LittleOleMeinFL

Janet~ It was nice chitchatting with you this morning early on FB. I forgot to tell you how the Paris thing happened. Well, we were planning on this FABULOUS family resort in Vermont. (mountains, condos with jacuzzi and fireplace in master, 7 lazy rivers, camp for kids and spa for parents). DH was just about to pay and he made a comment "we could go to Europe for this much!" I laughed at first, and then said "are you serious?" He said give me 15 min and if I can't find something we will just go with VT. Well, he found airfare & hotel for $500 less! AND.... since it's the Disneyland Paris Hotel- it also comes with free tickets to both parks for each day. Now, we aren't going for Disney but will go one day with the free tix. Plus the entrance is RIGHT in front of the hotel- so we could just pop in for 30 min. Also, guests get the park 2 hrs before it is open to the public!). We are also right near the metro and can be in downtown paris in 20 min. The rooms are bigger and the place is kid friendly. (they also have a spa!) We got EuroStar train tickets (the bullet one that goes under the water bridge) to London in 2 hrs. That way one day will be spent in London. I am excited. We haven't been anywhere since Quebec LAST anniv. in July. (We've spent EVERY week in NC) Buying some new clothes... for all 3 of us. Hey, what was the name of the suitcase you guys were ranting and raving about? Here's the photo of Nelson that I had made before he lost his first teeth! He has 3 loose ones, so I am really glad now that I got them taken. : ) More later... peasout.. Laura

Hi guys~ I posted last night, but just noticed it's not there. Hmmmmm.. not sure what's up with that. I've had a busy week with Nelson being in art camp and the usual play dates and taekwondo. I'm getting some last minute stuff for our Paris/London trip. I am getting EXCITED! Next week at this time we will be on the plane!!!!!!!!! Lori~~~ CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you! I am sure DD is thrilled! I guess they will just wait and watch the GB now? I vote for keeping the coloring. Nice to hear you are getting yard done. Apples~~~ Glad your DS came to see you! What a great surprise! Hope you are well! Linda~~~ Good luck with the relayforlife. My sis did the one in our home town in honor of my dad. It's a great thing. JulieB~~~ Hugs on the pain. I hope you get some answers at Mayo. I know you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Judy~~~ LOL at the grandkids comment! How are you? Cheri~~~ Ha ha about the purse on the top of the car! I have left my coffee there many times. ugghhhh, what a mess! ; ) Hi to everyone else! I can't remember past the page I can see right now. peasout.. Laura

Hey guys~ Just got caught up on everyone. Been busy this week. Nelson started his new art camp (they do other things besides art) and he loves it. nice change. Went to the Jupiter inlet yesterday after camp and the kids were swimming in the lagoon and a manatee came in and swam near them! The lifeguard said this only happens very rarely and it's when they are feeling peaceful. Nelson said it was the best day of his entire life! I had just been thinking to myself how tired I was and how much work I had to do at home, blah blah... and that one statement and event brought everything back to reality for me. Sometimes you just have to LIVE LIFE! It was a beautiful moment. Did I tell you guys we changed our plans for vacation? We were supposed to go to Vermont... and DH was about to book it and said "hell, we could go to Paris for this amount!" So, one thing lead to another... and we are going to Paris fpr a week. I just think foreign travel is one of the biggest gifts you can give kids. It makes memories that last forever! One of the days we will take the EuroStar train (underwater fast train) to London for a day. I am so excited I can hardly stand myself. I will pass out from stress if I realize I have only 10 days to get us ready!!! YIKES. Glad to hear Phyl and Janet had fun on their trip. Apples, you back yet? Lori, cool to hear about the info session and meeting the DD friend/nutri. Small world. Melissa, HUGS. Linda, great advice to everyone. : ) I need to go- someone is shooting fireworks again tonight and Nels just woke up freaking out. uggghhhhh. rednecks. The fireworks were 50% off at biglots today. more tomorrow... peasout... Laura

Eva~ Yeah we are around. DH isn't on call until Monday. We are having a cookout Sunday for Nelson and his best friend Nicholas and his parents. (the one whose dog died AND had a housefire last 4th of July). We are just grilling dogs and burgers, potato salad, lettuce/tom/onion, and chips for the kids. Swimming and sparklers. They are bringing dessert. Nick has a tough time with the 4th- b/c of fire. Hates loud noises and our neighborhood is pretty calm. They live in a neighborhood near a hood that is full of rednecks. It seems rednecks are the ones that spend their whole welfare check on $25 rockets! Tonight we have a SITTER! Our first date night in FOREVER! Going to movie and dinner. The gal who is coming is actually my cleaning girl. Her kids are in Brazil for two months with her mother and she was complaining of missing kids. I can cure that for her! ha. Figured out the gain and craving for sweets. Duhh. TOM came to visit a week early. I swear, one month he visits 2-3 times a month and then disappears for 3 months! Menopause is around the corner (I hope)! Feeling bloated and MS-ey (can't say PMS), but I will survive. Time to go get dressed for the date!!!! Love you guys---- wish I could write more. LOL, eva on the evap milk. My friend was helping an old lady move the other day and she had 4 cases of water and 3 cases of ensure with all the lids loosened b/c of her arthritis! GROSS. I think she was expecting a drought! peasout... laura

