Tailgate Tales...

What a game Saturday nites game was!  We had such a GREAT time!!  A group of about ten of our friends from Cleveland came to tailgate and watch the game with us - and the kicker?  They all came painted!!  Green and White - it was great!  Only a true friend would do that!  We had lots of food (you would have been proud, I ate 'responsibly') and lots of drink!  Yeah, yeah, I drank responsibly, too...  Someone had to stay sober and capable of writing a bail check out of that bunch!  I do have to say though that I have seen one of the greatest inventions ever known to man!  Where have I been all my life, under a ROCK??  I never knew these exceptional things existed!!  One of my friends showed up with a pair of "Barnoculars"!!  Filled with rum!!  Just add Coke!  Can you believe it???  I bet you probably can - I was already told that I am the ONLY soul on earth who has never seen these things...  Oh, I loved them - adding them to my Christmas list right now!  I hear they also come in ski poles, too!!

We didn't get home until after one in the morning..  On the drive home, we stopped at a rest stop which had a Starbucks...  I can never resist a Starbucks without getting a cuppa - it just seemed to call my name... Ohhh and the hot coffee tasted soooo good on my raw throat after all that yelling and cheering all evening!  Bad, BAD idea..  We got home around one thirty, and I was WIRED - Bouncing off walls WIRED!!  I am not sure what time I actually fell asleep, but 9:00 Mass came VERY early!   I'm not as young as I used to be, that's for sure... So after Mass, we pretty much spent all the rest of our Sunday not doing a thing.  I slept in the afternoon and the Hubs just laid around watching the Barclays on television.  Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Well, I think I'm off to bed, I'm still playing catch-up!
...Until next time!

Way To Go, Lakers!

23 - 0  

Great game!!

Until next time!

TGIF!

Thank God it's Friday!!  You know what that means don't ya??  Tomorrow is the opener of College Football!!  Yeah!!  We've got the tailgating gear all packed and ready to go, the cowbells, the greenie towels, and the horn blowers!  I have my green and white shirt pressed and ready to go!  No, my nails aren't done in green and white - yet!  That's for the playoffs if we get there! The Hubs has the sausages to grill and the the grill and tent are packed up!  Everything on my check list has been checked off - all we need now is a football game!! 

We will be travelling tomorrow to a school outside of Cleveland - it is promising to be a nice day and I am anxious to get out there!  Our "Baby" is starting and I am sooo excited about that!!  His coach told us he had a great camp and is ready to assume a leadership role on the team!  Let's go Lakers!!

Our friend J came home from his two week vacation to visit friends and family in Phoenix.  It sounds like he had a terrific time and is well rested, rejuvenated and ready to go!  We had a lovely dinner prepared by the Hubs (Italian, with fresh veggies and herbs from our garden!), and enjoyed all the stories that J had to tell!  Well...  other than the story of it being 106 degrees, that is!  He brought home some lovely things for us and we just had a nice evening at home together - can't beat that!

We talked more about Vegas, and I am getting a little more excited about it!  The Hubs didn't mind at all, and even laughed when I told him there were parts of this trip I was dreading and that I wished to avoid the "wife thing" at all cost!  He said he didn't blame me - he would do the same!  "You wouldn't catch ME spending my vacation with some of those cats" - his words!  In fact, J told me to "Run away!!  Run far, far, away!!" 

So for now the plan is to lay low during what I call the "all skate" periods (time when everyone is together), and to have those phone calls lined up if I need them!!  What are friends for, right???

Well, I'd better be getting cozy with Hannibal - He's waiting.......................

Until next time!!

Good News Today..........

Ok, so the Hubs calls home with some terrific (I think...) news today.  We're going to Vegas in two weeks.  I've always wanted to see Vegas, so why aren't I jumping up and down like a crazy woman with this news??   I absolutely love to travel - I've been so many places in the US and overseas while travelling with the Hubs on business - and while on business we travel first class, too!  Who wouldn't like that??  I think part of my not jumping hysterically about this trip is that the Hubs will be conducting meetings throughout the days which leads me to the cause my lethargy.  The "wife thing".........(insert bell tolling here)  I do like seeing new places and doing things on my own - I'm pretty good company, if I say so myself! - but somehow I always feel obligated to do the "wife thing".  Pull my teeth out..  I HATE the "wife thing".  I'll give you an example..  Several years ago we did one of these trips to New Orleans - I absolutely LOVE New Orleans... Enjoying beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde, the history, the music, walking along the Mississippi watching the paddle boats...  Anyway (getting carried away here) I went out to breakfast with some of the spouses that morning, and they were making their plans for the day..  Shopping.  Well, ok.. I like shopping, and can hang with the best of them!  Were they shopping in the French Quarter??  Royal Street?? Noooooo!!  They were planning to go to - get this - MACY'S!!!  MACY'S????  I like shopping at Macy's as much as the next person - but I can go to Macy's in ERIE!  It's not like we were going to THE Macy's in Herald Square - but a MALL Macy's!!  My word....  I was able to skirt that fiasco thanks in kind to a well timed phone call from a friend.. "I had something that needed to be taken care of, but thank you anyway for inviting me!" (I still owe you for that one, Maureen!)  And spent the day doing and seeing the things I wanted to do!  I did a few house tours in the French Quarter, went to the Aquarium, had lunch on the Mississippi, and even had a personal fragrance created for me!  Doesn't that sound better than going to MACY'S???

We'll be in Vegas for four days, and even though I am sounding a little like an ungrateful, spoiled, whining, little brat, I'm really thankful (and yes, even a little excited) to be going.  So far, I already have plans to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam..  Maybe I'll set aside a day to do the "wife thing", we'll see...   Maybe I could also donate my molars while I'm at it.  I'm already lining up friends to make well timed "emergency" calls!

 

Who knows..  I may just jump up and down the closer we get to leaving..

Until next time!

