Now I can do what I want!!! He did call----they went straight from class to dinner then back to the motel. He said the motel is a Holiday Inn and it is horrible! Lots of the guys are feeling rough from the party time they have been having! So they wanted to eat and turn in early, tomorrow is the big test day!!! Then Friday he comes home---YAY! Well I just stopped at the computer on my way to change out a load of laundry. Will check in later! TracyK---you KNOW we have you and Terry and Haydee in our prayers concerning these hurricanes. I will say extra special ones though, that your stress level calms down. Maybe time to see the Dr, about some happy pills!!! That is what I always tell Becky!!! She come home today from her trip to San Antonio---said they loved it. Oh I have to tell you what my cousin did! She just turned 40 the other day, her DH is similarly aged. She has a DD just a few (3-4) months younger than Kinsey. She tried for years before having her, and has tried since without luck. So they decided to adopt. They had bought this big farm house hoping to have a large family.....and things were not working so they made arrangements to adopt. They were planning on adopting an older boy. They did not want to wait for an infant, and knew there were kids older needing homes. Well they did all the background junk, and it has been a year long process----and they were shown pictures and write ups on kids, and they found this little boy who was 4 that they were interested in, among many others she said, but this little boy really pulled at her heart. He had heart surgery when he was born, but seemed healthy now they said. So they opted to meet him. When they go to the foster home, they find out he has 3 siblings, 2 brothers and a sister---all in the same foster home. Trish said, she knew then, they could not take him away---so they were going to tell the foster Mom then go back to the beginning with the agency. Will---her DH, thought they should maybe bring some ice cream when they showed up---so they went in, and had ice cream with the Foster Mom and the 7 kids she had! Trish said she went home heart broke, because she knew this little boy was hers----but he sit on his 6 year old brothers lap the entire time, so she knew that she couldn't break them up. Through lots of tears and upset in the night, her DH finally ask her.....what about taking them all? They got their approval today!!! They will adopt 6 year old Jake, 4 year old Trevor, 3 year old Teagan (girl) and 20 month old Max. To go along with their 3 year old daughter Quinn! She is on top of the world! They have actually had them now for 3 weeks, but the final approval come through today! The oldest boy has a birthday the first of October, so they are going to try to make things legal by then. We are getting ready to go for a family celebration, Rick said heck yeah we were going!!! Amazing! Well like I said way back--time to get busy!!! Kat

Waiting for my paint to dry on some frames I sprayed! I am shocked they look soooooo good, and it changes the entire feel of the picture. They were framed in a blue.....the prints are numbered florals and I have always loved them....the green frame is going to draw the greenery in the print out as opposed to the florals, but they look great. I plan on changing the whole thing out and putting these into the extra bedroom when I find the things I want for my wall in the bedroom. Lunch was good.....I had fajitas----with a fork, no tortilla. I am not avoiding the tortilla so much weight wise, as they are slow digesting for me, and sometimes cause me pain, so as I am still feeling like I am healing I avoided it. I have enough left to have for dinner if I want anything. Haven't heard from my DH, I hate that! He better call soon, or I am gonna get my feelings hurt! LOL Got the dresser moved, and the hated weight bench moved to the garage!!! YAY!!!! A little space reorganization, and it all works fine! Now to clean up the mess I made moving everything!! Well gonna go see if my paint is dry enought to remount my prints and hang back on the wall!!! Kat

I think the reason everyone perceives him to be acting like a jerk, is because while I see you doing the "friend" things----I have not heard of a single "friend" thing he has done for you. But I must say, if the line was drawn and the words were spoke that this was going to remain a platonic friendship.....then changing in front of him, and throwing out double entendres is not right---when you send mixed signals you will receive mixed signals. I agree that the best way to find out what his true feelings are is to take a step back, treat him as your friend, although do not let him use you. If he wants you to do something and you cannot, a friend understands that. Then go on with your life, date others, do not tease with tidbits that you would not normally share---and if he freaks out again, it is time to "sh*t or get off the pot" for him!!! Kat

Good morning Vi's, We had a heck of a rain early this morning! Running deep down the street! I of course did not get the lawn mowed yesterday!! I decided to wait until Friday so it would be freshly mowed for the company coming in, and Rick coming home. Leaves are beginning to fall from my neighbors tree---a different sort of maple and it drops them early, still half green----but that way the yard would be clean when they all get here.....but sure would have been nice to have the rain on it freshly mowed!! Today......I am going to move some furniture around. Move a dresser from one room to another, and the weight bench to the garage!!! YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!! Rick uses the bench on occasion, mostly we use the dumbells, and I can store those under the bedside table in the extra bedroom, and they cannot even be seen, but the bench is gone, and my sewing machine is coming home!!! LOL Going to try to accomplish all that this afternoon. Going to lunch with my parents today. In an hour, and I am still in jammies, and Kinsey is in a bikini!!!! LOL Called to wish my MIL a happy birthday. She was thrilled that Rick called her from OK to wish her a happy day. She actually tells me she did better with her boys that she used to have to remind my FIL when his Moms birthday was and to call her. I zipped my lips and did not tell her that I too had talked to Rick this morning and told him to call her!!! He knows when her birthday is, and when he dated something in his class today it would have clicked, but he couldn't call then, so I told him to call and wake her up--be the first to say happy birthday! She was so happy!! She is 80 today. Still pretty doggone spry for 80 too----gets around really good, better than she did at 70 since she has had both knees replaced. They both get around really well. I am going to try to channel Terry today. I bought a set of deep red/maroon beaded bracelets to wear with my outfit for her birthday party. There are probably 8-10 individual beaded bracelets. I could not find earrings to work. So......I am going to Hobby Lobby to see if I can find something I can use to make one strand into earrings! See if they have something ready made that I just string beads on.....hope so!!! Well time to get us girls ready.....to go chow down. BBL~~~ Kat

