The Last Supper....

Our last post opened with a literary theme, a quote from Water Scott's "Marmion", published in 1908.  Today we begin our post with an art appreciation theme, a masterpiece entitled "The Last Supper", painted by Leonardo da Vinci, and completed in 1498.  I am sure my Mother is smiling a huge smile from the great beyond in the fact that the hard earned cash they shelled out for my private education is finally paying off....  Yeah, it's been another quiet day around here!

CAUTION:  FOOD PORN! 

The Last Supper..  So the Hubs and our dear friend, brother and Priest decide to "celebrate" my "Last Supper" before liquids with an impromptu party!  Can you believe them??  A surprise party - for three.  Trust me, with what I've consumed this evening, I should be full until the day of surgery!  I came home to martinis and an appetizer of cracked lobster claws, loaded with a mound of peel and eat shrimp in the center of each plate.  A Main course of grilled Delmonico steaks smothered in sauteed mushrooms and lobster tails with drawn butter, served with my favorite pinot noir.  Dessert was home made blueberry pie and ice cream - and a lovely single malt scotch.  Yes, two men put this meal together, can you tell??  Two men who I suspect were thinking that this was going to be their last supper as well - and I am thoroughly blessed and thrilled that they did that!

Thank you to everyone who responded to my question about letting the lap band cat out of the bag or not.  I really do need to tell my family, and especially liked the suggestion of telling them "after the fact" - what's done is done, right?? Although I'm sure my brother who will know all things about lap band because he stayed at a Holiday Inn will be sure to "educate" me on the theorems of weight loss..  I'm a strong woman, I can handle it..   I'm not ashamed, in fact I'm quite the opposite!  Thrilled, excited and so very anxious to get 'er done!   I'm just not sure I'm ready to discuss this subject with a 77 year old, lovable, but very shy and reserved man (my Dad) who has in the past refused to use the word "hysterectomy" in public because "that's one of those woman things...."

Until Next Time!

Oh What A Tangled Web We Weave....

That quote was written by Walter Scott and is found in "Marmion," an epic poem about the Battle of Flodden Field (1513) "Marmion" was published in 1808..  Yeah.. it's been quiet around here today..  Not much going on.  At. All.  Can you tell??  My liquid diet starts later this week so I've been enjoying a whole slew of "last suppers" these days.  Surprisingly though, I've not had an uncontrollable urge to wolf down every morsel of edible food and maybe not edible too that is in this house - I really thought I would.  I expected to be that little yellow Pac-Man tearing throughout my entire house..  We'll talk on Friday though.. I'll be anxious to see whether or not I will be wishing I DID wolf down every morself of edible food in this house!

So far the agenda is:  Liquids beginning on Thursday, a pre-surgery appointment next Tuesday with the Bariatric Doc, a pre-surgery appointment next Tuesday with the Anaesthesiologist, and a pre-surgery appointment on the 8th of July with my Rheumatologist. 

This past weekend we celebrated our GrandAngel's second birthday here on the Ponderosa.  Our family from the "Burgh" came up for the event.  Other than the preparations for the party,  I've created a virtual mess of office work for myself in hopes of having everything finished before surgery - and more importantly after.  But this weekend  I got 'ta thinkin'..  I need to throw a question out there to all my Banded and Beautiful Babes..

How many people have you told about your weight loss surgery?  Before and after... 

Who I have told...  I have of course discussed it in length with the Hubs - who has given me his unconditional support.  The kids know and are completely behind me, my Priest who is our best friend and brother knows (it's the Catholic girl in me...)  and he's given me his blessing,  my Spiritual Adivsor and friend Sr. Marian knows, and she is absolutely thrilled for me, three of my best friends know and they're totally excited that I've decided to do this. Who I have NOT told...  My family.  And I'm feeling really guilty about that, too.  Guilty enough to be thinking thoughts like, "oh my heavens - what if I die on the operating table??"  Or, "What do I tell them if I DO begin losing a good deal of weight", or when they're heaping my plate with home made Haluski, Galumpkies and Kogl Mogl -  and I'm eating it like a bird??  Or heaven forbid - sin of all sins - not drinking beer??  I come from a hearty Polish/Russian family who centers every one of life's milestones around food.. LARGEAMONGUS quantities of food..  The Hubs family is Italian - I can't WIN here, can I...  One reason I have not said anything to them is that that our parents are getting up in age.  They have a whole list of their own life threatening health issues that they're dealing with on a daily basis - I really don't want to burden them by adding worry (and they will.. excessively so..  Polish/Russian/Italians, remember??).  Another reason is that I'm really not sure they'd understand - or more importantly - approve.   I've not told my brother because..  well..  I just don't want to hear it from him.  He is the type of person who knows everyting about every subject - and will fight you to the death (you will be begging for death) if you disagree with him...  I love him dearly but I just don't want to deal with him on this particular subject.  I'm sure he knows a guy who knows a guy who lost 800 pounds on the beer and chips diet and that I could do alot better on my own if I tried...  yadda...  yadda...   

How did you (or would you) handle this??  I would love to hear your thoughts on this matter....

I hope your week is going great!

Until Next Time!

When the Time Comes...

We are going to DO this!

