Kat817

Bethany, it is HARD----but have you thought about doing the 5 day pouch test? What worries me if the fluoro is showing restriction is that you might be stretching the pouch/esophagus, which is why you feel you can eat anything....it is obviously sitting somewhere while it slowly works through. The 5 day test will start you over with liquids, and remind you what restriction feels like. Maybe if you do it, and keep a detailed diary of what you eat, and how you feel, then take it with you to whichever Dr. so you can fully discuss what is going on. I would hate to see you go blind and overfill, to a point of hurting your band......I know it happens to me. I can tell because when I get sick, and my eating changes, then I feel different eating after, and I have no fill. Has anyone ever had an opportunity or heard of anyone who has been able to eat, and do the fluoro fill to see how food reacts as opposed to Water? Kinsey has a throat infection of some sort, not strep tho. She is not going to school tomorrow---she was SOOOOO sad, she thought she was not going to get to go back ever! Hopefully she will get well quick. Gonna go get busy....laundry sucks, wish it would put itself away.....

Hey Tracy PM me your new address again, I have your Sturgis shirt ready to go, but am concerned I don't have the right address...... Heya Plain---I see you! Hope all is improving in your world!!

Good Morning! Of all days my DD's boss chose yesterday to change their schedule. His wife is a teacher, so he adjusted all their schedules to more closely match hers. Now he wants them to work 7-3. Which for him is easy, his wife gets the kids ready, and takes them when she goes to work, AND he lives 3 miles from work. For Manda that means leaving home at 6 AM. So, she plans to discuss it with him today whether it works or not.....in the meantime, she brought Kinsey here to catch her bus, which she did without issue. She had to cross the street to get on, and she listened very closely and followed the drivers instructions to a T! Hoping she makes the day, I kind of expect to get a call, she did not have fever this morning, but complained of a headache. We decided it would be better to try, not develop the stay home for any reason thing early!!! She is just going to catch the bus here after school as well. If Manda's hours stay changed, it will only be for an hour or so, because she gets out at 2:30....they staggered the start schedule for this year, and Kinsey catches the bus for Kindergarten at 7:05 AM!!! The high school kids don't start til 9!!! Crazy....I went to get dressed this morning, and she went back to sleep. Manda put her to bed at 8:30. Looks like it will have to be moved up. She also went to sleep yesterday during quiet time.....this kiddo likes to sleep!!! LOL Laundry is going....boy we had a ton of it! I have bags to unpack and camping totes to organize and put away....and like Kinsey, all I want to do is go back to sleep!!! We went to Outback for dinner last night. My brother showed up as we were about to leave, and by the time we got to Olive Garden there was a wait, and I wanted to eat before it got late....if I don't....I reflux. We always order a blooming onion, I know they are horrible for you, but we love them!!! And then we share a meal.....Neither one of us was able to finish our part of our dinner.... plus there was half an onion left, half the bread.....how did we used to BOTH eat that much food????? I saw a picture of Rick at his sisters on the way home, taken several years ago, and could not believe it was him!! He was so heavy! I honestly do not ever remember "seeing" him that heavy! I know it was in comparison to me...I mean even at that weight, he seemed smaller because I was so much bigger....but OMG I do not remember that! It felt like an out of body experience!!! I see it now, I did not then!!! He has lost 30 pounds since I have been banded.....I see the difference clearly in the picture. Now you would think it would spur me on to lose them myself to see the difference. I ate a cookie for breakfast......I am ashamed of myself!!! Time to change loads of laundry.....see y'all later!!!

Suzie, everyone I have heard that has seen that movie, has said it is much less a macho movie than they thought, that at heart it is about defending what you care about---so hope you BOTH like it! I was hoping with the limited eating options while gone, I would lose some weight---come home weighing exactly what I did when I left.....grrrrrrrrr. Will post some pics on FB---maybe here as well, I need to download my cameras first. Will get envelopes to mail shirts in tomorrow. Tracy, yours is not what I thought it was...I thought it was undefined swirls....and they are more defined than I thought. Note to self, shop BEFORE drinking!!! But I like it anyway---hope you do. The cell service was crappy....so I took a chance! Kinsey loved her first day of school, but come home with a fever of 102!!! She dropped it FAST with ibuprofin and ice water---now to see if it comes back. Wouldn't you know it??!! Suzie, I wish I had a band Dr. close to encourage. Mine is kinda snobby, and 6 hours away as well----I mean I KNOW what to do and not to do----but I still have this 30-ish pounds hanging around......... We are going to dinner tonight, either Olive Garden or Outback, whichever looks less crowded. I love either one!!! My DD and Kinsey brought me roses---sweet things did not make them black!! Will check in tomorrow!