Looking Deep Inside Myself,,,,

I've done some redecorating- not my house, but this blog site!  I am still learning about this whole blogging thing, and  I've changed it already about a bazillion times, but now that autumn will be here soon maybe it's time for a REALLY BIG, HUGE change..  I love changing things!  I am the webmaster of our site for our parish and I have changed the theme of it about six times already - just this year!  I am already working on an autumn site, and thought that it would be nice to change this blog as well...  I love decorating and redecorating!  My moods change as often as the wind blows - and so my decorations do as well!  And, I think this chilly weather we've been having is just making me itch to redecorate something!!

Sr. Marian at our visit to the Monastery in Bristow

I had a very interesting and wonderful day today..  I spent the day with a dear, dear friend and spiritual director, Sr. Marian.  She has been a mentor, a friend, and a sister to me (and not just of the 'nun' kind!)  She is older than I am, but a more modern, independent, and wonderful woman you will not find!  She tells it like it is - and she tells it from the heart!  Believe me, she isn't your stereotypical 'nun' - which is why I love her all the more!  We have a mutual dear friend who is a Prioress in Tanzania who recently sent her a box of African Tea - yes, we had an old fashioned Tea Party!!  Complete with cakes and all!  You should have seen us!  I've been to tea before and this was NOT your typical tea!  Anyway, we spoke of spiritual things, of life things, of family things and of things of the heart.  We prayed together, laughed together, and cried together over our recent loss of Sr. Denise.  I asked Sr. Marian to be my spiritual director when the Hubs was chosen to participate in the Diaconate program in our diocese.  As this whole discernment process was taking place, I thought it would be a good idea for me to have a dear and special woman to share my faith with, and to have someone I trust to ask questions, to learn from, and to help me grow along with my Hubs in our spiritual journey together.

One of the many topics we spoke about was my thoughts on weight loss surgery.  I had been feeling many different and sometime conflicting emotions about this whole journey.  I prayed about it and still felt...  I don't want to say "guilty", for that isn't the right word...  but maybe "trepidation" might be more what I was/am feeling..  Anyway, I brought up the subject with Sr. Marian.  I mentioned that there really aren't many people who know about my research and desire for weight loss surgery, and of all the concerns and questions I had.  Well, she asked me a few questions!  She asked what my goals were, what I hoped to achieve, what led me to thinking of this path, and what do I expect to accomplish in this journey, am I open to all the surprises, graces, and crosses that this journey will bring - smart woman....  She helped me to reach deep inside myself to look for the answers to these questions, and many more.  Of course she didn't expect all of my answers on the spot, but just asked me to think about them and to write them down for our next time together.  She reminded me however of one very important thing.  She told me to be completely open to the gifts of God.  This just may be his gift to to me.  An answer to what I have been needing for a long time.  God holds no grudges against us.  When we come to him and ask for help, he is there to supply us with answers - and perhaps this is the answer he has supplied for me..  Trust in him..  just trust....  Very good advice, don't you think?

Anyway, that was my day today!  A terrific day if I say so myself..  A day of friendship, of contemplation, of tea parties (and not political!) and of soul searching!  And on top of that, I got a manicure, too!!  How great is THAT??  Afterwards, me and the Hubs just had a quiet nite - he worked very late tonight - having martinis and watching our favorite show together "The 19th Hole"..  Yeah, I know, it's another golf show - but, these are moments I wouldn't trade for the world!!

Until next time!!

Workin' 9 to 5... Wadda Way To Make A Livin'

I know that everyone has been sitting on pins and needles waiting...  waiting...  wondering...  pacing...  "what is she going to do about her phone charger dilemma?????"  Wait no longer!  In a few short  moments the long awaited answer will be revealed to you... (Go to commercial..)

Today was a busy kind of day.  It is really the first day I had been into the office since our return from the beach towards the end of July.  Thankfully most of the work I do for our Church is done here at my home office. which means I usually can get away with going in two or so days a week..   Oh, I've popped in a few times and did a few deadline things since then - but I haven't really had the oomph to go in for a full day and tackle "the drawer" - today was that day.  "The drawer" was about ready to explode if I hadn't gone in today!  So, I spent the whole day cleaning that mess up.  I will be training an office assistant next week so I am glad that I got that mess out of the way - I look so tidy and organized now too, you'd be proud!  Sandy is a lovely young woman who will be volunteering her time a day or two a week to help me out - I didn't want to scare the poor thing away before she even started!  When someone as special as Sandy volunteers, you make the job as terrific as possible just to keep her!

My packet came today from the Bariatric Surgeon (yeah! yeah!)  It has all the usual information; date of our appointment, what to bring, what to expect, "arrive early..." and a list of blood work that I need to have taken before our appointment.  I will most likely have the blood work done here at a local hospital lab.  Tara, the PA at the PCP office knows that I need to have copies of all the work that needs to be done.  Soooo..  it looks like things are starting to happen!!  My appointment at the Surgeon's office isn't until later in September so I have some time to make sure that all the required tests are done and in my chubby long fingers before I see him. 

We golfed this evening  - what a wonderful evening it was to golf!!  The temps were in the low 70's, humidity was down, just a beautiful evening...  We went with a Father/Son from our Parish.  It was lots of fun and we laughed the whole time!  Talk about getting a butt whoopin' though!  "Son" plays for his high school golf team, and is very good for his tender age - AND - we happened to play at his team's home course!  Sheesh!  There's nothing that keeps one more humble than being beaten by a 15 year old!!  They have a tournament there this weekend, so it was a good "practice" round for him...........  Just slice me another piece of that humble pie!

So NOW the news you've been so anxiously waiting for!!!  Da da da da!  (drum rolling.......) I did go out and bought a new charger today..  Yes, I broke down and bought one.  The thought of a 3 hour round trip drive just to retrieve a cell phone charger was absolutely ludicrous!  Why I even thought of doing that is beyond me...  Another blonde/old age moment - YOU decide.....

Until next time!!

Monday, Monday...

Ba, da, ba, da, da, da.... can't trust that day..  Well, I'm singing so it couldn't have been that bad!  And really, it wasn't.  Just rainy and kinda blah..  I really need to add some Mama's and the Papa's on my ipod!