First, I would like to take the time to thank each and every one of you for your wonderful comments of encouragement and celebration these past few days - have I told you that you ARE the very best - And that means you too, Kelly!!

Ok, so my "friends" on the little panel over there on the right (--->) isn't showing up...  I'd like to welcome all the newcomers to this blog!!  Thank you for taking the time to follow and actually read this stuff!!  Ninety one followers of this blog - can you believe it??  I can't..  It truly amazes me...  truly!  And, I thank YOU!

"When the time comes..."   I read this kind of post on another blog-sister's site, and I can not for the life of me remember whose site it was - Shady Pines Retirement Home, here I come.... I can't even remember what I did ten minutes ago... I ask that you please forgive me for not giving credit where credit is due. If it is an idea from your site, please let me know so that I can give proper credit to you for the idea! Anyway, this idea has stuck with me for quite awhile, and I've been formulating this list in my head for what seems like forever.. I've decided to put my take on this idea and put my ponderings into words... The list is in random order - random. "Random order" - the way this old brain of mine has been working these days! Thank you to whomever put this idea into my head, you've given me lots to ponder for a long time...


When The Time Comes..

• I will climb that 20 foot sand dune at the beach that leads me and my GrandAngel to the beauty of the ocean without sounding and looking like someone in immediate need of paramedic care.
• I will out-drive the Hubs on the golf course - without my "robust" tummy getting in the way!
• I will take Hannibal (CRAP mask) along with all his elements of freakish torture and finally toss him out into the pond once and for all!! "Damn you! Swim with the fishes, Hannibal...."
• I will learn to enjoy my food, and not let it rule me. I will taste it, savor it, and appreciate it for all it is worth. Food will have no power over me. I will choose to not abuse, but embrace the blessing that has been laid out before me and treat it as such.  As a gift...
• I will learn to give thanks and to fully participate in the beauty that is movement of the human body - my body. I will embrace its endurance and appreciate its limitations. For too long I've taken for granted all that my body can do and have felt sorry for and gave up because of my limitations as well.
• I will set basic and realistic goals for myself. In the past I've set goals for myself that have been too lofty, unrealistic, and pretty much unattainable - ultimately leading me to failure.
• I will NOT look at myself differently than I would anyone else. I see beauty in those who surround me, beauty that is both inside and out - I will see the beauty that is in me - without nit-picking and tearing apart my every last flaw..
• I will always keep close to my heart the knowledge that sometimes in life we are blessed with a "second chance". Having the opportunity to be banded is my second chance. I am blessed and I am truly thankful. I will come back to this knowledge especially during those times when things seem tough or goals seem endless and unattainable, remembering that others in my life who are no longer with me for one reason or other weren't given a second chance.
• I will run. I will dance. I will sing - OK, maybe running is a bit much and may or may not be in my future, but I will take everything as it comes. Come hell or high water though, I will dance, golf, ski and uhm..... (you get where I'm going here) with the Hubs, thoroughly enjoying the next thirty years of our life together!
• I will learn that there are other areas in the department store other than the (hush, hush) "plus sized" section hidden way in the back where no one can see. I will learn to once again enjoy shopping for clothing - and SHOES especially. shopaholic's anonymous, anyone?? For too long I really didn't care - I hated shopping for myself - everything looks like a tent on me and I'm tired of being "draped". Why do you think I've been so enamoured with accessories?? Somethings gotta make the tents look better! And believe me, there are very few shoes in a size eleven that are worth giving a second look..
• I will require less medication for my ailments. No, this isn't a BMWC* post, I do have more ailments than I should at my age - it is time to take better care of myself. I AM worth it! (*b&ch, moan, whine and complain)
• I will remember that the mother of all goals to me is to be a healthier me.  Whether that means a twenty pound loss or a one hundred pound loss.  Take it and rejoice in it! (refer back to "running, dancing and singing!")
• I will remember that life is a journey - a marathon, not a sprint, embrace each moment and greedily inhale all it has to offer.  Whatever happens will happen in its time, I just need to give it - my life - the very best that I can in return. 

                            And that all these things will happen...

 "...when the time comes"

I've often referred back to this compilation of "I will's" throughout this leap into The Rest of my Life.  Thoughts that I needed to reconcile, trust and to believe in.  I wrote a post a while ago (here) about meeting up with a beautiful spiritual director and friend, Sr. Marian.  She gave me much food for thought and pretty much dug into my brain and drove me to begin formulating this list of reasons why I wanted to pursue weight loss surgery.  Good, honest reasons and not the original "fluff" I gave her off the top of my head..  So, this is what has been floating aimlessly in my head these past twelve months..

 I hope you're having a terrific weekend!!

Until Next Time!

Viva Nacho Libre.. A Hannibal Update..

So yet another update is upon us..  I think I may need to create a label just for "updates" there have been so many..  Let's take a walk back in time and reminisce, shall we??  We shall....

Friday, June 17.  I'm enjoying an afternoon cuppa Starbucks and writing out my BYOC when the stunning and dreadful news came that my insurance company denied me for Lap Band surgery...  Completely unexpected and devastating, I assure you.  I simply cried - big tears.  All I kept thinking about was the work I've put into this thing. How I researched, travelled (through weather of every kind), pushed, logged, pondered, sweated and agonized over something that wasn't going to happen - an entire year of preparing for a journey, that was NOT going to happen...  It was all for naught.

