I Made A Mistake!!

Hey Ya'll,

I was just reading some of the other blogs that have filled out the quiz that I did earlier this evening, when I realized that I made a mistake!! 

My first concert wasn't Cheap Trick (it was the second, but first real Rock concert), IT WAS ELVIS!!  Yes, I AM old enough to have seen him before he died!  I was 17 and went to The Concert with my Mom, Aunt, one of my Uncle's and his Wife, one of my Cousin's and her Husband, and another Cousin (male).  This was just before Elvis gained all the weight and got sickly.  He still looked fantastic!  Of course, we were up in the nosebleed section, but you could still see the sparkle off his Diamond Rings! 

I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but I gotta say that the women in my family all Loved Elvis, so I grew up watching all his movies and listening to his music.  In fact, when Walt, my Daughter Christa and I flew back to Memphis to visit with our Cousins, we just had to go tour Elvis's home, Graceland!  If you haven't been through it, it is a must see.  It is an eye opener to see how horrible his taste in furnishings were!  But a lot to see, none the less.  We enjoyed it and would go see it again!

Anyway, not much else to say tonight, I have to get back to work.  Till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :)

ANOTHER QUESTIONAIRE!!

I Got this off of Maria's blog (The Unknown Bander)

1.  Last beverage →  Diet Coke (I know, I know!!)

2.  Last phone call →  My Dad

3.  Last text message →  My DH

4.  Last song you listened to →  Something from the 70s on the radio in the car

5.  Last time you cried →  Last Night watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition

SIX HAVE YOU EVERs:

1.  Dated someone twice? →  Huh? Is this for high schoolers? LOL (ditto)

2.  Been cheated on? →  Not to my knowledge

3.  Kissed someone? →  Yes (duh)

4.  Lost someone special? →  Yes

5.  Been depressed? →  Yes

6.  Been drunk and threw up? →  Drunk...yep, Threw Up...never


LIST FOUR FAVORITE COLORS:

1.  Pinks

2.  Blues

3.  Yellows

4.  Reds


HAVE YOU:
 
1.  Made new friends →  Yes

2.  Fallen out of love →  Yes

3.   Laughed until you cried →  Yes!

4.  Met someone who changed you →  Yes

5.  Found out who your true friends were →  Yes.

6.  Found out someone was talking about you →  Oh yeah

7.  Kissed anyone on your Facebook friend's list →  No, can you do this?

8.  How many people on your Facebook friends list do you know in real life →  55%

9.  How many kids do you want to have →  I have 3, that's plenty!

10.  Do you have any pets →  Not any more

11.  Do you want to change your name →  No

13.  What time did you wake up today → 10:45 am, don't forget that I didn't go to bed until 3 am!

14.  What were you doing at midnight last night →  Crocheting and watching TV

15.  Name something you CANNOT wait for →  To LOSE this weight!

16.  Last time you saw your father →  Today

17.  What is one thing you wish you could change about your life →  Finances

18.  What are you listening to right now →  Kirstie Alley's Big Life on TV

19.  Have you ever talked to a person named Tom →  Who hasn't?

23.  What's getting on your nerves right now? →  Everything!!  Can you spell STRESS?

24.  Most visited webpage →  I can't say, now that I blog, I read blogs more than visit web pages!

1.  What's your name? →  Debi

3.  Relationship Status →  Married

4.  Zodiac sign →  Leo

5.  Male or female or transgendered →  Female

6.  Primary School →  How am I supposed to remember.  Do you know how old I am??

7.  Middle School →  In my day (wink, wink), it was called Jr High School.  I attended Highland Jr High, then Serrano Jr High

8.  High school →  San Gorgonio

10.  Hair color →  Blond, or gray, depends on how you look at it!

11.  Long or short →  Short

16.  Height →  5'3"

17.  Do you have a crush on someone? →  Only my DH

18:  What do you like about yourself? →   I'd do anything for my family and friends

19.  Piercings →  My ears

20.  Tattoos →  Two, a Celtic Tattoo on my Lower Back and a Tropical theme on my Left Calf for photos, check my Sept 20th, 09 post titled, What's Next.  If you want to see my Lower Back Tattoo, let me know & I will post a photo of it too.

21.  Righty or lefty →  Righty


FIRSTS :

22.  First surgery →  Tonsils at age 17

23.  First piercing →  Ears, age 21

24.  First Best Friend →  Debbie, Kindergarten

26.  First sport you joined →  Drill Team/Cheer Leading, in HS

27.  First pet →  Probably a dog, but my Dad bought a Palomino Horse when I was 5 & told me it was mine (yea right) I could only ride it with him, it was so big!

