Back to school, back to school

I'm not sure if any of you are old school Adam Sandler fans, but the title is me singing the little song from Billy Madison.  Always happens when I go back to school.

In the past I've mentioned that I place clinical rotations for students at a 2 year health-science program.  That is my normal job.  However, a couple months a year, I have two jobs.  This means that this month, I am both working the clinical end of things, and teaching a regular class.  I started back to work yesterday, thinking, I teach college students,  if need be, I can just sit down and lecture.

Thats not me.  I got there, and got right back to my normal routine.  This was apparently too much.  I underestimated how much talking for 4 hours would affect me.  Then meetings, and paperwork, etc.

At about 4:30 pm yesterday (while I was still at work) I got this sharp pain under my ribs on the left side.  Much more sharp then anything I'd experienced so far.  I couldn't take a deep breath.  Didn't know if it was gas, a muscle spasm, or something else.  I walked the building, hoping it would move stuff along, went home for a brief time to take some Gas-X, still not really making it better.  Went to WW and walmart with my sisters, once again, hoping the walking would help any leftover gas to move its way along.  Got home last night at like 8:30, laid down with a heating pad and 15 minutes later it was gone.  YEAH!!!

So, after that, I was actually kind of hungry, and figured I would eat just a couple ounces of yogurt.  Ate the yogurt and it flared back up.  Spent the night with a heating pad and managed to sleep some.  So I'm up this morning and it feels like my muscle is super sore under my ribs.  Not the sharp pain of yesterday, but still there.  I'm heading back to work this morning, but thinking that after that, I might give the surgeon a call just to make sure it is nothing crazy, and then maybe come home early.

Anybody experience anything similiar.  Googling is dangerous, and always leads me to believe it is something way more than it really is.

Oh, by the way, I'm down 11.4 lbs this week!  I know there is no way this will keep up, but I'll take it for this week!

More advice needed - Just a few quick questions

Two things that I'm looking for some assistance on.

#1.  I am on the board of directors for a local non-profit.  We have a planning meeting for our big fundraiser this week.  It is before our regular meeting, so it is a pot-luck.  It is Thursday, so I will be on a "blenderized diet."  Here's my doc's version of this stage.

• Applesauce, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, cream of wheat, scrambled / fried eggs, cottage cheese, refried beans, hummus, baby food, pureed meat, vegetables & fruit
• You may puree food, using an automatic chopper with milk, broth, cream soup, or juice
• You will be on this stage of the diet for 1 week.

So I'm looking for something quick / easy that I can bring, that I might be able to eat just a bite or two of.  It is not usually a full meal, as we have some vegetarians, special diets due to religious reasons, etc.  Usually salad, some appetizers and desserts.  Any suggestions on "livening" up some of the basics, i.e. cottage cheese, hummus etc?  was thinking about mashed potatoes, but I don't have a means to keep warm.

#2.  I've mentioned in the past that I am the oldest of 6 kids.  Kid #3 (yes, we are all grown, but still associate with our Kid #'s) is getting married in September and Kid #2 and I have always been the heavy ones.  Sister #2 (maybe better than Kid?) was about 50 lbs less than me when we started weight watchers in January 2011.  We have been using each other as support.  I also have been financially supporting her WW, since she is currently getting screwed over by the principal at her school who won't give her a certified teaching position.  She is in no way ready for WLS - and I want to continue to support her where she is at.  So, we are still going to WW meetings.  I figured I'd just use it as my "official ticker weigh-in."  Problem is I already had to explain an 8 lb loss after my pre-op diet, and per my scale at home I could be down around another 10.  AWKWARD!  Obviously I am not currently following the "plan."  How can I explain this when I go to weigh in?  Was thinking of just telling them I had a hernia surgery (not really true, but at least its an ab based surgery).  Am I starting off on the wrong foot trying to lie?  Should I give up the weekly meetings?  Any suggestions / advice?

Day 4 progress and questions for pros

It's day 4.  I feel pretty good overall.  Getting up and down from couch and bed is getting easier and less painful.  I moved to full liquids yesterday which was very welcome.

I've found that my doc is not nearly as specific as some of them out there.   There are no specifics re: calorie counts, protein counts, or actual amounts of food / liquids.  His core thoughts are liquids vs solids - and no real difference between types / quality of liquids vs solids.  Here's what I have

Two days after surgery:

• Full, creamier liquids
• Try: milk, vegetable juice, strained cream soups, pudding, yogurt
• Restart supplement drinks twice per day (does not have to be low carb, can try Ensure, Boost, Carnation Instant Breakfast)
• Restart fiber supplement (2x per day), chewable vitamin (1 per day), and chewable calcium supplement (2 per day)
• You will be on a clear liquid diet then a full liquid diet for a total of one full week.

