Lap BAND GROUPIE

2/9/12 Dear LBG...Waiting For The Sweet Spot

2012-02-09T22:06:00.000-05:00

Next question...

I was banded on Fall, 2011. Pre-surgery I lost 25 lbs. Post surgery 14. Unfortunately, I haven’t lost anything since the first two weeks post surgery. I’ve had two fills, the first Jan 4th (hoped this would help with the hunger and start the New Year off right) and a second on Jan 23rd. I haven’t felt restriction after either fill. The doctor said after the second fill that it may take a while to get there because I had a lower BMI and may need more fluid to find that ‘sweet spot’. That being said, he is very cautious (not sure if that is the right word) about fills. He does about .5 cc at a time. I feel like I’m going to be back and forth with him forever to get there.

When there isn’t restriction, how to you keep on track with portion size? I find myself falling back to ingrained habits, ie: don’t leave food on your plate, don’t throw anything away, we don’t eat left overs so finish it tonight, etc. I also find myself taking bigger bites and hurrying to look for the next item. It is so frustrating. Even as I eat I’m scolding myself for doing it. It seems so stupid to know I’m screwing up but to continue to do it.

Should I be pushing the doctor for another fill or do I have to buckle down and fight through this time? I have seen progress, I’m just afraid that waiting for the next fill, March 7th, leaves me too much time to mess things up. I started attending Zumba classes twice a week and love them. I haven’t figured out how to fit more exercise time in and still be a good mom. My son is 5 and I hate taking time away from him to attend classes. Guilt is a lovely thing.

Sorry, this got to be a lot longer than anticipated. Thanks for the advise. It is appreciated.
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First things first…you need to hear this…you have a Band, BUT…it's NOT working…YET. I know you know this, but I need you to really GET this and understand that what you're going through/feeling is a completely normal part of the journey.

You've done something huge in getting WLS, you did your part in losing weight before surgery, you felt the restriction just post-op and got a taste of what the Band can do, you made it through Bandster Hell and followed the rules for the most part (while starving to death). Now you want results, you're ready and want to do your part, BUT the Band isn't helping you yet and sheer willpower and your resolve are starting to wane…things suddenly feel like they always did before, we get discouraged and we start to return to our old ways.

We're told that we get the Band and as we start to get fills that we'll have more and more restriction. Something no one prepares us for is how long that might take (and what should we be doing in the mean time), how different each Doc's 'fill schedule' is, and how different each person is with restriction/fills…not to mention that we actually have a choice on how tight to keep our Bands! Yep, even with all my 'almost OCD' research pre-op, I had no clue how variable and important all this would be to success. The only thing that I did expect is that I had put my expectations low so I wouldn't get discouraged…my goal was to have good restriction 'before the holidays' (7 mo. post-op).

Many Banders gain weight during this period. Some get so discouraged waiting (some more than a year) for restriction and get so ashamed of their weight gain or slow loss, that they stop going for fills. Some even have Docs that make them feel ashamed that they aren't losing more weight, and some have Docs who tell them they should be feeling restriction when they don't…it's no wonder some Banders throw in the towel before they even get the Band working for them.

After my first fill and no restriction (I had no fill at surgery), I thought that (after our post-op healing period) that the long wait between fills and the differences between Doc's in their schedules was ridiculous. Let me say here that I didn't know then that some Banders have delayed restriction after fills that takes up to a month before restriction shows up, so some wait between fills is necessary. I've seen some Docs who are too aggressive and others that are way too conservative…some treat every patient with the same schedule and others it seems like they only respond if you're not losing…those of us that are keeping our weight in check on our own have to convince the Doc that the Band isn't helping. I had a plan for how to approach my Doc about where I was and what I needed…convincing your Doc that he can trust your input will help you to work like a team and hopefully get you to the right fill quickly (I was lucky to have good Doc's along the way).

I called and got a second fill sooner than I was originally scheduled and 'thought' I felt a tiny bit of restriction (not). I went in for my third fill as soon as they'd let me and I had some restriction after the third fill. Once again, this journey is all about the choices we can make along the way, and the results or consequences. Before great restriction…You can diet. You can work out more. You can do both. You can do neither. You have to figure out what works for you.

Personally, I was trying hard just to not gain weight and to stay optimistic. I was a seasoned pro at dieting, and although I didn't diet (I'm telling you I was sorely tempted to start Atkins again, but for me, I needed to be doing what I would for a lifetime…that's what works for ME), I was able to at least not gain by white knuckling through the hunger…I had a full 5 week plateau where I didn't lose an ounce. I kept telling myself that I would continue on this way, even if I gained, and keep the faith that the Band would be there soon to help me. I can't swear what I would have actually done at that point if I started gaining a lot (but I can tell you a year later I was gaining after my unfill and I still stuck to my plan). The biggest thing to focus on is to keep working on what you CAN do and to not get discouraged. I soon found myself putting my efforts into 'building my headband' (much more important than I ever expected…we all need to stop 'scolding' ourselves). I also was working on making the changes I knew I'd need to for the long haul (like making habits out of getting enough protein, water, etc.). You need to work on packing up leftovers and throwing food out (it's a big change I had to make too). Maybe you need to measure portions until you have that down (I still have a digital scale on the counter and still measure meat sometimes), work on chewing more, add healthy snacks that will help with the hunger if needed. It was my fourth fill that finally gave me the real help I needed, at 4.5 mo. Post-op, and I seriously considered myself lucky that I reached it that soon…being patient was SO hard.

Now, you're 2.5 mo. post-op and you've had two fills…exactly where I was, but I'm wondering if you had any fill at surgery? I had no fill at surgery, but after my second fill I had 4.5cc's in my Band. If you only have 1cc or so, and your Doc only gives .5cc's per fill, it may take you quite awhile to get to good restriction (we're all different though, the next one could do it, but not likely…I think the average Bander needs 5 fills and a little more than ½ the Band full). The good news is that your two fills were less than two weeks apart, which is faster than the average Doc lets you come back…and I was going to say 'so that should speed things up', but your next fill is over six weeks from now…I'd certainly call and ask for a sooner one.

I'd also ask you HOW your Doc determines how much fill he gives you? If you don't know, it's a fair question to ask your Doc if you ask it in the right way and don't put him/her on the defensive. I knew that there were certain questions my Doc would ask me (i.e. List of foods I could/couldn't eat, what/how much I was eating, etc.), he would listen to how I felt things were going and what efforts I was making, and he also would put the fill in until he 'felt pressure' or 'bounce back' in the syringe (I asked him). Some Doc's have questionnaires each time, some Docs always do fills under flouro to watch the restriction. You may have to gain your Doc's respect and trust and then ask for a bigger fill if you need it (sometimes it's as simple as pushing a little for what you know you need). As you leave from a fill you could also ask to come back faster if the fill still isn't doing anything…my Doc would say 6 weeks and the scheduling nurse said 4-6 and she'd let me schedule for 4 weeks.

On a separate note, as an older mom of three I'll tell you one thing I've learned……whether you're working crazy hours and traveling the country or are home to do everything with them (I've been on all sides of this)…there will always be things that you'll feel guilty about when it comes to your kids…your kids will be happy when you're happy and are taking care of yourself…it's not about the quantity of time, it's about the quality. As women, many of us are givers and we get into the habit of putting ourselves last on the list (after I stopped working I put everyone before me). It was hard for me to change that, and I certainly had moments where I felt really guilty, but I made a commitment to put ME first when it came to getting my health back (and yes, you'll have to start reminding yourself of that when your son cries one day when you leave for Zumba). My kids are now in their teens/twenties, they've never been so proud of me, and they see how happy all this has made me and that makes them happy.

Hope some of that helps, and hang in there and don't lose focus on the goal. Keep asking! -LBG

2/8/12 Dear LBG...Regains, and Waiting For Fill?

2012-02-08T13:48:00.000-05:00

Don't worry about me...I've had my nose to the grindstone (OK, more like trying to swim as I'm in over my head) working hard on learning some techy things for the site here (O.M.G.), but more about that when I've got more to show for it...just know that I'm working night and day again to get more info. out to those that need it (I just realized it's 1:30pm and I haven't stopped to eat all day...wow, gotta love that Band...yes, I know it's not good to not eat, trust me, this wasn't a normal day...I'm eating plenty)...we all need to find a way to pay-it-forward if we can.

Anyway, I've had a rash of good questions about regains and fill levels lately, so I'm going to address two of them here. I've been working on a longer answer to someone that needed more detail, but for today I'll share a short one...

I see that you are able to eat most anything. I have been banded for 2 years now and am filled to 7.+ cc's. I am struggling and have gained about 15 pounds because I don't feel the restriction so much as I believe I should. I feel like I can eat anything and find myself trying to eat things I know I shouldn't and too much of them. Any suggestions? I feel I should go get another fill, but want to take off 15 before I go back in.

Two words...DON'T WAIT...go get that fill now. If, when you are following the rules, you're hungry between meals, then you need a fill...PERIOD.

I know first hand how hard it is to have a regain (I gained back 19 pounds after a partial unfill then losing both Docs). I certainly didn't throw it all out the window, but old habits slowly crept back and it's so much harder to control things when your hungry all the time (and the lower you get in weight the easier it is to regain quickly). I was embarressed, ashamed, and felt like I should be able to control it...but you know what I decided...if I could have done that, I would have...in the 30+ years I yo-yo dieted. I had to remind myself that one of the reasons I chose the Band over other procedures was because it would force me into having more follow ups with my Doc...and that meant, especially when I was struggling. I had made a promise to myself pre-op NOT to be one of those Bander's who gets too embarressed by struggles not to continue to go to the Doc (too many of us disappear and stop going just when we need to the most). At least needing a fill gives us a reason to go to the Doc...with other WLS how hard would it be to call up and schedule a visit just to talk to the Doc because we're gaining?! What's the worst that can happen?...you'll be embarrassed in front of Doctor's and Nurse's that have seen obese WL patient's who've reagained weight many times before you? Trust me, any good practice wants you to come in when you're struggling.

You got the Band to help you, so that's what you need right now...not more will power...not another diet. Think of it like any other medical 'tool' people have to help them...if you were out of meds you needed, would you wait to get them? OK, so food is an addiction, we've accepted that, but that doesn't mean we should be ashamed to get the help we need now that we have a tool that can help us. Would a drug addict wait to get meds to help with withdrawl? Would a smoker, trying to quit, wait to ask for more nicotine patches? You already did the hardest part...you got the Band...now get it to work properly for you.

OK, 'nuff said...call that Doc for a fill please.

Two more things...have a logical and well planned talk ready for the Doc that shows him/her clearly why you need a fill...remember that they get Banders begging for fills every day who they know don't need one, or really need unfills...You need to assure them you're not asking the Band to restrict your eating (head hunger is a whole other issue the Band can't address), your asking it to reduce your hunger.

Last item...stay tuned as I'll address my ability to 'eat anything', etc. soon.

Best wishes, and keep me posted!

Yep, you all know me well...that was the short one LOL...I can't just say 'go get a fill'...because I know if someone had given me just that, I wouldn't have gone.

1/27/12 Dear (l) BG...The Sweet Spot?

2012-01-27T09:29:00.001-05:00

Hi peeps! We all got the flu shot, but of course Bronchitis found us instead (I'm just happy it was after the holidays). Poor DS2 missed almost a week of school and is still having issues...has asthma so he's still coughing his lungs up (the Allergist turned him away from his allergy shots yesterday for the second week in a row as he's still having wheezing issues).

Anyway, since I haven't had time to post, I've decided to occasionally start sharing some of the recent email questions I've had...the ones I think may help others (don't worry, no personal info. from you will be revealed). So here's my little 'Dear BG' (or now that I'm Lap Band Groupie, I guess there's a small 'l' there...I know, I'll always be BG to you!) advice column (OK, who am I, the self-proclaimed non-perfect Bander to give advice...maybe it's more like an 'opinion' column LOL).

Oh, and I switched to a new email/GMail account (in sidebar, or HERE)
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Hi there,

Love your blog! I know you have pretty much found your sweet spot and have managed your FAB weight loss for some time now. I received a fill about two weeks ago and am having a difficult time determining if I’m too full or still adjusting to my new fill.

I can now only consume approximately ½ to 1 cup of food and it takes me about 45 minutes to eat. I also find that I have to sip my water now – before I was able to sometimes chug it. I find that if I’m not paying attention I can get stuck pretty quickly.

You thoughts and time are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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Hi, and thanks!

As long as you're not PBing/vomiting, or have any other red flags of being too tight (bad uncontrolled reflux, eating only sliders, etc.) I would give it another two weeks and assess things then. It can take up to four weeks or so for a fill to 'settle' in for some, meaning some don't get the full effect of their fill until then (some get tighter, some loosen up, mine was pretty much the same as the fill day). Between now and then, really focus on meeting nutrition needs and eating without getting stuck (after each fill I've had to 'relearn' how to eat...chew, chew, chew...and you're already taking it slow, which is good, like you said 'adjusting to your fill'...don't worry, I've gotten faster at it over time). Every time you get stuck you're inflaming your Band area/new stoma and this will increase your restriction...you need to end the stuck episodes so that you can get a true assessment of your restriction (it takes up to a few days for the swelling to go down). At the four week point the questions to ask yourself is simple; am I able to get in all my nutrition needs (count your protein and water, and calories if you need to) and follow the eating rules without getting stuck or PBing, and am I hungry between meals? And let me point out that means the ability to eat solid proteins, not sliders.

I'm tightest in the mornings and I can only sip my coffee in the morning for a few hours (gurgling following a fill is my signal that restriction is there). Breakfast is a very thick slider (oatmeal w/protein powder), which I have to eat slowly (I think a slider for breakfast, even a protein shake is fine as long as you're not starving by lunch). By lunch I'm able to get in the 1/2-1C meal with solid protein, but some days I really have to take it slowly and pay attention to my chewing. By dinner, like most Banders, I'm looser and can get in about 1C (of solids) pretty easily, but I have days I can still get stuck if I'm not paying attention or going too fast. Most days I couldn't chug water, even by dinner (although I can drink pretty normally by then). All that sounds like a huge pain, but it's now just about second nature to me...my new 'normal' (and when I say 'pay attention', I'll tell you that I really don't have to think about it much anymore).

The Sweet Spot/Green Zone can be a tightrope and the advice I'd give is to really take this restriction you have and treat it like a fragile gift...appreciate it (work on that 'head hunger' so you can tell and appreciate if the real hunger is gone), and really try to work things the way you're supposed to so that you don't get stuck (take your time, relearn to eat). Not paying enough attention got me stuck, and not taking the right actions after a PB got me a major unfill and a long wait for a refill (and weight gain). Also, how tight you want to keep your Band is totally a matter of choice...something they don't tell us...there's some 'wiggle room' in that Green Zone, and sometimes the tiniest fill or unfill can make all the difference (.1cc even).

Keep asking questions and let me know how you're doing (and most importantly, how the Weight Loss is going LOL)!

-BG

1/17/12 Food Addiction

2012-01-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

If you didn't see 'Dr. Oz' the other day, the topic was 'Can you really have an addiction to food?' I know, you're all screaming 'YES!' right along with me. It was interesting as the polls of people were pretty split as were the expert's opinions. The Nutritionist's view was that over-eating is behavioral...driven by emotions, learned behavior, and will power. OK, umm, as a yo-yo dieter now skinny b*tch, I can personally tell you that anyone who has ever lost big weight dieting has WAY more will power than the average skinny b*tch...When did they ever white knuckle off 50 pounds, let alone 5, while starving and shaking waiting for the next meal (I still wonder why I don't get the shakes now on this teeny amount of food). Anyway, the Doctor's view was that there are certain foods (four of them...at least at this point) that trigger the release of natural opiates in our brain that make us feel good and want to come back for more. I think it's a combination of both addiction and emotions.

One study used a medicine that is used to help heroin addicts from overdosing by blocking receptors in the brain that the heroin attaches to. They gave it to chocolate addicts and found that 'chocolate hijacks your brain chemistry, triggering the same receptors that heroin affects'. Great...I'm officially an addict. Apparently those around me knew this before I did...Here's a present I got from my SIL for Christmas this year:

You can read the Doctor's article and see the three other foods that are addictive on the Oz site HERE.

1/13/12 Blogger/Comment Issues? It's Your Lucky Day!

2012-01-13T07:59:00.000-05:00

Today, Friday the 13th...it's your lucky day!

If you are having issues with Blogger (embedded comments), I'm solving it for you.

Pick your chin up off the floor. Hell hath not frozen over. Lil' Ole Me is giving techy advice.

I haven't been able to access my comments (or leave them for lots of you) for several days now and it was driving me crazy (I needed to know if anyone else ever had an addiction to Ho-Ho's?!). I decided to take matters into my own hands and found a solution online.

It seems that the problem stems from a Blogger update (threading comments; now we can leave comments to comments on posts, or just general comments...woo...and I think this is only if they're embedded). When they updated things, it 'messed it up'...yes, that's 'techy' language there...I'm an instant expert.

If you have embedded comments on your Blogger page (you can leave/read comments on the same page as your post), then you may be having the same problem. When I'd try to look at my comments it would open the screen and then it would immediately go blank. It does the same thing when I try to leave comments on anyone's sites that have embedded comments (so fix it, so I can comment!). Here's how:

Dashboard>Name of your blog>Settings (on left)>Posts & Comments>(Comment Location-Change from Embedded to:) Pop Up Window (or Full Page)> Save Settings (Upper Rt)

Notes: I tried changing it back to 'embedded' and the problem came back immediately. I also switched from 'pop up window' to 'full page' and back again and now the 'pop up window' won't work. Went back to 'full page' and it's fine.

Another blogger on Blogger Help suggested I try deleting history/cookies, and I tried this first, it didn't work (but it may for you).

Alrighty then, I'm off to read my comments:)

- BG, Blogger Technical Expert Extraordinaire

1/12/12 Headline News!

2012-01-12T12:09:00.002-05:00

Did you watch the Today Show today?

No, I'm going to gloss right over the fact that Hostess has filed for bankruptcy.

OK, Yes, I know what just flashed in your mind…How quickly can I get to my local grocery store before the run on the Hostess section leaves the shelves completely bare? Quickly followed by…What did they say the shelf-life of a Twinkie is? OK, My third thought was...I haven't even experience the Deep Fried Twinkie yet!!!

Personally, in my early obesity years, I had a decade of addiction to these:

Followed by these:

Which one is your fav?

OK, I know…Enough of the food porn! There are hungry people out here!

All right, let me fix this…

I'm not even sure Hostess makes food, do they? It doesn't look like food, does it? Would your great-grandma think so?

Does a Twinkie even have a real food products in the ingredients?

I once saw a science museum experiment where they placed a piece of homemade cake under a sealed glass dome, and under a second dome was a Twinkie. You could barely see the slimy remains of the cake through the mold covering the inside of the first glass dome. The Twinkie? Looked as good as the day it was born. Hey, I wonder if all those preservatives I ate will keep me 'well preserved'.

Don't believe it? Here's an NPR story about a teacher who has a 30 year old Twinkie: "The Shelf Life of a Vintage Twinkie"http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4780900

And if you still don't believe that calorie restriction is the best way to control your weight, have you heard of the Twinkie Diet? A (not obese) nutrition professor lost 27 pounds in two months by eating a Hostess treat every three hours instead of meals and restricting his caloric intake from 2,600 to 1,800. He (and I) are not recommending this (you know how I feel about diets)!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html

*shhh…and I didn't tell you this…Hostess promises that no matter who acquires the company, the Twinkie will live on*

Now, back to the REAL headline segment.

