WLS tv

Ok the new widget...is it cool or not...jury out, but I'm for anything to do with this.....I'm a survivor, someone who tries each and everyday to make the tool work to the highest efficiency that I was given...sure I have my moments the nice glass of wine or the oh so bad for you snack...but overall 2+ years out and I'm at goal and then some and maintaining just beautifully...if only everyone got that ....sigh

so what do you all think of WLS tv....would you be a guest???

At the request....

Of Miss Janine down under..a little catchup post so you don't have to sift through mountains of blog entries along the way....

I started my WLS pursuit way back in 03...but was sidelined by having to get a partial knee...current weight at that time was around 260.....

Fast forward, 03 got the partial knee post op of that I ballooned up to almost 295.....yikes...I was scared but needed the full year of therapy to fully recover properly from this surgery. So now into 04...I'm sick, alot....High blood pressure, reflux out of this world, pre-diabetic. I am sitting between 280 and 290 at any given day. Have a hard time walking up and down stairs...yikes!!! It winds me just to go up once. I am really starting to hate my life and how it's become but I am not doing anything about it. 06 I finally cave that summer, call the doc again and get my pre-op appt...that day in August I walk into his office the scale registered 275, ok, that is after a full year of Weight Watchers, and my own creative or not so creative diets...I'm sad, depressed and feeling overall that I have lost total control of my life. The doc and I sit down and discuss the options. Of course intially I go in with the feeling I want a lap band...I'm scared and although I have done years and years of research I'm still not 100%...we talked in depth about all of the options....and after our talk I went home and called the next day and decided RNY was for me. The best solution for my obesity and the one I would be the most comfortable working with long term. So we schedule the millions of appointments...he says no more than 10 lb weight gain or the whole deal is off.....That to me was the most intense. I made an appt with my private practice doc also...I have been with him forever and needed and wanted his approval....it was more important long term than the faith and love from my family because he would be the one I turn to for issues and help me through this in the long term!! My wait period was a whirlwind (not so much anymore though from the things insurance require) so from my first meeting in August 06 and the appt, I had my surgery scheduled for the morning of November 20, 2006. The day of my rebirth....from there it has been a whirlwind. We had our thanksgiving as a family early that year as it fell after surgery and I would be totally liquid or soft foods at that point. I went in that Monday morning at a hefty weight of 269lb.......it was so embarrasing to me.....here I was wearing 22/24 and they were tight, I was stretched to the limit to stay in this size at this point...I stand at 65" or 5'5"....I always thought I was larged boned but that would soon change after the weight started melting off.

As with anything, since I'm so OCD and ADD, this was something I was going to succeed with and not fail...I follow the docs orders to a T.....I dropped 40 lb in the first month!! WOW what an incentive....

Fast forward and all the drudge taken out....today 2/7/09, I am 26 months post op....I weighed 132...that is my all time low (I am not good here too thin) my previous all time low was 135, my favorite weight is around 140-145, that is a good weight for my body frame. I have had no plastics and not sure I will, although I would love a boob job!! lol I am healthy, happy and stick to the program everyday...I'm so happy that I have been given a second chance at life and although I moan and cry on here from time to time...I am enjoying myself more than I have in the past 40 some years of my life...

Not quite the readers digest short version...but it's me, it's raw and it's just the way it is.....

Saturday

Yeah I'm so glad, last night bed early...I was wiped. Work is changing dramatically right now and this week was a mental challenge...I did manage to get a groove going by Friday, so I've been able to overcome this challenge and make some progress.

Weight is down, way down this a.m. Am I happy, of course, should I be, absolutely not!! This a.m. I decided to weigh, haven't in a while but I know that I handle stress totally opposite pre-WLS...so drum roll.....132 this a.m. Too low, I've lost about 8 lb this week...eek...I'm sure the cruise will help put some back on. I knew I had lost as the skirt I wore yesterday kept slipping..lol

This afternoon, I have another date...yeah...So this is 4 dates in two weeks and he was the one who said he wasn't seeing me until I got home from my trip..hee hee We have been having alot of fun, laughing and doing things together. It's been very good for my soul.

On other news, winter is 1/2 over. For those who live on the east coast of USA, it's been a brutal one at best, cold, snow, wet, gray...I for one will be happy to see spring...

So I'm off to get something done, not sure what that something will be but I am feeling the need to be productive...

More crap you wouldn't want to know...lol

The rules are simple - list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep! Then tag 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap Award

Ok Janine - you've gotten me......

10 honest things about me:

1. I am afraid of being fat again, I have this recurring nightmare that when I wake up I weigh 300 lb again...it frightens me and I don't know why.

2. I am still struggling horribly with self esteem issues. It seems that every time I think I have it all under control, bam something hits and there I go to pieces.

3. I never thought 5 years ago, that I would become healthy, thinner and divorced!!

4. I have an irrational fright of snakes. Even to watch them on tv.....eek

5. I am a hopeful romantic. I love to be with people, especially those who make me laugh! I love optimistic people...and being around those who enjoy life and have fun....

6. I am hopeful that the next 1/2 of my life will be a totally different than the first 1/2, I hope it is filled with me doing things being involved, instead of watching from the sidelines....I have been given a second chance to make it happen and I'm not wasting time now...

7. I am the oldest of four children, all of whom are overweight. It's a deadly disease that is in my family and I am the only one who has done anything about it!

8. I am ADD and have OCD, what a combination....I have learned to live with both, but geez sometimes I even drive myself crazy with how anal I am about things...

9. I am happy in my life for one year now, I can't recall a time when I have been in more control and just doing what I want. I love the person I've become....

10. I love to cook....I can make almost anything from scratch and I cook every night for my kids. of course now they are growing up and moving on in some ways, but we always have dinner every night together, homemade!! YUM.....

So I tag 7 now....

Well I am going to leave that up to those who read....please share with us as I have!!

And the list keeps growing and growing....

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html#products

Evidently this Peanut recall is alot more intensive than originally thought. 2 years now...WOW is all I can say, my kids live for peanut butter sandwiches, it is a part of their daily routine like brushing their teeth, at least one per kid per day...I might need to start rethinking this!!

10 days

The good lord is testing my ability to hold it together right about now, 10 days and another winter storm on our horizon. I had a dream last night that my flight was cancelled leaving to go because of ice!! GAH....If I don't have a nervous breakdown before I get there well then there will be alot of celebrating once I am there!! lol

I am ready to go, I had my date Saturday night, it was wonderful. How is it I always manage to meet a man, someone whom I want to spend time with when I'm on my way out the door or busy doing something else with my life. That is where we are. He is wonderful. Plain and simple. I laughed so much and had the best time it's scary. Really. I've probably said that before, I could probably go back in this blog, in the archives and find this exact statement about a few men I dated last year, but truly no one compares. This is not a rebellion of divorce, the other man, the one I thought would be right, or the hot one. This is a guy, someone whom I already knew. Someone who I reconnnected with accidently but on purpose I think. Someone who I enjoy spending hours with and when he leaves I can't wait to see him again. Someone who brought me flowers on our second date and they happen to be my favorite flower. Someone who listens to me, helps me and wants to be with me. Someone who I care about. Sure it's weird, he was my old neighbor but that was a lifetime ago to me. The trouble that was my marriage was already established. We had both made sure we kept our distance, although neither of us knew the other was doing that, we were attracted but I was married and he wasn't. There was the vow I made the reality that I was married and I wasn't cheating. I still can't believe neither of us picked up on the fact that we were BOTH attracted to one another it was not a one sided thing. strange..

Anyhow, that is not what this is about...this is about me, right now. I have "dieted" although I hate that word very well the last week, turned all those bad carbs I had been consuming into a thing of my past. I have lost a few pounds, toned up, doing my yoga, feel the peace..lol I am grounded, although frantic about having us both ready to leave next Wednesday morning early in the morning....I am crazy with the realization that I am sailing soon and it can't be soon enough!!

Oh and the kicker I speak at the WLS support group the night before, like I am going to have time to fit that in?? Well it will all work out, I will stop stressing and just go with it, that is what it's all about right...going with the flow called life????

I Can't believe it's almost 50

degrees outside and I don't want to move off my couch. I've watched a few movies while doing some wash today. I need to kick my butt in gear and seriously get out there today and enjoy because these days are far and few between. Tomorrow they say 45 and rain and then Tuesday, 30 and snow again. Grrr Of course we flipped the calendar to February, so the countdown is officially on. 11days and I'll be sunning and funning. God I can't wait.

I had my date last night, he came over and we had dinner and watched a movie, ok we ate dinner had great conversation a wonderful bottle of wine and well we attempted to watch the movie but ended up talking through most of it, so I was so lost when we did watch. We then attempted to watch another movie, which I promptly fell asleep during, what a wonderful date I am, huh. I prewarned him, he was sitting and I was snuggled up with him on the couch, it was nice and warm and well off to la la land I went!! I woke up right at the end of the movie, we talked a bit more and off he went for home!

I was up at the crack of dawn today, but cannot get motivated. I wish there were a magic pill for these days so I could just take it and go, but I've been tired and well I'm feeling it today. The cleaning and wash are getting done so all is good :)

I haven't weighed in a while, I know I'm down my jeans slid right on yesterday that was a plus because even they were getting a big snug...I love these one pair of jeans I own, they are my weight gauge when I don't feel like actually reading the scale!

Ok, I'm off hopefully to do something productive! outside get some Vit D or whatever...Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

Oh yeah baby....

