DUDE!

You can FREAKIN' FEEL THE BAND AROUND MY STOMACH! Is that a trip or what? You can FEEL it. I was not expecting that. Next time I see ya, I'll let you feel it if you want. I think I can feel where the port is, but that could just be a big knot of fat. Not quite sure yet.

I have my post surgery follow up on Wednesday, then my first saline fill is after that. I am ready for some restriction, let me tell you. I am also ready to get the clear for some fresh fruits and veggies. Give me something crunchy!

I still have yet to get sick or even have a difficult burp. Burps do scare me a little bit though when they are trying to work their way out of stomach A to baby stomach B. I've not quite come up with a nickname yet. It'll come, but, like a burp, I don't like to force them. Perhaps Mini-S, short for mini stomach. I'm liking that at the moment. (I came back and read this before posting. I changed my mind. That's totally gay. It'll come.)

Eating is getting more and more open. I'm not cleared actually for some of the things I'm eating, but know they'll go down. Today, oatmeal and two eggs for breakfast (see? I need that saline, baby!), two corn tortillas with lowfat cheese and chipotle sauce plus a quarter cup of the leftover oatmeal for dessert about a cup and a half of mashed potatoes with low fat sour cream, 3 laughing cow french onion lite cheese triangles and crumbled turkey bacon for dinner with apple sauce for dessert. That's a lot of food and bunches of starches. Some days it's all puddings and soups. I just snack on soft stuff all day with protein drinks in between. I'm impatient to eat good foods again and be restricted to smaller portions. I was really enjoying the foods on South Beach. Bring on Skinny Sara!

Oh my gosh, I nearly fogot. I felt like Vodka wouldn't burn a hole through my stomach, so I tried some last Friday night. Just as I'd be getting a buzz, I'd lose it. My small stomach with the band at the bottom is like a funnel into my big stomach. So the little stomach would fill up and I'd have to wait for it to empty before sipping again. Cindy, with whom I was imbibing, had to explain to me that I needed less of the diet cranberry juice and more of the grey goose. If you've ever had one of my drinks, you know that there was not at all much cranberry to give up! So I went to sipping pretty much straight grey goose (going to have to buy the flavored now) and it worked its magic. GOOOOOOD BLESS AAAAMEEEEERICA! The very next evening, Todd gave me Maker's Mark with a shot of water and ice. Kickin' it my Daddy's style!

Let's talk about those protein drinks. I'm not too keen. They remind me too much of the syrup we used to create milk shakes when I worked at Burger King at the age of 16. That place was run by Denton High School. They announced they were opening and hiring over our daily announcements. We all ran. I had fun and probably gained 30 pounds that year! Killer salad bar and I'd just pour the Ranch dressing over that salad. Do you think that's when it was new? When did that stuff come out?

I'm still not healed inside and here is how I know. It hurts to lay on my belly. No, let me rephrase that. It hurts when I get up from laying on my belly. Leaned over to put on my make up the other day and when I stood up - OUCH! Tenderoni. Guess what's my favorite way to lay and work on the computer? Laying on my belly. I think it's because of the upgraded boob package God gave me. Well, me and mankind were given them, weren't we? It takes a village, friends.

I've just been trying not to freak out about this being the last week of my summer. I get a little panicky the last week every summer I don't work. There has been mucho grading to do this week. I spent most of today doing it. Only two more sections tomorrow, then I'm done. There are only a few days each course where I have to grade, but I HATE it. Feels as if I have homework. And I guess I do!

So, check up on Wednesday. Surely there will be more to post after that.

Enough about me...what do you think about me? (get it?)

