Kat817

We didn't make it this year, my DH has had a year full of health issues...but will be next year!!! We have been in the past...last time being 2004. We will be making our reservations in January. Crazy place to be----we usually go with a fair sized group from here, try to reserve our spots together, and have a truck trailer travelling with us...and every year it seems someone has broke down and had to use the trailer!!! Always fun though!! We love our Wing! It is comfy, it is beautiful....and with our trailer, we can carry most all of the camping equipment without a problem--so I don't mind camping!! We have begun utilizing actual campgrounds more this last couple of years, I don't think we can outrun bears anymore!!!! I jokingly tell my friends husband, who is not heavy---but he is SOOOOOO out of shape---that I don't have to outrun a bear, I only have to outrun HIM!!!! It is easier to have a lower BMI, even at my weight, because I am 5'9"!!! I posted my latest pics on the before & after thread....last I told someone yesterday they were on page 53 I think. They delete comments every few days so where they are changes! I keep waiting for my befores to end up the butt of some internet joke!!! Kat

Please don't panic, or feel ashamed, you just have not reached a point of restriction to help you along yet. Most people require several fills to get to the sweet spot. You will find it---have some faith! You have not failed! Hang in there---it will happen!!! Kat

I too buy pre packaged spice mix. We buy it from a local lady, she used to have a Mexican restaurant, now she sells spices etc. She has mild and hot. I find the mild to be plenty hot!!! Plus we add jalapeno, and often a habanero to the mix, and our cilantro, and garlic and blend, then we add the chunky tomatoes, so that it isn't a smooth mix, but the hot, as well as the big flavors, are well blended throughout. Then we pressure it. My problem this year, is I have given so much stuff away---I have no jars, and am not willing to pay what they want for jars....it ends up costing as much as simply buying it!!! BUT I will for the salsa---we like it a lot better. But for the Beans, and such? Forget it!!! Kat

My DH has a Harley he rides to and from work, but when we travel together on the bike, we have a fully dressed Goldwing, with a matching pull trailer! It is like having my own lazyboy in the back!!! I have my arm rests, adjustable floor boards, drink holders, my own que on the ipod, intercom with DH, and another bike if we choose, we have a mister system. When we camp, we have a large tent, and a double high queen size air mattress. We have chairs, stoves, you name it! We enjoy the getting away---but I see no need in roughing it too much!! DH is wanting to buy me a Sportster of my own. I actually found an old Springer I wanted, but the weight of the front end, made me feel like I was not at the level of control I wanted---dammit---I REALLY liked the bike! Til then, I sit back, and even nap when the mood strikes, and let him drive me!!! There are sooo many rallies, and things going on over Memorial Day weekend. We do go to Red River, we have also gone to the Goldwing rally in Utah, and to the big hogfest in Denver---I think it is that weekend. Then there is the one I think it is in Salida, maybe Del Norte....all at the same time! Our Blues Festival is the 1st or 2nd weekend in July---2nd I think, I just remember this year it was 7/7/07. They are actually drawing pretty big names as well---we enjoyed it, but are really dissappointed in our local newspaper, both years they have reported on it, but create their headlines, and the lead ins to indicate it was all older people, that the young crowd didn't show up. I realize I fall into that and don't have issue with it, I earned these years---and I like the music, but there are generations of families there, they just seem like they are trying to put it down. Then again the newspaper comes out of a neighboring town (Farmington) and the small town competition thing is alive and well here!!! Thanks for the info! Kat

fyi-----the little hic at the end is when I know I am done!!! Kat

Janet, there is a definite difference in how your body feels being full with a band, and being full without. If you overeat with the band in place, the food backs up into your esophagus, which hurts! That is the feeling in the chest people are getting. Continuing to do that can do damage, so you learn not to eat enough to cause that. It is aversion therapy. It hurts, so your body learns to tell you not to do that again. I never noticed it before, but in hindsight, I know it has always happen---but I get soft stop signals. They tell me I am reaching my limit---to stop eating. For me, my nose gets sniffly, it means I am full. I imagine it is something to do with the same trigger that causes us to "slime" if we do overeat, or get stuck. I have also pushed it to a point of giving myself hiccups! I have really tried---and it has not been easy---it is a lesson still in progress, to learn just to eat until I am no longer hungry, and forget about what is or isn't "full". In my house, there is not going to be any problem with going hungry. I know if I stop, and I do happen to get hungry in a little while, I can always find something to eat. And without fail, when I stop---I find myself satisfied. And comfortable. None of us knew how to work with this little silicone buddy of ours before we got it, and each of us has found our own way of learning, and dealing with it on a daily basis---so will you! It is a scary thing to think of learning to do differently and learning to do without. I do not do well with deprivation---I was really scared! I was losing a good friend in my food I thought. In reality, I did not lose my friend, I just see less of it! And since I can eat anything, I am not feeling deprived. I know I could have lost more faster if I dieted with my band, but I knew myself better than that!!! If dieting were something I did well, I might not be here! When you get your band, you will learn your signals, and adjust your lifestyle around them. And until you figure it out, we are always here!!! Alfie---what kind of whey did you order? Is it a Protein powder? Kat