Thanks so much everyone!! It is so nice to be home, and I know I should unpack, and begin getting life back to normal, but gonna use the birthday card to put it off a day!!! LOL LOVE IT! We had a big tent---I mean I could do jumping jacks in it....like I would really exercise!! And a Queen size bed---but my bed felt huge and comfy last night---not to mention my own shower---with no one else in the room!!! Showering at the campground was like high school PE all over again! Women of all sizes and shapes, and WOW the piercings and tattoos---just WOW! Will get your shirts off to you in the next couple of days Tracy & Jen. We left here, 3 couples, met up with 2 more couples and a single guy when we got there, which made our camping group. We had other friends who had a room in town, and knew others who were camping with some of their family. The 2 other couples we met both had huge motor homes, and Joe, the single guy had a smaller toy hauler trailer, they all brought Rhino's (like butched out 4 wheelers!)--and we had our golf cart, so we went all over, and had fun at the rally. We went to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Deadwood, drove the Needles Highway through Custer State Park. We did lots of riding, and had a really good time. Saw all of our concerts. Kid Rock totally impressed me! We did not get the same spot for him we did for the Doobie Brothers, because the staff was afraid the fence would get broke and they would crush us. But we had a good time anyway. The VIP allowed us backstage, and hor dourves, free bar, and picture ops with the others, not Kid Rock, they banned our cameras back stage with him! Motley Crue was kind of disappointing. And I think it was either a stand in, or that Bob Dylan lip synced his. He had no VIP's, the jumbo tron was not used, he sat on a stool with his head down, and sang, quite well really, but never addressed the crowd, never said anything other than to sing. He did not introduce Kid Rock or anything---very wierd! All the others were up close on multi jumbo tron screens, so something was off with his concert! We took a tour in Deadwood for Wild Bill Hickock (sp?) The tour guide had my stomach hurting he was so funny! Was a really fun day in Deadwood, and I won a hundred bucks too!! Felt a bit scary, but we went to the Devils Tower, and watched Disturbed on Friday the 13th!!!! Disturbed is NOT my kind of music, but they had a great show---was fun to watch. The campground had amazing fireworks shows most nights---totally impressive. Jason Aldean did a really good show too. Lots of audience involvement, and a wide variety of music---not just country. The Doobie Brothers were great---they were my HS band of choice---yes I AM 50 today!!!! OLD! LOL They were fun. Ride up we got wet in Denver, in a huge downpour in rush hour! Ride back was a couple of sprinkles in Colorado, but nothing much---safe and dry. No bike breakdowns, no accidents. Rick and I almost went down twice! Once going into Deadwood in the stop and go traffic, the guy next to us, dropped his bike. Right into us! Pinned our feet to the pegs---we were both with our right feet on the ground fighting to hold ours up, til someone could help him up and off of us! Then the Needles hiway is a spiral drive up and down a mountain---literally through it in several areas---I could reach out, and almost touch the wall in the tunnels---only certain size vehicles are allowed on the road----we were in a hairpin 5 mph turn, when 2 guys who had been taking pics stepped out in front of us! Our bike is quiet.....Rick missed them, no one is sure how---we drug pegs---but no one was hurt! Others had similar things, but no one went down, and no one had problems. One of the couples who trailered in from Utah, had a bike fall over in the trailer, and damage the tank---but she NEVER rode it anyway! She is a new rider, and Sturgis is not for the novice rider!! 6 years ago I went with my DD to her OB appt. and found out I was going to have a granddaughter---the best birthday present EVER!!! And this year on my birthday she started school! I missed you guys!!! Cindy, first let me say along with the others, I hope my grandkids encounter teachers like you through their school lives. What a great attitude you have! I think I would "suggest" that whether it is a school in high demand or not, they should have to meet fire code safety, as well as health dept. safety issues---and that does not sound as tho it does. The school board should supply a row of portapotties if nothing else, and allow students to have water bottles with them. The expense would be less, than one law suit over it! The school they are working on is a beautiful building, sorry your son does not get to experience it more. cwtbt--Bethany---you are dealing with some serious depression right now it sounds like, which will just lead to more of what is depressing you! And EVIL cycle! Been there! As sad as it is, the thing that finally pulled me out of it, was getting sick, and actually losing weight again, and remembering THAT feeling. Wouldn't it be nice if they could band our brains, and correct our habits, and fears, rather than banding our stomachs and expecting us to know how to deal with everything else. Hang out, let all the feelings out---that will help more than anything. Eveyone here is NOT doing great, many of us struggle. We relate to what you are feeling. Releasing some of the anger, and fear, and upset over the regain, is one of the best ways to help that I found. Bottling it up, just led me to eat the next cookie or chip. Meeting a friend for lunch today----then going to dinner with my hubby tonight. YAY!!! Vacation isn't over!! No cooking, no dishes!! LOL I need to get ready---will be back later!!!