Not much to report on today - other than the fact that I totally "blonde-ed it" yesterday while leaving the Peak with our Grand-Angel..  I was going through my "reverse list" of everything I needed to bring home, and completely forgot my phone charger next to my bed... Siggghhhhhh...  So, now I'm not sure whether I want to drive an hour and half just to go get the damned thing, or just stop and buy a new one..  Will probably just get another one.  Geeez!  It WAS a slow day today if I have nothing better to talk about than my cell phone charger!

I hosted our Scripture Study group this evening at our home and it went quite well if I say so myself.  We sat out on the sun porch overlooking the pond with the threat of rain clouds hovering over us through the evening.  Thankfully it did not rain - but it IS getting cooler - in the 50's here tonight!  (Just glad me 'n Hannibal will be together to snuggle under the blankets tonight...).  The group is studying the Gospel of Matthew and are about half finished.  We are a group of young and old, married, single, widowed, divorced, converts to the faith, reverts back to the faith, cradle Catholics, Priests, Sisters - you name it, we probably have it covered!  It's a wonderful group of people and an interesting dynamic - which naturally brings many different perspectives to the table.  I always look forward to what Monday Nite Scripture Study will bring..  If anything, it brings much to contemplate throughout the week!   

My PCP followed through with my health records and 2 year weight records!  The package came in the mail today!  So, tomorrow I think I will scan all the records into my computer and make a hard copy for my files.  Good advice from a dear fellow blogger!!  I have been in contact lately with a few folks who have been banded - including my special friend and sister Kelly.  They are giving me so much insight and information - REAL stuff from REAL people who are going through this!  I am learning so much!!  The more I learn, the more  I want to learn..  And the more I read from actual "bandsters", the more I feel that I am really making a clearly informed decision.  So far I've read about the good, the bad and the ugly!  And I am soaking it all up like a sham-wow!  Thank you all for sharing such personal information with me and with all who are going through what you have gone through before us!

Well, I can't think of any "Tuesday" songs, so with that I guess I'll just say...
...Until next time!

There Is A Reason...

Yes, there is a reason I had my children when I was twenty five years old!!  My word!  It is amazing how a 14 month old makes one feel their age - and THEN some!!  We did have a wonderful time at the pool this weekend!  The weather could have been a little better - but other than that, it was terrific!  We made many, many trips between the pool and the hot tub - back to the pool - back to the hot tub...over to the water spilling mushroom - back to the hot tub - back to the pool - You get the picture!  It is amazing that I don't currently weigh 129lbs!  I feel like I worked off every last ounce of fat in this arthritic, old body!  The bod's really not THAT old,  it just feels like it right now!

So this is the first trip that Hannibal has taken with the family..  He travelled well, didn't eat much, didn't complain too much and pretty much knew his place..  We had our Grand-Angel in his pack 'n play (travelling crib thingy) in our room, and I was a little nervous about how he would react to seeing his Grammy looking like the proverbial "monster under the bed" as the first thing he sees when he wakes up - talk about sending the kid into therapy at a tender age!!  Well, he didn't wake up screaming  - was even a bit curious -  and he even seemed to enjoy playing with the "elephant nose" when the Hubs brought him into our bed after he woke up!  He made me laugh when he put his face next to mine and made a blowing noise onto Hannibal...  phooooohhhh, phoooohhhhh (getting baby slobber all over the outside of the mask)!  Ahhhh kids..  Gotta love 'em!  Their resiliency astounds me.  They seem to know how make the best out of every situation..  I should take a lesson from his handbook...

Well, we're home and we're pretty much exhausted!  It's a good kind of tired, though..  We still have our Grand-Angel for the night, but we've got to give him back tomorrow..   "Can I keep him??  Can I??  Huh?? Huh??" probably wouldn't work!  Just as it didn't work for the boys when they brought home every mangy, flea bitten, homeless, pathetic creature that wandered through the neighborhood.  Dogs, cats, baby rabbits, fish, and even a squirrel...  Well, they'll get theirs when our Grand-Angel gets older - of that I am sure!  Revenge is sooo sweet!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!!

Until next time!!

Peak 'n Weekend!

All's quiet here on the home front - and that's always a good thing!  We've decided to take our littlest Angel back to the mountains again this weekend - we had sooo much fun the last time we were up!  The weather's looking good, and there are only a few more weekends that the outdoor pool will be open.  So, the dogs are gone, the cat's fed, and I am in the middle of packing up everything we'll need for the weekend.  I have one tiny bag for me, and two boxes full for my Angel - how does THAT work?  I have selective memory when it comes to this kind of stuff - forgetting how much STUFF little ones need..  This is the first weekend that Hanibal gets to join us - should be "interesting"........

No word yet on the car...  Don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.  The Hubs is still using the rental - which he's still grumbling about, but not as much anymore, and the "Deer Cards" have finally come to an end!  Watch, I'll get inundated again since I've said that!

I've begun drinking meal replacement shakes - with added protein - in the mornings...  Oh Mercy!  I feel like I'm carrying around a lead ball in my stomach!!  One of the goals that I've set at the Physician's office was to start eating breakfast.  I'm not a breakfast eater..  I know, I know - I've heard it a gazillion times - "you should ALWAYS begin your day with a healthy breakfast....."  I picked up this little bad habit when I was still working outside the home - pack up the kids, grab the lunches, briefcase, coffee and run!  Since then I've always treated breakfast more as a luxury and not really a necessity - bad thing.  So....  for the last two days I've at least been having a shake.  The taste is good, but I feel like I've eaten an entire cheesecake - lead weight!  So after having my shake, I'm pretty much ready for a nap!

OK, break's over - gotta finish the packing and the shopping!  Have a terrific weekend, and remember to SMILE!  If anything, it makes folks wonder what you're up to!!

Until next time!

All Aboarrd!! We're Setting Sail...