Happy Early 4th to everyone! Just a quick note to say hello. I imagine it will be a quiet thread this weekend. I hope everyone is happy and safe and enjoying the weekend. Last year I stayed clear of parties and picnics on these holidays. I finally feel brave enough. : ) Peasout........ Laura

Hey guys~ Safe travels to those who are out and about! We are staying close to home- the way I like it around holidays. We are having Nelson's best friend and his parents over for a cookout on Sunday. Last year on the 4th of July they had a house fire and lost almost everything. (a lamp shorted out in an upstairs bedroom). They all got out safely thanks to their dogs barking and waking them up, but the popping sound really traumatized the little boy. So, we won't do fireworks. She wanted him out of the house so he doesn't dwell on it. He still worries over things he lost in the fire. He wet himself (he's 6) in Walmart last week when the alarm went off. This is the same one who found his dog dead a while back. So it will be nice and laid back- grilling and swimming. These are not fussy people and they help themselves and help out. I am in serious need of some ME time!!! Nelson and I have been around each other for 7 days straight. (only break is sleeping!) I love my child dearly and will cherish this time- but Mama needs a break! ; ) He goes to art camp next week! Each day they use a different medium and have a different literature theme. I hope he likes it and doesn't get bored. I figured it would be a nice change from the sun and bugs. I am trying to switch things up this summer with a variety of camps. The last two years he just went to his school camp and did the same stuff every week. DH was on call last night and neither of us got much sleep. I have this deep hatred of beepers and cell phones!!! YAWN. I will write to each of you indiv this afternoon- just wanted to write while I had a moment to say hi! peasout.. Laura

Hi guys~ Nice to hear everyone checking back in. I got an update from the director of the camp. They offered a refund minus a 10% admin fee. (but I had gotten a 2nd t shirt for the 2nd week that we get to keep). They apologized for the oversights and said they would use this as an opportunity to improve things. So, I am pleased with the outcome. Nelson did LOVE feeding the stingrays and learning a lot about sealife. Apples~ your story about the your son's experience with the burn made me feel good about my decision. Sorry you had the loss despite eating "like a piggy". I know that is frustrating for you. I like your solution of mayo and butter this week. The weekend sounded like fun- all the parties. Julie~ glad you got the remodeling done. It will be nice when it's done. I know we felt great just after painting the whole inside. It took me a year to hang things back up b/c I had the guy fill in all the nail holes. (the only reason things were where they were, is b/c the previous owners left the nails). Janet~ Sorry you are so pooped from the weekend. Sounds like a doozie. Hope your GS's back is doing better. Lori~Glad you had a good weekend camping! Sounds like a wonderful time. ok guys, I have two active 6 year old boys running around my house! Might be time to swim. I will CBL.....peasout.. Laura

Good morning girls! Wow, Arlene, you were right! It has been a quiet this weekend! Arlene, happy you are going to LV! I really doubt I will be able to go : ( But won't know until it gets closer. We leave the week after that weekend for our Vermont Anniversary trip. But you never know... Once you guys depend on a name of the group, you should get shirts made! If you do- I will buy one too. : ) Ughhhh, this past weekend wasn't such a good food/exercise weekend for me. I am up 3 lbs today. I seriously doubt it is a full gain of 3, I had a lot of salty stuff. The other day when Nels had his friends here I ordered them pizza (still no threat for me- as it gets me stuck every time- so I never eat it), but I ordered 2- 20 oz. cokes. Well they didn't have the small ones so they brought me a 2 liter. I have NO idea why I felt like drinking it, but I would say I had 1 liter. Now, that's 500 calories or so. So NOT worth the calorie bucks. Would have rather had chocolate. Have you guys tried any of the skinny cow icecreams? They have chocolate icecream cones that 150 cal each. It has been my planned treat once a day for the last week. They usually REALLY do it for me. I have the boy home this week. I decided not to do camp. Them not applying sunscreen nor repellent was a deal breaker. Today will be a chill day, tomorrow have a play date planned here with his best friend Nicholas, and Wed will have a beach day. We've had a lot of togetherness : ) Yesterday we swam, played in the sand and went on a nature walk. Has anyone seen those kits for "sea monkeys"? (they've been around for forever b/c I had one has a kid). I bought it for Nelson and they hatched yesterday! He was so excited. Watching them made me itch, as they are basically water bugs. Phyl~ How's the new baby? I am sure he's keeping you busy! Judy~Congrats on the new camera! Digital is the only way to go. I have 3 of them. Love taking pics. Janet~ Hope you survived your weekend with the car drama. I know that a sleepless night kinda gets me out of whack. Julie~ Hope you had fun at the wedding. How ya feeling? Jewel~ I wished you HBD on FB, how did you celebrate? LadyKC~ it's hot hot hot here too. If you do go outside you have to LIVE in the water to survive. I will still take this anytime over snow. : ) Apples~ Are you back yet?! I promise this week to start an interesting topic- I will be thinking of one. : ) I spoke to my parents a little while ago. They are struggling this week. Although the great news of a negative PET scan is thrilling- it doesn't change how you are feeling in the moment. He still feels weak, has pain and the neuropathy keeps him from doing a lot of things. He is frustrated and down. I think they both underestimate how the change in their lives can cause situational depression. They both have periods of the blues. They refuse to talk to anyone. (I think Mom especially could benefit from talking to a psychologist). It's tough helping them. My mom called me Sat. night just crying her eyes out. I had a long talk with her and she was a bit better after, but she still breaks my heart. ok, I better go get some work done. DH is off today after being on call all weekend. Trying to keep the boy "out of his hair" so he can chill a little. : ) That's a tough one b/c all he wants to do is be with his daddy! CBL... peasout.. Laura