28.  First vacation →  Wow...many, many camping trips, etc with the family, in adulthood it would be Hawaii baby!!

29.  First concert →  Cheap Trick (my best friend had free tickets), loved it!!

30.  First crush →  Who can remember back that far?  Do you remember my age?

RIGHT NOW:

49.  Eating →  Chili with a small Hot Dog cut up in it with a slice of Cheese

50.  Drinking →  Sugar Free Cherry Kool Aid

52.  I'm about to →  Get a headache

53.  Listening to →  Kirstie Alley's Big Life on TV...Didn't I just answer this one?

55.  Waiting for →  Dancing with the Stars!  I can't help it, I'm hooked!


YOUR FUTURE :

58.  Want kids?   Got 'em

59.  Want to get married?  Again?  Isn't 4 x's enough?

60.  Careers in mind?  Hmmm....I'm retired, but Walt keeps me busy anyway!

WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX?

68.  Lips or eyes →  Both.

69.  Hugs or kisses →  Hugs

70.  Shorter or taller →  Taller.

71.   Older or Younger →  We're the same age, more or less

72.  Romantic or spontaneous →  Romantically spontaneous (ditto)

73.  Nice stomach or nice arms →  Arms

74.  Sensitive or loud →  Sensitive, I got loudly sensitive!

75.  Hook-up or relationship →  Relationship, duh, married remember?

77.  Trouble maker or hesitant →  Hesitant - I'm done with trouble makers!


HAVE YOU EVER :

78.  Kissed a stranger →  LOL...yes

79.  Drank hard liquor →  Yep

80.  Lost glasses/contacts →  yes

81.  Sex on first date →  yep, my ex-husband

82.  Broken someone's heart →  Yes

83.  Had your own heart broken →  Yes

85.  Been arrested →  Nope

86.  Turned someone down →  Yes

87.  Cried when someone died →  Yes

88.  Liked a friend that is a girl? →  I'm not sure I understand this question or what it imply s

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

89.  Yourself →  Yes

90.  Miracles →  Definitely

91.  Love at first sight →  How about second sight?

92.  Heaven →  Yes

93.  Santa Clause →  Who doesn't?

95.  Kiss on the first date? →  Yes!

96.  Angels → …Most Definitely!

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:

97.  Is there one person you want to be with right now? →  My BFF, who is going through a hard time right now!

98.  Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time? →  No

99.  Posting this as 100 Truths? →  Of course!

100.  There wasn't one

So guys, this is it!  Hope this didn't bore you too much!  Have a great day tomorrow!  Till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :) 

Follow-Up On Grace's Blog !!

Hey Ya'll,

I just realized that I DO have Grace's blog information!!  It is, Grace's Fat Chance.  And she was Banded this morning!!!  So please check out her blog and give her the support we all know she needs right now!!

Grace, I am sorry that I didn't acknowledge your blog in my original welcome!  Hope your Surgery went well today.  Let us know when you can how you are doing!!

Aloha My Friends  :)

A Big Shout Out To Another New Follower!!! :)

Hey Ya'll,

I am doubly blessed tonight, with two new Follower's!!  My second new Follower this evening is Butterfly, and her blog address is, Adventures In Lap Banding.  She was recently banded on 02/15/10, so please check out her blog and give her the support we all need.  So Butterfly...."welcome to my nightmare".

Aloha My New Friend :)

A Big Shout Out To A New Follower, Grace!!

Hey Ya'll,

I was just checking in on my way to bed, and found that I had a new Follower!  Her name is Grace.  However, I do not know her blog, as it doesn't come up when I click on her photo!  So Grace, if you would like to provide your blog information, I would love to Follow you too.  However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, I understand this too!!  So..."welcome to my nightmare"!!



Aloha My New Friend  :)

Hey Ya'll,

Just a quick post to say thanks for all your support lately!!  Drazil gave me, as well as many others a new award, and I would like to say Thanks Drazil!!  I would also like to thank all of you for supporting me, but I would especially like to thank......

Cara - The Dash

Tina - Losing It

Sandy Lee - The Weight Loss Rollercoaster

Vanessa - Dinnerland

Bonnie - Wishing & Hoping & Praying For A Band

Band Groupie - The Sweet Spot

Gen - I Heart The Band

Nikki - To Be Or Not To Be...Fat Is The Question

Amy W - Once Upon A Time...In The Land Of Cheese And Sunkist

Roo - A Brand New Roo

Dawn B - What I Weighed In High School

Dee - Nawlinz Lady (Kajun Gumbo)

Alexis - The Swenson Family

Tracy - Metamorphic Journey

Tessie Rose - Band Me Baby

Jennifer - Southern Belle

Band Babe

Jenny - Embracing A New Path

LDSwims - A Journey To Embrace

Jen - What You Looking At Skinny

Joey - Volume Control

Heidi S - Shrinking Mommy

Jen - Jen's Lap Band Journey

Stephanie - Dreams Of Skinny High Heels

RC - The Cozy Coconut

Caroline - Lonicera's Lab Band

Girl Bandit

Liz - Mine And Betty Lou's Lap Band Journey

And last but certainly not least!
Athena  - Athena's Melting

Of course, there are just too many of you out there that give us all, great support.  But alas, my post would go on forever if I tried to list everyone!!  So if your name is not here, just know that in spirit, it is there!

