mdrai

I'm so excited that you all are so excited!! Yes, Pam, you are going to DC, and then to Western Maryland to Deep Creek Lake. Cars... we have time to coordinate that one... a rental may be needed, we'll see. TracyKS-- You're a freaky mind-reader! I *was* thinking of doing an exercise class, but only if we get a house w/a pool! I was going to offer one of my much-loved and -discussed AQUA pilates/ai chi/&/or aerobics classes!! Even better than us in purple tights is us in our suits!! (of course, we'll be lookin' good by then!) 6 months to go... I'm too excited to wait that long!... It's like dreaming of Christmas as a kid!

Oh Tracy, I can relate to your dh... I haven't even MENTIONED it to mine yet!! He won't mind a girl's weekend away, but the fact that it is with "STRANGERS OFF THE INTERNET" will put his panties in a twist!! How do I know this?? Because when I was little Miss Low Carb Friends.com poster regular, I organized a picnic here in Frederick (see, I told you I am a control/organizer freak!) & people came from as far away as New England, Ohio, and Virginia. He would have NOTHING to do with it. Nothing. He helped me schlep the bbq stuff & food to the park, then left. He *did* let the kids come, so I guess he didn't think there were any kidnappers in the bunch, but he wouldn't acknowledge it or participate or even want to hear about it after. I guess I can kinda understand, as you always hear such freaky stuff about the Internet... but this is different... I *KNOW* each of you & trust me, you all know me... probably better than HE does in some ways. So promise that none of you are freaky axe murderers, k?

No, actually... I have my "girly SUV" as dh calls it... a Toyota Highlander... seats only 5! But in my general, over-view type thinking about the trip, I figured Jen would have her vehicle (& I was right!), + maybe someone else would be driving, or if not, maybe a vehicle could be rented at the airport... it's all good & we have plenty of time to finalize all these pesky details... the most important thing is that WE ARE GETTING TOGETHER!!!!! (As I seem to have appointed myself lead organizer on this thing -- I'm such a control freak! -- I just want you to know that I'm already thinking up fun surprises & activities & such!!)

Pam... I had the same thought about Tracy, too. I was thinking that I could bribe Laura to give her to me for my secret santa & that'd be her gift!!

Thanks for posting that, Tracy. I figured we could work out all the travel logistics once we had a place to go to! (I'm nothing if not highly, annoyingly organized!!) I was going to suggest that my house could be the rallying point for the drive West. Folks who were flying into the DC area (or driving, for instance Jen & Judy -- Judy, Gettysburg is just 30 mins from my house, I could pick you up there) could come in on Thurs if they wanted & stay here @ my house (I'm happy to pick up @ the airports, maybe we could coordinate which one?), or get a flight that lands earlyish-am on Fri so that we can leave here by 1pm-ish or so for the 4pm check-in... But as I said... we definitely have time for that level of detailed organizing. For right now... Who else is coming to this not-to-be-missed event of a lifetime???

Hmmm... good point, Judy! How much can cottage cheese, blueberries & splenda cost for 20 or so gals?? By the sounds of this group on any given weekend... we may spend more on "adult beverages" than food, anyway! :nervous

Hey gals... Just posted some approx prices for the get-away... looks like roughly $200 or less per person for 3 nights/4 days depending on how many of us go/how big a house we need. Hope that helps some of you! (Ask for the trip for a Christmas gift!)