It's the weekend. Been a very productive and busy week, but I am certainly glad it's the weekend. I am babysitting my gf's puppy, such a little sweetheart she is and I'm glad to have her around this weekend, it will be fun. I have to finish my cleaning tonight, tomorrow the boy is going to his friends to spend the night and my old neighbor is coming over for dinner and a movie. I can't wait, I am truly excited about this but deep down I still have mixed feelings about trying to get into another relationship so soon. I will just let this happen and see what happens. I am glad though we have reconnected and get to spend some more time together.



It's going to be a cold one again too, but warming up a little for Super Bowl Sunday. You never know what is going to happen during that game. I see the ad's being yanked the raciness of the sponsorship, but it will be what it is, sex sells. Look at Gillian Barbieri, if she isn't the sexiest weatherperson to let us all know how the weather at each game is going to be each weekend I don't know who is. Now do you really think they put her out there in her tight fitting outfits to appeal to the mass of women who watch?? Hell no...lol I am though looking forward to the new ad's that will be put out during the game. It's almost an entity within itself.

Food and exercise are going well, I have been diligent with the less carbs or should I say good carbs only....and lots of water throughout my day. It's paying off, again the scale isn't moving but the pants are a bit looser and the pudge isn't feeling so bad these days!! lol

Thank you

Yes I like the black lacy dress too...in fact after looking at the pictures I found it to be very flattering and the other, well not so much :)

I am less than two weeks to leave!! yeah!!! With this freezing rain and icy conditions of yesterday I am so ready for some sun and warm....

I did manage to get to the grocery and stock up on fruits and veggies and some good whole grains. I have been out for a day and boy does it matter. Thank goodness our local convenience store carries all that for a quick stop and fill up yesterday just to get through the day.

So I said a few blogs back that I have been talking with my old neighbor. Strange to me how things work out in life sometimes. Well anyhow, he is coming over for dinner and a movie Sat. night. We've been talking almost everyday, it's weird how this happens in life but it's been nice. I am looking forward to spending some time with him. Sunday is Super Bowl, I am really looking forward to this, but alas I will go into football withdraw when it's over. Sad, I know, probably remind you of some husbads or boyfriends out there I'm sure, but it's my thing. The next time any serious football, the draft. I'm truly a fan..lol

Other than that just laying low and ready for the vacation. My son is excited to as he will be going away to but in a different direction on a school trip...

ok I need you opinion...all of you!!!

As you know those who read I am going on a cruise, we have one formal night and I have two dresses to pick from so.....

dress 1





dress 2





ok so here they are, please please help me decide I like them both but only one night!!!

OH and my date group

I was reading a blog of a fellow WLS buddy who had her surgery the same month I did. She posted this a bit ago so I'm a little late but wanted to bring some interesting facts to light that I agree with 100%. She has lost and done a tremendous job of losing and maintaining, but she said year two was filled with an eye opening experience when the scale showed her a 25 lb weight gain. Yes folks, it can happen. Year one is 80% tool, 20% user, year two is more like a 50-50 split since your body is now becoming accustomed to this new way of life, year three is a 20% tool, 80% user and this is not to say that you can't be 100% in control, but it is a whole thing about change of life and eating habits. If you are the one who picks up crackers or a handful of chips every time you walk through the kitchen and at the end of the month show a 5lb gain and you wonder why, maybe it's time to go back to the basics and start journaling. I attend support group on a regular basis. It's more like a bitch group to me on some months, because these people who are smart, intelligent and funny have no clue that mindless munching of the wrong thing is going to lead to weight gain. I'm talking about full out grazing and that is what they are doing. Geez people have you not listened to anything, anyone has to say on this subject. It has to change PERMANENTLY!! I am no saint, I still munch and I drink....I'm not going to tell you what is right or wrong, but as soon as I am feeling a bit slouchy or thick in the middle, well the basics come out and I cut back on the indulgences and ramp up the water and protein and veggies. I mean c'mon have you learned nothing on your journey! I find sometimes people are so inept when it comes to what is right and wrong. This is not going to happen without your input people....so when I get asked, how do you stay so thin, what is your secret...HELLO there is no secret, I follow the guidelines, I eat healthy, I exercise, drink my water, take my vitamins and the rest just happens.....

I guess my ambivalence for this type of person is a little short on the tooth today so to speak, I received a call from yet another person, who is struggling. I mean two years out and they have only lost 50 or 60 lb. There is a good 100+ still to lose, so when I look at the phone like you've grown the third eye look back at me and say I know, I'm not following the program, because we all know if you were the weight loss would be greater. This particular person is a doll, but not structured in life, can eat at least double than I can at a single sitting and the choices...welll let's just say nothing at all like I eat. Fries, cheeseburgers laiden with goo, fatty meats, lots of potatoes, carb heaven. I suggested a fish or chicken dish, oh no I don't care for that type of food....I was asked to dinner tonight, which I politely declined because I know the conversation would go there....and with my current mood, there would include a few quesitonable remarks from me.

So folks, it is a tool, it's proven, it's not a fix all, or a fast fix. You have to do your part for it to work properly long term....in other words think long and hard about what you want, long term....because this is FOREVER...and I am not writing this to make anyone mad or pissed at me, just letting it out...

Sunday, Sunday

Yes I'm feeling a little more energetic today, yesterday....basically turned into a bust. Movies all day while laying on the couch. I did talk again to my old neighbor via email....he sent me a few recent pics and yes he's still very cute!! I am looking forward to catching up with him really soon! So now I have a ton of cleaning and wash to do today! Lucky me...and well I just don't want to but it is an evil necessity.

The cruise is coming, 17 days and counting, but sheesh who is counting! ME!!! That is who..lol I did manage to get some of my things out and well the choices are growing but the suitcase is only so big....so...I have to narrow it down a little bit. I have 4 swimsuits to chose from now, I bought two keepers and gf gave me two more brand new ones. I am very excited and this has been a long time in the making.

So I'm off to clean, wash and whatever else it is today I need to get done....

Saturdays are made for sleeping

And boy did I sleep in...12:30 in the afternoon and I finally dragged my lazy butt out of bed. Obviously I needed it more than I realized. I had a great time with my girlfriend last night, she had this stuff called Carolina Sweet Tea, it's southern style ice with vodka in it. Now let me preface this by saying I am not a big vodka girl....but this stuff was the bomb and you don't even taste it. Of course not that is why I ended up crashed out on her sofa....lol Woke up early this a.m. and took the youngest to his bowling and came back home and crashed back in the bed...and here I am voila!

I scored some really great clothes and the formal dress is just beautiful, she said I was stunning even with ratty hair and no makeup when I tried it on, he husband just sat there with open mouth, so I guess I was lookng pretty darn hot! lol I got some great casual dresses too....so I'm ready got to wash them and start getting things together!

I am tired today and all I want to do is go back and laze in bed....oh the old neighbor who I have been talking with is in pursuit as my gf calls it, he is emailing me and it's nice we talk and talk seem to have alot in common but I'm still hesitant to start anything at all, I just got out of a really questionable relationship and want the me time. Sometimes I feel like i will lose him if I don't grab the opportunity but I know this isn't so. I told him be patient and that I really wasn't looking for arelationship right when he came along,he said no problem...we'll see how long that lasts..lol To say I'm not physically attracted to him would be a big lie so we'll see....as always things happen to me when I don't want them to.

Off to figure out some things here I need to be semi productive today i thnk!

Day three and another

Success...I have been able to hold it together. Today was far easier than the last two that is for sure. I have eaten properly, exercised but now I am getting ready to go out with my girlfriend and wow we will be having a few cocktails..lol I will try to keep it manageable..lol

I am very excited about my trip as the comment said! I haven't been on a cruise in forever, coupled with the sub-zero weather we have been having, it will be the perfect break for me. And a small chance to warm up for a short while!

Tonight after cocktails we are raiding my gf's closet, she has the best clothes in the world and I'm shopping there for free. Speaking of clothes my bathing suits came in and I love them both, so I've decided I'm keeping them both! Big score for me, they both flatter in their own special way! So 5 days two suits, big smile on face....priceless.

I am starting to organize my stuff too, I'm am the anal organizational queen. Since both me and the boy will be away at the same time I need to get moving. I drop him off at school the morning at 6am and my flight out is 9:30...nothing short of calling it close...

I am off, to change and out the door i go

Day two

Alot of my fellow WLS friends struggle with the fluctuations and ups and downs of weight as we get on in our journey. It's a fact of life, this wonderful "tool" we are given is just that a tool. It's not a cure all, nothing that is going to fix your mind and body and make you beauty pageant thin and beautiful, that is all up to the individual. I have had great success since having my surgery. I have lost my weight, hit my goal and am able to maintain. That in itself is no small feat, because truthfully alot of people never actually hit their goal. They get to a "comfortable" place and then everything stops. Some tend to gain back a little or alot of weight. I have a few people who had surgery when I did who have gained back quite a bit of weight back since surgery, I'm talking 50, 60 or more lbs. It's scary to me to think this could be my reality. Deep down I do not want it to be. I still struggle somedays with the mirror image that reflects back at me, I see myself as I am now, the girl who wears a 6 or 8 or weighs arond 135-145 lb at any given time but I don't always believe what I see in the mirror. This morning was a perfect example of this, I picked out a shirt to wear and while putting it on thinking, I will never be able to button this, well low and behold the shirt is.....to big. When will this ever change? Who knows maybe it never will, sometimes I just need to hear the voice say to me, you are healthy, happy and in the right range for you. I'm petrified of returning the girl I once was.

