OT -- I know the way to San Jose!

I am wishing you a wonderful trip, Barb!  I would LOVE to go "Home" and spend some time with my old and constant friends.  I guess it would be fun to hear some remarks about my "transformation" since I don't hear those so often any more, but oh, would it ever be good to see "that old gang of mine."  We talk almost daily on the phone or on the internet but it's not the same...

Your story about not looking like yourself made me think of when I last saw my son, Jamie.  He came to stay with me for 3 weeks after I had all those problems post-op and was so worn down.  Well he had gained a good 50 lbs minimum since I had last seen him and I remember the feeling of staring at him trying to find my "missing" son in there.  It was such a disconcerting feeling trying to find your own son in the person standing before you.  I think I had an inkling of what your sons were feeling.

Oh and I LOVED your "zoo" analogy!  I will remember that one!

Have a great time!

thanks suzanne ...

 

Barb, Don't forget to save some room in your bags for shopping in CA.   Bet the GW stores out there are fantastic for repurposed clothing.   Have fun and enjoy your family as well as all of the compliments that are bound to come your way.  Send me your e-mail address so that I can send those photos from the Meet Up to you. 

Hi Paula,

How did you know that I'd be on the prowl ;-)  I was doing the 'fashion show' for my mom last night as I was trying to decide what to take.  I still don't know what I'll wear to the shower or the rehearsal dinner, but as my mom said last night ... I'll bet there might be a few thrift/consignment stores to haunt there too. That said, I have a large suitcase and a carry on I'm taking with me.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Barb

P.S. I'll pm you my email. bmc

Barb:

I hope that you have a great visit with the boys. How long are you guys gonna be there? Yea, bet you will be able to do some shopping while you are there. I have decided to try and quit that now....lol. I really have enough clothes but the addict in me keeps shopping. Financially, it would behoove me to stop that as well. Anyhow, I am looking forward to tomorrow. Looks like a nice turnout.

Lisa

Hey Lisa,

I'm glad that you'll be there tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing you.

Barb

Hey Barb:

Have a great time spending some quality time with friends and family.   I know when i go to Michigan for a week, we run every day and i come home exhausted.   Have a safe trip and have fun.

Love ya, Pam

Hey Pam,

I'm hoping that since I'll be there for a month, I won't burn out from too much running around, but you never know.

Barb

Barb, I hope you have an exciting and wonderul journey!!!  You look totally beautiful, so don't sweat other's perceptions of you.  You are a confident, stunning woman who is attending an event of a lifetime, and is gonna enjoy every....teeny....tiny...minute of it! OK?

Thanks Lisa! I know that I'll enjoy the time and I really look forward to seeing my boys and the rest of my family. I was trying on swimsuits today and kept asking Sarah does this look okay, hope 'bout this one? She said, "Oh Mom! You really do need a lot of reassurance don't you?!" She's right, I am confident in many areas, but not so much with how I look. It's something I'm working on.

Thanks again for the support,

Barb