tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56458125529458448682024-03-19T13:38:53.834-07:00Life as I experience itpurrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-16322606725961368022009-09-06T15:54:00.000-07:002009-09-06T17:09:41.032-07:00Can't believe it has been over 2 months...since I last posted. Summer school has come and gone and we already have 9 student days in for the new school year.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>In early July my husband and I had a bit of a mishap on the scooter. I had a sprained wrist, a bruised shoulder, and road rash. He had bruising, road rash, and 5 broken ribs. We did manage to go on vacation to Atlanta to see family there. My uncle had back surgery in July and was having difficulty recovering and ended up having more surgery. He is no longer on pain meds, but all the surgery has taken a toll and recovery has been an uphill climb for both my aunt and uncle. He is doing a bit better, but has a ways to go. On the way home we stopped at Natural Bridge in Virginia. We go past all of these landmarks/historic sites every year and I keep saying that we are going to stop but we never did. Since we left Atlanta earlier than I would have liked since my husband was still have trouble finding a comfortable position for sleeping, I suggested we find someplace to stop and that is the place we decided upon. It was worth the time. We got some, but not as many pictures as I would have liked because I forgot to take the charger and spare battery for the camera.<br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378495613300734866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF4zm5swb1v6-o7UWeB9Vb6qN5woRF4xaf_W5PyugKTg73L2XVM4y4C7yQPdI70vepu2Az8ld-0_qhH6Th_wwvwPlKNyxIDQwAx5WQfgOBGgrP3olpd8Ccdz7EhFFI06aVWc2dKeHUsM1/s200/Donna's+before.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>This Tuesday is the annual picnic for my weight loss support group. Part of the program is Drop Your Drawers. Those who have lost weight come in a before outfit over their new clothing and then reveal their transformation. In a weak moment, I agreed to do this. I had to submit before and after photos. Here are the ones I submitted. The first one was 2 weeks before my first visit with the dietician. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbquWv-7ixtsBmDaGDTnh3VJNmygq7bAmWnxjsI6lMfYtNdAnbCixdmQW6qy4PkRIQUf4QgmCMI3Xo99gzsobqM0d70b4oSckqglaxlZwj0vtuFc0jBhKotLCtTi-eB_4vlMKRD4T0yd5E/s1600-h/100_1014.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378496138092379922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbquWv-7ixtsBmDaGDTnh3VJNmygq7bAmWnxjsI6lMfYtNdAnbCixdmQW6qy4PkRIQUf4QgmCMI3Xo99gzsobqM0d70b4oSckqglaxlZwj0vtuFc0jBhKotLCtTi-eB_4vlMKRD4T0yd5E/s200/100_1014.JPG" /></a> I don't remember the date of the second one. The third one was at my daughter's wedding on 5/16/09. The last 2 were taken on 8/30/09. Unfortunately I can't get them in the positions I want them in. Oh well.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBPEXQbbod2OrHGtumwpAv2EJZSj3tsxaFOCqpTtQpIJPbgKYsEjdwuINZ3jMiziTW259s6dwNnARowxRoRGLkqcW08Rb9CaCf2rJ0BIBhX2QFnPl3HwNheCLShQBqk6SOv7a92ew3VFu/s1600-h/Donnaafter2_avatar-2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 109px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 126px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378495299827632402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBPEXQbbod2OrHGtumwpAv2EJZSj3tsxaFOCqpTtQpIJPbgKYsEjdwuINZ3jMiziTW259s6dwNnARowxRoRGLkqcW08Rb9CaCf2rJ0BIBhX2QFnPl3HwNheCLShQBqk6SOv7a92ew3VFu/s200/Donnaafter2_avatar-2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwA1kq6HOSx3PdlPcrK2hBLqizmEn_mns4fWDgZRl_Z6SFOYv5YPRfIm9wRMqzNjJNMuVD1guL8Torjon5DR1sW9AMei6Q7a6eIUtwiVvESOjg1WXDeh7k1QR7ud83pxLNTPNm8cmHpakp/s1600-h/Donna+_1+-+05+16+09+018_edited-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 73px; HEIGHT: 117px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378508217802197538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwA1kq6HOSx3PdlPcrK2hBLqizmEn_mns4fWDgZRl_Z6SFOYv5YPRfIm9wRMqzNjJNMuVD1guL8Torjon5DR1sW9AMei6Q7a6eIUtwiVvESOjg1WXDeh7k1QR7ud83pxLNTPNm8cmHpakp/s200/Donna+_1+-+05+16+09+018_edited-1.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 123px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378494918170808338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3w28HfrpwoYepxbMpiGLuu6-LU5rKERnBZcqy4PLNCZ37I0GLWUVBGmbkd2Ih_Ww5I18Yic4nJB71qUubwlIQKaPe7T-9N29BAWhavGm46MAmjQ-tDFjRxZ_52e88drvheu4JUErrpAZ_/s200/Donna+after+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-91950526577911617752009-06-20T14:16:00.000-07:002009-06-20T14:20:53.161-07:00I am so sick of rainWe have had so much rain and dreary weather I could scream. It is June and I want warmer weather and sunshine. I have lots of new summer clothes I want to wear. I admit it does feel strange seeing my sister wear clothes that I wore last summer, although she did have some of the same items in a larger size. Of course her goal is to have all new clothes next summer. Since I am pretty much where I think I will end up, she won't be getting too much more from me.