divanita2006

Boo Boo Kitty: You are so compassionate and eloquent, young lady! I am honored to know you. The best revenge for hateful people is to maintain the highest integrity, succeed in areas where others fall short, and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them (from a distance).

Lol! Roflmao!

This was such an interesting thread, so I'll jump in. Thanks, Boo-Boo Kitty and TOM for some very eloquent points of view. All I can speak of is my own experience. I'm 47, raised in Houston during "Jim Crow" era. No Affirmative Action then, but the so-called "Race Card" determined that I could only be born in a sub-standard hospital for coloreds. The next "Race Card" was played when, as a 4 yr old girl, I was consistently referred to as a monkey. I was not allowed to walk into the front door of a store, or play in any public park. I could not pee in public bathrooms; I had to squat by the car. As a child, I thought my name was "Nigger"; my Mom, Dad, and my brother were all named the same thing. As I got older, I saw another Race Card" played when I saw people on T.V. with fire hoses washing "negroes" down the street, and state troopers blocking negroes from going to a "white" school. I scrubbed my skin so hard, to try to wash the black off; I wanted to be white soo badly. Blacks, Negroes, Coloreds were spit on, hated, and had to "stay in their place". Klansmen and the local police drove through our community, just to scare us and stopping my parents to threaten or abuse them. I was always terrified that my parents would be hurt or killed, just for being black, coming home from work. (BTW, my Mom is a Biochemist, hired by Dr. DeBakey for heart transplant surgery, and my Dad was a pharmacist; still being called "boy" and "girl"). As I got older, I realized that I: 1)would always wear this skin 2) that I wasn't a monkey 3) that I was a smart, loving kid who loved diverse cultures and meeting people from all over the world. I graduated at the top of my class, got into college without needing an Affirmative Action "race card," got my masters and I'm currently working on a Phd. I have owned a Consulting firm (no federal funds/AA) for 27 years. I learned Spanish. I have spent the bulk of my adult life bringing diverse cultures together, knocking down the walls of ignorance and name-calling; inspiring others to see the similarities that humans have with each other. Oh-and I like to roller skate! lol Am I angry at how I've been treated? I don't know anything different. This is the only life I know. If I can help people to see that MOST of our differences are internal and cognitive, rather than just skin color, then my life will have been worth all the slurs, name-calling, despair, "race carding", and outright prejudice that I've experienced, and continue to experience. I am SO grateful that I learned to love myself (finally), and ALL of my fellow mankind, (dogs, cats, and fish!) in spite of the nastiness and denial of ignorant folks. Just one black woman's experience. What would I like to be called? ANITA.

Welcome; I am a fellow bandster in Dallas. I've been banded since 6/22, and I am really grateful for my band. I've lost 35 lbs so far, and I am finding it so much easier to exercise than before. I wish you great success. I would love to offer my support!:clap2:

Hi, Skaters! What are your schedules like this week? I'm ready to roll again!:clap2:

I'm so glad to see that you are being proactive in gathering information about your upcoming surgery! This site has been a wonderful information and support system during my journey. So many of the short-term and long-term bandsters are here to share their experiences. I'm in your corner! Congratulations on creating a vital decision to re-gain your health. :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Hello All: Just want to let you know that I had a wonderful time meeting with my LBT skating buddies today at Red Bird Skate! We usually do more talking and supporting than skating, but when we skate, we are burning off some serious calories. What I like most about our skate meetings is that we don't have to be good skaters; each time we get on the skate floor, it builds our CONFIDENCE. Most lap band support meetings I've attended in the past involve eating at a restaurant, which is cool. This activity, however, encourages exercise, movement, and supporting one another. I feel a special bond each time I meet other banders "in person". We will be skating again soon, so come out and join us!:clap2:

It's gonna be fun, both the skating and the support!:clap2:

Leila: Thanks for sharing your news with me; I've had you in my prayers!

Leila: I was just getting ready for bed when I saw your message. You may not know me, but I am sending up my prayers for: a healthy outcome and a wonderfully healthy you financial blessings and the home you desire continued weight loss success It's time for you and your family to have the desires of your hearts. Let me know how you are doing, okay? Live in Love!

Congratulations! You were already beautiful, but now you look 15 years younger. Thanks for giving me inspiration.:clap2::clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

I cannot wait to have fun (and burn calories) with you all tomorrow! Sunday, 9/10 1-5pm ($5.50 incl rental) White Rock Skate- located north of White Rock Lake near NW Hwy and Ferndale. The address is: 10055 Shoreview Road Dallas, Texas 75238 214.341.6660 :clap2:

Ready: It would be great if you can make it! The White Rock Skating Rink allows rollerskates and rollerblades. Hope to see you there, if your schedule allows.

Kutia: You are ready to roll, huh? Looks like you are getting in a little extra practice, skating around the house. Hope I can keep up with you on Sunday! Yeee-ha, I'm excited!:clap2:

Courtney: I am so excited that you are joining us on Sunday! I need a little more variety in my workouts; and I'd love to meet other Bandsters:)

This thread is so uplifting to read, because it gives experienced bandsters an opportunity to encourage newbies, and newbies a positive perspective: chill don't obsess over the scale applaud ourselves for making this life-affirming decision!

Welcome, TexasBr@t and Valgal! I am a Texan living in Dallas, and 10 weeks out. Let me know how I can be supportive of my fellow Texas Bandsters:)

I woke up this morning feeling bored with my workout routine, so I asked my Texas folks about meeting at the skating rink. This will be our 1st time. Wanna come?

I love 6th St; I went to UT (last century). And Whitney is soooo peaceful.

Nana: Perhaps we can set a date in Austin, and take our show on the road. It's a great weekend trip.

Hmm. My preference is for 1pm, while I have energy. I'm flexible, though. This will be a nice break from church, and certainly great for the spirit.

I almost forgot. The rink manager strongly suggested "Wrist Guards" for us. Just for safety.

Sunday is fine, Kutia. I'll PM each of you with my phone #. Is Sunday okay with you, GBT?

I just called White Rock Skate. They have public sessions in the evenings and weekends. Here are the schedule and location details. The weekend (SAT/SUN) schedule is 1-5pm ($5.50 incl rental) and 7:30-11:00pm ($6.50). White Rock Skate is located north of White Rock Lake near NW Hwy and Ferndale. The address is: 10055 Shoreview Road Dallas, Texas 75238 214.341.6660 I am game for either Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Would love to meet y'all there!

Thanks for finding those skating rinks, GBT! I live on Turtle Creek near downtown, so White Rock sounds good. But I'll drive to the one that is most convenient for you all! My favorite rinks are the ones that play popular music. Kutia, which one is closer to you?