Terry----here was my favorite recipe for swollen!!! Make a pitcher of the Pineapple/Orange Crystal Light. Freeze it. I put a couple of ice cube trays full, then put it in small containers, so it ends up fitting in my blender. After it freezes--- Mix some of the frozen CL with a couple of GLUGS (my technical measurment) of Amaretto, and a GLUG of Peach Schapps. BLEND!!!! Sip slowly....give the ice cold medicine time to soothe. Now to be a TRUE good bandster, you could add some unflavored Protein powder!!!! GMBO Ok, might not be the right cure for stoma issues, but it is a nice summer yummy!!! Kat

Christiana, have you went back to nothing but liquids for a few days to see if that resolves the sudden change in restriction? Oftentimes, one bad PB can cause residual swelling for several days, and when you continue to eat, causing the stomach to force food through the small already irritated opening, it just stays swollen. When you go back to nothingbut liquids, and drink sme protein shakes, you give it a chance to really heal itself. Then slowly add in a day of mushies, and work your way back to a normal diet, and see if that helps your problem. Since it come on the way it did, it really sounds as if you just need to give it a total rest. If I sound experienced at what you are going through---I am!!! I ate corn on the cob one night, and either ate too much, or did something and I never really PB'd but I hurt like hell for hours. Then every time I ate, it hurt. So on another bandsters recommendation I went to total liquids for 2 days, then mushies for 2 days. By that time I was feeling the hunger again, and was able to eat just fine again! Seems like it might be worth a try! Good Luck! Kat

Welcome Don! I have an Uncle in Starkville MS. He is a Dr. there, and was totally supportive of my being banded! Cited me stats on even with the risks inherant to WLS in general, how it is still less risky than diabetes, and hypertension. I valued his opinion, so it went a ways to giving me peace of mind with my decision, which I now recognize as one of the best decisions I ever made!!! You will love your band I predict!!! Hang out, look through the site, you will find lots of support---and answers to most questions! Good Luck on your approval. Your name makes me laugh---I have a little sign hanging in my bathroom, that says "I don't Skinny Dip anymore---now I Chunky Dunk".....I am gonna be back to Skinny Dipping, and "chunk" the sign soon!!! Sunshine, I had not heard of your Blues Festival----when is it? We are always on the lookout for reasonable trips to take!!! I am sorry for your friends accident. We know a rider here in Aztec, who was on his bike, and was hit by a cop who run through a light, in responding to a call, but without any emergency equipment running. He too lost his leg, and has been in court battling the city of Farmington over it for the last 3-4 years. The last time he was in court, he had managed to learn to negotiate life on his prosthetic leg, and they actually tried to minimalize his loss, saying he is obviously getting around...why should the original huge amount be paid...yadda, yadda, yadda. The jury originally awarded him an amount the city is refusing to pay, saying they have a ceiling on damage payments, so it is in appeals. I fully understand bikes are harder to see than cars, I do not uphold the bumper stickers that state "Kill a biker, go to jail". Accidents happen, I accept that, and I take those chances---but negligence...such as in this case, should be punished---even if it is simply in financial ways I believe. We have a Blues Fest here as well, it is new, only been the 2nd year, but it is going strong, will be back next year. In fact my DH volunteered to help with it, so he would likely be very interested in the one your city has. Can you find out some dates for me? Thanks!!!! Kat

Well I can't find a debate here---I fully agree!!!! Kat

WoooHooo, sounds like that visit to the Dr. not only helped with the physical pain, but with the mental panic we all hit, when something is not right now!!! Used to be when I felt a bit nauseated, I figured I had a bug, or had eaten something that did not settle, now, I panic, and think it is my band!!! How silly! I bet with a full 2 cc's gone you WILL feel better! Wow! MY DH is allergic to most adhesives, he can relate, they thought his appendix incision was infected, and it too was the dermabond and adhesive they used! I am so glad you turned the corner, and are on the road to feeling better! Now on to the good things!!! Kat

