OT -- I know the way to San Jose!

I'm getting ready to pack my bags for my trip to CA and I'm excited. My oldest son is marrying the love of his life Sept 7th. So my daughter, Sarah and my mom who has been visiting with me since March are headed back to CA. I'm looking forward to seeing both of my son's, their beloveds and my extended family and friends in CA. While I now live in NC, I think CA will always be home for me and it's always good to get to 'go home.' My sons and most of my husband's family saw me early last October when we attended my nephew's wedding. I think I was wearing a size 12 then, down from a 22/24 the last time they had seen me and they couldn't get over the changes. I've been sending photos, but of course they haven't seen me in person and now I'm a size 6 and none of my friends have seen me, except in photographs. I have been sending photos all along and I think it gives them an 'idea' of what I look like, but according to my mother who hadn't seen me from Sept 07 to Mar 08, they just don't truly convey the metamorphosis. I think it took her at least a month before she quit saying, "OMG! You look like a totally different person!" I feel pretty good, with the exception of my discomfort about my extra skin and the tummy roll, bat wings, turkey neck and elephant legs I have because of it.

We arrive Tuesday and will be attending a wedding shower Sat. I'm trying to figure out what to pack and what to wear. What do I have that looks smashing and doesn't 'feature' the 'zoo' I carry around with me? I find myself a bit nervous with anticipation. I hope that they like what they see, my mom keeps telling me that she thinks I look a little too thin and that she likes they way I look when I'm about 150 to 160. The last time I saw my son's in October they kept saying I just didn't look like Mom anymore. I guess they are right.

Well, I guess it's time to quit stalling and start packing.

Barb

Barb,  Have a great trip. I have a lot of family in CA.  My name sake anunt lives in Beverly Hills and I have cousins spread all about the area. I hope to go see them next year.
Have fun...keep safe
Myrtis

Myrtis,

Thanks for the well wishes. I am hoping to stay safe and have some fun. I truly look forward to seeing friends and family ... and the looks on their faces ... LOL.

We are from the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California, which I think is more different from Southern California than South Carolina is from North Carolina geographically and culturally. I'm really looking forward to going to up to SF and down to Monterey ... I think that they may be some of my favorite places in the world... at least, so far.

I'll be taking my trusty laptop, so I hope to stay in touch.

Take care and thanks again,

Barb

sorry

Still laughing about your "duflap!"

How exciting Barb,
I know your going to have a grand time.
Dont forget to take pictures.
As far as what your sons said you dont look like mom well just tell them you are the new an improved mom.
                                         Annie

Hi Annie,

Thanks! I'll be sure to tell 'em that. I have most of my packing done, but I still haven't figured out what I'm going to wear to the rehearsal dinner or the shower the coming Saturday. I want to look smashing ... I guess I still have to do a bit of digging in my closet. I also need to make sure I get all the 'stuff' I'm planning to take for doing the flowers for the wedding and making the rehearsal dinner invitations, and ....

As you said, I plan to take plenty of photos.

I'll miss you this month.

Barb

Barb,
You have outstanding taste in clothing I know you will look smashing.
As you have said about Ben being like a bulldog yes you are so right.
He can do what bulldogs do best and he can enjoy sitting and admiring how beutiful you have become.
You know I am a big Ben fan.
yes will miss you alot but one wonderful thing you have taught me this past year is how to be accountable.
I am starting to like that word more and more.
                                  Annie

Barb~
I was born in Santa Clara and sister and brother in San Jose... we were raised in Santa Cruz just *over the hill* as we locals call it by the beautiful beach. My entire family lives in CA and it will always be home for me. I miss it terribly and I hope you have a fantastic time!

Darcie

I 'knew' we were kindred spirits! I miss it terrribly too. I'm from Almaden, near Los Gatos and my husband's family lives in the Evergreen Area/Silver Creek Valley area of San Jose. The kids will be getting Married at the Ainsley House in Campbell.

I'm hoping to get over to Santa Cruz, drive down through Watsonville on Hwy 1 to Monterey to spend bit of time there. We'll also make it up to SF and probably make a run up to Napa.

I'll be thinking of you ;-)

Love,

Barb