Hope everyone is having a great Spring weekend!!  Till next time.....

Aloha My Friends  :)

PHOTOS OF RED SQUIRRELS FOR LONICERA !! :)

Hey Ya'll,

After reading Caroline's (Lonicera) comment on my last post about the squirrel in my friends backyard, she mentioned how beautiful the Red Squirrel was compared to the standard gray squirrel, so I decided to Google them, as I had never seen one.  She is right, they are absolutely gorgeous!  So I thought I would put in some photos of them too!  Of course, these photos were NOT taken by me!!

Aren't they just tooooo cute???????

Well, I better go for now, I am planning on painting today!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!!! So...till next time.

Aloha My Friends :)

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  

An Ode To Mister Squirrel

Hey Ya'll,

Just a quick post to show off some photos that I took in our friends backyard, in September 2008.  We were there to help celebrate their Daughter's Bat Mitzvah (not too sure if I spelled it correctly).  They live in the Portland, OR area and have a beautiful home and landscaping.

While we were there, it quickly became apparent, that they had a resident squirrel.  This squirrel was always trying to get at the bird feed they had out.  Luckily, even if the squirrel actually did make it up where the feed was accessible, it would close up, making it impossible for him to get any feed!  But I found it fascinating that he continued to try, day after day!!  So here are a few photos of him and the bird feeder.  By the way, all of these photos were taken from inside the house.

  The prize.....

He's planning his strategy, for this days attempt!

He's pretending to not have any interest in it.  See how he has his back to it?

And circling around, and around, trying to confuse it.

Even more recognizance from the plant.

Getting there!......

Almost there...Trying to not be too obvious.....

And he is up!  Unfortunately for him, the openings closed, and this new attempt, was alas...in vain, again!!!











Sorry to have posted nothing but a fluff post, but I just wanted to post something and I remember thinking how cute this squirrel was.  We will be going up to visit again this September, for their Son's Bar Mitzvah.  We are excited about going back to visit.  So...till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :)

Mama Pimp (Drazil) This One Is For You!!

Mama Pimp - This is for you....

Drazil - Here we go......!!

1.  If you could change your first name - what would it be?

Christa, which is why I named my Daughter Christa!!  But I think she wishes she was named something else!!  Isn't this just normal though?

2.  Why are man hole covers round?   
Not too sure, but my guess it would be because, since they are so heavy, once they were carefully lifted, they could be rolled over out of the way easier?

3.  What's one of your biggest pet peeves?  
I've got to agree with Dawn B here, Rudeness....how difficult is it for someone to say Please & Thank You or, Oh I'm Sorry I Bumped Into You.


4.  If you could be a car - what would it be?  Post a pic if you can.
A Flying Car or Motorcycle!!!  One that you could fly anywhere you want, land and fold up the wings after landing and drive off!!  The White one is the Car, the Red one is the 2 seater Motorcycle.
 

5.  What's the biggest thing you learned from a blog this week or which blog spoke to you the most this week off the top of your head? 

I think I really got a lot out of Gen's blog, "I Heart The Band".  She wrote about Fills, etc and how Doctor's judge whether or not we need a Fill, or are misusing the Band, etc.  Anyway, very informative.  Here is the link to her post if you are interested and hadn't read it yet...I Heart The Band.

A Shout Out To A New Follower!!

Hey Ya'll,

I just checked in this morning and found that I have a new Follower!!  Her name is Heather, and her blog is, Beautiful Inside And Out.  She is losing weight the old fashioned way, without WLS!!  So please check out her blog and give her the support we all need!  So...."welcome to my nightmare Heather"!

Aloha My New Friend  :)

A Big Shout Out To Laura Lynn !! :)

Hey Ya'll,

I just checked in and saw that I had a new Follower!!  Her name is Laura Lynn and her blog is, Taking The Scale By Storm.  She is fairly new to blogging, but has been on her Journey since November 2001 when she had RNY Surgery.  Like I said, she is new and could use all our support, so please check out her blog and let her know you are there for her!!

Laura Lynn, just a quick funny note.  I am your 15th Follower and you are my 115th Follower!!  LOL

So...."welcome to my nightmare".

Aloha My New Friend  :)

Boy Do I Feel My Age Today!!

This is how I feel today, but WHY???