Denise, Terry mentioned Al-Anon, have you ever looked into it? I went back when I was "recovering" from a really terrible marriage, and my brother was drinking. My brother was critically injured in a car accident when he was 18, it left him with some serious brain damage, as well as crippling him up pretty bad. It scarred him tremendously. He feels like he looks like a monster, and to be fair, children DO stare. He is lonely, and VERY difficult to deal with. He is mentally on about a 13 year old level, in some ways, they call it a reactionary level. So he responds to things like a 13 year old. Things are either very cool, or he ignores them. It is his way or no way....if you have had children or siblings, as 13 year old boys you get the picture. Well he began drinking, and he self medicated with alcohol. He could sleep, he didn't care that he wasn't "normal". I believe that is the worst of it, is he has enough mental capabilities to self support, but they also let him know he is not fully normal, and he is embarrassed by it. BUT his drinking, made him obnoxious, and rude, and was killing my parents bit by bit. So I went to Al Anon, to try to find the strength to turn him away. To not enable him. We walked on eggshells around him. We came so close to losing him, in the accident, he was hospitalized for months. I know I personally had the thoughts of wondering if our prayers really had been answered or not...but I was scared to death he was going to either drink himself to death, or drive and kill some innocent people...and he did get a DWI. But thank God no one was hurt, he was just stopped, for going too slow!!!! Anyway---the support I got in Al-Anon was what I needed, I needed to hear that others turned their back, without turning their heart...to be able to cry, and they understood. I did find the strength to tell him, if he was going to drink, he was not welcome at family gatherings. And I told him, if our Dad had a heart attack from stress, I was going to blame him! I think of all things, that one soaked in a bit. He also has seizures on occasion from the brain injury. He had a seizure one night, and was arrested again, the officer arrested him for a 2nd DWI, but when he got him to the station, he blew sober---so he arrested him for being under the influence, he then thought it was drugs. They put him in a cell, on a top bunk (brilliance in action---my brother is as said, crippled!) He wasn't there long, when he had another seizure. They are brought on similarly to low sugar, and he had been on his way to get dinner at a pizza place down the road. He got his pizza, but had a seizure in the car, before leaving the parking lot, and the employees called the cops. When he had the seizure in the jail, he fell from the bunk and split his head open, and was taken to the hospital. When they were releasing him, he ask to be sent to treatment---and he completed the 90 day in house program. That has been over 10 years ago. He still has all the same problems, except he doesn't drink. We still tend to walk on eggshells, mostly my Mom, fearing that any little thing will start him drinking again. My DH is very, very good to my brother. He works with him, they built him a porch the other day. I mentioned his age equivalence earlier, it is a serious difficulty. He would get along with boys---of the same mental development. But to begin with it is not proper or accepted for a man of 44 to hang with teen boys of course, and secondly, they continue to grow up, and he does not....Adults, even parents who love their teenage boys grow weary of the attitude, and cannot wait for them to mature---but my brother doesn't and won't. So, men find it impossible to relate to him for any length of time. My husband, and a few big hearted, kind, understanding men he works for, are his life lines. The counselor at the treatment center, told us he may never be able to quit. That kids tend to take the easy way out, and he is forever a kid, and drinking when you want to is much easier than not drinking. BUT he did it. I fully believe what you are doing is the right thing, but I can only imagine how incredibly difficult it is. I will pray for her to find strength, and for you and your family to give you the same strength, and courage to face this and remain tough. It takes loving her enough to do this---you are a good Mom! We see it, and someday you will see it in yourself! Kat

I too believe your age, overall general health, and weight going into the surgery play a part---but that is just it---only a part! Everyones body reacts differently to the surgery, as well as to the anesthetic. I was 289 pounds to start, and in good health, I was 45 y.o., I did great, I was back up and around in no time, and have done very well with no complications since surgery. I was banded the same day as my SIL, and we went in about the same weight, she is 12 years older, was in good health, but had more problems recovering, she was sore longer, on meds longer etc. She has also had issues since being overfilled---it has not been an easy journey for her. Have you ever had other surgery to have an idea how the anesthetic affected you? Planning anything too early is not a good idea in my book. It adds stress to your recovery on top of just trying to get over the surgery, and the lack of real food. I fully realize there are things you just cannot quit doing---being a Mom for instance! I was back to taking care of my 1 year old granddaughter on my own within a few days. I flew home on day 3, spent 5 hours in a car, and 5 in the air...and managed it all on a dose of Tylenol. But it was mostly sitting! My DH was home for another day or so, then I was on my own with the little one, while everyone went to work. If there are things you can put off---put them off! If you feel up to it, you will be free to do what you want, if you don't you are not then having to push yourself. Take your time to heal properly, and get in plenty of fluids, including some liquid protein---especially in the early healing stage---it will give you back some energy. That was my biggest issue, I would get so tired so easily! Good Luck to you all!!! Kat