Today Show; Today's Consumer Segment, Elizabeth Mayhew, Editor-In-Chief, "Woman's Day Magazine"

My overview:

Due to consumer confidence last year was at an all time low, many items are coming down in price this year. 3D TV's, Tablet Computers, E-Readers, GPS Units, Sports Tickets, Cameras, Furniture, and one more item…

Wine experts are calling this 'The year of the buyer.' People were not spending money on the $30+ last year bottles, so those prices are coming down. You'll see sales at merchants everywhere here. Look for Rhone wines/France, Tuscan wines/Italy, and Rioja wines/Spain. The only exception is Bordeaux (because there haven't been good vintages lately). In general, European wines (because of the Euro), and S. American wines as well.

You can watch the segment here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/45970790#null
Reminder...Everything in moderation.

Stock up girls (no, not on Twinkies!)!

Unless they're these...

You're welcome.

1/11/12 It's All How You Look At It

2012-01-11T14:57:00.002-05:00

First I'm Replying to Krisz's question from yesterday (and if you're not following her yet, get thee over there and give my new friend some support!):

Can I have "stupid" question?
If you do exercise a lot while losing weight, is it certain that later on if you stop/slow down exercising it will affect your further loss/maintenance? I know it's a silly question, but being bang in the middle of my WL I'd like to establish some long term way of life, but also not want to sacrifice on the weight loss. Do I make any sense here? I hope...

Let me say my last post was NOT to encourage anyone to stop/not start exercising…it's SO very important for your health (and that's why I'm now doing it). We should all be exercising.

- It's only 'certain' that stopping/slowing down exercise will effect your weight if you keep everything else the same. It's still calories in/calories out for us and if there are less calories out, then it effects your weight. It's fairly easy to calculate approximate calories you're burning from exercise (lots of calculators online) and you can do that for a week and average it…that will give you an idea how many calories you'd have to eliminate from your diet or burn through another form of exercise (maybe you can't do spinning anymore, but you can walk).

Krisz, I'm going to email you my working copy of my chapter on exercise and you'll see that it mainly speaks to the benefits of exercise, but also focuses on (like all my other topics) awareness, choices and having an exercise plan that encompasses both exercising and what to do if you have to/want to slow down/stop (whether you're in WL mode or maintenance). If you've got the time/effort now to be a gym rat and lose weight faster with it, go for it (it works, I've done it!)! That doesn't mean that your plan can't easily include a change in the level of your exercise program in your future that won't include weight regain (that plan was the part that was always missing from my exercise/diet programs so I got derailed…oh and my LB was the other part)…it's all about being prepared and making sure you're looking at both the exercise AND the calories in/LB part. My main point was that we can't use exercise/lack of it as an excuse for why we're not losing weight…I've already proved that for you…so no more 'testers' needed…keep moving and get that plan together!
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Now, onto today…

I was updating my WL/Maintenance spreadsheet/chart and ~~not for the first time~~ noticed that it looks like the Himalayas…it might scare more than a few people about maintenance, not to mention unfills. I was thinking about how ~~regular~~ ~~slow and steady~~ beginners ski jump my WL phase chart looks compared to it (well, not the 6 mo. Pre-op, but the post-surgery). Then I got curious as to how many weeks both of these spanned? How many weeks has it been since the first time I reached goal (my Maintenance Chart starts there)? I was surprised to see that my WL Chart covered 81 weeks, and My Maintenance Chart covered 83...interesting! I wonder what the Maintenance Chart would look like if I gave it the same horizontal/vertical axis range as my WL Chart?

So, to compare them equally, I chopped the last two weeks off my Maintenance Chart and both horizontal axis are now 81 weeks. I then expanded the Maintenance vertical axis to cover a 105 pounds range, with gridline intervals every 5 pounds (the same as my WL Chart). Wow…now Maintenance isn't anything to fear!

You can clearly see that I had a partial unfill just a few weeks after reaching goal…but after the long awaited refill and making my way back down…well, things are pretty darn steady! Maintenance is nothing to be afraid of!

Losing the Band…yep, we can all be afraid of that, because it means not having the help we all desperately need to finally get/keep the weight off (just look at my instant march upward and then white knuckling the wait)…but another thing this shows me is that unfills are nothing to be totally afraid of either. Yeah, gaining and losing it again isn't any fun, but as long as a refill is coming and I'll have the help of the Band again, I'll now know I'll be fine (remind me I said that at the next unfill)!

I wish that I'd expected to have unfills along the way…maybe it wouldn't have seemed so traumatic. I think the Doc's should actually tell us to expect them! Unfills are a result of our personal learning process with the Band/operator error (dry meat and not enough chewing in my case), the complicated process of getting to just the right level of restriction at the same time we're losing internal fat, our Doc's approach to fill levels, and let’s face it…a little luck, and a dose of 'fickle' factor thrown in.

Maintenance, unfills,…it's all how you look at it!

1/9/12 Exercise and Weight Loss

2012-01-09T14:31:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm back, and I missed all of you! I made a conscious decision to really tune out and enjoy the family over the holidays, and that's just what I did. I thought I'd have more time to post before Christmas, but we got busier than ever before (mostly self-inflicted as I put extra pressure on myself this year to have an extra special holiday, and I think it was…and DH took the longest work vacation he's ever had…that man can never retire or I won't get a thing done), so I'll apologize for going dark, but I was thinking of all of you! We took DS back to school this weekend, so now, everything is back to 'normal' around here…or at least as 'normal' as I get. More about my life/pics later.

I've been stewing on this subject for awhile. It's not something that I "haven't" talked about; so much as, it's something I haven't shared all my "personal thoughts" about. As I started writing this morning, over 3,000 words quickly spilled out. Generally, I don't like to share cliff notes as I think something gets lost in the translation (and why I am in serious need of an editor). But I'm taking a risk that you'll understand the abbreviated (still long) version without judgment. If you've been following, you already know that I'm all about the fact that this journey is different for everyone and we each have to figure out what works best for US…there's no one 'right way'…it's all about learning about choices so you can make the best ones for you.

I've spent a little time reading blogs (wow, no way I can totally catch up) and I've noticed some trends…it's the start of a New Year and that means rededication to weight loss for most of us (geez, how many diets have started every January, me included).

- Weight gain: Weight put on over the holidays (personally, I gained 3-4 lbs., but still under goal), lots of talk about getting it off, new scales bought (I love you, my Scale Whores), I'm shocked at the number of bloggers coming back to blogging after a long time away having gained a big chunk of weight back (or ones that have now disappeared after this happened), and lots of self-deprecation from everyone with a little 'stop beating myself up' sprinkled in here and there.

- Exercise: The gym rats are trying to help others with information on their love of exercise or hate of it but do it anyway, many are joining gyms, some have started programs like CT5K, others are buying new equipment and electronic monitors, and many are beating themselves up with how they can't stick with it with a little 'stop beating myself up' sprinkled in here and there.

If there's one 'choice' I haven't explored in depth here, it's this…

Here the thing, and I realize that this is going to be controversial…

You don't need to exercise to lose weight.

The cliff notes are: it's true…I'm living proof…period. Other than some short lived sessions and gardening in the summer, I haven't done any regular exercise.

There's a whole chapter about why…nope, I'm making no apologies, or excuses, so don't roll your eyes just yet…but the bottom line is that NOT exercising didn't leave me with excuses to fail. With past diet/exercise programs, I did just that….I couldn't sustain the diet or the intense exercise (usually an injury) and that was my excuse to start gaining. This time was different…no strict diet…nothing off limits…and no regular exercise program…just me…and LOTS of headband work…if the Lap Band did it's part, then I was my only barrier to success.

I'm not sure how to state this in the way it's intended…I'll have to say that although I don't 'generalize' this journey, sometimes I read blogs and I worry about those who have suddenly become gym rats once they got the Lap Band. I worry that they'll have an injury, or they'll start having kids/or kids/life get busier and put themselves last on the list (all things I did), and that once they can't sustain this level of exercise that they'll start gaining the weight back (me again)…because they'll think that the exercise is the only way to lose/keep the weight off.

Learn from me…it isn't.

Exercise, or lack of it can't be your excuse…you may have to adjust your intake if your level of exercise reduces for any reason, but you can still lose/maintain your weight…I have…for seven months now. No, I'm not recommending everyone do what I did, we each make our choices.

If you've been following, you know I'm no stranger to exercise (taught up to eight aerobics classes a week in my younger life). So here's the other thing:

You need to exercise to be healthy.

Let me quell some of the comments by agreeing with what you're furiously typing right now:

- You can lose faster with exercise.

- The more muscle you build the more calories you can eat.

- You can be skinny and not healthy.

- There are many other benefits to exercise, like increased energy.

- But sorry, no, my body would NOT look noticeably better with exercise (age, genetics, and amount of excess skin).

I'm believing that I can maintain and I've done everything else to get healthy. It's winter here…no gardening to do…time to find another way to get moving. Just like I promised not to be the perfect Bander, I'm swearing right here that I'm NOT going to be the perfect fitness example (Lord knows I'm the antithesis of it now). Just like my WL, it's going to be a tough journey and I'll have setbacks along the way and times I fall off the wagon…that, I can promise. I have no intentions of even wanting to become a gym rat again (been there....and good for those of you that do...I know, never say never)…but, I DO want to continue my quest to get healthy…and that means a little regular exercise…time to put together some goals. I'm starting the same way I'm going to end…slowly…in a way that I can continue and maintain forever…one step at a time…a few minutes at a time.

Now, who wants to join me?

12/16/11 LB Articles and a Tour: Dining Room (Without Food Porn!)

2011-12-16T11:36:00.000-05:00

I mentioned earlier that I was asked, and am now writing articles (and answering patient questions) for a website (Bariatric Surgery Source). Just a little about the site, since it wasn't around when I started my research;

- According to the Founder and Editor-In Chief, "After two short years, we are honored to have become the 2nd most trafficked bariatric-surgery-focused content site in the world."
- It covers all types of WLS.
- The focus is mainly on giving information. There's a lot of detailed, comprehensive information from causes of obesity to plastic surgery (and I'm hoping to add a few bits/changes to the LB sections).
- It's well linked together, generally by subjects, and to external sources.
- There's now a link to the site in my sidebar.

I've committed to write at least monthly articles. For my first articles (he calls them blogs), I started with some inspiration and a WL tool; my 'Before/After' pics (yes, still hard to share, but I know how much seeing others helped me, and how much it's helped me in my journey, BDD and all the head stuff), and my second article is the theme of my book 'choices' (finding what works for YOU) and so I started that with the biggest choice I made in my journey; a lifestyle and not dieting anymore.

You'll find them linked HERE (and I'd love for you to leave your comments on there...at the bottom of the articles).

OK as requested, I'll start giving you the Christmas house tour (sorry if I repeat anything from past years, I can't remember) and hope this inspires someone to get crafty. I'll start with the Dining Room (minus the food porn), since it's my favorite. It really looks beautiful at dinner with all the candles lit all over the room.

This year, I added the three Lenox pierced ornaments (hanging on fishing line from the ceiling) above my pierced Leedsware plates (with some silk holly's on top).

What's easier than putting ornaments in a glass vase? Well, buying a silk candle ring, cutting the ring and then just placing it anywhere around your lamp lamp base (holly ring).

Stick some ornaments upside down in any candle holder (or in this case, spools)...with the candles lit, they really sparkle.

My MIL started me on my Christmas Lenox Holiday china collection...on the buffet.

...And place settings on the table. I always buy 'Christmas Crackers' to open at dessert time, and this year I found the ornament place card holders (TJ Maxx <$10).

DH's family's old Shiny Brite boxed sets on top and old cardboard Santa's.

I made the Apple/Pineapple (glue gunned to a Styrofoam) cone on a cake pedestal with a holly wreath (picks and more glue). Fake greens swagged on the chandelier with some bows and ornaments hanging below.

I bought the premade berry wreaths and just pinned a piece of ribbon to the top of my valances and around the wreaths. Tree toppers work great as 'finials' on the top corners of any furniture piece (or in candlesticks).

I brought out my Polish Pottery bells (on the bowl shelf) and ornaments (hanging).

And some glass bead garlands (Target) hung from the door casing with command hooks and add some bows. This year I added one lighted bead garland (Home Depot)...looks cool at night).

12/14/11 Fa-la la-la AHHHHHHHH!!!

2011-12-14T08:23:00.000-05:00

Yes, I've fallen off the face of the Earth. I'm not sure what happened this year, but I'm SO far behind in getting ready for the holiday. I'm blaming it all on DD...since she moved out. She was my biggest helper with all the decorating and shopping (my 'boys club' around here is useless for anything except hanging the outside decorations).

I've been running around like a crazy woman. Quick 'note to self' here...do NOT keep putting off all your annual Doctor visits because you are too busy...eventually you still have to go to use your insurance funds before the end of the year, and it will now be the BUSIEST time of the year (eye Doc yesterday, Dentist tomorrow...*sigh*).

It's going to be a CRAZY weekend. We pick DS1 up from college Friday morning, company arrives Friday afternoon, and DD's lease is up and she's moving in with the BF that we love (yes, a very big step for her/them) so we'll be moving her across the city on Saturday (...and probably Sunday...my 'Barbie' girl has too many 'accessories' LOL).

Somewhere in there I need to start making cookies, and start wrapping presents, and mail my 'Secret Santa' gifts, and...(OK, *deep breaths*...I'm getting hives just thinking about it all)...

Anyway, here's a brief moment as we were leaving for a holiday shindig.

I've been asked to share some decoration pics, so I'll try to take some pics around the house and post them soon. For now, here's the front of the house this year (dag, another thing for my 'to do' list...I need to make some new bows for the railing swags).

And here's the front door (I added some battery powered lights to the fresh front door wreath this year)...

...and in case you're all done with your holiday to-do list (I hate you)...here's a draft blog I wrote on the 6th (when I was still 'fa-la-laing'!) and got so busy I forgot to post it LOL...

----------------
12/6/11 Happy 'Shoe Day'! She's Making A List...

What's better than a day to celebrate SHOES! WHAT? It's NOT about the shoes? 'Scuse ME?! OK, OK, Happy St. Nicholas Day!!!

...and I hope you remembered to put your shoes out last night!

Santa checked in at our house last night to see if we've been naughty or nice and to collect our letter's with Christmas wishes (ummm...nope, not really...I couldn't get DS2 to continue his '3 wishes' letters).

I've been busy...shopping.

All this was SO much easier when the kiddos were young and I had those '3 wishes' for Santa letters with me. My middle one, DS1, still has no clue what he wants for Christmas...my DD could give me a never ending list, and DS2 is getting a very expensive guitar as his main gift...that he already knows about...and lest you think we're spoilers...he saved all his birthday money from us/others, his work money, and we/others are paying the rest for Christmas (yes, it's that expensive...and he's that good at playing now, and is ready for it).

So where is the Christmas magic? Where are those kids that would squeal with delight on Christmas morning? I've been busy making it...magic.

Yes, I've been busy shopping (hang on, I know that's not what Christmas is about...or all the magic, but some of the fun is in the giving). We even took a trip out with the boys on Black ~~Friday~~ Thursday before midnight. There's a big shopping plaza just minutes from our house and so we thought we'd take a drive down. We enter the plaza uphill from the plaza's enormous parking lot (I'm talking thousands and thousands of parking spots)...we overlook the entire lot to see that it's just about full and people are parking alongside the islands. We all gasp in surprise and from the back seat my boys start loudly singing Epic Music..."AHHH, AHHH.....a, AHH, AHH!!!..." (wish I was smart enough to find it for you on youTube). DH and I were in hysterics laughing as they continued the choir act all the way down the hill. We took a drive past the biggest stores (the line for Target was now about a thousand people...four stores down, almost to Kohl's...which also had a huge a$$ line).

I have a strong aversion to crowds. The reason we were, many times, the first family in line at ~~Early~~, ~~Crack Of Dawn~~, Extra Magic Hour mornings at Walt Disney World (besides the bonus of getting to visit all the characters in peace and walk on every ride in Fantasyland) is because I HATE CROWDS! Luckily my family feels the same way...We just laughed at all the shoppers as we circled around to drive immediately back home (NO way we were getting into that mess...What's next?! Black Thanksgiving?!!...Oh yeah, I guess we WERE there on Thanksgiving...ughh)

We've been at the stores at 4am, Black Friday, quite a few times too (got some unbelievable deals over the years)...and we were back home in bed by the time the crowds got bad. The boys couldn't believe how many people would stand in line now at midnight compared to the relatively few of us who would be there with coffee in hand at 4am in the past (the boys have been with us in recent years).

DH went back down at around 8am and was still able to find the three high ticket 'door buster' items we were mainly shopping for (with no big crowds)...so we had another laugh. I spent the next week online buying up more, from the comfort of my home (have I mentioned lately that I'm NOT a shopper?).

I'm getting to know the FedEx guy really well. He was commenting yesterday on all the heavy boxes I get, as I 'let' him bring the latest one into the foyer...apparently a put-together-yourself (furniture) big TV console makes for a very heavy box...I wouldn't know (I think I owe Mr. FedEx a fruitcake, or maybe a bottle of wine, when he's back today). Yes, a new enormous flat screen also arrived for the basement rec room...FYI; Goodwill will take your old 65" projection TV (that we bought for our reward for finishing the basement by ourselves for 7 months) as long as it still works perfectly. We had to rent a box truck this weekend and about killed ourselves (and the help of one neighbors, thanks!) getting that behemoth out of the basement and into the truck (Mr. FedEx would have been happy to see me breaking my back)...Thank G*d our Goodwill had a forklift to get it out of the truck...'biggest TV they've ever gotten'...glad we could halp set a new record...*sigh*...Men!...apparently, 'He who dies with the most/best TV's wins' (and isn't it amazing that the new LED TV cost about 1/2 what the projection one did 10 years ago!).

Christmas shopping is an 'almost OCD' person's nightmare. I can't tell you the amount of time I've spent researching different items we're buying (Why does everyone on my list want electronics? Don't they know I'm tech-challenged!)...First, I have to figure out which model we want (how do I know off-hand which camera, GPS, e-reader, TV, etc. is best?!)...then, I have to find the best price. When it comes (thank you Mr. FedEx), I have to put it on my Christmas spreadsheet...yes, I'm serious...we spend an equal amount on each child and they will have the exact same number of gifts to open on Christmas morning...even if I have to stuff 10 things into one package (they'll have lots of other things to blame on me as an adult, but not that I wasn't fair). I'm now sitting in a sea of boxes and bags...'I'm making a list, checking it twice...'. Like I said...an 'almost OCD' nightmare (like Christmas isn't stressful enough...it's a wonder that I LOVE Christmas so much!).

Yep, I've also been creating the real magic...I've been buying surprises, making gifts, collecting 'thanks for the memories' items, and making all my magical plans.

Here are a few of this years 'Holiday Exchange' gifts/door sprays (cut up some garland's from JoAnn's and made bows/added bells...easy).

Oh, and I also found a few items for me along the way...since my Shoe Fairy never showed up (no magic Fairy Godmother for me apparently). My feet are a full size less than pre-op...I NEED new shoes!)...here's the newest pair (I was looking for some heeled loafers all Fall...found these on the clearance shelf, and they'll do).

I'm off to my spreadsheet...the second snowfall is supposed to come this afternoon...fa, la, la, la...

11/30/11 Meat Bigot and New LB Patents

2011-12-01T11:32:00.000-05:00

Hey peeps! Hope you all had a GREAT holiday week! I know I did! Exhausting, but fun!

