WHAT'S NEW WEDNESDAY--5/28/08??

Hello sistahs and bros!        Remember me???  I know it has been forever and a day.  Missed y'all.  Sometimes I lurk, but it is usually in the middle of the night.  Right now it is almost 1:30 am and I am getting drowsy, but wanted to stop by to say "howdy!"                                            My life is still topsy-turvy...in-law stuff and now my DH needs some surgery, too!  ARGGGG...does this ever end???  Yep, I know it will, but I want a break!  School will be over in about 2 weeks, so some of the rat race will slow down (only for life to change again!).                                      for     I have continued my morning walks...sometimes with Mary (who is lookin good!) and sometimes alone.  Up to 6 miles when I do the power walks.  Feels good!  Hard to believe that a bit over a year ago, I could barely walk up the stairs without exertion!  Also had a few WOWs during my MIA days...bought lots of new clothes at my new fave stores---Christopher & Banks and Coldwater Creek.  Even got a few size S shirts and size 8-10 slacks and jeans.  Another WOW was seeing an old BF over the weekend...he aged a lot and told me I look better than I did in HS...imagine that!  Also I had to pick up my DS at a party where I saw several other adults that I hadn't seen in a while and they asked if I had a kid there...DUH...they have known me for 5-10 years.  Okay enough about me!                                              By the way, we are exploring the idea of vacationing in a few weeks to the state of Vermont---never been there and we like to explore new places when given the chance.  Anyone have some input?  It would be near the NY/MA borders--small village called Wilmington.  Don't all jump at once now!                                                  I have taken notice that in my absence on the OFF, there are several new people---I welcome you and look forward to getting to know you better.  Hope your journey is as wonderful and exciting as mine!  And to the Birthday and Surgiversaries....Hope your days were happy and your wishes came true!                ....          Okay--I am heading to slumberland.  Don't all talk at once.  Post away and I hope to be back soon.   Hugs and more! Lora 

Hey Lora!!! Good to see you. It has been awhile.  I have had some periods of being MIA lately due o life. It just keeps coming at me. Well, yesterday my mother turned 80 years old. She was released from the hospital late in the afternoon. She was able to spend a few hours with her best friend on her birthday at home. I know that made her day special for her. It looks like I will be driing up there Thursday, spending the night, and then driving back early Friday morning so I can bring Ray back to the airport. I have also made an appointment for LP on Thursday. I need to figure out how to get all of this done.  I was able to see a dentist yesterday to have my mouth looked at. She confirmed that I have an abcess in one of my teeth. So, I am on antibiotics and tylenol with codeine. I was hoping my jaw would be less painful this morning, but I guess the antibiotics haven't had enough time to work as yet. Work should be interesting on pain medication. I am training a group of 12 this morning. I hope I don't fall asleep mid sentence. Have a great day everyone!!!

Lora and all - GOOD MORNING Lora, my collection of found pennies is growing. Each time I spy the little piece of copper I think of you. What a full day. First I met with my Shrink. He is full of questions about emotions after WLS and how I am dealing with this new life.  Then to the hospital to visit my aunt as she was waiting to have hernia surgery. She was frightened but I assured her that the surgeon is the best.  On the way out I saw the hubby of one of my support group ladies who was in the OR for her surgery. He was a nervous wreck so I sat with him for a while.  A quick trip home for food and change of clothes. It had gotten very cold and I was freezing. Then scooted to work, took my client home and rushed to calling hours for my cousin. He finally is at rest after battling cancer for years. The cousin was on Mom's side of the family and I haven't seen them since before WLS. Their reaction was pure amazement. Such bear hugs from those big bruisers that my ribs were aching. Why do men always have to lift me off my feet now? OUCH - it hurts. After that I had to stop at the grocery store where I had a pleasant conversation with the man stocking ice cream. Strangers have always stopped me for long talks. This is not new since the weight is gone as many people have mentioned. Mom used to say I gathered people like a magnet which was the reason I enjoyed working in human services. Once the groceries were put away I heated up the turkey I had cooked yesterday and ate. Suddenly I began to feel BAAAAD! The pouch was having a tantrum and I began to salivate. I usually have no problem with food. My menu seldom varies and I don't get into the sugars or carbs. That turkey sure caused a fuss. No more for me. I will make small packages to freeze and Tom can eat the whole bird. This morning there is a full Military service for my cousin. He was a Korean War Vet and honored with the Purple Heart. It's going to be a tearful ceremony. The 21 gun salute always gets to me. Work, visit my aunt and the woman in the support group - that's the rest of this day. 

Annette, I know what you are saying about the Military funerals. My dad had one and it the taps played for me. It seems like everytime I hear them I cry and remember not only my dad but all the other war heros who have gone on. They are very emotional for me.