We've been going to Red River for the last 6-7 years. I did not know the ones that were killed that year, but I know there was a HUGE deal with it. There is a bar in Red River that is pretty much all Bandidos, and when that happen, there was HUGE police coverage in town. The kid ended up getting a slap on the wrist is all. ABATE pulled from the rally, and now in fact they have a memorial biker rally somewhere around Salida each year. We just heard about it this year---even thought about a last minute change & going there instead. But Wolfcreek that time of year, on bikes can be....shall we say a challenge!? I didn't know your friend....we were at the rally that year, and we dumped money in the barrel they were collecting...and due to the controversy over the kid getting off of it, we skipped spending the weekend the next year, a few of the guys round tripped it---said it was still pretty calm. I am sorry you lost your friend. If any of my rambling words help anyone feel free to share them anytime! There were some great people here helping out when I first started this, I only hope I can help others as much as they helped me. I have my 2 year old granddaughter tomorrow morning early, I better get my butt in bed!!! Y'all take care--check in with you tomorrow! Kat

Denise, I am so sorry you are going through such turmoil. I have dealt with alcohol issues with my ex husband, and with my brother, but never with a child---which would be the most difficult without question. Our son had a brief but scary as hell brush with meth---it put a wedge between he & his Dad, it was a really difficult time, I am so glad it is long behind us, and hope yours too will improve quickly and be nothing but a bad memory. (((((Big giant Hugs))))) to you--please know you can come here, or PM me anytime, I'll send you my home # ---that goes for any of you---if you just need to talk to someone not so closely involved. We do care about you and what you are trying to deal with. I am tired, picked black eyed peas....about 2 bushels full, and spent the next several hours shelling them, my MIL will can them tomorrow. I guess I will go out each day and try to get something done, they are frantic with the garden, he has 2 fields of hay cut, which got rained on tonight, so it will have to be turned to dry, before baling. They have cucumbers ready to pickle, green beans ready to pick & snap, and corn ready to cut, and deal with---lots to be done....right when the person responsible for them having such a huge garden...is gone! If you guys were close, I'd be dropping squash and tomatoes off on your porches!!! I guess I will make salsa, whether I really want to or not!!! Being in the garden with the corn tasseling has my allergies torn up---I am going to get a cool rag for my eyes, and go to bed. Will catch up with you guys in the morning! Night! Kat

Hi Beth, you can access your signature area to add it to through the userCP at the top of the page. Cut and Copy it onto the signature area, then preview it, and make any changes you want, then save! NMSunshine---I too flew to San Diego out of ABQ. My suggestions are---#1. Pack lightly, there is really not a lot you need. And you will be lugging that suitcase---so keeping it small and light will help a lot! #2. Wear elastic waist pants, and find a loose well broken in bra for the return trip. #3. Wear slip on shoes...when you go through security you have to remove your shoes, you might not feel like bending over to tie them on the return, when you are just out of surgery. And now for the flight itself! #1. Ask for a seatbelt extender AS YOU BOARD the plane. Do NOT wait until you are seated! When you ask as you board, she can just reach behind her and hand it to you. Those already on board, are busy settling in, and those in line to board cannot see what is going on in front of them. If you wait, she will have to walk all the way to the front, and walk back with it in full view of everyone! #2. As you board, if you see any of the small disposable pillows---grab one. Hang onto it! You might not need it for the plane trip, but if you are driving from ABQ or wherever back to Silver City, it will help to put it between you and the car seat belt. The shoulder strap come right across my port incision! And finally, for all of you, plane, or driving----one of the MOST important things you can do, is to keep moving! If you are sitting, just raise your ankles, and rotate your feet. Lift your feet off the floor 3-4"---just keep your legs moving as much as possible. The people next to you might think you have ants in your pants, but better that than blood clots! They will not let you take a bottle of Water on the plane in some places, others they now sell it on the other side of security I am told---if not, ask for some as soon as you can and stay hydrated. I had an hour and a half trip from the hospital to the airport in San Diego, then a 4 1/2 hour plane trip, and then another 3 hours by car to get home from ABQ. I did it on day 3 with just a shot of liquid Tylenol. Not sure how the liquid Tylenol would do now, I think you will have to check it. It might be easier to do the Go Tabs chewables. They were not out when I had mine, they would also weigh less for the luggage. And don't forget to pack the gas X strips. You will all do great---- Kat

