Rockband Barbie!

BYOC

2012-03-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Drazil its BYOC time!

1. Since I talked about psychics this week - I'm curious....if you could see one for free and you could only ask one question - what would it be?

What are the winning lottery numbers this week???

2. What's your favorite ice cream flavor and topping?

It used to be French Vanilla from B*skin R*bbins, but they no longer have that flavor :( So now it's Pink Bubblegum from the same place...no topping

3. What's your preferred method of working out? DVDs, an external gym, gym inside your home, classes?

Bedroom Olympics :) Other than that I do not work out (doctor has not released me to do anything but walk). In the summer I am in the pool every day swimming laps...I love the water.

4. If you work outside the home or if you ever did or will in the future - do you think it's better/easier to work with men or woman? Who do you work mostly with now?

I used to work with all women. Now, I am in a wing of the school with ALL men...I am the only woman. There are pros and cons to working with both. Men are more laid back than women, but they DO gossip as much...they just don't give as many details. Also, men don't remember your birthday, bring you chocolate when you have had a bad day, or give a shit if you have been out of work for week. On the positive, the men will come to my defense in a heartbeat if they feel like a student is disrespecting me in any way.

5. Repeat question. Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.

Real life has been pretty good. Only one more week left at my current job, and 4 of those days are with students. Home life is peachy.

Blog land has been good... although the word verifications are still getting on my nerves.

Ten Things Thursday

2012-03-01T12:10:00.001-08:00

1. I am taking my "mental health" day today and I love it! I would have loved it more if my fur baby had not decided that she just had to go pee at 7:00 am. We got back in the bed, but then I was wide awake...and this is what she was doing...

2. It has been so warm in these parts this week...near 80. My grass already needs to be mowed!! I love the beautiful weather, but I am more than a little pissed that I only got 1 measly little snow day this year.

3. Since my insurance will be changing shortly, I decided I better call my doctor and get a 90 day prescription called in for all my current meds. I have been with my doctor for years. We know each other very well. He even used to be married to the mother of my best friend from first grade (we are still friends after all these years). Any way...he knows me well enough to know that I commonly diagnose myself with my wealth of internet medical knowledge. As he was going over my list of medications and dosages I interrupted him on one of them (Lasix) and said "oh no, you don't have to worry about calling that one in...I stopped taking one. I decided since my ankles hadn't been swelling any more I didn't need that one." His reply: "Where was it exactly that you obtained your M.D.???" Without missing a beat I said "University of G**gle." (and then I threw my head back and just laughed and laughed) He said that didn't trump his M.D. from UT and I still had to take it.

4. Have I ever told you that I don't wear high heels?? I wish I could, but I trip and fall in them every time. Maybe one day I will learn how to walk in them. If I do, and if the teaching gig gets old and I decide to become a stripper I want some of these...

5. For now, these are more my speed...

6. Grey's Anatomy is a rerun tonight....boooo

7. The Boy being a senior this year is going to send me to the poor house. In the past week I have spent $500 on various things....$160 for Prom tickets, $260 for band trip to Atlanta, and $80 for a yearbook. I didn't even mention all the money that has already been spent on Senior pictures and Graduation invitations. How do people afford to have several kids in high school at once???

8. I am so way excited about going to BOOBs this year!! I am not excited about getting there by myself. People, I get lost in my own neighborhood if I'm not careful.

9. I tried to call and get an appt. to get my hair done today. My hairdresser is on vaycay...I swear I think she plans her vacations around my hair schedule. If she can't get me in before I start my new job I may have to cheat on her and go to my back up...she gets a little pissy when I do that.

10. I am 47 days clean from the crack juice :)

Whiny Butt Wednesday

2012-02-29T13:35:00.001-08:00

I have not been in the best of moods today. As you know, I do not weigh myself every day. Sometimes once a week...sometimes longer. I have not lost any weight in since I weighed 10 days ago. WTF???? OK, I am not going to freak about it and say "omg, is this where my body is going to stay...what if I don't lose any more weight...am I failing at this??" No people, I won't say all of that. out loud

For some reason I have been very emotional this week. Unfortunately, The Rockstar has to deal with my shit on my whiny butt days. He made me cry....ok he didn't "make" me cry...but one of 27 multiple personalities took over and the tears flowed. Here is what he said to me (not all at the same time, but throughout the day)

What he said: Your pants are so baggy I bet you are fitting in just fine with your students
What he meant: You have lost so much weight you need to buy some new pants
What I heard: You have a big ghetto ass

What he said: Our bed is really squeaky now...mostly on your side...hahaha
What he meant: We have worn the bed out from all that freaking we do on that side...time to get a new one
What I heard: Your fat ass has worn the mattress out

What he said: I went to grab your boob and I got was a handful of bra
What he meant: You have lost so much weight that you need to buy some new sexy bras
What I heard: You have saggy boobs and should be the president of the itty bitty titty committee

Yes, I do realize how completely absurd that sounds now, but in the moment that is exactly what I heard. I am over it now and shall perhaps end my "whiny" day with a "winey" night.

In unrelated news, I am taking the day off tomorrow...we shall call it a mental health day :)

BYOC

2012-02-24T13:35:00.002-08:00

Okay - it's Friday - which means it's time for BYOC. Bring Your Own Crazy!

This week Draz dipped into the family reserves (2 daughters and Rambo) and asked them what they'd like to ask you guys.

#1 comes from Rambo....
1. If you were going to scratch your ass in public, which cheek would you start with?

I would just do both at the same time...'cause I'm a multi tasker like that
#2 comes from Watermelon (11 yr. old)

2. If you were a fashion designer, what's the first item of clothing you'd design for yourself and why.
Since I love me some flip flops, that would probably be the first thing. I like 'em cute, girly, and blinged out.#3 is from Drazil herself.
3. Remember last week when I told you to describe yourself in 5 positive words? This week - turn to your family or anyone next to you and ask them to describe you in 5 words and LISTEN to their answers.
The Rockstar's words:

Beautiful
Smart
Dependable
Caring
Funny

The Boy's words:

Loving
Understanding
Sweet
Generous
Funny

My mama's words:

Compassionate
Humorous
Loving
Witty
Intelligent

My Bff's Words

Beautiful
Smart
Kind
Funny
Compassionate
#4 is a repeat question and she’s only doing 4 questions today since #3 is kinda long-ish.
4. Summarize your week in blog land and in real life.

Blogland is getting on my nerves with this word verification. I couldn't even begin to tell ya how many times I get it wrong on the first try (and sometimes second too). It is annoying. I have also noticed that more people blog during the day than at night. I can't blog during the day since I am at work...well I could, but Lucifer has made it very clear that anything we do on the schools computer is open for her viewing pleasure.

Real life has been great with the exception of Monday when I had that nasty virus. The last two days at work were great! Most of my students are either locked up, suspended, or got put out this week (to an alternative school). I didn't have more than 2 students in any class today.

Ten Things Thursday

2012-02-23T13:58:00.001-08:00

It's Ten Things Thursday...brought to us by the fabulous Laura Belle!

1. I was so sick earlier this week (Monday to be exact). I had one of those nasty kinda viruses where you aren't sure which end to put on the toilet. I didn't eat a bite for two days. I knew better than to weigh myself because I would just get all excited about a big loss only for it to come back the second I took a sip of water.

2. I waited until today to weigh (I don't have an "official" weigh in day) and I am now at a 36 pound loss...woot, woot.

3. I have not eaten any chocolate since Sunday. I think that's like a record for me. True....it's only because I had been sick, but whatev...it's still some kinda record for me.

4. I had a fabulous day today. 1st block was only 20 minutes long due to an assembly. 2nd block I didn't have any kids show up (absent, suspended,...skipping?). 3rd block is my planning period. 4th block on Thursdays a counselor comes in to talk to the kids and I have to leave the room (so they are "free" to say what they wanna say....um, yeah, ok). So, it was a drama free, easy, breezy, beautiful covergirl kinda day.

5. I saw this on facebook today. I don't think I wanna eat here.

6. Since I will be changing jobs my insurance will be changing. I have no idea what this means for me as far as getting fills. I am assuming I will probably have to pay for them now. Anybody else had this situation where your insurance changed after surgery??

7. This has become my favorite lunch...Jack in the Box Grilled Chicken Strips. 243 calories and 43g of protein. This is really the only fast food I have had since surgery, but I think it's a great choice.

8. I received a letter yesterday telling me I had been elected to membership for Phi Kappa Phi. Only the top 7.5 percent of Graduate students are selected to be in this Honor Society. I felt a little smart for just a minute.

9. Grey's Anatomy tonight...woot, woot

10. I am 40 days clean and sober from the Dew!

If you don't create change, change will create you

2012-02-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

I started packing some of my things at work today so I don't have so much to pack at once on my last day (12 working days left!) As I packed I ran across things I have had for the entire 14 years I have been teaching. It made me reflect on how things have changed over the last 14 years.

When I first started teaching I loved my job. I loved my co-workers, I loved my kids....I loved me. I'm not sure exactly when things started to change ~~but it was most likely the day Lucifer became my boss~~ but at some point I no longer liked my job, rarely even spoke to co workers, viewed my students as a job, and certainly no longer liked the person I had become. I can certainly pinpoint my health declining and weight increasing to the time that the changes occurred.

I let change create me, instead of me creating change. I would be lying if I said I'm not a little bit scared about starting a new job. Will my new kids like me? Will my new co workers like me? Will I be a fabulous teacher again like I used to be?? I don't know the answers to these questions, but I am excited about the change.

This time I am creating the change, instead of letting the change create me.

New Bander Alert!

2012-02-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

There's a new bander. Sarah was just banded last week. Swing by and show her some love candyncarbsdivorce

How can I get a restraining order???

2012-02-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

I need to know how I can get a restarining order. I have stalkers. I was out and about yesterday and my stalkers were right there at every single place I went. They were lurking right by the doors when I went in, and still there when I came out. Yes, it's true....those damn Girl Scouts are stalking me!

I had to go to Urgent Care (I had Thrush...wth???) which is right beside Food Lion....they were there. Next, I went to Wal mart to grocery shop....they were there. After grocery shopping I went to pick up my prescriptions at the pharmacy...they were there. Finally, I went to a different grocery store (for an item Wally world doesn't carry), AND....yep, you guess it, they were there too!!! All day long those little cookie terrorists stalked me...and I didn't come home with even one single box :)

Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies

2012-02-17T14:37:00.001-08:00

Remember me telling you I got a new job?? Well, I don't start until next month, but I had to go start "in processing" today. My new job is teaching on a military base...and those military people are all business.

It has been years since I have been on base. Quite frankly, I had forgotten what a pain it is to even get on base. I remembered that you had to have your license, registration, and proof of insurance, so I already had those items ready to hand to them.

I drove in the main gate and just thought I could bee-bop my way right through. Wrong. I drove up to the cute (but very manly) Military Police (MP). I handed him my stack of stuff and he looked at me like I was crazy. He said "Ma'am, do you have a visitors pass?" I flashed him my big blue eyes, smiled my "flirty smile" at him and in my best southern belle accent said "well no, I thought you would give me one??"...then I batted my eyes a few more times. His response "Negative"...then he proceeded to yell to the other Mp's "hold up traffic, we have another one!" So four lanes of traffic was held up so they could let me turn around and drive over to the visitors center, where evidently, they expected me to go before I EVER attempted to get on base. Apparently, big blue eyes, flirty smiles, and a deep southern accent does not let you break the rules on a military base...damn, I am already in trouble.

At the visitors center there were ~~5,763~~ about 10 people in front of me. I HATE to wait in lines. Finally, after ~~hours~~ ten minutes, it was my turn. I walked up the ~~rude, stone faced, no personality~~ nice lady behind the counter. Those military people are nosey effers...he is how our conversation went down...

Lady: (without ever looking up from her computer) Can I help you?

Me: Yes ma'am... I need a visitors pass please.

Lady: (still not looking up) OK. I need your license, registration, and proof of insurance.

(I hand her the stuff)

Lady: What is your s.s. number?

Me: ###-##-####

Lady: (still hasn't looked up) Ok. What color is your <make of car>?

Me: White

Lady: What is your date of birth?

Me: (thinking...it's right there on my license, just look!) ##/##/####

Lady: What is your destination today?

