The Secret Drawer

My Dad works for the local Sherriff's Department where we live. He used to be the Chief of Investigations. While he was over there he was known for keeping his detectives happy with his "secret drawer." Now he is a Captain and he is over the Fleet Division. His "drawer" has followed him out to his new office. Tuesday night I was calling my Dad on my way home. He said just come on by here and we will go to Sams. I love that store, so I did. Little did I know the reason for the Sams visit was to buy stuff for "the drawer." It was a carb frenzy you hear me... I took a picture just to share our buggy with you. The only thing of mine was the bottle water on the bottom.

It felt so good to be able to get anything I wanted, but I didn't pick out anything. I am constantly overcoming the carb addiction.

After we left he said he wanted to go by his office to put all the stuff away, so we did. I took a picture of what that looks like to. Crazy!!! All that and then in the refrig all they have are Diet Mt & Dew and Diet Dr Pepper. Too funny.

I MET JACQUIE!!

Yesterday I met Jacquie for lunch. She is an amazing woman. So sweet and just great really. We had very good conversation, and I learned a lot. She is so strong. My heart just went out to her as she shared with me. I long to be as strong as her one day. We both had our camera's but forgot to take pictures for the blog before we left. That just gives us an excuse to meet again. We live not to far away, so I am sure we will be meeting again soon. If you dont follow her go check her blog out. She just started with a trainer, so I am sure it will be fun reading all about that. :)

Father's Day

I am blessed to have the best Daddy in the world. I love him with all my heart, and thank God for him everyday. I am so lucky to have the parents that I do. I hope everyone has had a wonderful day with their families.

Check me out!

Something soooo huge happened last night I just have to share.... I was at my friends house getting ready to go out and meet up with some others friends. I kept playing with my jeans pulling on them at my butt. They are too big back there, so I look on the bed while the girls are getting ready and see this jean skirt. I looked at the size and said well it's a 18 these jeans are 20 hmm I wonder. So I asked my friend If she mind if I try it on. I did and... IT FIT!!!! I have no idea when I fit in a 18 not in middle or high school for number 1, number 2 I have never been able to share my friends clothes. Super excited you hear me!!! I am so happy. I will never forget this day. It's almost better than my 100 pound lost day. I have always been the biggest girl with my friends, but now I'm coming down people watch out!! Haha!!

Whew! What a Week!

I have been so busy this week. Finally got a sec to sit down and catch up on reading everyones blogs. I call that my therapy.

I’ll start with last Saturday. I worked then as soon as I got off went shopping for a new outfit. I went out with some good friends that I met through my lapband doctors office. Valerie is the closest friend in that group. I just love her to death. She has welcomed me in with open arms to her and her family. I stayed the night with her then on Sunday we spent the day at the pool. She has a five year old that is precious.
I am off work on Sunday- Tuesday, so usually I make all my appointments on Monday as my busy day. I had my lovely gyno appointment then I work out with Deb my trainer, then I had my last small group counseling. I have been having a hard week dealing with Kristie the counselor at my doc’s office leaving the practice for a personal reason. Which I am so happy for her, but also I am being so selfish cause I don’t want her to go. I have been involved in small group counseling with her on Mondays since Oct. We had people come and go out of our group until it finally just ended up being me, Val, and Angie. I have grown to love these women. Kristie was the first person in my life to ever challenge me. Over the past 7-8 months. I have opened up to them ladies like I never have before. I have changed the way I view life, and react to it. I was often this week saying what am I gonna do with out her, but then I sit back and thank, Gail you did this.. not any of them. I did it. I am becoming a person I knew I always was, just scared to open up.
I ended Monday night with Zumba. I am officially addicted to it!

On Tuesday I went with some friends of mine to Summer Waves water park in Bruinswick, Ga about an hour north of me. I took Joey my nephew. He’s my heart!
When I got home I got ready, and went to the hospital to visit my good friends Jeremy and Sarina to welcome their precious beautiful baby girl into the world.

Wednesday came along it was the start to my work week. Always a pleasure :)

After work, I work out with Deb then straight to Zumba.