(insert manhattans in quantity here....)

Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19.  I pretty much said "screw it" and spent the weekend golfing with the Hubs - and getting properly and completely "readjusted" by said Hubs - whether I liked it or not!  ("readjustment post - here)

Monday, June 20.  I was informed on Friday that the "reason" for my denial was that my BMI was "too low" (39.9 - the threshold is 40) and my sleep apnea was too "mild" - oxygen anyone??  After going through my records and having them reviewed by the insurance Doctor and a new case nurse, I've been denied a second time..  A Peer to Peer review is scheduled for the next day between my Bariatric Doctor and the insurance Doctor....  Two denials, not much hope...

Tuesday, June 21.   I get a call from the insurance guru from the Bariatric office that my Peer to Peer review had been completed.  I am still in the "denied" catagory.  By the way, I still hadn't gotten anything in writing at this point from my insurance company.  However, the insurance Doctor requested I fill out a questionnaire concerning my sleep apnea.  Time to call in the Hubs - putting him through law school has got to pay off at some point, right??  The sleep apnea questionnaire is faxed to us and the questions are pretty basic and really don't get to the point that I HAVE sleep apnea..  Hubs makes a few suggestions..  1)  Complete the questionnaire on a separate excel file.  OCD kicking in here..  2)  Tell Hannibal to smile and take a picture of ALL my wretched equipment..  Oxygen tanks, tubes, wires, mask.. yadda, yadda..  3)  Take a Nacho Libre photo - a photo of me wearing the horrible Hannibal mask.   The Hubs has "lovingly" called me "Nacho Libre" since the movie came out starring Jack Black.. smart a$$...  So, I take the picture.  It has got to be the absolute worst picture I have ever taken.  Puffy eyes, no makeup, my hair is sporting that bed head look -  utterly and dreadfully awful....  I submit the completed questionnaire and the photos back to my Bariatric Doc who then faxed the whole kit 'n kaboodle to the insurance company... 

Wednesday, June 23.  I get yet another call from the insurance guru at the Bariatric Doc's office...  ready for this??  I'm APPROVED!!  It was the photos that did it - VIVA Nacho Libre!!!  Thanks to Hannibal who is mumbling "Drat!  Foiled again!" as we speak..  He did his best to prevent this surgery from happening and it all backfired on him..   My surgery date is Wednesday, July 13th - I am absolutely stunned, happily so this time, and really can't believe that I am writing this! 

Again, I thank all of you for your prayers, good wishes, support, and tissues when I needed a good cry..  YOU, your support, and most of all your caring got me through this - thank YOU!

Now I'm off to order stuff that I'll be needing for the next few weeks!

For anyone who may wish to catch up on the "Chronicals of Hannibal" you can check them out here:

  Blonde Moment/Old Age, You Decide
  Rain
  As The CRAP (C-PAP) Blows
  With Your Help
  New Episode..  As the CRAP Blows
  PSA - What NOT To Do

Until Next Time! 

BYOC - Better Late Than Never!

Ok, so better late than never, right??  I began writing this last Friday, but didn't get to finishing it until today..  Welp, here goes!!

It’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer some questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blog brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog and ENJOY!

1. Do you make your bed every day? Tell us about or show us a picture of your bed comforter.

I do make my bed everyday. Call it my ever growing case of OCD, but I love getting into a nicely made bed with soft, clean smelling sheets. There are very few things better (if any) than snuggling into bed at night with the Hubs - and not having our sheets balled up at the foot of the bed! We've got feather pillows so those have to be fluffed good 'n puffy too.. I'm not crazy about the design of the comforter - kinda old ladyish - but I love high thread count sheets and the fact that the comforter is nice and heavy. I also sleep year round with an electric blanket (yeah, I know... odd).  It does wonders for the RA

2. Johnny Cash or Elvis? Thin crust pizza or deep dish? Coke or Pepsi? Beer or wine or neither?
I grew up listening to Johnny Cash - my Father is his biggest fan. (Johnny, Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline were always playing at home), so I can sing just about every song he ever recorded. "Ring of Fire" especially.. Dad wore that one out.. I appreciate Elvis as well. I have a few Elvis CD's but really don't play them very often.. I prefer skinny Elvis music to "Robust" Elvis music - just a preference.. I have a great appreciation for all music and have one of the most eclectic music collections on the planet - just about everything from classical, to country, to heavy metal, to rap. So, depending what kind of mood I'm in, that is what I listen to.


Pizza is pizza is pizza, I can eat it any way - although we do have a very intense love/hate relationship..


Pepsi without a doubt - although I've heard that flat, warm coke is the best thing for an upset tummy.. Never tried it though, sounds too disgusting..


Wine, hands down. My favorite is a mellow pinot noir, but I enjoy the sweet wines from our local winery on occasion. They make their version of a "port"- sweet to me - that is absolutely to die for!