Hey Ya'll,

Well, for some reason today, I have been kind of down in the dumps and feeling like I just want to go to bed and sleep.  I have no real energy or stamina today.  I feel depressed.  How depressing is that?  

I didn't get much accomplished today either.  Today, I mainly just, oh hell, I can't even remember exactly what I did today!!  That's how unfocused I am today.

But tonight, Walt and I went for a walk (this I DO remember).  We hadn't went on a walk for a couple of weeks, except for the walking we did in Reno.  But based on how I was feeling today and tonight, we should have only went on a one mile walk.  Instead, we went on a one and a half mile walk.  One of the problems was that I haven't taken my water pill in almost a week and my Legs and Feet are swollen again.  I had to stop twice to rest, as my Feet and Calves kept cramping up on me.  But at least we did it.

This next paragraph is where you can slap me around a bit if you feel I deserve it!

I need to confess something.  I have not been eating well lately.  I am eating more than I should and more than I need to.  But it is so frustrating to not feel restriction.  I know that this is no excuse.  I knew that it would take time to get to restriction, I also knew that I needed to relearn how to eat and to cut my eating amount down.  I have definitely cut the amount of food I ate down, but I am concerned that I can still eat as much as I can, considering that I do have the Band!!  So.....I need to stop this crap, and buckle down and start doing what I know needs to be done, in order to become a model, successful Bandster.

Ok, I am tired, I am going to end this.  I am tired of being Debbie Downer tonight.  Till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :) 

A Beautiful Day Today!!

What a beautiful day in the neighborhood!!

Hey Ya'll,

I don't know how it was in your neck of the woods today, but here, it was a perfect day!!  Not to cool or too warm.  

We were invited to our friends home for their daughter Teagan's, 5th Birthday party.  They had a really nice gathering of mostly family, with a couple of friends.  They will have another party a bit later for Teagan's friends.  Food wise, I did fairly well there today.  I only had a spoon of Chili, a spoon of Macaroni & Cheese and a spoon of fresh Strawberry's.  I know, I know, I shouldn't have had the Macaroni & Cheese, but it looked so good!  Then, to make matters worse, I also allowed myself one Cupcake.  And it was really good too!!

Oh well.  I did not have this Lap Band Surgery for a fast weight loss.  I am planning on eating normally, but trying to eat less, giving me a slower weight loss.  If I can get up to about a pound a week, I would be at goal in about a year.  Maybe some weeks I can lose two pounds, who knows?  But I am not going to push for a fast weight loss.  I don't intend to deprive myself of foods I love.  Doing that has always got me into trouble, causing me to go on a feed binge.

Not much else happening right now.  So, till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :)

It's The First Day Of Spring!!!

My Sentiments Exactly!!  LOL

Hey Ya'll,

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!!  It is really nice here right now.  About 77 degrees outside.  Warm enough to enjoy wearing my now, too big capris before the temperatures turn cooler again!!

We had a nice trip up to Reno.  The weather was nice, but we forgot to take our jackets and it was a bit cooler there than here at home, and since they still have snow in the hills/mountains around them, it was cooler than we expected.  But I expect it to get warmer and warmer with each trip we make.

Not much else to say right now.  Except that I had a close call this afternoon when we had a late breakfast, early lunch on our way out of Reno.  I ordered some scrambled eggs and a bowl of oatmeal.  Before I ate half of my eggs, I realized that I was stuck!!  I made my way to the closest bathroom and spent the next half hour in there trying to PB so I would feel better!  But nothing would come up and suddenly, the eggs went down.  I then went back and ate most of my oatmeal with no problems!!  I think that I will try to stay with oatmeal and cottage cheese after a Fill!!!

Oh yea, Walt's Mom was feeling better, but still not 100%.  She is now on her 4th round of Antibiotics.  But what scares us is, she is constantly grazing.  And because of this, her stomach is looking like she is pregnant now.  Only her belly is big.  This scares us, as you know, a big belly can cause major medical problems, like Heart Disease, etc.  Walt feels that his Mom is giving up, now that his Dad has passed away.

I better go for now, till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :)

This One's For You Drazil !!!

Here you go Drazil...My Answers:


1. If you could be a weather forecast, what would you be and why?

 I agree with Dawn B, I would be the weather just AFTER a thunderstorm.  I love the smell & feel - -Like the Earth's been cleansed.

2. If you could be a crayon, what color would you be and why?

I would be Wild Strawberry for the color, and Caribbean Current for what it implies.

3. What is/was your biggest physical goal you want to do when you hit your goal weight?

To be in less pain and to be able to enjoy my life again.

4. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

I'm not a huge animal person, but I do love Teddy Bears, so I guess I would like to be a Baby Bear.