AAPB=American Association of Professional Bandsters IHTH Association= IM here to help association JP Incorporated= Janet's Possy FFG Inc.= Formerly Fat Girls Inc. LBT Inc.=Lap Band Talk It's too early for my creative juices. I will get back at ya on these. : ) On my way to taekwondo. DH left at 4am for a stat c-section and been there ever since. The summer solstice has all the women popping them out this month! will CBL..........peasout

Hi everyone~ I wrote a LONG post last night and I hit spell check and the whole computer went blank! ughhhhh! It was very nice and informative, commented on everyone, etc... Just use your imagination. ; ) Nelson was at the oceanographic camp for 4 days. He did like it and learned a TON! but.... Yesterday they went seining (fishing with a net) down near swamp and mangroves, and even though I sprayed him down with off he got eaten ALIVE! He is COVERED in bites! Then after all that they didn't reapply sunscreen for the 3rd day in a row and now the back of his neck is really burned. Then to top it off he was really dehydrated- they really were not insisting the kids drink water. So, kept him out of camp today and probably won't send him next week. I think I have reason and should get a refund. I hope everyone is ok. Sorry I missed Apples and the gang. I am happy she is going to LV! Wow, I really hope it works out that I can go. I won't know until closer to the time. My sister might start work and she is really the only one I could leave Nels with. I need to go get work done. Just wanted to say hi, albeit brief! will CBL. Peasout.............. Laura PS the photo is Hutchinson Island where the camp was! Hard life for a 6 yr old. : )

Just a fly by. Got someone here replacing my mailbox. I am having some vertigo symptoms...ughhhhhhhhh. I am hoping it passes. peasout.. Laura

Morning girlies! Nelson left for his 2nd day of camp. We are carpooling and he got into the other mom's car and didn't even look back! No hug/kisses! (trying to be a tough guy in front of the girls!) He's only doing a half day today b/c he needs a haircut, has his tutor and taekwondo. They also were going to the beach in the afternoon and he was freaking out about having to take a shower there. He takes a shower at home by himself but I am usually around and will tell him to re-rinse his head, etc. The anxiety of the beach was just so dramatic that I didn't want to push it. I spoke to my mom by herself last night, and she just cried and cried (joy/relief). She has been through so much as the primary care giver and is really exhausted. My Dad is already talking about wanting to start flying soon with his pilot friend. He wants to go to an inpatient rehab for a couple weeks to really focus on getting his strength back. I wish he had this motivation before- but hey, I will take it now. : ) DH and I have vacation in July (It's our annivesary, July 21, 2001) This will be the first vacation in a year that I don't feel I HAVE TO go to NC! (before felt so guilty and worried about each week being my last with my Dad). So, am looking into places to go! I think we want to go out of the country. Maybe somewhere in Latin America. We've been to Costa Rica. OR... South America is winter right now. Might be nice to escape the heat and go to Paraguay where I was in the Peace Corps!!! Time to look at flights/deals. Any ideas? Great~ Even in my size I like the fitted ones. I was wearing the PXL but now the regular XL are fine. My legs didn't grow, maybe I shrunk them..LOL. congrats on the concrete! Thanks guys for all the congrats on my Dad. It means a lot. Janet~ LOL.. I FELT like a glass of wine, but didn't actually have one! : ) I hear ya on the clothes you need to give away. Sometimes something just doesn't feel right and it has to go! My cat likes rolling in the dirt WHEN I let him out. He's 17 and isn't handling the heat too well. ok, time to get some work done! Have a great day!!!!!! Laura