Friends were talking the other day trying to figure out if it was okay to post or if it wasn't being done. POST people, please. I'm in the middle of some life changing stuff here and could use some encouragement and humor. I love it when I see you and you say, "I read your blog and laughed." Kim thinks I should write a book. She wants to be editor or something. I'm going to title it, "Listen, Bitches," because that makes me laugh. All of you are so funny too and I would love to see what you are thinking about after you read my stuff. Every one of you knows each other (except maybe you've not met my sister or my Uncle Charlie, but I know you've read some of his forwarded emails!) Log in and post. You're not so busy saving the world that you don't have three seconds to log in in order to post.

Yesterday was a bit odd

Yesterday, I was completely out of gas. I was dizzy and a bit depressed. I knew that being on liquids was temporary, but it just wasn't giving me enough. Broth is about 10 calories a serving and those protein drinks aren't really filling if it's all you're getting. Plus, I'm trying to get over being stabbed in the gut 5 times and having a foreign object placed around my stomach. Needless to say, although I've already said it, LOTS going on.

On top of all of this, Sweet Emily had a stomach ache yesterday. She vomited and had other unmentionable problems. This did not make me happy. It went on until 1 in the morning at which time I gave her the last Imodium in the house. Poor sweet baby. She had a sad face on.

Feeling light headed and a bit sad, I received a text from Alissa that she wanted to visit. Yea! She came around 2 and took me up to Target. I was so weak and dizzy that I was honestly afraid that I'd get in there and not make it out before something terribly embarrassing went down. Like...my ass going down on the floor maybe! Alissa hung out for several hours and it was fun. We laughed a lot. She brightened my day. xoxo

It was a day early, but I pushed on the diet to mushies. Just to give it a chance. When we got home, it was like a buffet! Yesterday, I had some cottage cheese, some broth, some jello sugar free pudding (2), some roasted red bell pepper and black bean soup and some cream of potato soup sans the potato chunks, this apple sauce al a mode thingy--like a pudding with apple sauce, and baby food chicken. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???

Now, this was all eaten a 1/4 - 1/2 cup at a time mind you, but as soon as that went through the funnel, this girl moved on to the next thing! The biggest thing I ate was almost the whole can of the cream of potato soup to which I added low fat sour cream and 2% cheese. I was HUNGRY. The bowl of soup made me nervous. I ate it with full soup spoonfuls instead of my usual 1/2 a teaspoon (unbelievable) bites. After eating, I laid down though and just chilled for a bit. No problem! No stomach aches, no tightness, nada. WHEW!

I realize this seems like I was out of control, but I really wasn't. I was just hungry. I woke today feeling myself again. Had energy--got up and moving, doing things around the house. When I was going to sleep last night, I put a plan of action for today's food together in my head. Coffee, then when band is loose, some cottage cheese. (I just had about a cup of that, but didn't even finish it. I think I'm back to normal now.). Sip on protein drinks throughout the day to supplement. LORD knows I do not want to lose my hair again. BAD deal, that one. Soup for lunch then baby food for dinner.

Let's talk about the baby food, shall we? Alissa and I were giggling like we were buying condoms or something while we looked at the baby food. How could you possibly know what tastes good and what doesn't? Weirdo combinations too like grains prunes and peaches. Who wants to eat that? I decided that chicken was something that maybe I could season up and make palatable. Bananas looked good--hard to mess up a mushed up banana, right? RIGHT?!

There was a lady in the baby food aisle with a baby. I asked her if she'd tasted baby food lately. She looked disgusted and said, "No, I haven't!" Well, guess what, sister! I'm about to be an expert. Alissa was wishing she had a camera to get that look on my face after the first bite. My camera was about 3 steps away from her, but I somehow failed to mention that. Silly me.

Beth, my sister, had told me that it is not seasoned hardly at all. True dat, bitches! I could not add enough salt and pepper. It tasted like chicken. Chicken without any seasoning ground to the tiniest smallest possible texture. Like super fine sand, but chickenier. As Alissa stared and we giggled, I ate about half of one of those baby food jars and instantly felt better. Next, I moved on to the puddings.