3. I recently went through my list of blogs I follow and was at my limit so I unfollowed bloggers who haven’t blogged in at least 6 months. I want to start following some more new blogs. Who’s your fave lately? Funniest? Most inspiring? Can you link them for me??
I have to say in all honesty that all the blogs I read and follow are favorites - on so many levels. Funny, inspiring, educational, caring and loving - you are ALL such an important part of my day, an important part of my journey.. I look forward to and get excited every time a new post pops up! There are a few on my list though who haven't blogged in over six months (one is at nine months), but I still don't have the heart to "unfollow" anyone.. It feels kinda like "unfriending" them...  I know I would be crushed if I were to be "unfollowed"..


4. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blog land and in real life.

Real life in Lisa Land has been yet another week of rollercoastering (new word invention!) emotions. Happy and thrilled to enjoy the family and doing fun things with them, exhausting because I've let my work load get out of hand - my fault, I assure you, aggravating and heart breaking while this entire insurance fiasco wears on and on.. Up and down, up and down....

Blog Land is my sanctuary - you guys keep my head screwed on tight and keep me focused! 

Until Next Time!

Summer... It's A Beautiful Thing!

Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....

Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;

And the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Happy First Day of Summer! It's raining here (as usual) but one can always dream of summer sunshine, right??  It's coming - eventually...  Summer gets me to thinking about cook-outs, campfires, ice cream, and swimming pools..  Flip-flops (mercy, I need a pedi!), strapless sundresses,  and the smells of coconut and fresh mowed grass.  Gotta love real summer tomatoes, endless flowers, and the sounds of children laughing - yeah, it's all a beautiful thing!

Time to reminisce of summer memores...  Growing up in the city, the month of June always ushered in "Carnival" time.  There was a church and a bar on every block throughout the city, and every Church had their summer carnivals during the months of June and July.  It didn't matter to us that it was the same carnival company that travelled literally from block to block either!  I remember the smells, the games - the RIDES!  There was a community pool close to home, and we went everyday rain or shine.. Who needed sunblock???  Then came the finale, the glorious finale - the school picnic at Kennywood Park!!  If you've ever been anywhere near western Pennsylvania, these wonderful, little yellow signs (pictured above) were placed all throughout the city and outer areas.  They were to us as kids, beacons of inexpressible joy!  Every year my Mum would take us to get new outfits.  She would then cook for days before that blessed event.  She and my Dad (and usually a few neighbors and relatives) would set up the food 'n stuff ("stuff" usually meant beer) in a wooded area of the park close to kiddie-land.  After the mandatory lecture (as though we were really listening) she unleashed us into the park!  I think we spent the entire day rocketing between "The Thunderbolt", "The Rabbit" and "The Racer" - all rollercoasters!  At days end, we'd be sticky from cotton candy, dirty, completely and utterly exhausted.  The end of the day meant a lazy ride with the adults on "The Turnpike" - it was the last ride as you left the park.  I never remember the ride home - I was always asleep before we left the parking lot!

As a family, we never really went on an "official" summer vacation - until the year the marching band I played with in high school performed at Sea World - all the way over in Ohio (my parents actually packed us a lunch to eat along the way).  I think that was the first time I actually stayed in a hotel!  Thinking back, I can honestly say that really didn't need to go anywhere, and most likely we couldn't afford it anyway.  I never missed having an "official" summer vacation because there was always something to do - trouble to get into somewhere.  On evenings we weren't playing little league or terrorizing carnivals, there was "release the den", "red-rover", and a billion other games we would play out on the street. 

In case you might be needing a blogging idea, I would love to read about YOUR summer memories??  Please consider posting them!

Until Next Time!

Hey! Yo, Tommy, I Didn't Hear No Bell...

First I need to thank each of you for your words of encouragement, love, prayers and good thoughts.  You have no idea how much I appreciate you, love you, and need you - You are the best, and I am eternally thankful that you're in my life - Thank you!

I got a bloody lip on Friday (isn't my first, won't be the last) and after a "slight readjustment" courtesy of the Hubs, I spent the weekend thinking of everything and anything BUT lap-bands.  I know I've said it in an earlier post, but there are few things that relieve stress better than beating to a pulp a little white ball (actually I use a pink ball - freaks guys out when I out-drive them..) around a manicured golf course.  We golfed both Saturday and Sunday.  On Saturday we golfed in an outing that benefited a terrific local cause.  After my insurance denial on Friday, Saturday was a great day to participate in the event..  I won "Women's Long Drive" with a posted 254 yard drive (6 yards short of the posted "Men's Long Drive").  We calculated the distances using a GPS yardage device - talk about letting frustrations out, and it felt sooo goooood..  My longest ever recorded drive before this was 220 yards.  The prize was a dinner package at a local restaurant, should be fun!

Back to Friday...  After hearing about my denial, I spent the rest of the day crying in my beer - or in my case "Manhattans"..  Yep, I went for the big guns - scotch.  It was actually the Hubs who verbally "slapped" me out of my pity party and he was none too gentle about it either.  I really didn't appreciate it at the time, but I think it did the trick.  He asked me point blank..  "What's up with that?  Are you just going to sit there sobbing about this, or are you going to start acting like the strong woman I married?  Your call.."  (GULP...)  Then he said, "Your Mother would slap the tears right off you right now...  She wouldn't just give up and just cry - and you never shied away from a good fight either.."  He finished up my verbal black eye by telling me that "he'll fight along-side me and use every means at his disposal to see this thing through" and that "this thing is by no means over, so let's get on with it"..  Totally unexpected, but very much needed... 