Tracy Darlin' take just a minute and look at your pictures....compare the new one of you & DF with your starting 272# pic---the difference is astonishing!!! What a wonderful job you have done. And that little guy is way too cute for his own good! He is SSSSOOOOO cute!!! Jenn---If you would hunt up similar pictures and put them side by side, I am sure your new true size would begin sinking in. When I posted mine last week on here, it made me cringe---but for some reason, when I know others are seeing them, it makes me look at them in another light, and I see the change more clearly. As for meeting and getting in with a new crowd. The way to do it, is the same way it always has been. Smile, find common ground ---What do YOU ride?---being bikers----Did you make it to Sturgis this year?---any conversation starter---then just keep in touch. You have so much to offer, they will see it, even if you aren't fully seeing it yet. And if they have ANY responsibility, they will also notice the 1 drink and out of there. The bikers we know fall into 2 categories, those that either do not drink, even in a bar, or limit it to 1 drink....and those that drink non stop all the time. Guess which ones we avoid!!! DH is not a tee totaler---but if we are on the bike, he has no more than a beer with dinner. If we are not eating, he does not even have the one beer. Our friends we ride with, he is a tough sell, he would drink beer like water all day if you let him. But he knows we will not ride with him, if he is drinking...so he chooses to ride! We have a rally in SW Colorado this coming weekend. If my Dad gets good news, or gets scheduled for a later date when we take him to ABQ on Friday, then we will go up to the rally for Sat. & Sun. Then we want to take a couple of desert trips later this season, when it is a bit cooler. Hit the Grand Canyon again, and maybe Arches National Park. Laura--sounds like you and your siser are quite different! She is so young---when you are that age it seems like everything has to be done TODAY!!!! I cannot believe you forgot DH's birthday! Girl you better have been reaally nice to him!!! LMAO!!! Well I am off to get dressed, yep it is after 10, and here I still sit! It is time to go pick veggies---will the fun ever stop! Will check in with you Vunderful Violets in awhile! Kat

I have family all over the western slope, Meeker, Ridgeway, Rifle...spent a few nights partying in the Rose in Junction!!! Also spent my share of time in Denver area, with family still there in Englewood, Littleton, and Golden. I was born in Boulder.... Where I am in NM I am only 11 miles from the SW corner of Colorado---Durango area. Kat

Cheri, it sounds to me as if since your second fill you may be experiencing a first bite syndrome---it is actually not uncommon. They recommend you drink a sip or 2 of warm liquid...tea, even warm water, prior to taking the first bite, it is some sort of spasm of the esophagus I believe. The warm water relaxes it and allows you to go on and eat normally. Sounds like it might be worth a try. Good Luck! Dana--You ARE supposed to be able to eat protein. And with my Dr. that is his guideline. If you cannot eat hard protein, without pain, he considers you too tight of a fill. I do eat meat of all kinds, I eat eggs. I have had foods get "stuck", and have also had to be honest and usually attribute it to my own issues, of not having chewed well, or taken a big bite. I find myself getting lazy, and reverting to old habits, and they don't work too well with the band. There are several threads, where bandsters have outlined what they eat daily. I eat pretty much the same things I did before, I just eat less of them, and eat them in a different manner. By that I mean, before banding, I might have went out to dinner, and had a steak, and baked potato, with a veggie, and bread and butter---maybe even a salad before dinner!!! And all in gargantuan proportions...and I would have eaten the majority of it, if anything got left it would have been the veggies!!! Now, I will eat mostly the steak, and some salad, maybe a couple of bites of potato, but sometimes it just is not worth the work to fix it, when I am only going to take a couple of bites!! Before, I would have babied that baked potato, and got the butter, sour cream ratio just right---lol---and I would have eaten it all. Now, it is good, but not THAT good anymore, and I can easily live without it, without feeling deprived. I also will make my salad, with more attention to variety, and only take a bite of each thing, instead of piling the plate high. And I have to be very careful with the salad, or I will be unable to eat any dinner!! When we refer to things getting "stuck" they can mean a couple of different things. When something happens like Cheri refers to, the esopahgus, contracts, which is a normal action for it, it helps us to swallow food, but it is doing it at inappropriate times. Sometimes it doing this is a sign of undiagnosed acid reflux--which was a problem my DH had---and he is not banded!!! I had to do the heimlich on him several times as food got stuck. When he began the Prilosec, after the Dr, diagnosed reflux, no more choking/sticking food problems. The other "stuck" is when we eat too much, or take too big of a bite, or eat something that is not digesting enough to pass through the small opening where our band is placed. Bread tends to ball up into a dough, and then the gluten is released, and it gets gummy, and is very hard to pass through the small opening. When we are too restricted with too much fill, it is hard to get much through at all. Chewing really well and not over eating is key. Overeating causes problems, because the pouch needs room to move, to digest the food, when we over eat, it packs tight, and just sits. Leading to the slimes ( a natural reaction of the body trying to help slick things up to pass them through) and eventually a PB if it does not move. I was afraid I didn't make that sound too clear last time! As for the popcorn---I love the stuff, and I do eat it! I was told popcorn is seldom broke down when you chew it, you just flatten it out! Dunno if that is the concern or what, but I have never had issue with it...and I don't eat the kernals....DH does though---well the parially popped ones!!! Dana if you are still concerned about what a normal breakfast, lunch or dinner would consist of for me, or another bandster, just shoot us a PM, most of us are always willing to help! Kat