It was nice to have DS1 home for the week...even though he's still on 'college time' (aka slept until noon), so we had limited hours of 'overlap'. DS2 and he had a great time...one night they were up until 5am playing the new video game. DS2 even commented the day he left 'I miss my brother! Who am I going to play (video) games with?!' Ummm...remember me?...Many years ago, when you first started playing these, who was the one that figured out that you could actually get in and ride in those vehicles that you and your brother had been running right past for six months!!!

Thanksgiving was fun, but a little hectic. I decided to try some new things in the cooking dept. this year...yeah, I hear you...'new' and 'Thanksgiving' shouldn't happen on the same day, let alone 'cooking' and 'BG'...but you know me, I'm always up for 'process improvement' and making things better...So I learned a few lessons some good, some bad...so like my LB journey (stay tuned for new LB/WLS patents).

- Lesson 1: I made two, 11+ lb. turkey's instead of one huge one. I was watching a show where they were discussing dark and white meat (apparently you're either a lover of one or the other, not both...there's a lot of turkey meat bigotry going on out there! Are you a meat bigot?), and someone mentioned cooking two birds to get more dark meat...well, 4 out of 5 of us are dark meat lovers (once you go...), so of course I'm a risk taker...settled.

When you buy two pretty large birds you need a pan the size of the ~~two birds~~ rack in your oven...nope, two pans would be even better! It's kinda like a bra...one cup, no matter how large, just doesn't get the job done (especially true after WLS...*idea* I should invent a bra with wires or sticky tape all the way around to keep our saggy boobs/excess skin in place! Anyone 'fallen out' yet?...not even sleeping on your side?...anyone? anyone?). Note to self: buy pans before next year...my ~~enormous~~ oval roasting pan was on overload...wing elbows had to be covered with foil (No burnt funny-bones in my house!! I need all the laughter I can get!), and there was no way to get to the juices easily to baste them.

- Lesson 2: When you upgrade from the old dial style meat thermometer to a new digital one, try it out first, or at least move it to several places in the bird it around and test things...it's like an infant with a fever...before calling the doc and getting him out of bed, test under the tongue, under the arm, and up the kazoo!

- Lesson 3: Cooking two turkey's side by side is kinda like sunbathing side by side...the person next to you is shading you from the heat. The point where the two turkeys ~~were jammed~~ came together cooked more slowly than the outside points (cutting the meat and a convection oven soon fixed the problem). I believe the trick is to rotate the turkey's halfway through the cooking time (yes, even in two pans)...at least that's where I'm headed next year...that or a little suntan lotion on the outside parts.

- Lesson 4: Buying an 'injector' was a great new idea...even the white meat was full of juicy goodness (what's not to like about stock and more butter (4 sticks)? Now, if I could just figure out how to inject bacon (what doesn't taste better with bacon LOL)! I wonder if that needle would work in my port?...hey, *idea* I could invent 'flavored saline' for fills!...I wonder if the flavors would penetrate the plastic...not unheard of, as plastics do take in flavors/smells...this would be why perfumes and potpourri should never be stored in plastic...hey, don't believe me?...Just go smell/taste that tupperware that you always store your onions in! Mmmm...chocolate flavored saline...mmm...I wonder if 'bacon' flavored saline would cause more head hunger or less?

- Lesson 5: Be prepared to pay more, but two 'young' turkeys taste better than one large 'old' turkey...hmmm there's a LB analogy in there somewhere (yes, I know I'm old).

- Lesson 6: Just because you charge the batteries and have the camera and camcorder sitting ready to go does NOT mean the pictures will magically get taken (and G*d knows nobody in my family will just pick one up...Obese Mom = she's always been behind the cameras). So EPIC FAIL! I have NOT ONE PICTURE from Thanksgiving for the first time...ever (I almost cried). And I'm telling you, it was a work of art...no one sets up a buffet like I do (it actually tastes pretty good, but I know it looks even better). And where are all the pics of my happy, stuffed family around the table?!! I guess the upside here is that I'm getting used to tossing the camera to others and getting my photo taken...I just have to remember the toss.

- Lesson 7: Mini pies were a great new idea (I bought a muffin pan with extra large rounds, because I couldn't find the individual tart ones). DD brought the BF to dinner so it was easy to load them up with leftovers and some pies (made 2 kinds) to take home...plus, when you say 'I ate the whole pie!' it doesn't mean what it used to!! OK, here's a pic of the leftover mini pies the next day...and please see that I also bought these three (aren't they cute?!) mini cake/pie pedestals (inexpensive @ TJMaxx and Marshall's) for my sideboard.

And did you notice the little pastry pumpkins I handmade for the center of each pumpkin pie?! OK, we won't talk about the pretty leaves I made for the chocolate chip pies...that sunk into the pies when they cooked (we never found them again) ...I told you, I'm WAY to creative to be a great cook!

OK, I've got my two new patents and now I need a few of you for my 'trials'...sign up now if you have saggy boobs that try to ~~climb~~ fall out of your bras...and here if you would like to 'taste' flavored saline at your next fill (chocolate, bacon, and potato chip flavors are now available...I'm also adding liver as my 'control' group...anyone? anyone?...perhaps it will cure the 'hungries' permanently?).

11/22/11 Name Change

2011-11-22T11:13:00.000-05:00

Just a quickie...

To gain some consistency with the book title, and for ease of people searching for information, I've updated my blog name...actually, I just flip-flopped the title and description. I'm now LAP BAND GROUPIE (tried to do the 'Lap' lower case or smaller on the home page, but I'm too tech impaired...I'll leave that to Jen, when she gives me a face lift here) At 'The Sweet Spot'. Nothing much changes...still Band Groupie...BG here!

Hopefully I didn't screw anything up...didn't touch the URL...yet (I have to read up more on the various repercussions of that one). You should still be a follower and still have me in your 'reading' list, just under the new title, but I'll now be listed under the "L's" (I joined and checked it). Let me know though if you had any trouble.

As I planned this, I found this a little funny as I grew up being called something other than my name. A little confusing but 5 siblings; boy and four girls and all the girls are named Mary 'Something' and we were to all go by the 'Something'...except me...'my Something' is my Mom's name and so they decided to call me a derivative of her name. All this led to lots of confusion....when signing legal documents and we were confused with a sister and her bank accounts, and especially after I got married and added 'what I'm actually called' to my name...I now have four words in my full name...and I always have to check to see which name they have me listed as before signing anything...thanks Mom and Dad!

Long story short...do your babies a favor and call them what you're naming them (yes, middle names are fine).

11/21/11 Walk Of (Sh)Fame

2011-11-21T08:34:00.000-05:00

Busy weekend! We were away to Columbus with all the kids, the BF and the GF for the game on Saturday. It turned out to be a beautiful day and they all had a blast! My family:

DS1 & GF (both attend PSU)...SO glad to have him home all week!

DD & BF

DS2 (acting goofy as usual), and DD's BF

Later, we celebrated 'early Christmas' with my family at my middle Sis' house (she had it all decorated for Christmas for us!). I loved spending some quality time with the whole gang. Me posing with a gift (my new Twiggy bag).

On a Band note...I'm thrilled to announce that HERE's the new (old 'SOB') Band Superstars Blog (thanks Sandy and Jen). I'm so glad it's been resurrected for you to follow and learn different things from all the successful Banders out there! I'm in the 'Walk Of Fame'..No, I did not say 'Shame'...although I've had to wear the 'LB Cone of Shame' a few times...most recently during my detox from the Halloween Candy. Get reading folks! I'm off to start my grocery list...so many turkey's...so little time..

11/17/11 Under Construction

2011-11-17T06:07:00.000-05:00

Put on you hard hats now (yes, over that unfinished bedazzled headband), and take a seat, because stuff is going to fly (here, hand me the nail gun please, so I can get this all nailed down)!

I'm starting my new plan with all the grunt work 'they've'/the experts told me to do...so alrighty then:
- I'm reconstructing my home Blogger page:

Copyright: Added to Home Page- Stop stealing my ~~stupidity~~ ~~blonde moments~~ sage advice and ~~doodles~~ priceless artwork. Ask me first please.
Disclaimer: Added to Home Page- I'm not a Dr., I only play one on the Internet.
Post Pics: I moved the pics (have a day or so more work to go) that were still active from my original blog here (didn't know how to do it when I moved the blog. See you can teach an old dog...). I didn't move all the comments (since I don't have people's permission).
Archive: I cut the blogs/portions of blogs that have content/ideas relating to the book...at first I started deleting them...until I realized (blonde, remember?) that I was also deleting all your helpful comments...and I may want to replace these post-book/no-book (I saved the posts if you need any, but you told me you were printing), so I left the shells/parts. This was tedious (took almost a week) and I don't like the fact that a newbie may want to look back at some of them, but for now, I'll stick to the recommendations and believe that I'll be helping LOTS of newbies....*sigh*
Page Updates: I recently updated some of my pages and I've got a few things left to update.
New Content: I'm working on some ideas to make this more user friendly and to add some new content/pages.
Product Reviews: I'm still thinking on this one, and want your thoughts. I've declined samples/product review requests from the beginning, but I'm considering the possibility of the things I already use or want to actually try (remember, I'll never be anything but honest...I'm the one that turned down the Realize national campaign...AP Brand here). The companies also usually offer an extra item for giveaways you can offer to a reader/contest. I know I've been turned off by some sites that I thought were good when I first found them, but I got sick of all the product reviews and haven't been back...pondering.

- New Audiences:

Guest Blogging: Once things settle out a little here, if you need a guest blogger, or know someone with a different audience that would, I'm up for it! And I'll let you know when I start the articles on other WLS sites.
Speaking: When this is further along, I'm going to start trying to speak at some support groups/other venues. Keep this in mind for later.
Facebook: I'm just going to put this out there...I'm taking the plunge. I have no clue how to set this up, but I'll let you know if I figure it out (and DS2 who's here has no interest in this yet, so he's no help)...if I can figure this out, perhaps I'll even be tweeting about my potty habits someday...yay!
G? Mail: I need another email account just for this...no clue what gmail is, but I'm going to find out, since several of you suggested this a long time ago...OK, stop laughing at my tech-illiteracy!

- HELP!:

I know you are talented, helpful women (and men) and if you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them.
I have two family members in Marketing jobs (DH, DD) and I intend to use them.
I have one family member in IST major (DS1) and I intend to abuse him this summer (Tech for Moms-101).
Anyone have editing skills...I have a serious verbiage problem.

And tomorrow, some fun parts...

11/16/11 Queen Kong

2011-11-16T13:30:00.000-05:00

Alrighty then.

I'm back in business.

I had a minor epiphany...I'm not sure you can call it an epiphany, since I knew was coming, I just didn't know how it would turn out.

I've been up nights with a 'monkey on my back'...yes, it used to be 100+ pounds, so who could complain about a little monkey...well, me. You see, that 'lil monkey has turned into a gorilla...a big old greyback...only a girl one (OK, yes, you're right, I used to have a baboon as$$...the first thing anyone noticed when looking my way...take a peek at those 'befores' again, but you're off subject...).

Anyway, when you all finally talked me into the book, I was a bit naive. I moved over to Blogger hoping to reach more Banders needing help, I decided the book might be a great way to pay-it-forward in a bigger way, I announced my intentions (thus committing me, and a proven way to keep me accountable, thank you), I started writing, and then I started research...

O. M. G....yes, I'm an 'almost OCD' researcher (I got my Dr's. license on the Internet...it took me weeks...it's framed), but O. M. G...If I told you all how involved and confusing the publishing piece of this is right now, I'd have to kill you...because your head would explode (maybe that explains the ramp up of migraines I've had this year). You know I'm no sloucher, I'm not afraid of hard work...but if I got to eat one M&M for each hour I've spent on this, I'd still be severely obese...just ask my family how much time I've given this. I thought I'd write a few sample chapters, send them off with a well written cover letter to an agent or some publishers and sit back and see what happened...I'd write and they'd handle the rest...naive.

Sometimes 'naive' is a good thing...like when I didn't know what 'sliming' really was until I had to figure out what to do with the endless unbroken gooey strands of it hanging from my chin to the toilet bowl 3' below...but in this case...naive = O.M.G. I now have huge lists of possible agent Co's., and then thesis papers figuring out which agent to send directly to (them's the rules), and templates on exactly how to write a query, and then how to write a huge proposal, and how to write the first chapters, the table of contents, and on and on and...OH, did you hear? The economy is bad...AND...have you heard of ebooks? Will there be any bookstores in the near future? Will there be any libraries even? Apparently the whole publishing industry is in a serious upheaval...most are in their own financial turmoil and most aren't even talking to new authors. Well I stuck it out and sent off my letters to the top agents...rejections from a few and *crickets* I just built back up my self-esteem for the past two years only to have it knocked down with this? I felt like not only was I disappointing all the struggling Banders I was hoping to reach, but also all of you, because this book is as much your story as it is mine. I no longer really believed this would ever happen...I think I lost faith in my ability...I doubted...Maybe they were just being supportive when they encouraged the book, maybe they think I'm crazy? Writing was becoming more of a chore than a pleasure. Should I just let it go (that would certainly be the easy thing), or recommit?

And that would be the gorilla...I know I have choices...I've got mad skills at business process improvement and I know there are always other choices...and there are...the thing is...it's a lot more time and work and probably an investment (maybe one we can't make)...and basically starting over with different approaches (choice 1. ebooks + tech challenged blogger = big learning curve...and choice 2. I'd sell 50 self-published paperback books...to you guys, because I'd be flashing those 'write a book' posts in your face...and then, good thing I've got DIY skills, because I'd be fashioning large furniture out of the 2,500 other books I had to prepay for...Etsy here I come!)...and there's still only a tiny chance that even with all that I'd reach my goal of not just publishing, but my real goal...actually reaching a bigger audience and paying-it-forward (or maybe that''s backward).

So my epiphany has been coming for a little while now, I put things to the side while the kids were home and we enjoyed the busy summer, but I knew this Fall was coming. I started getting signals again...I had another article interview for the LB site, and a request to be a featured writer on a big WLS site (thanks Lonicerna for the recommendation), and ongoing I, like most of you, get notes from Banders needing help, or newbies that have read your blog beginning to end (mine's way longer than any book...well, maybe, I seriously need an Editor), and I had a recent flood of those...they always talk about how important it is to hear all the new information from an actual Bander...it always reinforces that there is a need for this book. I've also found out that others (not here) are taking my thoughts...hey, if it's good enough to steal, shouldn't I believe it's a good enough message? So I've decided to recommit.

I'm approaching this like a business plan...I'm taking all the tools I've learned and successes I've had, I'm setting deadlines and goals, and I'm going to continue giving this my best until the end of that plan and then I'll be proud to let it go, if need be. Most importantly though, the real epiphany is believing in myself...no, I'm not the best writer, or the best Bander...no, I didn't lose the most weight, or follow every rule...no, my story is certainly not the best one...but I have to start believing...that it's representative of all of us, it's all our story, I've written about all the choices they can make (what works for me, but also what works for you), and it's an opportunity to get information out there that would help a lot of people...I know I'm doing this for all the right reasons (and LOL, let's face it, I'm not working, I've got some time that you don't have, and I owe this to everyone who ever helped me...yes, that includes you), I need to believe it's an effort that others will truly benefit from...I need to keep the faith...

Thanks for sticking with me. More about the beginnings of the new plans tomorrow...

11/7/11 My Blogiversary- A Case For Blogging

2011-11-07T13:01:00.001-05:00

*Post Deleted for LB Book (Sorry, I'll be back to explain...no, not published yet...yes, still working on it)

11/4/11 Happy First Birthday!

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's my grand-kitten's first birthday!

Well, at least we think so. They were rescued kittens and we don't have an exact date...our vet narrowed it down to the week of Halloween last year, so DS2 picked a date.

I decided to make them a gift for their birthday!

They've taken to loving my large cabinet/folding counter in the laundry room because it has a window. I got tired of finding them sitting on clean socks I left to sort (OK, so it's also a gift for almost OCD cleaner/me), so I finally put a beer box with a towel over it on the counter. Of course they loved that, since they could now lay down and look out the window and bask in the sun...only one problem...two cats...one beer box...

...and then there were two...beer boxes...and not much folding space left on my counter (and no, I couldn't just close the door...it's where the litter box lives).

So I made my present...from leftovers; a deep shelf and brackets (that came down from DS1's room last year), two pieces of leftover fancy trim (from framing that piece of ceiling tin for DD's room), some leftover 2" cushion foam (from that headboard I made DD), and the excess fleece from the kitten's 'pita-pocket' beds DS2 and I made them last year when we got the brother kittens...remember those (they still use these daily):

Well, here's the upgrade/second bed for them...Viola...a cushioned kitty sleep shelf (yes, you knew I was nuts)!

Um...yeah...you saw the flaw in my evil plan...I had to add back a box to the counter (but it's a skinny box, to the side, tethered down), as they were having trouble getting up to the deep shelf from the counter without a step (as DS2 explained to me 'It's not high Mom, but they don't have enough angle to jump up there.'...maybe I can get DS2 to build me a nicer looking step?).

Me thinks they like it! Happy First Birthday babies!

11/3/11 Charting Maintenance

2011-11-03T11:48:00.002-04:00

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book

11/2/11 Scary Sounds

2011-11-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

Here's a short clip of Halloween as it ended here...in the rain unfortunately (whoops, forgot to turn back on some of the electronic stuff; shaking ghost, flying bat, and spider that drops and crawls). I always have the scary sounds going, but the best one was the door opening...LOL, guess we need to grease that up!

But the scariest sound of all?

At the end of the evening...the loud crinkling as I was picking up the giant pile of wrappers from all the candy I ate! Five for you...one for me...

In case we haven't met yet...Hello, I'm BG, and I'm a chocolate addict!

11/1/11 What A Difference A Year Makes

2011-11-01T05:42:00.000-04:00

No, it's not my Bandiversary...just another landmark in a year.

Here's my littlest one DS2 (15 then) last year going to hang with the other teens on Halloween as an angel (look, he even let me put some face paint on him...HEY, it's a boys-club here, I needed to play).

...and here he is this year (no, that's not even face paint)...

Hug your little boys now.

10/31/11 Post is up!

2011-10-31T13:20:00.003-04:00

Sorry, I pushed 'enter' and my last post published while I was writing it...I didn't know it would show up here. I couldn't get the time to change, but it's up now... HERE

10/31/11 Happy Halloween!!!! (WORKING NOW...Lots of pics)

2011-10-31T13:10:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween all!!!! Sorry I pushed publish too soon and didn't realize it would show up...all working now.

Lots to catch up on, but I'll just focus on the 'Fall' stuff (since it's Halloween) that's been happening the last week.

First, Fall officially disappeared this week...We had big, wet, snow that covered everything. Good for the kiddies that it melted and tonight looks cold, but clear.

We took our annual trip to the big pumpkin patch (one of those places that has a million kiddie things to do and booths of food everywhere). Luckily this was a week ago and the weather was beautiful!

On the hayride out to the pumpkins...

OMG...I just realized this is the same raincoat I was wearing in France when I had my LB 'Moment' of revelation (OK, it's a great brand, it has a belt, and a zip out lining, so I saved it...hey, I didn't want to be naked in the pumpkin patch!)...

...let me just say that this pic of me from the back in Normandy (at the American Cemetary) with the same coat undone ~~because I couldn't close it~~ sums up how far I've come...100+ pounds more here...yes, that is NOT the wind blowing my coat open...it is ALL my giant a$$...my feet hurt just looking at this pic.