So, this morning I have a message on my phone from the Hubs...  "Yo, Rocky, here's what we need to do today..." and he goes through the list of "ducks"  that I need to get in order.  So that is how I am spending my day today (I should be shampooing rugs).. This has not been an easy-going process from the beginning..  Why would I have thought the approval process would go any differently?!?  The Hubs is absolutely right.  I have never shied away from the good fight - even if it meant getting a bloody lip or black eye (or two, or three).  I have stood up for myself and my beliefs in the past, why would I stop now??  Why would this be situation be any different??  And knowing that he is behind me, beside me, with me, means the world to me - he has told me that I AM WORTH THIS..  and I love him all the more for his "encouragement"..  So....  In the imortal words of John Paul Jones, Naval hero of the Revolutionary War...

..."I have not yet begun to fight!"

Until Next Time!

The Biggest Loser.. Me.

I sat here enjoying an afternoon cuppa Starbucks and enjoying my blog reading, it was shaping up to be a nice, quiet afternoon.  Actually, I was in the process of writing out a pretty witty BYOC - if I say so myself - when the phone rang.  It was the Insurance Guru....

I have been denied by my Insurance Company for Lap Band surgery.  I suppose having a BMI of 39.9 with a comorbite of a diagnosed sleep apnea wasn't enough for them, and it matters not to them that it is enough for me..  The reason for the denial is that my BMI isn't high enough and although I am presently using a CPAP (with oxygen), my sleep apnea is apparently not "critical" enough.  Right now I just want to chuck the whole kit and caboodle - the CPAP, the arthritis meds, the lap band - right into the pond and be done with it.  I am so disappointed and heartbroken, I wish it would all just go away.  Right now I just have no fight left..  Perhaps next week I will, but not right now..  I have been told that on Tuesday the Bariatric Doc will do a "Peer to Peer" review with the physician who denied my case, but so much in this process has been such a disappointment to me that I'm not getting my hopes up..  I'm not holding my breath.. 

I'm sorry for posting such a "downer" of a post, but so many of you have been so uplifting and encouraging throughout, and have walked each step with me during this journey...  I just felt I had to give an update and perhaps even cry on your shoulder a bit..

Have a terrific weekend...

Until Next Time...

Update Number.. Uhm.. I Lost Count..

Update on the "Official Investigation":

So here's the scoop.  On Wednesday, the "Firm" launched an official "investigation" (incident report) into the reason why I hadn't heard diddly squat from my insurance company in almost six weeks regarding my inquiry into lap band surgery.  So far here is the result.  The insurance company insists that they had received my request and records on June 7th, and that it takes ten days to process the request.  Since then, they have requested not two (as stated in the written requirements) but three years of weight history from my primary care physician - which was faxed to them late yesterday.  Thankfully for me I had been seeing this physician for over three years!  Whew!  I say "thankfully" because other than my marriage, I'm usually not that committed.  BUT, the Insurance Guru from the Bariatric office has insisted that she formally submitted my information to the insurance company in late May......  Therein lies the discrepancy..  I really loathe this crap - really, I do.  So that is where we stand.  Ten business days from June 7th is Monday...  We shall see....  I'm not holding my breath.  But I do have the "big guns" making the calls now, which is a good thing, I suppose.

On to bigger and better things.  Well, maybe not "bigger", but better.  We spent most of this week with our GrandAngel.  And if I said it once, I'll say it a thousand times - don't spend your hard earned money on a gym membership - rent or find yourself an energetic two year old - I'm sure there are many a parent out there who would be more than glad to pass one out for an afternoon or so!!  I have lost three pounds this week just trying to keep up with him!  Eating??  fahgetabahtit!  You're not going to eat anything without them saying "want some??" and then giving it up to them!  And I think I've chased him around the house about a bazillion times as HE chased the coon hound - wanting to ride him...  The hound is pretty laid back for the most part, but I'm sure he can only take being poked in the eyes so many times...  "Grammy!  Eyes!  His Eyes!"  I think the hound has taken to hiding these days...

Today we took the Munchkin to visit the parents down in the 'Burgh..  They haven't seen him in awhile and we all had a pretty terrific time together..  I'm sure they had gone to bed within minutes of our leaving though - they had that "look" about them..  The GrandAngel does that to people...

Soooo, that's what's going on in LisaLand..  I hope all is well in your world!

Until Next Time!

Bandster Hell, Anyone??

Wadda day...  Don't you just hate returning home from vacation??  I mean, everything is done and caught up that was neglected while enjoying martini's by the pool, and now I'm ready for another vacation!  I finished all my office work this afternoon and now our GrandAngel is here!!  We've got him until Friday - yay for US!!  The Hubs spent the evening driving around the property on the tractor with the little speed demon after they both dug lots of holes (got plenty muddy too) and planted our herb garden - gotta love summer!