Thursday its work then support group with my dr’s office. Kristie was there, so we got to say goodbye. It was a very sad and emotional time for me. I am very, very happy for her, and I know she will come back, and I have access to her via email, but its just the thought that I spend two- three days a week at that office, and she wont be there.

Friday its work then I went out to dinner and a movie with Josh one of my closest friends.

Now its Saturday, and here I sit at work, and its finally my Friday. After work I am headed to my friend Stephanie’s we are gonna start the couch to 5K program. I wanna learn how to run a whole 5k. I have walked at a fast pace two of them. I have another one coming up next Saturday, but in November I am doing one and would love to run the whole thing.

What a week. I am trying to keep myself busy, and I think this week is proof that I'm doing that.
I’ll close with Happy Father’s Day tomorrow to my wonderful Daddy. I am so blessed to have a Father like I do. He is amazing. I love him so much!!!!

My 2nd 5K

Last Saturday my sister in law Kathy and I did our 2nd 5k. It was the Never Quit Beach Fest at Jax Beach. Such an awesome story about a family who lost their Dad to a brain bleed and stroke complications after he fought to stay alive. When he couldn't talk his son asked him Dad, if you can write anything down what would it be. He wrote Never Quit. It was such a teary moment hearing his son tell that story. We should never quit!!!

It was my first time walking on the beach. That was a lot different than walking on the pavement. Our time was 51 min that was 17 min miles making it longer than my first time of 48 min 16 min miles. I was sad that my time was off, but it is a lot harder walking on the beach. I was looking at the few pictures we took, and thought to myself man Gail look at you. For one of the first times I could really tell how much weight I have actually lost. Ever had those moments???

We made it!!!!

Memorial Weekend

I know its been days since the weekend, but I have been so busy no time to sit and type away. I finally made time. I am just getting settled into work. 6am is still waaaay to early.

My weekend was great. Started out Friday night. I went to Moonlight Movies at Jax with my friend Kathy. Top Gun was showing. I love that movie. I met up with http://kris10-mylapbandjourney.blogspot.com/y.blogspot.com/ I can't make the link thing work for some odd reason. Oh well, Kristen was great. We realized that we got banded three days apart. She is awesome. She looks great. Too sweet to. It was a fast visit, but well worth it.

I was at work on Saturday when I heard the news that one of my favorite cousins, Tabitha, had given birth. I was super excited, and thought it would be great to head up to Charlotte to visit with the family. I talked to my Dad about it, and talked it over with my Aunt Jean up there. Later that morning my Dad called me back, and said if you wanna go your Mom and I will go to. I asked to leave work early about 1pm went home threw stuff in a bag, and we was on our way. We arrived Saturday, but didn't tell anyone we was in town. Sunday morning we walked into the hospital room totally surprising my family. It was GREAT.






Justus is his name. He is sooo precious.

We came home Monday. Didn't do anything Monday. I was tired from the ride home. Tuesday I had Dr. appointments and then Lunch with Kathy. Its always good to catch up with my sister. After lunch I was off to the beach and the pool with a friend.



All in All a WONDERFUL weekend.



Hope you guys are having a great week!!!

I Got Pinned

I just left the Dr. Office for my monthly regular appointment. I made it to 100 down according to their office. I got a pin!!! Yay... This months challenge from doc is to find different ways to keep active find things to do to replace food or just the urge or bordem eating. Let's see what I can come up with. Total loss is 105!!!
Super proud today.

Rewards

I used to stress about the scale... Now I don't weigh unless I go to the Dr. I was thinking today about rewards. It is nice to have mini goals and a plan. So far I have done a few things...
I lost 40lbs I started getting my nails done.
I lost 50lbs by Christmas... It made Christmas amazing. & an awesome reward trip to New Orleans for New Years!!
End of January I went to Kansas City, Mo to visit family. I no longer need a seat belt extender!! YAY.
I lost 80lbs I bought myself a birthday outfit to wear out.
I lost 100lbs I THREW MYSELF OUT OF A PERFECTLY GOOD AIRPLANE!!