Well, the PCP visit went quite well, if I say so myself!  Both Physicians and the PA feel that Lab Band would be a good avenue for me to pursue.  I spoke to them about the Surgeon and the Medical Center, and was grateful to hear nothing but good reviews from each of them.  I gave them the form to fill out for my "initial visit for Physician Supervised Weight Loss and Exercise" (and was reminded by a friend that I should also have a copy of the filled out form - thank you!!)  The PCP office will be in touch with the surgeons office to find out exactly what is required of them on the form.  They will be mailing me my complete medical history for the past five years - including my weight history, and I have my appointment at the end of September with the Surgeon!  Whew!!  Soooo...  all systems are go!  Pull up anchor, set the jib, we're setting sail!!  So, in that respect the day was a very successful day!!

Yes, I did get some work done today - work that I had been putting off for awhile, but I was able to tidy most of it up this afternoon as well.  I sure do miss those golf slippers though!! 

We were called today and given the estimate for the repairs on the Hubs's car.......  Oh Heavens, you don't want to know.  Let's just say the shop told him they are saying it's a "total loss"...  Sighhhhhhhhhh....  Now we're waiting to hear what our insurance company's "appraisers" are going to say about the vehicle before we get their number...

I think I will just settle down with he Hubs tonight and enjoy a martini...  Few things are nicer than that! 

Until next time!!

"HOOPS" It's not a game, but an adventure!

OK folks!  "Hoops" is no longer a term for earrings!  The new definition of "Hoops" is:

 

HOOPS (n), 1)  Rite of Passage. 

 2)  Basic training.  3)  Rite of initiation.

My "hoops" extravaganza officially begins tomorrow!!  I have an appointment with my PCP, and called the Bariatric Center to check available dates for an initial visit.  Hopefully we'll get this show on the road!  I am getting anxious to start this journey.  Hopefully tomorrow will be the kick start of it all!  The PCP visit tomorrow will be my "introductory" visit to begin my "Physician Supervised Weight Loss" Hoop.  I also need to check in about my pulse oximeter.  Then, there are several openings throughout September to schedule an initial visit with the surgeon.  I just need to check with "my people" to see which date would be suitable.  "My people" is actually the Hubs - but I've always wanted to use that in conversation!

So today was a golf slipper day!  Some have pink fuzzy slippers, I have golf slippers!  I didn't do much other than catch up on some office work, made a few phone calls, puddled around the house, and made a lovely dinner for me 'n the Hubs.  I like those kind of days..  Days when I can just do what I want to do when I want to do it.  Not that I didn't have anything that needed to be done - there is ALWAYS something that needs to be done, picked up, dropped off, cleaned up, put away, folded, washed, pressed - you get the picture!  But, I decided that those things can be done tomorrow!  Today was the day for just piddling around!  And I'm the best piddler on the planet!!

After my phone calls to the Bariatric Surgeon and the PCP I began thinking about the term "hoops" - and how close it is to the word "hope".  I do have hope.  Hope that this decision will lead me down the path that I desperately need to take to be healthier and happier for all those I love.  Hope that I am doing the right thing, that this is the right decision.  Hope that this is the road that God is leading me.  Hope that this is the beginning of a bright future - the beginning of the rest of my life...

Hope....  it's a really good word.

Until next time!

Back To Normal...... (whatever that is..)

Well, things around here are slowly but surely getting back to some resemblance of normalcy.  We haven't heard anything about the car - and really didn't expect to, not this soon.  The Hubs has his rental, our friend J was safely delivered to the airport - and not into the woods, and Hannibal and I can finally be alone again once more now that the oximeter is off my finger.  Actually, it did fall off my finger once during the night, so I really don't know how accurate that thing is going to be!  I am looking forward to a nice quiet day tomorrow.  I know, I know, I've said that about a gazillion times and it never seems to happen - we can dream, can't we?? 

The "condolence" cards and the "get well" cards are still coming in - each with its own "deer" theme!  I have sick friends, very, very sick friends...  Even the Hubs is getting in on the act, calling me his "Deer-est".  I can take it from him though - after all, it was his car...  And, I do appreciate all the funnies I've been getting - this one came in just today!

We did have a good day together after we got his rental car situated and all the phone calls 'n stuff done.  After all that the Hubs and I were able to get 9 holes of golf in at our favorite cow pasture!  We had a great time together - and I even carded two birdies!!  Before you go getting all impressed, remember... it's a cow-pasture - not Augusta!  It was nice to get out to golf this evening!  The sunset was gorgeous, and I don't know of another soul that I would have liked to have shared that time with than the Hubs! 

I still have my appointment with the PCP tomorrow morning, but may end up postponing it for a short while.  After the respiratory folks delivered my oximeter for the test I took last night, they mentioned that I would have to visit my PCP after the results of that test are completed, which should be by the end of the week - well, I may just combine the two visits.  Hopefully by then I will have heard from the Bariatric Surgeon about what I need to have from the PCP before my visit. 

AS THE CRAP BLOWS

I think it's time to snuggle in with Hannibal for the night.  Now that the blasted oximeter is no longer lurking, spying on our every move, we can finally be alone once again...  Hannibal is slowly falling into my web and does not suspect a thing - He is too gullible, it's like taking candy........ (insert dramatic organ music)  Things are going exactly as planned.....

Until next time!

Gloria Gaynor Sings Again!

The other side is almost as pretty
as the driver side

"I will survive, hey hey..."  Wadda weekend!  Sheeeesh - I hope I don't go through anything like that ever again!  The Hubs says that is the reason he married me - because when I do something, I do it right!  And yes, almost every one of my friends have sent me deer cards, letters, deer pictures...  Siggghhhh - they're all being relentless!!  And, I'm loving every minute of it!

As I wrote earlier, I am fine - a little sore today and have seen a few bruises that weren't there before, but I am thankful that I walked away from that mess.  I am bruised where the seat belt lay on my chest - and no, the airbag did not go off.  But, I bruise so easily, I swear that if you look at me long enough I will get black and blue!  I believe my propensity to bruise so easily is from the arthritis medicine that I am currently taking.  So, we'll just count these new bruises up with all the rest of them and call it a day!