Hello... just checking in... quiet day on here! Nelson survived camp (and me too, though it was a LONG day!!!) I voted to pick the kids up (carpooling with two others but couldn't wait another minute to see them!!!) sooooooo cute! LOVE LOVE LOVE the laughter of 6 year olds in the back seat eating M&M cookies!!!! : ) Apples~ WOW!!! Amazing before and after pic!!!! : ) So happy for you to be doing this for yourself. You deserve it. ALMOST FORGOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dad's pet scan was COMPLETELY negative!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is in remission!!!!!!!!!!! The oncologist said it is very rare but he is pleased and amazed. I think I now believe in miracles. Wow, what a glorious day! <dancing> I cried tears of joy for an hour after my parents called- still in shock! peasout... Laura

Good morning girls! I had a tough morning today. Took Nels to his first day of camp! (It's a sea life camp at the beach- sharks and stingrays today!!!) I was more anxious (by a mile) than he was. He went to camp the last couple summers but it was at his Montessori school (so it was the same place/same teachers). This is is first year going to a big kid camp- where he is one of the youngest kids (starts at age 6). Just getting out of wet/sandy clothes, changing, getting lunch, packing up all their stuff (without intervention). There are camp counselors but they have to be able to do everything on their own. I KNOW he will be fine- I just worry about him. Nothing worse than if you are hot/sweaty/wet and your underwear and shorts get rolled and tangled- trying to get them up. Heat index is near 100 and just worry about him drinking Water. I know... I know... he will be fine. I feel like I need a glass of wine or something! Well, I had said I was proud of my NOT gaining weight while I was in NC... well, I LOST 3 lbs!!! Perhaps it was all the stress... and I did eat pretty healthy. Will see check in a couple days before i change my ticker. I have soooo much to do today (cleaning, unpacking, shopping, etc) so probably won't get to the gym today and just too late to walk outside now. (but I vow to go tomorrow after I drop him off at camp!) I didn't get much done this weekend as I spent most of it trying to give DH some "down time" the last two days of his vacation after the stressful week in NC. We had a great Fathers Day. The boys had an early morning swim and then cooked two of DH's favorite meals. Lunch: Grilled ground lamb kebabs, hummus, grilled pita, greek salad, stuffed grape leaves. Dinner: Grilled chicken, sliced homegrown tomatoes, Pasta with garlic/parsley/yogurt. I didn't have bread and had 1/4 cup of the pasta and just that little bit bothered me! Felt full/stuck/pain for 2 hrs after. No PB but was not comfortable (I guess it just swelled up after I ate). I looked at some of the places you mentioned for Vegas. Nice! I like the ones that have the kitchen, etc. It works out nice to have fridge for water/yogurt,etc. I am working on it- hope I can make it. :thumbup: Phyl~sorry to hear that puppy didn't work out. From what I hear, it is best that you stuck to your gut instinct. The right one will come along. Janet~ I hear ya on the shopping! I can't wait to be at a place where no more clothes to give away- and have what you need. : ) I am sooo proud of you! Eva~ safe travels! Arlene~ Sorry to hear about the reaction to carbs. Switch it up and should balance out. Linda!~ wow, the sales sounded fabulous! WTG! Apples~ Are you back yet?! hugs. LauraK~ Happy travels! ok guys, going to get my work done! I will CBL tonight. peasout... Laura