Me: (thinking, finally...she is trying to be friendly now and strike up a conversation) XYZ School. I am going to be working there!! I am so excited! I am going there today to...

Lady: (rudely interrupting me, clearly not wanting to start a conversation...and still not looking up) How long will you need this pass?

Me: (confused look on face) maybe a couple of hours???

Lady: (with a "you are a dumb blonde" look on her face) I mean do you need it only for today??

Me: Umm, yes. I guess when I have to come back they will...

Lady: (again, rudely interrupting me) What color is your hair?

Me: (with a look of "can't you effing look at it or my license that is right in front of you and tell???" and why in the hell do y'all ask so many questions??) Ummm....blonde,very blonde.

Lady: How much do you weigh?

Me: (with a look of shock and horror on face) Whooooaaaa missy...don't ya think that's a little personal??

Lady: (STILL has not looked up) Ma'am, I am required to ask, it's nothing personal towards you.

Me: Are you required to check for accuracy??

Lady: No ma'am

Me: Well in that case.... 115 (then I threw my head back and just laughed and laughed)

Lady: (FINALLY looks up, lowers her glasses on the bridge of her nose, looks me up and down...awkward pause)

Me: What???? I'm dressed in layers...it adds a few pounds. (Flash flirty smile and bat big blue eyes again)

Lady: Here's your pass.

Moral of the story: Ask me no questions, and I'll tell ya no lies :)

Love today....big ass tomorrow

2012-02-14T16:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!! I hope even you Valentine's Day haters had a fabulous day.

I love, love, love Valentine's day! I always have. I love hearts. I love candy. I love chocolate. I love flowers. I love Cupid. I love chocolate. I love cutesy cards. I love chocolate. I love the color red. I love chocolate. I love the color pink. Did I mention I love chocolate??? I love love.

Unfortunately, all that lovin may show up on my ass tomorrow.

My day started off with this...white chocolate covered strawberries. Given to me by my assistant :)

I made these for my students...and of course I thought I should enjoy one each class period along with my students.

And then my lovely Bobby Hill gave me this...

When I got home The Rockstar gave me a lovely heart diamond necklace and this...

For dinner we went to Red Lobster...no worries there. I hate seafood. I took The Rockstar there because he LOVES seafood, but rarely gets it since mama don't likey. Of course after all the trash I ate today, I wasn't hungry anyway.

So there ya have it. I ate like crap today and I loved it. I know I will pay for it, but (in my best Scarlet O'Hara voice) I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow.

Make a list Monday!

2012-02-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the fabulous Robyn we have Make A List Monday!

The category for Make A List Monday is: You are forced to use the 10 items or less line at the grocery store and can only go to the store once a week. What will be in your cart?

Here is my list:

I have to assume that my family would have to make their own shopping trip...these 10 items are only taking myself into consideration.

1. Bottled water. I take 4 bottles of water to work with me each day and then usually drink one or two more at home each day. So, needless to say, I go through a lot of bottled water each week.

2. Special K Protein Meal Bars. I eat these almost every work day for breakfast.

3. Chicken. I eat chicken almost every day. I feel sure I am going to start growing feathers soon.

4. String cheese. It's quick and convenient for a snack.

5. Bananas. I love bananas.

6. Purity Chocolate Milk. For all you non-southerners who just don't know....Purity is da bomb!!!

7. Toilet paper....did you see all that water I drink??

8. Ground beef.

9. Chocolate...yes, I know this isn't the best thing for me to eat. Chocolate is one thing that I have not given up since being banded (and won't). I usually only eat one Dove Milk Chocolate square a day...but that one piece is NEEDED for my emotional health :)

10. Sweet potatoes. I love plain baked sweet potatoes.

BYOC

2012-02-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

It’s Friday and that means it’s time for BYOC! Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer 5 questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break.

1. Name a Valentine gift you would NOT want to receive.
An adding machine. I know this because that is what The Rockstar gave me 14 years ago for VD. I was a math teacher at the time, so in his mind it was a very useful and thoughtful gift. I have not let him live that down in 14 years....and probably won't ever.

2. What’s your vacation personality? Do you act/eat/talk/do things differently or completely opposite from when you are not on vacation?

I don't want to be on any kind of time schedule when I am on vacation. If I am driving (rather than flying) I stop whenever I feel like stopping...again , no kinda time schedule. I also eat whatever I want when I am on vacation. I am a picky eater, so I can't say that I get adventurous and try new things to eat...cause I almost never do that. I certainly don't talk any different...I couldn't get rid of this southern twang if I tried.

3. Describe yourself in 5 POSITIVE words.

Dedicated

Loyal

Open minded (I guess that counts as two words??)

Honest

Friendly

4. Do you have any phobias or irrational fears or dislikes?

I am crazy scared of the dentist, the dark, and bugs/spiders. I also dislike green foods.

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blog land and in real life.

I haven't been reading as many blogs this week because I have been busy at work and haven't had much time to be on my phone. I try to catch up on them when I get home, but that doesn't always go so well.

Real life has been exciting. I officially accepted the new job and submitted my resignation today. I am required to give a 30 day notice (or they could have my teaching license suspended) so my last day will be March 9th (because the 30th day falls on a Sunday. I will start the new position on March 12th.

Ten Things Thursday!!!

2012-02-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday!!!! Thanks to that beautiful Laura Belle we have 10 things Thursday!!

1. 26 years ago today I met my first true love. He was bald, naked, and wrinkled...and I fell in love instantly. It is hard to believe my baby is that old...that means I am old!!

2. The day I delivered I weighed 136....wow

3. Guess what????? Remember the job interview I had last week??? Today I was offered the job!!!!! There are a few things I have to check on, but I am 99.9% positive I am going to accept the position.

4. Have you ever seen the movie Dangerous Minds? Well that's the kind of kids I teach now (actually they are more dangerous)...only I am NOT Michelle Pfeiffer. I miss the kids I used to teach. This is what those kids were like...
http://passiton.mirakey.com/?p=63

5. I am mad that winter is almost over and we have only had 1 freaking snow day.

6. I have totally been hungry since my fill last week...what's up with that?? I thought it would help me feel less hungry. They can have that .5 cc's back if this is what it's gonna be like.

7. I totally don't get the whole "planking" thing that teenagers do. What is the point of it??? How did it even start?? This is how...

8. Some days I just wanna eat a big ole bowl of cereal for dinner...but I don't. I actually don't even keep cereal in my house any more.

9. Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays. It's all about love and chocolate...what could be better??

10. I am 26 days clean and sober from the Dew.

3 Month Bandiversary

2012-02-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

Three months ago today I was banded. I haven't regretted it, not even one time. There certainly are days I have been frustrated....like when the scale doesn't move. Or when I really want to eat a big ole piece of cornbread. Or when I have to pee 5, 672 times a day. But not one time has that frustration turned into a regret.

Here are some things that I have not eaten in 3 months:

French Fries (haven't missed them)
Sandwiches (I do miss a good grilled cheese)
Rice (oh man, fried rice I do miss you)
Steak (never really ate much any way)
Biscuits (I miss this the most)
Cornbread (you know a southern girl like me misses this!)
Cereal (doing fine without it)
Poptarts ( yum...but I have been fine without it)
Cake (hasn't bothered me a bit)
Eat fast food (I think Chick Fil A still has the missing poster of me up)

I'm sure there are many more, but those are the ones that instantly popped in my head. I have only had 1 Mountain Dew in 3 months...I deserve some kinda award for this one. And yes, I do miss it...every day.

Here are some things I do every day now...

Drink at least 64 ounces of water (most days it's closer to 100)
Track every bite that goes in my mouth (had never done this before)
Think about what I am going to eat (ate whatever I wanted before)
Stay up from morning till night without a nap (weekends don't count....love me a Sunday afternoon nap)

I wish I could say I am off all meds...but I don't think that is going to happen any time soon. Yet, I still have no regrets.

Toodles!

Interview, Fill, and Fabulosity

2012-02-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

I just got done with my interview and I think I totally rocked it. It was a phone interview. Kinda cool to do an interview in my big butt sweats with my hair thrown up on top of my head. I also liked the fact that I could have my little cheat sheet right in front of me of things that sounded really smart to say :) Unfortunately the principal who interviewed me does not have the ultimate say so over who gets the position. The position is on a military base. He only gives his top 3 recommendations and sends those to the "higher ups"...they make the ultimate decision. I may not hear anything for up to two weeks.
My doctor's appt. was fabulous. I like their scale better than my own. My scale shows a 30 pound loss, theirs showed a 33 pound loss....woot, woot...I am going with their scale. I got a fill of .5, which brings me up to 5.5cc's. Today was the first time I did it under the fluro. It was way cool to see the band and the liquid going down. I just have to tell ya though, I was a little freaked out having to stand up with that big ole needle stickin' out of me. They (there were 3 people in the room) were even kind enough to point out my big ole bra hooks on the xray....damn, if I had known so many people were gonna be looking at my unmentionables I would have worn my sexy bra instead of my cafeteria lady bra.

My second dr's appt wasn't as great. My hypertension specialist still won't release me to exercise...yet. My bp was 155/104. That is way better than it was 6 months ago, but still pretty sucky considering I am on a dozen (for real) medications. He said I had to have another stress test before he would release me. I can't even do the treadmill stress test...they make me do the chemical one...and it sucks. He did say I could take Yoga...so I will check into that. Any way...I don't care what he said...I am feeling so fabulous today that he ain't gonna rain on my fabuloisty parade :)

Peace out :)

Ms. Wooty in da house

2012-02-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

First things first. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, actually two of them. My first appointment is with the surgeon and nutrionist. I really don't know if I need a fill or not. I could eat more than a cup of food if I wanted, but I don't...and I do get hungry a couple of hours after eating, but I make myself wait. I think I may need a little somethin' somethin...we shall see. My second appt. is with my hypertension specialist. I really, really, really hope he will release me to exercise. I have so much hope that he will that I have already signed up to start taking a Zumba class.

Today my little Bobby Hill (actually he is NOT little at all) gave me yet another name. I had my back turned to the class because I was writing on the board. He started calling me Ms. Wooty. Every time I asked him a question or said anything to him he would say "ok, Ms. Wooty....yes, Ms. Wooty..." Now, normally I don't even entertain his name calling, especially since I don't think anything will ever top "bigass Barbie", but my curiosity got the best of me and I finally had to ask him why he kept calling me Ms. Wooty. His reply: because you are a Wooty. I asked "ok I probably don't even want to know...but what is a Wooty??? His reply... "White girl with a booty"

Wonderful....just wonderful. I am a wooty.

In unrelated wooty news....I have another job interview tomorrow. I still haven't heard back from the one last week. The one for tomorrow called my job today for a reference...I really didn't want them to know I was actively looking for another job. Oh well, the cat is out of the bag now.

The Big 3-0

2012-01-29T10:24:00.000-08:00

Today marks the big 3-0!!!! No, not my age...I surpassed that milestone many moons ago. Thirty is the the number of pounds I have lost!!!!

This is one pound of fat

I lost 30 of those!!!!

The Rockstar and I went grocery shopping. I sent him to the other side of the store to get something I forgot. By the time he got back I was in the freezer aisle. I saw him pass me and wondered where he was going. My cell phone rang...it was him. He said "where are you??" I told him he had just passed me...I was right behind him. He passed me because he didn't even realize it was me from behind. Of course his response was that he needed to spend more time behind me so we should go home and get busy on that...and we did :)

Happy Sunday! Toodles!

Ten Things Thursday!

2012-01-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

1. I had my interview today. I did my best. If it's meant to be, it will be. They said they have already done one round of interviews, did them all day today, and will be doing more next week. Apparently many people applied for this position. They said I will hear something either way in about a week.

2. I have an appointment for my 2nd fill next week. I was thinking I wouldn't need it, but after this week I am changing my mind on that. This is how I have felt this week:

3. The last time I weighed (some time over last weekend) I was at 28 pounds lost. I am 2 1/2 months out from surgery.

4. When I think about 28 pounds gone my first thought is always where in the hell did it go?? Did I pee it out during those 5,876 trips to the bathroom???

5. It has been raining here all day. I had to re-straighten my hair before my interview. I was starting to resemble one of my poodles.