Bandster Hell...  Wait..  I guess one actually needs to be banded to experience "Bandster Hell" - So I guess what I'm experiencing is just plain HELL!!   Here is yet another update...  Hubs called the Insurance Guru at the Bariatric office today and assured me he used his Attorney Voice when leaving his message - she did not return his call.  Sooooo, he then contacted the Benefits Director at the firm to begin a formal investigation.  At this point, there is an "incident report" that has been filed with the Insurance Company and in inquiry into my case.   I should have a better idea tomorrow what is happening and how the investigation will proceed.  Sighhhh...  It never ceases to end, does it?  This is no longer an adventure, a journey..  It has become a QUEST......

But, we'll just keep muddling through and see this thing to its end...   I tell ya though, I know for a fact that I wouldn't be able to continue muddling without your wonderful support, encouragement and good vibes!  And that means you too, Kelly!!  Thank you ALL for helping me get through this!  I know that when and if - well no, just WHEN - it happens, it will surely be OUR band - yours and mine! 

Until Next Time!

Time To Roll Out The Big Guns...

First I would like to thank Lap Band Gal for nominating me for the Adorable Blog Award!!  You are sooo kind and you truly made my day!!  Thank YOU!!  Also, I absolutely loved your v-log!  You are always such an incredible source of information and inspiration!  HERE are the "ten things" that I wrote in an earlier post and I would love to nominate a few more wonderful bloggers for this Adorable Blog Award!

Molly at A Lead Singer
Tanya at Tanya's Lap Band Journey

The rules of the award are:

*Thank the person who gave you this award, and link back to them in your post.

*Tell us 10 things about yourself.
*Nominate your bloggers.
*Contact these bloggers, and let them know they received this award.

One other announcement... 

**FOR THE RECORD** 

(**that means that this becomes an "official blogger record that is permissible to be used in any saidforth kangaroo court and is duely protected by that said governing body and the rule of law herefore and unto...  yadda..  yadda from this day until perpetuity)

Ronnie, from Ronnie's Bandumentary mentioned in her comment to my last post that my blog reminded her of the concept she's working on for her new blog "look"!!  Honestly, we didn't call each other up to make sure that we dressed alike.  I simply wanted to be rid of the lady bug theme!!  I guess I outgrew the cuteness (busy) of the ladybugs and just wanted something a little simpler and less cluttered - something that didn't pain my retina's every time I logged on!  But never fear..  I will most likely exercise my prerogative to change it again when I see something new I may want!

Ok, now for an update..  Yet another call went to the Insurance Guru, and I received yet another "under nurse review" response..  I spoke with the Hubs about my frustration - although I really didn't have to use words, he knew I was p#&& - ed after I had gotten off the phone.  We both agreed it is time to unleash the big guns.  Tomorrow's call will be an official call from my Attorney (the Hubs) and from the Benefits manager from "The Firm" demanding at least a better explanation then the dried up one I've been receiving for the past two weeks, and a reason from the Insurance Company why this process is taking as long as it is.  I want an up or down vote here - one way or another this waiting must stop.  I finished this process on April 29th (not including an unnecessary hoop that was jumped through on May 10).  I  have been doubting the competency of the Insurance Guru since the unnecessary hoop fiasco with the Cardiologist, and the Hubs and I both are demanding to know what in heavens name is going on.  Go to the matresses, right??  I'll keep you updated....

Until Next Time!!

"BYOC" - Perhaps Not As Crazy As You Think...

I have lately been pondering my "forced patience" (or my lack thereof) while waiting for this elusive insurance approval.   I've been digging deep, trying to evaluate all the hoops, questions, fortitude, and the huge range of emotions that I have experienced throughout this past year - and especially this past month.  I guess all the whine and cheese parties I've had for myself lately leads one to do that.   An answer, or at least an idea came to me while writing yesterday's BYOC.  Thank you, Draz  from "It's just Me, Drazil Sheniqua" for handing me my own personal "light bulb" moment.  You know what I mean..  That second that you have answers to your questions - when the light bulb appears over your head!  My ponderings of late have mostly centered on my self doubt - and I have lots of it lately.  Should I really be doing this??  Does this waiting mean that perhaps I should think twice about weight loss surgery??  Is this waiting a sign??  This is a huge thing, a life long thing, am I ready??  Do I even want to be ready??  Is it worth it??  What if I fail, then what??  Then came an idea - a possible answer...  My light bulb moment.  Question number one in yesterday's BYOC:

  1. How and why did you first start blogging? And how long have you been blogging?

After I hit "publish post" with the BYOC that I had written yesterday, the first question of the BYOC kind of stayed with me - haunted me..  "How and why...???"  So, I went back into blog land memory lane and reread some of the first blog entries I had ever written.  The first one was pretty awful, a kind of "hello world" entry.  But then I pulled up my second entry entitled, "So Now That I've Begun...".  It was kind of a look back at my health story and why I began this long life changing journey in the first place.. 

"So Now That I've Begun..."

Written:  7/8/2010

I really didn't "begin" in my first entry. I've spent the evening thinking about how I would like to set the stage for "The Rest Of My Life" journey. The story could begin when I was young - a cute but chubby little one. But, I outgrew my chubbiness and was a thin teenager. I suppose my weight issues began after the birth of my first child. Up until then, I would diet, lose the few pounds that kept me out of my skinny jeans, then go on to eat, drink and be merry again. But - the first pregnancy....... Ohhhhh my!

