I was kicking around the idea about putting together an annual celebration of the banned ones. Heres the thought; a nice conference center in a nice hotel in Southern Michigan. I would ask the guest speakers to adress the gathering, possibly a rep from Inamed, I asked my Doctor (Dr. Boutt) to speak and he liked the idea(he even named it BANDSTOCK). He agreed to speak to us, perhaps a Psychologist to address the changing dynamics of weight loss and those around us. Maybe, dinner at one of the nice resturants in the area. I was thinking early next summer (poss. middle or late June) I want this to grow into something we can be proud of a celebration of the positive choices we have made.

OK, now this a post to gauge interest, let's see what kind of response this post generates. I am willing to do the hard work for my fellow bandsters, lets make it happen. I know there are alot of Michiganders with the band and of course all bandsters across the country are welcome. Hey, maybe Miss Wisconsin would show up. We'll just have to see how this all shakes out, hopefully this could be a great time for us....

Thanks, Lyle (Tall Guy)

I found out on Christmas Day that my Aunt teaches crochet classes at Tall Mouse (crafts store) here in my area so after the first of the year I am going to go and take her classes..

Becky,

You said your half way thru a hat. then next ppost you said your starting on on the right foot. Won't that make it a sock your working on???

Lisa, it sounds like you have a headstart. That's great! You'll have to entertain at the next bandster bash.

And Michelle -- Way to Go! You'll be making hats in no time! That's an added bonus that your aunt teaches the class.

OK Greg! I see your hands are not too busy, but your mind is working overtime!

Yup... I'm working on yet another quilt... finished a bunch of little quilting projects and got the itch to do something bigger. I have the top finished... and working on building a stash with all of the quilting sales going on. I'll take a pick unless I totally screw it up when I do the actual quilting part. I joined a wool club as well... first project was a wee hooked rug... pretty cute but wouldn't want to start another expensive hobby!

I wouldn't jump to conclusions about Greg's hands... perhaps he is overhauling an engine or something like that.

I hear ya, Darcy, about the expense of starting new projects. I'd love to do some quilting, but time and money are not there right now. Maybe later. Does your wool club do various projects or just latch-hook? Sounds like fun. I'm hoping to find a knitting group around here, but it's a pretty rural area, so I don't know if there is one.

I'm sure Greg has other hobbies, but I think he's best at teasing.

Nope... they do a different type of wool project every month... the next one is a wool snowman that is meant to be framed as a picture... it's flipping adorable. I love making the quilts... but it is nice to have the variety of different things thrown in.

My sister just took up knitting... I am absolutely sure I am not talented enough to knit!

Hmmmm... Greg.... what do you do to keep your hands busy?????

Hmmmmm

Well I'm not to sure I'd want to answer that question ladies. But I do know My Pashish Priest has got to be tired of me saying "Bless me Father for I have sinned".

Wow, you talented bunch! I just need to stick with something and finish it! Becky, did you know your crocheted hat can double as a two-handed hand warmer when you forget your gloves? Very soft and snuggly!

To keep my hands busy, I'm working my way through a box of See's candy. I'm thinkin' it's not such a good thing.

I finished the pie and Fritos today, and threw out the cookies. That kept my hands pretty busy. :nervous Now maybe I can concentrate on knitting. Unless you can send me some of that See's candy.

LOL Greg...

Now... I know that Sue is tough... but... all of us together could probably take her??? Okay... on the count of three... 1... 2...

Count me in too!! I can't wait to meet everyone and pass the peace pipe!

(just kidding!) Sounds like a FUN time!! Happy New Year everyone!

See ya'll in the mud of Bandstock! :laugh

Count me in, I'm really close by.

Nancy

I would love to come! I would love to meet everyone and talk in person. Keep us posted on the details -great idea!

I like the idea of Bandstock and would be willing to attend. I was just banded on January 3, 2005 and am reaching out for support from fellow bandsters. I am in the Chicago area and was banded by Dr. Rasponte of Swedish Covenant Hosp. So far, so good.