6. Grey's Anatomy is a freaking rerun tonight...WTF...it wasn't on for some of November and all of December...we aren't even out of January and it's already a rerun????? Yes, I am am way too addicted to TV.

7. The Rockstar should have never bought me an Iphone. I obviously don't have enough sense to use it properly. I have been having "issues" with going to poop. I told my mom that I had started taking some fiber. She was insistent that I go to the doctor. This morning the poop gates opened. I decided to text my mother and tell her the good news. Some how (I still have no idea how I did it) I texted 25 people the following text: "I finally pooped this morning....thank God" Among those I texted was Mr. Hottie (the hot teacher down the hall) and my supervising aassistant principal. Great.

8. Did you realize that Xanax is a palindrome (a word that can be read the same way from either direction)?? One of my students pointed that out to me this week.

9. I sat in a faculty meeting with my legs crossed yesterday...and I just crossed them naturally. I didn't even have to force one leg over the other.

10. I have been clean and sober from the Dew for 12 days.

Potty Princess

2012-01-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

I have been going to pee so much at work that the campus security person posted close to the bathrooms has dubbed me the Potty Princess. I go more than the very pregnant art teacher down the hall. This is what I had consumed by 11:00 this morning.

I just drink plain water, but I know a lot of y'all drink Crystal Light. I saw this in the grocery store this weekend. I may try it...have any of y'all had it??

In unrelated news...I have a job interview Thursday in a different school district. I haven't told anyone except The Rockstar. Gossip spreads like a bad case of herpes at my job, and the last thing I need is Lucifer finding out I am looking for another job right before my last evaluation. I'm a little nervous, but I always say...if it's meant to be, it will be.

Toodles!

It's Friday, Yipeeeeeee..BYOC

2012-01-20T13:40:00.000-08:00

BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy! 5 little questions we answer to give our blogging brains a break and to get to know each other better. Copy and paste to your own blog and enjoy! Brought to us my the witty and lovely Draz!
1. If money and time wasn't a problem - name a place you'd go on vacation and for how long?

I don't have some glamorous answer for ya...I don't much like to travel. I don't like being away from home for more than a few nights. The first night I am always fine, the second I miss home a little, and by the third night I am homesick. I am perfectly content laying in my pool in the backyard with my family right by me.

2. This week I had a discussion with some friends about names our children or other people we know call the "nether regions". Don't hate - it's funny. So let's share them for a laugh. Any creative words for hoohaa and tallywhacker you think we haven't heard yet?

When my kids were little they called their boy parts a "poetoe"...not sure how that name even started. Girl parts were a "tutu"...again, don't know how that all started. When the Rockstar and I are talking in code (because the kids are around) we call it a cookie....you know, like he will say "I sure am craving a sugar cookie:" :)

3. Take a picture of your nails right now! Bossy, aren't I? I just had my nails done - I can't help it. I neeeed to show someone!
Thank you Draz....but I did NOT just get my nails done. I hate my short, fat fingers....but here ya go. No fresh manicure, polish, glitz, or glam....

4. Tell me about the weather right now where you are!

It is a 44 degrees, cloudy and gloomy. It is supposed to rain later tonight...maybe storm a little.

5. Repeat question. Summarize your week in real life and blog land.

Real life has been good. My family is happy and healthy. Work wasn't bad this week, even if I did get a snippy little email asking me why I wasn't on my post of duty at the beginning of my planning period. My post is right in front of the bathrooms...yuck! To be honest with you I get tired of smelling like I just smoked a fatty when I go back to my room (marijuana smoke frequently billows out of the bathroom) and I simply didn't want to deal with that today. I knew better than to complain about that (again) because any complainer gets put on the radar for scrutiny. So the email I received said "You weren't on your post of duty this morning. Explain." I hit reply and simply stated "Diarrhea"...I figured they wouldn't ask for any further explanation after that.

Blog life has been good, but I haven't had as much time to read and comment on as much this week. I changed my settings, so I haven't been having any more issues with commenting.

Ten Things Thursday!

2012-01-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

1. Today was a good day at work. From 8:30 to 12:30 (2nd and 3rd block) I didn't have any kids. All of my kids for 2nd block were absent, suspended, or in ISS. 3rd Block is my planning period...easy schmeezy day.

2. I had haven't had a (.) since 1998 (cervical cancer). When I first started reading blogs I had no idea there were so many acronyms/nicknames...TOM, OTR, AF....I stayed confused for quite some times about these "things" that were causing everyone's band to get so tight. I even asked my doctor about it...he said he had no idea what those things meant. I mentioned it to the nurse and she cracked up laughing...then explained to me what those acronyms were.

3. NSV alert....3 different people (at 3 different times) asked me if I was losing weight yesterday :)

4. I went to get my oil changed yesterday. The man said "you are very overdue", to which I replied "no I'm not...the sticker says Jan 26." His reply "yes, it does say Jan 26....(pause)....of 2011." Oops.

5. I watched American Idol season premiere last night. I love me some Steven Tyler.

6. I have been eating these for breakfast this week. I like them. It has 170 calories and 10g of protein.

7. I am thinking about getting a new tattoo.

8. We have a pep rally at school tomorrow for Coming Home (it's what we call basketball homecoming). I used to LOVE pep rally days in high school. Our kids could care less about them and they only last about 15 minutes. Lame.

9. Although I just had a 4 day weekend I did not clean my house. I usually never go two weeks without cleaning the house. On my snow day I thought about cleaning it...it's the thought that counts...right??

10. I am 5 days clean and sober from dew (damn that weekend mishap)

Never thought I would say this...

2012-01-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would ask this...but am I eating enough??

Let me just start by saying if you tell me something, even if I know it's wrong, I will still remember what you said. So, at my last visit to surgeon's office the NUT told me I should only be eating 500-600 calories a day. Now, I instantly thought this NUT is a nut and I texted AJ and said "does this sound right to you???" Of course she said no, that was crazy. In my sane mind I know that is crazy, but in my cray cray mind I still hear her saying that. I do track everything I eat and I will tell you that very rarely are my calories that low...they usually fall some where around 900-1000. I know a lot of you will still think even that's too low, but keep in my mind that my hypertension specialist still will not release me to do any exercising except walking (and it can't be at a pace that gets my heart rate up).

I have an appointment in two weeks for my 2nd fill (although I'm not sure I need the fill) and I will clarify things with the doctor. On the same day (later in the afternoon) I also have an appointment with my Hypertension Specialist...hopefully he will release me to exercise.

On to other things...did you hear that Paula Deen has Type 2 Diabetes??? I saw it on the news. Apparently she has known for 3 years. Health activists are calling her a hypocrite because she will now be promoting a diabetes medication, as well as her famously delicious (but not so healthy) recipes. I still love Paula, I don't care what they say.

In unrelated news, I had a fabulous, big butt pajama weekend. It was a 4 day weekend since we had a snow day on Friday. Work is still....work. They put a new kid (new to me, not new to the school) in my room today. He is well known for throwing things when he gets pissed off...staplers, chairs, books...whatever is close to him. Great. I personally think he should be in the male teachers classroom. Whatever, I will do the best I can do. I am just biding my time there and I learned a long time ago to watch whose hand you bite today, it may be attached to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow...therefore, I just do as I am told and pray for snow days :)

Forgive me....

2012-01-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

Forgive me bloggers, for I have sinned. It has been a while since my last confession. I accuse myself of the following sins....I drank Mountain Dew.

That's right, I fell off the wagon. I had a drink of the crack juice. I couldn't help myself. It was there, and I took a drink. I would really like to say I am sorry, but the reality is...it was sooooo effing good!!!! I ony had one drink, but it was almost orgasmic.

I jumped back on the wagon.

That is all.

BYOC!!

2012-01-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

It’s Friiiiidddaayyy! That means it’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy. A little ditty you can participate in on Fridays to get to know your fellow blogger better and to give your blogging brain a break....brought to us by the fabulous Draz Copy and paste to your own blog and ENJOY!!

1. Do you have a favorite traditional “birthday meal”? If yes – what is it and what is the meaning behind it?

I don't have one specific meal, but since my birthday is in the summer we usually have a pool party and grill out.

2. If you’ve lost weight, has your style changed since you lost weight? Or what's your dream purchase when you do lose weight/hit goal?

I haven't changed my style at this point, but perhaps I will as I lose more weight. I do know that I completely and fully intend on getting a tummy tuck.

3. Pick one question of the following two to answer: Who is your favorite Muppet and why? Or who is your favorite Smurf and why?

I have two favorite Muppets...the first one is Animal. He reminds me of The Rockstar. He is a drummer and The Rockstar has an Animal attached to the front of his drumset. I also love Ms. Piggy because I love her sassiness :)

4. When you buy a lotion or after bath spray or body spray or candle (not perfume) – what’s the “flavor” you always find yourself loving the most?

I like fruity type smells for lotion...I used to love the Sun Ripened Rasberry from B&BW, but they don't have it any more. For candles I love things like Blueberry Pie, Birthday Cake, Cherry Cobbler...I just realized it seems to be all about the food for me :)

5. Repeat question. Summarize your week in real life and in blogland.

Real life is totally fab....I got my snow day today!!! And if you were wondering how much snow we got it was less than 1/2 inch. We actually closed due to black ice on the roads...whatev, I'll take any kind of snow day I can get :)

Blogland is getting on my nerves yesterday and today. I have tried commenting on Lapband Gal, Draz, and Ronnie's blog (as well as a few others) and haven't been able to do so. At first I thought it was my computer acting up, but I have seen several other people comment on having trouble as well.

Ten Things Thursday!!

2012-01-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

Ten Things Thursday thanks to the lovely Laura

1. Guess what?????????????? It is snowing here!!!!! They are calling for 1/2-1 inch. All you Yankees stop laughing....that's all it takes to close schools here :) I would love a 4 day weekend!

2. I had the worst PB yet last night. I don't know why it's called PB...there was no burping involved...only slime and puke. I had not eaten all day because I was in a meeting during my lunch and my planning period and I was so hungry my belly button was stickin out of my butthole. So, when the Rockstar made some cheesesticks I thought it wouldn't hurt to have just one before I ate dinner...well, it did hurt...bad. I spent the next hour in and out of the bathroom trying to get it back up.

3. It's Grey's Anatomy night :)

4. I have lost enough weight (25 pounds) that my drawers are getting too big. I have spent the last two days either pulling them up or digging them out of my butt...not good when you work in a class of behavior kids who just look for a reason to talk smack about you. Guess it's time to buy new drawers.

5. Why is it when you don't eat enough calories your body goes into starvation mode, but when you eat too much your body doesn't go into fatass burn these calories mode??

6. I tried Babybel cheese for the first time today. I thought I would like it, but I didn't. I guess I will stick with Laughing Cow.

7. If I get the day off tomorrow I will probably stay in my big butt pajama's all day and drink hot chocolate. That's how I roll on snow days.

8. You know what time it is??? It's Girl Scout Cookie time. I'm going to try my best to resist...but I can't make any promises. I love, love, love those dang Tagalongs.

9. I currently have an uneven number of friends on facebook...all is not well in the land of OCD.

10. I am 67 days clean and sober from the Dew.

Tag, you're it

2012-01-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Dawnya and Stephanie...so I am doing both tags at once :)

The Rules:1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things yourself.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this.’ Blah blah blah, you legitimately have to tag 11 peeps!

1. I am addicted to using waayyy to many dryer sheets. I go through 120 dryer sheets in two weeks.
2. I will only buy matching scents for laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
3. I am one of those people who set the time on their alarm clock 5-10 minutes fast trying to fool myself. It never fools me and I still have to rush to get out the door on time.
4. I have never even tasted beer. I don't like the way it smells, so I have always assumed I wouldn't like the way it tastes.
5. I silently count steps as I walk up them.
6. My toenails are always painted...even in the winter when noone sees them. I love to get a pedicure.
7. Before I was a teacher I was a hairdresser.
8. I love disco music.
9. I sleepwalk and have since I was a child.
10. I failed my drivers test the first time I took it. I did 60 in a 40 and ran two stop signs.
11. I park in the same row every week when I go grocery shopping so I don't forget where I parked.