This whole revelation and story is taking me to something that is going on in my life right now....I moved to my current resident around 5-6 years ago, it was the beginning of the end of my marriage,health and alot of things that were going bad in my life. I have had a partial knee replacement, followed by more weight gain, then the GBS which was followed by my then husband leaving and then the maintenance phase began with me out there dating again. The dating life of me has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, I would say mostly downs. The other night I was on my facebook account and an old neighbor from where I lived sent me an email, "hi neighbor, boy do you look diferent". Well I wasn't sure at first who this person was so I looked at the profile, then thought I recognized them. I replied, yes I've lost quite a bit of weight. They responded you really look great....ok are you seeing this is from a guy neighbor, he proceeds to ask how my children are, my former pet and husband. I respond, the kids are great, my poor pet has passed away and well my husband is now an exh. So we've been back and forth with the chitchat over the email and I give him my number so we can catch up (he was part of a bigger group in that neighborhood that used to hang out together) well I can now see he is taking this towards a possible dating route. I just don't know if I am ready, plus I am in the mentality of he remembers me heavy, fat per se.....I know just by writing if I don't know if I am ready I'm not right, maybe yes, maybe no. I know that when I lived there I thought he was very handsome and all that but I was married so nothing. I also remember telling my one neighbor that if I were single I would have pursued him back then also, she always would tease me about this, maybe she knew his attraction also, maybe not. So tonight we will meet up for coffee and a chat and go from there. I'm not going to shut the door on this, but I just don't know how I feel about it.....

Success

Today was a success! Even with all the yummy food they brought into work for lunch today, I was able to pick through it and find some cheese chunks, salad, and a grilled chicken (which I took out of a sandwich) and cut up on my salad, I brought some clementines and had water, instant lunch. I did manage to snag two hershey kisses too so my sweet tooth was satisfied. Breakfast, one egg w/bacon and toast and dinner, 1/2 cheeseburger that I made with veggies. I did yoga tonight to, I love to stretch but darn it's cold and hard to get stretched properly due to the cold. Oh and a yogurt earlier for snack...yeah today was success....now I need to keep myself out of the fridge and cabinets..lol

I made a SF Hot Chocolate to settle the craving that Iwas getting just typing this stuff....sheesh I am more out of control than I originally thought....back to basics for me, more so than I thought I needed it.

Tomorrow, day 2, and 20 days left till I leave. 3 weeks from now I will be sunning and funning and I need to look decent for this!!

New day

I am starting this day off with my mantra for the next few to get back into routine, low carbs, healthy ones, no junk will pass these lips...

I need more water too, I realized I drink tea, coffee and water but barely any because it's so darn cold, I need to find a way to push more into my body. Maybe some of those crystal light to go sticks, or something. I eat fairly healthy, protein, veggies, little sweets if ever just those darn carbs which are EVERYWHERE!!

My weight is right in the middle of my safety zone right now, 138 this a.m. I am hoping to lose a few lbs more importantly I'm lookng to lose the pudge and bloat I feel with all these carbs. They do give me too much gas and well its very uncomfy and doesn't allow the pants to feel like they are laying nice.....

Off for my morning cup of joe....which I will try to follow each coffee or tea with a bottle of water..

Here's to a new start on this hump day

22 days till the cruise....now if that is not an incentive i don't know what is!

My cruise

is 22 days away, I'm so excited it's not even funny. As I sit here freezing my ass off in this weather that has been in the teens for days I don't know if I won't be frozen by the time I leave for the airport in February. I have a brand new adventure before me with this trip.....I have been alone now for a short while, I am coming to terms with the life that I am leading now and it's really good, I like it actually. I have spent alot of time with my friends, some whom I haven't seen in quite a while because of the distance and the circumstances that have surrounded the whole disassociation, but I am grateful for the chance to rekindle these relationships.

I have been feeling very satisfied like I said in this time and place in my life, I like it here where I live, my kids are very settled here with their schools and friends, but I feel like there is a small piece of me that is wanting more out of life, to experience new things and try out new things or places, I'm not quite sure what it is or what I am searching for right now, but I will continue to look. I think this trip is coming at a perfect time and well that being said the company on the trip is going to be just what I need to break out of my mold so to speak. I am going with an old, dear friend. I know it is going to be a much needed break from my reality here and something that is sorely needed in my life right about now. I am just grateful I will be able to thaw out a little from this cold, cold winter we are having this year!

On another note, the world stopped for a moment this a.m. and sworn in a new president, a chance at a new beginning (hopefully) because the way this nation is now, well I'm not totally happy. Of course nothing will happen overnight but it will happen it has to, I have faith and hope for all of us.

Just another quick note, I've been the horrible carb monster, its the darn cold weather, just makes me want comfort food, I need to stop and stop right now or I will be a beached whale on my trip, in my swimsuit....which cannot happen!! I am writing this to help me stop, gain control of myself again, I realized this today when for the second night after making dinner I was not hungry because my dumbass ate too much crap today! all day long!! enough.....the weight hasn't fluctuated but the pants are a bit snug...ugh

New beginnings

In Washington DC today. Barack Obama is going to be sworn in and with his partner, Joe Biden going to try and sort out this mess known as our government and lead us in the right direction. I've noticed also in the last 2-3 weeks that gas is back up about .30/gallon here to.....so much for that but still the price is lower than last year.

We had icy, snow yesterday, I wish I were off with the millions of other's that were but alas no I worked :(

My life is going great,I'm single again (yes very single..lol) and my job is secure for another year thanks to a shining review. I have great health, my boys, wonderful family (when they want to be) and my weight is maintaining. I haven't weighed in a while, probably since before christmas and I'm maintaining, 137 today..yippee...

23 days till my trip, can you tell I'm excited. I hope my swimsuits show up soon in the mail so I can decide which one if not both to keep...I am so ready for some sun, warmth and fun...it's been along time in the making.

It's winter, not really much going on with me so this is short for now....

The deep freeze got me

Yesterday morning about 7:30 a.m. it's 5 freaking degrees out and what happens, my car died, going up a hill on a busy highway! Only me, only this happens to me. I've just about had it with this car but realistically I don't want a car payment, I have a college tuition I'm paying into, among other incidentals like a home and such....geez...so I have a dead truck sitting out front and alot of thinking to do about what I am going to do about it.

I had a nice weekend though before that, my lobstergram showed up Friday. I had a live lobster, new england clam chowder, a 8 oz filet mignon and butter....it was a gift card as a christmas gift two years ago that provided this sumptuous dinner, I got a salad and a bottle of great red wine and with a friend Friday night we had a superb dinner. It was nice and relaxing and we caught up on old times as I haven't seen them in a while. Today is a little milder but the snow was still falling out there a while ago, the Eagles are on right now, so I am going to cut this short!!

Eagles/Pittsburgh super bowl.....I hope

I've been MIA on here...

My home computer is broken!! The tv broke too...I am blocked from this site at work so thankfully my oldest came home tonight and I borrowed his laptop.

Thankfully we are getting our new tv on Saturday then onto the computer issue at hand. For those of you who I am friendly with on facebook I can access that at work, so I'm trying to keep updates there...lol

Next month I am going on a cruise from Tx to Cozumel....I'm so darned excited I can't even think straight. I have so much to do to get ready as I have yet ventured the white sands or any sands since my WLS and have not one appropriate swimsuit to wear. I ordered a few online today and hopefully one or two I will love when they come to the door. The boy is going to Williamsburg the same time.

We have survived the start of 2009 though even with this issues at hand. The cold weather is here, arrived this afternoon, I left work it was 10 with god knows what wind chill, I'm snuggled up sweats, wooly socks and all...lol I can't wait to get warm even if it's only for one week!! No snow on the ground but lots of snow showers.

I have no idea when I'll be back on here. I miss you all, I hope to catch up on some of the goings on around my blog world....

ciao for now

2008 was a year for...........

rediscovery and growth for me.

As I have decided and decided how I wanted this year end review go, looking back over this year the one thing that stuck out to me was I dated ALOT!! OMG....I have grown tremendously through all this dating too, put myself out there as I have never done before and have learned it is ok for two people to hit it off and that is about it!! lol

January - I was still seeing M, but the end was looming already from what I could see. After the excitement of the holidays passed we settled into an unsettled relationship, although we both stuck it out until May, when I finally broke it off, it was alot of emotions and not all happy for either of us.

February - Valentines Day, one of my least favorite holidays next to NYE!! What can I say, it wasn't what I thought it would turn out to be.

March - Yes a cold and memorable month. The oldest got himself into a heap of trouble and well shall we say he had a big lesson learned.

April - The beginning of Spring and the beginning of me realizing truthfully I was a much better person inside and out than I had given myself credit for. I was moving forward in my life, ready to really try some new things...

May - My birthday, turned into a day about him, ugh!! That was about it...3 days later it was over forever. The end of the month brought the unofficial start to a whirlwind summer for me but first my oldest DS graduated from high school, 15th in his class, talk about a proud mama!!

June- I met a new guy, K.....it was lust oh sorry, infactuation at first sight!! WOW I really liked him....or so I thought!

July - I breezed through life, seeing K off and on hanging out with my girls and learning that the people who I thought were my good friends really weren't.

August - Brought in the heat and humidity and a realignment of my life. K and I were done forever, I lost two very old friends, not as good as I thought they were but long time friends. I had quite a few doors shut in my life this month and I learned alot from these situations.

September - The beginning of school and the busy season for me at work. The end of the month landed me in the emergency room with a hernia....UGH!!