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-23238730339239398092009-06-18T18:26:00.000-07:002009-06-18T19:20:38.494-07:00A lot has happened since I last wroteThe wedding went quite well. There were a few glitches, but that was to be expected. The weather was good. even though rain was predicted it held off until the reception was over. Our son-in-law learned that he needs to leave a set of car keys home. They had to come home a day early because we couldn't move his car for street sweeping. We are still waiting for the proofs from the photographer. I hope they are online by the end of next week.<br /><br />We had company from British Columbia for the wedding. While she was here we did some tourist things including Boyd's Bear Country. We also went out to eat almost every evening.<br /><br />School is over for the summer, at least until summer school begins. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">was</span> pleased that I had all my work done and could leave as soon as we were dismissed. I do need to go in to water my plants though.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Becky's</span> was in an accident on June 3. A woman up the street ran a stop sign at the end of the alley. Her car was totalled. I must say that Progressive, in spite of commercials I personally find annoying, gives good service. Their adjuster was here the day after and waited for her to come home to sign the title and he cut her a check at that time. the car was picked up the next day. Becky ended up buying a new car, a Pontiac G3. She is now in debt for 6 years. She had some problems since she had changed her name some places and not others. Keith's car needed over $1300 worht of work and his car was worth only $100. He bought a used car, a Pontiac Grand Am.<br /><br />This past Monday and Tuesday I attended a 2 day conference for school. They were 2 long days, but I'll be glad come August and there will be 2 days I don't have to work. On Wednesday, someone Ken knows from his message board and her husband came for the day. We took them to Gettysburg and Hershey, even though the weather did not cooperate.<br /><br />Tonight was support group for gastric bypass. My friend Linda rode with me. It was nice to have company for the ride. They had the body analyzer scale there. I had mine done and was pleased. Kathy did not go because her knee was giving her trouble. <br /><br />We have had so much rain lately. Even so, we have managed to get some time on the scooter.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-54934118866356466572009-05-03T18:23:00.000-07:002009-05-03T19:22:30.683-07:00The wedding is less than 2 weeks away!As mother-of-the-bride, I am in stress mode. I have the bridesmaids' jewelry finished and all I need to do for my daughter's jewelry is attach earhooks to a pair of earings. I have started jewelry for me but need a sunny day to check to see if the colors go well before I finish.<br /><br />Weight loss has slowed even more. Only 2 pounds this month.<br /><br />Last Sunday was bittersweet. The church where I've been a member for 29 years closed. We voted to close in January and had several votes to confirm that decision, but last Sunday was the final service there and it was very hard not to completely break down, but I held it together pretty well until the end of the part of the service that was held in what is now our former church. for some reason I get very emothional when we sing the hymn "Borning Cry" and that is when I had trouble. We went to the new church (the one we merged with) today. We will be received a members ther on May 17. It is a little strange since this was the church I left 29 years ago when we moved, but in many ways it is not the same church. I guess time will tell. So far everyone seems very friendly.<br /><br />Saturday one of my aunts and cousin came for a visit. I haven't seen this particular aunt in several years so I was very glad she was able to come. She is leaving for Spain this week so she won't be at the wedding. <br /><br />Just to keep things interesting I broke out in a very bad case of hives that itched like crazy that required a late night trip to the pharmacy for Benadryl. Thank heaven it worked.<br /><br />This week will be another busy one. I have several appointments plus some shopping to get done. At school we have a field trip, assuming it does not rain on Tuesday or Wednesday. There is also all of the end-of-the-year stuff that needs doing.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-87077873742500459752009-04-02T19:46:00.000-07:002009-05-03T18:22:55.300-07:00Need to get with the programIt seems like I have forgotton about my poor blog. I'll try to get here and post more frequently. My daughter's bridal shower was last Saturday at her future mother-in-law's home. I finished one bracelet and one necklace for the girls to try on before making all of them. It seems that I will need one more strand of small lavendar pearls and possible more ivory pearls to complete everything. I'm still working on my daughter's jewelry. I'd like to make mine as well and I still have a little to do to finish the veil. Her first fitting is next Thursday so I guess I need to get with the program in that department as well. My sister doesn' know it yet, but I am going to ask her to do the place cards when I get all the response cards back.