I'm home!! Tired....was an exhausting trip---but we had an absolute blast!!! Gonna read, catch up, and will try to post later, but it may be tomorrow.... MISSED you guys!!!

Shutting down for the remainder---everyone be good, or have fun, whichever you prefer. YEas Cindy, he feels we never completely irradicated the infection before.....fun.......feeling ok, little crampy. This is the 3rd one I have had in my life, and it is the least severe so far!!! Driving the truck tomorrow I think. Will have plenty of bike time I am sure!!! Will check in as I can---hugs to you all!!! WooHoo Terri!! Can't wait to see you!!

Getting excited...? Well I WAS....this morning, I woke up with a UTI!!! Dammit! I went to Urgent Care down the road from my house, and got the drugs, and am chugging the water. I am hoping the dull achy feeling is gone for tomorrow....I may spend more time in the truck than planned. Oh well. The meds usually work pretty quick, then it will all be good!!! Motels.....most of the usual in Farmington.....Best Westerns, La Quinta, Super 8, Marriot, Motel 6----not much in Aztec---a couple of non chain type. But Farmington is like 10 miles---not a big deal at all. You can look at Farmington NM motels on Bing or Google, and see if something catches your eye---and I can take it from there..... I have everything packed, we are taking it to Becky's in a little bit to load, so we can just head out in the AM. Looks like we are leaving for 6 months!!! Got most of my housework done. Need to vaccuum. Laundry is done, bed is changed, kitchen clean.........I HATE coming home to a chaotic house. I am always so relieved to just come home, I want it clean!!! Well I better get some things done. I will check in on Becky's laptop, she HAS to take it.....she is staying in Denver on the way back for work---so no one can give me crap about taking a computer!! Will try to check in later!

Cool about your nephew Suzie!!! We know the risks in riding, we accept them. In fact we updated our will just this last week with the long ride ahead of us. We did not ride heavily when our kids were young, now they all know if something happens to us, we were doing something that made us happy. We say a prayer asking to be watched over when we leave, and a prayer of thanks for a safe trip when we get home. But it IS risky! I do not have any tattoos either. Jenn did you get the pic I sent you of the lined angel. I know the guardian one you want is more detailed, bu the little line one, appeals to me for some reason. Thought seriously about tattooing it, because it spoke to me on some level----but have not done it. Of all the kids tattoos, the only one I like is on Mandas neck---the nape of her neck under her hair usually, it is a flower, a large one, 4 inches across or so, of a flower she fell in love with in hawaii---the name escapes me just now. It is a soft buttery yellow ending each petal in pink. It is beautiful---and she can never see it without a mirror! The others she has I tell are awful! Abbey's you know my opinion of, they are quality work I am sure, but they are just ugly in the fact they are so realistic. eeewwwww And Lenny had a nice sun/moon between his shoulder blades, the rays folded back over the face, then one night of partying and he let someone "work" on it. It was a disaster!!!! Now he has a HUGE almost fully black sun design just to cover the other mess up. My friend Marie has several, she has a ring tattood on her finger, and the word BELIEVE along the inside of her wrist....it began as pretty, but as the lines have faded.....it is blah. Another friend Michele had an ankle bracelet tattood on with each dangly thing having meaning, but they have all blurred kind of and it just looks like a design, you can no longer pick out the delicate symbols. Lori, my hair girl, has a vine going up her leg, with tiny purple flowers--it has been done about 4 years now, and it still looks good. She also has Thumper from Bambi on her belly, to the side, looks like he is laughing and rolling in the curve of her waist---cute---but will it be cute when she is 75??? Never found anything I want to live forever with on me like that. My brother had a tazmanian devil tattooed on his shoulder right out of high school---and Taz has the name BOB tatooed on his shoulder. It looks pretty faded all these years later too. I look at pics on here, and on line, and at peoples work, and so much of it ends up looking faded, and blah......makes me turn away. My alarm just went off and I lost my train of thought!!! Oh yeah!! My niece has her eyeliner tattooed on---THAT I would like. But they won't do it if you have never been tattooed---something about ink sensitivity. Plus it IS my eyes!! LOL Can't wait to see the b-day cake Tracy!!! Bethany hasn't been around in awhile..... Terri---you healing up & eating on schedule? Maybe we can hook up when I get back. We will call you when Suzanne comes through too!! Gotta get on with packing.