 My dear Annette, My sympathies to you and yours for the loss of your cousin.  Death is such an emotional rollercoaster for most of  us.  I get into a funk even when I didn't know the person.  Usually I think about their loved ones, and my heart just aches!  I also think I get this way because my thoughts drift back to my grief.  Speaking of which....................                                                                              As for those pennies....I find myself thinking of you and our conversation on the South Side when I find them, too.  Lately, they have been everywhere, and many times, they couldn't come at a better moment such as when I am doubting myself or a decision I've made, or when I need some reassurance.  I thank you and my Dad "thanks" you!!  Hold onto them, so we can count them up when we meet again!                               Have a wonderful day, Annette.  Miss ya! Lora   

good morning ! lora iti s always good to see you senak in here!! sorry to hear of my touble in re dh and surgery ... wow- wish i could walk with you and mary- i sure need the kick in the keister!!! annette-busy busy--blessings to your family in their loss...the service today will be moving. when michael's brother, jim, died in wisc a few years back we didn't realize that here was a young trumpeter in uniform at the side of the cemetery-imagine all of our hearts when he starte dplaying taps...none of us had noticed him before that! my daughter(also a trumpet player)  was involved in a memorial salute one year in high school and those shots-oh my what they did to my soul. we had a quiet day yesterday-took m to pcp for his pre surgery clearance and writing of the (7 of the 8 he lives on)scrips.. tomorrow is the surgeon's pre-op visit. also tomorrow we have a gal coming to see our parrot doc-she may be buying doc and so today we need to clean up the house! we get lazy with  just the two of us here! mostly magazines and papers and mail! bird feathers and dog toys kinda stuff.... also i want to stop into the tax office at work- we keep getting the real estate tax bill but it's paid by our mortgage and i want to know why it comes to our house???? gotta go get ready for work-hope everyone has a great day! hugs and prayers to all!

HI Lora, Good to see you taking time to post today.  I'm sorry your life has been so hectic lately.  Sure hope it all settles down soon.  Can't wait to hear about your vacation in Vermont.  Sounds beautiful.

Today is just another day at work for me.  A quiet busy I think.  Time is truly flying by for me.  My grandson is at camp this week.  That has left time for my daughter and I to have long talks.  That's always nice.  She is usually so busy with her family, going to school, and work that she doesn't quite know what to do with herself without all that going on.  I benefit!

I'm up to 15 minutes on the new treadmill.  It's been slow progression because I don't want to make my knee sore.

I've been thinking about our Jan S. as she started her new job yesterday!  I know she'll do great and hope she really like it.

Take care and have a great Wednesday.

Kathi

Good morning Lora and OFFers! Lora, it's always good to see those who have been MIA return!  Sorry about your DH needing surgery, prayers for both of you.  I've always wanted to visit the New England states, never been there yet.  You'll have to give us details after your trip. Not much new here in N.O.  our temps are rising fast.  It's almost summer like already with highs inching into the low 90s.  What will July and August bring?  This evening we're going to see Ethan play his first T-ball game.  I don't know who is more excited - Ethan or grandpa!  Well, grandma is pretty excited too!  These trips to LaPlace, 45 minutes away, are getting expensive with the price of gas.  By Sat., we'll have made 4 trips in two weeks.  That's a lot of driving compared to what George and I usually do.  My round trip is about 15 miles, and George's is only 6 miles unless he doesn't take the ferry across the river and does the drive around, then his trip is more like 20 miles. Better get some of this mess cleared off my desk!  Patient slides are piling up. Have a great day! Debbie

Good Morning Lora and everyone.... Good to see you this morning Lora. Glad you are doing well. I have also been MIA for about a week. My laptop computer had a glinch and I couldn't get to the boards. My  'N" key wouldn't work and there is an "N" in my password so I couldn't log on.  My trip to Iowa went well.  Nic is so tired from this chemo. He just isn't bouncing back like he usually does. It was hard to see him that way. He rested alot and has had major bathroom issues. I felt so bad for him. Everything just goes right through him. I sure didn't want to leave. I have a feeling I will be going back again real soon. I got back in town last night. I unpacked my luggage, took a shower and was in bed by 8:30 PM...exhausted!! Hope all is well with everyone here. I kept you all in my prayers and will continue to do so. I hope to get back on the board later today and check out all the past posts.  I feel like I have missed so much. Love and Hugs....connie d

Hi Connie, Good to see you posting again.  I'm so sorry to hear Nick is having a bad time of it.  I guess that's to be expected but it's still tough to hear.  Please know I'm thinking about him every day. I'll keep saying my prayers and hope they might just do some good!  Take care of yourself, too, as it's extra important because he needs you to stay strong. Hugs, Kathi