Dawnya's questions:

1. What is your favorite color? I don't have a favorite, but I like pink, purple, turquoise, and red...not all mixed together

2. Who was your first love? My first love was my first son...I was only 15 when I had him and had no idea what "true love" was until I laid eyes on him

3. Do you secretly dislike your bestfriend? Not at all. She is the funniset person I know. We don't get to see each other very often since she lives in another state, but when we do get together it is non stop laughing.

4. How many times do you go pee in a day? 5,643...or atleast that's what it feels like after drinking all this water

5. Have you ever been arrested? I plea the Fifth

6. What anti-virus software do you use on your computer/laptop (repeat question from FB)? I have no idea. The Rockstar handles all that stuff.

7. Have you ever had a one night stand? Lol...I had to edit this post because of this question. I missed the word "a" so I thought it said have you ever had one night stand....which I do only have one nightstand in my bedroom. The correct answer to this question is no...I have never had a one night stand.

8. Would you date outside your race? Hell to the yeah...just let Shemar Moore, LL Cool J, Taye Diggs, or Mario Lopez come to my door...I would put a serious hurtin' on them. I dated outside of my race many times before I married the Rockstar.

9. Do you eat pork rinds? I haven't eaten them in years.

10. Do you have artificial nails? I have never had artificial nails. Thankfully, my natural nails grow out like a french manicure. I just slap on some clear polish and go on my merry way.

11. What did you eat for dinner last night? I didn't eat dinner. My sister was in town and I went to my mom's to visit her (well really more so the see my niece who I adore). By the time I got home I figured it was too late to be eating.

Stephanie's Questions:

1. What is your favorite salad? The house salad at Rafferty's. They have the best homemade Ranch dressing I have ever had. I don't eat it much because it is not glutten free...I only get it about once a year.2. What was your favorite book as a child? I hated reading when I was child.3. What is the one food that you would love to be able to eat in unlimited amounts without ever absorbing the calories or getting stuck? Biscuits4. Do you prefer working out indoors or outdoors? Indoors. I am soooo not an outdoors kinda person unless I am in the pool or at the beach5. If you're banded, what are your "absolutely not" foods that you will not attempt because they get stuck every time? I don't really know. I have only been banded two months and I just stay away from the foods that traditionally "stick"...I know that I can't do scrambled eggs.6. What is your favorite song/band to exercise to? I love so many different songs and kind of music that I could never pick just one. I like rap, hard rock, disco, classical, Top 40, pop, and even a little country7. Have you ever played any sports? yes, I played softball for 5 years. I was a cheerleader and I took gymnastics.8. What is one book that you could read over and over again? Tuesday's with Morrie9. What do you think the most attractive thing about yourself is? Blue eyes and good hair (this one may change since I seem to be losing it at the moment)10. Would you go to a bariatric doctor who was fat? Why or why not? Sure. I don't judge someone's abilities based on their weight. On the other hand, I would never go to a dentist with bad teeth.11. Are you going to BOOBs this year? I really, really want to!!!

My questions:

1. How often do you grocery shop?

2. Do you shower in the morning or at night?

3. What is your favorite place to shop?

4. What is you favorite spice?

5. What is the best date you have ever had?

6. Who is your celebrity crush?

7. What is your favorite season?

8. What movie always makes you cry?

9. Which side of the bed do you sleep on?

10. What is your favorite candy?

11. What was your first job?

And who I am tagging?

Jackie

BYOC

2012-01-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

Duuuuuuuuudes….BYOC is back after a small holiday hiatus....thanks to the lovely gumdrop farting Draz

Yup, Bring Your Own Crazy returns! It is 5 little questions you can answer in your own blog to give your blogging brain a break and to get to know each other better.

Copy, paste and enjoy!

Let’s do a holiday/new year themed BYOC today!

1. How do you feel about NY resolutions? Do you make them? Do you forget about them quickly? Do they help you?

•I never make resolutions. This year I did set some "goals" but I do that throughout the year and not just at New Years. It does help me to set goals.

2. Did you put up a Christmas tree? How many? Is it still up?

• We had one tree. I, however, did NOT put it up. I am a big ole scrooge when it comes to decorating for the holidays. The Rockstar, on the other hand, loves to decorate for Christmas. He used to put up so many lights outside that I couldn't use the hairdryer if the lights were on...if I did it would trip breakers. My family called him Clark Griswold. Thank goodness his Clark days are over since the kids are grown.

Our tree is down and has been since the day after Christmas. I tried to talk The Rockstar into taking it down on Christmas day....don't judge, I like everything to be in its place.

3. How many total Christmases did you choose to have to attend outside of your home?

Three. We spent Christmas Eve at my mothers, Christmas day at home with just us, and the day after Christmas we went out of town to do Christmas with The Rockstar's family.

4. What are you most looking forward to this year?

Summer.....duh, I'm a teacher :)

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blogland this week.

Real life is peachy at home and sucks at work. This week I have been cussed on a daily basis...even threatened. Yet, those kids are still sent right back to my room.

Blogland is great. I get so much inspiration for y'all. Even when y'all bitch and gripe about something it makes me feel better knowing that I am not the only one with jacked up family members, struggles with that damn scale not always moving, and sometimes just having a bad day for no reason.

Fallin off the wagon...almost

2012-01-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Today was the second day back at work, first day back with kids....is it spring break yet??? Most of kids are pretty good, but I have two that would worry the balls off a billy goat. They stress me out and make me say words that would cause even my lovely gangbangers to blush. It's a good thing we only have Coke machines at our school and not Pepsi, because I swear if I would have had access to the Dew today I would have been a drinkin woman. I even stopped at the store on the way home and bought one. Don't worry, I never opened it. I am still hangin on the wagon by my fingernails. I gave it to the Rockstar when I got home, but told him if he even dared thought about drinking it in front of me I would stab him in the eyeball.

The good thing about being back at work is that I totally rock the water drinking thing at work. I have a "water time schedule" and stick to it on work days. I drink one bottle on my way to work (I drive 35-40 miles), one before lunch, one after lunch, and one on my way home. I usually have another bottle or two after I get home. Don't ask how much I go pee...it is ridiculous.

I read an article today about Vitamin D absorption (mine was still low at my last Dr. visit). Did you know that your body can create Vitamin D from a tanning bed?? Y'all may have already known that...but I didn't have a clue. I know some of y'all are going to tell me how dangerous the tanning bed is...I know, I know...but I always say fat looks better brown. So tomorrow I think I might just have to go get my vitamin D on at the tanning bed :)

Dancing a Jig

2012-01-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

Today is my last official day of Christmas break. Back to work tomorrow. Ugh. You know what that means, don't ya?? It means I will be dusting off my dancing shoes and dancing a jig...the snow dance to be exact. No, there is no call for snow in the near future, but a girl can hope.

I have set my goals for 2012. Here they are:

Get a new job by August (by the start of the new school year). Prior to this year I taught in a life skills class (Down's Syndrome, Autistic, ect) for more than 10 years. I LOVED my job. This year Lucifer decided I should be in the Behavior class (gangbangers, felons, emotionally disturbed) and I now do NOT love my job. I need to get back in a class where I feel like I am making a difference.

Get to goal weight by December 31, 2012

Finish writing my Thesis so I can graduate in May with my EdS. I am completely done with all of my coursework, I just have to finish my Thesis and go to defense. I really don't know why I have been procrastinating on this...I could have graduated in December.

Clean out my attic. Every time I think about doing this I get overwhelmed about how much junk is in there and I don't even know where to start. This year I am just going to dive in and not worry about where to start...it doesn't matter where I start, only that I finish.

That's it for now. Now, time to go find my dancing shoes :)

Ten Things Thursday

2011-12-29T17:05:00.000-08:00

Ten Things Thursday brought to us by the gorgeous Laura

1. We are having a NYE party this year. It will mostly be people in The Rockstar's band and their wives/girlfriends. I like the guys in his band, but I don't like stressing over cleaning the house, preparing food, and everything else that goes into having a party.

2. I got some of my favorite German chocolate in my stocking this year. I have only eaten 6 squares from it. Last year I ate 6 packages in two days.

3. The Boy gave his girlfriend a Promise Ring for Christmas. The fact that my boys give their girlfriends jewelry is just more proof to me that I have done a few things right :)

4. The Rockstar got me an Iphone for Christmas. I know most people would like this gift, but I was perfectly happy with my old phone. I do not generally like change. The Rockstar swears if he didn't force change on me then I would still be carrying around a big Zack Morris (Saved by the Bell) phone. He is probably right.

5. I am madder than a wet hornet that there hasn't been a new episode of Grey's Anatomy on in over a month.

6. I want to go to Chicago with all you beautiful people in 2012. I even put away some of my Christmas money to start saving for it.

7. The Rockstar thinks we have to eat the "good luck" foods on New Year's Day. So every year we have fried pork chops (pork for progress), black eyed peas (for good luck), turnip greens (green for money), and mashed potatoes (because I love them). You also have to leave a little bit of food on your plate (to guarantee a stocked pantry in the new year).

8. I am one of those annoying people who put clothes on my ~~dog~~ babies. I absolutely adore them and will be crushed the day they are no longer by my side. My boy is 13 and girl is 12.

9. I am going shopping tomorrow. I know I told y'all about getting two gift cards from Kohl's for Christmas, but I totally forgot that I have $40 in Kohl's cash from doing some of my Christmas shopping there. I may not have to use much of my gift card at all.

10. I am 54 days sober from the Dew.

Word for 2012

2011-12-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

My word for 2012 is.... Transcend

tran·scend

transitive verb

a : to rise above or go beyond the limits of

b : to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome

c : to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence)

Like many of you, my doctor told me the "average" loss with the band is 50% of excess weight. I ~~plan to~~ will transcend that average loss. I know that I am not average and I can exceed that average loss.

This May I ~~am supposed~~ will graduate with my Ed.S. An Ed.S is the degree in between a Master's and a Doctorate. When I was in high school my guidance counselor told me not to worry about taking the ACT because I wasn't college material. In fact, she told told me I should just try to get a GED and stay home and raise my baby (yes, I was a teenage mother...at age 15). I didn't go to college right out of high school because she had me convinced that I wasn't smart enough to make it through college. A few years later my mother believed in me enough to push me to go. I am so glad she did. I am so glad I didn't stop with just my Bachelor's degree. My accomplishments have completely transcended my own expectations of myself. Btw...I have also maintained a 4.00 all the way through my Master's and Ed.S.

Yes, this is going to be the year that I transcend the expectations of that guidance counselor, my doctor, and even myself :)

Back to my new normal

2011-12-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over and although I love the time with family, I will be glad to get back to my normal life. I did great on Christmas Eve and Christmas, but we went out of town the day after Christmas. We went to The Rockstar's family to celebrate Christmas. I ate way too much junk over the last two days. I don't know why I can be perfect at home, but lose all control the second we go out of town. Ugh....whatever, I am over it and I will be back on track tomorrow.

Yesterday marked 7 weeks since my surgery. I have lost 23 pounds since surgery. I am still figuring some things out....like what foods do not agree with my band. I haven't tried the obvious trouble foods (bread, pasta, etc), but I have been surprised at some of the other foods I can't tolerate, like eggs. I also don't do well with ground beef. I am a picky eater, so at times I feel like I am eating the same things over and over. I have eaten so much chicken and turkey that I feel like I might start growing feathers soon.

I have a week left of Christmas break...woohoo!!!! I love sleeping late and staying in my big butt pajamas all day. In the last week I have noticed that all of my pants are turning in to "big butt" pants...they are all completely sagging. I got 3 different gift cards to Kohl's for Christmas, so I think I may use one of them in the next week and buy a couple new pairs of pants. I have some smaller clothes from a couple of years ago when I was thinner, but I'm not quite to the point that I can wear those yet. I tried on a pair of the jeans I had in the back of the closet, and although I could get them up they were so tight if I farted it would have blown my boots off. So, although I hate to shop, I guess that's what I will do over the next few days.

Toodles my little banded peeps!

Ten Things Thursday!!!

2011-12-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the beautiful Laura Belle we have 10 Things Thursday!

1. My mother randomly sent someone to my house yesterday to measure my kitchen floor. She is having ceramic tile put in her house and said she thought I may just want an estimate for mine. He never gave me an estimate or really even said anything to me...maybe this means she is going to surprise me and have new floors put in for me...that would be way cool.