<br /><br />Weight loss has slowed down quite a bit, but I am getting there. In four more pounds, I will no longer be overweight!!!<br /><br />With everything that has been going on I have really let my shop on etsy slip. Of course, with the general state of the economy, I'm not sure how well I'd be doing anyway.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-37395606879486871772009-01-10T12:56:00.001-08:002009-01-10T17:06:23.354-08:00Stinky messMy poor sister. Her sewer backed up into her basement last weekend. She had one company come out and tell her there was nothing wrong. So she ran water and more "stuff" came up. She had another company out and they sent a camera down and said she had a crushed pipe and that what she had was mostly mud (sure didn't smell like plain old mud) but they couldn't do the work, So she had another company come and they dug up her front yard to replace the pipe. Turned out here pipe was cast iron and not crushed. There were tree roots growing in the terra cotta pipe ubder the street. At first she was afraid they would have to dig up the street, but they put some root killing stuff down and reamed the pipe clean and they put a place to access the pipe from outside the house. It cost her over $6000.00. I went up after my doctor appointment and helped her clean up the leftover dried up sludge.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-66384892703973999482009-01-10T12:07:00.000-08:002009-01-10T12:08:09.151-08:00I saw the dietician and surgeonAnother update--I had my 3 month follow up with the dietician and my surgeon and I have been declared the poster child for bariatric surgery! My sister was upset because she was told that she was the poster child. I've lost a total of 64.5 pounds; 39 have been lost since surgery. I was on the "small" side for surgery, meaning that I just qualified, they were pleased because the average loss 3 months out is 40-60 pounds. My goal now is to lose 19.5 more pounds before I go back on May 22. My surgeon assured me that I will continue to lose. I thought I'd be in trouble for not journaling my food, but as long as I am where I am supposed to be I don't have to.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-45206325838348663102009-01-04T14:21:00.000-08:002009-01-04T14:30:47.486-08:00Mother of the bride dresses.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXbnMQ-ENFlexu9Tnoxoc4VbiJ-V4I4XChDYplnf0KJFqs-z46Lq6ijRE-yZQ2R6aWkj9LkD25DJ0UoRhtPYNPD2NLQqIgrGk20zd2Q9c96bEA2ExLszthR_VQlQ-t5zPW1CPKuX9JUzq/s1600-h/01+04+09+003_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287567758072776450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 80px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXbnMQ-ENFlexu9Tnoxoc4VbiJ-V4I4XChDYplnf0KJFqs-z46Lq6ijRE-yZQ2R6aWkj9LkD25DJ0UoRhtPYNPD2NLQqIgrGk20zd2Q9c96bEA2ExLszthR_VQlQ-t5zPW1CPKuX9JUzq/s200/01+04+09+003_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgDxruSzrYFeBFKM6RsEBszPxoadDUudZBOuFZyusAvgVgYSJ_ZK20wsOCrTK2S5Jf9o19LCQqznKWlF8a4_7cAdsP2RjBIekgkPdoXLJenfWqjL9OuQUDd96JCvpGYxRqqpiKy3XVt4A/s1600-h/01+04+09+001_edited-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287567744587074322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 92px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgDxruSzrYFeBFKM6RsEBszPxoadDUudZBOuFZyusAvgVgYSJ_ZK20wsOCrTK2S5Jf9o19LCQqznKWlF8a4_7cAdsP2RjBIekgkPdoXLJenfWqjL9OuQUDd96JCvpGYxRqqpiKy3XVt4A/s200/01+04+09+001_edited-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287567755725333330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 80px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAYKYfd0zIRD4_zyo02R6Mz6DQiSz4q53B9ygydqb8cVY2h1NN79gXzytKGSAMwJTDmPOm4NtRlwXJ8rrUEbI5YlR5K4AOuBLT8GjMZ6m-aGmFayK-IvEpq8jIdKdIcWA4esbAHj7VS1R/s200/01+04+09+002_edited-1.jpg" border="0" />Keep in mind the dresses are a bit tight because I bought 10's, figuring I'd be down at least 10 pounds by May 16. The first one is for the wedding. and cost $27.50. Ken is not the best picture taker, but there is some beading on the hem of the sleeve. The neckline is draped and the back drapes lower than the front. The second one is for the rehearsal dinner and was a real bargain at $15.00. The last one is because I thought I looked good in the dress. This was the expensive one at $60.00. I guess that was because it was an Evan Picone. BTW, that is my ankle bracelet part way up my leg. I guess I need to take it apart and shorten it. I must say that shopping for a dress to wear was depressing at first. There was nothing in the mall. I went to a local bridal shop and told her I didn't want anything extravagant and she showed me a black dress. A black dress for the mother of the bride??? She said he dress was simple, but elegant. It cost $630! I wasn't planning to spend over $200 and she said she had nothing. I went to a small bridal shop in town and they did have some samples. The one I like best was $215 (they said they'd "work" with me, bit it would need alterations. The only thing I might need to do is hem the underlayer of the top (it is a 2 piece dress) since it wants to peek out. I'm hoping that 10 pounds will take care of that. Even if it doesn't, I can do that myself.