Well, there may be some who would raise issue with you being on LBT with being a bypass patient---but do you really go out all over LBT? Aren't you mostly here or in threads you are already known in? Some revisioners---especially those who have gone to the sleeve, and feel it is a superior choice as opposed to just another option they are using, trying to acheive the same thing we all are---try to belittle those who are still trying to use the band to acheive success. Others who have revised---still feel they are in the same struggle and have remained accepted. There are bandsters, who appear bipolar with their band!!! They love it---they hate it---and they want an audience along for the ride. They plan revision, then change their minds....it is attention mongering, and THAT is what annoys me, not wth kind of surgery they had!!! It is really no different than us all trying all different diets prior to WLS---Atkins, South Beach, WW----we just have to find our way, and it helps to have support. But what some see as "lack of support" or alienation due to them not being Banded anymore---I could care less what surgery THEY have, please don't belittle me for what I have---I don't do it to them. Those that had that attitude, yep I am not friendly with anymore. On the other hand, several I know have changed without a change in the level of our friendship. I cannot imagine you belittling anyone, especially us here---for continuing to work with our bands----so why would we see you any different for trying another tactic??? We know who you are----you are a smart a$$ with a band, and I am betting you will be a smart a$$ with a bypass!!! LOL. That is how we love you!!!! Quarter round is trim----like baseboard----it is almost triangular----fits between the wall and the floor, or along a door jam---to make it be "finished". Today is the anniversary of Rick's heart surgery! Sure am glad to still have him around. He woke up on his birthday the next day with his heart repaired! It has been a wild ride! Spoke with my grandson and oldest granddaughter last night. She is visiting in Louisiana. Was good to hear Connor. Rick heard something at work in relation to his DD, he was kinda depressed by it----not sure what it is, but he has to work through it, then we will talk it out. It might be something major (don't think so) or it might just be someone saw her getting inked again---which totally depresses him. She has skanky tattoos he thinks. They are actually very well done, very realistic---which just makes them ugly....not skanky!! LOL, she has a sea theme for some reason---she was raised in a desert! LOL, a starfish tramp stamp, across her lower back, with oceanic things surrounding it, but then she has a big pink toned octopus on her shoulder with tentacles coming down her back, and arm, and chest a few inches. He despises it! Could also just be he is more scared than ever that she is like her Mom!!! LOL, that would be really sad!His ex is so psycho, she has been calling my MIL, and acting all caring, then refers to her, to the mutual friend we have, as a snaggle toothed old hag. Makes me want to hurt her! She looks like a dried up old catchers mitt herself, it isn't like she is a pretty young thing anymore either! None of us are!!! But he was in a good mood soon after getting home. Kinsey come and stayed while Manda did laundry, and grocery shopped. She had her Papa in a good mood pretty quick. The little girl across the street come over with her Mom to play for a few minutes, she refers to Rick and I as "her" and tschopper Rick" sound it out---it is a 2 year old calling him Chopper Rick!!! She always tells her Mom she wants to go to "Hers" house!!! My house! She loves Kinsey! Well I am off to play some games, and relax so I can get to sleep earlier tonight!!! See y'all tomorrow!

Tracy, mods CANNOT see PM's unless they are forwarded to us for handling one issue or another--like if you forwarded it complaining of harrassment. PM me what is going on. My snooper is still around---but I finally decided, I am who I am, and if I say something I believe it, or feel it, and I am saying it---not saying how any one else feels---so if they don't like it they can stick it!!! Well we changed our travel plans---we originally were going to from here to Denver, then spend the night, then go on in to Sturgis the next day. Butwe want to arrive early---both to secure a decent area to camp, and we HAVE to go through a certain gate to trade our camp passes for arm bands---and if we arrive after 4, we have to wait until the headliner band is over at the main concert---which would be after midnight. We could go in, but not get camp set. So we are pushing Friday and going as far as Cheyenne WY. So the next day will be a shorter ride. Made our motel reservations in Cheyenne. There are some sort of Frontier Days going on, in the area---and all up and down I25 in WY motels ---even like Super8 are going for $250.00 a night!!! I was told Motel 6 caps their prices, period. What they are allowed to rent rooms for is the same---so I called, and got them there for 65.99!! Saves me $200 bucks!!! We would have made other plans if we had not found out about that. I don't need fancy---nor tons of ammenities, just a clean bed, and bathroom!! I will be camping for the next week and a half---so, it will be welcome I am sure. Tomorrow is Rick's birthday. 50. Wow! Not sure what we are going to do really. As soon as I make plans, his Mom will step in and want to do something different.....leaving me feeling pulled. I did buy him one of the zero gravity chairs to take with us to Sturgis---looked comfy for him to kick back in. Otherwise, our trip is our gift!!! Cindy have you called around for insurance? Back when Manda got her license I was with State Farm, and for her alone (keep in mind this was 15 years ago) was going to be $150 a month. A friend told me to check out Farmers. I went out, and she had a book she had to fill out for them called YES --Youth Educational Services---or something, it was all driving safety stuff---and with that along with her honor roll status---his insurancce ended up costing me $23.00 more a month than what I was paying! With no change in coverages! It might be worth price shopping!! Well better get dressed, meeting him for lunch.