2. The man who was Principal at my school before Cruella took over (it's close to Christmas so I tried to refrain from calling her Lucifer) passed away this morning. I am so very sad about this. He was not a good fit for our gang infested school, but he was one of the most kind hearted men I have ever known. He retired because he had cancer. They told him he would not live long if he stayed in that stressful environment. He lived over 3 years after retiring. I am glad his family had that extra 3 years with him. I will miss him dearly.

3. I have been struggling with eating right since I have been on Christmas break. I never go over on calories, but I have been eating too much sugar and not enough protein.

4. I have not spoken to one of my sisters in two years. I tell everyone that I could care less, but in reality I wish she would come to her senses and make amends with my mother. I REALLY don't care if I talk to her again, but I know that it bothers my mother that her own daughter has treated her so poorly.

5. I asked the Rockstar to help me wrap presents. He said "ok, let me go get my staple gun and duct tape"...guess I'll be doing all the wrapping by myself.

6. Both of my kids were here last night, which is rare since they both work (and the youngest is still in high school). I like it when they are both here. When my oldest leaves to go home my boys still hug each other and say I love you....makes me feel like I did something right :)

7. I went in Toys R Us for the first time in years the other day to get my niece a present. When I first walked in I saw all the cute baby stuff and thought how nice it would be to have a baby again. Two minutes after being in there that thought quickly passed.

8. I will be doing a lot of baking tomorrow. I hope I can refrain from a lot of eating.

9. I went to Walmart yesterday and they already had some Valentines Snack cakes there....can they not let us get through Christmas first???

10. I am 47 days clean and sober from the Dew.

I heart the old man bench

2011-12-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

I know I wished for Christmas break to be here and I really am enjoying it....but I swear, all I want to do is eat when I am home!! I haven't...but I want to!

I did most of my shopping yesterday. I did not love it. Shopping does not appeal to me. Here is where I would rather be when I am at the mall...

The Old Man Bench :)

I did find a new ornament for the tree :)

Scared of the Scale

2011-12-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

I know many of you are self proclaimed scale whores. I am not. Actually, I am just the opposite. I almost can't force myself to get on the scale. It gives me anxiety to even think about it. What if it hasn't moved...or worse, what if it moved up??? I told myself I weigh every Monday since my surgery was on a Monday, but I just can't make myself do it. I am that scared of failing.

Can I also just tell ya that I have never been self conscious about eating in front of other people...until now. The Rockstar and I went out to eat the other day. My first time eating out and ordering something other than soup. I felt uncomfortable the entire time. I feel crazy sitting my fork down after every bit. All that chewing drives me insane. And why does the server have to keep asking me if I want a drink??? I would just order water, but I don't trust myself enough not to drink it if it's right there in front of me.

In unrelated news...I have unplugged my alarm clock and put it in the closet for the next two weeks...yay me! Tomorrow I have to go Christmas shopping....yes, I have been procrastinating. I always do. I hate to go shopping, so I do it all in one day. You think I could get away with just doing all gift cards this year??

I think I can, I think I can

2011-12-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

Only one more day left in this shit filled semester. I feel like The Little Engine That Could...or maybe that can't...we shall find out tomorrow. This really has been one of the worst years I have ever had as a teacher. First of all, I work for Lucifer. Seriously, she is the most power hungry, heartless, controlling, narcissistic, stupid ass, dick licking, piece of shit twatwaffle I have ever met (one day I will tell you how I really feel).

Because of Lucifer and her mini-me workers everybody walks around on pins and needles. Needless to say, it is a very hostile, stressful work environment. I have applied with another school system, but it is not easy to get hired in the middle of a school year...and I would have to take a huge ($10,000) pay cut if I changed. However, if things get much worse, the Walmart Greeter job will be looking pretty good to me.

It has been one week since my first fill. I have been able to eat very little. I have lost 6 pounds since this time last week (not complaining about that). Since we are in the week of finals I couldn't take the time off to go get an unfill. I called my doctor and after a lengthy conversation he said he feels like swelling with the combination of the stress I have had this past week is why I felt so tight. If I still have trouble eating at the beginning of next week I will go in since I will be off for Christmas break.

Nothing much else to update y'all on. My Hypertension Specialist still won't clear me for any type of exercise (other than walking). My bp was better this last time (158/108), but he said it is still way too high for me to exercise and still too high to come off of any of the meds. However, he did take me off of one of the fluid pills (I was on two different ones)....woot, woot...it's not much, but it's a start :)

Sundays Soothe My Soul

2011-12-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

I love Sundays...except for the fact that I know the next day I have to awake to the wretched sound of the alarm clock. Sundays are a laid back day in my house. Usually we sleep in late and stay in our PJ's all day. The Rockstar does the laundry and I usually cook a big supper.

Today I didn't sleep late (The Rockstar was feeling frisky at 6:30!!!!) and I didn't cook a big supper, but it was still a great day! I only cooked a pot of homemade soup since I had major issues with eating yesterday. I am feeling much better today. Even water was difficult yesterday, but today drinking has been no trouble, and the soup went down fine.

In case I haven't told y'all (which I know I haven't), I am so thankful to be part of this blogging community. I was a little freaked out yesterday after turning into the slime monster. It really is helpful to read other people's blogs and/or comments and know that other people have experieced the same thing. I just puffy heart love y'all to pieces.

Not a Great Day in Bandland for Me

2011-12-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

So, right after my first fill I felt the same...but than again I was on liquids.

Today, not so good. I took one bite of scrambled eggs this morning and was in misery for over half an hour afterwards. I just have to tell y'all....I never knew it was possible to have that much slime in my body. Seriously.

I have not even attempted to eat anything else today. I scared to...I don't wanna see slimefest again. I have been drinking, but even that is a little uncomfortable unless it is just small sips. I have barely made it through a bottle of water today.

Somehow, this is not exactly what I thought a fill would feel like.

First Fill and 10 Things Thursday

2011-12-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

I got my first fill today!!! Y'all know I was a big ole fraidy cat about that big ole needle...but it was fine. He didn't ask me if I wanted the numbing shot...just did it anyway. I was ok with that and it didn't burn/hurt very much at all. He said I had 3cc's in from surgery and he added 2 more for a total of 5cc's.

I also had to see the NUT while I was there. I think that NUT is a nut...she said I should only be eating 600 calories a day. I asked the doctor about it and said that only pertained to immediately after surgery and now it should be 900-1100...which is what I have been doing.

I had lost 18 pounds since my pre op appointment...yay!

ok, now on to 10 Things Thursday....

1. My doctor's office used to be a mall, so there are many, many doctor's offices in there now. When I went in today there was a gourmet cheesecake stand set up right in between the surgical weight loss center and the heart clinic. WTF??? Were they trying to ensure job security or what??

2. I haven't even started Christmas shopping and probably won't until I get off for Christmas break.

3. I have had so much paperwork to do at work (educational plans, ACT accommodations, etc) that I have been a craptastic teacher this week. I will be having an unannounced observation at any time...glad it wasn't this week.

4. We have an advisory group once a week where we are supposed to talk about getting ready for college, grades, and many other "advising" type things. This week the kids were supposed to write a thank-you letter to one teacher or adult in the building who had helped them this semester. Afterwards the advisory teacher would place the letter in that teacher's mailbox. I got a letter...and can you believe it was from my lovely child who calls me names on a daily basis?? Keep in mind that I teach behavior disordered teenagers who have no filter with their language. The letter said:

Dear Big Azz Barbie, (yes, that is exactly how he addressed it)

Thank you for helping me with my grades and making sure I graduate this year. That other teacher fucked up my credits and you took care of it for me. Keep doing a good job. You will always be my favorite teacher. You are almost like my white mama.

Peace out,
Your Bobby Hill (I told him once that he was like a ghetto Bobby Hill from King of the Hill)

I got all teary eyed...he still thinks I look like Barbie and loves me like a mama :)

5. The Rockstar doesn't really understand the process of getting a fill. All he knows is how big the needle was and that I should feel more restriction. In his mind it was a big ordeal and he has gone back to waiting on me hand and foot. Is it bad that I have just let him continue to think that???

6. I had a crazy dream last night that I caught The Rockstar doing heroin (he does not do ANY drugs in real life) and I told him that I was leaving him. I went to speed away, only I didn't have a real car. I only had one of those pink battery operated Barbie Jeeps for kids...so I took off in that.

7. I noticed last night that my hair is much thinner in the front than it was a month ago. Good thing I still have a lot of hair in the back. I may have to consider doing the balding man comb over soon if this keeps up.

8. Paula Deen is my hero even if I can't eat her stuff any more. I am making some cookies this weekend from one of her cookbooks. They are called Ooey Gooey Chocolate Butter Cookies. You know they are gonna be good if the word butter is in the title. I'm not going to eat them. I am making them to put in a goody basket for Mr. Hottie as his Christmas present. Last year he gave me a gift card and I felt bad because I had not bought him anything. He loves to eat, so I figured he would like a goody basket.

9. I bought new make up today. I know some people get excited over new purses or shoes, but my thing is make up. I love it!

10. I still haven't had a Mountain Dew and the craving is no less today than it was a month ago.

One month surgiversary

2011-12-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it has been one month??? Me either. I haven't weighed this week, so not sure what my total loss is right now. I have my first fill appointment tomorrow, so I will just wait to see what his scales say.

My nerves are up and down like whore's drawers. One minute I think I am fine with it and the next I start thinking about that big ole needle. My doctor offers the numbing shot if you want it...I don't know if I want it. I have read where some of y'all say the numbing shot hurts worse than the fill needle, and others say they wouldn't get the fill without it. Decisions, decisions...help!

I also meet with nutritionist tomorrow. No worries there. I have done good when it comes to that. I do think I deserve some kind of award for going 30 days without a Mountain Dew...just sayin.

BYOC

2011-12-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

It's FRIDAY so that means it's BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy! Brought to you by the one and only Drazil! We answer a couple of questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy and paste and answer in your own blogs if you'd like!! ENJOY!!

Describe the structure you live in. (apartment, condo, house, mansion, cardboard box?)
I live in a two story house that sits on a little hill. The master bedroom is on the first level and the other bedrooms are upstairs. I have an attached garage, but I don't get to park my car in there...it is filled with The Rockstar's drumset, as well as The Boy's drumset and guitars.
Describe the city you live in. (population, main attractions)
I really don't know the population of my city...I would say around 100,000 or so. It is known as a military town, but I live on the opposite side of town as the base.
Why do you live in the town you live in? (job, to get away from a different town, family, schools?)
I was born and bred here :) The Rockstar was in the military when I met him. When he asked me to marry him I told him I could only stay married to him as long as he was stationed here because I could never leave my mama. He married me any way and got out of the military when he was up to reenlist.
What’s the view like from your backyard?
Just a yard, the pool/deck, and a tree.
Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.

Blogland was good. I haven't had to time to read all the blogs, but I will catch up this weekend. I love how supportive everyone is of each other. That's the whole reason I started a blog...I knew I would need a dabble of that lovin to help me through this journey :)

Real life has been so so. Home life is good. The Boy turned 18 today and I am feeling very sad that both of my babies are now "grown." Work life has been less that desirable. School life was supposed to be good because last night was supposed to be my last night of the semester BUT my professor called me on my way to school and asked me to pick up everyones papers and meet her this weekend to give them to her. She got caught up with something and couldn't make it to class...which means we still have to go in one more time and take the last test...ugh.

Ten Things Thursday

2011-12-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Ten things Thursday, brought to us by that totally hawt girl at beerdogsandhealth

1. My snow dance was a big fat fail earlier this week. Although I saw some snow flakes in the air, it just wasn't enough to get me a day off. Damn weather man. Just like a man to exaggerate on inches.

2. The Boy has a birthday tomorrow. He will be 18. I'M FREE, I'M FREE!!! Ok, I know I'm really not, but it felt good to think it for a second. He asked me what I was getting him for his birthday....I told him some luggage. He told me he wasn't planning on taking any trips. When I explained it was for packing up to move out he said "Mom...you know I am going to live her forever." When I asked him what about when he gets married his reply was "well, we have a guest room, she will be fine"

3. I finally got brave enough to get on the scale. I lost 2 pounds. I will take it.

4. Is it weird that I will only weigh myself on days that I pooped?

5. I used to host foreign exchange students. We have remained very, very close with our German son. Every once in a while he sends me my favorite chocolate from Germany. I haven't told him about getting banded. I know he will send me some for Christmas. I hope I have enough restraint not to eat it all at once. Maybe I shall share most of it this year.