So you see, no specifics.  I thought most of my gas pain was gone, as I have no more pain in my shoulder, however it is still somewhat difficult to take a deep breath.  Is this normal?  Still gas pains? I ate 2 oz's of yogurt this am with a bit of extra protein powder (taking at least 30 minutes to do so.) Now I'm wondering if that might have been to much.  How did you tell in the beginning?  Any suggestions?  Things to watch out for? I would really appreciate any advice any of you pro's have out there!

Day of surgery details

I wanted to try and put my story down, if only for me to be able to remember it all later.  I had to be at the hospital at 8:00 am for my 10:30 surgery.  I was the last scheduled for my "band class."

My dad and sisters were at my house by 7:30 and we headed off to the hospital.  Waited in registration when I was already pre-registered (I always wonder what the point of pre-registering - when I'm still going to have to wait). After registering it was up to outpatient surgery waiting room for more waiting.  Then I finally got called back to my pre-op room.  Quick pee in a cup to make sure I wasn't pregnant, a nice fashionable gown and some meds (IV and the belly shot) and then my family was able to come in and hang... and snap photos :-)

We chilled and talked and goofed off for a while before an orderly came in to take me to surgery.  My sister told me that as soon as he came in, I got a freaked out - nervous face on.  I was nervous.  I was thinking to myself, are you sure you wanna do this?  I've never had surgery (besides getting wisdom teeth out) so I really was super nervous.

So my family trailed behind me until we got to the surgery door, and they went to go wait in the waiting room.  I sat in another room for probably 30 minutes or so.  Waiting around with 6 or so other patients waiting for various surgeons.  Answered lots of the same questions for everybody who came by.  What am I having done, any allergies, did I take all piercings, metal off, am I sure i'm naked under the gown?  Then I finally got rolled into surgery, and scooted my way from one gurney to the table.  They strapped my arms and legs down and gave me oxygen (what they told me)  I wasn't even awake for them telling me to count down.  Next think I knew I was in recovery.  I remember moaning a lot while trying to talk, and trying to move my arms.  My stomach hurt.  The nurse gave me pain meds and some ice chips.  Much better :-)  After I was really awake, I got moved to a wheelchair and pushed down to x-ray to see if everything was in place.

Getting out of the chair and standing for the x-ray, I was a little dizzy, but no nausea.  X-ray done, back in the chair and waited out in the hall for transport to take me up to the post-op bariatric rooms.  I think I fell asleep, because here's what my family told me.  They were told I was in x-ray and then would be up in just a few minutes.  Almost an hour later, no Sara still.  So they went and asked and the nurses said they were just wondering the same thing!  Apparently the transport team forgot me, so I was sitting in my wheelchair in front of the x-ray room fast asleep for about 45 minutes :-)

Finally got to the post op room and sat in the recliner before my family came in.  And started snapping more pics.

We sat around for a while - since I had to drink a cup and a half of something (small sips at a time) and pee before we could leave.  I had the peeing down, but it took me forever to drink!  Got up and walked a lot there, and even walked myself out to the car.  

Went home last night and laid on the couch and slept on and off.  Slept last night in my own bed - with lots of extra pillows.  Got up about every 2 hours to pee / walk but luckily I go to sleep quickly so I had no trouble going back to sleep.  

Hanging out today.... walking a lot.  I've never been a heavy drinker, so its a constant battle to remember to keep the fluids going.  I'm on clear liquids still today, and then get to move to full liquids tomorrow - until next Wednesday. 

So there's my story.  Not a whole lot different from most of the ones I've read, but I'm glad.  I like things that go according to plan.  I'm heading back to bed for a bit now.  Hoping tomorrow will be a little better :-)

Thank you all for every bit of your support.  I felt like I really had a realistic view of what was going to happen which made the day go a lot more smoothly.  It really is great to have so many people that have gone before you sharing their stories!

Made it!

I'm officially done and home.  Well, I've been home for quite some time, but really not able to do a lot of posting.  Going to work on an official "my story" later this weekend.  Just wanted to touch base and say I'm done :)  Pain is bearable, but there.  Trying to drink lots.

BTW, I got the "gold star" for the smallest liver of my band class!  Woo-hoo!