Morning girls- Feeling quite yucky! I made some cookie/cake bars to go to the church picnic, and then didn't go personally....heat of the day, and napping 2 year old...so my Mom brought back what was left. Apparently turn out was dismal (not sure what the heck they expected, on a Saturday when it is over 100 degrees out!). So I thought that sounded yummy. I should know nothing like that should be eaten, especially this early in the morning. Now it is bubbling around in my tummy, not wanting to really go either way. I feel slimes hiding around the corner, ready to start! And I DO know better! My restriction is always tighter in the morning---plus it is high calorie anyway, and I would be better off without it. Lessons learned the hard way just suck! Mandy, I hear ya with the swimming. We usually hit the lake a few times, but with Rick's issues, and then Kinsey getting so sick, we missed that time, and it seems like the rest of the time off we have had this year, we spent taking mini motorcycle trips. I enjoyed the summer though. We had fun weekends, full of things I enjoyed, and they were all pretty close to home---and yet most of the locals I speak with, have never done them! We have a rally about 30 miles away next weekend, depending on what my Dad finds out in ABQ when we take him Friday. IF all is well, or they schedule him for a later date, we will go up to the rally for Sat. & Sun. Then sometime in the next month or 6 weeks we want to get a couple of desert trips in. Maybe to the Grand Canyon again, and also to Arches National Park. We just have to wait until the serious heat of summer has passed! I think I want to go check out the new walk thing at the Grand Canyon---where you walk out in the glass horseshoe looking thing 4000 feet up or something like that! We are limited in some of our exploring by fears between my friend Becky and I!!! If we go to the walk in the Grand Canyon, Becky won't go, she does not like heights! My issue is caves, or tunnels, tightly enclosed spaces. I did the Carlsbad Caverns ok, I just talked non stop, kept my mind occupied!!! Oh well---we have found fun things to do anyway! So what did you decide on the suits Mandy? Sherry, I have a recipe for mac & cheese, stuck away somewhere. It too was calorie laden, but yummy. I know it had some strange things, that I went eeewwww over, but it tasted delicious! Like it calledfor something like a teaspoon and a half of mustard! If you still want one, I will dig it out. I have a hard time with pasta, I eat it, but I can only eat such a small amount of it, I tend to go with what is easy these days, and buy the shells and cheese in a box them doctor them up a bit!!! Glad the party went well Eileenie. We are headed into the party season for kids and grandkids here. All but my youngest grandson, have birthdays between now and Christmas! Today I am off to pick beans,a nd black eyed peas, corn, squash, cucumbers, anything I can find ready in the garden, and hope I stay busy until Rick gets home so HE can dig the potatoes!!! Our son and DIL were instrumental at getting his folks to put in a HUGE garden. Well work sent him to Houston for 2 weeks to school, so the DIL decided she was scared to stay alone that long, so packed up & went to Tuscon to her Grandparents....leaving 2 80+ year olds to handle the busiest time of the year in the garden. I could throttle my DIL. Yes son is gone too, but he is working, and the sole support of the family, so as I see it she should have stayed here and dealt with the house, and all. But with her it never works that way. So today I am picking, will snap and get ready to help can them tomorrow. I don't find them worth the work personally! I am fine with store canned green beans. I always cook up a big bunch or 2 while they are fresh, but see no savings in canning my own. But my inlaws, would be hung before they would waste what they have grown of course....so can I will! I have a feeling knowing my MIL, and how she thinks, I will also be cutting corn from the cob---a job that somehow always falls on me! Lucky, lucky me! Looks cloudy and dark outside, so maybe I won't roast alive getting my stuff done today. Everyone have a good day, enjoy the last of your weekend. Will look in on you later! Kat