DD and DS2 picking out the largest pumpkins in the patch...they thought it was a good idea...until they had to carry them to the car.

DD and BF...

OK, I will admit here that DH said (after I gave DD, her BF, and DS2 tickets to enter the corn maze with strict instructions 'not to scare the little kids'...and with my camera) that 'These things are more fun with little kids.' (...and hey...just look at those pretty, straight teeth we paid a fortune to our Orthodontist for!)

...and then one of my sisters said to me 'It's time for grand-babies when you start dressing up your grand-pets'...I'm too young for that (an it was DH who brought home costumes for the kitties)!

DD came to spend he night this week and carve her pumpkin early as she's had a big Halloween party this weekend (and I found her some great black feather accents to glue on her 'Black Swan' costume...and in her hair).

I made my annual pumpkin seeds...that DS2 declared his 'favorite food ever' (my invented recipe...butter, worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic salt)...he had eaten them all by morning.

And I baked sheets of these 'scaredy cats' (decorated mint cookies ontop of iced chocolate chip brownies....I said I hate to cook...but I LOVE to bake...it's the artist in me) and sent a batch to DS1 for all the Frat brothers (got a thank you call today) and a batch to DD for the Halloween party.

Now here are some vignette's around the house of Fall things I've made (and a few new ones)...

Acorn trees...

I don't usually like silk flowers, but I make an exception for holidays...

An easy idea...a 'funkin' (just traced and cut a 6" plastic pot size hole) with a real mum and a few cattails...and fall garlands are everywhere...on the chandelier...

...on the mantle with some lights, and a berry garland around a candle...and a giant bowl with all the gourds DS2 grows...

And every year I try to add something new, or replace something old. I needed a wreath for inside the glass front door...couldn't be more simple...a grapevine wreath (same size as the oustside one you can see through the door), nine 'picks' (3 ea. of 3 different ones) of berries (didn't do any cutting even), some hot glue, and 10 minutes later it's done.

And I replaced the very old plastic ghost and pumpkin lights I had on the porch railing outside with some grapevine ball covered lights (on clearance right now at Target with all their summer outdoor lights), just took the old lights off the old grapevine garland and wrapped the new lights on, and I hot glued on some silk leaves I pulled off another garland.

And here's the front porch...

Happy Halloweeny!!!!

10/21/11 Lap Band Study

2011-10-21T11:50:00.000-04:00

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book

10/8/11 BOOBs Post 4...The End

2011-10-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

And now, for the REST of the story...

After dinner, I was hobbling home...NO, remember the almost heeless shoe at this point...I swear I had only had one glass of wine all day (OK, post-LB my limit is about two...and YES, I really act like that without drinking much LOL), with everyone when Barb bushwhacked three of us and made a detour...OK, let me tell you more about this woman's Super'men' powers (as if the chocolate cake wasn't enough)...I found us being led the whole way by Barb AND our hotel Doorman to a bar nearby...OK, it was more like a Japanese restaurant with a bar in it, which we didn't notice at first....Anyway, once again I was glad I was not sitting on the high barstool with naked hairy legs as Barb (and her Super'men' powers) immediately made friends with a group of boys nearby (no, I can't even call them men)...one even offered to change his name for her (I swear)...and I soon found myself being asked how much weight I'd lost by some handsome youngster (Super'men' powers, I'm telling you) LOL...what was even more funny was that I told him (Barb's powers again)...isn't that like asking a woman for her age LOL? After a quick drink (thanks again Donna!) we figured out that we were the only ones left in the place...hey, 'we shut the place down!' (at like 11pm LOL)...so we made our way home.

Our wonderful planners had put together an impromptu slumber party and we arrived (OK, let me just mention that over the weekend I must have ridden the elevator with BOOBs and strangers without we BOOBs remembering to push our button at least a half-dozen times...that's how much we were engrossed in talking...or...that's how bad my 'oldtimers' has gotten)...so we arrived just after the PJ party started to a meeting room full of girls in PJ's.

...so I took off my (now completely broken) shoe and went to change (and I'm outing Donna...who didn't change...because I think she sleeps in 'nussing). I then grabbed a spoon and went around helping myself to bites everyone's tubs of shared ice cream...where else could we LB'ed women not feel judged for eating ice cream and sweets?

Here's Jen in her cute pig tails and the hilarious Dawnya reading our bedtime story from Lynne's (Drazil's) book about pee and poo...we got to see an illustration of 'Explosive Man' (featured in her blog)...I had nightmares.

Then Sandy Lee received a gift of panties...apparently she was pantless last year and was going door to door in the hotel asking strangers if they had her pants (I love how Camela's totally unphased by the fact that she's wearing them on top, like 'That's just Sandy Lee!'...or maybe...'I got to get me some of those!').

Apparently wearing them on top gives her super ninja powers...

I had a blast at the PJ party...laughed until my port hurt.

Barb was recanting more of her Super'men' powers and then I got to see that Gilly has Super powers also...except she told us that hers are mainly over old people (which explains why they worked on me)…and her powers come from her itty bitty (I'm NOT kidding) pinky fingers (just ask to see them...I dare you)…which, OMG, she can use (along with her other magical fingers) to demonstrate perfectly anything we're discussing (Barb's inverted cobra story in this case)…HIL-ARIOUS...and she has a for-real Super Woman suit even (see)…I touched it…no super finger powers rubbed off on me *sigh*.

I was blubbering like a BOOB as people started leaving and saying goodbye for the final time...By that point, it was about Sunday morning and everyone was totally wiped out…our poor planners looked like they'd been through the wringer...so we cleaned up and tucked them in bed.

Oh, and one of the highlights of the weekend was that they counted up how much weight we'd all lost at dinner (amazing)...OK, I realized 1/2 way through that I was holding my camera (didn't have my camcorder) the skinny way up...HEY, at least I realized that turning it midway wasn't going to work! Hope this tech challenged girl did this right...

The whole event is still ringing in my thoughts and I'm still trying to take it all in!

The End...Happy Weekend All!!!

10/7/11 BOOBs Post 3

2011-10-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Saturday was a sleep in day for most of us......Donna...

...Me...

...and then I woke up...

...and was ~~amazed~~ proud that no one had needed to call me the night before for my card...

Then we all found a variety of things to do, most in small groups; Jazzercise, touring, shopping, meals, segwaying, spa day, and there was even a group that got tattoo's (some even got two!).

For me it was first food and drink...

...No, of the COFFEE kind...

...and talking, more talking...

shopping,

and popcorn shopping (OMG)...two bags!

...then off to get ready for the 'dress up' event at the Brazillian restaurant. Thank you Donna and Beth Ann (poor thing, just knocked at our door) for not gasping at my nearly1/2 naked body and droopy skin (see, I told you I'd be running around Chicago naked!) as I was first in the shower and didn't want to put on that too tight dress any earlier than I had to...and I forgot to bring my Spanx d*mnit...bra, thong (I'm still getting used to these things!) and tights, not pretty, not pretty at all!

Oh, and I made the unfortunate decision to be lazy on my girl's weekend and not to bother shaving my legs again, since I'd be wearing tights...a decision I would later regret...both when Mom Donna urged me to lose the tights and shoes on the way home...and later, when Barb was running her hands over my legs (OK, more like my webbed toes...first time they'd been called 'pretty feet' LOL) at the PJ party.

OMG, I thought they were beautiful women before…give them a day in the big city and they all clean up well (some had facials and even makeup makeovers...BTW, Note to self: For the love of bling and all things shiny, please buy some powder foundation as your face is as shiny and bright as the flash is in every pic!). These gals were 'aglow' with pretty, glittery clothing and hair and makeup that rivals a TV 'makeover'. The restaurant had a yummy, very extensive salad/side bar…two words when you want to taste more items…and you didn't hear it here…sliders first. No that doesn't mean that I stuffed myself (remember that too small dress I was in)…well, at least until dessert (read on).

First, we took the 'group photo' (I'm on the left...and you can even meet Fluffy, lower left)…LOL, I just noticed that I look like I'm still stalking Catherine!

Here's the aftermath:

and just look at my roomie posing for me...too sweet (umm, and I won't point out how you were 'smart' enough to take your 'beverage' to the photo session LOL...I love that girl)!

Too funny trying to squeeze us all in that pic in tight quarters (thank you Deb's sister for climbing up on the bar…or maybe you're up on the bars all the time…actually, you did get up there pretty easily…I'll bet our Deb's a bar dancer too).

Oh, and I was SO happy that I got to meet Deb's Mom (so nice and beautiful!)…and I told her how much I love her Deb (sorry Deb's Mom…that was a joke before…I'm sure your girls have NEVER been dancing up on a bar!). Love you Deb (That girl is wicked funny! Wish she and I had more time together!)!

And then we ate...I chose just the salad bar (Fluffy went to town...that girl is as cute and as small as a bunny)...

(it had plenty of protein on it) and not the neverending meat courses.

What if I was talking too much and didn't remember to chew the meat well...

I couldn't count on any bathroom stalls being open with this group! I found bacon at the salad bar...MMMmmm bacon...

Let me share the women I haven't identified in other pics yet;
CindyLew, who is about as big (and cute) as Cindy-Loo-Who (just look!).

and Camille- left, who's smile lights up the room (so glad I got to sit with her at dinner...too much fun!),

...by the end of the night she could hardly walk (in Barb's very high heeled shoes)

Meet Robin (right), she's got a bubbly, friendly personality to match that smile! With Vicki and Gilly.

Angie (left)- who always had that huge smile on her face (wish I'd had more time with her), Lynda (you've met, but see, her mouth really does close...or maybe she's just chewing on something LOL!) and stunning Liz, who I did NOT have enough time with either (right).

Left- Nicole again, Susan who is so sweet and adorable, Tina who was one of my surprises...I expected a quiet, reserved woman...NOT (love ya!), and Justine again.

And the beautiful girls; Debi, Beth Ann and meet Stacey, whom I only got to spend a split-second with (right).

Here's the gorgeous Jessica from the Bahamas and the lovely Steph (She's so nice...SO glad I got to spend some time with you at Second City...thanks!).

D*mn, I had to steal a pic of Ronnie...I thought I'd gotten everyone, but I SO badly wanted to talk to her, so I guess I was talking instead of taking her pic...this girl is too cute...love you Ronnie!

I had to steal a good pic of Angela too (left, with Dawnya and Gilly), as all I had was the back of her head and she's so pretty from the front too!

Ummm...I'm thinking this was right after I got to feel Thelma and Louise (she insisted, and yes I did, and doesn't Barb look happy?) and then, right before the pic I asked the also busty Gilly and Camille...I think they're thinking it over...or not...

OK, all was forgiven (hey, I was just looking for that motorboat line), and here's your birthday card...

I tried to get around to everyone I hadn't gotten to talk to before, but I didn't get to spend enough time with everyone I wanted to (especially our planners).

I love this girl and I'm really enjoying watching her journey...she's a lot tougher than she appears (in a great way) and I just know she's going to continue to reach all her goals!

...and can I just say again that Joey has a career in modeling...and she could design her own cover too...do you hear me Vogue?

Making the rounds...

More misc. Pics of all the beauties you now know...

The food was great, and I didn't overeat at all...

...at least I didn't until Barb, because she (or Thelma and Louise) has powers over all men, got our waiter to bring our table some chocolate cake (which wasn't one of the two dessert choices)…and you all know how my first love is chocolate…one bite (OK, I had three bites of shared cake) and we renamed it 'The real reason I came to Chicago' cake (I'm sure they'll be updating the menu).

Then we all sang 'Happy Birthday' to our Gillybean…who also has super-powers…but more about that tomorrow...

And at the end of the evening Sandy Lee (OK, wasn't going to post this one, but yes, I heard you GF, and yes, I'm giving you photo credit) insisted on playing photographer...yes, you framed this just right, I'm looking a sweaty mess from running around, but love how happy I look!

OK I think I shared with you that I decided against wearing those cute brand new suede and silver shoes that were now way too big (once I heard we had to walk two blocks and that the salad bar was downstairs...and thank G*d for that elevator or I wouldn't have had seconds!). I did bring them and I put them in the sisterhood box (glad I didn't 'break' those in). I decided to wear some old more sensible (AKA not cute) satin shoes...my good friend Lynda offered to lend me a pair of her cute peeptoes (you'll now be glad I declined your sweet offer). My heel was hanging off after running around all night (I caught them on a plug outlet in the floor...really...didn't anyone else see it?...ehem...I had exactly one glass of wine that entire evening!), and Donna wanted me to run home barefoot, but I was too vain (didn't shave) to take off my tights...I tiptoed instead, but by the time I got to the hotel...this is what was left of my shoe...

...that's just how fun this weekend was! PJ party to come...

10/6/11 BOOBs Post 2

2011-10-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

OK, this post is going to be a little more serious (I know, I know, but hang with me and the fun will be back)...Let me start this off with what I learned this weekend, and mainly on Friday...well, forget that, it's far too much to sum up here, but in a word it's...SUPPORT...getting it and giving it. After almost three years of blogging that's what I took from this event. Yes, yes, it was a blast too (that part is coming up...Saturday)!

Having my blog on LBT for so long (before Blogger), I've probably crossed paths with a lot more people than we do here on Blogger (for shorter periods...they certainly come and go on LBT...a shout out to my die-hard followers...you know I love you bunches!)...probably thousands of mainly newbie Banders, most of whom rarely/never blogged, but were just like we all were when we started...reading everything they could, and asking lots of questions. I think one reason many of us continue to blog, is that at some point, we move from just getting support to seeing that we're giving it too. Sharing what I was going through, started to help others...yes, even when I was screwing things up royally (let's face it, if a rule needed to be 'tested', I was your gal...if something weird could happen...me). As my journey went on, I felt a need to 'pay-it-forward' and tried to give support and help wherever I could, as I know you have.  Most of you have now blogged long enough that your story has touched someone else...whether you know it or not, trust me, it has...and the longer you blog, the more you'll hear it.  I've been lucky enough to hear that in emails from others and it still always chokes me up (I still can't believe how many people have read my blog from beginning to end...heck, I wouldn't even do that!), but it's a whole other thing to hear that in person.  You see, other than my Judi (if you don't know it already THANK YOU again for your blog my love...a lifeline when I Googled 'Lap-Band Pittsburgh'), who is one of my LB idols (OK, and I did once meet a LB'ed nurse at my PCP's office), I've never even met another LBer before in real life...unbelievable, huh?! I've corresponded, left comments for, even Skyped, and have received e-mails from probably thousands of LBers at this point, but two encounters, that's it in person.

So not only did I get to hear that this weekend (which brought me to tears a few times), but more importantly, I got to say it as well...and even more importantly, I witnessed it all around me over and over...and it was an amazing thing to watch.  I found myself at the Meet and Greet event thanking/telling others how their blog had helped me...even in maintenance, I still find help, even in newbie's blogs (and if I missed telling that to a few of you, consider yourself thanked!). You know, it isn't always easy to put yourself out there and do this...it's one thing to say to someone you've never met...'Oh, I love your blog!'...or 'Your blog is so fun!' or 'entertaining!' But it's a whole other thing to make yourself vunerable enough to say 'I stalked your blog from the beginning and it helped me'...'so much with my journey',...or 'to get back on track'...or 'to get another fill' etc...  That was the amazing part...that room on Friday, was full of acceptance and love and everyone was comfortable enough to put themselves out there and do just that.

I came to this event, especially wanting to thank Catherine.  She got banded just a few days before I started my first blog and my first pre-op PCP visit....ages before I had a Blogger account or knew I could comment anonymously on Blogger (you know how tech challenged I am)...I stalked her blog for years and it helped me so very much...so I was really happy she decided to come...because she saw she was still making a difference HERE and when I saw her blog, all I could think was...shame on me for not telling her all this before, and begging her to come (how could she even think she had 'nothing new to offer after almost 3 year banded'...Whaaaaat?!).

I found myself sitting next to Kristin, and as Catherine walked in late, Kristin was brought to tears telling us how much Catherine's blog had done to help her to finally get back on track and how she'd now lost 50 lbs. (and how she'd read her blog...twice!)....of course we all encouraged her to tell Catherine, which she was planning to do, but was worried about the tears. We all got up, and I waited and watched and you know what...it was the 'ugly cry' that I was doing too as she finally got to meet her...and I'm so glad they got that moment...for me, it was the essence of the event and my favorite photos (I hope you think so too Kristin and Catherine!).

The lesson in this is that we need to tell each other these things more often, and this weekend gave us all an opportunity to do just that. I've made it a new priority to tell people what I've learned or how they've helped me (instead of my 'Great post!' comments...OK, at least not all the time LOL...I've learned that part of paying-it-forward is also paying-it-backward and saying thanks along the way...am I talking in circles yet?...OK, this all made sense in my head...I know, I know...blonde moments).

Yes, I got my moment later with Catherine, and yes, I felt like a totally star-struck fan telling her just how long I'd been stalking/reading her blog, how her approach to the Band had given me hope and help because I wanted to use the same approach (choices people...you CAN still love good food), and how even her life/BF issues (love the adorable Steve) have been paralleling my DD's and had given me help in talking to her about it. I really loved finally being able to say 'thank you' in person (that's just another gift you gave me Catherine!).

The very lovely Justine who came all the way across the pond, me, and Catherine.

This weekend gave me the opportunity to make those personal connections, so that I've not only made great friendships, but I'm better able to both give and get the support we all continue to need.

Oh, and of course, there was more Friday night antics as a group of us went to see a late comedy show at 'Second City'...here's a few of the group (I don't think I've introduced the beautiful Amey, bottom left, yet). Thanks so much Steph (sorry you weren't in the pic) for setting this up!

More fun coming...bwahaha...

*NOTE: No more thank you's here please (love you Lisa)...I'm the one saying thank you this time!

10/5/11 BOOBs Post 1

2011-10-05T11:26:00.000-04:00

I have way too many pics to post, and I have no clue how to set up an online album, so I'll try to get as many as I can on here in several posts so you can grab/save the ones you want (and I tried to remove all your red eyes...but my you girls can drink!...you all had red eyes...or maybe I need a new camera?).

I'm writing this Monday while ~~being delayed at the O'Hare airport for two hours~~, sitting on the plane on the tarmac at the O'Hare airport for more then two hours now. Doesn't USAir know that I could be spending all this wasted time with my GF's who are still in Chicago?!!! Side note…thank you again DH for the surprise First Class seats (I've offered my row mates my Garrett's Popcorn, as they've run already run out of snacks and lunch isn't happening).

What can I say about the BOOBs…NO, not mine (I have none left)! THE BOOBs! BOOB's weekend 2.0 was a blast!

This compliment won't begin to cover it, but it was obvious from the moment of arrival that our planners had worked their butts off for all of us and had crossed every t and dotted every i…or maybe it was these they dotted: (.)(.) (sorry girls, I couldn't figure out how to raise my 'nipples'). I know I said this to each of you, but again, THANK YOU!!!