Ok, here are some *guess-timates*... (all prices APPROXIMATE w/ this year's rates)... the biggest house (sleeps 28), lakefront, w/indoor pool, 2 hot tubs, sauna, pool table, arcade game, juke box, 2 fireplaces, 2 ovens, 2 dishwashers (so top of the line) = approx $200 per person (that's the total for 3 nights, if 28 people go). Obviously, if fewer of us can go, then we'd get a smaller house w/a smaller price. For instance, here's one that sleeps 24 w/indoor pool, etc., that would be $165 per person... Here's one that sleeps 24 w/out an indoor pool, but hot tub, sauna, pool table, foosball, 2 fireplaces... it'd be $111 per person... The one I stayed in last week sleeps 16 & would be less than $100. So you see... this is why I need a head count first, then I can search on the available homes by size/sleep number, then I can post 2 or 3 options here for everyone to look at & vote on, & then we'll book it. Even w/the ritzy one, I don't think $200 for 3 nights, 4 days is bad. Of course, this doesn't include transportation or food or fun... well, SOME fun! Hope this helps!

We're counting.

HEY VI'S~~ I started a Violet's Gathering "Who Wants To Come" post so I can begin gathering firm numbers to look for a place! Go there & put your name if you want to come!!

Hi Vi's~~ I will begin working on our 1-year Bandiversary Blow-Out today. We've decided on gathering at a cabin/house on Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland from a Friday - Monday in April. Step 1 = Who is coming? Once I have an initial interest number, then I can check for a house to hold us all. They have houses that sleep up to 25 or so (w/indoor pools & other fun amenities!). So simply post your name & in a day or so I'll tally them up & begin the house hunt, which will then result in our dates & specific location & cost per person. I'll start!: MICHELLE! = 1

Just got in from driving to & from the beach, + hanging out there for about 2 hrs... I'm pooped! Tracy, I too have tears on my cheeks for you... what an emotional time for all of you... and how wonderful that he was able to put your son's best interests ahead of his own... I can't imagine what immense relief you must feel. Time to go eat dinner w/all 8 of my guests... be back later! OH -- good news!! I got on the scale this a.m. & was DOWN 3 LBS!!! That brings me to -59!!!!!!!!!! 1 more & I'm half way AND I get to pamper myself w/a massage!! 1 more!! I'm thinking maybe the upped cals for the week helped? Or maybe I didn't eat as much as I thought? Or the walking helped?? <shrug> Who knows/who cares! No weighing 'til the 31st & then we'll see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh again... Yes, it's just one big house/cabin that sleeps 16... it's not inexpensive... sorry!!

TRACY!!!!!!!! That is FANTASTIC news! I can't imagine how over-the-moon you must feel!! The best news I've heard in ages!!! OK... I see I've started something here!! :mad: & I'm happy to do it!! I will call the realtor on Monday & research April dates, Fri - Mon, & costs, etc... once I've got all that, then I'll start another post w/the details & link & then you'll all have to rsvp again, as I've lost track! You're all blowing me away!! This is so great!! I'm so excited! I vote no dh's as well... girls only for this one. The cabin sleeps 16, so it'll be first-rsvp, first served! So read my posts carefully next week for the big announcement!! We drove back today & tomorrow I'm driving the Germans down to Bethany Beach in DE... 3 hrs each way, so 6 total... we'll probably only get to stay there for a couple hours or so... phew! OH! AND my in-laws are coming tomorrow, to meet the Germans, so when I get back, there'll be 2 MORE folks here... they'll be here 'til Sunday... I think that'll bring us up to 10! Next week, w/everyone gone, + dh will be gone on work, I won't know what to do w/all my private time! Probably sleep! Definitely NOT cook!!! Food confessions... suffice to say that I have enjoyed a lot of "no no" foods this week, but in little bits (thank you band)... I'm going to get on the scale on Sunday, then do liquids 'til the 31st & my next fill. I'm not going to sweat whatever the number is (I say that NOW!)... but will [try] to just take it in stride and get back on "normal" track asap. Life happens. Enjoy! G'nite, sistahs.

Hmmm.. odd... never heard of it...

Laura, Where 30 mins n of DC? I live about 60 m north of DC in Frederick, MD... so it's all on the way!! PS... I'm not THAT into outdoor activities, either (& trust me, they have them ALL here... lake activities to horseback riding to biking to white-water rafting to a "mountain coaster"... everthing!), but my mom & I just came back from a lovely walk in the woods... the leaves are beautiful & falling like crazy... it was so cool & nice!