The future is near...
As I am approaching my one year I have about 11 more weeks until I reach my year mark. I am thinking of ways I want to reward myself.
umm.... I am shooting for 125 down in a year. Not really sure what that reward is going to be just yet.
In Sept the Chicago trip to meet all of you is a big reward that in its self.
Another big milestone will be when I step on the scale to find onederland. Something I have not seen since I can remember. 199...
I have a cruise planned in November, so getting on that boat being in onederland will be none short of AMAZING!
Of course little things along the way of new clothes always makes feel great.
I am just curious how you all reward yourself????

Popcorn Day & About Gail

Today is Popcorn Day here at work. The airport has started doing snacks in the break rooms on most Friday's. The bags they gave us were individual white cheddar popcorn. yummy; however, it was my first time having popcorn since being banded. It felt kind of weird. Anyone else think it feels weird?? I was surprised that I could have it. My Dr.'s office we do low carb. Only 30 carbs a day. All the meat and veggies we want just gotta count the carbs in all the other stuff. I usually don't count strictly because I usually just eat meat and veggies. I use carbs as dip for my meat and just other random things. I always check the nutritional guide though when it is something that's not a meat or veggie. So I immediately turned the popcorn bag over, and it said 8 carbs I was like what!!! yay!

Last night I had a support group. Jody our group leader put me on the spot a little. I find it hard to praise myself. I know that I have done well, but I still have a hard time talking about how well I have done, and what I do to get there. She tends to push me with questions, and that helps. Truth is I do what to help others and inspire them we say it often, but if I can do it anyone can. I made this process my life. The past nine months has been all about Gail. My doctor is Dr. Cywes. He did not actually do my surgery it was done by another doc that was in his practice at the time. From the beginning of my process I have been real involved with the resources that the office has to offer: I workout with Deb she is my rock she has been with me since day one of this whole process. I see her on Mon and Wed for 30 min sessions. I attend small group counseling sessions on mon nights after I workout with Kristie. Man have those sessions changed me. I can see myself opening up more. I was always good to sit there and listen to everyone else, but rarely would discuss me until lately. I have always been a good ear, but not a good venter. Kristie challenges me every time I see her. Also, have Sunny the nutritionist. She is always a ray of sunshine. She always encourages me. When I reached out to her in email she has been very helpful. We also have big support groups the first and third Thursday of the month. They are lead by the four ladies taking turns. When it came to the day I was told a few months ago that my doc would be leaving the practice that I would have to either go with him, or start seeing Dr. Cywes. I sat down with the people that are most important in my life and decided since I invest so much of my time into Dr. Cywes team that I needed to stay with him. I am successful because I knew for me to make this work I needed to have things and people that keep me accountable. That is what my practice does for me. Every time I have an appointment with Dr C. I am so pleased with my decision. He is a great Doctor. He pushes and gives guidance. He genuinely cares for his patients. He might of not placed my band inside me, but to me that is not the part that matters. The person he is helping me become is the way bigger picture. So many times I have dieted in the past looking for a quick fix. This time for the first time. I am looking for a my whole lifestyle change. I am not going back only forward. It is not a quick fix. If It was I probably would have already quit. I love the person I am becoming. People often write on here they don't want to change. Change is good. Loving myself is a change I am talking about, having more confidence, going after what I want in life, not living to please those around me. I will always be the Gail everyone has loved you will just love me more haha!!
I notice myself trying new things. Opening up being more communicative, wanting more for myself. Being more confident. My friends tell me they see these things to.

After the support group last night I went with 4 other friends from the group to check out this place that does dance lessons. Well I don't dance, but they talked me into signing up. This should be interesting. I called Kathy my sister in law at 9 last night making her sign up with me. Maybe we will show you guys our new moves when we get together in Chicago. haha..It will be great exercise. Dr. C told me to find somethings to do. So I am just doing what I am told. We went to dinner after that. One of the girls said Gail have you ever tried the Mahi-Mahi.. I said ummm.. I've never had fish. funny I know. I tried it though and loved it. The old Gail would of not even opened my mouth to it. I think they are making me their little project haha...
It's so fun making good friends with people that are banded cause they just get it more than our other family and friends. Don't get me wrong I have the best support from my family and friends, but its nice to make relationships with people that understand completely what I am going through. Which is also another reason why this blog is so helpful.