What was your highest weight?  228.6, just before Surgery
What is your weight now?  191.2
What is your goal weight if you have one?  130-150
What is your goal size if you have one?  8
What diet/program/tool do you follow/have if any?  I try to follow the LapBand rules!
How did you lose the weight current to today?  Had Lap Band Surgery on Nov 19, 2009

6. What’s your best advice for people in this weight loss journey?

Amen to what Dawn B said, journal everything you eat, don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake, the scale is not always your friend - but hang in there & keep doing what you're doing, start a blog & connect with others!

7. Have you ever shaved your whootananny? 

No, but the Nurse did at the Hospital when I delivered my daughter Christa (back then it was customary to do this).  It itched so much, that I swore I would NEVER do it again!!!

Hope this gives some perspective on me!!!

Happy Saint Patricks Day! Fill #4

Hey Ya'll,

Well we made it up to Reno easily.  It was a perfect day, sunny and about 70 degrees outside.  However, through our own stupidity, we almost missed my Appointment!  Walt thought it was scheduled for 3:30, when it was actually scheduled for 2:15!!  And I don't know where me head was!  We didn't even leave the Sacramento area until 1 pm!!  Even driving like a maniac (which Walt would have loved the excuse to be able to do), we couldn't have made it in time!! 

Luckily, we were still in an area where we had phone coverage (once we start driving through the Sierra's, we can easily lose reception).  So I immediately called the scheduler, and begged her for a later appointment!!  Luckily, she was able to work us in at 3 pm.  We actually made it there by 2:40, after driving 75-80 mph all the way (and that is with me reminding Walt to slow down)!  We were expecting to have to wait for at least an hour, but we walked in and there was no one in the waiting room, AT ALL!! 

I knew that I had gained weight, and found that I gained 1.8 lbs in the last 4 wks (I was so totally expecting to be yelled at, but she was really cool about it and said, that it appears that I need a Fill), so she gave me another .6 cc's Fill.  This brings me up to 5.6 cc's.  Here's hoping that it does me some good.  I was actually able to eat fairly normal for dinner tonight.  I know, I know, slap me on the wrist, we are NOT supposed to be eating anything at all on the day of the Fill.  But I always have, and so far, I have never had any problems.  I mostly ate soft mushy foods though.

So here we are in our Hotel in Reno, and we walked down into the Casino, Restaurant area to eat dinner.  We were surprised at how many people were really into the Saint Patrick's Day spirit!!  Most were just dressed in green or wore green beads or a green hat of some sort.  But there were a few that REALLY stood out!!  They dressed up in costumes, etc.  I just wish that I had thought to bring my camera!  While we were eating, we saw a Bagpipe Corp that the Hotel/Casino had hired, walking through playing.  Again, sorry that I didn't have my camera with me. :(

Well, I guess I should go, I am on Walt's laptop computer and HE actually expects to use it too!!!  How dare he!  Well, tomorrow we will be spending the afternoon with Walt's Mom, one of his Sister's and her Daughter.  Well, gotta go.  Till next time.

Aloha My Friends :)

Fill #4 Is Tomorrow!! :)

 My painting after the latest painting session.  Starting to shape up!

I have decided I will not try to make this painting exactly like the photograph it is based on.

Hey Ya'll,

Just a quick post to say that not much is happening here.  But I am still here and alive!!  :)  Tomorrow we drive back up to Reno for my 4th Fill.  I can't wait, but I am sure that I have not lost any weight.  I am just hoping that I have not gained weight!!

Walt's Mom has been sick for about 3-4 weeks with either a really bad cold, or something worse!  She was put on Antibiotics over a week ago, but they were not working.  So she was taken back into the Hospital in an Ambulance for a different Antibiotic treatment.  Walt thinks that she is just giving up, now that his Dad passed away.  So we will be visiting her for sure while we are up in her area.

Today I am really tired, as I did 10 loads of laundry yesterday.  Which means that I didn't get to bed until 4 am this morning.  But it was about 5 am before I could get to sleep!  Then, I was up this morning by 10:45 am!!  Without an alarm!  Usually Walt wakes me up.  It is one of his great pleasures to get to wake me up!!  But today he had to actually drive into work for some meetings.  This used to mean that I could actually get some sleep!!  But NOOO, I woke up all by myself, without an alarm!!!

Anyway, I gotta go for now.  I have to pack for our trip to Reno tomorrow.  We are staying over for 2 nights so we can visit Walt's Mom as well.  I also have to shave my legs!!  I'm really embarrassed to admit this, but I haven't shaved my legs all Winter!!  Walt could care less, and I hate shaving my legs, so I usually don't shave them during the Winter, when all I wear is long pants.  But since it is supposed to be 70 degrees tomorrow, I WANT to wear my Capri's!!  So, till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :)

More Updates :)

Hey Ya'll,

Sorry this has taken so long in coming.  Although my Mom was released from the Hospital yesterday.  She still has Blood Clots in both Legs, as well as the Clot in her Lungs.  They were giving her shots to try to dissolve them as well as thinning out her blood.  Now that she is home, my Niece who lives with my parents is in charge of giving my Mom her shots. 