We will be praying with you Tracy!!! What an uplifting post for Tracy that was Michelle!!! It is not a magic answer we know, but it is good to hear of all outcomes---especially good ones!! LOL Tracy it is good you got to see the Dr today too! The Dr that does my follow up made me feel like a total failyure when I went in with the intestinal twist, because I had gained almost 40 pounds. I am glad you have a more understanding partner in this! Gotta run-----Rick is off we are mad crazy busy!!!! se eya later!@!

Hey! I am off to lunch with Rick, buy new lawn chairs, go to the bank, got to the ins. agency, buy packing tape, then to the PO!!!! Should be a fun filled day!!! Will BBL!!!

Hey everyone! Plain---well your DNA catcher---caught me by surprise!!! LOL---thinking DNA of who knows who or what on there is kinda....icky! Not that I had plans for anything kinky with it anyway....I did NOT! It is in a bag (evidence ya know!), sitting on the patio! LOL Going to go shopping for my youngest grandsons birthday today, he is going to be a year old next week! Hard to believe. Will be the first grandchild I have not got to see with chocolate everywhere from their cake. but I feel lucky to have been with the others, won't cry over this one....we will see other things. Not sure what to get him, it has to mail well---and with the price of sending things, it needs to be fairly small! No rocking chair for him I guess. I might be able to order it through Walmart, and have her pick it up at her store there or something I guess---might look into it. That would only work tho if they were speaking to us, an apparantly they aren't. Rick has a birthday this next week too---will be interesting to see if he hears from his kids. If not---I will personally back off and have no contact in any form, if he chooses to it will be his not mine. I KNOW what he has done for those kids---I have been there when he has done without so they didn't---and to act like this with no reason. He did nothing to them. I just plain don't get it. I do know their Mother is thrilled with it---she brags it up to a mutual friend she does not know we have.....it is hard to be christian like sometimes!! Going in to have lunch with Rick today. Let me know what kind of shirt you want Jen....Sturgis or Kid Rock? I have never bought concert shirts---not sure of the cost or whether it is a big deal to get or not. Getting Rick to stand in line in a huge crowd like that is not gonna happen. He and Becky both dislike that! We won VIP backstage with Kid Rock, when we filled out our purchase package, they ask if this was a first time visit etc. What prompted you to come---that kind of thing. So I put on there that both Rick and I were going to celebrate our 50th birthdays. They emailed saying we were added to a special drawing for guests with special celebrations. Then they sent us word it was VI's with Kid Rick. Then the couples we are going with bought us VIP's to a couple of the other concerts too. You have special seating, before the show drinks and hor dourves with the band (IF....IF they show!!!), and picture opportunities. Will snap pics for you anyway! You and Tracy do me a favor---and send me a chest measurement. I can then measure mine and have a better idea of size I am buying. Lunch with the neighbor was ok. she is so sick. She is 5'10" and weighs less than 120 pounds! AND she wears short shorts, and tank tops---and her gray hair is to the lower part of her back! She looks anorexic. But she is just not eating, because she feels so bad eating in front of her husband who is unable to EAT due to his throat cancer, he is still using a feeding tube. He is gaining, as he improves, she is still getting skinnier. I would have a hard time eating in front of Rick like that I am sure....poor thing, but she looks awful.... Gotta go........errands to run today too. bank ugh.

Hang on to it Tracy, I'll call you from the rally to discuss your options!!! Off to lunch...wish me luck. nice lady, but I don't handle alcoholics and their drama too well.....