I know it was a long post. Just had a lot to say. Hope everyone has an Awesome Friday. Enjoy the weekend!

xoxo

Beach Days

I love living in Florida!!! Beach Days are the Best!!!!

Gail's SkyDive 18,000 Feet Titusville FL

Here are the PICS...

Overcoming Stress

Whew!!! Just typing that title was a mouthful. Yesterday was an awful day. It was like a combination of everything happening over and over. Work was.... stupid. I didn't get my way on something, and what do I do.. You got it.. I pout. Then say something smart and uncalled for to my boss. I hate stupid rules sometimes. Especially when I can see a better result doing it my way. ha.. I sent some text to my close friends telling them what I said and did then I said I am a carbon copy of my Father. I sent him a text that said you have created a monster I am becoming more and more like you everyday. The day seemed to just get worse. Everything that someone said to me I didn't know if I wanted to scream at them or cry. Every thought that came through my head same thoughts, scream or cry. I was an emotional basket case. I was never a sweet lover until lately now my craving is chocolate. How in the devil did this happen. I always want Reese's, or Snickers. What in the world. Growing up my dad has been a diabetic, so we didn't have dessert, sweets, real cokes or anything like that. Every now and then I would want a piece of cheesecake, or Cold Stone ice cream (thanks to Mrs. Bird), but really never was a sweet lover. NOW total opposite. I sat at work wanting to go to the vending machine all afternoon, but I didn't do it!!! Yay me.

I got off work and went straight to my Dr. office where I go see Deb my personal trainer on Mondays and Wednesdays. The way there the devil sitting on my left shoulder kept telling me to call her and not go, turn the car around, but I chose not to. I knew that I would feel better after I sweat a little, and sure enough I had a good workout that always seems to help on a bad day.

I had made plans to go with Kathy my sister in law to a passion party that a friend of ours was having. Didn't really want to do that either, but I went home took a shower, got ready, and went to get Kathy. Got there and opened her refrig what was there... Cheesecake, but I resisted once again.

Meanwhile before I left the house I had text a Lapland friend I have named Stacy. I would like to share our text with you....

Gail: Had a bad day at work all I want is everything I am not supposed to have a large pizza, Reese's or Snickers!!!! Grrr!!!

Stacy: 100 pounds girl... 100 pounds! You did that and one day day or whoever made you this way can not stop you from staying on track! You got this... Get you some pork skins or a slim jim. Drink a diet coke. Don't give in. We are on track and doing good. We gonna get skinny.

Gail: U R the best ever thank u so much!!! I needed that kind of response.

Stacy:There is no turning back girl only moving forward. The food isn't worth not getting to wear those clothes we want to wear so bad. It would only satisfy you for the moment those jeans will satisfy you the whole night.

Gail: Thank you

Stacy: Anytime girl... that's what we are for.

We don't really know each other that well. We met at a support group meeting. We are friends on face book and text some, but I am so happy to know that when I called on her in a moment of weakness she knew exactly what to say. I have met a few amazing friends through my Dr,'s office. Some that read my blog. Just know I am so glad that we met. There are so many people that support and help me. I am thankful for all of you on this blog, and my friends, and family. I would not be as successful that I am without each of you.

So back to my original story. We left Kathy's house headed to the party. It turned out to be a good night with lots of laughs. It was just what I needed.

I overcome a bad day, and who came out on top I did. ME! I did it.

Guess What I Did...