TracyK I may bite the bullet, but not til we park the bike for the season!!! Then I might do it!!! It is the middle length that is my problem, I think if I went short, I might be ok, then it isn't hanging in my face when I bend over, but mid length it is always hanging, and I am constantly tucking it behind my ear---the style never lasts, because I can't leave it be!!! When we ride, I either wear a helmet, or a do-rag....I know I should always wear the helmet, but I don't! So I like the freedom to take whatever off (helmet or bandana) and brush it out, flip it into a ponytail, and going. When it was short, it was horrible, I would brush it out, and the nylon padded liner in the helmet made it static-y and it was sweaty flat yet fly away----so maybe when we park the bike!!! Yours really does look good, I like the swoop fo kinda sorta bangs, but not really---that gives me ideas! We got Kinsey to her Chinese food tonight, and the girl put away the pot stickers, and some crab rangoon, and almond chicken, she ate and ate, like I had not fed her all day! She ate both breakfast, and a late lunch and had 4 bananas through the day as well!!! She must be on a growth spurt!!! Rick bought a new (old) bike to part out today, I should be listing things, but prefer to do them all on Sunday!!! That way I always know when our Ebay stuff ends! Hoping the neighbor takes a look at this one, and buys it whole! Seriously, really, truly hoping, he would like to trade some concrete work for it!!! Pamela, I have my Paternal Grandmothers old camel back trunk, still with the tray in the top. It has a picture of a woman buttoning up her boots, with the hook in the top, and has the price of the trunk wrote on it $3.25. Where the wooden strips come across the top of the trunk they are each dated MAR. 1880. All of the metal is floral embossed, it is so pretty. I totally restored it several years ago. Inside are all the girls dress up clothes. Costumes from Halloweens past, thrift store finds, garage sale goodies. Gloves, hats, high heels, purses, feather boas, fairie wings, you name it!!! We don't play in it real often, it is saved for special times! Over the top of it, I have a lap quilt that a friend quilted for me several years ago, from squares we found under my Maternal grandparents house. They were hand quilted squares made by my Great Grandmother and her sisters. Mice had gotten to them, and I thought they were beyond hope. But she bonded them to some interfacing, and trimmed them down, and made me a lap size quilt from them. So it lies across the trunk. I love them both. As the girls grow up and play in the trunk of clothes I intend on telling them about their Great- Great grandparents! I expected this weekend to be tiring, and trying both. But it has been wonderful. The one on one time with Kinsey has been such fun. Listening to her giggle as I lotioned her after her bath tonight--I had forgotten how sweet that sound was! Granny has had a fun weekend. Well I think I will go put away all the produce my inlaws brought from their garden. Tomorrow I volunteered to go pick beans and black eyes peas. My DIL was instrumental in wanting this garden, and now she is gone for 2 weeks, and my 80 yr. old MIL is left to be bending over doing the gardening. And there is no way in hell they will just let it go, that is 100% against their nature! So I am going to go get the picking done. Will likely spend the next several hours canning the beans---will leave the BEP to dry. Will have to see what else is ready, to know what all my day will be spent doing. It won't be shampooing my carpet as planned though! Oh well.... Catch you all tomorrow!!! Kat

Kelly said it all---take care of you and the kids, and let the situation kind of take care of itself at this point. Make no concrete decisions, just concentrate on keeping life safe and healthy for you and the kids. The weight loss is great!!! Gotta take your good news where you can get it right now!!! Keep us posted, I'll be thinking of you! Kat

BJean, I paid as much attention to that in the middle as if it had been the advertisement itself!!! As for the rest of your post...I read the article, and was left to do what I usually do when reading about our illustrious leader...shook my head in wonder and shame... Kat

TracyK, it is a little hard to see the haircut itself in the picture, but it looks good!!! I like it a lot!! The swoop across the forehead is really flattering. My bangs got so thin, it was hard to even see them! They are coming back, but my hair looks soooo bad! I am not willing yet to give up my length, this time of year it is too easy to just whip up into a ponytail and go! Last time I cut it, not being able to put it up was really hard for me, especially if we go riding. I love that you made you a new avatar!!! Looks soooo good! Did your hairdresser say you had any new growth? I do, I can see it, 2 inches tall sticking out all over my head! Seriously! I really like your color! Good job----now order me to do mine!!! Kat