FF is right, everything you are feeling, your DD is feeling a form of as well. It is much easier to be mad, than it is to be sad for kids (and men oftentimes!!), so her anger is her way of coping---she too is having the "I can't do this" panic! She needs a way to let it out, and if yelling at you or whoever is how she lets it out, so be it. Back years ago, when my DD was doing the mad not sad routine and we saw a councelor---she told me that the anger was a controlled feeling, sad was not, to voice the things she is sad about means they might come true. And she can say and think all the bad things she wants to about you and to you, because in the deepest recesses of her heart she knows you will love her anyway. He recommended that I let her overhear me talking on the phone for instance, saying the things I needed her to hear, without having to say them to her. So even if I was to fake a call---I had a friend in on it, but he said for me to explain to the freind how we were going to make the next move in our lives, and to tell the friend how worried I was about my DD, that this is so unfair to her....side with her, without making her involved. I don't know if that makes any sense----but it almost instantly made her seemed relieved. We survived it, you will too. It sucks more than I can say, when you are going through it. The advice to get your affairs in order is spot on! Get a notebook and make detailed entries, if you use the computer back up with hard copy. If it is something you NEED to have proof of a date on, make a copy and mail it to yourself, when it shows up do not open, the postmark is admissible evidence of date. If he so much as sneezes when visiting the kids, or if he calls listen in....document every little thing! And without dragging your kids into it....take a little of their tactic to get through it.....don't just be sad.....get mad! You deserve to be treated fairly through any split, and fight for what you and your children deserve. If you have any sort of proof of past affairs, drag it out! Look out for your kids first, then yourself, let him worry about his life. Be aware that he or someone associated with him, might very well be here spying on you, so handle yourself with dignity, and do not give him any sort of ammunition to use against you. When the need to really blast him with a mile long list of names etc. hits----PM any of us, all of us.....just don't do it in a public forum....there can be eyes and ears everywhere!! Take care, and hang strong.........you know you are a fighter! Kat

Alls well, Rick is out of town, and I ran onto a sale so am in the process of re-doing our bedroom. I also have been painting in his shop as a surprise for him!!! I will check in----glad Hannah was kind to you, hope Ike is too! Michaele---hope you are feeling better and WELCOME to bandland!!!! Betty---happy healing!! Sherry----I should eat better, I love taco Soup, it is still too warm here for me to get soup fever yet!!! Catch all of you soon!! Kat

This is much my son and DIL's attitude with my grandson, and that is all fine and good. Our problem comes in when he is in MY house---I do not want him jumping on the couch or the bed, or eating on them, and he is allowed to do so at home. They refuse to teach him that there are different rules at different places. When I correct him my DIL gets mad. I do not spank my grandkids at all! But if she won't make him abide by my rules, which are not strict rules, simple ones----how should I handle it??? I spoil the grandkids rotten!!! They have an entire cupboard full of things they know they can have. They also have a kiddie table right near there, for eating----but my DIL just lets him go wild, lets him open 3,4,even 5 things, not eat any of it, drag it to the LR----no rules! He may be able to look back and say he had a good childhood----but he may also look back and wonder why none of his friends were allowed to invite him over, or why he didn't get to spend the night at Granny's like the other kids...... Everywhere a child goes, preschool, school, boys & girls clubs, boy scouts, etc. there are rules. If they do not abide by the rules they are not welcome. Teaching a child that there are different rules for different places, including Granny's house, is not going to hurt them, nor ruin their childhood. I am not saying you smsmithart do this, but my DIL does, and she always says the same thing to me---that she always felt she had too many rules growing up, and she wants him to grow up being happy. Sadly----he is still very young, and people cringe when they see him coming, he is a true wild child! Still love him to pieces!!! Kat