Good morning all! Michelle--you must not have told Facebook it was your birthday---it didn't remind me!!! I need a personal secretary (ya know I am SOOO busy!!). Anyway, I am sorry I missed it---I hope you had a great day!!! Tracy, keeping your mind and heart open to whatever happens is the best you can do. I know different surgeries work for different people. In fact at my original seminar, the surgeon even mentioned the fact that one of the benefits of banding was the ability to have a different WLS if the need arose. I hope you get what you want/need. Of course we will be here to support you....well until you become a skinny wench!! LOL J/K!!!!! No one is claiming the cape.....so locks have been changed---which is not a big deal. No activity been going on---alarm is up and going---has caught Rick, my brother....and a hummingbird!! We had to move a sensor, everytime the birds swooped and fought over the feeder the alarm went off!! No word on the car. Rick got the tank drained, and run fuel through it with injector cleaner in it, and drained it as well. So.....we will see how it goes. I also have a shifter cable going out, which is really pushing Rick to want to trade in my car. I am resisting STRONGLY!!! We made some reservations for Sturgis. We are going to do VIP with ZZ Top---which is a birthday present to Rick and I from Becky & Gary and Jason and Chana. We also have VIP for Kid Rock, which we won. But we also bought our tickets to the Pitchfork Fondue. A steak place, where you pick your steak from where they are marinating in "special" seasonings, and the cooks then stab them onto pitchforks, and deep fry them! Kind of like the deep fried turkey, it takes only minutes, and the juices are supposed to remain inside! Anyway they have entertainment etc. We got our reservations to the hill climb....and tonight at our dinner meeting with the group we are supposed to make reservations at Deadwood for something in which we ride a train.....I know nothing about it! LOL It is getting close, I KNOW my butt is not ready for it!! We are taking a truck too. So, I will spend a turn driving. What really sucks---and I honestly don't like this, is Becky is afraid of heights like on the mountain passes---so she goes over them eyes closed, laying down if possible. So I have to drive over---I am not afraid to drive, or pull the trailer---but I LOVE riding over the passes---they are so beautiful, and the air is cool. BUT......if we had to go through a crawl space, she would do it for me, so I will do it for her! The passes are about 50% of the reason we are taking the truck! The other is just in case! If someone were to break down we would have the truck and trailer. Plus we all have trailers we pull behind the bike, for camping gear, this way they don't have to pull trailers. We can stow the gear in the truck bed. The trailers do slow you down some, but mostly you just have to be really careful with them on interstates. The big trucks can cause heavy enough wind sheer to lift them off the ground, and set them rocking. And a trailer rocking behind you when you are sailing along at 70 mph is scary as hell!!! We all agreed to take a turn driving....but we all also want to ride!! I got the shelves for our tent, and the new fan. TodayI have to find a 12 volt extension cord. If I can't I HAVE to order it today so it comes in in time. My youngest grandson is walking she said on FB!! Well I better get busy. I am having lunch with my neighbor. NOT what I want to do per se....but she is very lonely, and VERY persistant! She has tried to get in on Marie and I going, but I have avoided that. She mentions it regularly, so....today we are going. Will check in on y'all later!!!

BOO!!!!!!! All is well.......bbl!!!

Hey y'all! Been a busy day! We got the alarms all up and working---that is aa GOOD feeling! I mean even with none of the stuff that has gone on, Rick has thousands of dollars in bikes, and thousands more in tools and equipment in the shop----so it is all good. Pushing 50....yep in less than a month, I'll be pulling it!! LOL I turn 50 on the 17th of August Terri. Cindy, we lost my paternal Grandma to Alzheimers. She got sick when I was a little girl---under 6. For many years, they tried to link it to a mental breakdown she had years before. She saw her 4 year old get hit by a car and it killed him, and she lost the baby she was pregnant with. so she went into a deep depression, and they always tried to link it to that. When they finally diagnosed it as Alz. no one had ever heard of it. There were less than a dozen definite cases diagnosed nation wide!! She lived until I was well into my 30's----a loooooong time for Alz. patients, and by the time she died, there were support groups with millions of people in them---she paved the way, in many ways. My grandfather allowed them to take core samples of brain tissue after she died, for Alzheimers study. It is a sad disease. Rick and I are having a big difference of opinion. he wants to go buy a new car....I want mine back. I love my car.....even more than I hate car payments! LOL, guess we will see. Of course I am not the one who will be working on it as it ages I suppose. Will be back in later!!

Morning---- Moving slow! Rick didn't make it in until 3:30 this morning, so I slept light til then! He has some equipment to repair, so just left to do that, but does not have to go out again now for a month. He really likes that big check coming in once a month, but the hours are killer! He said this week wasn't so bad, he had lots of down time while other companies fixed break downs!! LOL, He was just glad it wasn't them! I think when I go into town to get him (I have the van with the car being out of commision) we will probably grab some dinner. Nothing major planned. Leaving in a few to take Manda to Sams Club. She doesn't do enough shopping there to make the card worth its $$$, especially since Mom has one!! Kinsey will be home Tuesday I guess. He has answered each time she calls, and let Kinsey call and talk to her Mom. And sent her a picture on her phone of Kinsey on some ride somewhere. So she is feeling better about her going. Bi Polar----makes me sad. My son suffers. I am as I type listening to the TV about it! The studies have shown it is much more genetically predisposed than nature. They were showing a study of identical twins---who as adults had moved in stragecially different paths---and both would end up with the same mental disorders associated with bi polar disease. I hope in the coming years---they find some medical intervention---that allows the mind to "get" that the meds must be continued. Horrid disease. The difference in our son when he is on a high or a low is remarkable. And in relation to your issues Angela---there is a HUGE jealousy thing in him! We have some of those collage frames and he ALWAYS counts how many times he is in them compared to the other kids etc. So I see thqt being an issue with your new sibling. Just look out for you! Cindy--glad you are back, and your DSD is doing well followuing surgery. I am so thankful for my hysterectomy!!! Life has been so much better!Teh actual surgery compared to the chemo was a piece of cake! I think a lot of it was mental releif it was all gone. OK---wierd happening this morning. I have not called DD or my parents or anything---but I was showing Rick some things and when I laid them on the love seat next to the front door, there is something black folded laying there--so I picked it up, as I ask him "what's this?" He says he has no idea---I kinda drop it open, and it is a cape-- like you use for cutting hair. I have one---it is wierd color changing purple like (cheapest one they had!!!). This one is heavy, professional, and black. Actually has some advertising for hair product on it. We have no idea where it come from.....none. It was IN my house. When my family gets in from church, I will call and ask, and if no one claims then I guess I call the cops and the locksmith......nothing else seems disturbed or moved....except my glasses I lost them I think, would LOVE to blame that on someone else!!! Will let you know of course. I must be in horrid shape, even when exercising regular, I cannot do 40 minutes on my elliptical without tiring! Of course I AM gonna be 50 in a couple weeks or so! SOOOOOOO hard for me to believe!!! LOL Better get dressed before Manda shows up. BBL