Heading off to the hospital

I'm up early, showered and dressed - ready for my rides to get here... Yes my rides, plural.  My family sometimes loud and obnoxious, but I'm SOOO glad I have 3 people who are coming with me today.  I would have had more, but really wanted to keep the party to a dull roar, and told some they need to work!  I think there are shifts of people coming to hang with me after.  This is one of the best things about having a big family ;-)

I have not had time to get nervous before.  I was at work for 15 hours + yesterday,  didn't leave last night until 10:15 and then went to the store to get more of the shakes I like best.  No sleep until after midnight.
Staying busy was needed, but also a defense thing.  I work best when busy.  Now that I am sitting here, dressed and just waiting I AM NERVOUS.  I thought I was gonna puke earlier!  Sheesh!  Its like my body saved up the weeks worth of nerves and threw it on me in one day!  My hands are even a little shaky!  So I'm deep breathing and listening to some good Sing-out-loud music, hoping to chill.

If you have a moment today - send some positive vibes my way.  Surgery is at 10:30am eastern time

See you on the other side!

Aggghhhhh!

It's 8:20 pm- I have to be at the hospital at 8:00am and I am still at work!!!!!!!

my brain is melting.......

So, day 6 of the Pre-op diet, and it is the first day I really feel worn down.  Been averaging 400 - 600 calories a day for the last 6 days.  Did not want to get out of bed today, and my brain just isn't functioning as well as it should.  Which is tough, since I'm teaching college, and its finals week!

Also, boo-hoo, my officemate just brought in chick-fil-a,  and I can still smell the yummy bread!  I'm so sick of the shakes! 

43 hours and counting till I have to report to the hospital.

At least somewhat productive

Since I'm locked in the house this weekend... I've actually managed to have some "bursts" of energy for getting some stuff done!

Lawn - Mowed
Kitchen - Cleaned
Living Room - Cleaned
Bedroom - Cleaned
Bathroom - Scrubbed and cleaned
Laundry - in progress
Guest room - Cleaned and organized -  This is my spot for all my "extra" clothes - Size 14/16 - 26/28  mostly 18/20's and 22/24's  and 90% from Lane Bryant... I'll be so glad when I have other options!

One set of papers graded for school, one more to go, plus therapy notes from my EI kids, and I have to finish writing the final exam and the last two days of lecture for this week since a friend of mine is covering for me!

In other words, I'm making progress, but have a LONG way to go!  Good news is, I think I'm over the detox phase :-)  I still would not trust myself out at a restaurant or with major food around, but no stomach growlies and I'm hanging in there.  Wednesday morning is the big day.  Surgery at 10:30am, have to be there at 8....  t - 67 hours!  Holy CRAP!

Locked in my house

I knew this was coming. I knew that part of the reason I'm heavy is that all social events revolve around food.  2 nights in a row now my family wants to go "grab some dinner."  I'm on my mostly liquid pre-op diet.  Restaurants are not gonna happen.   I teetered, thinking, maybe I could go and hang out and just drink water, but I knew it would be super hard.  Especially because the first night was O'Charley's, home of the yummiest bread ever! and the second night was mexican food (which I could pass on the food part normally) but no chips / dip... Chips and dip are my WEAKNESS!  I would give up all the chocolate in all the land to have some salty, crunchy chips, with a cool sour cream (or cheese) based dip.  MMMM....

So, I went to watch my soon-to-be brother-in-law play softball at one of the local churches, and then went home afterwards when everybody else went out for mexican - and drank broth.  NO FUN!  During the week, this was easier during the day because I was super busy at work.  Weekends - Not so busy.  Especially when you are avoiding restaurants!

So I have taken a stand and locked myself in my bedroom (metaphorically, of course).  The kitchen is most of the way cleared out, but there are still some real food options I would TOTALLY take advantage of right now.

I'm trying not to be obsessive with the scale, but hey, I'm sitting around.  I weighed this morning, and I might have lost about 5 lbs since Tuesday night.  We'll see.

BYOC

BYOC!!! Bring Your Own Crazy!!

It’s FRIDAY!!! That means it’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer five little questions to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy to your own blog and enjoy!!


1. What religion were you raised as a child, if any, and are you still a member of that faith today? Why or why not?

I was raised catholic.  Every weekend at church, went to a catholic grade school, had a job during mass for a lot of years (Eucharistic minister, lector, an usher, and even an alter girl when I was little)  I will probably go back if / when I have kids, because I do think it has its positives.  Right now, I'm indifferent.  I go on Christmas / Easter because its a "family tradition."  I go more on the golden rule philosophy and think the world would be a lot better place if everybody just treated everybody else with respect.