October - Came on with surgery right away and out of work for a few weeks. I enjoyed the late summer/early Autumn weather with my time off....and was alone for the first time this year...ooopss I spoke too soon, I met W this month, we hit it off tremendously....the infactuation was unbelievable but could the relationship last the 90 miles one way driving distance that was between us.....

November - Back to the holiday season in full swing.....Turkey day spent at my dad's and W showing me that holidays are not that important to him, of course at the time I thought it was because we both had to work that Friday.

December - Back in crunch time, the mdse was slow rolling in, Christmas presents were not purchased, wrapping not done and we all got sick!! UGH....we managed to purchase, wrap and enjoy a very Merry Christmas but there was no W in my life, from the 21st to this very day, the 30th I have not seen him in person, I have spoken with him via text a few times and not even a phone call....WOW is all I can say.

So as I close another year in my life, I have found that I have grown immensely...I am closing not only a year, but my first full year of maintaining an unbelievable weight loss, I am closing the door on old people in my life, I am closing the door on yet another relationship that bombed. I am also opening as many doors as I am closing with quality people.....I am still a healthy person, I am generally happy and upbeat and well I am having fun......

So with that Happy New Year to all fellow bloggers.....my life in 2008 was a whirlwind of a ride and I expect 2009 to be the same but hoping to settle down a little in my life!! CHEERS!!!

It's almost over...........

2008 is drawing to a close, Christmas is done and in my past. I had my tv picture die Christmas morning, my computer died also the day after. What could possibly be right in my world? I had my children home, my health, my family and 4 days off!! lol We have done so much, visited so many and well just have been doing things. Today I got some cleaning, some much needed wash and no groceries purchased....I go back to work for 3 days and well I need a little normalcy in my life right now. We have another 3 day week which is perfect but then again the next holiday is the worst for me, it brings with it a reminder of a failed marriage as my anniversary was new years eve.

I have grown so much this year as a person, not just someone who went through WLS and came out a victor, defied the odds which seem to be dwindling to less long term survivors of actual loss than not. I was just speaking with someone in my support group this week regarding the number of people who remain a success is lower than it was a year ago, this really saddens me as this is FOREVER. This is not a quick fix, we go through such alot to get to the point of insurance approvals and whatnot to just throw it away with overeating, eating the wrong things or whatever it is to allow yourself to go back and gain weight! I am mad too at people's lazy attitude that this will fix you and you never have to do anything to help it along! BS, that is all I can say. I have worked hard, eating right, exercise, of course there are days when I let both fly out the window but overall I work at this, I was given a tool and have learned how to use it, and make it work for me. At 2 years out I am still amazed that I am maintaining a 135-140 lb body, from a former fattie, 260 or so lbs tipping the scales. Now I know some of you who read regularly say, yeah 260 she was a lightweight, but it didn't come without the complications of a partial knee replacement, high blood pressure, reflux, and assorted other ailments that have all but left me completely. I find solace after a trying day in yoga, exercise, pumping it up, letting my body guide me not me guide the body as I was before. I'm still springing up and down my stairs at home which sometimes still amazes me as before I could barely get up them without either one - being winded or two - being in tremendous pain from the bad knees (even after surgery).

I have been through a divorce (and not a nice one at that) I have moved the ex out of my home, life and dependancy. I have made it through lay offs at work (which I hope are done) I have made it over 2 years on my own now, through weight loss and being my own provider for me and my children. I have found out that I can do this on my own, without the help of a man, I don't need a man in my life. I have become independant, happy and full of life. I have been through many ups and downs in my dating life this year. Finding myself falling back into the same rut of dating the wrong people, the unemotionally available ones, finding the strength to walk away from these toxic relationships sooner rather than later. I have found myself, the girl who was lost and hidden inside of myself, the girl that this blog is about, the girl who was hiding inside of me all these years, hidden by layers of fat and grief and putdowns, emotional abuse and just things that I have did or allowed myself to become. I have broken free one layer at a time, but who is emerging is a new and different person, one is alot stronger than I ever thought she could be, one who is capable of forgiving, loving and giving back even when it is not given in return. I have peeled off layers and found that the girl I thought was in there is actually someone alot different but I love her just the same if not more! :)

There are alot of blogs where I have touched on this subject. Again, I was faced with disappointment by someone I care for, someone who I had allowed in my life to share things with, I was hoping he was the one, but then again on the 24th, my gf showed me something (which was later denied as to happening) and that broke it for me, I am sad, grief has been a big thing for me this year of 2008, but with all this grief I have grown, grown stronger, grown up in more ways than I could ever imagine. I have lost lots of people who I thought were good in my life, but have found twice as many new ones that are more positive and enrich me in ways I never knew were possible.

So to all who have touched my life, whether in real life, on the internet, whether you ever comment or just read and support me from near and afar, I raise my glass to you, may you have the best holiday season and I wish you and yours Happy Holidays! Let 2009 be everything you set out to make it!

I am ready

As ready as I will be for this Christmas and tonight, the 22nd at 9pm realized that I do not have a gift for my father!!! WTF is that about! we are due there tomorrow at 5pm.... Thank goodness I have the inside scoop we are out at noon tomorrow.. I cannot for the life of me think why I forgot my father since him and I are closer than my mother and I!! Talk about stress....I'm ready to relax, enjoy some of the Patron one of my customers gave me and just chill.....

Anyhow, the holidays, a time for giving and not getting. A time for remembering that the reason for this season is....well depending on your beliefs may be varied..anyhow, I'm leaning towards the good will to men, but of course that won't happen, so I hope the family and friends make it a good one for me!!!

I will have more tomorrow as I'm drained...beyond belief!!! goodnight!

Great weekend and how can I be so tired still....

What a great weekend and I'm still tired. Wokeup late, fooling around here on computer instead of getting ready :)

I am about 1/2 wrapped for christmas, of course I know I will get done but man! Went down around 2pm on Sat to my guys we went to dinner at his sisters then off to the local pub to watch the Ravens beat Dallas....So I got to meet his family, I know he doesn't want all the stories of his sordid past leaking out but....it was fun and we had a great time! Of course his sisters all want some form of WLS but not sure so there were tons of questions fielded my way. Got a call early Sunday morning, his sister fell down her back steps, ICE!! owie so we were hanging out in the ER for about 5 hours Sunday! Then we went down to the ocean and did some outlet shopping, let me tellyou the deals amazing, did anyone have anything in my size? NO!! I ended up with one beautiful sweater and that's it. We did go to eat and I got home around 10pm last night!! OY!!

I'm exhausted, didn't want to get up and it's a balmy 10 degrees out!! Yeah 10, brrr I'm frozen! so I'm off to get ready and hopefully stay awake today! thank goodness for short work week!

Just sipping coffee and........

trying to figure out how I am going to get eveything that needs to be done in the next two days done! I have the shopping done, I will wrap tomorrow while watching some football! I have to pickup two more items that I remembered when I got up this a.m. but there are close and it's easy! I am going downstate later today, to spend time with my guy and I have a turkey from work I need to cook too at some point! I've got cleaning, wash and just the regular things to accomplish also, plus at some point I need to get to the grocery store (BAD)....life is just too busy and we wonder why we get all stressed out at Christmas!! HA

I do love this holiday, the pretty lights, the comraderie that comes out in people, but the busyiness and rush, rush that I put myself through year after year is probably not good for me. I will say though last night I was able to accomplish a tremendous amount of shopping and although I was tired, I was feeling good the whole time! I love to give, I don't expect anything ever in return and just love to pick out that special something for someone. Anal me, I go with a list, add and subtract as I am shopping and keep everything in order so the boys are even and everything else. Today, I'm off to Best Buy, Wii is on the list as the last BIG gift for the family. I know I am going to enjoy this as much as they will!

So, cup of coffee number 2 now and I'm off to the races!

Enjoy the weekend!

The shopping is..............

DONE!! Yeah...wrapping on Sunday! I'm tired and going to bed, another long day ahead tomorrow!

Good night!

2 1/2 years is way too long

We finally got together after two long years...it's amazing what we both have been through. I used to weight 260, she had long, wild hair and now the whole scenario is different. I've missed her although we've kept in touch in email and phone. She is going through the worst crap a person can, two types of breast cancer and she's only 30....humbles those who think they have it all, and yes she's still smiling! I was so happy last night!

Hump Day

The funeral was beautiful, one of the old friends of all my grandparents, their sisters, brothers and other friends sang..She is 94 and still sings like a bird it was beautiful. We stopped by my grandparents grave after the graveside service, it was nice to see them again! Then off for light refreshments. So we get into the CC and there was stuffed shells, roasted turkey, roast beef, rice, veggies...um where are the light refreshments. No wonder the US of A is obese, we call a full blown dinner menu light refreshments!! HA....I saw more cousins that were unable to come up for my grandmother's funeral, they didn't know me either!

Work was a day of catchup yesterday....amazingly it went smooth and easy! I'm glad because I was still tired and not really up for the challenges sometimes the job can bring!

Last night I was talking with my guy (he really needs a name, but anyhow) he has informed me now I am meeting his family sat night at a dinner. Ok, shock and well now I know, we are definitely moving on to the next step here. It's been 2 1/2 months, I've been on the fence but will not baby him like past gf's and whatnot, so I guess the tough love is keeping him around, or maybe it's just me :) LOL Now I'm nervous and of course I was going to spend Friday night and Sat preparing for christmas with shopping! OY when will I get done, well I have Friday night still and Sat up until around 1pm....good lord I hope I get enough done Friday night!

The ex is home, been home almost a week now, he leaves Sat I believe is what I am told....I could care less, there is virtually no communication with him at all...which is good, he is learning I'm over it, he needed toget over it too!