Yesterday was all Ibuprofen. Just a few aches and pains, mostly right in the middle where the biggest incision is through which they placed the band. I hate that serious pain medicine so much. Not a fun high. I lose all personality--like a lobotomy patient, and I have horrible freaky nightmares. I think that's the incentive to get people off of it. Want to feel sane again? Get better!

There are so many details I include in these postings. The details aren't interesting to most of you probably, but it's for the people out there considering lap band. I know that several of you who read this are considering it. Before my surgery, and even now, I couldn't get enough information.

On to other subjects you may or may not care about. I want to paint a wall in my apartment bright ocean blue and another one a cool orange. Cindy told me yesterday to get the alcohol in the house (as if it weren't already) because that was a 3 drink decision. She always comes up with good lines! This place needs more color for me. The walls are a soothing light mushroom color. I need some bright in here to keep me happy.

Jewry was telling me last night that when she was a cheerleader, the squad ran a fireworks stand each summer. They never paid a dime for their uniforms and regalia. Those always make wicked good money. Good to know-- a little late maybe, but it's good information to tuck away. My good sister, Beth, is going to help with that outrageous freaking ridiculous cost which I won't get over emotionally until Christmas. I think Beth bought her middle school cheer outfit and it was less expensive. I swear, I think the sponsor just let the girls get anything they wanted. Dumb ass. It's not as if these girls are competitive cheer leaders. My friend Nina raised one of those. Lord knows what that cost her. I can only imagine. RIDICULOUS. And if Bekah thinks she wants to be in some sorority in college, she's going to have to cough up that on her own. Knowing her, she will too. She likes to be involved in everything. Bitch better get a job.

Cute, but Expensive

My niece, Rebekah, goes to a little 1A school. I told her and my parents that I would pay for her cheer outfit and camps. Camp was 150$--not a big deal. Now think for a moment, how much would you believe a cheer uniform to cost? Got a number in mind? Her's was $800 something. She told me not to worry, that they would be doing fundraising. They did. It now is going to cost me $600. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?

I can't get over it. Everything I was going to purchase in the coming months is on hold for a cheer uniform. $600!!! I am just blown away. This is for the duffel bag, the hanging bag, the megaphone, the pom poms, the under armor, the outer suit, the shoes, the socks and the actual uniform. It seems to me that the girls were allowed to shop without supervision.

They don't even hand these costumes down year to year! It's a one year--a 9 month thing. If you have children, have them go another direction than cheerleading. To help her get it into perspective, I told her that it is more than my car payment and insurance combined! I did let her know that I'm not upset with her, but I'm just blown away.

Bek said that they were thinking of doing a couple more fund raisers. I said, "Get to sellin'." She also told me that I could sell pizzas too. I thought that was cute. Maybe I'll do a carwash too.

Ow, Owwwy OUCH!

This really was surgery! Yesterday morning at 4 am, I woke up when my pain pills wore off. My insides had come to life and I couldn't take a breath. I couldn't take a breath because it hurt when my lungs expanded. LOTS of paaaaain. I was able to get out of bed and get some of the liquid good stuff. It took another hour for the pain to calm enough where I could go back to sleep.

We had to get up at 7 in order to leave for my haircut in Denton at 9. I got in a little walk around the yard before we left and that seemed to help loosen up those muscles a bit. Wasn't quite as bad. I did travel with my ice pack in my shirt though.

Yesterday was also the day I could start sipping on protein drinks. Mind you, none of this is as normal people would sip and enjoy. I was allowed 1-2 protein drinks but only 5-6 oz at a time taking 30 minutes to get them in. It honestly takes that long! I tried a bit before we left for Denton. About 3 sips in and I was naseous. As you know, they are touchy about naseau and constipation, so I just stopped. We took me a cup of broth for the road for breakfast.

After the haircut, we did a bit of shopping. I bought Rebekah a hot pink, rhinestoned hair straightening iron for her 16th birthday in a couple of weeks. I didn't know there was such a thing, otherwise I might have owned one myself. Pretty cool. When we got in, we all laid down for naps. Mine was just happpily drug induced.