I arrived after two exhausting flights (Did anyone else not sleep the night before? I was like a kid before the first day of school! Wish I could sleep on planes!) on Friday (missed my Pittsburgher Judi to travel/party with!) and I got off the shuttle to yells of 'BG!!'. Four of the BOOBies were already standing curbside at the hotel. Holy crap! They recognized me immediately (guess I didn't do a good enough job of putting only flattering pics of myself online…OK, that was all over when I posted the first 'before' photo of myself). My lovely Darlin'1/Donna (roommate, far right) was there and she's just as I pictured her, both inside and out! She's got a smile that will melt you and she's a redheaded firecracker (SO much fun!)! I found out that we think alike on so many things…sorry Donna, I guess that wasn't the best compliment, as everyone knows all my thoughts are crazy! Sooner than I could say BOOBs, she had whisked my stuff into the room and off we all went for a late lunch…

Lovely Maria (right), who has already lost almost exactly my current weight (Amazing! Just imagine carrying me around on your back all weekend Maria!...Or maybe that was you who carried me back home that night?), and Sandy Lee (just as you'd picture her…beautiful...that girls rocks Jlo skinny pants!) had been waiting a whole year for another bowl of the clam chowder at this restaurant and so I took her lead, on the soup (yum!), but not the LI 'iced tea' (I stuck to my trusty first glass of wine)!!!

And I was so glad to finally get to spend some time with the gorgeous Jen (left)...she's just as sweet at she looks!

I started off by getting the 'scoop' and had missed a GREAT time at the 'drag show' on Thursday night (that's what I get for being an anal planner and booking my FF tickets too early). There was also a karaoke bar later where, apparently our little Barb (or should I say most of her is little…Thelma and Louise however…unbelievable!! I'm too jealous of her new boobies!) was the backup singer or dancer for anyone on stage…no worries, I got her to sing/dance for me later in the weekend (just play 'Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night' and see what happens…you're welcome). Love you girl!

Friday night was the 'Meet and Greet'. Let me mention here that the event and the swag bags were amazing (I'm still hoping my BOOB's wine makes it home in my checked bag in one piece!). My one disappointment of the weekend was that our planners were so busy/tuckered out that I didn't get to spend enough time having fun with them!

Our wonderful planners...(Kerri wasn't there) Stephanie, Lynne (Drazil), Linda, Joey...

...Deb...

...and (other) Jen (whom I tried to get extra pics of as she was the photographer) and her BFF Lynne again.

Stephanie and Joey bartending and attending to details (glow straws for the drinks).

I walked in and I was…what's the word?….overwhelmed. The closest thing I could describe it to, is that it was as if you walked into a room of celebrities you've never met in person, but you are also a celebrity they want to meet. I just wanted to line them all up and hug them all, but I just started hugging whoever was closest and talking to them about their blogs/lives.

The curly-headed beauties Camela/Read and Carmen.

Barb again, and the lovely girls Miss Vickie (Queen Bee) and Jacquie

The fun youngsters Debi, Brandi, Becky (the newbie WL challenge winner! Still in Bandster Hell even!) and Shannon (loved your hubby!...and your haircut!)

...and later with Julie and Beth Ann

It's a strange thing meeting someone you know so many intimate things about, but have never gotten to meet.
As petite little Donna...

...pointed out, one of the funniest things to her was that people are either much taller or shorter than she expected…being an amazon myself, usually everyone is shorter, but I found myself looking up at the beautiful Joey (she should SO be a super-model, that girl is so statuesque and beautiful, both inside and out…and Joey…I'm SO in for the 'Zombie Boo's'!)!

Joey, Theresa/Tessie Rose (OMG now I'm going to hear that Louisiana accent everytime I read her blog), and the too fun Lynda (right)

These two girls I did not get enough time with...I could have spent a 'nuther day having fun with them (and their roomies)! My lovelies Maria and Grace (they are a riot).

Yes, Nicole wore the red dress and she's every bit as pretty and sweet as she looks.

My revelation was that many were actually older than they look…yes, I was still the old-woman, but these gals all look at least 10 years younger than they are…and the other thing was that Blogger adds 10-20 pounds...these girls look GREAT...what gifts this WL gives us!

'Say Cheese, not AHHH!', have I said I love Lynda? And doesn't she look 25?

Super model Joey finding the best seat in the house (Dawnya's lap...OMG I'm glad I got to get to spend some time with her...she cracks me up)...These three were trouble! Gilly (right)...much more on her later (she's already using her 'super power' fingers here).

Carmen and Krystal (right, whom I got to spend no time with)...hope you're feeling better Krystal!

Gillybean (who put together the WL Challenge)!

Amanda (she's stunning) with the beautiful Brandi

Beth Ann (more on her later), Karin/Lap Band Gal (she's so tiny and buff!), and my lovelies Julie and Debi

More on Catherine (with Jen) later

My head was spinning off by the end of the night.

And some more misc. pics from that night (more about all these gals later)...

9/27/11 3 Days (OMG!)...(Countdown to BOOBs)

2011-09-27T10:02:00.000-04:00

When it rains, it pours. I knew this BOOB's trip would come at my busiest time of the year, but I'm SO behind! The last of my three rounds (way TOO busy!) of house guests/company have come and gone (fun times), and now I have a few days left to pull this together!

Side note; I spent yesterday with DH at home (he NEVER stays home from work)...we went to the PCP in the am, and he has two Specialist tests next week...please send some good vibes/prayers this way...DH needs them.

OK, so why am I taking the time to blog?!! ...because I need a laugh right now...

Prepare yourselves...I'm officially announcing that I will be running around naked in Chicago.

...(and NO, I will NOT be running the 5K)...

Everyone will *gasp* at all my naked empty skin!...especially my bum...that is now all the way down in the back of my knees...

Apparently there is a dress-up night for the dinner Saturday and I have nothing to wear to the ball! Do NOT even attempt to tell me 'Don't worry about it!' or 'You can wear anything!' I'm a girl. I have an empty closet. I'm meeting these bloggers in real life for the first time. It matters.

So I'm predicting that the Emperors New Clothes/naked at dinner isn't going to fly...the BOOBs will make me cover myself, lest they all get tossed out before we have a chance to order...hmmm...bread baskets on the tables...I need to save them from all those carbs...

I have no time to go shopping...I HATE shopping. I spent 5 hours in Kohl's a few weeks ago...long story (a chapter's worth), but I came out without a dress...or new shoes.

Plan B...I have no energy or willpower left to go shopping anymore...I'm wearing a dress that's too tight for me...I bought it for DD for Christmas this year and it's a size 6.

I am NOT a size 6.

Be forwarned, if you're sitting next to me that night, the studs on it will start popping off as I eat and hit you in the eye. Just smile, look at me with your one good eye, and please tell me I look lovely.

I have no time to shop for new shoes. BTW...If they are still in one piece, I'm donating the cute shoes I will be wearing that night to the clothing exchange at BOOBs...I've only worn them once before and apparently my feet shrunk along with my brain. They're a size 10 (bigfooted women rule), and I usually wore a 9 before, so I've got 3 shoe pads on and they still are falling off my feet. I can't walk more than 10 feet without falling out of them (crap...I picked the salad bar dinner...I'm guessing that will not be served to me at the table).

If you see me falling over, catch me before I break my arm, or it will all be your fault.

If we go dancing and I look like Elaine/Seinfeld dancing on the dance floor, it's the shoes, not me.

If I look like I've been drinking too much.

I have.

Can't wait!

9/16/11 Goodbye Summer Fun!

2011-09-16T10:12:00.001-04:00

I keep forgetting I have this post of the last of my Summer Pics (BTW...Fall has officially arrived...we have 'almost record' lows today...39 degrees this morning...brrr). Here's the last few weeks...

We celebrated DD's 24th birthday (her BF in the background).

BTW, the next week, DS2 passed his 'tuba scales' test.

Then we had DH's sister and her family here and they moved my nephew into his dorm the next day for his freshman year at Pitt. We met them for dinner later at one of our favorite places downtown; Church Brew Works (The microbrewery/restaurant is in an old church). Here we are looking goofy as we try to take a pic of ourselves on the way out (at least I'm getting better at those arm-length pics and got our heads in the shot this time LOL).

A few days later, we went to Columbus for Labor Day weekend. The boys went to the football game (The cool weather suddenly changed and it was 110 degrees on the field!). Yes, we're still very ashamed at what happened with some players/coach, but we'll always be fans, it's our school (and I feel so sorry for all those boys, not involved, that are still playing here).

DH (AKA 'Mr. Finding Things') found a reasonable deal on Craig's List (an antique store in Columbus) for me...I've been looking for years for a barrister bookcase (the kind that lawyers used that have a glass door for each shelf that retracts to the top...in other words, I didn't want to have to dust these) for DS1's bedroom to put one of my collections in. Problem...when I unpacked all my little eBay boxes of these, the shelves were stuffed, and there's a few that don't fit (time to add some shelves!). Yes, I have a (OK, 'another') collection of old little German wooden toys (remember, DH grew up on the Army base in Germany...umm, no, only a tiny set of these were from his parents place...yes, I know...I have a collecting addiction). I'm just planning on being the best grandma ever someday!

My middle sis (was teaching; elementary) got a new job for her school district this year as a curriculum teacher (OK, not sure what the title is, but she now 'teaches the teachers' and works with them to implement new curriculum initiatives). I'm so proud of her and I needed just the right gift to give her. You may recall, she went through a lot this past year there...let's just call it 'the-year-of-job-interviews-from-Hell'! Through it all she kept her head held high, and chose the path that was always best for the district...in other words, she wouldn't let this 'process improvement' sister go in there and fix all the fatal flaws in their processes (OK, 'give them a piece of my mind'!). I'll remind you that during all this, she gave me the 'Rules of the Red Rubber Ball' book...to support and teach me (I told you she's the best!). Here's that blog post HERE.

So, I decided for my gift that I'd make something that would make her smile while reminding her of how she got herself there, for her new office. OK, this is one of those creative ideas that sounded (in my mind) way neater, and easier, than it turned out. I found some funny pics of her and blew them up. Then I went out and bought a red rubber ball...yes they still sell those old-school kickball's. Then I cut (STOP RIGHT THERE and let me tell you how thick these balls actually are...this took MANY hours and failed attempts) the ball into the message from the book and put it all together in a frame. She loved it.

We found a few more flea market finds and I now have the first two in my 'mismatched chairs' for the new/old kitchen table. Who knew it would be so hard to find one chair at a time (sets seem to be the going item)...

And last weekend we met DD and BF for a victorian home tour downtown and lunch after (another arm-length pic...my chin goes up with my arm apparently)...hot, but so fun!

9/13/11 17 Days...(Countdown to BOOBs)

2011-09-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

You know me and my anal, 'almost OCD'...well I've been organizing and cleaning out my closet, and I've decided that this BOOB's event will be a good opportunity for me to use up all my old boxes of business cards that I no longer need (take your pick). I'll be passing out lots of 'em...or maybe I'll just be passing out...

mmm...chocolate...

...if only I could have kept any of it off then...

Yeah, tried that...then I went to PT...

For those that have been here since the beginning...this was my first avatar saying on LBT (with my fluffy snowman cartoon)...Guess who's getting a whole box of these...

And you wonder where these blogs come from...

Instead, I now count ALL liquids in my 64 oz. a day...

and when my diets weren't going so well...

'scuse me...LAP BAND?!!!

I was then an official...

...and a blog...

until I started blogging myself...

Don't worry, I also had these new ones printed up for the event...

Although I was sorely tempted to buy these (since I lost mine)...

9/12/11 18 Days...(Countdown to BOOBs)

2011-09-12T09:23:00.000-04:00

What I'll be whispering in their ears as I meet/hug each BOOB (LOL...'hug'...'BOOB')...

...and...of course,..."Where's the...

9/11/11 We Will Never Forget

2011-09-11T09:17:00.001-04:00

9/10/11 20 Days...(Countdown To BOOBs)

2011-09-10T08:41:00.002-04:00

In honor of the BOOBs event I'll be attending the end of the month, I've decided to resurrect some things from the old blog...pics and a countdown (with some regular blogs now and then)!

What I'll be saying upon arrival...

and...

9/8/11 First Day

2011-09-08T10:10:00.001-04:00

The things that have never changed in this pic since Kindergarten...(OK, except I used to also take lots of pics at the bus stop...until I was threatened...by a high-schooler...who's now taller than me).

9/7/11 Three Reasons All Is Right In The World Again

2011-09-07T11:11:00.000-04:00

1. I hate Blogger.

I've had almost a month of trying to comment on blogs only to get kicked to the curb by Blogger with 'you do not have permission to view this page, please logout and pick a different account'...I do not have a 'different account'...isn't that my actual email and actual Blogger name right there on the page Mr. (you know it is d*mn him) Blogger?!!!...and thank you Trisha (at Diary of a Fat (and often Mad!) White Woman) for having the exact same problem.

This lead to a great deal of screaming, especially when I was trying to leave profound and lengthy, life changing words (like 'motorboat' for all you BOOBs features that I was NOT commenting on)...it wouldn't even let me leave anonymous comments. Being the tech-challenged oldtimer that I am, I was lost.

Yesterday I'd had enough and spent an hour, or three trying everything, even though I knew there was a high probability that I'd be deleting my whole blog. I finally 'changed my password' (to the same old password I had, frickin' Blogger) and it seems to have worked...life changing words coming at ya (Gilly, I'm lining up for mine)...

2. The only local store that carried my morning protein powder (add to my oatmeal; Gensoy, unflavored), stopped carrying it...even though I was single handedly keeping them in business.

OMG!!! I eat the same thing every morning...NO ONE messes with my morning protein oatmeal and three cups of coffee (I'm NOT a morning person...don't piss me off)!!! DH tried to placate me with other brands and flavors (vanilla...blech), but I wanted the good stuff...And I think it was Vanessa who recently said that we need lots of protein in the morning to do better during the day...I now have proof that this is true.

After a month of withdrawl, I found the powder online and my case finally arrived. I have enough powder to snort now and I can wake up happy (OK, 'not pissed off').

3. Most importantly...I'm running through the house naked today.

Yes, that's right.

SCHOOL STARTED TODAY!

9/6/11 BOOBs Survey

2011-09-06T10:44:00.000-04:00

WAY too much going on, but I'll catch you up later when there's more time. School starts tomorrow, and I'm hoping things will slow down a little (but my calendar for the whole month is full already, so not likely).

BOOBs...This event comes at the worst time every year for me, but I couldn't miss it this year...I just hope I have time to catch up before I go in a few weeks! I'm getting excited to meet everyone!

The BOOBs (Band of Outrageous Babes; banded bloggers meeting in Chicago for a weekend) planners have asked each of us attending the event in a few weeks to fill out a survey so that we can get to know each other better.

1. How did you pick your blog name?
Wow, it has been too long (see #2 below)...I was in the depths of researching the LB, I wanted something cute (because I wasn't feeling cute then), and I liked the name some Docs give to perfect restriction 'The Sweet Spot'...either that, or I was on a Halloween candy high (Hello, my name is BG, and I'm a chocoholic) and sweets were on my mind and in my tummy (again, see #2 below).

2. When did you start blogging?
Eon's ago...November 7, 2008

3. Theme of blog (weight loss, family, circus clowns, sci-fi, erotica, fly fishing, doll collecting, star wars, etc)?
Whatever I want to share that day, which is everything.

4. Did you go to BOOBs 2010?
Nope

5. When were you banded?
April 22, 2009...(five days before my big birthday).

6. How much have you lost?
I'm in maintenance at 100+ (...OK, lately +, sometimes -) pounds lost

7. What are you most looking forward to at BOOBs?
Just meeting everyone!

8. What/who do you hope to find/see/accomplish at BOOBs 2011?
Honestly, I couldn't care less about where we are, I'm just looking forward to meeting everyone and spending time with them having fun. If I could, I'd lock you all in a big meeting room at the hotel and make you all stay up and have a slumber party with me, because I know my <48 hours there are going to go way too fast!

9. Children? Pets?
Yep,

- DD just turned 24, lives downtown (she's a city girl), and works for a graphics company in corporate sales

- DS1 is 21 (aiyiyi), and is a junior at Penn State main campus in IST, living in the frat house (did I say aiyiyi?)

- DS2 just turned 16 (I'll send you all a notice when the driver's license is official), has his first job interview today, and starts his sophmore HS year tomorrow...AHHH...WHAT am I doing here?...time to get him ready!

- As of last Christmas, I now have two brother grand-kittens that belong to my two brother son's (but are somehow living with me)...Tucker and Beau (Beauregard H. Cat).

10. Who is your roomie?

The fabulous Donna, at http://lookinforless.blogspot.com/ (here she is in Kauai...and no, her DH is not rooming with us, but aren't they a cute pair!).

11. What day do you arrive?
Friday...I booked my flight really early on (FF's), and dag I wish someone had told me that people were coming on Thursday!!!

12. What airport/flight/time?
I'm arriving at O'Hare at 12:50 on Friday (anyone else want to meet up at the airport around then?)...oh, and I depart O'Hare at 1:50pm on Sunday (anyone else leaving the hotel around 11:30am-12pm that wants to meet up/go together?). My DH just informed me this morning that he changed my flight so I'm flying first class on the longer legs (I'm flying backwards through Philly first)...have I mentioned what a nice guy he is yet?

13. What events are you signed up for?
Donna suggested the Second City Show after dinner on Saturday, and I love to laugh, so we're going with the group!

14. Hobbies?

- Lots of DIY home and decorating projects

- Art

- Travel and planning our next trip (have I mentioned I'm anal?)

- Flea marketing, antiquing

- Collecting things; old kitchen things (red handled tools, pie tins, bakeware, enamelware), polish pottery, crocks, bobbins, Erzgebirge tiny wooden toys (when you forget to play, you get old)

- Writing and blogging

15. Career?
I've had too many...maybe it's my 'almost ADHD'...naw, we've moved around a lot (seven homes) and it's me finding the new job each time;

- As a teen: cashier at a grocery store, lifeguard, summer art program assistant instructor

- As a college grad: art teacher (and aerobic dance instructor, yup me, for almost 10 years), activities director for a 'young seniors/classes based' senior center, then several jobs in the business world last leading business process improvement in a large fortune 500

- Since our last move: mostly Mom, Wife, home project/decorator

16. Single? Married? In a relationship?
Married my best friend (and nicest guy ever)...30 years in April (just wait until I tell you what he already gave me)

17. Your birthday month?
April...born the same day and year as my DH

18. What do you want other BOOBs to know about you?
That I'm so looking forward to meeting each and every one of you (and I'm a seriously nervous BOOBs newbie...my 'fat girl' wonders, will anyone like me?!...anyone else nervous?).

Got to run...I'm off to take DS2 to his job interview, then to school for a work permit (hopefully), then to the Doc's. We're cleaning out his closet and getting ready for school to start tomorrow the rest of the day. I'll catch up soon...I hope...

8/19/11 Back To School Fool

2011-08-19T09:15:00.002-04:00

OK, why did I think things might slow down a little when we got back from vacation?!...FOOL! And BTW, anyone who thinks that vacations with the families are totally relaxing for a Mom has a maid, a personal shopper, a nanny, a personal assistant, and most importantly, a wife.

After the vacation unpack, the back-to-school rush hit us head on. Both boys had major projects/tests due the week after we returned; translation = me with a red pen (I'm the official 'English' proofreader in the house)...DS1 for a summer college class and DS2 for summer work for an AP HS English class. In our vacation mail was a notice from DS2's high school stating that they are finally going to change their policy of not weighing AP class grades until Junior and Senior years (and will now start Freshman year...like every other HS in America)...fine print...starting with the class graduating the year after my son (now a Sophomore...and yes, you have to start in AP classes your first two years to get into them your Junior year)...lovely...thanks.