Hello~ I am home!!! Thanks for the safe travels... I think?! Were y'all talking to me or LauraK. (I have been confused lately when I check posts from phone- can't tell which Laura you are talking to.):smilielol5: Vegas,,, did someone say Vegas?! Oct 16-20 I will be in San Diego with DH. But Oct 1 I might be able to do. Would be tricky- won't know until DH's schedule out. If he's working then couldn't come unless I bring Nelson. AND...... Las Vegas is not kid friendly in my opinion. Actually I haven't been to LV since I traveled there to see a famous infertility specialist. I had two of my IVFs there. (so I sorta have bad memories). Maybe it would be good to substitute them for great memories with great friends! If my sister still isn't working maybe she could come stay with him... or I could bring her. Hmmmm.. I will work on it. It has been pretty quiet! I am usually so overwhelmed with posts to catch up on and you guys made it EASY! I've been unpacking/grocery shopping/Father's Day shopping for DH. Also took the boy out the whole day (playdate movie- Toy Story 3/Chuckie Cheese) to give DH some alone time. (after a week in NC with my nutty family he needed some down time!) Not sure what kind of time I need!:thumbup: This time home I did REALLY good with food. Every a.m. I did my protein shake, did VERY little for lunch and then ate a normal dinner. I did a lot of the cooking, so I had control of fat content. I didn't gain/didn't lose. I am content with the not gaining lately. It's not good. But it is what it is. I need to get back on the losing wagon. I feel like a broken record- been saying that for months. Sigh. Gonna do some shout outs by memory: Janet~ WTG on the gym and glad you had fun with the family! Apples~ Hope you are doing well. I guess you are lake bound and surviving some more dental stuff. Julie~ Last I read you were doing a little better and waiting on 2nd opinion and busy with DD wedding. Oh yeah and fixing a lot of meals for reunion and such. Hope things are looking up for you. Phyl~ loved the pics of your grandpup! Hugs on uncle. How are you feeling? did they re-scan the band? I think you wrote you had more restriction now. Hope that is all well. Lori~ Congrats on gym membership!!! Glad your house is coming along. Eva~ Hope your party goes well. Glad you had a nice visit with sis. Camping? Empty house? Will there not be electricity and running water? Or is sleeping on airbed considered camping these days..LOL. Joyce~ congraaaaats on onderland!!!!!!!!!!!! Arlene~sounds like you did good on shakes and are now introducing carbs. wtg! Linda~ thanks for all the thoughts : ) Hope you had a good girls' weekend!!! Jessica~ Hope you are getting out of your in between semester funk. Sorry to hear about BM probs with your son. 99% of time time this has a psych component. Perhaps it is stress from leaving your MIL's house? Does he get to see them? Is he missing the routine of school? what is he doing this summer, any camps? Create a positive and peaceful environment and support the heck out of him. The harder you push the issue- the worse it usually gets. Even those audible sighs and rolling the eyes is enough to let him know you are disappointed. I know it is tough- hang in there. Try LOTS of positive reinforcement. I bribed the crap out of Nelson (pun intended!). He got a 4 wheeler (battery operated) the first time he pooped on the potty!. Time to get dinner ready! I will CBL............. peasout! Laura

Hey guys~ A bit of an update, Dad doesn't have the results of his PET scan yet. His oncologist went on VACATION this week!!! They wanted him to wait until Monday. I was shocked that my dad agreed. Perhaps he isn't really ready for the results?! Everyone is a bundle of nerves around here. My Mom is having back pain and sciatica. (she's had it for a couple weeks but worse the last 4 days). I took her to her dr yesterday. They did xrays and gave her some pain meds and a medrol dose pack and will start some PT. If it's not one thing.... it's another. We go home in the a.m.! I am ready to go home. I want DH to at least have a couple days to chill before he goes back to work. Thanks for all the concern and thoughts. Hugs to you all. Will catch up soon!!! peasout.... Laura

You guys have been soooo busy! Fly by from NC. Dad had the PET scan on Monday and the results should be in ANY hour. We are all a bunch of nerves. Dad looks good though and has more energy and can wall around without cane or wheelchair. I have been busy helping my mom and watching Nelson. DH has been AWESOME at everything. He is the best. He has been fixing things, tweaking computers and electronics and visiting with my Dad. I have been ok with food this trip. Doing shakes ALWAYS for breakfast. That helps. ok guys. Promise to catch up one day. HUGS to you all. Know that I miss you. xoxoxoxo Laura peasout!!!

Hey guys~ Definite night for a flyby. My boy graduated today from kindergarten! Where has the time gone?! I was so emotional today and just so darn proud of the little man he is turning out to be. We had the graduation party today and it went well. Kobe beef burgers, hotdogs, potato salad, caesar salad, blackbean salad, salsa and chips, cake and icecream. I had a proten shake for bf, protein bar for lunch, 2 bites of a hotdog and had pain and had to stop eating. (I stopped before I PBed- I am getting better!) Before I ate I had two drinks though...:frown: Chocolate martinis. Now I am not usually a fan but these were GOOD. I promise to catch up with the threads tomorrow. I glanced through them but not well enough to comment. Hi to you all and thanks for being you. : ) peasout... Laura

Just a flyby today. DH was on call last night, we had super duper thunderstorms, and Nelson didn't sleep much.(which means I didn't sleep) SIGH. Now the pool area is a bit of a mess. The screen keeps most out, but when it rains hard the gravel stuff comes off the roof shingles. (Dark gray gravel on a beige cooldeck top). Meeting with the principal at the public school in our district at 12Noon- to see if it will be a good fit for Nels. Decisions decisions.... will CBL~ hi everyone! peasout...Laura