Later, I tried the protein shake again. I'd heard that the band loosens up later in the day, and now I suspect it to be true because I was able to get it down. SLOOOOWLY. I only had one protein shake yesterday. Today, I managed down 1/4 cup of one. I got a little sick to my stomach after that, but am cutting down on pain meds today, so I just laid down and let it all happen.

My surgeon, Dr. Fox, phoned last night. I thought that was nice. He said I was doing well, but to watch for any constipation and naseau. I explained my plan for cutting down on pain meds today and he was down with that. Less vicoden and more ibuprofen. Without as much pain meds today, I'm experiencing naseau and soreness, but not as much as yesterday. It was weird, I woke up today, pain pills had worn off and it didn't hurt half as much as yesterday. Dr. Fox said yesterday's pain was very normal for day 3. Anyone reading this and considering the surgery, note: day 3 hurts but day 4 you're okay again.

So here I sit. I have about a cup of room temp protein shake staring at me and I'm sipping fruit juice. Fruit juice and broth are my buddies. I feel safe with them and know the boundaries. Oh! One of my bandages peeled off today. Quick! Stick a suppository in me--it made me naseous as all get out!

Mom and Bekah left this morning, but not before cleaning all sheets and vaccuuming the whole place. I was given strict orders to do nothing but walk the dog. There is a shelf I'm wanting to hang, but I'll let it wait. I hurt but not so bad that I'm going to go full dosage on the good stuff. Dr. Fox thought going about 1/2 dose each time would be good.

So listen, forgive me any grammar and spelling mistakes. I'm hungry, high and in pain. Come see me.

I have funny pics that Bek took of the surgery day that are funny. I will try to get them posted later today.

Hopped up on Pain Pills

Liquid vicoden, friends. I don't miss a dose, trust me. Melissa told me that if I feel pain, I've waited too long. I've lived by that. The Dr told me not to be stoic with the meds. No problem, Doc. I'm down.

Everything has gone beautifully but I'm not skinny yet. I'm hungry and all I can have is broth and diet fruit juice. OH and sugar free popscicles. Tomorrow they're going to give me "full" liquids. I'm living for one of those protein drinks waiting for me in the fridge.

When they weighed me yesterday, I'd lost 24 lbs from being on the 3 weeks of phase one South Beach! 24 pounds, bitches!! Dr was so proud and so was I. After surgery, I was not sick. I was so happy about that that I cried. There are lots of wild things and rules and all to my story. I have to do do all kinds of rituals the next couple of days, but I may be too high to get it all down. No diggity.

Felt great yesterday, but today the core of my body has felt as if it were beat by a bag of bricks. Walking is a breeze and I have to do lots of it because of blood clots and some other reason. Apparently, this is kind of a big deal to your body. I also have to inhale through this thing that sounds like the sperminator, but that's not what it is--Mom would have to tell you. I call it that though, you know I do. I have to inhale through it 10 times every hour. (Gwenn, what's that thing's purpose?) Have to cough and laugh with a folded towel over my belly. Have burp and fart high fives with Mom and Bek because getting rid of the extra gas is a good thing.

Everything I was afraid of, didn't happen. The new no barf medicine worked like a charm--well that and they gave me 2 more meds for it before and another something afterwards. They also sent me home with suppositories for nausea and vomiting. The nurse called me this morning to check on me and make sure I had done well. She said if I felt any nausea to pop even half of one of those in. They're either obsessed with me or vomiting is a bad thing with this whole stomach deal. I thought they were so nice to call me this morning.

Everyone there was nice yesterday. They were nice to me and my family. Really nice. Melissa and Todd brought me the most beautiful flowers that my niece says I'm obsessed with, but they are the most gorgeous things I've seen in a long time.

