ladykcusa

Arlene - good luck to Jacob on his bars and I'd also love to see pix of his calf competition. JC

Cheri - sounds like a very busy week for you. I treasure the time we had together to get acquainted in LV. What a dedicated teacher you are. Your life will make a difference in all those students who share the classroom in your school. Jewell - Wow - you look wonderful and love those sexy shoes. Way to go on the grades. Keep up the great work. Phyl - loved the story of your Dad helping with the children and the "more than challenging" move. I can't even imagine. It explains why you are such a self-sufficient, strong lady. And you sense of humor, makes it delightful to be around you. I agree, wish I'd had more time to share with each gal individually. Janet - nice that you could be there to support your friend. And how wonderful that Andrew can always count on you. Julie - hope that tens unit does the trick for you. Laura - I love being in the house alone, but constantly check alarm at night. Karen - Even the alarm would not help you with ppl knocking on the door carrying guns requesting to hunt on your property. Very frightening. Would like to see the new Facebook movie today, but way to nice to be inside. Think I'll take Gizmo to the park and we can walk together. Hugs to all. Joyce

Sandy - great news about your pup pup. They are our babies, as Karen said. Mine is at the groomer this morning, so I have free time. Chris - looking forward to having you as a fellow bander. Good advice from the other gals about getting prepared with the right foods before hand. Julie - glad you will have the tens unit to help with pain. Laura - we are all here to cheer you up while hubby is away. I'm sure you will stay busy with Nels and speak with hubby daily. Heading out for errands and nail appt.

Welcome Neen. Congrats on your success and so nice to have you join us. Loved all the conversation about lobster - mmm....my favorite. I'm sure Lori will have a great time. Loved her suggestion of having her DH work on Karen's farm and the two girls could travel. Beautiful fall day in K.C. Took Gizmo for a long walk.

Cheri - hope you get good rest tonight. Arlene - that trainer sounds like just what I need. No worry about me taking that recipe. Could not even find the pan to cook it in.

Continuing to benefit from all that was shared in LV. Made new grocery list today and a master list of changes that I will incorporate into my life. Had lunch with fellow bander at a Japanese restaurant and actually tried sushi. (I know Jodi - I failed to try it in LV). Will use that as my protein -- THEN I DON'T HAVE TO COOK. Yippee Adapt, adapt........ Will use popcorn as snack in the evening (if needed) and find Bolt salad dressing. Karen suggested hard boiled eggs as an ever present snack. Watch amount of sugar in foods. Journal again and educate myself on calorie, carbs, etc in foods that work for me. Buy prepared chicken in deli dept and eat with salad for lunch.. Hope some of these hints will help others who were unable to attend - or refresh ideas for those who need to punch up their weight loss. Thank you to everyone for tips. JOyce

No luck for me either on the options area. But not that hard to set the color each time. Stopped after dinner (out) to pick up envelopes for the pix. Labels are ready and all will be in mail tomorrow. Dinner: Jason's deli Protein - turkey (they served it in a bowl for me) salad - lightly dipped in ranch dressing (sparingly) and ate variety of non-starchy vegetables. nothing to drink with meal working with all the hints I received on this wonderful trip changes will be made

Phyll - you are right - yours was a cosmo, sorry I forgot. Sandy - that new bra sounds like a great foundation. Keep up the good work. Arlene - sadly I missed the poop conversation, but it is not an issue for me. Went to costco this afternoon and made copies of pictures (rather than a CD or DVD) and made address labels for each of you. Hubby will take them to the office tomorrow for postage and mail them. Watch for them. Easy to see - a good time had by all. Beautiful weather in K.C. Gizmo had his teeth cleaned today and now has better doggie breath, and I have $450 dollars less in my bank account. Good thing I didn't lose more in Vegas. Sending hugs to all. Joyce

What a blast. Thanks, Janet, for planning and to Eva for resort suggestion. Lovely little resort with very friendly staff. Weather was cooler than expected - but, best of all, the ladies. A great group of women and so nice to finally meet them. Picked up lots of tips: 1. Stay away from starchy vegetables. 2. Avoid eating out. 3. Kashi Go Lean - for Snacks and Fiber 4. Exercise 5. Undergarments for smooth line and attractive smooth line in clothing. 6. Focus on Protein and vegetables 7. Stay connected to your doctor I'm sure there were more hints - but I know Janet and others are always here to help. Next time I will take a journal to write tips as they are discussed. Thanks, Jodi, for the booklet from e-diets with tips on eating out. It will be in my purse. A big thank you to Jodi and Jeff for all they arranged for us. Really made the trip, extra special. Arrived home about 5:30 pm last night. Hubby and Gizmo both glad to see me. Up early this morning as Gizmo had dental appt. Laura - so sad to hear of tragedy in your community. Congrats to Nels on becoming Purple Dragon. LauraK - Phyl wanted me to order long island ice tea for her, but I cautioned against it since we were sitting on such HIGH stools. One of those and I'd be falling off the stool. But we toasted you with wine. Melissa - so happy to hear your job is going better and that you are feeling better. Jewel - congrats on grades. You are an outstanding young lady. It was a wonderful weekend. Great memories.