</div>purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-18591358545817329592009-01-03T09:46:00.001-08:002009-01-03T09:51:08.819-08:00Here is a pic of my highest weight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRYFqScL0qaksP8BIoxBHHF3alMmBv0cKXkRsQs89WZXIJAbj6Exm3UL54TyrbBq1R0vBbvboAZSU6Y9Njv6x8r7ZOurgAB3AsnTUNOAPj6Lcqn-ilgQ_KTD5mxLOkv2ipssC-Ai9gRCi/s1600-h/Donna's+before.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287125860676994082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRYFqScL0qaksP8BIoxBHHF3alMmBv0cKXkRsQs89WZXIJAbj6Exm3UL54TyrbBq1R0vBbvboAZSU6Y9Njv6x8r7ZOurgAB3AsnTUNOAPj6Lcqn-ilgQ_KTD5mxLOkv2ipssC-Ai9gRCi/s200/Donna's+before.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This was taken 2 weeks before I started the program. my sister took pictures the day before my surgery, but they are still on her camera. By then I'd lost about 25 pounds, but I was still unhealthy.</div><div> </div><div> </div>purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-58017604309920075542008-12-29T08:34:00.000-08:002008-12-29T08:47:15.640-08:00I am so HAPPY!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZq_e9D76XV9iJK0hcrraRS7MtlH0o1vfhyphenhyphenaan5PYoe3cra4ChXBzxvYLDXSRL9zgePP8oOi6B5RLZlowroYPfTn4QZkg9GunR510CBhHodYSG58oZnOeSjd-PXBofqwtbsc5qRwjl0BF/s1600-h/Donna.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285251978024202994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZq_e9D76XV9iJK0hcrraRS7MtlH0o1vfhyphenhyphenaan5PYoe3cra4ChXBzxvYLDXSRL9zgePP8oOi6B5RLZlowroYPfTn4QZkg9GunR510CBhHodYSG58oZnOeSjd-PXBofqwtbsc5qRwjl0BF/s200/Donna.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQqQENe0BXoCT-q7KATcm85Js6nhqT50QN09eZcBBY6NJpcJkY0kykVEHcU2OUOpqgnqiHydtacxcD_mD73mLSShDGG2Vcswp7LdDmOTpM2Z9OA0vVWXNGIIQSSE5AYECYoS9V_E9HaoX/s1600-h/straight+hair_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285251978966526146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQqQENe0BXoCT-q7KATcm85Js6nhqT50QN09eZcBBY6NJpcJkY0kykVEHcU2OUOpqgnqiHydtacxcD_mD73mLSShDGG2Vcswp7LdDmOTpM2Z9OA0vVWXNGIIQSSE5AYECYoS9V_E9HaoX/s200/straight+hair_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgsqMD_A_5z5bZSfSG2-iqC-09jvfKCT3ujZSyFfBDGBgEtOwrE6WPMc-XmGcYymduP2xA0kT3CE-mrPS0O57EOmdBtJo0Jg9iHJgqDOMhocAArmGLes276aV6yL6jBgqW9RC47_aM1_7/s1600-h/compare+to+Nashville.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285251991864673762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgsqMD_A_5z5bZSfSG2-iqC-09jvfKCT3ujZSyFfBDGBgEtOwrE6WPMc-XmGcYymduP2xA0kT3CE-mrPS0O57EOmdBtJo0Jg9iHJgqDOMhocAArmGLes276aV6yL6jBgqW9RC47_aM1_7/s200/compare+to+Nashville.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X4hHE6glXMDFZr5ZdUI8mXncIsfsADi0RkfDKfg1YpdNgwtliWNHewHVnf_p-R6IN3W6qlL9xPZLmOEb48vi4IMjOFEDV4w1Q_l0QHl1QA39rSS_xKp0WY4Xch_tAH09U_JLi89vaRnc/s1600-h/Donna+11+07+08+003_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285252002888263138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X4hHE6glXMDFZr5ZdUI8mXncIsfsADi0RkfDKfg1YpdNgwtliWNHewHVnf_p-R6IN3W6qlL9xPZLmOEb48vi4IMjOFEDV4w1Q_l0QHl1QA39rSS_xKp0WY4Xch_tAH09U_JLi89vaRnc/s200/Donna+11+07+08+003_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>The first picture is from August of 07 and not my highest weight. The second picture is from June of 08 and not my highest weight.</div><div>The thirs picture is from October of 08 about 3 weeks after surgery. The last picture is from the first week of Nov. of 08 and is the most recent I have available now. Currently I am about 15 pounds less than when that picture was taken.<br /></div><div>Now, why I am so happy. Although they are a tiny bit snug, but I am sitting here and breathing in a pair of size 8 jeans! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd get into a size 8, and I still have 22 pounds to go until I am no longer overweight. I decided that size 14 held up with a belt will no longer cut it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZq_e9D76XV9iJK0hcrraRS7MtlH0o1vfhyphenhyphenaan5PYoe3cra4ChXBzxvYLDXSRL9zgePP8oOi6B5RLZlowroYPfTn4QZkg9GunR510CBhHodYSG58oZnOeSjd-PXBofqwtbsc5qRwjl0BF/s1600-h/Donna.jpg"></a></div></div></div>purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-21060058853940342872008-12-20T14:45:00.000-08:002008-12-21T15:41:51.992-08:00Long time, no blogIt has been almost a month since I last was here. I have been busy, but that is a pretty lame excuse I suppose. I'll begin where I left off.<br /><br />The inservice day was different. We went on a scavenger hunt in downtown York. The day was cold and the sky was gray, but no precipitation. The purpose was to help cooperate with each other and be better team members. I just wish I would have thought to wear my knee brace. When we were told we would be outside, I thought we would be near the school and not doing so much walking. I will say the day did go quickly.