Two years ago at Christmas, my sister in law Kathy said at the dinner table "I want to go skydiving when I turn 40!, in two years. Gail you should come with me." Me being the nice person I am I was like sure I'll go knowing that I could not go because I knew there was a weight restriction. This Christmas comes along she says " Gail you know my birthday is in May and I'll be 40, so we have to do it, and you have already lost weight you can do it!" We started telling people, so I couldn't back out. Well like my post said on Friday I lost 100 pounds. So what did you do when you lost 100 pounds? I threw myself out of a perfectly good airplane and had the time of my life!!! It was amazing!!!! I was scared to death, but I would so do it again. I had a crazy jump master that likes to do tricks. When we left the plane I leaned out the door and we started flipping 5 times in a row.... WOW. He was crazy fun. When I upload the video I'll post the link. That was my big surprise I have been talking about. You can now refer to me as a skydiver!!!! 18,000 feet, 1 min 20 sec free fall at 120 mph then an awesome time just floating around in the sky=AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

I DID IT!!!

I hit the bulls eye!!!!

Confession to make. I promised my people at the Dr. Office that I would stop weighing at home, because last month it stressed me out. About 6:00pm today I just had to do it to see if I had lost even though I weighed last night at support group, but I was sooo close to a mega mega milestone that I could not wait till my appointment at the end of the month. So.... I stepped on the scale... It read 243 which is 100 down from my appointment in June of last year with my primary Dr. Then on my first appointment with my Lap band Dr. in July I was 338 my surgery was in August. So I think it is fair to count that weight and make today my 100 down mark! what you think? Because it just feels soooooo good. WOW... 9 months and I am down 100 pounds! Shut up, just shut up. The best part is I DID THIS, ME, GAIL... I DID IT!!!!

Ok I am done now. Hope everyone has a great weekend. I can't wait to share my surprise with you all tomorrow.

xoxo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY!

Today is my sister in law Kathy's birthday. I love her like she is my own sister. I am so thankful to have her in my life. Today I went to her work, and took her to lunch. We took pictures in dad's office. Just thought I'd share. We are doing something Saturday to celebrate. I can't wait to share with you all, but you have to wait till then..... I know, I know the suspense is gonna kill you, but its fun for me hahaha...

Have a good night you guys... xoxo

BYOC thanks Drazil

I found this quote today. It really is where I am at in my life right now. I just have to share....
"The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you what." - Ben Stein.

Here are the BYOC questions for today.

1.What’s your favorite smell?
Cologne on a man :)

2. What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
Wow its hard to pick one, but since I have to pick one. I will pick Top Gun. It is a classic. Amazing movie, plus a great soundtrack. Who don’t like to look at Tom Cruise in a towel????

3. What’s your trigger food?
Ice-cream. I have never been a sweets person, but my friend Brooke introduced me to Cold Stone Cake Batter with Reese’s cups… There are no more words for me just typing that… *sigh*

4. When someone you love is going through a difficult time – what are your go-to words to make them feel better – in just a sentence or two?
I love you, and I am here for you no matter what. What can I do to help. This to shall pass, my famous line… Keep your head up yo!

5. This one is always the same. Who is your nominee for the blog of the week for YOU? Which blog OR comment touched your heart, spoke to you, stuck with you all week?
Amy’s blog when she came back in town from the weekend with her parents. She was so honest in everything she ate and her weight gain. That is what this whole process is about. Being honest with ourselves when we screw up. We are honest to our friends here because we keep each other accountable. The comment would be everyone that comments on my blog makes me grin ear to ear and my heart happy. Thanks everyone!!

Proud Aunt

First off I would like to thank everyone for the comments yesterday. You guys are great. I have been thinking about what my present to myself will be when I get to 100 down. Any suggestions???


Last night I went to my Nephew Joey's baseball game. He absolutely loves that game. It is a rare occasion that I can make two games in a week, and this week I did. Super exciting. I love that kid more than anything. I am one proud aunt. When he was little we started saying "I love you 10,000 alligators." Still to this day he is almost 13 and he still say it. I begged and begged for Lee and Kathy to have another baby, but they just won’t do it. So Joey is a little spoiled, but hey what Hall isn’t? :) My poor parents only with one grandchild isn’t that just sad (Kathy you should feel just horrible... just kidding.)

A few pics from last night.

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday.