.... I understood it at the time that I was "eating for two"! I used that excuse for the ENTIRE pregnancy! It wasn't uncommon for me to gain 5 to 9 pounds a month! My Obstetrician's head was exploding!! And so was my weight.. I gained 70 pounds with that pregnancy - and never really lost it all. In fact, that "70" became the foundation for a weight gain of epic proportion!

I had my first child when I was 25. After him, my subsequent pregnancies were of "normal" weight gain - less than 20 pounds. I yo-yo dieted but never really lost the weight I needed to lose.. Fast forward 14 years. I was diagnosed as having Graves Disease - an overactive thyroid. I lost 37 pounds in one month - not healthy by any one's standards. After months of tests, medications and treatments, I was finally in remission - only to see my weight slowly creep back to what I weighed originally before the Graves. Fast forward 5 more years (and many more pounds). I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. An auto-immune disease which causes the body to "attack" its own joints, muscles, organs... I still have the arthritis, but I'm on medications which keeps my immunity lower - decreasing the "attack" mode.

So.. this is where I am now. 5 years into Rheumatoid Arthritis, larger in weight than I have ever been, a diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, boarder line diabetic - and at my wits end! This has to stop and I am at the point that I'm finally realizing that if I don't do something about it now, the consequences will be fatal.

I am following in the footsteps of my deceased Mother. She too fought the battle of weight - and lost. The images of her I hold dear, the loss that I feel to this day break my heart. I try to look beyond the memories of her last year on earth, but those memories haunt me, and tear me to shreds.

...Until next time. 

If you made it through reading today's blog entry and a re-post of an older entry, I thank you for sticking with me here! 

Anyway, it is good to go back and retrace the long and ever twisting roads of our journeys.  Some days are straight and even, we can see into forever..  Other days we can't even see around the bend.  I needed to be reminded of why and how I am - how we are all working so damned hard each and every day to become healthier, happier, and more full of life - and also, I needed to be reminded of the multitude of reasons I need to go to the mattresses to see this thing through....

Reminders, they're a good thing...

Until Next Time!

B.Y.O.C

It’s Friday so that means it’s BYOC day – Bring Your Own Crazy….to five questions we all answer in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blog brains a break! Copy and paste to your own blog and ENJOY!

1. How and why did you first start blogging? And how long have you been blogging?

I began blogging about a year ago simply to create a journal about my quest to get healthier.  I do love journaling, but when my arthritis started to become a pain in the...  uhm...  joints, well, writing became more and more difficult.  Blogging seemed to be a good way to write about my thoughts, my journey, my life - without the cramped fingers!  I never thought anyone would actually care to read anything that I wrote.  I was stunned when Band Groupie from The Sweet Spot became my very first follower!  Someone actually READ what I had written - and even admitted to it!   I have found friendship, love, support and fellowship.  What an amazing experience this has turned out to be - and you're all stuck with me for a long time!

2. Tell me about your perfect mate – if you could invent him/her?


For me, he's already been invented - and we've been married for thirty years (I tell folks I was married at the age of nine - they don't believe me either...)  He is gorgeous, smart, strong, fun to spend time with, and my true and living soul mate.  Swarthy and sexy in that Italian kind of way, and he loves to cook!  He is a man's man who hunts, drinks scotch, smokes cigars, swears like a sailor, and he is the most competitive person I know.  He is tender and wears his emotions on his sleeve - a man who weeps in love while holding his GrandAngel.  A brilliant man - graduating cum laude in college and attending law school while working full time to support his growing family.  He works hard for his family, and he loves me for me - no matter what size I may be..  I see it every time I look into his almond brown eyes..   He is a man of deep faith and strong conviction.  We are best friends and lovers..  I am truly a blessed woman!


3. Do you wear fake eyelashes? Do you want to? Do you use glue or self-stick ones? Do you like how they look?


Oh heavens no...  I once tried putting fake nails on and super glued my fingers to the super glue container - I am sure I would glue my eyes shut permanently if I would even try it!  Would I have them done professionally??  Who knows..  I'm just afraid of that Great Laura Desmond look if they should decide to fall off!


4. Let’s say money was no object and neither was time off to recover – are you an advocate of plastic surgery after weight loss?


Sure..  I think it's a terrific idea - if money and time were no object.  Why not?  I know for many it is a necessity.  Sometimes exercise alone can't relieve us from skin that no longer has fat in it.. 


5. Repeat question. Summarize your week in blog land and in real life.


Real life it has been hectic trying to get back into the swing of things after such a glorious two week vacation - I just don't wanna!!  And, this horrible waiting is really wearing on me.  I am just waiting...  waiting..  and more waiting..  It seems that my days revolve around waiting for my phone to ring, watching it, keeping it close - you'd think I were getting ready to give birth!  Then friday comes along, and I chalk up another week of useless waiting.....  I'm not going to melt down again...  I'm not going to melt down again...


In blog land all is terrific!  I spent this week taking my time catching up on all your blogs (when I should have been working..)   I did have a melt down in blog land the week before - which all of you so graciously lifted me out of, and I thank you. 