6. I get my first fill next week. I am super duper nervous about that big ole needle.

7. My mother met a lady yesterday that had been banded 4 years ago and she lost over 200 pounds. After talking to this lady my mother felt the need to give me a lecture on how this band is only a tool and I have to work with the band...yes mama, I already know that.

8. I have my last class for the semester tonight. I am sooooo over going to school. I know my mama really wants to see me get a Doctorate....but I am over it.

9. Only two more weeks until Christmas break!!!

10. Hi. My name is Bigass Barbie and I'm a Dew aholic. I have been clean and sober for 26 days.... I want a Mountain Dew dammit!

New Blogger Alert

2011-11-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

There's a new blogger in town...Strawberry Confessions

Stop by and show her some love :)

3 weeks post op and in Bandster Hell

2011-11-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

It has been 3 weeks today and I am beginning to think that surgeon just made some random cuts, slapped some glue on me, and called it a day. Seriously, I could eat anything I wanted..."could" being the key word. I haven't gone over 1200 calories...not even on Thanksgiving.

I haven't had a Mountain Dew in 22 days and I am hungry...which puts me in a bad mood. Noone wants to be around me right now, and I don't blame them. Even my ~~gangbangers~~ sweet babies at school are offering me chocolate and chips thinking it will put me in a better mood. Bless their little hearts.

I don't know if I have lost any weight this week. I have been weighing on Mondays since my surgery was on a Monday. I haven't weighed today because I am afraid if I see no loss again this week it will push me over the edge.

My first fill is in 10 days. Pray for those around me until then...they are gonna need it.

In unrealted news... they are calling for a possible 1/2 inch of snow here tonight. Don't laugh, we have closed schools for less.

Toodles ya'll...I am off to do my snow dance. Wonder how many calories that will burn???

Random Thoughts on a Rainy Day

2011-11-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

It has been raining here for 3 days and I am totally over it. I am a teacher. We pray for snow (yay for snow days!), but never for rain. So, today I decided to pretend all that rain was snow and take me a snow day :-) Really, I stayed home with The Boy who is still feeling sickly from having his wisdom teeth taken out.

Have I told you I am really close to my mother?? Really close in every sense...she lives in the neighborhood right behind me. She calls me any time she sees my car still parked in the driveway on her way to work (I leave an hour earlier than her) to ask me why I am not at work. I am 41 years old and still feel like I can't get away with skipping school.

I am two weeks post op. I didn't lose any weight this week. I am trying not to beat myself up over this since I am completely on regular food now. I have read where some people actually gain a little when they are back on regular food, but it is still disappointing when I don't see the scale move.

I don't have class this week since my class is on a Thursday....woot, woot! Being the procrastinator that I am , I will not complete the 5 journal article reviews that will be due next week. Rather, I will wait until the day before and stress and complain about doing it all in one day....because that's how I roll.

That's all my random thoughts for the day. Toodles.

Mood stabliziers...yes, please

2011-11-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

Well Lord help me, I just do not know what has been wrong with me this weekend. My emotions have been like a Mexican jumping bean. One minute I am laughing like hyena, and the next I am crying like a baby. If I'm not laughing or crying, then I am madder than wet hornet...for no reason.

The Rockstar has been so good to me for the last two weeks. He won't let me lift a thing, he has washed every dish that has been placed in the sink, and he is the only reason we have had clean drawers to cover our behinds since I haven't even considered doing any laundry. Yet, I have still been a big, ole bear to him. Why? I have no idea.

This sounds so stupid to say, but I am pissed off because I can't eat what I want. Well, I could, but I won't let myself. Then I get mad at everyone around like it's their fault I can't dive head first into vat of fried chicken grease or chocolate.

Why am I doing this??? Maybe my new name should be Lunatic Barbie.

BYOC

2011-11-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

What is your FAVORITE part of Thanksgiving?
The food, duh...and sleeping late. My mama does most of the cooking, and she is the best cook I know!
How many Thanksgiving family events will you attend?
Just the one at my mama's house.
What’s your biggest Thanksgiving tradition?
We always eat around noon then everyone goes home. We all go back to my mama's house that night and eat leftovers. In the past my sisters and I would sit around and watch old home videos from when we were in high school, but since I haven't spoken to one of my sisters in 2 years I don't think that will happen this year :(
Do you Black Friday shop the day after Thanksgiving?
Hell to the no....I work with crazy people every day, I don't wanna spend my days off with them too. I also don't much like shopping. I do all of my Christmas shopping in one day, and much of that is done online.
Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog world.
Real life has been sucky. I went back to work on Tuesday and the rest of the week was VERY stressful. The other behavior teacher was out today and a sub didn't show up. So guess who got those angel babies all day??? Yep, you guessed it, me. I had my kids plus his...and no assistant.

Blog world has been just peachy!

Ten Things Thursday

2011-11-17T17:32:00.000-08:00

1. I went back to work on Tuesday and let me just tell y'all....this week sucked big, green, wart infested donkey dicks!! The week was a belligerent bitch and I am so glad tomorrow is Friday.

2. I apologize for all of the profanity. The longer I work with behavior disordered kids the more I become like them...don't judge, it's a coping mechanism.

3. I have class on Thursday nights. Tonight I noticed that I pass 11 fast food restaurants on my way home. Before last month I stopped at one of those places almost every Thursday night. I'm pretty sure Chick Fil A probably has a missing poster of me posted on the front door.

4. Why does toilet paper cost so damn much??? I have actually been getting in all my water and I pee like crazy. I'm sure I have killed an entire forest this week alone.

5. The kid who initially called me Big Ass Barbie has moved on to another name...now it's Country Barbie. People say I have a thick southern accent...I just don't hear it y'all :) I don't mind either name, but I think I prefer Big Ass Barbie. Either way...he still thinks I look like Barbie!

6. I thought I would be weighing myself every day, but actually I haven't been weighing myself at all. I was weighed at my post op appt on Monday and haven't weighed since.

7. The Boy will be 18 in just two weeks. I really can't believe both of my babies will be grown. It makes me feel old.

8. My friend that I told y'all about who was getting the band with plication had her surgery yesterday. The surgery went fine, but she said she was in pain. I asked her if she was taking the pain medication and she said the prescription hadn't been filled...well, duh...take your medicine.

9. I got a call today reminding that I have another dentist appointment on Monday. I told y'all...I would rather run through hell with gasoline panties on than go to the dentist. This should be the last appointment until next year.

10. My dreams have been so vivid since surgery and I haven't taken the pain meds since the second day. The dreams have often included my favorite foods. Last night I was in a Krispy Kreme doughnut eating contest with a midget from the Wizard of Oz. I won.

Buttdumpling and Ex Lax Ellie

2011-11-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day back at work!!

Everything was smooth sailing....until Coach Buttdumpling decided to park his fundraising crack cart in my room during my planning period. This is what stared me down for over an hour today...

In unrelated news...I am having trouble drinking all this water when I am limited as to when I can go to the bathroom. Today my eyeballs were floating by the time the bell rang. I beat the kids out of the room, dashed to the faculty restroom and did the pee pee dance in the hall waiting for Ex Lax Ellie to get outta there...and then gagged the entire time I was in there....ugh.

One week and first post op

2011-11-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

I had my first post op appointment today (more about that in sec). The Boy was out of school today (for teacher inservice) and wanted to go with me. No, not because he is overly concerned about what the doctor had to say, but because there is a big music store right next to my doctor's office and he wanted to but a new amp and guitar strings. Of course he had would rather use my gas than his to get there (it's an hour away from our home). I was glad he wanted to go with me. I have noticed with both of my boys I have always had the best conversations with them in the car...or while doing something does not require eye contact. I don't know if this is a boy thing or just a teenage thing. Either way, I was happy to have that 2 hours to have great conversation with a great kid :)

Now, on to my appointment. I had to see the nurse, the doctor, and the nutritionist. This was a nurse I had not met before. I found out that she is the one who will do the fills when the doctor doesn't do them. She was as sweet as my Bigmama's tea. I really liked her a lot and think we will get along just fine. I was disappointed that my blood pressure isn't any better yet (168/109), but since they took me off of two meds for the first week after surgery the doctor said he isn't surprised. My liver biopsy came back ok...um, I didn't know you took a liver biopsy. Apparently, The Rock Star didn't think it was noteworthy to tell me about the suspicious spot the doctor saw on my liver...but he didn't fail to tell me that the doctor said I might be more comfortable without a bra for the week.

So, I want to tell you about my loss, but I don't know if I count the entire loss, or just that since surgery??? I have lost 14 pounds since my first initial visit to the office, and 9 since my pre op appointment...so do I still get to say I have lost 14 pounds even though some of it was prior to surgery??? I sure hope so.

My next appointment is December 8. I may or may not get a fill...he said he "primed" my band more than usual and he wasn't sure if I would need one.

Now on to my first real food....scrambled eggs with cheese. I'm excited!

Super Saturday

2011-11-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

Well it has been 5 days since I had surgery and I am fine as frog hair split four ways. Seriously...I feel great! I still feel like I was punched in the stomach, but no other complaints. I think I was the luckiest girl in the world because I never did have any of those awful gas pains that everyone else talks about.

I haven't been on the scale...I'm kinda skeered. What if it hasn't moved??? I think I am going to wait until Monday at my first post op appointment. At home I wouldn't think twice about throwing myself in floor and having an emotional breakdown with arms and legs flailing about if the scale hasn't moved...but I think I will have some restraint if that happens at the doctor's office.

So according to The Boy I now officially suck at grocery shopping. Every week I ask him what he wants from the grocery store and he usually replies "whatever." Well, in the past "whatever" to me meant pizza, cookies, snack cakes, doughnuts, and anything else that tickled my fancy at the time. This week his reply was the same, but to me that meant "whatever you choose mom, I love you and would never want to tempt you all those unhealthy, artery clogging, make your ass bigger foods...just make it something healthy and we will all join you in this quest for good health"....well, apparently I was way wrong for assuming that is what he meant...and have been dubbed the worst grocery shopper ever. Whatever, I've been called worse :)

Ten Things Thursday

2011-11-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

1. I am not sure I will have 10 things to say since my week has only consisted of pj's, chicken broth, and liquid loratab.

2. I don't miss going to work one little bit.

3. The Rockstar has taken very good care of me this week...which is a big deal because he usually sucks at taking care of even himself

4. I have watched more tv than I thought possible this week. I have realized that you can go 15 years without watching a soap opera and be completely caught up on what has happened in 3 days. I know that Victor has been on The Young and Restless since I was a toddler when my Bigmama watched it...he is STILL on there. He must be like 105 or close to it.

5. Mr. Hottie (the hot teacher down the hall) has texted me every day checking on me. Don't worry, The Rockstar NEVER gets jealous and Mr. Hottie is young enough to be my child...and I don't make enough money to be someone's Cougar ;)

6. I have not pooped since the day before surgery (Sunday)...and today is Thursday. Should I be worried? The Rockstar did always say I was full of shit...at this point he is probably right.

7. I have been an emotional rollercoaster this week. One minute I'm on a high thinking I am gonna be a skinny, fierce bitch within the next year (maybe that's the liquid loratab talking), and the next I am still afraid I will fail.

8. Thursday is one of my favorite tv nights...I <3 Grey's Anatomy

9. I think some of y'all are the greateset thing since free internet porn (I kid, I kid). But seriously, I love to read about everyone else's journey and I like knowing I can lean on y'all for some advice.

10. I was worried I wouldn't have 10 things to say...who was I kidding...I always have something to say :)

Day 3

2011-11-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

For some reason I feel a little worse today than I did yesterday. Maybe it's because I haven't taken any pain medicine. Maybe it's because I was up every effing 30 minutes to go pee last night. Maybe it's just because I am being a whiny butt baby today.

I am not having any trouble tolerating liquids, but I know I am not taking in enough. I just can't deal with the protein powders...they are all nasty to me. I am only taking in about 500 calories...at most. I will try to do better today. My doctor doesn't require a long liquid diet...he said I can move to puree/mushies today if I feel like it. I'm not sure I feel like it though.