Wow Mandy---they all look great!!!!! I like the last one, in the way that it looks younger---more fun than serious. But heck the other 2 are VERY flattering as well. So I based my vote on your young age, and hip attitude, and went for the least conservative!!! Happy Birthday Eileenies DD!!! Hope y'all have a great party! We are hanging out, at home, Kinsey is napping right now. Rick worked late, so we did not get to take her for her Pot Stickers she requested for dinner (so much for 2 year olds wanting McDonalds!!), so will try to get there today. We took her to our friends ice cream shop last night, and I had one of those moments we all look forward to!!! We were standing listening to Kinsey rattle on with Pam, the owner, and this couple walked up. The gal and I used to be very good friends, until she decided to sleep with my boyfriend of the time. She is now married to another friends former (her being the cause) fiance. When we were friends, I was very thin, but through the years she has seen me many times, and always has a smirk---and tries to act like we are still best buds. So last night they walked up, right past us, never aknowledging us at all. I let them order, then I said "Hi Debbie, how's it goin'?" She turned with this questioning look, then her jaw literally dropped--you could see the shock! She semi recovered and spoke, and the attention was turned to Kinsey--she never said a word about my weight, but with her reaction, no words were necessary! I LOVED it! We both are about equal in our "overweight" now!!! And I have 7 inches on her in height, so I can carry my extra 20-25 much easier! That is tacky---but she deserves it!!! She worked as a receptionist where we had gone for years to have our taxes done. I cringed when I saw her there, but figured oh well. She called me over and told me with as much money as Rick makes, we are withholding way too much, then she wanted to know how many hours he had to work to make that much money. Girls I lied! He works a wierd schedule, where he has over 40 one week, and under the next. I just told her 40 a week....she was just wondering, her DH was thinking of a change!!! She was thinking $$$$!! I took our dishes out to the park, for the church picnic, but by the time I got there Kinsey was asleep in her car seat. It is already over 90----so I dropped the food, and come home, carried her in, and she has yet to wake up. We might go out for a few minutes when she wakes up. I was not willing to face the heat, with a 2 year old grumpy from an interupted nap!!! Call me chicken!!! So Darcy---what's crawled up the ex's hiney? Is the cabin too far for him to see Emily as often? Is she bothered by that? Cindy---you going to be volunteering all year at school again? Did they ever decide for sure one way or another on the paid position you hoped for? Sorry if you already answered that---this last year has been so crazy---I forget everything! Betty---looks like we will be planning to go down the first week or so in November. Rick has quite a bit of time off coming---so we have to work out the exact days. I am excited to go, I miss the place, plus going makes life feel normal again. Sherry, Chris, Beannie, miss you girls! Jessica, this group, is especially wonderful for support. I also recommend you look up and find a thread, for the month you are banded--you know--say an October group, if you end up banded in October. Not that all of us would not do our best to help and remember how we did for you (like we try for Patty), but it is so nice to have others going through similar things at the time! My DH has finally quit looking at me strangely when I speak of my friends here at LBT. I cannot say that he "gets it", but he accepts it! Men have different friendships anyway, and for me to feel this close to women I have never met, confuses him I suppose!!! You will find wonderful support here! We are glad you joined us! Patty---I don't have a strict diet plan---I eat whatever--I just eat less of it, and eat what we have in different ways. Yesterday as an example. For breakfast, I had a scrambled egg with cheese and green chile. I ate most of it....if I slow down towards the end, and it gets cold, it is unappealling, so I don't eat it, cold eggs, yuck! I had 5 Bugle snack things with Kinsey later, I know it was 5 because she put them on the tips of all of my fingers! For lunch I ate some chicken salad, on Town House crackers....probably 1/2 cup salad, and 5-6 crackers. I ate a nectarine, and some almonds yesterday afternoon. The nectarine was iffy, it sat high in my belly for awhile, when I finally began drinking lots, it passed on through. For supper, we had grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese, and fried zucchini, and fresh tomatoes. Normally I would have eaten my fill of the mac & cheese, and the fried squash, and settled with a standard serving of chicken. Now I make the chicken the biggest part of my meal. I have learned I need to have teeny tiny bites, and not being a real picky person, if I load my fork with a combo, it is much easier for me to chew, and I haven't had nearly the problems with things sticking. We had the shells and cheese last night, and I would take like a small bite of chicken, and a single shell, and not have any problem, if I try to eat a full bite of just pasta, it is too hard to chew thoroughly. All total I ate less than 1/4 cup of pasta, had mostly chicken, and a spear of squash. I was full! When they had ice cream last night, I was still too full to entertain the idea of dessert! I feel like I probably ate too much chicken, I would have been better off weight wise, to cut down the amount, but...it kept me good and full for a long time. This morning we had cereal for breakfast, and had a banana for snack. We were going to eat at the picnic, and instead she is sleeping---so I have not eaten lunch, I may skip it, since we are doing Chinese tonight!!! I could probably get the rest of the weight off if I would diet seriously, or consider another fill. But I am doing so well health wise, no PB problems, or anything, and the weight is slowly dropping still. I have decided to just let it be. With my luck I would get over full, and begin a chain of problems due to my own impatience!!! Well I am off to pick up a little, my MIL just called, and my FIL is coming over for a hair cut, so best check and clean up. Talk to y'all later!!! Kat