I had a guardian angel working overtime on Friday, and he deserves time and a half for this one!  And, I Thank each of you for being so concerned for me and caring - I appreciate you! 

Until Next Time!

Friday the 13th.. Part Deux

You wouldn't believe what happened to me.  Talk about a hellish Friday the 13th.  Oh, my heavens, where do I begin..  Well, I said that the day started with my computer crashing, then the respiratory folks who brought my CRAP to the house said that Aetna is requiring me to sleep on Sunday night with a Pulse Oximeter.  I hoped that the day would get better - but, unfortunately, it worsened.........

I left my house about 2:15 to get the things that I needed for J's birthday gathering we were hosting later that night.  I didn't have my car, but had Hub's car while he was driving mine to his conference.  Well, I had gotten about a mile up my road, saw a deer, ended up in a culvert, hit a HUGE rock which threw me and the car into the woods across the other side of the road..  It was awful..  I hit a tree, more boulders - just awful.  And, what made it even awful-er was the fact that is was Hubs's car - not mine, but HIS....  A neighbor drove me home and I just cried..  cried and cried..  I really didn't know what to do!  My car was a mile up the road back into the woods!  So, I did what any distraught woman would do, I called my best friend - after I called the Hubs, of course.  He was still in his conference so I couldn't reach him.  My friend came to the house, we drove up and emptied the car out then drove home..  Hubs finally called back and I broke the news to him..  He was so wonderful..  He called the insurance company, the tow truck, and just calmly handled everything - I was a basket case! 

When the tow truck arrived, he needed to call the State Police because the car was so far into the woods.  So, we had to wait for the police to arrive, told them the story, waited for them to fill out a police report and only then - 2 hours after the tow truck arrived - did they do their "retrieval" of my vehicle out of the woods...  It was so painful to watch..  I do have to say though, the evening turned out to be better than the day.  We still ended up having J's dinner - and the Hubs made me a double martini, AND I had a half bottle of wine with dinner!  I didn't feel any pain when Hannible and I snuggled up for the night!!

BUT..  today I felt as though I was hit by a bus..  I am a bit bruised and sore - especially where the seat belt dug into my chest..  We went to a "Hog Fest" today, and I did everything I could to be comfortable..  We did go to the garage earlier to see his car and get a few things that I forgot to get. 

Soooooo, that was MY Friday the 13th..  I pray that YOURS was better!!  Oh, and if any of you are deer hunters??  Kelly - I'm talking to you here...  You'd better shoot the son of a bitch who ran me into the woods!!

Until next time!

Friday The 13th......

Hide the cats!!  Put the ladders away!!  It's Friday the 13th!  I've decided not to hide under my bed today and get out into the world..  Other than finding out that Aetna is requiring me to sleep with a Pulse Oximeter thingy on my finger tonight while I'm cuddling with Hannibal to measure my blood-oxygen level.  (Great - yet another contraption to deal with while I'm trying to sleep!!  I thought this CRAP, crap was supposed to HELP me sleep!)  And, my computer has been doing odd things today too - other than that, the day has been relatively quiet~~  It's kind of overcast today - might be a good day to catch up on some reading or watching the PGA Championship - "Glory's Last Stand"!

Speaking of Aetna..  I called them with the "question list" that was given to my by the Bariatric Center.  Oh my heavens...  I didn't think it was going to be that painful.  I found out that I am covered for Bariatric Surgery, and that the hospital and physician are participating members (I had already known that from a previous call), but she couldn't tell me anything about the "criteria" or the "options" or any of the specifics - the REAL meat of the matter.  I was instructed that my "surgeon will know what to do"..  Siggggghhhhhhhh...  If the surgeon knew what to do, they wouldn't have given me the "question list", now would they...  So, I suppose the next step is to call the surgeon's office to find out what I need to do next..  ACK!!  Calling insurance companies is worse than root canal!!!!

I've been playing with my new toy - the Blackberry - and I think I just may be figuring it out!  I keep hanging up on folks though, and am still trying to figure out how to send a text message, but I've got the App things down! 

Enjoy your day today - and stay away from the mirrors!!
Until next time!

Happy Birthday "J" !!!

What a nice day it was today!  The Hubs had to leave this afternoon for an early meeting tomorrow morning out of state, so we spent the day together!  We actually were able to get out and golf today!  What a lovely day it was for golfing!  I feel like I haven't held a club in forever..   After golf, we went out and bought the new phone I've been dying to get!  A Blackberry Torch..  It is going to take me the entire 2 years of my contract to figure THIS one out!!  Today was also my friend J's birthday!!  Happy Birthday, J!    We are having a dinner party for him tomorrow, so that should be nice.

I am beginning to pick up a few good habits from all my friends here!  Tomorrow's dinner is going to be fresh seafood and local vegetables.  Although, a cake is in order - it's going to be a small one.. 

Well, I'm off to bed now..  It's been a busy but a good day - and me 'n Hannibal have a date - remember?????

Until next time!

Blonde Moment / Old Age... You Decide...

I can't believe I did what I did..  So, I'm getting ready to attend my first Nutritional Group Meeting and my phone rings..  I have my ringtone setting for my friends from Church to "The Benny Hill Show Theme" -  I don't know why..  But, it is..  It's a snappy tune, isn't it??  Anyway, I'm getting ready to leave and my purse starts playing Benny Hill ... Curious...  I see who's calling and answer..  "Hey J!"  He tells me, "I'm still at work and will be a little late tonight."  I'm thinking..  "Late...",  "tonight...",  "WHAT???"  Then it hits me..  I completely forgot about tonight's meeting at Church - and here is the kicker of it all - I scheduled the meeting!!  So much for a good night's sleep helping to sharpen those mental areas in my life!  Soooooooo....  I called the Bariatric Center, and rescheduled for next month...  I did go to the meeting dressed rather smartly though!!