We also had our follow-up appointment for all DS1's medical testing done this summer (from his surgery last fall, yes, I'm protecting his privacy with little detail) to get the results and being the ~~health advocate~~ anal Mom that I am, I spent many days online looking at all the possibilities and getting together my list of questions (this has seriously been keeping me awake all summer). Let me just sum all this up with we got the best news possible...it was all very unexpected as the odds were very slim that it would turn out this way, so we were surprised and thrilled. Although he's not got a guarantee of the future, and there's one re-test to do, and another probable minor surgery in his future, we follow up with the Doc in six months and the prognosis looks good at this point. There's nothing worse than watching your child go through medical issues, is there?

Somewhere in here I eeked out a few minutes for some home projects (yeah, I should be writing a DIY blog, sorry). I finally found a crystal chandelier for DD's old room reno. (for over the corner end table...I'm making this my 'girly-frou-frou' room to escape to when all the male testosterone in my house gets to be too much, so anything shiny or decorative goes) and made my first Craigslist purchase...here was the pic on Craigslist ($25)...

*Note to self: Ask for close-up pics and don't assume that you'll "easily be able to paint all the brass that shows white".

Here is what I was left to deal with before painting (the only metal in the room is brushed nickel and I decided white would work best)...it took me a full day to untwist all those little brass wires that went through each flower and held the clear arm covers in place and then I had to undo the center pieces as well.

Finally I was able to spray paint it all white...DH nicely replaced all the brass electric wiring (that also showed along side every arm) with new white cords and a new white chain to hang it and then it was time for reassembly...NO WAY was I going to rewire all those arm covers, so out came my glue gun and easy-peasy, back together...I restrung all the hanging crystals with some new silver wire (so about $50 in new supplies), and it's about done..it was missing a few crystals, and I broke one undoing everything, so I've ordered some on eBay and I just need to add four around the center top.

I have also been contemplating the fact that my kids have been saying that the 'new' headboard looked too much like the old crib ends...so I added six small wood embellishments to the tops. Here's half the headboard top now...not sure if it helped LOL, but more frou-frou!

Oh, and somewhere in here I lost my small vacation gain...plus some...145.5 this morning...it's a new low by 1 lb. (must be all the recent stress LOL).

Then DS1 announced that he would be going back to school a week early and wanted to paint his Frat house room...and that the Frat was paying for him to build a new loft for his bed (OK, I'll admit the one that was in there looked like someone made it out of matchsticks and it must have originally been built for another room as it blocked off a big corner in a tiny room). So off we went to buy school supplies, food, toiletries, paint, paint supplies, and a new mattress...have I mentioned that the Frat decided to spray the whole house down over the summer while no one was there for the frickin' bedbugs?!...yes, even though they've only seen them in two rooms, and he's never seen them in his, I've been boiling everything he owns each time he comes home...all BUGS FREAK ME OUT...biting bugs...OMG!...I'd seriously be moving out of our house...yes, I've been checking his room here and everyone's mattresses like the almost-OCD Mom that I am. I know what you're thinking...all you Boob's that were planning to come visit us in our hotel room...and don't worry Boob's roomie-Donna, I promise not to bring any with me...and we can all only hope that the hotel is as almost-OCD with cleaning as me...personally...I'll be checking my mattress (I'd recommend that you do NOT watch the TV program we saw this week...'Bed Bug Apocalypse')!

After we sent DS1 off for the weekend to tear out the old loft, paint, and get measurements, I designed a new loft for his tiny room and made a plan and supply list. We spent a day here cutting boards and pre-drilling holes for the ladder and then off he and DH went to PSU to install it together. Here he is installing it in the new 'Penn State Blue' room.

So DS1 is now settled at school and DS2 and I are working on all his back-to-school things for the last two weeks of his Summer...he's got his 'tuba test' with the Band teacher next week (after some debate, he decided to sign up for band again even though the guitar is his new love), so the house sounds like a German pub right now.

My youngest sister called yesterday crying as her youngest was on the bus for his first full day of first grade...Me?...I'm looking forward to Labor Day and then...BACK TO SCHOOL!

8/9/11 PVD

2011-08-09T11:52:00.000-04:00

*Post Deleted for Lap Band Book

7/26/11 Are We There Yet?

2011-07-26T07:57:00.004-04:00

Working through my 'to do' list before vacation...

Three down...
- Pen and ink gift made and framed (I was asked to make the moving gift for neighbors of their house...party happening while we're on vacation, so I'm delivering this to the host today).

- Mounted the tin ceiling panel on a board, cut and painted frame and it's up in DD's old room (not sure if I'm going to even use the second panel).

- You know how this goes...I can't get DH to even look at his 'honeydo list' and he decides to tackle the 'table of secrets' NOW (the one we bought that keeps expanding with 6 leaves). He got all the problems glued and clamped and then he stripped and sanded it. I was 'assigned' the staining and three coats of finish (how having and art ed degree automatically makes this my territory is beyond me LOL) and since it took over the whole garage I had to get it done before vacation. Of course it was 105 degrees for the entire week I spent in the garage (I thought skinny girls didn't sweat), but it's finally done and in the kitchen (well part of it is...5 other leaves done and stored). Now to find all those mismatched chairs we need to go with it...

Two more jobs to go...

- I've got the architectural plan for my in-law's new place done, but I've got 3/4 of their furniture still left to 'create' and place before we leave.

- And then there's the last job...packing!!! Yikes...10 days of vacation to pack for and other than having the laundry done I've got nothin'!!!

I've got a dinner out tonight and a ladies night out with the neighbor who's moving tomorrow (and the girls), and then we're off! Wish me luck!

I promise to return with lots of vacay pics (and I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone when I get back)!

7/15/11 My Dance Card Is Full

2011-07-15T14:20:00.001-04:00

LOTS of pics to share. I'll just bullet point and sum it up now with 'My Dance Card is Full'. As usual, I've overcommitted myself…and AGAIN, I need to move somewhere warmer as I love all the summer activities (we Pittsburgher's jam more parites into the summer than anyone) and gardening, but it's also the only time of year I can get some projects done (like refinishing furniture in the garage)…ahh, Pittsburgh winters. And can someone teach me how to do a proper rain dance…I'm sick of moving hoses!

Weight still holding steady at goal (147.5 lbs. this morning) and I'm totally amazed at maintenance.

…and Kathy; hope the PS recovery is going well…feel better soon GF!

- Mom and Dad came to town for a visit and Mom's Herb Conference. Yes, there actually is a 'National Herb Society'…I teased Mom that she's joined a secret society of witches that get together to make poisons out of herbs and the like LOL.

We went to a historic village here. DS2 not playing a video game…

- We went to Columbus.  The 4^th of July was very different since the parent's move, but we still had a blast!
     It was about 95 degrees!

     DD brought the BF and we about blew up everyone's backyard's with all the fireworks we brought...

     Took the kids to the zoo (rated #1 in America this year). I bought the little nephews Dip N Dots…

      Saw the polar bears swim…

- I learned that the newest online picture sensation is something called 'planking'; you get in the plank position, except it's with no hands and you span something (apparently kids are spanning things like two buildings way off the ground (scary). I was ready to give it a go until I remembered what happens to my stomach skin in the plank position (talk about SCARY!).

Don't try this at home (some of my other crazy nephews and my middle sis in red)…

- We've been going to the summer flea markets and antique fairs.

I bought this…

…and this…

…and this 2' blade (OK, I'm going to be turned in to 'My Strange Addiction'…to rust)…

- DH has been buying more furniture (I think he needs shopping therapy LOL).

The sleeper chair arrived…it's huge, but it just fits, just (personally, I think it looks jammed)…

DH replaced my 'sewing machine desk' (he just doesn't appreciate my creativity) in the Study with an actual desk (it's a small antique roll top and at least it didn't need refinishing)…

- I spent 4 full days stripping 5 layers of lead paint off my architectural salvage yard find; tin ceiling panels (what made me think that the paint would come off metal easier than wood…NOT! It was like scraping off gum!!!) and I planned on framing these together…now I'm not sure that they'll look good where I planned…*sigh*…any other ideas?

- I've been painting the furniture that's going in DD's old room for two weeks now (just finished yesterday). Two layers of primer and 2-4 layers of white paint.

On this…

…and this (antique sewing cabinet turned nightstand)…

…and this huge beveled mirror (to go over the wicker couch) from the flea market ($20 yeah baby)…

...and this...

…and this (DH trash picked this end table in college...I can't believe we still have it)…

…and this...Why yes, that new headboard is just parts of your old oak stained crib kids!...

And we celebrated DS2's 16th birthday (consider this your driver alert warning).

We leave for vacation (Cape May) in less then two weeks and I'm not sure how I'll be able to juggle everything I've got scheduled/need to get done and I keep piling it on (my 'to do' list is keeping me up at night...ahh!). I somehow volunteered to use my architect program to draw up my in-laws retirement home and all their furniture...and now they're asking for it...haven't broken ground yet...not moving for two years, but now I need to do all that before we see them at vacation. My favorite neighbor just got transferred and I'm so sad about them moving (but happy for them as they're moving back home to their families, and like us, they'd been transferred all around for many years before landing in Pittsburgh the same time we did...wow, 10 years ago ). I somehow volunteered myself yesterday to make a pen/ink drawing of their house here for the gift (needs to be done before we leave). It will all work out somehow (can someone please add a few hours to each day).

Off to shovel up my painting mess...and somehow I missed the hurricane as it came through my kitchen while I was off painting…neighbors coming over tonight for drinks…must...dance...faster! Hope you're all having a great summer (or winter, depending) enjoy the weekend all!

6/27/11 Buffetted!

2011-06-27T07:50:00.002-04:00

Catching up with some pics...

We had a great time at the Jimmy Buffett concert on Tuesday night! DS1 was the Captain for our van (Designated Driver).

I took charge of the tailgate party this time and we had 16 people there.

I forgot to take pictures of all the decorations (a must for this concert; Luau theme) once everything was set up, but here's one of the spread and you can see the fishnet with leis (and hair flowers) for everyone to take and wear (and my "Get Leid Here" sign).

The obligitory blow up animals above the shade tent.

I even brought play sand and we made a little beach with sand toys. I had beach buckets there with signs and containing things for everyone to take: 'Even Pirates Are Afraid of the Dark' (Glow Necklaces/Bracelets for dark), 'Smugglers Booty' (Beach Balls to inflate and toss at the concert...there are tons of these flying around at the beginning of the concert), 'Take Some or Swim at Your Own Risk' (Toilet Paper for the Port-a-potties), Virgin Initiation Here (Foam visors that I added the signs to 'Virgin Parrot Head').

We had 7 'Virgins' this time...here are some of them (Far Rt.-DD's BF, then DS1).

DD also met us there with her BF and some friends.

My GF's...

Grilling 'Cheeseburgers in Paradise'.

The aftermath of the party (and DS1 being funny on the ground) as we cleaned up and got ready to go to the concert.

Most (missing DS2) of my family.

6/20/11 Goodbye Spring

2011-06-20T08:47:00.000-04:00

Some Garden Pics...

Just look how big the bamboo got already!

A super busy week...Jimmy Buffett concert is tomorrow and my house is full of bags of decorations and food to make for the tailgate (I'm in charge this time). Mom and Dad then arrive on Thursday for Mom's Herb conference and a visit with us over the weekend. Have a great Monday!

6/19/11 Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T09:31:00.003-04:00

Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you!

6/18/11 Smell My Hands

2011-06-18T13:32:00.001-04:00

No, really...

Turn up the Smellavision...

The first plants of my little lavender section in the garden (my take on the huge fields in France) has just bloomed and the whole garden smells wonderful (the white and pink ones will bloom soon).

I cut some wand bundles to hang inside and some potpourri. My hands smell like lavender oil.

Ahh...It's a sign that Spring is coming to an end and Summer is almost here!

6/17/11 Everest - Beyond The Limit

2011-06-17T11:53:00.000-04:00

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6/16/11 SV

2011-06-16T00:01:00.017-04:00

I've decided to create an ongoing 'Summer Scrapbook' and share some summer pics and short posts for my summer vacation here...

What's better than hitting your dream goal (me; for a day)?

Being back at your dream goal (me; second time, almost a year later) and STAYING THERE for the last three weekly weigh in's (Again, it's not the goal number that blows me away, it's the ability to finally achieve maintenance)!

What's better than that?

Seeing a number under your dream goal for the first time EVER!!!

OK, so I couldn't move my pinkie toe without it jumping back up to 148, but it read this, or 147lbs. 8x out of 10, so I'm counting it!!! Whoot!

6/15/11 Adorable Blog Award

2011-06-15T11:56:00.000-04:00

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6/8/11 Take A Seat

2011-06-08T09:08:00.001-04:00

Done! Yep, we finished the outside work over Memorial Weekend...DH took Friday off and we ended up replacing a few more bushes then we'd planned on, and you can eat off our garage floor...OK, you can walk on it barefoot without tripping over stuff and dirt. I've been working on finishing the rest of the Spring cleaning...washing blinds...windows...deep cleaning collections (my dishwasher and sink have been working overtime)...and other things I only do once or twice a year. I can't believe it's almost Summer and I'm just finishing the spring jobs...dag the weather this year! I wonder what people do that live in warm climates? I'm guessing there's no big push to get all these kinds of spring jobs done in just a few weeks every year (good weather is way too short here).

The place is looking good and now we're enjoying it (when it's not raining or 90+ degrees like today). We've even had a few new visitors who appreciate our work...a new frog and a painted turtle found the pond and moved in (it always amazes me, as the closest water source is nowhere close to us).

Oh, and DH wore me down and convinced me that the old toy box/bench wasn't working in the Study (that I thought I'd finished) and that we 'needed' to take advantage of the Memorial Day sales and buy a couch (we don't need another couch...even after giving DD the two old couches, we still have six couches in the house). I compromised with him and we found a chair-and-a-half...and it's a twin sleeper, which will make this room work for extra guests again (especially anyone who can't use the stairs, or an extra kid). It's almost the size of a loveseat though, so I'm hoping it doesn't look jammed into the room (I think that's the look DH is going for LOL)...I'll let you know in four weeks, when it arrives.

It's this chair...

...but with this fabric. DH told me on the way out that he would have gotten the bright fire-engine red (even though he said 'It doesn't match a thing in our house') just because they had it in stock...LOL, talk about wanting instant gratification...I thought it was women who are supposed to be the shoppers?

We've been looking for new porch furniture since April (birthday gift/money from the parents) and finally found a simple set we liked (also on the Memorial Day sale).

So we've got new chairs...come visit and take a seat...enjoy the gardens!

We attended a 'microbrewery tasting' event (over 20 microbreweries from all over the country) this weekend with some neighbors (yes, we took a cab downtown). I had to wear black leggings with a flowy shirt (probably supposed to be a short dress) to cover up my gardener's bruises all over my legs (notice the farmer tanned arms, and I painted my fingernail nubs as the black dye from all the mulch has permanently given me 'goth nails'). BTW weight still steady at 148-150 lbs...

...and DD and her BF were there (and we got to meet his parents there...great people, just like their son).

The last day of school is Friday, so I'll be starting my usual Summer blogging hiatus (yeah, that already started), but will check in when I can (and will catch up with you as I can). We've got several trips planned to see family and a vacation at the beach the end of July.

I hope you all have some fun things planned, as it's almost as fun having something you're looking forward to, as it is to do them!

5/25/11 Twofer

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5/11/11 Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

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5/3/11 I Blow

2011-05-03T08:19:00.003-04:00

I had a perfectly wonderful Sunday with DD. She planned a whole 'Birth- Day' (belated birthday) for me and I had a blast. It was a whole 'artsy' day, so right up my alley, and SO thoughtful! It's days like this that make you so proud of your child (and I'm not saying this because the day was about me, but because of the person she's become). I know some of you are struggling with teens, so I'll remind you that they actually turn into wonderful adults some day, hang in there.

We spent some time at her apartment and she gave me a silver bracelet that was handmade by an artist out of spoon handles that has my initials on it...very pretty, and very cool!

We went to visit her new BF's townhome that he's gutted and has been renovating for a year. He's close to being finished and it's really well done. The place has great bones and he left just the right amount of the old (beams, brick, lath, etc.) and it's perfectly balanced with his new sleek modern renovations. He's a hard worker and such a nice guy.

We then went to a huge art show in an old brewery warehouse...very cool. Then lunch at a wonderful Thai place (I was able to even eat a 'fresh'/uncooked spring roll just fine...thank you Band Goddess).

Then the highlight of the day. DD took me to the Pittsburgh Glass Center (studios and classes). I've told you that I've done lots of stained glass and DD worked summers making stained glass for a glass artist who sold it. Well, I've never done glass blowing, so she signed us up for a class!

We made glass pond floats. OMG, so much fun! I picked white and blue swirls for mine (it has to cool in the annealing kiln for a few days...can't wait to see it done and floating in my pond). Here I am with the glass artist...getting ready to blow. I'll just point out here that I refrained (OK, after deleting it twice) from titling this post 'blow job'...no 'content warning' for you to have to click through on this blog...you're welcome, LOL.

You know I'm full of plenty of hot air! I think I embarrassed myself (OK, DD) yelling 'I'm Chihuly!' as I finished the float...just something exhilarating about all that heat!

And here's DD picking her colors next to the 'glory hole' where the glass gets melted (I think she picked orange and yellow...hard to tell when it's all lava orange when you're working on it).

She then took me to the glass show the Center had going on, so we browsed and I bought a few glass pendant necklaces for DD and I to remember the day.

It was the perfect B-Day!

5/2/11 Oh Happy Day

2011-05-02T08:15:00.005-04:00

It's certainly been a memorable few days...

What a day (May Day) for the U.S. (It always scares me when I see 'Breaking News' interrupting TV programming...so good last night to see good news for a change)! Bin Laden dead just a few months before the 10 year 9/11 anniversary...I hope this gives our victim's families some small peace. I'm still in shock that he was in a mansion and so near a Pakistan military facility . I hope this takes some of the wind out of Al Qaeda's sail. I'm also happy that DH is back in the country from Italy, but I'll be glad when he's home from his second trip out west here. As much as I fight this, to keep them from winning, unfortunately, the terrorists have succeeded in keeping some fear in my heart in regards to air travel.

In other news I was intrigued that Kate Middleton, excuse me, the Duchess of Cambridge, is purported to be 5'10" and 120 lbs. (and rumored to have been on a diet, which dropped her weight quite a bit). It caught my attention, because I was just under 5'10" and 132 lbs. at my wedding, and let me tell you, I was too skinny...one of the few times as an adult I wasn't trying to lose weight, but lost a few pounds just due to the 'wedding stress'. That gives Kate a BMI of 17.2...yes, that's well into the 'underweight' category. My first thought...all those poor brides that will be buying look-alike wedding dresses hoping to look like her. Although I thought she looked beautiful (and it was a beautiful wedding), I wish she hadn't dieted to get quite so thin...more unrealistic images for our girls to struggle with (and another new diet to gain followers)...who didn't want to look like tiny Cinderella on their wedding day back in my day?...that tiny waist...heck even her feet were tiny!

...off to a busy day, have a good one all!

4/29/11 They're Coming To Take Me Away

2011-04-29T12:05:00.002-04:00

I'm losing it...No, not weight (still in my 155 holding pattern). I'm losing my mind.