Hi guys~ I just caught up on the posts. I needed a few days break from the computer. My new thing is, I can't go online if I don't get my exercising in. Let's see if it works. : ) As you can tell since I am posting, I went to the Y this morning. (even with a cold) Janet~ The resort looks amazing! I viewed the video and it makes me want to go! I think the family will enjoy it and as you said, you will make memories. Make an appointment with one of the photographers. (most of those places have several on staff for weddings and reunions and such) Get a family photo on the beach. (maybe in all white for girls and khaki and white for guys). if you can get DIL away from buffet. :thumbup: Glad you like your new hairdresser. I am seriously thinking of switching. I love my girl (in a year she lost 150 lbs and now runs marathons- so she is very inspirational and supportive) but technically she isn't that great. Julie~ hugs. so sorry you are having such pain. Don't listen to the negativity about the 2nd opinion. I tell people to get a 3rd, 4th or even 5th opinion until you are satisfied. I think Mayo is a great idea. If you have a flexible schedule then have them put you on the cancellation list and you will get in sooner. There has to be an answer and solution to your problem. I agree on catering DDs wedding. It's ok. You will be able to enjoy it more. Apples~Thinking of you and hope you are healing well. We miss your smiling comments and junking up the thread. I promise to think of a great thread idea upon your return. : ) Eva~ That is HOT there! Do you only have the swamp cooler or an AC too? Hope the pilates helps. I know you are frustrated having the back and foot issues. Did you make it to the japanese place for your date yet? Jessica~ LOVED the pics of your son's graduation! sooo cute! My guy has his on the 11th. I am sure I will cry! Congrats on the tattoo. Lori~ Glad you are moved and settled in. Sorry to hear your new church wasn't all you hoped for. Give them another Sunday and if it's not better, find another. Hope the fence gets done pronto. I just have to hear the pp stories to make me glad we didn't get a puppy. yikes. new carpet. Arlene~ wtg on exercise. lol about the shakes during hurricane! I never thought about it but you are right. phyl~ OMG.... sorry to hear about your BS results. But I know you must feel physically better after the unfill. Being too tight is the pits. (and the scarier part is the possible complications with reflux etc.) I hope the repeat one shows improvement. Do they have you on liquids or soft? It must be so scary. Hang in there. I am thinking about you. Sorry about your DS too. Judy~ congrats on the part. glad the OA thingy was inspirational. you are so right, it's not about the food. Love your quote too about retirement. Linda~ Loved hearing about your camping weekend. I would love to do that too. Just be carefree and travel. ahhhh. I know I am missing a few, sorry. Hi to everyone else. CRS is creeping in. (other than coffee, I haven't had anything today) I need to go make a shake. Busy week before we go to NC. This weekend I pressure washed the lanai/pool area. (DH helped some). Had to take all the patio furniture out, sweep/vacuum first. Then after PW had to clean pool bottom. I tried to clean our old grill but in the end talked DH into a new grill. We went to Lowe's Saturday night and bought one! (yes, and exciting life!). The other one besides looking bad had holes where the gas comes out and burns the food if you aren't really careful. So, by having the grad party here I got a clean pool area and a new grill! I ALMOST got patio furniture and decided to wait until sales at season's end. Now have to do food shopping towards end of the week. And decide whether to buy or make the cake for the grad party. Oh, I ordered a party pack of handprint clay kits for the kids. They can put their name with these letter stamps and can decorate it with mosaic tiles around the edges. I thought it would be cute to have from their kindergarten graduation day. 10 kits were like $28. I might print out one of those handprint poems: My Handprints There used to be so many Of my finger prints to see On furniture and walls and things From sticky, grubby me. But if you stop and think awhile You’ll see I’m growing fast These little moments disappear You can’t bring back the past. So here is a small reminder To keep, not throw away Of tiny hands and how they looked To make you smile someday. awwwwwwwww... peasout.. will CBL... laura