So now I must get ready....the rain is here, thank god because I was thinking it would be icy this a.m. but it's not yeah!!!

Funeral day

I've had two funerals this year. Both from my mom's side of the family. Not the way I want to spend my Monday, but alas it's here. I love the aspect of getting to see family whom I don't normally get to see regularly but do not love the whole funeral thing. I like to remember someone when they were living, a happy moment or cherished memory with them. A former co-worker who has cancer (it's riddled through her body) son called us at work last week, hospice has been called in...the verdict, less than two weeks. Well two weeks would be christmas day. This particularly wonderful woman is a tough lady, a real fighter who has been fighting, bone, breast and lung cancer and now it's in her brain! Sometimes I don't understand the reasons behind why some get and some don't.

Yesterday was a full and fabulous day. My oldest son spent the whole day with us, he took us to see The Day the Earth Stood Still, alot better than the trailers and I really enjoyed the movie! Then out to lunch and a little shopping at the mall. I bought him black dress pants, black shirt and red tie, he is taking his gf out to dinner for Christmas. I think he is a very special person, very sweet and considerate and a true romantic...she is one lucky girl. He bought her a beautiful bracelet and necklace yesterday too, silver with tiny heart pendant and also the heart pendant on the bracelet too. It's beautiful, she will love it!

Last night I met up with some friends to enjoy some football, end of a great Ravens/Pittsburgh game and the beginning of the Giants/Dallas game. Tonight is Eagles....lots of great things going on in life!!

Sundays

The oldest is taking us to the movies and I did manage to sleep in a bit more than yesterday. Still a little raw on the side but overall feeling better. 1/2 of the front lawn lights decided they don't want to work anymore either! LOL

Warming up a bit today to...i think I heard 50 maybe....rain the rest of the week though, not good for the soreness that is still here...

It's football day too....not sure if I will get to watch much though...

enjoy!

Added some new pics

to the bottom of the blog....So if you don't usually scroll down....please do and enjoy! I had a bad night of sleep. Been up forever and was fooling around with my pics. I'm really sore again today and I'm sure I'll be napping later. But for now, pics.....

Took another pain pill this a.m. along with the third cup of coffee...yes it's only 5:24 a.m. and I am wide awake!! I wish I had this energy on the work days! lol

Back to playing around with more pics and such!!

What a trying day

I am still hurting...my side especially. The wrist seems ok but the side..owie still

I am sure to have black and blue marks soon, a couple of shots of Jack tonight and all will be well! lol I can't worry about this, but damn I wish I were in my honey's house right now soaking in his whirlpool tub!!

So we are trying to create a great Christmas scene at home...I found this...



but we ended up with this....


and this....


and I am very pleased with it all.

I can't wait to finish Christmas shopping, of course like all those who are waiting for the last minute, yes I will be joining you once again this year as I just worked out the finances to allow me to shop next weekend...so yes, Virginia (or shall I say David and Nick) there is a Santa Claus!!

I am listening to Tori Amos - Winter, it's freezing here. I am enjoying this weekend once again...oh on a side note, one of my friends from TX invited me to join them in Vegas this weekend at the Hard Rock...geez why couldn't they have told me a week in advance...I would have loved to visit Vegas...never been but I am going to get there sooner or later...I hope sooner!!

So off to enjoy this weekend, pains and aches and all!

Clumsy me

Last night I was trying to unload the car and slipped and fell hard on the driveway! OUCH, I hit my right side, wrist is swollen up really bad, the whole right side of my torso (ribs area) and my right knee (yes, the bad one). Last night I iced the wrist and put heat on my torso. After a turbulent night of sleep I am even more sore this a.m. Of course I knew this was going to happen, but I'm going to whine because it hurts!!

So all the plans for the weekend, in limbo right now. I have a friend in VA asked me to visit for the weekend, I don't think I could drive that far at this point!

My great aunt passed on Tuesday evening, she was a tough old lady, my grandfather's sister and another instance of longevity in my family, she was 94 years old. I believe her sister, still living is going to be 97 in March. Monday is the service and the family is starting to arrive tonight. So I have a busy weekend anyhow, just not sure how well I will be able to function.

The rain has finally stopped. The lord rained down on us yesterday and last in torrents, much needed I'm sure but very hard to drive and navigate around yesterday.

Ok, my wrist is hurting so I'm going to have to cut this short.....more later

Trying week and life is just blah

It's been a trying week so far and it's only Wed morning! How does this happen? It seems to sneak up on your out of nowhere, but it needs to be dealt with. Co-workers and personal friends are all in this mix. I've been down and out again....not alot of great things going on in my life, in fact it seems right now just the opposite, of course everyday I seem to know someone else who is getting laid off or let go from their job too. Being a single mom on a single income with no child support it's scary. Even unemployment wouldnt' be 1/2 my salary now a week....

It's just a bit overwhelming right now.

Monday's again

I can't believe this weekend is over! Done, another one bites the dust. I am hoping for a more relaxing one next weekend I guess. I don't feel like i sat down and just enjoyed even one time! I was so tired last night I literally dropped in bed at 9:15...WOW

So back to the grind and everything it entails!

This can be yours......

Saw this being sold at a local music shop yesterday. Now you can own your own replica of the Charlie Brown tree. Of course the show is a must see every Christmas, but do we really need to own the tree!

Christmas is here....

at my home...I'm fully decorated inside and somewhat outside. It snowed yesterday so that put a small change of plans on the outside, but I'm going to fight the wind and cold later today and get it done! I feel good and it's pretty...later I will take pics! I love christmas and am truly getting in the spirit of it this year. I think I did the whole christmas for my children last year but wasn't into it as much as previous and current year!

So did I say it's was cold...brrr this a.m. 14 chilly degrees. I had to dig out the heavy duty pj's. These are the mornings when I miss a warm body in bed to cozy up with!! Someday when it's right it will be back in my life!

Weight loss, I am doing great. Back to exercising, yoga mainly and I'm losing those inches and have dropped about 5 lbs in the last month. I went to my two year checkup the only big problem is the blood pressure is back up. Even with the exercise and weight loss so I had to go back on my meds for that. It is very severe in my family so I actually expected to once things leveled out for me. I've lost and kept off 126 lb since I had my surgery 11/20/06. I felt very accomplished and feel and look great! I need some new pics of me too! I still have a hard time believing that I used to be a 22-24 and now am a size 6 on most good days! lol it's the best feeling in the world. And the reward is that I have learned to use the tool and apply it in my everyday life now. I can fluctuate up and down within a reasonable rate and I'm not a scale whore like when I first had the surgery. I can tell by clothes and immediately correct or modify something to keep myself in check. I was reading back about my earlier experiences and sometimes even that is a distant memory although it was only two years earlier. It's really a medical miracle for me!

Yesterday I went shopping with my sister, scouting out some possibilities of gifts and other things. Picked up a few necessities and tried on tons of fabulous clothes. We have this little shop near us called Tiger Lily, it's owned by a former Miss Delaware, it's ecletic and girly and fun and they have the most amazing things in there from bags to shoes to accessories and clothes! I would love to have a PT job there and be surrounded everyday by the goodies!

Today is a tournament and football, I'm cleaning and almost done the wash and we are just going to relax later! Thinking about some gingerbread......and I do need get to grocery store at some point! Enjoying the rest of the weekend, back later with some pics!

OMG it's been forever

or so it seems since I've been here last...I wish my blogging were more consistent like when I first had my WLS. Ok 2 years. what do you say, what can you possibly help to people out there who are just starting out or close to getting their surgery! OMG i can remember totally freaking out the night before surgery. I was totally pertified. like I couldn't believe I was about to do this, rearrange my insides to make me a happier, health(key here) person! and yes it has happened. Even today, Ijst forget sometimes that i had the surgery, it's easy to do. I've been healthy with a short breath with internal hermia surgery...nothing to get excited about because they just don't get it! lol So two years ago, I weighed in at a whopping 268...today I'm a secure 140ish..give or take a few lbs...and i 'm so secure in my life and my choices that it isnt' even an issue...ok so I have some bad days now and again..yes we all do..my pouch still works it's regulated by size and that is a good thing! Don't overindulge dont' be an idiot and it's all good! lol my little wisdom for tonight...and yes the wisdom police are watching!!

WOW

Was that a fun weekend. Monday morning here and I'm exhausted. I layed around all yesterday watching football and napping on and off...not too much excitement there, but Sat drove 2 hours to wedding which was beautiful, then 1 hour back to christmas party with my guy. We ended up getting a hotel room there as we were both in no condition to drive home...smart us! Home Sunday morning for breakfast and the couch!!

Had a wonderful time, weighed in this a.m. after all that wonderful eating and the verdict...3 lb loss!! Somedays it just is good!

Let the weekend begin....

I wanted to get in here last night and post this, but instead I layed down on the bed for a short while and fell asleep until this am. I was beat!