Laura... That is one of the things they don't tell you about in bride-to-be classes! DH & I worked it out this way: We spend Thanksgiving w/his side of the family (they sound more like your in-laws... fewer folks, not as "in" to Christmas, don't make a big deal of it...) and then Christmas w/my side (which we rotate hosting between my house & my two sisters' homes). Then, sometimes, we either go to in-laws home (in NJ) for New Year's, or they come to our home, but it's not written in stone. You could also flip-flop the above plan each year, too... 1st year like that, 2nd year your folks' for T'giving, his for Xmas... back & forth. The fun of marital compromise! Good luck!

Good morning, Forgive any odd spellings or typos... am on my dh's laptop & the keys are not at all where I'm used to them being! LOL! This location *would* be a great one for a Violet's gathering! It sleeps 16, I think. The area is gorgeous and there are outdoor activities (or not) + shopping/antiquing (or not) + just hanging out & relaxing! It is about a 3-hour drive from Washington, DC... you all could fly in there, we could meet @ my house, then drive out (only 2 hrs from my house). If we're serious, I could inquire re: dates & rates... when would be good? April/May, for our 1-year band-iversary! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Birthday Girls!! Off to relax... aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh...

Great news, Tracy! Good question, Laura! A quick check-in again... otherwise i get so far behind I fear I will never catch up!! Here's a link to our cabin: Deep Creek Lake MD Vacation Rental HOUSE: Beats Workin' | Lake Access As I said... wonderful!! G'night, all! :kiss2:

Good Tuesday Morn, Vi's~~ Hello from the Lake!! It's absolutely GORGEOUS here!! Our "cabin" is amazing... will try to post a link to it later. It is very relaxing & the colors are beautiful & we are all enjoying it! Yay!! BEST WISHES Tracy & Kat!! I'm w/you in Violet spirit!!! Terry... Yes, the kids are w/us this week, but they're not missing much school. It's parent-teacher conference week, so the schedule is all catty-whompus this week. Yesterday & today school starts 4 hrs late, so they miss only 2.5 hrs each day; Weds = a full day of school (whoops!); Thurs = 3.5 hr early dismissal (another 3-hr day in school); & Friday school is closed. So it's the perfect week for a Fall vaca. + I contacted all their teachers & they have their work for the week, etc... (can you tell I have a bit of guilt over even taking them out for this little bit?? I'm such a "good" girl who (usually) follows the rules!!) Time to go enjoy nature & maybe the hot tub!! Make it a great day, everyone!

Good Monday Morn, Vi's~~ Still @ 262... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... I am nervous about being up @ the Lake w/lots of yummy food & without my regular exercise routine... I know we will walk, but... will do my best, that's the best I can do! Speaking of good food, I made my "famous" slow-cooked baby-back ribs yesterday for dinner (w/lots of other yummy stuff)... they cook for hours, & just fall off the bone. So I was busy & really didn't eat much prior to dinner, I was all ready to enjoy a small portion... I took about 2 bites... & I was stuck! & for only the second time since being banded, I was "run by the hot guys & throw up" stuck (thinking of you, Laura :cool: )!! TWICE! & this w/guests at the table & I keep hopping up & once I think I said, "I have to check something in the kitchen" but then I didn't even go into the kitchen -- ha ha! So that was very disappointing, to say the least. TracyKS, you're doing great these days!! What is your secret?? TracyK... she's adorable!! Laura... they're adorable!! Judy... Yes, all for 2 nights (you certainly do pay attention!!)... I'm a nut... as I said, this visit was really a catalyst... it's all stuff we should've done years ago... Imagine the red carpet I'd put out if a Violet ever visited!! I so enjoy hostessing... Pam... Good luck this week w/school... maybe having that kid moved into Special Ed will help calm down the others?? Kat... You're energy is amazing!! So involved & helpful & kind! Terri... how are you liking your BodyBugg? Can't wait to hear the review! Make it a great week, everyone!!