I see everyone hanging out today! Wish there was a way to make a group chat on LBT. : ( Janet~ You are soooo right. I know it. I am trying. Did not feel like going to the gym today- beautiful breezy and sunny. I MADE myself go for a walk 2 miles (my block is exactly one mile around). I did it briskly (finished in like 25 min)- wore my HR monitor and got up to 140. I wanted to get some sun and I made myself do sit ups and leg lifts. Swam some, but pool is not really lap friendly. Pressure washed the lanai/deck some. Showered and went grocery shopping. Did all this before 11, so am feeling pretty darn proud of myself. Phyl~ OMW... thinking of you and your DS! Amazing how medical conditions get interpreted by the lay public. Glad it was "only" heat stroke and not cardiac/stroke. Gosh, keep us informed. And so sad about your niece. I hope that A-hole gets what he deserves. Apples~ welcome home. Good luck on your dental stuff tomorrow. You are braver than I am. Hell, I can barely handle the whitening. It really is irritating to the gums. I did 3 nights on and had to take 2 off. Bought a new toothbrush, the Oral B Triumph professional series. $$$ but worth it. If anyone has any gum issues, the new electric toothbrushes are a million times better for you. They go ground and vibrate without having to saw your gums off. I really have to thank you Apples, b/c of you I went to the dentist and had been putting it off for a while. : ) Cake ideas...hmmmm. There are two boys and two girls coming. So, I might do two small ones. I was thinking of actually sticking some toys in them- a JD one maybe with chocolate icing and choc shavings can be the dirt. And then something pink and put some barbies? that's as far as I got. I am also still stuck on a graduation present. I do like the menu Janet gave me. Nels just wants crunchy cheetos. LOL. Have fun at the lake. I hear you on the people who never host. That's why I am not inviting all the graduating kids (there's only 14, but still- the other parents NEVER invite just show up and eat/drink). Eva~ Holy canoly you had me laughing about the unibrow. Oh! Lawd have mercy! Makes you want tie them up and wax 'em real quick! Judy~ soooo sad bout that baby. Really makes me cry when babies die. I remember my first time as a Trauma NP having to tell a mother her baby was dead. That cry is something I will never ever forget. Glad you are getting a lot from OA. Great~ congrats on the move and getting settled in! I can only imagine how hard that was saying goodbye to your kids. hugs. MLW~ welcome and congrats on your surgery!!! You have done a great job so far! You will have daily fluctuations and can't be concerned (also with your TOM I bet you had a lot of Fluid retention). I think your calories are low, but as long as you are doing what your dr advises. Are you still on liquids? Tell us more of what you are eating/drinking. This isn't a sprint race- it's a life changing jog. Keep up the good work. Cheri~ your school doesn't have AC? really?! OMW... I would die. I volunteered yesterday to read to the older kids in the class- was there 2.5 hrs sitting in the garden and sweated like a liter! You teachers are tough! : ) BTW, not sure if I told you that your photos are amazing! Really really have changed a lot! WTG. I am on my crappy little laptop. DH ordered a new computer but still has to build it to his specs. I am always afraid I am going to lose a post with this tiny keyboard- one wrong key and it's over! LOL. I think i will post before that happens. Oh, spoke with Dad and they are postponing the PET scan a couple weeks b/c they want to make sure it is an accurate scan. Too early and it can be a false positive if there is still cancer but it is suppressed by the chemo still in system. He is bummed he has to wait. He asked if we still wanted to come that week. Duh. yeah! So, we will still be going up that week and then I will return 2 weeks after for the scan. I wish he felt up to some traveling, would love to take him to the beach or something. He's really having a rough week- weak, dizzy, legs swollen. I also think he is depressed. Mom said he is real quiet. He refuses to talk to anyone- such a guy thing. ok guys, have a happy day. CBL...peasout. Laura

Janet~ yeah, I have tons of GF but none that I could do the ck thing with. : ) I have MANY who are complete health nuts and go to the gym all the time. (never at time I go though)- hell would miss their own wedding not to miss their workout, if you know what I mean. They remind me in many ways of your trainer not getting the food addiction. They just never had the problem. Then I have a TON of friends who GET both (food addiction and not liking to exercise), but sadly none of them have decided to get on the boat with health lately. M (the mother of Nick/ nels' BFF) and I used to work out every morning at the Y together (2 yrs ago). She move in with the father of her son. He is 6ft 3 and 350-375 - a TANK and eats like a horse. She doesn't cook and they eat out A LOT. (not healthy places either) They like IHOP, Cracker Barell, BBQ places, Wings and beer,etc. Since they moved in together she has gained 30 or so (she was 230-40 before)and can barely wear a lot of her clothes. She keeps saying she wants to start working out again but won't make a firm plan so I stopped asking. My DH said he would make a fund for something I want that is purely extra, like a bag or jewelry. He will put $20 in every time I go to the gym and nada if I don't. Not sure it will have the same impact. : ) ~~~Yeah, think I will wait on the puppy thing. I know how much work they are, and it doesn't always cancel it out in how cute they are..LOL. I wish you could just rent a dog for a weekend every month. Maybe that would be enough for me. ~~Nels had been asking to go to BeniHana for weeks now (Japanese restaurant where they cook in front of you). So DH had made res. for today @530. I was just lovely. We had a waterview table and the other two couples were nice, but just like us weren't really interested in chit chat with them. Just felt like enjoying my gin and tonic and my boys and the view. Nels was so hungry he ate his whole bowl of chicken fried rice and asked for mine! I had only eaten 4 tiny bites, so I scraped maybe 3 more bites onto my plate and gave it to him. He just smiled! Thanks mommy, you are the best!!! (I didn't need/want it anyways) Then when his entree part came he was full. But it will be a perfect meal for him tomorrow. It's one of the only doggy bags I get, b/c he loves it so. I had mainly just protein. gave DH half of my seafood lovers one. (had lobster tail, colossal shrimp, and scallops) It was perfect and delicious. I love the ginger/onion dipping sauce. Their food is heavy though and doesn't always agree with me. They use too much sesame oil and garlic butter. but it tastes sooooo good. : ) ~~I did ok with food this weekend. Didnt do great, but did not go out of control. It was like a main.day. Sometimes you know you just can't do the low low calories. I've been having too many of these days lately. I need to get back at exercise consistently. I am proud that I have not gained even one pound here lately. Crsti~~Good luck with your surgery tomorrow! We don't know much about you yet, but know that we will anxiously await your return to tell us how you did. We've all been there- so when you have questions, just throw them at us. Eva~hope your back is ok. I don't get that great connection and pride by planting stuff. I get dirty nails and a sore body. ; ) My landscaper loves me (not that way..LOL) but he enjoys his job and will talk with me about my plants and plans anytime. The Vegan BBQ sounds weird but interesting. Like grilled veggie burgers and veggie kabobs? How did it go? Great~ Saw ur FB post, so I know you are alive! Glad the move is over. Glad you are safe and sound. Enjoy getting settled. We miss you. : ) Apples~ We miss your smiling face and witty repertoire. Hope you had a fab time at the lake. Take some pics next time if you didn't this time!!! I might need a cake idea from you. Nelson's kindergarten graduation is the 11th. After the ceremony we are having a party at my house. 5 of the other kids who are graduating and their parents. one set of grandparents (b/c I can't be rude) Started as just come over for a beer and let the kids swim. Now it's.... decorations and a menu. I still want to keep it low key. It's for the KIDS, they are happy with a bowl of chips and a candy bowl! I also want to get a grad present that they can keep forever, like a frame with place for hand print and grad photo. I need to do some research online for that. ok... now I am finally getting sleepy. I was staring at the ceiling for an hour and finally got up. Hope I can fall asleep. Talk to you guys tomorrow. peasout, Laura