<br /><br />Thanksgiving was at my sister's, although one of our cousins was in charge of the meal. You must understand that my sister is extremely organized. My cousin was expected between 2:00 and 3:00 on Wednesday afternoon, but did not appear until much later. Apparently he did not leave his house when he planned and before going to my sister's, he took his dogs to a dog park near my sister's house for 1 1/2 hours before coming to her house. This would not have driven her crazy, except he was going to cook the turkey on Wednesday. She feels he needs to acquire some time management skills.<br /><br />Talk about being busy, I started this post yesterday evening and an just now getting back to it. We had friends for dnner last evening and they got here earlier than they thought they would, so I had to stop. I was too tired to finish last night and there was church this morning with a meeting afterward. I've wrapped some Christmas presents and made some goodies along with making dinner and getting all the dishes in the dishwasher.<br /><br />My sister and I did our Black Friday shopping early and went out to Dresden, Ohio to Longaberger Baskets. We made a basket and has a great time shopping. Everything was 20% off and we bought plenty. My sister's SUV was jam packed when we came home.<br /><br />Last Sunday my husband and I went to the Christmas party for his part-time job. Thank heavens for take-out boxes. With those leftovers and the leftovers from Saturday night (we went out) I did not have to cook all week! The food was good, but not the best for a gastric bypass patient. I only lost 1/2 pound that week.<br /><br />On Thursday evening my sister and I went to our bariatric support group. That was a Christmas party, but the food was gastric bypass patient friendly. We went out to eat before the party and split a meal and each had enough for another meal.<br /><br />The best news, I am no longer obese!purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-30180102699363176332008-11-23T19:45:00.000-08:002008-12-21T15:42:22.165-08:00A visit to the surgeonWeight loss has started again! The doctor was pleased with my weight loss and how I looked! When I lose 6 more pounds I will no longer be obese, just overweight. Yes, it is a big deal.<br /><br />I have been busy working to fill orders as a result of my Open House. I've finished 7 pieces and have one more to go (as of now). I hope to get another order or two or sell some things on etsy.<br /><br />I started back at the deli on Saturday. My 10 year anniversary occurred while I was off. There was a small pin for me commemorating the anniversary. Because I am taking off this coming weekend I'm working tomorrow night and possibly Wednesday night.<br /><br />In school, the students are in only two days this week. There is an inservice day on Wednesday. We've been told to dress to be outside all day and to lock cell phones and other valuables in our cars, but to have ID with us. A bit of a mystery, don't you think?purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-36759981928529308932008-11-15T09:03:00.001-08:002008-11-16T13:51:36.233-08:00I'm BummedWeight loss has come to a standstill. I'm told this is normal, but that doesn't make me like it any better. I guess I need to get back to walking on the treadmill again.<br /><br />My sales on etsy aren't doing well either. I did do 2 Open Houses and did almost $300 worth of sales, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. I guess I'll just have to try some different designs to try to appeal to a larger audience.<br /><br />It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here so Christmas won't be far behind. I'm finding it hard to get into the spirit of things. The thought of Christmas shopping just overwhelms me right now. Hopefully I'll feel differently in a few days.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-70825568392333515812008-10-30T07:36:00.000-07:002008-10-30T09:01:11.242-07:00Only 2 more days at home......then it will be back to work (school). I still tire fairly easily, but I do have a few more days to rest. My principal told me that if it is too much, I can do half days for a few days.<br /><br />The grocery store manager wants a very specific note. I called the surgeon's office and the nurse will send another note and we'll see what happens. The nurse was not happy about having to do another note. My next appointment is 11/20/08.<br /><br />The time went so fast. Being in the hospital the extra week really cut into time I had planned to do other things. I did some work on my daughter's wedding jewelry and I did get some things listed/relisted on etsy and I'm working on reviving a couple BNR's that I am on. I also wanted to get some items made for some holiday open houses and I did get a few made. If they don't sell after the open houses are over, I will list them on etsy. I have today and tomorrow to get as much done as I can.