Tomorrow should be a good day - as long as the rain stops!!  Me 'n the Hubs are planning on a round of golf tomorrow afternoon..  We haven't golfed since the outing and I am really itching to get out there!  That, and I hope to get my new phone tomorrow..  We'll see about the phone thing though - I'm still not sure what I want to get!
  
AS THE CRAP BLOWS
I think I'll just dim the lights down low, light some candles, play soft music, and plan for the rest of the night alone with Hannibal...(touching up my lipstick..) (Insert organ music here...)  I am going to get all I can get from him - use him for all he's worth - then carefully plan and execute his demise*.................

Until next time!
*(I borrowed that one from a "co-conspirator!)

I Will Survive!

Gloria Gaynor here I come!  I've been humming that song since I woke up!  I did have a very good night's sleep last night - with the exception of the two times the mask slipped off my face and hurricane force winds blew into my ear and onto my eye!  That's a bit unnerving...  But, I did survive, and life goes on..  The Hubs said I probably had the first good night's sleep I've had in years..  I'm not so sure about that, but I do feel rested today - and have a bit more energy.  The Soap Opera continues though..  The jury is still out as to whether or not Hannibal and I have real chemistry, or if this is a one night stand - a fling.  Will this relationship become long term?  Without a doubt it is  "An Affair To Remember".. (insert organ music here..)  Hannibal  hasn't caught on yet that I am simply using him.  Using him for all he's worth - to get what I REALLY want!  We will be going on another date tonite..

This evening I will be travelling back to Erie to attend my first Nutritional Support Group Meeting.  It is the first of three that I am required to attend.  If it is anything at all like the Seminar I attended last week, it should be interesting and I am looking forward to attending!  I haven't received my Lap Band Binder in the mail yet - it should be coming any day now. 

I've been pondering this whole Lap Band journey, and where I am on the road to better health.  I read all the articles and forums that I can find and "talk" with folks who are on various stages of their journeys.  I find that I am picking up better life habits just by reading and talking with other "Bandsters".  That is a wonderful thing!  But more importantly, I have found friendship, support and people who understand what this journey is all about.  This journey isn't a "vanity" thing - as it is perceived by some who don't fully understand the road we are all on - it is something more...  It is a LIFE thing.  Life is so precious - a gift.  I see people who want to cherish that gift so that they can fully and without reserve give it to others..  for a very long time.

Until next time!

Clarrrissseeeeee (Part II)...

Ok, so I'm past the initial trauma of that CRAP arriving at my door..  After denying that it was there for the entire afternoon, I did what any healthy, sound minded, traumatized woman would do after such a horrific event..  I got a mani and a pedi..  AND, after dinner with the Hubs (he brought home my favorite dinner - chicken!) we enjoyed a wonderful martini together!  It is amazing what a mani and a pedi, AND a martini can do for the soul!!  And no, I did NOT attck the half gallon of butter pecan ice cream that is chilling in the freezer for just this type of occasion!  So, I'm proud of that accomplishment at least!!

My friend Kelly keeps telling me that this is "CRAP-TASTIC" and is doing her very best to help me through this trauma.  Thank you, Kelly!!  This is exactly what sisters are for!!  And, I assured her that I wouldn't throw the whole "CRAP-'n-Caboodle" into the pond anytime soon.  It's rented, so the fear of paying for "The Thing" is greater than my hatred of it!  Good incentive money can be!

So now I'm off on my date with Hannibal Lector!  Wish me luck!!  It's our first night alone together and we have to get acquainted...  So, with that I shall say...

...Until next time!

UGH!

So, the CRAP has arrived.  It is sprawled all over my dining room and it reminds me of the torture instruments you see in those old black and white "B" movies..   I had them put it there because I did not want to see it in my bed room - not yet, anyway.  The CRAP Crew was early, too!!  I wasn't prepared..  I wasn't ready!   And I was quite annoyed..  I know they are just doing their jobs and I treated them with tender loving care - but inside I was just crying...  During the demonstration and explanations I am sure I had that clueless, blank stare that the kids would have when being lectured about poor grades..  "what..."  UGH!!  I am sooooooo depressed!!!  Where is that swarm of angry bees when you need them?!?!?

The CRAP is still sitting where they left it in the dining room over 2 hours ago - I just left it there, walked away and called the Hubs.  I then cried my eyes out.  Big old wet tears all over the phone..  Bags are still strewn all over my table, tubes are dangling, the mask still wrapped in its plastic protective wrapping, papers, instruction manuals, wires - yep, it's all still there.  Walking down the stairs into the dining room feels like I am walking to the guillotine..  Long and slow, bells tolling in the background..  bong...  bong...  I have even taken the time to balance my checkbook (double check my figures, too!) and clean my bathroom so that I wouldn't have to look at it!  How is THAT for putting things off!

The Hubs suggested that I put signs and photos of what my goals are on the oxygen machine.  He suggested a picture of a "road" - that this is the road that will take me to where I need and want to be.  This is something new - when did HE get so "crafty"???   I think I may just try that little head trick, who knows, it might just work...  If anything, it should prove to be a fun project - we shall see.  I'll be honest with you though..  I'm not really motivated or in the mood right now to do ANYTHING to "The Thing", except maybe chuck it into the pond!!  Make it "swim with the fishes"!  But, reality will eventually take over my brain and so will the thought that I need to do this for at least a few months so that Aetna will pay for it.

Alright, so I guess I'll just take that long, lonely walk to the guillotine now and at least clean the garbage up - or as my Mom used to say "red-up" - so that the room looks like a dining room once again rather than the respiratory therapy department at the local hospital. 

Wish me luck..
..Until next time

CRAP day...

Today is “CRAP” day..  The home care company in which the sleep center uses is bringing my CRAP equipment today.  I've dubbed them "The CRAP Crew".  They’re coming about 2pm and as you can probably tell, I am NOT thrilled about it. I’ve actually had sinister thoughts of boarding up the doors and windows and putting signs all over the property that read “GO AWAY! Contagious” – or maybe using “Crime Scene Tape”!! But, that probably wouldn’t be very helpful.. I could always sick my dogs on them!! Well, not really – they’re just a couple of pussy cats and would fawn all over the CRAP Crew. Wouldn’t work.. The Hubs found the bee hive which has been plaguing us these past few day, and zapped the bees – so I can’t even use a swarm of angry bees to keep them away!  Sighhhhhhh...  I guess it's coming whether I like it or not!