Catch Up from Tuesday

On Tuesday I had my appointment with Dr. C. My previous posts have been my frustration with feeling like I have not lost anything. Well when I weighed in I did lost 6 pounds for the month. That is good just not great. I thought it was gonna be a bad day at the doc's, but he was pleased. He said I am one of his star patients. I am happy with my progress thus far. He gave me a fill, so I am certain that this will get me back on the down slope again hopefully. I am 8 and a 1/2 months out of surgery and 94 pounds down. I am so close to 100 I can almost feel it. :)

I am so excited to share with ya'll that I have purchased my plane tickets for BOOBS trip to Chicago. I am bringing my sister in law Kathy with me. Love her. She has been one of my best supporters and having her on this trip with me makes it a perfect weekend. I have a goal that I would love to make it to onederland by this trip. I can do it!!!

I do have a mega achievement to tell you about. Yesterday was an awful day. I am dealing with something with a friend that is really crappy, but I was really stressed out. It involves my family as well and it just has been bad. Yesterday I reached my breaking point. I was mad, frustrated, sad, pretty much every emotion you can feel. I just wanted to come home catch up on my DVR and just be by myself. Kathy stopped by to tan. She sat down on the chair and I just went to town venting. Till she got up and said I'mmmm gonna go now.. haha.. I reached out to my other good friend Brooke. Then I had enough. The achievement is normally the old Gail would have found anything and everything to eat and I DID NOT DO IT. Not only can I not eat like I used to with the band, but I didn’t even try ice-cream, my favorite slider. I told Kathy I just wanna eat a whole pizza. The urge was there, but I didn’t act on it. This is AMAZING for me. Wow.. I can’t even believe it. I am so proud of myself. Really. This is huge. I went to bed early. Hey you gotta do what you gotta do right.

I hope everyone has a great day.

BYOC Questions

I am going to play along with Drazil and answer the BYOC (bring your own craziness) questions.
It’s Bring Your Own Craziness day where we answer 5 questions we may not normally address in our blog as a way to get to know each other a bit better. Enjoy! Happy Answering!

1. Name a career you would NOT want to do and tell why.
I would not want to be an embalmer at the funeral home. That whole process just creeps me out. When I start thinking about the process in which those people that work for the funeral home have to go through to embalm the body wow.... Not something I can do at all!! I have seen my share of dead bodies my dad is has been with the Sheriffs office my whole life and I used to ride a lot, so looking at them don’t bother me I just don’t want to deal with them. Ha-ha.

I am not a fan of funerals, heck who is. Ever since my grandmother died in 1993 I do not sit through funerals at all. I will go to the viewing and see the family of the passed love one usually the day or night before the funeral, but if I do go to the funeral I will not go in and sit through the service. I just can't.

2. What’s the best present you ever received for your birthday?
My birthdays are always great. My Dad is totally the best man ever and never ever lets me down. So every year is amazing still at 29.

3. What do you hide behind?
Drazil's answer to this question was awesome. So take time and go read it.


I think for me personally. I hide behind people. I have in the past tried so hard to make people like me. I wanted to be liked by everyone. I always put myself last and wanted to do whatever it took to make people happy and me to fit in. This journey however, is causing me to find out more and more everyday that people don’t really matter as much as I gave them power over my life. I want to be happy in my own life. That means I have to love myself, and put me first. I don’t think it means changing the person I am. I will always be that sweet caring Gail everyone that knows me already, but I am not allowing people to determine what I want anymore. I am moving forward making decisions of my own.
Hope that makes sense.