<br /><br />On a happy note, I'll be able to get back on the scooter tomorrow!!purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-67096746133962610762008-10-28T07:10:00.000-07:002008-10-28T07:24:24.485-07:00An Even Happier Day!My computer is acting weird and I have no idea how to fix it. I trued to add photos to my last post, showing photos of all the stuff related to my TPN, which is nutrition through a PICC line, which is sort of like an IV on steroids. Let me say it was a lot and I had forgotton to take photos of some of the items because I only used them for the first 10 days. Anyway, I had 4 appointments yesterday, and I was able to have the PICC line removed! At this point, I am on liquids only, but will be able to try things like mashed potatoes and applesauce by the end of the week. I'll be going back to work on Monday.<br /><br />I'm relisteing some things on etsy and trying to get some pieces made that I won't list yet because I want to have an open house mid-November. If theu sell at the open house, I will have saved the etsy fee. If they don't sell at the open house, I'll have some items ready to list afterwards. i'm still working on jewelry for my daughter's wedding and her veil. When I saw the price of a veil in the bridal shop I almost fainted! Same thing with the tiara. The bridal shop one was more elaborate and the jeweled area larger. I told her I will add some crystals and pearls to the Wilton one so it doesn't have the "just-out-of-the-box" look.<br /><br />I have an item I want to relist today, some Christmas earrings to find, and since I had a sale, a package to mail. I also need to finish the protein fortified jello.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-88378772791803279062008-10-17T16:08:00.000-07:002008-10-17T16:16:30.148-07:00Happy Day!It is taking so little to make me happy. Starting with my Sunday TPN bag, I go on an 18 hour run. That means six glorious hours with no "feedbag" attached to me! To add to my happiness is that my upper GI study is on October 27 at 8:00 am and then I see the surgeon's nurse practioner at 1:00 that same day. If there are no signs of leakage, the TPN may be discontinued and that means I can eat, at least what a gastric bypass patient is permitted to drink right after surgery. When I spoke with the surgeon yesterday, she did say that as soon as I can show I can tolerate drinking, I'll be able to move through the stages of starting to eat again more quickly that usual since they will know because of the swallow study that I will be healed.<br /><br />On another note, I'll have to get my sister to send me my pre-surgery photos so I can post them, even though they do not show me at my largest, since between the presurgery nutrition phase and the presurgery liquid diet phase, I lost over 20 pounds.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-78429088458528470452008-10-12T19:30:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:49:49.508-07:00A rough roadWhen I last posted I was in the 8 day liquid fast phase preparing for surgery. I lost weight on the liquid fast (who wouldn't lose weight on less than 100 calories a day?) Surgery went as scheduled on Wednesday October 1, after some difficulty getting an IV started, which did not surprise me at all. I was discharged on Friday, October 3 as planned, but I did not have a good feeling about it. On Sunday, the left side of my stomach was swollen, warm, and I felt a lump near one of the incision sites. After talking to the the resident on call my husband took me to the ER and after numerous tests, they decided to keep me overnight. It turned out I had a small leak. The surgeon tried a stent to "cover" the leak area so I could eat, however, I was unable to tolerate the stent, even when it was repositioned, so it was removed because was unable to swallow with it in place. Now I have a PICC line and get TPN and nothing by mouth, not even water. Tomorrow I should find out when my swallow study is scheduled, which will probably be in 2 weeks. I see the surgeon on October 29.<br /><br />My husband is a bit worn out from running to the hospital since it is a 90 mile round trip. Plus he had to deal with being that far away and getting phone calls from the doctor requesting consent for one of the stent proceedures since I was not in condition to give consent for anything.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-56995914337610802572008-09-24T20:04:00.000-07:002008-10-14T10:39:55.346-07:00I am sick of Carnation Instant Breakfast!I can't believe that I am so sick of the sweetness of it. I've been having chicken broth as a "side dish" with it just to cut the aweetness. I'll be switching to protein powder tomorrow, combining unflavored and vanilla with water. Hopefully it won't be so sweet. I'll also get to have 2 1/2 cups of 100% fruit juice tomorrow. Two days down, six to go!purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-85830311647723858172008-09-23T18:41:00.000-07:002008-09-23T19:00:54.649-07:00Moving right along!I had my last pre-op nutrition appointment last Friday. Yesterday I had my anesthesia appointment and the visit with the surgeon's nurse and signed the consent forms. I began my 8 day fast. Rigt now I am hungry and am on my last shake of the day. Today I did Carnation Instant Breakfast (sugar free, of course). I can have more sugar free jello, which I will do. According to the dietician, the hunger will go away after the third day. I hope so. I also have protein powder so I can have something different later in the week; I just need to get some fruit juice. I found out today that my insurance has committed to pay for the surgery!