Hi guys~ I took a break from FB and LB for a day or two. We are also having tons of technical difficulties around here! Our DSL sucks and we are switching to cable internet. DH has spoken to them almost daily for a week trying to fix the problems. Then our computer died BIG TIME- thought it was just the power source but both hard drives are dead. DH is a big geek and builds his own computers, etc. When he says it is not fixable, it really really isn't. Everything was backed up thank God. We have a backup drive for the back up drive. Also the timer on the pool filter/heater is on the fritz. 3 should be all for now. Dh took Nels to see Shrek and I am enjoying the afternoon serenity. Life's simple pleasures. : ) Took a nice long bath, drank all my Water, and now catching up here and with emails. My 15 year old cat, Ricky, is snoring really loud. His arthritis has been bothering him- having a hard time jumping on the bed. Otherwise he seems ok. He's just worrying me lately. Janet~ your weekend sounds good. Love the idea with the cks. I wish I had someone here to do that with. It is all about the accountability. Phyl~ Hope you are feeling better. I hope that is all it is and that the esoph. test comes out ok. Coughing and hoarseness was one of my first signs of reflux, so best to be careful. Meredith~ So proud of you and how well you are doing. I will have to agree with Simon Janet on this one- it's not how you lose the weight, but how you keep it off. Be very careful with being that tight. It's really dangerous especially if you are having heartburn. I understand your urgency- I was that way too near my one year. It doesn't matter if it takes you one year and a month- really. Hugs. Just be careful. Eva~ How can your DH not find a beer he likes at Albertsons? Does he only drink really exotic ones? You guys have me craving ribs. The reading sounds fun- wish I had more quiet time to do that. Makes me jealous. enjoy. : ) How is your back now that you are home and settled? Yikes re: the alarm. Jessica~I can't remember where you said u were getting your tattoo. I have so many friends that got one when they were young and now in their 40s and 50s are regretting them. Some paying big $$$ to get them removed. So chose wisely. As a professional, do want to make sure it is somewhere you can cover it up. OK all you dog lovers... I've got puppy fever. My friend whose son's dog died a month ago just got a new husky puppy. OMG... it's the cutest thing. I don't really like those kind of dogs- also think it is cruel to have them in FL- too hot. I want a dog, but just worry that the little bit of free time I have will be swallowed up by a dog. I think it would be good for Nelson to grow up with the responsibility of a dog, but at 6 maybe he is too young. Just throwing it out there. Enjoy the holiday. Eat healthy and in moderation! Love you guys!!! peasout..... Laura

Karen~ Uh, duh. I just saw my name. How did I miss that you didn't miss me?! I am having a blond morning. And Apples did such a good job at saying exactly what I would have said. Since I don't have anything witty or inspirational, I will just say ditto. : ) No plans this weekend. Just have family time, swim, hang out. Everything gets so crowded around here on holidays (since it is a vacation destination), that it's easier and more fun to just stay home. Today I have teacher conferences, tutor, TKD, and going out to dinner with my boys. Today I am doing laundry and organizing. I wish I had a container store near me. When I lived in Miami and Atlanta I love love loved that store!!!! http://www.containerstore.com/welcome.htm Happy Thursday guys!!! peasout... Laura

Apples~ What am I, chopped liver?! LOL! kidding. Have fun! wanted to post while I saw you still on. Drive safe and enjoy. : )