Hi everyone!~~ I wrote a nice, long, chatty post last night that went "whoomp" into the cyberozone... very frustrating! Today is the day that our guests from Germany arrive! In fact, they'll be here w/in the hour!! Everything is done -- AMAZING! 3 rooms painted, moved, re-decorated; carpets cleaned; house powerwashed; pictures hung (finally after 9 years!!)... we should've invited them YEARS ago! LOL! I also have cooked all the meals for the 8 of us for the week & frozen them, so dinner prep will be minimal & I can try to enjoy myself while I'm tending to 7 other folks! + I did all the grocery shopping yesterday for b'fast, lunch & snacks (BIG BILL!) so we can take it all & not waste precious relaxation time grocery shopping once there. + I set up & prepped & previewed the Book Fair @ the ES last week & got my sub chairpersons all "trained". No wonder I'm tired!! (Was up 'til 1:30am last night putting out all the Halloween decorations, tidying up, etc...) We will be leaving tomorrow morning for Deep Creek Lake in Western MD. We'll be back home Fri, and then our guests fly back to Germany on Saturday. I am soooo looking forward to relaxing at the Lake... reading, knitting, sitting by the fire & in the hot tub... aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh! These last 3 weeks have been VERY stressful & I thought I'd never get it all done... but here we are, and it's done! Amazing! The Lake cabin is supposed to have Internet service, so I'll try to check in. In the meantime, everyone have a great week, make good choices, and remember: Patience & Trust. That's my mantra this month as I'm STILL going up & down on the same 3-4 lbs... I've barely been eating these past few days & I was *sure* I would see a new number today... but no... SAME! I missed last month's fill, and now am paying for it! I go for my next one on Halloween! Ok, gotta go, dh, ds, & guests should be here any time. + my mom is coming w/us, too! A full house! Make it a great week, everyone!

Ok, I took the portions quiz... I scored an 8 out of 8!! Yay me! I know my portions! (I'd better!!!!!)

Hey! Pam, I too am working... just finished up, actually, but can't work on legal editing for hours & hours and then go straight to bed... my head keeps working & I end up either not sleeping or editing in my sleep, neither of which is good! So I'm here trying to decompress... I took the Kingdomality quiz... I'm a Shepherd... here's what it said about me: our distinct personality, The Shepherd is to tend to your human flock. You understand the needs of those for whom you are responsible. Shepherds are vigilant and reliable. You realize your obligation and commitment to the well being of those entrusted to your care. Shepherds are very dependable. You engender a feeling of comfort and stability to those within your charge. On the positive side, Shepherds can be empathic, caring, understanding, practical and realistic. On the negative side, you may be manipulative, close-minded and sentimentally rigid. Interestingly, your preference is just as applicable in today's corporate kingdoms. I'd say that I'd agree w/that! Ok, it's late & I have another Loooooong day tomorrow... it's getting closer & closer to Sunday when my guests arrive... then Monday, when we all go up to the Lake... the house is coming together... loaded up the guest bedroom tonight & it looks good if I do say so myself... Laura, you'll love having a guest room!... now just some basic tidying & last-minute stuff... Oh yeah... and ALL the grocery shopping AND cooking -- how could I forget?? And so it goes... I am SO going to relax in the woods next week! Phew!! Nighty-Night, Vi's! :bored

Fantastic, Panda!! Celebrate this success!! Yay!! :cheer2: & to you, Tracy!! 213??? OMG, you are shrinking away & will be joining the rest of the gang in one-derland in no time!!! Yay yay yay!!!

More avoidance... here's my plan... if I proofread 10 pages of this boring legal book... then I get to peek on here. It's the old carrot & stick approach to getting my work done... hey, whatever it takes! It's late & I want to go to bed... but I can't 'til I'm finished... so back I go...