I thought Emily would be all about the bandages but she was only interested in the one on my hand where the IV went in. Weird.

My throat was all swollen from the tubes they had down me. Mom had gone and bought me a pill cutter but the pills weren't small enough even then! I choked on 4 of them and had to cough them up. The first one was scary because I wasn't sure how the whole heimlach (sp?) manuever was going to go down.

Okay, I know that wasn't well written and just mind flow but it's the best I can do on this juice my mom keeps pouring down my throat. 30 more minutes and she's coming again with another dose! Gotta get my drool cup. I'll try to clear this all up tomorrow for you. Bottom line: I'm well and my dr says I'm going to be his poster girl. I hope that involves cash!

It's Tomorrow!

I started the ball rolling in March and tomorrow it happens. YIKES! I woke up today and had a moment where it hit me.

Been a weird day emotionally. Woke up today and realized it's my last day as me as I know me. Weird. We were all dressed and ready, Alissa was coming for a visit in the afternoon. I get a phone call just before she's coming that my surgeon's office didn't get my lab work. Long story short, I had a very short time to get my self to a lab where my doctor had faxed a prescription for blood work labled "stat". I swear, that's what it was--STAT. I asked the tech what that meant to her. She said it meant she had 4 hours to get the results to the surgeon's office. Seeing how it was around 3 by the time she got my blood, I'm thinking she had 2 hours to get it all figured out. She wanted to know wtf happened. I explained that the surgeon's office was distracted by my extreme beauty. The bitch laughed out loud. My delusions bring people such joy.

Bekah and I went out for some things then. Can't be a complete day lately unless I've spent a bunch of money on stuff for the new place until my feet are killing me. We had to go to Target and IKEA. Good thing I don't have to pay for the surgery now!

When the shopping was over, we went to Matito's for dinner. It was nice to get cute and go somewhere to sit, not work. But, once we got home, back to work. Bek and I hung the drapes in the living room. I know why there are professional curtain hangers. Not a fun job. Bek was my assistant, which turned out to mostly be screw picker upper. Long story about hanging them in the living room over the blinds. Bottom line, the mounting of the blinds stayed, but we ended up taking down the blinds. They look super cute hidden under my bed!

So, back to the whole belly thing...such a strange thing to know that the piece of fish, black beans and vegetables was the last large plate of food I'll ever eat. I can't even imagine it. Scary for some reason. It's as if it is insurance that finally a freakin diet will last longer than the 5 year life average I have going. I honestly think I'll feel more secure in having a long term relationship with a man. What you see really is what you'll get with me. All my old ghosts can't come back. I can't freakin' eat enough to do damage to myself emotionally as well as physically, so I can feel better in about 9 kinds of ways. Am I going to miss big meals that stuff me until I am a lazy cow? What about my love of cooking good food? All kinds of questions. When these concerns come up, I soothe the mind by reminding myself that alcohol will still be there for me. I still have that one fun vice. If you think I'm kidding, raise your hand. You know me so well.

Tomorrow, Rebekah is in charge of documenting the whole thing on camera. She asked me today if she should take a picture of the bloody cotton ball from the hole in my arm where they took blood at the lab. (Who in the world taught her to be such a smart ass?) After surgery, Rebekah is going to text those of you who've asked. Surgery is scheduled for 9:30. Hopefully it will be the "all is well" message and not the "Sara is puking her toes off" message. The surgeon gave me a fancy new pill that he is hoping will for once allow me to have surgery and not projectile vomit. I did so once on my mother as she stood at the end of my bed. I'm special.

My big fears about tomorrow are that I'll be sick from the surgery and the pain from the gas. Surgeon and Michelle have both said that I'll have to walk to help get that gas dispersed in my body. When I puke after surgery, I'm OUT of it so walking really isn't possible, plus moving can make me sick. I PRAY that magic pill works. My mother has already wanted to put a trash can in my bedroom. No lie, friends. Sigh.