Suzanne, love the new avatar. Jane, with the age (and intelligence) of some of the hostesses these days, if you are over 30 you are a senior!!! My SIL has been totally gray headed since she was in her very early 30's, and I mean GRAY/white headed. All 3 of Ricks siblings were totally gray before 35. His brother also went bald, so he shaves his head, and his sister in Denver dyes hers pale blonde---we tease her that she is the only person in the world who darkens her hair to be a platinum blonde!!! But his sister here leaves hers gray----and she is ALWAYS getting senior discounts and throwing hissy fits. In a lot of places 50+ gets you the discount and she turns 60 in a few days so she ought to just take the discount and be quiet, but that is not her style. Then just to be perverse, if they do not offer it, she asks for it! Go figure!!! LOL---- OK girls I have a new addiction! A&W root beer. Ice cold, and creamy......shame on me!!! On a good note, the remainder of the chocolate covered cheesecake is still intact and in the freezer. I'm not doing any real industrious projects. I painted peg board in the shop...wooohooo!!! And in my bedroom, I am simply changing out color schemes! Not getting new furniture or anything! I DID wash windows, and deep clean in there like has needed to be done for ages!!! I am stuck though. One window is over the head of the bed. We have blinds and curtains both on the windows to make it dark----but the bed is so close to the wall I cannot get the old curtains down nor the new ones up....without some muscle for help! The old bedroom was done in lots of blues---which went with the old carpet----but when we replaced the carpet in the kids old rooms, we went ahead and had it placed in all the bedrooms, and it is a pale sage green. It is the same style of carpet, same plush, etc as that in the the main part of the house but it is a pale taupe color. I chose them both, and they look great blending, the only room I had yet to redo was ours! So I found the quilt I wanted....and it is done in greens---several shades of the mossy, sage color.....and in yellows and golds. So I am revamping, the wall hangings, etc. Not much of a project really, I am just absolutely thrilled, I got all the items I really wanted, I did not settle for them, but I got them all CHEAP!!! Terry, I am so sorry this hurricane is heading your way when you least need something like that to happen. I think you are approaching it the right way though, waiting til you know more to make the call. It is difficult for those traveling, but if it is something you have to cancel, likely the airlines would cancel them anyway. TracyK---you guys making arrangements like last time for this one? How about you Haydee? Tell us all about your trip!!! Laura, I wanna see the email too!!! I know you are spending the evening writing it in your head, and perfecting it!! I would be too!! Judy I am surprised you have any voice left after so much practice!! Jenn, hang in there, and don't let him walk all over you, don't forget that now you are mad!!! Pamela, still loving your new kids? My cousin said she is off to an awesome year too, she is loving it so far---told me "this is why I do this job!" TracyKS---what did YOU think of your soup? Or are you too full to type? DH still fuzzy faced?? Michelle--glad you made it to the Dr, and back in the nasty weather! I know I am missing someone....my brain is fried. I am wanting to call Rick but it is an hour ahead, and I know he is sleeping.....so I shouldn't, but I wanna! I miss having him here to talk to.......and move the bed for me! LOL See y'all in the mornin'!! Kat

I am home again......think I have all the components I need to transform the color scheme in the bedroom now!! I have a project to do for the wall. I bought a new shadow box frame, and I am going to put some of our motorcycle trip pictures, and rally pins and ticket stubs to concerts (I gather these in the frame all around the mirror....it is FULL!), and Rick just retired his old set of black leather gloves, the corner of his hand where he clutches is wore through as is one of the finger tips. So I am going to collage all that into a frame for the wall----we have soooo much memorabilia from our bike trips it will be hard to choose what to go in, but it will be a fun piece. And it will go on the wall next to Rick's side of the bed. Got the dust ruffle to go with my new quilt, clearanced for $3.50!!! I love sales!! Never did eat Breakfast, had some fish for lunch at Captain D's with my DIL and grandkids. Shared a lunch special with Kinsey. Not going to mess much with dinner, will likely open a can of Soup or something....maybe toss a potpie in the microwave or something lazy like!!! Got my FIL's hair cut! Talked to Rick for awhile, there were a bunch of guys in the background giving he and Tyson a hard time for not wanting to go to the Titty Bar.......they were razzing him and saying "Tell Mama you are going, you're the man of the house!!!" Finally shut them up when he told them, they just didn't get it, he was a lot older than them, and those girls dancing were his Daughters ages, and he didn't care to see that and think of them being someones daughters!!! They eventually left and we chatted peacefully!!! Suzanne, thanks for the support for Manda. She was just soooo upset, and it is hard when something affects my kids that hard not to worry for them. If she had tried to dodge fault or something I could have been hard nosed, but she wasn't doing that, just terribly upset to suddenly be in the hole that much! Well I am off to Water tomatoes.....anyone want some 'maters??? Kinsey calls them 'maters. I cannot eat them, and they are coming out my ears, and I did not plant anything else to make salsa.....maybe I'll think of someone I don't like and go throw them!! LOL See y'all later! Kat

Manda just called and she met with the bank attorney and has a hearing scheduled.....because they DO require her signature on a judgement! So she has likely lost the $1200 she had in her account, but they cannot attach money yet to be earned through the bank, they have to do that in a civil court and take it from her employer, so as not to disturb money in an account for a child, such as her child support. She is ecstatic! She is willing to pay, but not b in debt like that to her own bank. They said that it is a phishing scheme, if she had actually had the 5K in the bank, they could have taken it. However the lack of a signature is gonna get them! Just wanted to let you know! Off to get things done for real this time!!! Kat