Even though the results of the Ultrasound shows she still has Blood Clots.  They released her to go home yesterday.  Walt and I were hoping to speak with the Doctor, but never saw a Doctor again after Thursday night, to explain what is happening with my Mom.  So all we can do is hope and pray that they didn't release her too soon.  She said that she is not sleeping well, but is very happy to be home in her own bed at least!!

This is where I would have put the photo of my Mom at the Hospital, but she would have killed me!!  LOL

Landon Michael Scott, born 03/13/10 at 1:25 am 6 lbs 4 ozs, 19.5 inches long.  Isn't he just adorable?

My Niece Cara, had her baby boy early yesterday morning at 1:25 am (Saturday the 13th).  At first the Doctor had planned on releasing her today, but because of the Pre-Eclampsia problems and I guess her current blood work, she won't be released from the Hospital until at least tomorrow.  So now both my Niece and her Son were born on the 13th!  She really didn't want to deliver him on the 13th.  LOL

Well, I guess I need to go for now.  I haven't been feeling my best today.  Till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :)

Hospital Update

 A photo of my current painting.  I am still in the process of painting the Mountains!

I am striving for a more 3 dimensional look to the Mountains this time!!

Hey Ya'll,

Well, Walt and I was at the Hospital until about 1:45 this morning and didn't get home until about 2:15 am.  We wanted to make sure my Mom was doing ok and in a room before we left.  My daughter Christa opted to stay the night with her so she wouldn't be alone.  Walt went over at about 7:30 this morning and stayed until my Dad could get there. 

After her laying in severe pain for HOURS on a Hospital Gurney, she was finally admitted to the Hospital and taken to her room where she got to lay on a somewhat more comfortable Hospital Bed!!  She has a really bad back due to Osteoarthritis of the Spine.  She was advised to have Back Surgery many years ago and didn't.  Now she wishes she did, as now the Spine is too damaged to do Surgery, so she has to live with the constant severe pain. 

After several tests, which included X-Rays, a CT Scan and lab work last night, we were told that she did have a Blood Clot in her left Leg which traveled up and is now in her Lungs.  She also has Congestive Heart Failure.  They started giving her shots to thin out her blood, hoping to get rid of the Blood Clots.  Because of this, she has to stay in the Hospital until at least tomorrow, but she may not get out until Monday as she has to have the Blood Thinner Shots for about 4-5 days as the pill form won't take effect until then.

They keep taking Blood samples and will be doing an Ultrasound of her Leg today to try to see if she still has any more Blood Clots, etc.  But the good news is that she is now in stable condition.  The Doctor is hoping that by thinning the Blood, if she has anymore Blood Clots, they will be dissolved as other Blood Clots may not pass through as easily and could cause, many problems, including Death.  So please keep you fingers crossed that the thinning of the Blood will do the trick!

Update: Christa just called and let me know that my Mom didn't sleep last night at all, as she had to turn or change position about every 15 minutes.  So Christa had to help her and to move the pillows for her.  Which means that Christa didn't get any sleep either!  And Christa said that she will stay tonight with her as well.  Christa is like that, she stayed all night with me when I had my Spinal Surgery too!  She is an Angel here on Earth!!

My Niece Cara has Pre-Eclampsia and was admitted to the Hospital last night as well!  Her Doctor wants her to deliver within 48 hours so she is monitoring Cara closely.  She is hoping Cara will be able to deliver the baby without having to do a C-Section.  Cara's due date is only 3 weeks away, so they are not concerned about the Baby being born too early, thank goodness!

Last night, they gave her some medicine through the Vagina trying to soften the Uterine wall, to help bring on Labor naturally (or something like that)??  Unfortunately that didn't work, so this morning they started her with an IV drip of Pitocin.  If this doesn't work fast enough, then the Doctor may have to do a C-Section tomorrow.  Of course, if her Blood Pressure, etc continues to rise, then the C-Section may become the only choice.  I will keep you updated of course.

Update:  Christa went to see Cara this morning before she left the Hospital, and Cara's water had broke at 6:30 this morning.  She was beginning to Dilate, but not fast enough, so they started her on an IV with Pitocin.  She is really hoping to deliver her Baby before Midnight, as she doesn't want to have the Baby on the 13th!!  She was born on the 13th and just doesn't want that date for her Son as well.  LOL

So other than that, all is the same here!  I go back up to Reno next week on the 17th, for my 4th Fill.  I know that this time she will only give me .5 cc's at the most as they don't want to cause me to be overfilled!!  This Fill will give me 5.5 cc's in a 10 cc Band.  At this point, they want to creep up on the Sweet Spot from here on in.  Which I figure is a good thing.  So I will not be begging for a bigger Fill this time. 