Best thing about tomorrow--nothing to buy, nothing to make my feet hurt and not a box in sight. Go, Fight, Win!

Turn Up the Good!

Whew! It's been crazy but all the moving is done. My mother and niece are here. Today, we finished unpacking every box. HOORAY! I love my apartment. It feels like a house, it really does. Many friends have stopped by and can't believe all the space I have. Bright sunshine comes in all rooms all day. The guest room turned out prettier than I'd even imagined. Come visit!

I have a lovely view of the yard, with a hill on which all the bunnies chase each other. My mom was saying they should've named this place Watership Down for all the bunnies. Emily likes that too.

Everyone here seems to have a dog or two. Emily goes out without a leash--she's the best old dog. Today was the first day Emily seemed completely relaxed and had her old lady naps on time. Bless her sweet old heart, she's had it rough the past couple of weeks. When her Nani and Rebekah showed up, Emily rejoiced. It was as if she'd wondered how they'd ever find us. You should have seen her popping her "wheelies" in joy outside. Adorable and joyful.

The plan is to go out and buy drapes for a few more windows (red velvet in the bedroom) and the hardware along with some other bits. Rebekah will get some shoes. Mom will get sore feet. OH! We're starting the day with manicures and pedi's. My feet are a disgrace and my hands look as if I just brought in a crop of something. No lie.

Tuesday's plan--hang drapes and any other bits we find. You KNOW I'll find things too. Almost all decoration is done except my bathroom. It's quite plain at the moment. We will also have to shop for post op liquids. First week after surgery is thin liquids. Second week is full liquids. BIG time. FULL liquids, baby! You know it will be delicious though.

Wednesday's plan--cut holes in my belly and stick a band around my stomach. So many fun and good things going on. I'm pumped to diet for the very last time of my life! Let's get it done.

I'm a happy girl, but I feel as if I've not seen 1/2 my friends in so long. If you're in town, please come see me soon. If you're not in town, come see me as soon as possible. I get to feeling unbalanced when I get off kilter with you.

Be Careful What You Wish For

I wanted a pill and I got one. Cefaclor -- an antibiotic. I worked myself sick. Sick as a dog. I'm famous for it in my family. Used to always happen at end of semester during finals. Anyway, I feel awful and have zero energy.

Even the bottom of my feet are bruised. There are these little red stars on the bottom of my feet that hurt. And I've only worked in my cushy crocs.

I'm going to watch a movie and hopefully sleep more. Susan come home late tonight. That's the news from Lake Wobegan.

I need a pill...

I am OVER moving. Over it! And it's not even moving day, people. I'm so exhausted today that I can 't tell if I'm really sick or worn out....or both. I will be taking a prescription sleeping pill tonight so that I won't wake early. These also assure a nap the next day, and I need to get some rest.

It's akin to a cleaning spree, this packing thing. I get momentum going with a list of things in my head, then there's no stopping me. One thing leads to another. My feet hurt, I feel weird and my body is worn out. Moving day is Wednesday and I have only about 4 more boxes to pack. I'm ahead of schedule. But, this does afford me some time to rest before moving day.

I realized that when you have a list of Worst Things to Do, it doesn't make much difference if you get the worst one out of the way. After that, what was the second worst thing, is now the worst thing and you come to dread it as much as you did the previous #1 worst thing. Girl genius, huh?

Cindy came over yesterday and helped. (Thank you so much, friend! xoxo) Emily was thrilled to see her Aunt Cindy and friend Zach. She was getting quite bored with only me. Abby isn't even here now. She's at the lake with Kaitlin. Today, Em has started getting a little weirded out by the packing. Before today, things were mostly just shuffled around. Now they're going into boxes. She's clingy and giving me the eyes.

We took the evening off and watched Juno. LOVED it. I missed that Juno girl once the movie was over. I even thought about her today. How strange is that?? I did have some vodka. (not because I missed Juno, dork) It was 11 days from the surgery, I've done an extra week of the pre surgery sexy up your liver diet, and I didn't go over the diet's carb count.