4. Where were you born?
Born in Jacksonville, Fl raised in a small town right out side of it called Callahan

5. Copied as Drazil wrote it.... A little twist on this one..usually we ask – what blog spoke to you the most, stuck with you, had the most effect on you this week? This week I’m adding to that which comment may have affected you greatly? Sometimes a blog can lead to amazing comments and they deserve their own claim to fame here in this question.
I haven’t been not really been into the blog world, but I am trying to get there. When I first started this journey I know I have wrote this before, but I will share my story on how I found this blog.... I got sick at work on May 17 of 2009. I got transported to the hospital because I could not breathe. After a bunch of tests I was sent home, and referred to my primary Dr. I seen him he had me go through a bunch more tests. My dr told me that I had to lose weight. He said I think you need to have lap band surgery and I went crazy saying I am not having surgery ever.. It was a bad day he really upset me, but today he is on the top of my list for helping me by pushing me to get where I am today. I have not seen him since. I left that office so upset. I never wanted to go back, but I have an appt set exactly to the date of one year when we had that bad day and I will be over 100 plus pounds down. I can’t wait to see him and tell him how thankful I am to him. Anyway back to my point after I left that office that day.. It took a day or so, but I started to think about what he said. I worked nights then so I had a lot of time on my hands. I began to research on my own what lap band really was. Gotta love Google. ha.. I came across blogspot the first one was Amy. I went back and started to day one of her blog and read it all in one night. She inspired me. She is amazing as you all know. We had so much in common, and I just thought right then if she can do it so can I. So I then took it to my parents and talked to them. They were very supportive. Knowing that I have dealt with my weight since I was young. I reached out to two people at my work that had the surgery, and decided to go with the place they had it done. I made an appointment for a small group seminar took my mom, and that was all she wrote. I found out that my insurance did not cover the surgery, so I had to be a self pay. It made the process much faster. On July 16th I found out my surgery date would be August 11th 2009. I realized that through blogspot there was like a community if you will of lap band patients. To encourage and help each other. I found it absolutely amazing. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but knew I needed help. I emailed Amy and asked her to help me and she has been awesome. I am trying to get more involved now. I am super excited to meet everyone in Chicago.


As for the comments part of that question. There has not been just one that stands out. I love them all and thankful to each of you that do comment. So theres a little tid bit of who I am..

So there are the answers to the questions... Happy Friday to everyone!!!!

Thanks to you all...

This past weekend/beginning of the week I went with my parents to Asheville, NC. My Uncle Jerry my dad’s brother got pretty sick, and had to be admitted to the VA hospital there. It was a good trip. When we got there we noticed that he was doing a lot better than the week before which is great news. We was able to take him out for a couple of hours so that was good. He has always been one of my favorite family members. He is blind and after this weekend spending time with him I have come to realize that maybe he can see better than me. He has been through a lot of schools, and got lots of help, but just watching him was amazing. I have never paid that much attention before, but this trip was really eye opening for me. I found myself trying to help when it wasn’t even needed. I am still just in amazement how he can use his other senses. He could go around the whole hospital leading the way giving us a tour without seeing anything. I mean up and down elevators, outside, everything. Totally amazing! I just love him so much. My Aunt Jean his wife was also there. At dinner one night with them they had me laughing so much. There connection and love for each other is absolutely amazing. My parents and I got to spend sometime together. We did a trolley tour of downtown Asheville. It was fun. I always cherish any time spent with them.


As far as I go… I go to the Dr. on Tuesday hopefully the scale has finally moved more. Ya’ll know my frustration with that lately.

Tonight is Zumba and I am super excited about that.  I’ll be sure to let everyone know how that goes. Ha.

Road Trip

I had a busy day yesterday. Started off with a 10am wedding on the beach for one of my best guyfriends, Jeremy. It was so beautiful. Sarina is now wife looked absouletly stunning. I will post a pic up it looks like I was in the wedding cause I matched without even knowing yellow was the color. Ill just say I was his best girl instead of best man!
After the wedding I met my parents we went to a surprise 50th birthday party for one of our close family friends. Then, we hit the road headed toward Ashville, Nc. My dads brother, Uncle Jerry, is not doing well. He is in the VA hospital there. So we wanted to come visit with him and my Aunt Jean. Please keep my family in your prayers.
Since we got a late start we decided to stop for the night in Columbia, Sc. Now we are on the road again. I am loving my netbook and at&t air card. Blogging on the road... AWESOME!

I am loving the new followers from BOOBS. I am trying to catch up and read everyones blogs. I can't wait to go to Chicago and meet you all.

Have an awesome Sunday!
xoxo