<br /><br />As far as school goes, I survived my first IEP conference and am working the the IEP I need to ave finished before I go on medical leave.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-29600023435220069822008-09-01T19:17:00.000-07:002008-09-01T19:28:47.352-07:00Longaberger Baskets, etsy, and countdown to surgery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztll0XhKfCOLTuHfMn6SnCyBrUg-8yTg6fY0RJDCdssqrx3zwSTnCzrTQuglcL8m-WekNBAIVvZajrep2Y_Jy3SjF-dNf_ScLS4A8oyzKsFsNQ0zo9862bTnLE9tDPD1hi9TdvtEDsqzd/s1600-h/Christmas+stocking+large+ombre+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241244003254508082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 91px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 102px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="319" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztll0XhKfCOLTuHfMn6SnCyBrUg-8yTg6fY0RJDCdssqrx3zwSTnCzrTQuglcL8m-WekNBAIVvZajrep2Y_Jy3SjF-dNf_ScLS4A8oyzKsFsNQ0zo9862bTnLE9tDPD1hi9TdvtEDsqzd/s200/Christmas+stocking+large+ombre+2.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></a><br />I had a sale on etsy today! Christmas is coming and I sold one of these cute mini stockings. Go here to see the details. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14805493">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14805493</a><br /><br />My sister and I are trying to qualify one of us so that when we go to Dresden in November we will get discounts at the factory store there. There is a sale at the online factory tore until September 4. Go to <a href="http://www.longaberger.com/donnamarsh">www.longaberger.com/donnamarsh</a> andyou'll save money and I'l get a little closer to my goal.<br /><br />Surgery is scheduled for October 1! It can't come soon enough.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div>purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-62652551522019143022008-08-24T18:08:00.000-07:002008-08-24T20:43:01.572-07:00A very eventful week!I had an appointment with the surgeon on Friday and I have a date for surgery. Tentatively it is October 1. I'll have 3 appointments prior to surgery. Fortunately 2 will be the same day so I only have to make that drive on 2 days. I'm very excited and can hardly wait! My sister goes on September 5 to see the same surgeon that I saw, so we are both getting closer. I talked with my cousin's ex-wife because she had bypass 5 1/2 years ago. Some things have changed since she had hers done, but she had lots of good information to share.<br /><br />Today my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sister</span> and I went to Boyd's Bear Country because it was Baskets and Bears Weekend. Longaberger Baskets come with factory store merchandise and we both spent a bundle, but I did get some very pretty Christmas lunch plates, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">decorated</span> with a poinsettia. I will use them as a presentation for Christmas cookies. We both signed on as consultants to get better prices. We are now checking to see how we can get the maximum for as little time spent as possible since we are both very busy.<br /><br />I am this week's Spotlight Interview on esyBEAD's blog. Read all about it at <a href="http://etsybead.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/member-spotlight-purrfectlydivine/" target="_blank">http://etsybead.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/member-spotlight-purrfectlydivine/</a> I am thrilled!purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-81640273300507203292008-08-16T18:00:00.000-07:002008-08-16T18:17:42.349-07:00Another step closer!I had another nutritional appointment in my quest for lapband surgery. Three was a SNAFU in scheduling, but I still will be seeing the surgeon next Friday and hope to have a surgery date! Three will be one more appointment after the surgeon appointment before surgery. at this appointment I learned more about what to expect and about the 8 day fast prior to surgery and the recovery immediately following surgery and why the diet will have to be what it is and why there won't be a fill when the band is inserted. I'm having a problem with billing and need to call Hershey again on Monday to straighten things out. I'm hoping that won't be a problem.<br /><br />Today was a family reunion at my sister's house today. Most of those there were from my mother's side of the family, but there were a few from dad's side, along with a couple of my my sister's close friends, both of whom I know. As usual, there was way too much food and lots of time spent enjoying each other's company. For today, the diet went out the window. As Scarlett O'Hara said, "Tomorrow is another day." <br /><br />I hope the weather is nice tomorrow so we can go for a ride. It has been a little cool this week; when we rode the other evening, we wore sweatshirts and I was still a little chilly.