Nice to hear from everyone. All getting healthier and thinner in Kansas City. Let's keep working toward our goals. Joyce

Julie - I'm impressed that you can keep track of what when we are arriving. Wow. I usually sleep until 9:30 and stay up late, but with the time change, I might be right on track with coffee on the patio with early risers. Having a shake and coffee, then will finish dressing. Dog sitter will arrive in 1/2 hour and hubby soon after to take me to the airport. Safe travels to all. See you soon. Hugs to all who can't join us this time. The cruise sounds inviting.

Judy - thanks for the offer of bail. I have your number in my phone. Laura - we will all miss you and wish you good luck on your new job. Arlene & Phyl - sorry to hear you each had problems with burgers. I'm still too afraid to try any kind of bread. Best, I stay that way. Sandy - hopefully you will join us next time. sleep well ladies.

Wow - the excitement is building. Clubbing to me has to do with killing seals in the artic. Remember ladies, I'm the very senior member. However, if Phyl says yes, I'll give it a try. Thanks Jodi, for the limo and all arrangements. Can't believe how hot it is there. Perfect 80 degree days and 60 degree nights in K.C. right now. Dog sitter arrives @ noon tomorrow and I'll leave for airport @ 12:30. Boarding pass is printed and I even updated all info with the airlines so they can contact me with changes via text on cell. Jodi - sorry about the sliming. I'm still having difficulties and pray that flying doesn't make it worse. Will take Karen's advice and take it easy. Julie & Cheri - my last name begins with a "C" - just to be sure there are no problems at check in. Altho, I'll be waiting for you, so don't worry about it.

Cheri - life is keeping you very busy. This vacation is just what you need. Will be waiting for you at the resort.

And I third the statement. Wish all could be there. I remember reading all about the trip to Florida in February before I was banded.

LauraK and Linda - thanks for asking about kids issues. Actually I was unable to sleep last night too b/c more s#@t hit the fan last night. Linda - I agree, I thought this time in life was to be peaceful. Time for me to find a yoga retreat again and OOOMMMMMM all day long. Spend time in meditation and silence. It allows me to center and regain mental/emotional balance. Finished packing for Vegas. Yippee.

Lori - so sorry for the inconvenience. We'll have to talk about issues we have had with cc fraud when we meet. Just a reminder to all, if you plan to use your cc while traveling, best to call the credit card company and let them know. I'm calling right now.

Bander - I felt EXACTLY like you after surgery. What did I do???? Will I ever be able to eat again? What will I be able to eat? I was banded 2-22-10. That puts me 7 months ahead of you. We are re-learning how to eat in a healthy manner. The band helps us with portion control. Be patient and follow your doctors instructions. Lots of information here with wonderful ladies who are on the same journey. Good luck to you, sweetie.

Karen - hugs, hugs.....I'm so very sorry about the confrontation with your son. I have no words, except we all love you and support you.

Lori - great news about sentence for the car jackers. And very sad about your GF's daughter's death. Karen - an evening of dancing was just what you needed. Time to let loose and play. As adults, we sometimes forget to play. What a bunch of driving you did too. Wow. Laura - so sorry to miss you this time in LV. Will meet you next trip. Arlene - got your text - and loved speaking on the phone this morning. New future DIL sounds wonderful. Julie - hope you enjoyed your neck rub this morning. Lots of reading to catch up. Busy ladies. I went to the Plaza Country Club Plaza | The Country Club Plaza: Kansas City’s Premiere Entertainment District for lunch and met a step sister who I've not seen for a couple years. It was lovely and ate outside under a big umbrella. May pack tomorrow - getting excited.

Karen - feel I may be facing some of the same issues with our son who will be moving to K.C. mid October. It has already begun. Sometimes we need "seat belts" to travel thru our lives. lolol So sorry you have had such heart ache. Julie - sounds like you have wedding under control. Well done on sharing your mad money to help out DD & DF. Lori - enjoy you dinner out tonight with DH.

Jodi - I'd love to have breakfast together and visit while we wait for the others to arrive. I sleep late & usually have breakfast at the crack of 10.

Melissa - We own two companies. When the new employee starts, we want to be comfortable with their skill level and motivation. We begin to assign responsibility as we become comfortable with their motivation and skill level. Relax - breathe deeply and give this new situation time. They need to gain confidence in you - and you need to learn respect for them (if they deserve it). If they don't deserve respect, focus on what advantages for your family are received from this job. Then, look for another job, while you are employed. This economy has left many people under-employed. It is a wonderful thing to be able to pay your bills and support your family. Sending my very best for your future. Please be patient.

Cheri & Arlene - I can remember being anxious about traveling alone. Now I will travel alone to Guam or Bangkok or Bali. Sometimes become anxious about language barrier. We can't understand the gate change announcements in USA. But there are soooo many nice people, if you just ask for help. Breathe deeply and relax -- you CAN do this and the end result will be worth it. See you both soon.

Linda - I'm staying at the resort all 4 nights. OMG, Janet - such drama. Sorry about the drama and it is the same kind of drama I'm facing with two of our children. #%$@ grrrr.....