So today, I'm packing...we are traveling to a wedding. Then afterwards I am traveling 1/2 way back to a party with my guy! Overall it's going to be a weekend of busyiness...is that a word?? LOL

I told my youngest yesterday, the doc has released me to FULL exercise again...so he better figure out something to do at the Y we are starting back, easing into it if you may on Monday. I want to swim, I want to run, I want to life some sort of weight and get the flab that has developed in my midsection gone!! It's amazing how quickly it can revert back....I worked so hard on it all summer and then poof, 8 weeks of no exercise can do a body NO good!! And just how do I know I'm flabby...well let me tell you...I have gained not a lb...none!! but my pants at the waist...tight!! ugh....talk about devastating. I used to dread the change of seasons here when I was heavy. Pulling out the winter or summer clothing (especially the summer ones) and finding that everything doesn't fit. To tight, to small, to this or that! It is just humiliating. At least before my reasoning when we were moving into winter was that I could hide under sweat pants, sweatshirts, long jeans whatever...but summer. There is no hiding that flab!! One of the things I had promised myself prior to surgery was that when I got down to a good size I would maintain, work very hard to find the perfect balance. Well I had, and then the surgery, that darn hernia put a monkey wrench in all my plans. Of course the healing I thought would be much quicker and smoother than it actually was too! so full release and I'm back in the saddle. I know that I have to ease back in, this much I've learned!

So today, wedding....got to find something to wear with my black wool pencil skirt! I can't wait, I have the perfect shoes but shirts is eluding me right at the moment. I need to check out the wardrobe once again. Then tonight, a quick change into a pant suit as this is much less formal than today. I have the perfect silver sweater tank shirt to wear with it to make it a little festive but not overboard!

Tomorrow is football, snuggling on the couch with my guy! all day just us!!

What a perfect weekend! I hope you enjoy your's as well!

Back to the grind

While most people either didn't go to bed last night or just simply got up at some ungodly hour this a.m. to start black friday shopping, me I was snuggled in my bed all comfy and cozy!! Why??? Do I hate black friday shopping, nah, I think in all my parenting years I went once, it was fun, but the real reason? I work today! I work every Black Friday as it is our busy season at work! So here I am the day after, I sampled (and I mean one bite here and there) some of the most wonderful foods yesterday. I even ventured for a bite of cheesecake YUMMY. I was satisfied beyond belief...it was all so good. I enjoyed the company of great family and friends too. We watched football, the blowouts that ensued was just incredible, all called except for my Eagles, who i think stunned the Cardinals all the way back to Arizona. It was a sweet victory, but shall I say quite a few weeks too late for any good to come of it!

I bowled with my youngest yesterday a.m. in the annual Turkey Bowling Tournament.while I just did so so he did incredible...220, 194 and a 243. At 14 I'd say he's quite on his way to being a very, very good bowler!!

My other son was home, he did disappear with gf and his father for some early morning mania known as Black Friday shopping, but he'll be home by noon and snoozing away when I get home from work later today!!

I have a wedding downstate tomorrow...maybe a christmas party with the guy, but we are falling apart so I'm not even sure he wants me to go anymore? Hmm I guess I'll have to find out today...

I did manage to put up the tree and the lights are on, a few outside decorations were put out yesterday but that is it so far!!

So I need to get busy, not that traffic will be heavy but I do need to be ontime!! Enjoy

Thankful.....

Happy Thanksgiving to all who read!!

I am thankful for so many things this year in my life.

Again, for my health and happiness I thank my surgeon who helped me two years by starting me on a journey that had it's ups and downs and helped me become the healthy mom I am today. Although the highs were great and the lows sometimes just too much for me handle, I have come out a stronger, more confident person. One who is not afraid to try new things and just be myself. I don't have to worry that I won't "fit" into something because I'm too big or too much weight. So Dr. I, I raise my glass to you and thank you once again for giving me another chance to do this right the healthy way!

I am thankful for my children. While they are growing and moving into their own lives they are the pride and joy. I was able to be a proud mom of a now high school graduate. Although he is fumbling his way through college I am confident he will figure it out and be a successful adult. My youngest who is coming into his teen years as a strong, very adept human being. Making difficult decisions already about his life and learning that it isn't always fair but it is about choices. I am proud to be their mom and help teach and hold their hand as they grow.

I am thankful for my family. Although we are literally spread throughout the world, we are a stronger and more united one than when I was growing up. Proof of that this past summer became evident at the wedding of my youngest sister. My parents who have been divorced for years actually talked, laughed and in general got along. It was very nice to have us all in the same room, although only for hours, they are hours I will cherish forever. Even with the happiness we did have a bit of sadness with the passing of my grandmom, thankful for the years I spent with her and my grandfather growing up. She taught me alot and I find that if I really think about it, she has shaped my life and who I am just as much as my own parents, a strong, independent woman who immigrated from Poland with her family, she was a very important part of my life, then and now!

Thankful for the change and chances I have been given. Lots of doors have opened and closed in my life this year. Not all pleasant, but needing to be done. 2008 is a year of growing and believing in myself, and for that I am thankful for all those who have done it with me!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The thankful post

It's almost that time. and I am truly thankful for alot of things in my life. I have a list, I've checked it twice but right now I don't feel like writing about any of it. Again, I'm having a bad day!! At least today is the last day for the week! More later.....

Quick recap and lots to do

so we decided to even add more to our weekend plans!! Like there isn't enough to already do on any given weekend without adding to our plates. LOL

Truck is still not working, yes another week by and the dealer had it again yesterday for the whole day, $600 worth of work and I pick it up and it won't start. Then the mechanic pulls it back in the shop and comes out a few min's later and says the PCM module is bad! I was fuming that is what the other mechanic said and when I asked them to fix it they poo poo'd me...I told them I am not paying another dime and I want my car fixed. They gave me a car for the weekend but I'm still stewing over this one!

The boy needs to pack up to go to his friends, he is being lazy

I need to pack my cold weather gear, yes football tomorrow! 38 and sunny in beautiful downtown Baltimore!! bbrrrr go eagles..lol

Last night we went to see Twilight, not bad, book definitely better....good teen flick! Had a headache from all the girls just chatting away during the whole movie...grrr

Today, I have wash and cleaning, not motivated as it beyond freezing!!

And, lastly, I missed my surgiversary. Sick, home with a terrible migraine. Moved me off Ativan and onto Topomax...I hope this helps...

Good news, two years out...weight is maintaining between 135 and 140....I am happy...healthy...ok so I get a few migraines and had a hernia operation recently. Blood levels are great, calcium, protein, A,D,E and K....everything is looking good! I need to schedule my two year appt....I got the bloodwork done and forgot to schedule the appt! Too busy

Work is crazy busy....life is good, busy....and I am thankful for my children, health and life I have now!

Yesterday was my day and I totally missed it!!

I was two years out yesterday, I have a big old post to publish and I had a two day migraine...grr

I woke up today in the arms of someone special and with snow falling outside of the window...what a beautiful way to start my morning....

I have a totally busy weekend, more later tonight...

Life and almost 2 years out.......

Yes, I'm still dwelling on how I really want to write about this subject. I have very mixed emotions, raw and undealt with ones. I have so much I want to write but it's not coming together smoothly so....for now I'm dwelling on it. Pondering how I want to put it out there and explain what is going on.

I have been dating again. Just dating. Nothing spectacular but it's fun to go out on a date, dress up. But again, I can see this getting very old very fast with me. I like the solitary one guy, one girl scenario but evidently not many guys I've met lately are into that I guess truly :( I like though that someone will take me out and we do something together..lol

Boys are good, well the one i see on a regular basis is!! lol School is coming along fabulously. He and I are getting ready for our first thanksgiving alone...yes that was a shocker but we are going to do something fun that day we decided. Actually, I am looking forward to it alot. Unfortunately, work thinks we need to go in on friday now so I'm quite bummed about that.

As for the guy I have/had been seeing, well i don't know where that stands, so I guess it's over. We still talk but that is about all there is to it now. I almost wonder if he feels obliged to take me to the Ravens/Eagles game next weekend or if he just wants some arm-candy for his Christmas party at the end of the month..Oh well I really don't care right now about any of that.

So I am off to read some stuff, relax a bit and enjoy the rest of my weekend!

How frustrating can it be?

I went to pickup the truck last night. A sensor was bad, a coil cracked. Mechanic assures me it's fine. I pay, start up, reverse and it dies. The same miserable way being the reason I took it in :( sigh

Why can't they get it right. Out comes the mechanic, he pops this device in the car, no messages. WTF does this mean. It means they simply have no clue why it doesn't want to stay running. So I leave, without the truck.......

Today, we are in rain. Much needed rain but nonetheless rain. I hate the gloom and gray it brings especially since I'm still adjusting to the time change and everything else...overall I'm hoping for a better day than I feel at this particular moment!

Weight is up a little, I did eat alot of bad yesterday...too much without even thinking of what was going in my body...not a good eating day. Exercise, I'm still chicken. I know doc said ok, go easy, but I have yet to explore this part of my life again, yet!

The man and I, well we are circling each other in the ring. Not sure, but we'll see what happens. It is the one month do I really want to invest time with her thing going on....lol

Life is great, I'm great...enjoying things!

Car problems

Ok two weeks ago I have a pretty good overhaul to the truck...back in great shape, running great...and now bam. Won't start, sitting at work! GAH!!!

So hitched a ride home with co-worker, thank god they were working late!

Tomorrow truck, back in the shop...good lord when does it end.

Work is work...at least the last two days don't feel so draining as I was this time last week. Bad news is that we are working day after thanksgiving and fullday on Christmas eve...boo I had plans and was hoping to not have to do all that! So that puts a bit of a damper on my plans but at least I have time to adjust them.

I am quickly approaching my two year surgiversary...I'm starting to think of how my life has changed over these past two years. I know quite a few people way past me, alot under me surgerywise. It is such an exciting, scary journey. More to follow on this subject. The good news, one year since I've stopped losing. I'm still maintaining the 5 lb even with the 17lb gain from the hernia surgery, all that is lost and I'm recovering nicely. So with that I'm going to bed....I have alot of work to do tomorrow and i'm tired!