It is raining like Cats and Dogs right now and snowing up in the Sierra's which is a good thing.  California needs the water, we have been in a drought for about 3 years.  So I am not one of those that is cursing the rain!

Well, I better go for now, I will keep you posted on their condition.  Till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :) 

A Warm Welcome To Jess !!!

Hey Ya'll,

I want to to give a warm welcome to my newest Follower.  Her name is Jess and she was just banded on Feb 24th!  She can use all the help and support we can give her, so please check out her blog at, Big Girl In A Big World, My Journer As A Bandster.  So Jess, "welcome to my nightmare".

Aloha My New Friend  :)

Emergency Room!! :(

Hey Ya'll,

Just a real quick post to let you know that both my Mom and my Niece are in the Hospital.  My Niece is pregnant and is not due for another 3 wks, but apparently her blood pressure has gone up and the Doctor feels it is necessary to Induce the Labor.  My Mom has a Blood Clot in the Left Leg that has traveled up about a foot already and has been rushed into the Emergency Room.  I will post more later when I know what is going on.  I am on my way to the Hospital now.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Aloha My Friends  :(

A Big Shout Out To Amy !! :)

Hey Ya'll,

I just checked in and saw that I have a new Follower!!  Her name is Amy and her blog is, The Self Examination Of A Butterfly.  She is new to blogging and she is hoping to be banded soon!!  Please check out her blog and give her some support!!!  Thanx ya'll.  So, "welcome to my nightmare".

Aloha My New Friend  :)

PS) Amy, I tried several times to leave you a comment in your blog, but for some reason, I can't.  Just thought you would want to know.  Maybe it is something you can fix?  Then you can get the support we all need!  :)

What The HAIL? !!

 

A quick look at my newest painting.

Another look, now remember this is only a few painting sessions into the painting!!

Hey Ya'll,

Just a quick post to say Hi!  I am still here even though I am not posting as much lately, nor making comments as much on others blogs.  I thought that I would post a couple of photos of my current painting.  It's a 2ft x 4ft painting, and I have to have it sitting across 2 easels!  I am used to painting on a canvas small enough, that I can hold and maneuver as necessary.  Whether it is to just turn it on a different side or to actually hold it.  So this painting is a bit tougher for me, as I can't turn it, etc as needed.  But I am hoping for the best!

Don't worry Aggie, I am still working on your painting as well!!  But I have to let it dry somewhat between sessions, which is why I usually take turns working on each painting.  

Now for the meaning behind my post Title.  We couldn't believe it.  It was about 54 degrees outside and it HAILED several times today!  We could see the sun and yet it Hailed!!  What a weird day.  Anyway, till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :)

What A Nightmare!! :)

 

What a nightmare!!!!

Hey Ya'll,

Well, once Walt and I got home from eating lunch, I proceeded to paint in the Mountains on my newest Lake Tahoe painting.  But before I had started, I decided to check into my blog, and realized that something changed my new blog layout!!  I tried to change it back, but was running into a ton of trouble!  So I decided to finish painting for the day first, so that I could devote the time needed to figure out what went wrong while I still had good daytime light!!

First off, I would like to apologize to any and all, who may have been trying to read my blog.  Or had clicked on my blog only to find it in such horrible condition!!  I kept trying to fix the problem, and after each attempt, I would save the changes only to find that I didn't change anything at all!!  Or what I changed only made it worse!

ANYWAY, maybe I should start from the beginning, and tell you what my problem actually WAS!!  As those of you who checked into my blog in the last week know, I changed my blog Layout to a Tropical theme, running along the sides of my blog with one of my photos at the top of the page.  It was nice and beautiful and serene!  

Well, I had found a cute Blinkie on the Shabby Blogs site.  It had a relaxing phrase that blinked between the two lines of it.  I had placed it on the right hand side of the page, and it fit with the relaxing, tropical theme I had going.

Well, today when I checked into my blog.  My relaxing, Tropical theme Layout was gone, and in its place, a Layout from Shabby Blogs!!  Besides the fact that I love some of their Layouts, since my blog is Tropical in nature, it just doesn't work with the Shabby Blogs Layouts that I have seen.  Not to mention the fact, that this Layout is not one that I would have picked for myself!!  So here was my problem.  Somehow I needed to cancel out the new "unrequested" Layout, and place the Layout that I wanted back in.