For the good news (and don't be a hater)...I have had no gas pains what so ever. I also think my incisions look pretty damn good. Here is a pic...sorry it's a little blurry.

This Bigass Barbie is officially Banded!!!!

2011-11-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the day! I would have posted last night, but I was higher than a hippie in a helicopter on all those pain meds, and I was afraid it wouldn't make any sense. So here is how it all went down:

We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am. I was checked in and called back by 6. They did the usual...ask me the same questions they had already asked me 5,643,278 times. Made me strip nakey and put on designer gown and stockings.

They had a hard time getting the IV in. I hate it when the nurse doesn't want to listen to me. I told her that she wouldn't be able to do it on the left side...anywhere. She said "oh sure we can, you have great veins over here and we don't like to do it on your right side since you are right handed." So, three failed attempts later (kept blowing my veins) I wanted to scream "Look twatwaffle, I told you to start on the right side!" Finally, another nurse came in and got it in right away.

By 7:30 they came in and said I was getting something to relax me. It did more than relax me, it knocked my ass out! I remember The Rockstar kissing me and then nothing else until I woke up in recovery. I do, however, remember hurting like hell when I woke up. I felt like I couldn't catch my breath good and I felt like they left the scapel dug in my abdominal area on the left side. The nurse said don't worry I will take care of that for you...and she did...she hooked a sista up with hella good drugs. I don't know what she gave me, but that pain went right away.

I had heard a lot of people say that they had really chapped lips when they came out. I took my Bonne Bell Strawberry and Vanilla lip balm with me. I caked it on just before they took me to the O.R. and I didn't have chapped lips at all. I also didn't feel dried out...they had this mask on me that sprayed a fine cool mist, so that was all good.

By noon I had peed 3 times and had tolerated liquid several times, so they said I was ready to go if I wanted. Just before they took the IV out they shot me up with Morphine, Zofran, and made me drink some liquid Lorabtab. Let's just say I don't remember much of the hour drive home.

We got home and The Rockstar put me to bed. He took everything the doctor said very literally...he was waking me up every 30 minutes to drink 2 oz...and yes he had it measured in Dixie cups. He was forcing me to take pain meds every 4 hours...finally when I woke up for good this morning I said "Enough with the pain meds!" I have tolerated liquids with no problem and had some jello and a little chicken broth. I am not really hungry and don't really feel like having anything but water and juice.

All in all, it wasn't too bad. I do feel like Mike Tyson punched me in stomach, but I know that will get better each day.

Nervous, Excited, Scared, and Hungry as hell

2011-11-07T00:32:00.000-08:00

Well, that sums up how I am feeling. It is 2 am and I can't sleep. I slept for a few hours, but visions of biscuits and gravy danced in my head...so I got up.

I am having second thoughts...is this normal??? I mean, what if I am totally being selfish and never wake up from this and leave The Boy and The Big Boy without a mother. The love me fat or not. Th Rockstar could find another groupie (although not as hot and boobalicious as me ;) but my boys could never replace me.

I know...I am just being silly and everything will be fine.

We leave the house in 2 hours. I hope my surgeon had a great weekend. I sent him an email on Friday and told him to send his wife flowers that day so I knew he would have a good weekend ;) Hopefully he took my advice. I told him a happy wife = a happy life, but ya know, some men never learn that. I shall ask him this morning if he sent them to her. Hell, if I had known his address I would have just sent them myself and signed his name to them.

Damn, I wish I had a Mt. Dew right about now.

Oh well, time to put my big girl panties on and do this.

Tomorrow is my Big Day!!

2011-11-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

In less than 24 hours I will be one of you...a bandster! I didn't think I would be nervous at all...but I am!! The Rockstar has always said if sleeping was an olympic event I would be a gold medalist...but not last night. I tossed and turned all night.

I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am. The hospital is almost an hour away so we will be leaving here at 4:30...is it legal to be up that early??? I don't have to spend the night in the hospital, so I really don't have anything to pack.

I know I said I wasn't going to have that "last" meal...but my mother made me. I think in her mind I will never be able to eat again. Here is how our phone convo went down:

Mama: I am taking you out to eat tonight.

Me: Mama, I really don't need to go out to eat. I have done so well on the pre op diet I don't want to mess it up.

Mama: Well you gotta eat, and since they are gonna starve you to death after today I think you need to eat.

Me: Mama, I am not gonna starve to death. Have you seen my ass lately??? I got enough in reserve to last me for a long time. I really think I just need to stick to the pre op diet.

Mama: OK, I will pick you up 6:30...see ya then, love you, Bye.

I told you, us southerners think they have to show love with food...even if the person is about to have weight loss surgery. I knew this was my mother's way of just showing she loved me...so I went and ate a salad. I brought the entree home for the Rockstar to eat...better it go on his ass than mine.

When I got home The Rockstar and I went to the grocery store to get the stuff I would need for next week. I didn't take a list with me, so I am sure I probably forgot something...

BYOC

2011-11-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

Let’s get to what we came here for! BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy. A couple questions we answer to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog if you wish! Enjoy! Compliments of Draz!

Let’s do another themed BYOC…..this one will be called “What’s In/On Your….?”

1. What’s on your desk between your monitor and keyboard? (if it’s a laptop – what’s on your desk in general)

My laptop is in my lap right now, so nothing. I don't want to think about what's on my work desk right since I am not in my classroom. I like everything perfect on my desk and it bugs me when I come back from having a sub and everything has been moved around...so, I am not going to think about it until I return to work in 11 days.

2. What’s on your mind right at this moment?

I will be banded in 3 days!!! I am thinking about everything I need to do this weekend...clean the house, do the laundry, grocery shop, be a good groupie for my Rockstar ;)

3. What’s in or on your nightstand on your side of the bed?

Alarm clock, lamp, home phone, cpap machine. We won't talk about what's in the nightstand :)

4. What’s on YOUR Christmas wish list (let’s assume you’d get what was on it)?

I never have a wish list. I am not very good at accepting gifts...but I wouldn't mind a new kitchen floor.

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.

Real life has been a little crazy. ~~Lucifer's wokers~~ our administrators decided that I didn't need an assistant in my room and moved him to a different class. Actually, they decided that neither of the behavior classrooms needed an assistant. I mean, why would we need an assistant when we deal with emotionally disturbed, sometimes homicidal/suicidal kids???

Blogland has been great. This is still a little new to me and I feel like I spend way too much time on here trying to read everyone's blog. It seems like more people post during the day and I don't have time to read/comment while I am at work.

I hope all you have great weekend!

Ten Things Thursday!

2011-11-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

1. Thank you to all who commented on my post yesterday. I have decided not to have that "last meal" because I think I would feel guilty after I have done so well these last two weeks....but damn Chinese sure does sound good!

2. Today was my last day with kids until after my surgery. I have to work tomorrow, but I will have a sub in my class. We get one day each semester to do paperwork. I saved my day until tomorrow so I can make sure any last minute things get done. Since I already have all my sub plans done for the time I will be out it should be an easy schmeezy day.

3. I have lost 7 pounds since I started this non required pre op diet...Chinese still sounds good, but 7 pounds is like a newborn!

4. In the last two weeks I have suddenly become obsessed with weighing myself. Even if I just weighed myself in the morning, I feel compelled to weigh myself again if I poop...TMI??

5. I still have not given up my liquid crack (Mountain Dew) and I won't until I the last day

6. I went to the dentist yesterday. I would rather run through Hell with gasoline panties on than go to the dentist.

7. I feel better on days when I wear matching bras and panties

8. I have had the song "Superfreak" stuck in my head all day

9. My mother has her panties in a bit of a wad about Thanksgiving. She stresses every year about all the cooking, but this year she is fussing about the things she usually makes just for me that I won't be able to eat. I told her that it just meant less cooking. She said "just forget it, I am having it catered this year"...um, ok

10. I will be banded in 4 days!!

One day closer

2011-11-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

I am down to 5 days (4 if you don't include surgery day). As I have said, my doctor didn't require the pre op diet that most people had to do. He only requires all liquids the day before. I decided on my own to do the pre op diet...what in the hell was I thinking??? I am effing hungry dammit! But I have stuck to it. Why is my sense of smell so much better??? I can smell the teacher down the hall heating up her lunch...and she keeps her door closed! I am drooling when I see Burger King commerical (and I never even eat Burger King).

I am wondering...should I stick with this pre op diet (that I was not required to do), or should I go the Chinese Buffet and dive in head first??? I resisted all the Halloween candy, cupcakes, cookies, ~~hot teacher, and~~ and doughnuts...but should I just say eff it and eat what I want for the last few days???

Tell me what ya think.

Versatile Blogger Award :)

2011-11-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!

Versatile: ver-sa-tile [vur-suh-tl] or, especially British, [vur-suh-tahyl]: capable of, or adapted for, turning easily from one to another various tasks, fields of endeavor, etc.: a versatile writer.

Word information source: www.dictionary.com

Here is how the award works:

1. You thank the person who presented you with the award.

2. You tell 7 things about yourself.

3. You award 15 other newly discovered bloggers

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Lolli and Robyn who both nominated me!

Here's my 7 things:

1. I love all things sparkly

2. My lucky number is 2

3. I hate green foods

4. My mother is my best friend...for real, like I am co dependent, attached, haven't cut the cord...get the picture??

5. I have two boys. I like my kids, not just because they are my kids and I have to say I like them, but I really genuinely like the young men they have become and enjoy spending time with them.

6. I met The Rockstar 20 years ago. Three days later he asked me to marry him. Six weeks later we were married.

7. I will be banded in 6 days!!

15 nominations is a lot...I'm a new blogger y'all...that would be almost all my followers. So, I will start with 5.

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

One week from today I will be banded!!!!

Today has been filled with temptation...cupcakes, candy, cookies, sex with hot men. Ok, maybe the last one was a lie...but all the others were in my face most of the day. Although my doctor didn't require a pre op diet I have been doing one anyway. That cupcake looked so good today I just wanted to sniff it, touch it, lick it...oh wait, that was the hot teacher down the hall. I am so proud of my self...I resisted (the cupcake and the teacher :-)

I will be glad when today is over. The first few trick or treaters might just end up with their bags full so I can get rid of it early and be done with it. This is what has been in my house for the last week and I have not touched it...

BYOC

2011-10-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

It’s Friday and time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! A couple of questions we answer to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy to your own blog and enjoy!

1. When did you begin blogging? Do you plan to do it a long time or do you think you’ll stop after a while?

Just a few weeks ago. I plan to do it a long time, but I have commitment issues...so maybe.

2. What do you enjoy more - blogging yourself or reading other’s blogs?

Reading other people's blogs for sure. I have learned so much from reading blogs and it is what really helped me make my decision to be banded. Maybe I will enjoy the writing part more when I have more to say other than how I have till I am banded.

3. What’s the biggest thing blogging has taught you? Biggest surprise about blogging?

Before I started blogging I realized from all of y'all how supportive you were of each other...and I thought "I want that!" The biggest surprise has been how funny some of y'all are...you crack me up :-)

4. Have you met any other bloggers in real life – solely because of your blog or theirs?

No, but I would love to!!

5. Does your blog have a general theme as in one topic or do you cover everything and anything?

Well since I am new to it I can't say that I have a theme other than getting banded.

6. Are you public or anonymous? Whichever you are – do you ever wish you were the other?

I’m anonymous for the most part. I don't use my name, but it's no big secret where I am from and my picture is on here. I have been thinking about taking the picture off. If it weren't for my job I wouldn't care about being totally public.

7. What’s your best blogging advice for a new blogger?

I am a new blogger...so what's your advice for me???

8. Does anyone in your real life read your blog/know it’s address? Do you wish they would or wouldn’t?
My bff knows about it, but I don't know if she has read it...I just gave her the address the other day and haven't talked to her since then. The Rockstar and The Boy know I blog, but they don't know the address, nor do I think they would be interested in reading it unless they thought I had posted something juicy about them.

9. Do you enjoy blogging or do you view it as a chore? How often do you blog?

So far I have enjoyed it. I read them everyday, but I don't post everyday.