I am actually thinking of painting a pair of luscious lips over the mask - what do you think??  Or maybe a mustache, a goatee??  I've even thought of painting a set of bubba-teeth on it!  The Hubs suggested painting an "X" of tape over the mouth piece!  He's being helpful as usual....

On a happier note!  I've been asked to write a report, and here it is!!  I've been in contact with my friend Kelly, and she is doing sooo amazingly!!  She's up and about and even lost 7 pounds so far!!  Way to GO, Sister!! 

I'll write later after the CRAP-Crew leaves.. 
   Maybe I should start drinking NOW!

Until next time!!

Monday, Monday...

We're back from a glorious weekend in the mountains - all refreshed, recharged, and ready to go!!  The weather was absolutely beautiful and we couldn't have ordered a more perfect weekend!  I didn't bother stepping on my scale today either - just want that "weekend feeling" for just a bit longer! 

Speaking of scales, did I mention that I bought a new scale?  It says on the front "Health-O_Meter"..  Oh brother...  "Hell-O_Meter" is more like it!!  I understand that some banded folks have a love/hate relationship with their scales...  Still trying to imagine the "love" part, but simply can't...  I've named this new scale..  HIS name is Hagar!  "Hagar the Horrible" to be exact!!  Yes, my scale is a HE - and he is brutally and wretchedly honest, to a fault!  I didn't "name" my last scale - it simply answered to, "You LIE!"

So, today is the day for list gathering.  I am putting my list together of things I will be needing from my PCP.  I will call them later this week to set up an appointment schedule.  Tomorrow afternoon they're delivering my CRAP gear - which reminds me..  I will be calling Aetna tomorrow morning!  And wednesday is my first nutritional support group meeting.  Dr. Ali's office offers them once a month on the second wednesday.  So, rather than wait until next month, I figured I would get this one in!  If it is anything like the seminar, it should be informative and interesting - I'm looking forward to it!

Well, I'd better get to work!!
  ...Until next time!

Off To The Mountains!

I am sooo excited!  We are off to the mountains tonight and I just love, love, love going to the mountains!  Me 'n the Hubs decided to spend the weekend away with our Grandson, so today, I'll be taking the dogs to the kennel, shopping, and doing all the fun stuff that needs to be done before going anywhere - even for a weekend! 

We have a tiny place in Western New York where we ski, golf and just go to clear out the cob webs of everyday life!  There is a wonderful pool area at the resort, so we thought it would be a good idea to take our Angel up to the pool before it closes at the end of the month! 

The Golf Course and Inn

This picture was taken of our condo complex last winter.  I just loved how the snow covered the trees!  We found this place while the kids were younger and have many wonderful memories of them skiing, swimming, and golfing!  Now that they're off on their own, it's become a retreat for us Grandparents!   They visit us on weekends - especially during the winter - to just unwind as well! 

The Hubs can really use a weekend away as well.  He's been so busy working, travelling, and getting everything in order to begin his Deaconate courses - I barely see him these days.  He has a very stressful job that really has no beginning or end to the day and this is promising to be a good weekend for him to unwind!  We both love spending time with our Angel so I am looking forward to peace, laughter and being with both my boys!

I know that I should be getting on my lists, calling the insurance company and doing my Lap Band homework!  But, for now I think I will just procrastinate for the weekend...  My lists will be there next week - and so will be my C-CRAP stuff, too.  Yeah... they're coming next week..  (was kinda hoping they'd forget about me)  Getting my Hannibal mask will get me moving on my lists to be sure!  I did read about my insurance policy's requirements concerning bariatric surgery, and am now more confused than I was before I opened that web page!  So I guess a phone call is in order..

Have a terrific weekend! 
...Until next time!

Our Father...

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.   

Help me Father to see food as a precious gift of your creation.  Please help me to share this gift with those I meet

Give us this day our daily bread..

Nourish me Jesus with your body and your blood, so that filled with your love, I may nourish those around me.

..And forgive us our tresspasses    

Forgive me for my poor choices.  You have created me in your infinate love, forgive me for my abuse of your creation.

As we forgive those who tresspass against us.    

Help me to see you in the eyes of those who have hurt me.  And to rely on you rather on food to face my pains.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.    

Free me from the bonds of poor habits that harm me and grant that I may walk each day with you.

Amen

I "Saw" The Light!

Last night was my first Bariatric Surgery seminar....  I arrived on time - well about 15 minutes early - and found the place without problems.  Oh, and if you're wondering, I did dress very smartly!  A very nice woman (can't remember her name, but it's in my trusty notebook!) gave me one of those clip boards with a form to fill out for the Dr.  I reached up to the top of my head, no glasses......   Looked in my purse, no glasses...  Looked in my portfolio, no glasses...  This is starting out just dandy!  My Son took my car while I was at the seminar, so he's long gone by now...  No glasses...  And, of course the room is dimmed nice and cozy like - no glasses..  I take the form out into the hallway where the light seemed almost blinding and begin to fill it out.  I am sure I looked like Magoo with the clip board 2 inches from my face!   To the best of my knowledge I filled it out and stayed within the lines - we'll see how well I filled it out when they call me back to ask to translate it.  Anyway, I return to the dimly lit, cozy room which had gotten fuller by the time I filled out my form, and I noticed something "creepy".  Let me preface that with a self clarification.  I do not, nor have I ever "categorized", "labelled" or put people that I don't know into "little boxes"...  But, it was looking right at me, staring me in the face - overwhelmingly, so - this room was full of very large people!!  FAT people!  OH MY BLESSED HEAVEN!  I AM A FAT PERSON!!  Now, I think I know what you're thinking right now, it is not that I didn't know that I had a weight problem before, but being in that room put a stamp on it for me.  A big, red, stamp - a bulls eye - that read "FAT PERSON".  Not normally one to obsess about my largess, I begin feeling self conscious and lower than I have felt in a very long time.  Tears actually welled up in these baby blues...  What a slug I am for doing this to myself - for having to be here in the first place!  I was really beating myself up at that point, and pretty thoroughly too.  So what does one do who has just been punched by a self-demoralizing hammer??  I sit right up FRONT so that I don't miss one blessed word!