Talked with Mom today. She and my neice will come Sunday, I think. That will give me some time to see my beautiful, smart, funny neice. I've not seen her all summer! She always likes to go have a cheeseburger somewhere yummy, so we'll do that. Also, I'm going to be hurting for a mani/pedi a week from now, so we'll go do that. Gotta shop--gotta hit IKEA.

They're also going to help me unpack anything left and pamper me after surgery. Mom said they can stay as long as I need them. Love that. Mom will make certain I do all the post surgery walking and eat the right things.

Okay, off to take a pill and go to LaLa Land....

It's tough being single...

Huge dill weed leaves a message for a girl...
http://view.break.com/527579

Thanks

I'm strong and independent, but only because I have friends and family who love me. It would be difficult and boring to face all the change and excitement going on alone. Everyone has been so happy for me and supportive. It means a lot. New car, new thing gonna be in my belly, new way of eating, new home, new home life but the same old loved ones.

Day 10: Fun New Recipes and Emily's poor ear

I miss having a wide variety of recipes to try. That's one of my hobbies. I can make a great salad, but want more variety. I found new recipes for phase one of South Beach! Can't wait to shop and cook tomorrow. The site I found had variety and clever. There were round ups of phase one recipes from all over the web. I only have to follow this particular diet two more weeks, so at least I'll get to have some fun with it now. After the surgery, I'll get to cook just about anything again. I won't be able to eat hardly any, but that's part of what is fun about cooking--watching others enjoy it. So, come fall, all six of you readers are invited for dinner anytime.

Emily hurt her ear again!! This afternoon, I was hanging out at Todd and Melissa's pool. Emily was back in the back end of their big ol' backyard. I think there have been some cats or bunnies in the back bushes.

I'm in the pool and hear this little squeal. I pop up to see her running to the pool with a bloody ear. She comes over and














there is a big rose thorn in her ear. She let me remove it. That thing gashed her ear and guess what? It was the bad one that had the two sting spots on the inside! It's been beat up this week. Once the thorn was out, homegirl was right back to the hunting. Didn't bother her at all. There are the pics after I took poolside with my phone just after I removed the thorn out.

When we got home, there was so much blood dried on her ear that her ear highlights were stuck down in it. I had to soak it in a wet cloth.

Day 8: Bunny and Booze

Susan herself put in a lovely garden outside her kitchen window. I love seeing it out there. She did a wonderful job on it. One of the neighborhood bunnies likes it too! I was able to take his picture as he was sitting by the bricks munching. Then, he hopped up on the bricks and got a couple of leaves off of flowers, or maybe he was helping weed?? As I viewed the pics on my camera, there were 3 sweet little birdies sitting on the bricks. I reckon Bambi will be around next, poor little orphan must be hungry. Here are more pics.

See how fat he is? Susan does a lot for the community!

Thank you to those of you who phoned or texted me today about Emily. She's so much better! Back to happy as long as I don't touch that left ear too much. It's the worst one--has bite or sting marks in it and had two giant welts. Both ears have gone nearly completely back to flat and that eye is shining brightly. WHEW! Here is a photo I took this evening for you...

Pre surgery diet lesson: Life is nicer when you can have booze. Go ahead and write that one down, folks. I had a great urge for some vodka last night. You may be chuckling, but I come from cocktail people. We like our cocktails in the evening. You understand.

I was out at dinner with JB and Snooz yesterday. They imbibed during dinner, I was happy with my iced tea. All I'm saying though, is thank the heavens that I don't have to go forever without alcohol.

Went to IKEA (God bless IKEA) today. Have a funny story about an incident with an E. Indian woman customer. Good stuff, but probably better with vodka--just like a lot of things. Sigh. Anyway, I've posted so much today and I'm sure you have better things to do.