<br /><br />I really ought to go and work on some beading. I have 2 pieces going and really need to get the one finished, especially since I know exactly how I'm going to finish it.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-15582907067730453072008-08-13T04:32:00.000-07:002008-08-13T04:36:57.105-07:00I learned a new skill!How to reply to a post in a google group via email!<br /><br />Since I'm back from vacation I'm trying to get reconnected with all of my online groups before it is back to school, not just inservice days, or else I'll never get caught up. Since school hasn't started, I'm putting in a few extra hours at the deli this week. It will make up for the pay I did not earn last week, but I miss vacation! DH was ready to back on vacation after 3 hours at work on Monday because he had so much to straighten out.purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-21322305918820191412008-08-11T19:14:00.001-07:002008-08-11T19:17:47.139-07:00Since I have difficulty getting photos where I want them in a post...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7hmg61fSHaO66F37MFmicFQB_BZpQ5tvF2k6rTWTMUbniSvFTJqTmOGRt5wW-J_d0DKVkGhK-HqKe-pObk1A1SlbAhnoF9dtPELnwk9tSvwe8CkWcK6oQA3848xW4_zOl9tcBgHrc-Ni/s1600-h/08+03+08+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233449670004863154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7hmg61fSHaO66F37MFmicFQB_BZpQ5tvF2k6rTWTMUbniSvFTJqTmOGRt5wW-J_d0DKVkGhK-HqKe-pObk1A1SlbAhnoF9dtPELnwk9tSvwe8CkWcK6oQA3848xW4_zOl9tcBgHrc-Ni/s200/08+03+08+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here is a picture of one of the banners at Graceland.</div>purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645812552945844868.post-33565539881724839292008-08-11T18:36:00.000-07:002008-08-11T19:14:00.415-07:00Summer School has ended<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMNkuFFsbwPFA9hMd9HQmJTII64pgyy4BlguHA6ecyJ-ObN_5HkOv68gSBPlZt5fSSYNDXnSCAkOVrx3yEDIedD7Xc8Mty_fBiCSO3wN-sp4OTfBt62T4DROgxKfkteVqf4UOUoh8fWBM/s1600-h/08+02+08+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233447782545997890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMNkuFFsbwPFA9hMd9HQmJTII64pgyy4BlguHA6ecyJ-ObN_5HkOv68gSBPlZt5fSSYNDXnSCAkOVrx3yEDIedD7Xc8Mty_fBiCSO3wN-sp4OTfBt62T4DROgxKfkteVqf4UOUoh8fWBM/s200/08+02+08+043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeKh3Y9UOYxyY6rE7_F8IcVwJz24xTY17rvb-ou-FqgKnpS7JogC16AglCMN3_b0lmal31n-EN4WDENPpyOSUIyDwxenOfy9JZk1P2uKbZCQIUmZ_FDLDgUk4jqQvb-7UStfn97cu0OkN/s1600-h/08+02+08+038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233447315100532450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeKh3Y9UOYxyY6rE7_F8IcVwJz24xTY17rvb-ou-FqgKnpS7JogC16AglCMN3_b0lmal31n-EN4WDENPpyOSUIyDwxenOfy9JZk1P2uKbZCQIUmZ_FDLDgUk4jqQvb-7UStfn97cu0OkN/s200/08+02+08+038.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERFwJGCnABbAybkNW1rGgDXZVKff46rgf5P3BNnNtbYEL1kICB6YM1RZ7hpcmEYFFe60u7Rfh_OgShQrZf7fQ_9xLtQWylj4pc9EASBZwF2z6h9eBMssX5IdOl0Vd2AXVe35VRPaAv7Qs/s1600-h/08+02+08+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233447584293795554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="150" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERFwJGCnABbAybkNW1rGgDXZVKff46rgf5P3BNnNtbYEL1kICB6YM1RZ7hpcmEYFFe60u7Rfh_OgShQrZf7fQ_9xLtQWylj4pc9EASBZwF2z6h9eBMssX5IdOl0Vd2AXVe35VRPaAv7Qs/s200/08+02+08+020.JPG" width="249" border="0" /></a> Summer school went very well this year. As soon as we were finished DH and I took off for vacation. We headed out to St. Louis to meet with members of his chat room. We did some of the tourist things like Grant's Farm, where some of the Budweiser Clydesdales are bred and housed, and the Anheiser-Busch Brewery. The center picture is of the fence around Grant's Farm. The "pickets" are barrells from guns used in the Civil War. It is called Grant's Farm because the first house president Grant lived in after he got married is there. Parts of the brewery date to the late 1800's and are beautiful. The photo on the left is where some of the Clydesdales are housed at the brewery, and yes, the windows are stained glass. The photo on the right was taken inside the brewery. We also went to the Gateway Arch, but due to time contraints (we should have done more research) we were unable to go to the top like I wanted, but we did go through the Museum of Westward Expansion at the base of the arch. Getting in there was like going through airport security. We left St. Louis and went through Memphis. We got there too late to tour Graceland, but were allowed to park for free and tour some of the exhibits and visit the gift shops, which we did. We took a few pictures, including the banners in the parking lot. After that it was on to Atlanta to visit relatives.<br /><div></div></div>purrfectlydevinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11454120409721586152noreply@blogger.com0