I worked for several hours trying to figure out how to delete the unwanted Layout!!  Nothing I did, could get rid of it!  Until I decided to delete the Shabby Blogs Blinkie from my side panel.  Then, Voila!  It was gone.  So, all I can guess, is that somehow the coding changed and Shabby Blogs took over my total Layout, not just giving me the Blinkie!!  

Anyway, it is gone and I have changed by Layout back to a Tropical theme.  However, it is changed from my original Layout.  How do you like it?  Well, I better go for now, till next time.

Aloha My Friends :)

Sunshine Award!!

First off I want to say that I copied this from Band Groupie's Blog, "The Sweet Spot".  :)

3/5/10 Sunshine Award

Good thing I'm in the market for a new wardrobe as these award ceremonies require just the right dress...and you can't wear the same one twice!

It's all sunshine and Roses Daisies here! Thank you, thank you, now on to the award!

The sunshine award "is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blogging world."

Once you receive one, then you:

1. Post the Logo on your blog.
2. Pass the award on to 12 of your fellow bloggers.
3. Link the nominees
4. Let nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person you received this award from.

First off, I would like to thank Band Groupie @ The Sweet Spot (thank you for the award GF!!).

Next I would like to say that it was really hard to just choose 12!!  There are so many who are such great supporters of others and are truly inspiring in their journeys!

1. Gen @ I Heart The Band
2. Amy @ Once Upon A Time...In The Land Of Cheese And Sunkist
3. Roo @ A Brand New Roo
4. Vanessa @ Dinnerland
5. Nikki @ To Be Or Not To Be...Fat Is The Question
6. Dee (Nawlinz Lady) @ Kajun Gumbo
7. Jennifer @ A Southern Girls Journey
8. Dawn B @ What I Weighted In High School
9. Alexis @ The Swenson Family
10. Heidi @ Shrinking Mommy
11. Tina @ Losing It
And Last But Certainly NOT Least....
12. Liz @ Mine & Betty's LapBaNd JoUrNey!

Well, that's it for now!!  This only took me about 2 hours to do!!!  Till Next Time, I hope that you have a great weekend!!

Aloha My Friends  :)

Help A New, Pre-Op Bandster!! AND Day 2 Of My New Hairdo!!

Hey Ya'll,

Well, I just read a fellow Bandster's post and she could really use some good ole Bandster/Sisterhood support!  She has almost completed her Pre-Op Nutritional requirement, so she is almost at the point where they can get her Surgery approved and a date set!  The name she is using in her blog is, Aunt Janet.  And the link to her blog is, That's How I Roll....  Please check out her blog and give her the support she is asking for!!  Thanx everyone!!

Now, I took some photos of myself today showing my new hairdo.  This is more like what my hair will look like on a daily basis!  As I can't work my hair with the blow dryer, curling iron like Roxanne did!!  Anyhoo, here are the photos that I took this am.

 

This was taken in my office.  Sorry about the jackets in the background!

  

  

  

Now if only I could lose the double, or is it triple chins!!

Well, I gotta go, got lots of work to do, and so little time to do it in!!  Till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :)

 

I Feel Free!!!! :) :)

 

Roxanne and I.  Isn't she beautiful?  She's the greatest.  She cuts practically our whole family.

Hey Ya'll,

Well, Walt and I went in for our haircuts today, and surprisingly he didn't fight me getting my hair cut short, too much at all!!  I was shocked....but pleased.  Thank you sweetheart for not fighting me on this, I really appreciate it!! <3

So I have my shorter hair, it already feels much better!  I hate my hair long, it just gets in the way!  I know that my DH hates it short, and much prefers it long.  I believe that most men, if polled would say the same, as I hear from many men as well as from my female friends that they agree.  The cut turned out really cute, and our hairdresser, who is also our friend, finished it out by blow drying and styling it for me.  It will never look this good when I do it by myself!!  LOL  But at least it is shorter and much easier to deal with!

So, without further ado, I will post some photos.  All photos of me that you can't see my camera in my hand (meaning I took it), was taken by Walt with his Camera Phone.   Otherwise, I took them with my Camera.

This is at the beginning of the cut, she had already taken a few inches off!  We ended up taking somewhere between 6-8 inches off.  :)

Almost there!!  Can you see all of the gray hair in my temple area?  Since I am losing my hair like crazy right now, I am not going to do any further damage, by perming it or coloring it, so I am going Au Natural for now!!

I was busy taking pictures of myself, while Walt was getting his hair washed!!

Some of my hair still on the floor!!

Walt loves to get his hair cut by Roxanne.  They almost always have a lot to talk about!

Doesn't he just look so sweet and innocent?  Well....As they say, looks CAN be deceiving!!  LOL

Well, it's over.  I finally got my hair cut, and I am very happy with it!  I have to get back to work.  So much to do, so little time to do it in!!  Till next time.

Aloha My Friends  :)