Then it hit me..  This is the test I've been waiting for!!  This is IT!  So often, we who are "size challenged" are treated differently than others.  We can be made to feel that it is OUR fault, OUR weakness, OUR doing - and that we're not "worthy" to be among the thin and the beautiful..  Perhaps I have a chip on my shoulder, but I've seen it - and so have many others.  I put my feelers up.  What is Dr. Ali and his office staff going to be doing with not one, but a room FULL of  "size challenged" folks...  We shall see...

And "see" I did - even without my glasses!  I and everyone there was treated kindly, professionally, with respect, and with care.  The minute the seminar began to its very end I felt nothing of the self loathing I had packed on myself earlier.  There were no fingers pointing at me, no accusations, no judgements.  They took their time with us, answsered every question, explained insurance issues, and what is to be expected from us pre-surgery, and what to expect throughout the experience, before, during and after..  They were there to help...

I walked out of there a New Person, so to speak.  Full of expectation, anticipation and excitement to begin this phase of my journey.   I took plenty of notes in my trusty notebook and I have begun compiling the many lists of things that I will need to have before my initial consult visit with Dr. Ali.  In other words, I left my chip out in the hall where it belongs - out in the stark, cold light - and stepped into the warm, welcoming room of those who really want to help me to be the person I need to be.  And another thing I learned from this experience is that, yes - I am a fat person.  Will that be what I am a year from now??  Two years??  I don't know that answer to that one, nor do I really care.  But, I am now confident that this is the road that I need to take to be a HEALTHIER person.  Not just for this year or the next, but for the rest of my life!

Until next time!

And Awayyyy We Go!

Isn't that what Jackie Gleason used to say??  I'm dating myself, aren't I...  I loved the old Honeymooners episodes!  "One of these days, Alice!  One of these days!"

So, today's the day I go to my seminar.  I was talking with Hubs last night (He's not able to make the trip with me this time), and would you believe, I asked him what I should WEAR to this thing!!  We were laughing because I was obsessing about covering EVERY base and detail for today - even down to what I'm wearing!  Please don't ask me what I am wearing though - I still don't know, it's not written in my trusty notebook! 

My oldest Son has a second interview today for a job he really would like to have.  Please say a prayer for him that all goes well - thank you!!

So far I haven't heard anything from my friend Kelly.  I am wondering if she spent the night in the hospital - and quite frankly, after major surgery, I wouldn't be talking to many folks either!  But, my prayers are still going out for her speedy recovery, and I'm impatiently waiting to hear all about it!  Patience was never one of my "virtues"!

Dinner last night was good - very good.  We remembered our friend, laughed, cried, shared memories, told stories, and just enjoyed each other's company.  I think Sr. Denise would have loved it - and I am sure she did! 

As I sit here with a bazillion questions for today's seminar, and about Lap Band, and about this whole journey, I am reminded about what last night's dinner was all about - not food, but friendship.  I can tell you what we ate, but it was not the eating that was important.  I don't want that to change..  Will it change?  Will the food become "important" to me? 

I was thinking...  Yes, that happens occasionally, "thinking" - I was thinking about what has been happening in my life, my journey, my family, Sr Denise..  One of Sr. Denise's greatest achievements in her incredible life was the missionary work she founded.  She, along with our friend J, and other Sisters I've come to love in friendship, founded missions in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Mexico.  Denise lived with and cared for people who had very little or no food at all.  No medicine, no clothing, no homes..  She often spoke about "water".  How easy it is for us to give it such little thought because God has gifted us with water in such great abundance. In Tanzania, villagers must travel for miles to get fresh water.  And even then the water is usually contaminated, and barely drinkable - even after boiling.  I have decided to make Denise my Patroness in this journey I am about to take beginning today.  I believe that with her prayers and help, she will keep me grounded throughout this whole process - keep me focused on what is truly important to me in this journey.  It's not about "me" - but those whom I love.....

Until next time!!

A Day for Thinking and Contemplation...

Welp!  Tomorrow is the "Big Day"!  I attend my first Lap Band seminar at Hamot Hospital in Erie!  I am not sure what to expect, and of course my head has gone blank of all the questions I thought would be important to ask.  I said in an earlier entry that I always have my trust pad and pen - do you think I use it??  I should have written the questions down as I thought of them!   If you think of anything, let me know....   I think I'm going to sit down with a cuppa joe and really think of what I need to learn, to ask, and to do - and pray on it..  It's a dreary day around here, so that may be a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.

I haven't heard anything from Kelly yet - and I really don't expect to - not yet, anyway.  But I am praying that all went well for her today and that she is up and about soon!

From the Benedictine Monastery

I'm having dinner tonight with our dear friend, "J".  We recently lost a mutual friend in a very bad car accident, so it is good to be together at a time like this.  The accident has made national news and it seems so very unreal almost surreal .  A young man who was reportedly due for a deportation hearing because of prior drunk driving charges hit a car carrying 3 Sisters returning home from a retreat.  The Sister that passed away in that accident was our friend..  The whole thing is so very sad, and so very tragic.  I last saw my friend about a year ago while on retreat at the Benedictine Monastery where she lived.  I've spent the last two days just going through my photos and reliving the beauty, the peace and the complete joy of that place.  Seeing the Sisters who lived there and who welcomed me with open arms brings that whole weekend back into my heart. 

Me, Sr. I, and Sr. Denise

Eternal rest be granted to you, Sr. Denise..  I will miss you

...Until next time