I expect too much

That is my problem, plain and simple. I have a very good friend who put me right in my place...she is a wonderful person in all ways and I love her to death for righting me once again!

so Monday is over, I'm a month out from this darn hernia surgery and let me tell you, just when I thought I was well...nope Relapse. Today is the first day I'm allowed to exercise again, did I? Nope, will I probably not at this point in the evening. I will have to get myself back on track though. I'm glad the restrictions are starting to lift and I can have mylife back again!

Monday's stink at work. Well everyday now seems to stink at work. The new mgmt is really showing their stripes and well I'm not always in agreement, but I like the job, the people so I suck it up for now and trudge through. I don't want to even remotely think about changing anything with the whole economy and the way the world is but some days.....grr At least the price of gas is under $2/gal today! I never thought I would see that day again!

So I'm off I have some things to do...be productive so to speak....

Not what I expected it to be.......

this weekend has totally made a turn on me, it is not turning out at all what I expected. Am I mad, no, disappointed, YES! I really don't want to get into the dirt of it all right now, but quite a few things I had hoped and were said were going to happen totally fizzled. The thing I have going for me today, Football. LAME!! I need a life to get out and meet people...where am I going to find them? Well I'm going to have to start digging deeper I guess.

Off to finish the laundry. and probably watch some football

It's friday

Yeah, it has been a very, very long week for me. Work has had me in a loop plus a two day migraine...yikes. I finally feel a wee bit better today! And low and behold it's the weekend. Tonight my guy is coming up after work. I will have approx. 1 hour to straighten up my house because, NO I haven't done anything all week! Laaaazzzzeeeee!!! lol

I am in a mood to dress today too, not sure where that is coming from but ok I'll go with it! I have my new Steve Madden's to wear so I'm suspecting that might be it! :)

We had rain all week, today we get a little sun, tomorrow, ok right you guessed it, RAIN! I have had it with the rain!

Boys are good, youngest is choosing his high school, he's a little torn but will make the right decision I'm sure. He's getting ready to start his guitar lessons too.

Oh ex news, he'll be up around 12/15 to collect his crap out of my garage for the move back down....yes it's finally going to be permanent...Christmas had come early to me this year with this news!!

I believe I am finally able to try exercise again since it's been the required 4 weeks post op...will try again next week and see how that pans out...I want to but my body wasn't ready a few weeks back :(

The day after

Yes Obama is going to be our next president. Get over it already.. the vice president elect is a personal family friend...how weird is that!! I think it's very weird...anyhow....I'm into dots tonight and well I am loving my life. I am approaching my 2 years out mark. 2 years since I had my WLS that is quite a big thing to wrap my head around. Thanksgiving will come, with all the thanks, glory and praise, but truly to me Thanksgiving represents change, a new beginning or lease or live for me. I am so happy each and every day since I've had my surgery. It has allowed me to be "normal" per se. My head sometimes isn't always caught up like my body but for the most part it is. Lots of therapy, divorce, weight loss etc...you get the point and yes I'm a mess...A hot mess is what I like to think. I will have to post a new pic soon, with the man. The amazing man who has lost over 200 lbs. He's investigating PS at this point. I have put that on hold, probably forever. I dont' mind my body, a little flabby in the mid section, boobs are way down south, but hell....who at 44, has a smoking body like me? NO ONE!!! LOL I love it..anyhow we had his company party last Sat night. His boss is smitten with me, or so he says. I love that at 44 anyone is smitten with me! My guy is totally smitten with me, as I am with him. It's all good in my book.

So life goes on, we have new president. Some will like some won't. It's called life. Really was there a good choice here if you consider all parties involved and what experience they have! Anyhow, I'm not putting a damper on this parade...so on to something great....here it is. Very self involved, with the two year surgiversary (god it's been forever since I've used that term) anywho....I'm a size 7 juniors yes 7 was a size 22 misses. Also, S in tops for the most part, boobs have suffered but what else isn't new with me. I love my life, I have vitality, stamina and most important the energy to maintain myself. I just could never do before what I do now, even on a bad day.....so yes this is a WLS post. Almost 2 years out....good god, how grateful am I??? you figure it out! LOL

OMG It's Monday already....

Had a great weekend, absolutely great. Did tons of retail therapy Friday night and Sat. Got a new pant suit, shirt, lots of fun things at Victoria Secret and shoes....
OMG Steve maddens and I can't find a pic, but they are the bomb.

Wore my outfit Sat night w/shoes, was hot!! Yes, I thought I actually was hot for a change. Now that is definitely a switch from before. Had a great dinner at the party, chicken to die for and home cooking to boot, got to love them southern folk and there downhome cookin! LOL Ate a little bit of everything and had my first taste of pumpkin pie this year! YUM! Sunday we slept in. I slept till 9am. Oh god it felt so good! Came home got lots done with the boy and watched alot of football Sunday. Eagles pulled it off, Dallas lost, Giants won big and well....I'm just waiting to see where we end up my Eagles. My Bears are in 1st place in their division and I'm just one happy girl.

W and I are great, we had just an absolutely fantastic time together this weekend, I really like him, so down to earth....just what I've been looking for. He hit a big milestone in weightloss this weekend, down in the 200's for him that is great. I am so proud of him what he has accomplished and still yet to do. He's almost at his one year surgiversary!

Me, I'm maintaining. I bought junior clothes this weekend, 7's...good god! That's all I'm going to say about that!

DS2 got one of his christmas gifts early too, an electric guitar, amp and well he's just learning and like a sponge. Actually in two days he's getting the swing of things...

Life is busy, I'm happy and well I hardly remember to update! I want to share it all..right now thankfully it's all good. Hard to believe that only a little over a year ago I became a single girl! I'm definitely happy for my change and am loving life! The ex..well I have to say, unemployed, wandering through life and me I'm stable, and got my life on track. Living it fully to the extent and enjoying every minute of it, as it should be!
'

big day in Philly

The Phillies pulled it off last night. Freezing weather, a million pitcher changes and they came out the champs!! Yeah Phillies!

Me, I'm sick. I haven't felt right since Sunday. I have a nagging pain when I twist or turn a certain way. I'm sure it's hernia repair related but just in case a call into the doc today is warranted and some R&R for me. I have quite a few bills to pay, my truck being the biggest one. It's currently in the shop, since Tuesday, getting worked on. They called yesterday and told me all the other things wrong with it. OY I need it to run and run well so a few bucks here and in the long term hopefully it will last a few more years. Regular maintenance baby!

So back to me, yes this is a whiney, me post. I am having a really hard time eating anything solid. Mushies, soups, liquids all go in fine, but the bulk foods, YUCK!! I hope this is just a side effect because I miss food. But everytime I eat something with some substance I end up feeling like I'm going to barf and am tired. Almost like no matter what bulk foods I eat I'm dumping! This can't be good. Today, breakfast, protein shake. Geez for being almost 2 years out I feel like I'm about 2 weeks out! I probably need to just take it easy, listen to my body and well, suck it up and be still and lay around. Harder said than done for me!

The boy is getting ready for Halloween tomorrow, he's very excited and also because his class is going to Williamsburg in Feb. I went on this same school trip when I was in middle school, nostalgia at it's best. He couldn't believe it, "all those years ago, you went to Williamsburg?" he asked. I just felt like smacking him..lol

So today, laying around, no exercise, soft foods, hopefully something that will satisfy me. No chocolates and a call to the doc. How fun is that!! NOT!!! The good news, I'm down way down, maybe too much at this point. I'm almost where I was at my lowest weight. I was checking in on the OH Nov 06 board, all my friends are there and well I see quite a few weight gains, and I'm not talking about 5 or 10 lb...How could we let ourselves do this and then let it go?? I don't know. I know alot of therapy and a good NUT helped me through to a better me!

This weekend, we have alot to do, trick or treating tomorrow, work party Sat night, Eagles sun....what more can I say...BUSY!!

Why do weekends go so fast..........

god I feel like I was just leaving work on Friday and it's Sunday evening already. Had a great weekend. Really fun, busy and I'm exhausted.

Friday night we took the boy to see Maxx Payne. I really liked it more than I thought I would. The man left work early so we could get there on time. Afterward he and I fell asleep on the couch watching the world series. Then off to pickup ds1 at work at 2a.m. ...oy!! Back up at 7a.m. for the trip to take ds2 to bowling, off to Wally World for a few items, then home to clean up the house. Back to get ds2, take ds1 to work, then off costume shopping. About 3 hours later we came home, happy to have found the joker! 4pm started makeup for the party that night. He turned out really great.....see...........



Then last night during the torrential downpour we dropped him off and went clothes shopping for the man. He's lost 225 lb so far. WOW!! Got a sport coat and shirt and tie for his party next weekend. I still don't know what I am going to wear, but I have all week to figure it out.

Eagles won today! Phillies won last night!! Can win again tonight...go Phils!

It's Friday and where the heck did the week go!

It's been busy, home, work and everything in between. I hardly have had time to breathe. I owe some blogger awards, and I know just who I am going to give them to, but no time to do so.