Have a terrific weekend!!
  And don't do anything I wouldn't do!


Until Next Time!

Catching Up..

As per my prerogative, I've changed things around a bit.  You know that barely a month goes by and I change things up - just be glad you aren't with me when I get my hair done!!  I've got a thing for lady bugs, and thought this background was kinda cute!  It's a bit busy (loud.), but it's growing on me..  Along with the rest of my collections - I have a collection of collections - lady bug things make me smile, so this blog background "spoke to me"...

Anyway..  I spoke with the Insurance Guru AND the insurance company and have been assured that my case is "presently in nurse review"..  The insurance company asked for Dr and hospital information to be faxed to them yesterday - so that's where we are.  If it weren't so frustrating It'd be funny..  So, I've got more calls in for today.. Can anyone say "squeaky wheel syndrome??"



Me 'n the Gov!



I had quite an interesting couple of days.  On Wednesday, me 'n the Hubs attended a cocktail party at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg.  Between you and me, I really don't care to attend "Firm" events, but I confess, I had an absolutely wonderful time!  Governor Corbett is such a gracious host and a very engaging person..  The event was to take place in the rose garden, but with temps hovering around one hundred degrees, most of us stayed inside the residence!  I've never been to the Governor's Residence before, so for me this was quite an adventure!

We spent the night in Harrisburg and the next day found a terrific golf course that we hadn't tried before!  It seems forever since I held a golf club and it felt soooo good whacking that little ball around a beautifully manicured track of land!  There is something healing about taking it all out on a little, white, dimpled, orb!  I know for a fact that I hit a few drives over two hundred yards - yeah, I have lots of frustration these days...

So, hopefully I will get some beach pictures uploaded in the next day or so.  I need to burn a couple of CD's for the family.  I have pictures scattered all over the place - my phone, camera, the Hubs phone...  What ever happened to film??  But I leave you this one taken on my phone - just 'cause he's the cutest lil thing on earth!! 

Until Next Time!!
~Lisa

An Award and an Update

I would like to thank MandaPanda for awarding me "The Adorable Blog" award!  You really know how to make me smile, thank YOU!!!  So, here are the rules of the award....

Rules of the Award


*Thank the person who gave you this award, and link back to them in your post.
*Tell us 10 things about yourself.
*Nominate your bloggers.
*Contact these bloggers, and let them know they received this award.

Trying to think of ten things you don't already know about me is tough!  I am pretty much an open book and thought I covered just about everything throughout this blog..  OK..  here goes!

1)  I love, love, love locally made pottery and have the most enormous eclectic collection on the planet.  Every time we go somewhere I bring home a piece.  This year I brought home from the beach a serving platter, utensil holder, and two (more) coffee cups!

2)  In addition to my addiction to anything pottery, I have an insatiable addiction to cheap earrings!  I mentioned this once before, but it has only grown since then with a pair sea shell earrings and twisty ones with star fish dangling from them..  I know, unhealthy...

3)  Manda mentioned her first job.  My first job was as a "tray girl" in the local hospital cafeteria where I met my Hubs to be.  He was a pot boy, and I accidentally spilled hot coffee down his leg - the rest is history..

4)  I am a voracious reader.  I usually have two to three books going at a time, and I read anything and everything from history to politics to professional journals to trash..

5)  I am considering taking up a new instrument.  With (not one but TWO) pianos, guitars, drums, accordian, saxophone, and lest we forget the glockenspeil, I don't think we have enough around here!  I would love to learn to play a dulcimer.  Not really sure yet which one I would like to play, perhaps both!

6)  Favorite food..  Chicken.  Hands down.  Fried, grilled, baked, breaded, stewed, in soup....  Just don't give me OLD or left over chicken  - ugh! 

7)  I love to cook!  It is a passion of mine and I love experimenting on the Hubs - he doesn't seem to mind either..  He loves cooking too, so we often cook together like most folks date!

8)  I drive a red Pontiac Vibe, all wheel drive - winters around here are brutal.  I call her my little lady bug, and she gets around everywhere no matter what Mother Nature can spit up.

9)  I am usually a happy-go-lucky, out-going, easy to get along with kind of person........  but...

10)  Have I ever mentioned that I am very IMPATIENT, and I HATE waiting?????

Which is the perfect segue to the update..  I have a call in with the "Head Nurse" at the Insurance company.  I called and pretty much got transferred from person to person - none of which had any idea what I was talking about..  the "Head Nurse" is to call me back...  (tapping manicured nails most impatiently here..)

So on that note, I think I'm going to have my tapped out nails manicured today.  Some people eat chocolate or shop for shoes when they're stressed, I get my nails done.  Thank you again Manda for the wonderful award!

Although I am not very good at giving out awards, I would like first to pass this award to YOU for coming to visit me today!  Please feel free to snarf it and post it to your blog! 

And to play fair, I would like to pass this award to:

Amanda - Life of a (hopeful) loser 

Allison - Allison's banded adventure

Rachel - Thin Within - Life With My Lap Band

Ronnie - Ronnie's Bandumentary

Judy - Stories from the road

Band Groupie -  The Sweet Spot
Debi - Hawaii Bound Bandster

Until Next Time!