I went to see my surgeon, but I'll get to that in a moment (stay tuned for some LB info. below). I've been working on making pillows for the great room. I found the same fabric as is on the new recliners at JoAnn's. So I made four throw pillows for the couches.
Then I recovered the bench cushion for the church pew to match (not shown yet). I stood back to admire my work and realized that I'd gone all Maria Von Trap with only one fabric...and it was the only fabric in the room (no window treatments in this room)...more than a little too matchy-matchy.
So, back to JoAnn's for some more pillows (I decided to try my hand at some fancy pillows for the pew, since it's not sat on unless we have a crowd) and after bringing home lots of swatches I picked four new fabrics. Off to the fabric store once more and I found three of them and put them in the cart to be cut. Half-hour later and I still couldn't find the fourth fabric, so I asked an employee for help...in answer to the her question 'No, I have no clue which section of the fabrics I got the swatch from'. She found it in minutes and put it on the cutting table for them to cut for me.

Home again and I start cutting my shapes for the pillows...hmmm...this fourth fabric has some snags and looks like it wont hold up very well...I start pondering going back for a different fabric...and then...

...the lightbulb goes off...

...I'm looking at the backside of the fabric!

...OMG, no wonder I couldn't find the fabric! It's solid, but more golden on the back and has a totally different weave (of course, stupid). I curse my blonde hair. So I also decided to make pillows for the recliners.
And here are my fancy pillows and cushion for the pew (I just looked at images on Google to get some ideas to copy). Tons of work with different trims or beading on each one, and I'm not sure I even like them (the contrast of the cream fabric bugs me), but I'm hoping they'll grow on me.
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4/27/11 Happy

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4/26/11 One Million, Fifty-One Thousand, Nine Hundred Minutes

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4/25/11 Ketchup

2011-04-25T12:23:00.001-04:00

...or should I say Catsup...no, make that Catch Up...

So much going on here that I didn't get a moment to even post my already completed posts...my Bandiversary, my scheduled visit to my Surgeon, my new projects...

...but those will come this week...

...let's catch up on the other important other stuff...life!

It's the last day of Spring Break here for DS2, and DH took off a few days last week, so thus the busy week. He's got a crazy schedule the next two weeks, so we (OK, my 'honey-do list') needed to get lots of things done...he's got a late dinner today, off to Italy tomorrow with three guys from China, gets home late Saturday night and then has to catch a flight about 4 hours later out west for the week...ugh...I don't miss work travel. He's going to miss my Birthday and his this week *sigh*.

DD spent the weekend with us, but DS1 had some big projects due and finals coming up, so unfortunately he couldn't get home from college.

Saturday was our 29th Anniversary...we were supposed to go out Friday, but I had a stomach bug...and since DD was home Saturday night, we spent it with the kids and made a pact to do something big next year for our 30th.

We had fun dying eggs...DS2's eggs...can you tell he loved the 'tie dye' kit best.

We had a great time watching movies together and playing games...DD peed her pants laughing (she must have gotten my incontinence genes) when we played 'Just Dance 2' on the Wii and DH and I did a duet dance (DH has two left feet, but he beat me anyway because I was laughing so hard).

DD and I did some girly things...painted our toenails...we dyed our hair in honor of Easter...mine turned purple...well a gray purple (I swear, wish I'd thought to take a pic), and not on purpose...and then we fixed it...and I let DD trim my hair for the first time for fun (it kept getting shorter and shorter...and I had to get out the scissors to even a few things up this morning). I gave DH's hair a trim for his trips (I started trimming people's hair in college, so you know I'm a professional LOL...besides, as he would say, there's not much left to trim LOL).

Here are the kids...DS2 hamming it up after finding his hidden basket...

DD opening her 81 eggs after the big hunt. Yes, we still hide an obnoxious amount of eggs for each kid (the older they got, the more we hid) in different rooms in the house...and yes, they still love the hunt...I'm sure we'll still be doing this until they have kids of their own.

I made a great Easter brunch (OK, pick your chin up off the floor...yes...I cooked)...with a new recipe for a toasted crusty bread and savory egg casserole...YUM. We had the traditional Easter ham dinner, with some new appetizers (the Pittsburgh potatoe perogies were a little bland...I need to look up a sauce for next time).

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4/13/11 Getting It

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4/8/11 Friday Facts (Food Pusher, Land Of Oz)

2011-04-08T12:35:00.003-04:00

It's in the 40's now and we had hail and snow this week, but we're supposed to see 80 degrees on Sunday for the first time this year...com'on spring! -Had a great visit with my middle sis, her DH, and her youngest (of four boys). Here are some pics from downtown one day; visited DD's apartment, ate, and took a trip up one of the inclines (steel mill workers used to ride these down the hills to work at the mills on the rivers).

'Martha Moment' of the week: helped my Sis sew four new pillows for her Living Room (and she helped me pick fabrics for DD's old room).

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Weight: 154, down 2. Even though I was in line with meals, no, I don't deserve a good weight loss this week...did I mention that I bought the Costco 'big chocolate cake' and the 'cheesecake medley/variety pack' (and had a slice of both)? I sent the rest of the giant cake out the door with DD's BF and my nephew (chocolate = trigger food...and I don't even like cake).

I'm going to send my daily meal list/amounts (OK, not this past week) in to Dr. Oz (*Note: Sent the show an email with specifics that they got wrong.). If you didn't see his show on LB (mainly regarding the new ruling for lower BMIers), videos are on his site
HERE ...the LBers they had on were either lying or malnourished; 5 teaspoons of yogurt OR a cup of broth is a meal?!...and aren't both those sliders (this gal is a full 6 months out from surgery)? I was mostly angry with the bariatric Doc who didn't point out that their meals shown are NOT what is recommended and that none of them had enough protein. Thank G*d I didn't see this before my LB or that would have scared me off.

Off to find my meds...head thumping, shaky, nauseous...I feel a migraine coming on...or maybe it's a sugar detox?

Happy Weekend All!

4/1/11 Friday Facts

2011-04-01T12:47:00.001-04:00

- I've decided to start dieting to get these last pounds off (Atkin's as that was my most successful diet, several times). YAY...all the bacon and cheese I can eat!

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- You know that first bullet up there...April Fools! And no, I'm not making fun of those that follow Diets with the Band (do what works for you). Hey, I knew I couldn't pull the pregnancy card again.

- I started work on our Study I showed you (and DD's old room). I love blogging as it often helps me think things through and get new ideas (many from you)...I decided to "go shopping" in my own home and moved out two big pieces and moved in four smaller ones. DH got home late Saturday (poor guy/geez work...and it's a Sunday return this week), so Sunday I put him and DS2 to work moving all the furniture around to see how we liked it. When DH saw everything and where I was setting the small old TV (note here; this is not our main 'TV' spot-we have a nice flatscreen in the great room and a huge big screen in the basement), he decided he wanted to make his stamp on the 'new' room and went shopping.... I swear if 'She who dies with the most fabric wins!', is the women bumpersticker, then just replace 'Fabric' with 'TV's' for men!

I've got lots of furniture and shelf painting ahead of me, but I'm excited about the final plan (pics to come when it's done).

- My 'Martha Moment' this week:

Remember the lamps for the Study I made, and that I noticed that the dried sheet moss had faded over time to a 'dead looking' brown? Well, I went out and bought new moss, but it wasn't as green as I wanted. I decided to try dying it with green food coloring in water...it worked...I started out covering (glue gunned on the moss) these topiaries that are also for the Study.
I was dreading the lamps as I'd have to take all the glued on moss off the Styrofoam and replace it...and I wasn't sure how that would go (aka I was feeling lazy and knew it would be a ton of work). Then I had an idea...dye the faded moss that was already on it! A foam brush to dab on the solution...and voila! Think outside the box! (I wish being a 'green thumb' was always that easy!)

- I've been 'Spring Cleaning'; kids rooms and my art closet for the past month...have a huge pile for charity, but I let my kids decide what they wanted to keep and box up (mainly toys they aren't using anymore). I think they all got the 'hoarder' gene from DH and I. I now have boxes of trophies (that they'll never look at again, but don't know it yet) and sets of their favorite toys...hey, it's a small price to pay not to be 'that Mom' (the one that threw away all their things). I've still got lots to finish up.

- My middle Sis and her family are arriving tomorrow for their 'Spring Break' (I've been busy getting DD's empty/now 'guest room' back in order...shopped my house again and moved some furniture in)...'cause doesn't everyone want to vacation in Pittsburgh for their Spring Break (not much 'green' in sight herd, but hey my Snow Crocuses are blooming, and it's snowing...now who's playing the April Fools joke...snow in April?!!)? And no, I didn't know they were coming when I started the 'Spring Cleaning' so my house is a wreck and I'm cleaning like a wild woman. I'm so excited to see them!

- Had a 'drinking girls' lunch yesterday with a neighbor (somewhat like a 'working girls' lunch, but without the working)...no, I only had one glass of wine...I SO needed the break from the housework and DH doesn't get home until early Sunday morning, so no help in sight LOL! Back to work!

- 156 lbs., down 1 (again).

Happy Weekend Fools! I'd recommend the rubberband on the kitchen sprayer (if you have a separate one from the faucet)...lined up just right...gets 'em every year!

3/25/11 Friday Facts

2011-03-25T12:53:00.000-04:00

- I'll start with decorating opinions/ideas needed as I've been mulling this over this week. I told you I gave DD the old couches in the study and so I put the old red recliners in there (I was shocked how closely the reds I picked separately matched...good thing I like certain colors...looks like I bought them for the room). Anyway, I think it will work OK, but need some thoughts/ideas. This room is my brightest...apple green, and I have a garden theme going with some botanical fabrics, prints, and garden antiques...good room to read/write in (it was an office and then the kids playroom before we finished those rooms/basement).
I need to move/recenter the old quilt on the wall (I love this quilt from DH's great-grandma...it reminds me that everyone makes mistakes...see if you can find them...there are two).I thought I'd just buy another garden plant stand to put the second lamp on. Yes, I told you I like funky lamps...I made these out of ugly foam urns I painted, filled with concrete and topped with moss (that I see I need to replace as it's faded over the years, and copper lamp tubing/parts).
Moved my father-in-laws old toy box (that I painted/was using for a coffee table in here) over to the wall where one couch was, and I'm thinking about just making a foam pad for extra seating with the extra red curtain fabric laying there?...The botanical pillows I made for the couches (that match the valances I made) could work along the back, maybe? Or maybe they're too low/small?

Yeah, it wouldn't be our house if every wall wasn't filled with furniture LOL...we're no minimalists.

I think I'll move the dresser (has all our extra photos in it) up to DD's empty room (DH brought a second one of these old maple dressers home from his parents...guess I'll have to paint/antique that one too now)...so what do I put between the windows here (I want to keep DH's childhood butterfly collection here). Any crazy ideas with a garden theme...anyone live on a farm?

- What else this week?...Erradicated the pink eye and then DS2 was home with just a fever Monday.
- First day of Spring! So, of course it snowed today, and we had tornados near Pittsburgh yesterday (amazing that no one was hurt).

- I haven't had a 'real' job in 15 years (and three houses and one apartment in between) ago and I just recycle binned/trashed two (large, sideload) file drawers full of the files I'd kept from my work life...I can't believe it's been that long. Spring cleaning...I felt lighter.

- We were down at DD's apartment on Sunday to do some more 'handy-person' jobs. Mine (all I had to do was spackle the holes in her wall from someone pulling off a curtain tie-back hook...the day after we installed them) are about done (I took down the duvet that I'd altered and she sent me home with a curtain that needs to be hemmed up LOL). Long list for Dad and new BF though (we love this guy, so helpful). She has at least 15' of closet rod space and needless to say the clothes didn't all fit...they were covering the sofa in her room. She told me that was my big job...to help her purge...so we did. We came home with the biggest black trash bag they make full of DD's clothing for charity (and 3 boxes of 'stuff' she didn't want). NSV for me...I pulled out about 5 tops that I like and they fit...or maybe that's not an NSV as she has bigger boobs than I do now.

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- My 'Martha Moment' this week. My new wall saying finally arrived and I put it up! If you remember, my friend Diane sent me my favorite Dr. Suess saying for inspiration, so now I have them on both sides of the hall upstairs with the B&W family pics I put up. It took me awhile to figure out who/what I wanted my other inspiration to be...Walt, of course!

3/16/11 Re-evaluating Goal

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3/14/11 WORD!

2011-03-14T07:42:00.002-04:00

No more 'word verification' here for comments (thanks Joey for the heads up)...or at least I think I figured out how to turn it off (I'm sure you'll let me know if it's still on). As one sis told me this weekend 'I love you, but you're tech-challenged...You are SO right brained!' Let the celebrations begin ;-) ...and I expect 10x more comments now LOL.

It's a grumpy Monday morning here. 'Spring Ahead' (Daylight Savings Time) has gotten me again (I miss that extra hour for at least a week)...or perhaps it was the lovely early wake-up call I got this morning...

*Light flips on and a perfectly wonderful dream (that I can't remember, so maybe it was a nightmare) is over* 'Mom! Mom! ...MOM! ...Does this look like pink-eye?!!' *After peeling my head out from under my pillow...a bathroom break (and of course a weigh in)...and two cups of coffee later* 'Yep, it's pink-eye...you're home today.'

You're scratching your eye right now, aren't you? ...me too.

...Anyone know if kittens can get pink-eye?

*More...coffee...needed...*

I'm off to call the Doc...

3/8/11 The Boys Are Back In Town!

2011-03-08T08:28:00.002-05:00

My baby-boy (DS1) came home from college for Spring Break on Friday (and his baby-boy kitten 'Beau' came too)! So nice to have him home for awhile...college is too far away and he doesn't get home often enough.

We were wondering what would happen when the two brothers (kittens, not my boys) were reunited. The Vet and their staff kept telling us that they would know each other, but we weren't sure. They were hysterical...the first half hour was spent tentatively sniffing, touching, and looking at each other as they shyly hid behind things. Then, it was suddenly like old times...they started the 'chase' and 'hide and seek' with first one being 'it', then the other one. In between there was the usual tussle where a ball of happy kittens rolled by...DS2 was worried they were tussling too much, but we reassured him this was all in play and exactly what they'd done before. Having had cats before, we certainly know what a cat fight looks like...growling, hissing, claws swiping, hair flying...it ain't pretty...there's a reason they call girls pulling hair and fighting a cat fight. The only problem was they kept us awake listening to their feet running all over the house and up and down the stairs that first night...it was kittenpalooza! They look even more alike now as Beau has grown into his long hair and the hair is shorter around his face. They went to the Vet yesterday and Tuck is still bigger...he weighs a full pound more than his brother.

DS2 is so excited to have DS1 home. I was pleased to see the first night that they'd pulled out the trundle in DS1's room and had stayed up late playing video games together (being 5 years younger he loves any attention from the older ones). DS2 went downtown with some friends on Saturday and they stayed overnight at DD's new apartment and had a great time. We're having a very busy week here and DD is coming to stay overnight tonight, so we'll have everyone home!

Hope your week is just as sunny!

3/2/11 Exercise Trainer

2011-03-02T06:53:00.000-05:00

No, not for me...for the kitten...glad someone has been getting some aerobic exercise today (personally, I've been strength training, packing and moving bins and boxes in the basement again...uggh).

DS2 has been training his kitten. He'll already 'sit' on command and he's working on 'lay down' now. He's also been working on his jumping skills...like a cat needs help with jumping (I'm working on the 'Get down off the mantle!' command).

Thought you might enjoy some kitty pics to cheer you up...just because it's Wednesday... DD helping with the training...
Me thinks Tucker is part flying squirrel...
And here's one of my favorites...
Nope, not there...
There!
...and here's how Tucker spends 16 hours a day and is earning his name.

2/26/11 The 300

2011-02-26T00:01:00.002-05:00

I want to thank all of you who are following...my groupies...my friends. I appreciate it more than you know. It's amazing to me that you've stuck with me and continued to join in, even when I'm not able to spend as much time putting together entertaining blogs, or even any kind of daily blogs anymore. I want you to know that I do my best to follow and keep up with you (send me a note if I'm not following), and I read a lot, even when I'm not always commenting. You so often inspire a thought for me to write about...it's great to hear other perspectives...our journeys are each so unique. Without fail, even when I haven't said so here, it's at the times I start to question myself that I'll always get such wonderful comments or emails from one of you to keep me going. You can only hope that some small part of what you share has helped someone else and it means so much to actually hear that, so thank you.

We are an army in our war against obesity. The information we share with each other makes us each wiser and better able to wage our individual battles. The support we give each other forms an impenetrable line that works to hold each of us up at the times we are faltering. Together we are so much stronger than we are alone.
So hold tight and sharpen those blades; keep asking...keep telling...keep learning...keep teaching...keep open...keep supporting...keep aware.

The battle is never over...but it does get easier with each success...and remember...you're never alone.

Love to all!

2/25/11 Little Shop Of Horrors

2011-02-25T10:45:00.002-05:00

Let's talk about BOOBs...no not those BOOBs, my boobs! Or lack thereof. The worst thing about my boobs is...getting a mammogram (especially after I lost my boobs somewhere along the WL journey...if you find them, please return them). Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't remind you to get your mammogram, if you're due.

OK all you big BOOBs, I don't want to hear you whining about how they smash your boob in the vice and it hurts....whaaa...whaaa. Here's how it goes for me vs. you;

The poor gal running the machine always takes a look at my naked front as I disrobe like 'Oh Sh*t! A boobless one!'
Yes, don't tell me you've not noticed the smile of appreciation she gives you.
Then, with me close to the machine, she takes forever and struggles to get it lined up exactly right as she knows this will be critical in a moment.
You get near the machine and she just makes sure that the shelf is below your boob...hopefully not at your knees (OK, I'm jealous...I hope that it's at least at your belly button).
Now comes the fun part...getting 'no boob' onto the clear shelf. Step up to the machine and prepare to be dazzled and amazed! ...or is that mauled and mangled? She starts at my waist (where she just spotted, with extreme delight, my extra 'fat girl' belly skin) and yanks upward then forward (like my skin is Silly Putty!) onto the shelf (umm Oww!). She lets go and *poof*...the skin snaps back...then falls back to my belly...gravity (so not my fault).... Now she takes a hard look at me and I can see she's gearing up for the challenge...Uh Oh. She grabs my 'skin' extra hard (OK, now she's got the nipple as she's hoping that will give her some semblance of a boob on the shelf), pushes my back forward against the machine so my ribs are now pressing inward against my lungs, and yanks my boob forward so hard my panni is now on the shelf.
You...she has you step forward and then raises the shelf under your giant boob up until it's sitting on the shelf like the boob of a perky 16 year old's (you're enjoying the moment).
Now comes the vice...the other clear 'shelf' above my boob (that I thought was just a higher shelf for a very perky patient) is not a 'shelf' at all! It's now being lowered onto my upper ribs...then pinching downward onto my 'nipple'...OWWW! Just when I think my ribs are going to snap she stops the vice. Oh if it had only ended there, but no, she's teasing me for putting her through all this as she says (with just a little too much enthusiasm) 'Just a little more!'...the vice starts downward again...then stops...then starts...then finally stops...I'm screaming in my head...DOUBLE OWW! My head is now pointing downward as she's given me a reverse face lift and my deflated double chin is now pulled tight on my chest. As I'm looking down, I take a gander through the clear vice at my BOOB! OMG! I try to smile (but my face is now pulled downward so taunt that I'm frozen in a permanent frown). HEY, I HAVE A HUGE BOOB! For the first time I can't see my feet, not because of a giant belly, but because of my (one) GIANT BOOB! OK, it's paper thin horizontally, but I don't care...I have to find a silver lining somewhere in this little shop of horrors.
You...she lowers the vice an inch onto the top of your giant boob...you say 'ouch' (out loud) and she raises it a little.
She tells me not to breath (Who the frick can BREATH?!? Can't she see my LUNG is now in the vice!), as the now giant boob may snap back out of the vice if I do, and then we'd have to start over. Start OVER?!!! I'm now hoping if it does 'snap back' that it will be with such force that I'd sail backward into that wall protecting her from the 'rays' and take her out!
She tells you to breath normally.
I think I hear her talking, and about the point that I'm ready to black out, the top of the vice begins raising. Her voice comes in clearer now, "...done, you can step back now." Ahh, sweet relief as my head snaps back up and my now super stretched extra belly skin falls down to my knees. And then I hear it. Five words that brought tears to my eyes "And now, the other side!"
She asks you to roll your giant boob off the shelf and place the other one gently on.