OMG are you serious about the prices at the circus??? We took Kinsey not long ago, and paid $3 for snowcones or cotton candy---$4 to have her face painted, and $5 for her to ride the elephant---I told Manda it was time to stop everything was going up!!!...3,4,5.....but 12 bucks for ice & koolaid???? WOW!!! I thought everything was more expensive here in the sticks! Well Mom & Dad decided to close down their yard sale early today, looks like it is going to rain. They make me nutso!!! I love them dearly, but they won't just let people wander through---they want to present a history to every item there.....if I was a customer, they would annoy me into leaving!!! I think many felt the same way!!! LOL They are without a doubt getting old---it is so apparant in so many ways! Manda come to help, and she and I were shocked by some of it. When someone ask a question, they just talked over one another---no courtesy! So I made fun of them! Figured they didn't realize it! No idea if it will help or make it worse.....made me kinda sad anyway. So.......we had plans to go to an outdoor production of Oklahoma tonight, but not sure if the weather is going to cooperate or not.......They do these in a natural Sandstone ampitheater---outdoors of course, with natural stone seating---you get padded cushions with backs---it is really pretty....but if it rains...it is also really wet!! Will check in later---going to get some things done here I have been putting off!!! Imagine that!!??

Hey y'all--- All is well, nothing new anyway. Waiting to hear what they find in Jen's fuel, to decide how to handle the car.....til then I am in the van. Made about a hundred bucks yard saling some junk this morning----what doesn't sell of mine, I am calling and a girl I know hauls it off! She stocks a church sale thing with it....whatever----if I take it out of the house, it is not going back in! Rick and I talked last night---we honestly think the problems may be the neighbor who had guns stolen----possibly their sons buddies. They didn't break into any other cars-----so out of dozens on the block, they hit the one with weapons??? So anyway if he is in on it, he would know if I did or didn't have a dog. When we were talking in Walmart, I let them know---he and his sister were with their Mom---that we had called the cops, and were letting them print anything they wanted, and set up surveillance---which they won't do, but I thought he might not know that! That is my honest opinion. I like Tracy said should not judge----but I KNOW he lit the fireworks that started the fire on my hill---they know we know, but have never acknowledged it in any way---Mommy & Daddy protect him. She was telling me, he has had 3 IPODs stolen at school----I can't help but wonder if he is not selling them! Suspicious me!!! Gotta go-----will be back this evening. I am tired!

Thanks---this is my car, it is an Intrepid R/T, and I like my van....a lot! But I LOVE my car! Makes me sick. Wish Rick would be able to be home to check it out...... Will keep you posted. New curtains are up---drive way alarms are ordered. Scary thinking we are leaving soon for 2 weeks our place will sit.....looking into a house sitter.

Yay Terri is home....and a bandster!!!! Well girls....we got problems. I do have someone sneaking around the yard---and they may have totalled my car---as well as the next door neighbors, and the couple across the street. I did not drive my car the last couple of days---I noticed Jennifer had her SUV driving it not her little Mazda, come to find out it is in the shop. Then yesterday Red next door was to drive to Albq. for his cancer follow up but he thought the fuel pump on his BMW went out so he took his wifes car. Today when I left, I got about 6 blocks away and hear this ding---and my engine light popped on. So I come home, call Rick---who did not answer (he cannot take calls during some operations on location), so I got my book. It said one possible reason was a loose gas cap. Well I can check that, and guess what, it was all the way off sitting in the little door. So I put it on, started it, light is still on, and it smells strange. We think someone put something in all our tanks. Well Red & Connie next door have these yard decorations that are BIG cows (yeah I know....) made from barrells---welded and painted black and white. They have a big Mama, Jr. and a baby. A few nights ago, Jr & the baby were stolen. So while I am in Walmart buying my curtain a neighbor from 4 houses down, come up, and ask me if I saw the excitement at their place Sunday night. She heard a noise & thought dogs were in the trash dumpster---so she looked out, and someone was in their truck! She and her DH are both blind as bats without glasses, so she said he took off to the door and she grabbed her phone, and they were running away. Now WHY he had this in his truck, IDK---but they stole 2 guns---one was an automatic rifle with a fully loaded 30 round clip! The other a 30.06! They have kids 12 & 16----seems odd to have such left in a truck, but thier lives I guess. so anyway she said the man on the other side had lawn furniture stolen, and one between us, had the cover and pump stolen from his hot tub---while they were sleeping just the other side of the wall! They had used the tub, and by morning it was gone! I am stressing over my car---my baby!!!! And Rick working all night---is not thrilling me either! The guy with the guns stolen is planning to sit on top of his roof with night vision goggles---he can scan the neighborhood that way. I just ordered 3 drive way alarms---will place them around the yard---at least then I'll know if someone is around. And I may rethink the small dog. And go BIG!!! And SCARY!!!! Got my gun loaded-----Kinsey is on vacation with her Daddy, so no kids will be around, so I am keeping it close by. Waiting on a return call to see if I can get our local PD to do a NCIC check on my ex to make sure he is still locked up. Can it not be boring??? Ever???? I am sick of this!