10. Do you tell people in your real life that you blog? Or keep it a secret?

I keep it on the down low.
***************************************************

First Time Ten Things Thursday

2011-10-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is my first Ten Things Thursday. I'm not sure if there are any "rules" about the ten things, or if it's just random...so mine are just random. Here ya go:

1. I have a slight obsession with flip flops. I hate socks and shoes, so I will wear flip flops until it's so cold my feet are turning pretty shades blue. It is 50 degrees and rainy here today...and yes, I have on flip flops.

2. I am the kinda person who tries to play mind tricks on myself by always having my alarm clock 10 minutes ahead....of course my mind is not tricked and I continue to oversleep... often.

3. It bugs me if I have an uneven number of friends on facebook.

4. I can't seem to get away from men/boys. I am the only girl in my house. Most of my students are boys. I work in a small wing of the school with all males. Needless to say most of the laughter I hear revolves around someone's bodily functions.

5. My toenails are painted all year long, even in the winter when noone sees them but me. I love to get a pedicure!!

6. I am a very picky eater and I don't like to try new foods.

7. My high school guidance counselor told me not to worry about taking the ACT because I wasn't really college material. I am currently working on my Doctorate...guess she was wrong.

8. I accidentally sent one of my professors some funny Halloween porn yesterday. Her name is right above one of my bff's in my contact list. I didn't realize I had clicked on the wrong person until it was too late...oopsie.

9. Mountain Dew is my liquid crack. I have no idea how I will break that addiction when I am banded.

10. I will be banded in exactly 11 days.

Two weeks from today!!!

2011-10-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Two weeks from this very moment I will be banded!! My surgeon doesn't require a pre op diet (except for the day before) but I decided I would try it any way. It wasn't difficult at all to do today because I was too busy to even think about food. We had 15 teachers and 5 assistants out today...apparently the 10 day fall break just wasn't enough for them. I'm not hatin'...if it weren't for the fact that I am going to burn up 7 sick days for the pre op appointments, surgery, and post op appointment then I would have been tempted to call in sick too.

I told my kiddos today that in 2 weeks I would be out for a week. They asked why and I told them I was having some surgery...then quickly went into the expectations of them while I was gone. I did that because they needed to hear my expectations, but even more so, I didn't want to give them time to ask me any questions.

I have only told one person at work about getting banded. I told another teacher who is getting banded the week after me. We started this process about the same time. She told me last week that she is having a different procedure than me...she is getting the band with plication. I told I was shocked that our insurance covered that since it was relatively new. She proceeded to tell me that our insurance didn't cover it, her surgeon was doing the plication part free of charge. Sounds fishy?? Yeah it did to me too. Come to find out he is doing it for free...not out of the goodness of his heart, but because he is involved in a study on the procedure. Guess how many of these he has done??? Only 1!!! I am scared for her, but it's her decision and I will support her just as she supports me.

As I ~~blogstalked~~ reasearched about the band I frequently went to the very beginning of people's blogs. I wanted to know what everyone else had to do get approved, as well as what I could expect on the big day and immediately after. So just so you know, if I follow you and you started blogging before your surgery, chances are pretty good that I took the time to read your journey the whole way through (stalk much??? umm, yeah I do).

So I decided just in case there is some other ~~stalker~~ researcher out there who is looking for the same thing I would tell you what I had to do pre approval:

Information seminar
Nutrition education class
Butt load of blood work (I thought for sure I would need a transfusion when they were done)
Letter of recommendation from my PCP
Attend a support group meeting
Nutrition assessment with Dietitian
Six month medical weight loss program (I actually didn't have to do anything for this since I had monthly documented evidence of doctor visits...he always mentioned nutrition/diet in his notes because I was on a low sodium diet for malignant hypertension)
5 year weight history (my surgeon was afraid that this would get me a denial since 3 years ago I was not considered obese...but he was confident we could appeal it based on my health conditions)
Psychological evaluation
Cardiac clearance from my Cardiologist (this didn't require much because I had a stress test as well as an arteriogram within the last year)
Sleep study (which led to a lovely CPAP machine)
Endoscopy (I have Barrett's esophagus and my surgeon won't do the band on people with Barrett's if they have dysplasia...thank goodness I didn't)
Pap smear (wtf??? I don't want the surgeon any where near that end. My surgeon didn't require this, but my PCP wouldn't give me clearance without it since it had been 5 years)

Whew!!! By the end of that I felt like I had been poked, prodded, invaded, and a little violated...but hopefully, it will all be worth it.

Awesome Makeover!!!

2011-10-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

The blog fairy came my way...and look what a fabulous job she did!!! Big, big thanks to Jen for the amazing makeover. She rocks!!!

Turn that frown upside down

2011-10-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today I was having a bad self image day. I always do at the change of seasons when I have to find something that will fit over my big ass (and all other big parts). I was having a pity party for most of the day.

Since I am on fall break I would have normally just sat around in my sweats and not left the house for the day, but I couldn't do that today. You see, The Boy (my baby) is in the band and he is a senior. Tonight was not only senior night, but it was also the very last time I would see my baby march on that field.

During senior night all seniors are escorted on the field by their parents and recognized. I didn't WANT to be recgnized...I was feeling fat, old, and way less than pretty. He is my baby, so I just had to suck it up and get over myself.

Just before we walked on the field the principal gave the seniors a flower to present to their mother. Now, I have to tell ya...The Boy almost never gives any kind of compliment. So when he does, you know he means it (or he's trying to get money). Just after they recognized him over the speaker he handed me the flower and said "This is for the most beautiful woman in the world."

The pity party has been canceled.

The Fat South

2011-10-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Tennessee was the 4th fattest state in the US?? Me neither until this past summer when I attended the informational weight loss surgery seminar...but I am not at all surprised. Here in the south we mean business when we eat.

Here in the south we like our food fried and smothered in gravy. We will literally flour and fry just about anything...chicken, pickles, Twinkies...you name it, we can fry it up. We are all about some biscuits and cornbread. Did you know that "Crack"er Barrel originated right here in Tennessee?? Yep, it sure did. Oh, and sweet tea...I was shocked in my adulthood to discover that in other parts of the country you can't order sweet tea in a restaurant...it all comes unsweet and you have to add sugar to it.

The whole food experience in the south is not just about gravy and grease, it's how we show love. When someone dies, we bake that family a cake. When someone gives birth, we cook that family supper so the new mama doesn't have to worry about it. If it's your birthday, we are gonna have a barbecue for you. Whatever the situation, we are gonna feed you so you know that we love you.

I think this is going to big one of the biggest changes I will have to soon face. I need to learn how to show love without food. More importantly, I will need to know that I am still loved without someone feeding me.

Walmart and Halloween

2011-10-18T02:36:00.000-07:00

Actually, when I think about it, everyday could qualify as Halloween in Walmart. But, for today's purpose I am actually talking about the real Halloween....or at least the candy part of it.

I usually do my grocery shopping over the weekend, but this week I am fall break (or as I call it "save teacher sanity week"). I decided I would wait until Monday to do my grocery shopping, in hopes that it would be a little less crazy on a boring Monday...I was wrong. Anyway, by this time of the year I have usually stored up on 5 or 6 bags of Halloween candy and would buy a few more each week until Halloween. This year I have none. I have not bought one single bag of the chocolate crack because I can't trust myself around it.

Chocolate is my thing...well almost anything with sugar in it. Once I get banded I don't have to worry so much about chocolate because I just won't bring it on the house. Neither the Rockstar (baby daddy) or the Boy care for chocolate, so it's a no brainer. However, they do like to partake in some other other various crack happy foods....snack cakes, cookies, poptarts, etc. Neither one of them have even an ounce to lose. Thye are supportive of me...but not enough to give up their own junk food.

How do y'all deal with the temptation still being all around you???

The internet is the devil!

2011-10-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

My surgery is exactly 3 weeks from tomorrow. I thought I was feeling pretty good about it...until this weekend. You see, I am one of those kind of people who can read something about an illness, syndrome, etc. and swear I will get it. Doesn't matter what it is....brain tumor, appendicitis, swine flu, testicular cancer...I swear that I will get it, even when I know I don't have testes.

So, this weekend I started reading about things that can go wrong with lap band surgery.....BAD idea. Now, I have myself scared to death that all of these will happen to me.

I think I should just go back to blog stalking y'all....it makes me feel much better about my decision.

Help!

2011-10-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am new to this whole blogging thing and I need help. I have tried commenting on several blogs and I can't...I don't know what I am doing wrong. I have commented on a few, but it won't let me on some. Help.....please :-)

Big Ass Barbie

2011-10-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

Since a few of you have commented on the blog name and assumed that I love Barbies, I thought I would tell you how the name came about. I mentioned that I am a special ed teacher, but what I didn't tell ya is that I teach behavior disordered and emotionally disturbed kiddos. Although I love these "misunderstood" teenagers, I will tell you that it is imperative to have thick skin if you are around them long....they do NOT mind (and sometimes take pleasure in) hurting your feelings. They will talk about your weight, clothes, hair, and anything else they think may possibly offend you when the mood strikes them. So a couple of weeks ago one of these lovely children was in a mood...and I don't mean a good one. He had said something negative about everyone in the class. He frequently calls my assistant Mr. Potato Head....my assistant is bald by choice, but he does not particularly like to called Mr. Potato Head. If you let these kids know that they have pushed your buttons you might as well take the rest of the day off...because they will keep pushing those buttons like it is their paying job. On this particular day my assistant ignored his potato head references and the kid decided to move on to bigger and better subjects...meaning me. I don't really remember the names he called me at first, as I was ignoring him. Then, he said "I know what your name should be...it should be Big Ass Barbie!" Well, he meant it as insult...but I threw my head back and just laughed and laughed. Then I looked at him with the biggest smile on face and said "awwww, you think I look like Barbie???" So, when I started this blog I was still overjoyed that one of my kids thought I looked like Barbie (even if it was Big Ass Barbie). I wanted the name Lap Band Barbie...but it wasn't available. So, I settled for Rockband Barbie...and that's how this Barbie came about :-)

Feeling the love :-)

2011-10-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

So, I send Lap Band Gal one little email and poof...I have followers! That girl must have some pull...maybe I should ask for winning lottery numbers next :-)

I have a date now! No, not the hot sexy buy me dinner kind, but the life changing make me sexy kind. My surgery is scheduled for November 7th. I am nervous, happy, scared, excited, and a little freaked out...all at the same time. I haven't told many people that I getting the band. Not because I care if people know, but moreso because I don't go around randomly telling people about any other health issues I have, so I figured why would this be any different. I am telling all of you because blog stalking some of you is what helped me to make my decision.

So a little bit about me...I am 41 years old. I have two boys, one is grown and the other thinks he is. I am a Special Ed teacher and have been for 14 years. My mother is my best friend. I have two toy poodles that I call my babies (we don't use the d-o-g word in this house).

I haven't always been fat. I was actually a very normal weight until the last decade or so. My weight has been a real roller coaster since then. I was hospitalized last year in ICU for what they deemed "malignant hypertension." I knew I had high blood pressure, but once my cardiologist referred to it as "malignant" it somehow seemed a lot scarier. My blood pressure is still uncontrolled. I have been to every kind of doctor you can imagine...cardiologist, endocrinologist, hypertension specialist...you name it, I have seen them. So, the common theme among all of these doctors was drugs, drugs and more drugs. They all said "you need to lose weight...you just eat less and move more"....well if it was that easy don't you think I would save myself a buttload of money on all of these doctors visits and drugs and just do that??? I feel like I am in a vicious cycle right now...the higher my bp the more drugs they add. The more drugs they add, the less I feel like moving. The less I move the more I gain. The more I gain, the higher my bp goes...and the cycle continues. So, here I am...ready to get out of this vicious cycle and get rid of some of these drugs.

Approved!!!!

2011-10-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

I got a call from my surgeon's office this afternoon....my insurance has approved!!!! Although it was a six month long process before it was submitted, the insurance actually approved in less than a week :-) I call to get the date tomorrow! Woot woot...I am excited...and a little nervous.

2011-10-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

So today is my very first post...yay me! I have been blog stalking many people for quite some time now as I was contemplating getting banded. Well, since it no longer a contemplation I figured I should stop stalking all of you and just join you. I am a blogging virgin, so be gentle with me :-)