Just a quick recap - Phillies 1-1 figures
Tonight - movies
tomorrow - costume party (boy) still need to buy it and out on a date
sunday - ravens game, somewhere wash, cleaning

I have been eating horribly, just lack of eating not really bad foods. I'm down my whole weight gain from the hospital as well as the bloat, that was the worst. Warily, I tried on my clothes from last year, that was always a challenge in the past, but low and behold they still fit, just right ;). Again my mind did not catch up with that little morsel that if you do not put on weight in the past year, of course your clothes are still going to fit, just fine!! duh

I am trying to concentrate on protein intake, at least if I am not eating enough I will still be getting what I need. I'm back at yoga, a week early, I had to, I just couldn't wait any longer. Bad move, well I guess time will tell, but I am doing it gently and carefully so not to hurt myself in the core! I need to reconfigure the core as it was coming along beautifully until the cuts made it all just flab again :(

I have a busy weekend, next week and all of November ahead of me. I need to set a pace so that I don't burn out mid month! I've never been so busy socially in my life and i'm loving it!

Thank you Amber

For voting me a best blog....geez never thought that would happen...I'm just here boring everyone to tears with my life!!

I will nominate my seven tomorrow when I have more time! But I wanted to thank Amber for being there and being real! We are doing this together girl!!

Tonight is dday - ds2 is going to meet the guy. Yes it's soon, yes he lives downstate, yes I said I was never dating again, yes it's really happening and yes I really, truly think this time I have found a winner. Did I mention he had the gastric sleeve? Hmmmm, more in common and I didn't even know until our 2nd date! lol So here we are, me dating again. Good god, if I had my own nickle for everytime I said I was done, I'd be a damn rich millionaire and be well somewhere tropical with all my friends and loved ones right now celebrating!! Martinis' anyone??

So ds2 has a bowling rolloff tonight, already, yes he's that good. So we were going on a date but a few things got rearranged and he's coming up, we are going to cheer on ds to victory (I hope) and then go out afterwards up here instead. It's a long distance relationship, well 70 miles of long distance at least. So far it's working and we are both working on it, lots of texting!! LOL

More later and hopefully tonight a pic for me!!

So with that I leave it here for today, until tomorrow......

second dates and Phillies

The Phillies won! I can't believe it and we all thought they would play Boston, but not so sure aobut that....hopefully Boston can pull it off.

Second date last night, very nice, we went to dinner and just talked all night. That was very important! We discussed alot because of the distance that of course will always be an issue. But overall it was a nice date. We got to know more about one another.

Work is crazy busy, I'm so tired and am glad it's Thursday. Sat is date #3

Tired

I'm beat, last night was our annual trade show for work and we all stayed up too late, had too much to drink and back at work bright and early today!! I'm ready for bed.

On a good note, Phillies won again...I'm truly wowed by this...lol

Beautiful weekend

It is/was and is still happening. I went on a date last night. Didn't want to say anything to jinx it and I really know I said I wasn't going to but it came up and well he asked me yesterday. I drove down to meet him 1/2 way. We had crabs (probably last of the season) and then off to a drive in. I couldn't believe they have drive in's still downstate, it was so cool. I haven't been to one in years. It was fun and I felt almost like a teenager again. Of course all that sitting wrecked havoc on my side that is healing...so I laid down for a short while at his house while the Red Sox were handed their asses in the game last night and well I promptly feel asleep, he talked me into spending the night in his guest bedroom and I came back this a.m.

So the dog probably thinks I had abandoned him, as was my plan to come home last night, but with the boy spending the night at his friends and the other on at his father's, I guess it was easy to forget the poor dog and I just stayed down there. LOL

Today, I'm sore, I'm not going to lie and I'm going to just watch football and relax. Nothing else at all! I would love to exercise, I miss it, really. I can't do anything but walk for at least 3 more weeks :( Boo hoo You never realize how much your life and priorities change with this whole procedure and now that exercise is part of my life, when I can't do it, I miss it.

Eating is less I have noticed too, I can't seem to stomach hardly anything at all in a sitting. Last night for dinner I had a cup of soup and was overstuffed. WTF is that, I haven't felt like that since I originally had the surgery early out. It's actually really strange to be back at this point but it is where I am at. I like to eat and enjoy my food and choices but wow!! So I will be taking it easy this week, he has asked me to go on a bike ride next Sunday and I really would like to go, pain willing! lol We'll see and he totally understands. I think the lady last night at dinner looked at us like we were crazy with our dinner order, me cup of soup and him 1/2 doz crabs and there were two left when we were done. So that leads me to the last revelation, he's had the gastric sleeve...he's lost a ton of weight and well I didn't know when I first met him, but it really has seemed to bond us on a different level, but not to interfere with anything else.

On that I am leaving I need my couch and to lay and watch some football, hopefully there will be some good winners today!

Made it through the week

Albeit how short it was it was perfect for me to get back into my groove. By the time I left yesterday I was caught up. Organization is the key! thank god I'm organized when I want to be. I also got my 401K moved from my old companies account into the new one, so one less item to worry about, however it's losing money left and right and I cringe everytime I log in to see my balance..boo

I'm officially down the 17lb of fluid the hospital put in me, thank god, I hate that bloated feeling you get when you leave there. The one incision is really bothering me, it's the one I believe he did all the work out of. It's purple, black and blue and well really, really nasty looking surrounding the incision. The actual incision is healing just fine though. Also, I noticed as of this past year I seem to bruise rather easily, but the actual bruises usually take up to a week to show up on me! Is that weird or what. As of Thursday night I have the bruises from where my IV was and where they drew blood on Sat morning. No wonder all summer when I got a bruise I couldn't remember where it came from, it probably happened a week before.

Today, I get my hair done, color and a cut. Both are much needed. Then the one boy and I are hanging out. Tomorrow I have plans, and that's all I'm writing about it right now.

It's going to be a beautiful weekend weather wise, hopefully where you live also! I'm going to enjoy it to the maxx!!

A challenge

I am always up for one but the desk I went in and saw yesterday made me want to cry..lol

I started digging out hopefully today I'll be caught up, I hate unresolved issues lying around on my desk. I was very tired last night too, I think I was asleep by 7:30....off to another day!!

Back to work

So the mini vacation is quickly drawing to a close. Doc's at 12:30 and then work for the afternoon. In a way it's good, gives me a 1/2 day today and a full day tomorrow to fly under the radar at work and get caught up at my pace.

The healing is going remarkably well and of course the retail therapy I indulged in yesterday didn't hurt either. Got some really nice sweaters and a few shirts for work...sooo


I was hoping for shoes but couldn't find just the right pair! That search will continue...

So I have to get the kids ready and out the door and then relax for my last few hours.

A new day

So again I have met a man who mysteriously disappeared. I don't understand nor do I want to. I didn't want to date anyhow after the last one but once again disappointed in men!

Yesterday was a great day, went shopping with my mom in the morning and went out to walk in the afternoon. It was nice to have the sun shining on my face and the cooler weather around me.

Today, I'm planning a trip to a local state park I've never been too, I'm going to pack some food and water and go, take the camera and hopefully just enjoy the day. I hate not being able to go to the Y, but I can't do alot of exercises right now, so I will just walk...and enjoy.

I go for my followup on Thursday with the doc and then Friday back to work. I'm ready....although I am enjoying my time off there really isn't alot I can do and everyone is working or in school. So for now, I'm just enjoying my own company! lol

Alright time to hit the shower....

enjoy your day and the Red Sox won!! Yeah Sharon and TEX

Monday musing

Ok I'm back, took off the weekend. Truly it was a blur and the well the stay at the hospital, less than stellar unlike last time :( I went in Friday morning bright and early everything was great, surgery completed, woke up (actually was awake and joking with nurses in recovery, a first for me) and then the ball started rolling down the hill. I ended up in recovery for 3 hours, no bed ready. Well I finally get in the bed at 1pm on Friday afternoon, it was still a jumble to get me in there, I was still in good spirits from my visit downstairs, but it quickly starting taking a slide downhill. I was settled in and then virtually left alone. I was the only one in my room, at the end of the hall the furthest away from everyone. Hooked up to every contraption imaginable and here I was drinking water and had to go to the bathroom...how many times do you have to call a nurse to get them to unhook you to go. Well at this point I'm ready to burst between IV fluids and such so I unhooked the compression boots and then they come walking in, you can't do that, oh yes I can because I'm not going to be sitting in my bladder explosion that was about to happen! So I'm free up and walking around, they never did come back and rehook up the compression boots, but oh well I was up and moving around so....then I find out I have to stay, I originally thought I wasn't BOO!!! Well then I found out I'm on gastric phase 1 diet, well I can handle that but I didn't know, while walking around the halls I also noticed that hardly anyone was on my floor, so WTF did it take forever to get me up there. Short staff and unorganization, that's what! Well I hear the survery will be sent and I will be courteous and fill it out! LOL

So I'm home, Sat I came home and slept, nothing like sleeping in your own bed to make everything in the world seem great! The xh is back in FL too! yeah, I hope he stays this time! but somehow I doubt it. So Sat was sleeping and movie with ds2, yesterday was football and hanging out with the boys and I did cook some dinner. I felt accomplished so....

Today, I've been up since 5, good god why can't I just sleep in for pete's sake. DS2 is on his way to school, work email has been checked and forwarded and answered and now I am here...what next...I'm restless already!

More pain meds and maybe some sleep!

Will be dark for a few days

Tomorrow morning bright and early I will be at the hospital to get this hernia repair surgery...I'm not ready! My house is trashed, my bills are not paid and well I've just finally made the last call to have the kids taken care of while I'm in the hospital in case I have to stay overnight.

I will be gone from here for a few days as I am going to take full advantage of the painkillers, my couch and the movies I've gathered to watch while recouping the next few days.

I am sad that I will not meet fellow WLS friends, whether they are from blogs I love to read or just people I have connected with throughout the east coast.....

So have a happy weekend all, the gorgeous fall weather is with us and I wish I were out doing fall things instead this weekend!