I'm off to the bookstore shortly---then I guess I will go help my parents, they are having a yard sale the next 2 days-----NOT what I want to do, but something I NEED to do, help them. I have let it slide trying to deal with the inlaws. So I will be hit or miss for a few days---that's why. Rick actually made it home last night about midnight, he thought he would be out all night---but made it in. Which is good, it seems I might have a peeping tom! Chairs a tall stack of lawn chairs---much too heavy for Kinsey to move-were stacked next to the fridge on the patio, right under my kitchen window. I went out yesterday morning, and the entire stack was sitting just off the patio---which left my kitchen window wide open---wierd! I have blinds in there, and a crochet looking valance--and the blinds get stuck in the crocet. That window faces the back yard---and we are the last row of houses---it is only hills behind us---so many nights I leave it open. So today---I am buying new curtains to put in there---ones I can CLOSE! Made me sleep fitfully last night---but if Rick had not come home, I likely would not have slept at all!!! Will check in as I can.

I agree totally---I want my son, and my daughters to be happy. You ARE still young, but that does not make you feel any less than if you had another 20 years on you! Head injuries are SO difficult. My brother was critically injured, and left with serious brain injury many years ago---he will never recover as you have---and yet---he is self supporting, he walks, he talks (well argues mostly), he was never going to be able to do any of those things according to his Dr.'s. So---everyone considers him a huge success! I think the thing that worries me most about your post is the concerns over your relationship. Marriage is work---and that is if BOTH parties want to work on it. It is not a 50/50 arrangement. If you have doubts about her having your back---they need to be settled PRIOR to marriage! Maybe some pre marriage counseling... If you feel like something is missing....it is. It may be difficult to discuss it and get her to go maybe, but it is going to be easier than divorce down the road. It is only going to be one of MANY difficult conversations over the years to come. I understand the friend thing---I do have friends, but many less "in person", "in real life" ones than I used to, and less than I have online. Now many of my online friends I have actually met, but we live so far apart---we stay in contact online. Over time, our interests, and lives have changed....and in the end very few of the friends were worth the effort I guess. I will tell you, my very best friend----we have been through highs and lows, and have such similar beliefs and life expectations---did not come into my life until my mid 20's. I have friends I have had longer, but none anywhere near as close. I was an adult when I chose this friend. Not a child. This friendship was based on adult needs and abilities---we were both parents when we met, we understood what come first. Childhood friends were made with immature expectations---and few lived up to them....as I am sure I didn't to theirs. I met my friend when we moved into an apt. complex next door to one another.....fate stepped in and give me one of the best things in my life. Point is----your life is just beginning.....be yourself. If it scares off the girlfriend----then it does. If it doesn't it will make you closer, because you can be yourself. Maybe she has some of the same fears. If being around the guys makes you feel like you are going to be an asshole---be one sometimes! Young men are supposed to be sometimes! Sometimes young women are too! We learn from those times! It is emotions trying to come out! Let them! Do you attend any support groups for brain injury? Have you thought of starting one? Speaking in places in relation to the injury? You are as Jacqui pointed out quite eloquent, and would educate many people that way. And also come into contact with people----anyone you come in contact with has potential to be a friend who will change your life...and you theirs. I am not Ivy league educated, nor incredibly successful,by many peoples standards, but I am extremely happy, and would be very saddened if my brother thought he was a failure being compared to me! I have serious doubts about whether I could have persevered as he has with his injuries---he impresses me daily! He is my brother----I love him, no matter what he does---he breaths, which is more than I thought he was going to be around to do! I hope you realize that just recognizing there are issues, is the first step into changing things! Good Luck!