I wish I had taken a pic of the giant red 'V' on the upper ribs of my chest when I stumbled out of the room whimpering. I'm seriously thinking of getting a boob job now. Get your mammogram! If I can, you can...they save lives!
DD and I went to the ballet together last night. Fun for us as she used to dance competitively through HS, so it was something we really enjoyed doing! OK, terrible pic (my hair looked way better than this as I used a 'bump it' LOL), but she was running late so I only had time for one before we left her place.

And here we are in our seats after running through the pouring rain!

Happy Weekend all!

2/24/11 Two Years, Four Months Ago...

2011-02-24T13:03:00.001-05:00

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book

2/23/11 Extra-Long

2011-02-23T08:41:00.001-05:00

We had a great extra-long weekend. We had an easy trip out as the sun was shining and the snow was almost all melted. We stayed with DH's sister/family and just relaxed, did some crafting with the girls, and visited. DH's parents live about 30 min. away and we talked a lot about their upcoming move to a retirement condo (a double like my parents moved to). At least they haven't started building their phase yet so we have about 1.5 years to recover from my parents move before another 'big move' begins. They took us to their Club (an old DuPont mansion is the Clubhouse) for dinner Sunday night:
We left fairly early on Monday and coming back through the mountains on the turnpike we ran into the deepest fog I've ever been in. We were afraid we'd get rear ended if we slowed down too much, so it was a delicate balance driving less than 40mph with flashers on (and there was no pulling over to wait this out...just get down the other side of the mountain). We were white-knuckling it for awhile and I was helping to 'spot' for DH as I leaned forward (yeah, like that would help) and bugged my eyes out. Here's a pic after it cleared a little, but even here you can only see a few car lengths ahead.

Thank goodness we left early as about 1/2 hour from home the rain, then snow started and it was accumulating fast. By morning we had about 10 inches on the ground. School was cancelled yesterday due to all the snow, so it was an EXTRA-long weekend.

I've got a physical this morning (and DS2's is this afternoon) with my PCP Doc and I haven't seen him since my visit with him in 2008 when I first discussed the LB (I saw his CRNP's for all my LB visits). I'll remind you that he didn't give me the warm fuzzies about getting the LB then, so I'm super curious to see what he says today. As promised, I'll ask him about long-term use of a PPI for reflux (no, I haven't started using my Nexium again).

The scale is very slowly moving (just as it should be this close to my maintenance weight) and I'm seeing the 150's again some days...sweet Goddess of Restriction! Let's hope I'm back to stay!

2/17/11 It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood...

2011-02-17T14:55:00.001-05:00

I've finally done it! I've met my first Blogger friends in person! My Pittsburgh neighbors!
Here we are at lunch today...the lovely Judi and the beautiful Lee Ann (and OMG her youngest was there and has the most beautiful big dark baby eyes...to make you melt!).

We were talking about how we started our blogs and how we found each other...I remember back when I started my blog on LBT (before I really knew what a blog was) and I thought it was just a spot on LBT for me to keep a little journal. I was so surprised to soon find friends there that I instantly had something in common with (on the scary internet of all places!)...our weight battles are such a connecting and bonding tie to each other.

Having only met one LBer before in person (a nurse at my PCP...side note: Do you ever wish you could ask others in your surgeon's waiting room if they have a Band? My surgeon did all kinds of laproscopic surgeries though, so it was hard to guess who even had WLS...I was afraid I'd offended the appendix patient's by asking LOL.), it was great to finally meet Judi and thank her, as her blog was one that I had poured over when I started researching the LB (she's the perfect model for a textbook LB journey...no complications, no unfills, no Gallbladder out even...she's worked her Band perfectly...I, on the other hand...well, as my friend says 'It all happens to you so you can write about it for everyone else!'...Oh well.). Oh, and please send all your good vibes and prayers to Lee Ann today that her approval will come through! These ladies are as fantastic in person as on their blogs and it was so fun to meet them...let's do it again soon!

On to other news...

Urologist Specialist check up today (yes, I was in the stirrups before going to lunch...yay)...and what did the Nurse and then my Doc want to talk about?....my LB of course. Last time I saw them I was about 60 lbs. down and today they were each full of compliments and questions. The nurse had lots of questions about exercise, as she told me that I looked 'so toned for losing that much weight'...LOL...the sweater tunic hides the truth. The Doc was mostly interested in why this worked so well for me (vs. my diets) and what health changes I've seen...lots of questions as she explained she 'wants to know more so she can recommend it to patients'. She also said that she's never met anyone who's said their WL improved their incontinence...mine hasn't changed, but then the med she put me on had taken care of my issues before LB surgery.

We're off to Philly tomorrow evening to stay with DH's sister/family (they have 2 kids about my kids ages) for the long weekend...DS1 can't go as he has a charity event this weekend at PSU ('Thon'), but DD is driving herself and meeting us there (she doesn't have Monday off and will come back early Sun).

We need to get out there as we haven't seen DH's parents in awhile (remember, they had to cancel vacation with us this past summer...her hip). DH's sis says they've stopped driving at night, so I'm not sure if they're up to driving out to us anymore or not, we'll see...it's hard to find time for us all to be together and make the trip, now that the 5 teen/older grandkids are going every which way with schools/jobs, so we'll have to grab moments when we can, like this.

Have a great weekend all...enjoy this heat wave (60's here YAY!)! Happy President's Day!

2/14/11 Ode To My Band

2011-02-14T09:32:00.005-05:00

*Post Deleted for Book
---------------------------
I love you all! Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2/13/11 Mini BOOBs Pittsburgh and big BOOBs Chicago

2011-02-13T15:06:00.009-05:00

Although I've tried to schedule meet up's with other LBers several times (across the country and across the state)...not for lack of trying, but things never quite aligned. Finally, this week I get to meet a couple of local ladies!!!

First, in case you haven't heard (or have been living under a rock here in Blogger), last year was the first annual trip/get together for LBed Bloggers. The group is called 'BOOBs'; Band Of Outrageous Babes, and the planners have already started working on this year's trip. I didn't make last year's trip (was with my extended family in Cols.), but I'm planning to attend this year...so let's plan on meeting there!

I missed the earlier announcements this week, but after catching up, here's the basics:
-Weekend of Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 (make sure you arrive by afternoon on Friday as the Friday night get-together was their 'favorite event' last year)
-Location is the same - Downtown Chicago

You can read up on last year's event (get ideas on costs/events) and this year's plans (and you can follow the blog) HERE.

One thing I want to address is that I believe (you can ask the planners for clarification though) I remember seeing last year that the event is only open to LBed Bloggers (correct me if I'm wrong)...meaning you need to have setup a blog on Blogger...I believe (my thoughts, not theirs) they want others to be able to get to know you so that we have some connection to each other as the event is mostly a social one. I know I've got some long-time followers who don't blog, or only blog on LBT. But no worries if you're interested in going...as I swear it's safe and simple to set-up a Blog here (you don't have to spend time making fancy pages or pics) and no one says you have to be a prolific blogger (many here aren't)...and you've got many months for others to get to know you...so don't miss it...you've got big BOOB's, so be there (and hey, they're letting me be a big BOOB...flat chest and all)!

OK, on to a Mini-BOOBs event!

This Thursday for lunch in downtown Pittsburgh! If you can get here, come and join us (send me an email and I'll tell you when and where)! The fabulous Judi and I have been trying to get together since this past summer, so I'm thrilled to finally meet her (Judi's is one of the first blogs I read way back when I was Googling 'Lap Band and Pittsburgh' and our kid's lives have been running some parallel courses...I'm just following in her shoes...and I want ALL her cute shoes!). I'm so excited that Lee Ann (and her little baby boy, yay!) is also able to join us...she's been doing such a great job jumping through all her hoops since this summer and we've got our finger's and toes crossed that her approval will work out with insurance.

So YAY to my first LBer meet up! And if any of you are ever in the area, let's meet!

2/13/11 My Valentine & Post Fill Day 5

2011-02-13T12:38:00.001-05:00

*Portion of Post Deleted

On another note...we went to a Valentine's Day couples party at one of my GF's houses (old neighbor's of ours that now live about 30 min. away). She had about 75 people and a spread of food everywhere (and a chef's station with made to order crab cakes and different pasta dishes). We had a blast and I did fine with tiny amounts of food during the evening (tortellini, cheese hunks, chicken dish, and even meatballs).

She asked each couple to send pics of themselves during their dating years (fun idea), which she printed up and had on display boards. As expected when anyone sees old pics of my DH, his got the most reaction from everyone who knows him...here's why (enjoy!)...

Here we are in 1978 shortly after meeting...

A few years later...

The giant glasses were in...and barely a moustache now (No, not on me!...I was busy moving toward the 'big hair')...

And here's how he came back from Geology field camp one summer in college...I didn't recognize him when he got back (all the Geology majors had beards...well, except the women). And OMG what was I thinking with the perm?!

And here's our engagement picture as we were finishing college (and why my kids say 'You married Sasquatch!'). Our friends last night were calling him 'Mountain Man' (and asking me who my 'first husband' was LOL).

Here I am ready to go last night in my Valentine pink.

Here I am with my Valentine (and I had to leave Tucker in...looks like ghost cat!)...DH needs to get better at lining up timer pics and remembering he's a lot taller than me LOL.

And here I am at the party...with some friends...that have obviously had too much to drink, as you can see by their fuzzy faces. And why do I always pick short friends? I'm an amazon compared to my petite friends and the 4" heels didn't help.

2/11/11 A Valentine Letter and Love Poem

2011-02-11T08:27:00.005-05:00

Dearest Cell Phone,

I gave DD my new phone upgrade and rescued you from her butterfinger hands which gave you all those awful scars...I adopted you, and THIS is the thanks I get?! Didn't I buy you a sleek, new, leather case to keep you warm this winter so you could heal? Didn't I hang it on the OUTSIDE of my 'Mary Poppins' purse so you wouldn't suffocate with everything-and-the-kitchen-sink I keep in there. Haven't I carefully tended to your every need whenever you ring me? EVEN when you embarrass me (who can forget that incident in the movie theater...I had to send you to the cell phone manners class after that!)?!!

OK, so I did loan you to DD that night she stayed over to use as an alarm clock...but her cell phone was dead (see, that would have been your fate had I not adopted you!) and there was no alarm clock in her now stripped down room here. She swears to me she left you on the floor (once again, I have NEVER left you on the floor!) outside my room when she left for work that morning.

OK, so I didn't come upstairs to find you myself as I should...instead I asked DS2 (who was already up there) to bring you down (he now says I'm the one who made him an accessory to the crime), but in my defense, I thought he was a responsible cell phone user now (after all, he's the only one of my kids that even uses a case!). He swears he brought you to me 'somewhere in the family room', but I'll swear in court that you weren't there when said incident allegedly happened (I don't think I was even there...but I can't swear to that...HOW CAN I if he never gave you to me...there was NO such incident!).

While under interrogation, DD confessed that the night of the incident she had muted you, except the alarm, thus making you unable to cry out for me. We later brought DS2 in for interrogation and he confessed to calling you a million times under the guise of trying to find you...thus speeding up your silent death.

You'll be glad to know I've filed kidnapping charges against both offenders...they're obviously in cahoots and had planned this very carefully. My plea's to said alleged (yeah, right!) kidnappers to bring you home to me fell on deaf ears.

We've sent out search parties daily to no avail. It's now been TWO weeks and you haven't shown up. There hasn't even been a ransom note (although DS2 just asked me last night if there would be a reward if he finds it...isn't that called extortion?)!

I refuse to believe that you're dead and not coming home to me.

Cell phone, please come back to me! I miss you so! *sniff, sniff*

♥
-Ode To My Cell Phone, By BG-

Cell Phone, I love you with all my heart
I'd give you an app to make you fart

Cell Phone, Although there have been others
you were my favorite, your flip top covers

Cell Phone, you were older than my friend's phones
But they were just jealous, because my cell owns

Cell Phone, When I was bored you gave me games
And who can forget, all those numbers and names

Cell Phone, We used to text all day
And during the night, you brightened my way

Cell Phone, I love you more than fills
I never minded, paying your bills

Cell Phone, we were such a team
They tore us apart, and made me scream

Cell Phone, it was only a loan
And I don't know how, I'll go on alone

Cell Phone, I need candy because I'm so sad
But food is out, or I'll yak bad

Cell Phone, "Come Back" is my plea
Cell Phone, Oh Cell Phone, You complete me
♥

LOVE,
BG XXXOOOOO

P.S. Doesn't our Verizon plan have some new fangled techy phone in their shop now?

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
(Yes, I'll be sending one to my Band too!)

2/10/11 Post Fill Day 2; Spew and Burn

2011-02-10T14:19:00.003-05:00

*Post deleted for Book

2/9/11 My Favorite Four Letter Word…F-I-L-L!

2011-02-09T16:52:00.005-05:00

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book

2/8/11 1st Surgeon Appointment

2011-02-08T11:05:00.001-05:00

Today's the big day! I've finally got a new Doc and I'm going in for my first 'visit'! Yes, I'm having deja vu too...almost exactly two years ago today I went in for my first visit with my surgeon and now I'm right back there again!

Catching you up: first one Doc left my practice for another in town, then the second Doc (last one in a two Doc practice) left the state for another practice, then my hospital announced they had two Docs from a practice in town that would be coming, then they cancelled my fill appointment (for the second time) and announced that two other Docs from another hospital were coming soon...and then I waited...for them to call with the new appointment...like they promised...

A month later (last week) I called. Since only one of the new Doc's is covering the 'LB Patients' and since he's still got his old practice at the other hospital, their first opening at my hospital was April 4...yes, that's right...I've been waiting for a fill since the beginning of October and they couldn't get me in until April 4.

.*Portion of Post Deleted for Lap Band Book
P.S. DD made the Pittsburgh newspaper today...at an art opening this weekend with a date:

2/7/11 There Is No Joy In Steelerville

2011-02-07T08:45:00.001-05:00

Well, the widely held belief (in our pea brains) that our move to Pittsburgh was good luck for the Steelers winning the Super Bowl (twice in the last ten years)...well, that all came to a screeching end last night. Despite my twirling the Terrible Towel until my arm was sore...and despite my taking a gulp of beer after every great play (yes, there actually were a lot of those, trust me)...the Steeler's lost (in case you're away on Mars and didn't hear it yet).

We spent the evening at a neighbor's party and had a blast...and I found out that my old Steeler t-shirt was an XL and the only 'gold' in my closet is one yellow shirt (the black, I was obese...need I say more?). Here I am on arrival with the towel...and the beer (and my hostess actually has a face, a pretty one).

I tried to console the Steeler fans with 'It was such a great game!' (which it WAS)...and 'Without those three turnovers, we would have easily won!'

Apparently I'm NOT officially an accepted Steeler fan yet (it was suggested that I need to take a class before I can become one)...a Steeler fan would not be saying these things...they would actually be bleeding Black and Gold at the loss...and they were...bleeding Black and Gold.

I wonder if I should have offered them my Terrible Towel to mop it up?

1/29/11 Stylish? Me?

2011-01-29T09:15:00.002-05:00

My darling Libby at This One Time, At Band Camp... nominated me for the Stylish Blogger Award. Thanks Libby! I love these awards mainly to read things I don't know about my blogger friends as it always surprises me, and Libby's one exceptional gal...supporting herself since age 16 and putting herself through college! I could barely handle getting my driver's license at age 16!

7 (obscure) Things About ME!
I share everything, so I can never remember what I've already told you (so chalk it up to my 'oldtimers' if this is old news), but here goes...hmmm....maybe more negative things or things you'd hate about me....

Here's one that Libby and I have in common...I'm not afraid of tools, I love learning new things, and I love home improvement projects. I've tiled floors and backsplashes, mudded and painted walls, designed and help build decks and was architect for our current home...I even built our pond/waterfall out back...but I don't think I've shared that I can't hammer a nail in straight to save my life (I have a black nail right now from trying to nail one of DD's room projects recently) . We have a deal...me and my 'almost OCD' precisely measure and mark where the nails need to go and DH does the rest.

I need to be nominated for that show "Worst Cooks in America" (yes, I've shared with you my 'creative' cooking endeavours)...I thought it was a new show as I just saw a commercial for it, so it shocked me to find out that it's not new and no one in my family has turned me in...yet. My confession is that I've never once watched the Food Network...maybe that explains my lack of skills.

Yes, you know I'm afraid of the dark...and I lock the bedroom doors when DH isn't home (the kids are on their own when the Boogie Man comes to get us all)...but did I share that I can't get to sleep when he's away?...I'm usually up until midnight...I'm not sure if it's because I'm such a chicken liver or because I miss his snoring LOL.

I generally don't like reality shows unless it's showing a talent (like 'Idol'), but my guilty pleasure is the 'Real Housewives' shows...always makes me feel better about myself (sad, I know) and reinforces that money, and I'm sorry to let you getting-skinny gals down, but even thinness, doesn't buy happiness (chocolate is the answer).

I suck at math...it's like learning a foreign language for me. I was the one who had to memorize every Algebra formula and never knew which one to use when...never got it. My kids are math whizzes...DS2 just announced yesterday that he got the highest grade on the math midterm out of the whole 9th grade. They don't get it from me...they never even bothered asking me to check their math homework (but I'm a whiz at English...you'd never know that from my 'dot...dot...dot' sentence structure, would you)? I aced Geometry though...makes total sense for an artistic person.

I can still do a headstand...well, now against a wall or with someone spotting me, but even at my heaviest I pulled this out about once every year or so for the kiddos...and my frog stand is legendary...generally because I looked so much like a upside down, red faced, fat toad that the kids would be howling with laughter.

DH and I figured out early in our marriage three things; 1. that you just need to give up trying to understand what other people spend their money on (I'm know others think we're completely nuts too with all the things we like to collect), and 2. be careful who you go on vacation with and make sure they have the same vacation plans that you do (or they don't mind if you do your own thing from time to time...my one sis and I work this out well, as my kids love museums and hers don't...others we've been on vacation with have to do everything together and only if we agree on each thing.). I would drive most of you nuts on vacation as most of our vacations are go, go, go and we like to see local things...I don't get traveling a far distance and paying a bunch of money to sit by a hotel pool ALL day on vacation...I can do that near home (or maybe it's because I just burn LOL). Now, I can relax if it's just a beach vacation (love the ocean), but even then I can't spend more than 1/2 a day on the beach...and I'm multitasking (listening to a book on tape while doing needlework, or building a sand monster...or if you're there with me...drinking and chatting!). And 3. that as long as DH and I agree on these previous two that's all that matters.

15 bloggers I love or have recently discovered:
I'm breaking the rules...I've been a terrible blogger lately and I haven't updated my 'following' list in awhile. So I'll use this opportunity to ask you to let me know if you're following me and I'm not following you...just leave me a link to your blog here in comments and I'll remedy that...and you've just earned yourself the award...grab it and post! Thanks!