2. Do you have an all time favorite candy or do you change favorites often?

I have a top three -  My usual go to is a 3 musketeers... I had a 3 musketeers and a diet coke almost everyday during my neuroanatomy class in college.  They are fantabulous!  I'm a big fan of peanut butter, so reeses are my 2nd favorite.  In a close third is pretty much anything with white chocolate.  I know some of you don't feel like it is real chocolate.. but it is SOOOO much better than that bitter dark stuff :-)

4. Let’s just say you were a tattoo junkie and you were planning your next tat and it had to be words only. What words would you choose? A quote? Phrase? One word? Would you do it in English or a different language?

3 of my siblings have tattoos...I like them on some people.  Others not so much, but to each their own.  I would totally get one if I was dedicated to any one thing enough to have a permanent reminder of anything.  I don't.  I guess I've tossed around the way too common horoscope sign - only because I am so permanently stuck in the middle I can't dedicate myself to anything, and I'm a libra.  Symbol, the scales. :-)

*Quick edit- because apparently I am wasting away and can't read the question :-)  Words only would be super hard.  I spent days trying to decide what to get engraved on my ipad... on my body... sheesh!  something about moderation / can't we all just get along / etc.   but obviously I'd find some deep, philosophical quote that summarizes that!

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week.

Well, I'm on day 3 of pre-op, so I might say one word "hungry!"  I was thinking about it earlier, and I'm really trying to get a handle on what hungry is.  I've been reading a fabulous book called Bandwagon and really trying to focus on learning what my body is telling me.  Thats the point of this whole band thing.  The author talks about finding the difference between physical hunger, head hunger, mouth hunger, and eating out of habit.  I'm definitely more in mouth / head / habit hunger (probably a good combination of all of them) than physical hunger.  I mean I'm sitting here, blogging, watching TV and I'm thinking I totally need to eat.  But apparently I don't "need" it enough to go eat the 2 cups of raw veggies I'm allowed each day.  I mentioned in my last post that I'm pretty much a toddler when it comes to my food variety.  Without a yummy dip, they just taste icky!  So, I keep drinking water and keep trying to stay busy.  Here's hoping I'm not hard-headed and this eventually becomes routine.  

Pre-Op Day 1

I'm thinking I might go to bed.  I think that might be the best thing, because every commercial makes me hungry!  I am totally fine during the day, because this month at work is C-R-A-Z-Y and I am super busy, but as always, the evening is my down fall.  I'm sitting on the couch, grading papers, and the 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and a protein shake is not what I was hungry for.

I realize I'm complaining.  I realize I'm detoxing, I realize that this is important and I will not cheat.  I also know that I have it easy compared to some of you.

Some of you asked, so here's the rundown of my pre-op diet

Any amount of -

• Sugar free beverages such as crystal light
• Coffee, tea, water
• Broth or strained broth-based soups (low sodium)
• Sugar free popcicles, sugar free jello

In moderation - 

• Juice - 1 cup per day
• Milk - 2 cups per day
• No sugar added fudgesicles 2 per day
• High protein, low carb shake 2 per day

Solid Foods - 

• Fruit - 2 servings per day
• Dairy products - 8 oz light yogurt, 1/2 cup cottage cheese or SF pudding - 3 per day
• Raw Veggies - 2 cups per day - No dips / salad dressings etc

So, I realize it is not nearly as restrictive as some of you have had.  Here's the thing. I am a picky eater.  I love my carbs.  I love my meat.  I do not love fruits and veggies.  In fact, I gag on most of them.  I can eat grapes, raw carrots and very basic salads (if I have a creamy dressing).  I also cannot handle popsicles with a stick in the middle - don't ask why, but it gives my goosebumps and makes me icky.  So, this journey is not only about nixing the things that I should not be eating but learning to like things I currently do not.  You might laugh, but I am an early intervention therapist (in my spare time) and I actually work with picky eaters... it is something I've had lots of training on.  Time for me to walk the walk and learn to like some new, healthier foods.  

So thats all for now --- well, I will mention that I had my sister take before pictures last night.  Tank and undies pics.  You will not see them here (they might blind you.)  Not yet at least.  Maybe when I'm rocking my band, I'll use them for motivation for others.  Right now they are motivation for me.  

It's the final countdown....

da da daaaa da da da da da... da da daaaaa.... (okay thats the final countdown music as my head sings it)

So tomorrow morning T - 10 hours, I start my one week pre-op diet.  I thought I was doing pretty good staying on at least my regular eating schedule, but I've been really bad the last few days... a blizzard (or two), onion rings, steak, all things I'm stepping away from starting tomorrow.  I'm ready.  I've been planning and buying, and contemplating, and I'm really just ready to get this party started.  I have warned family I might be a bit of a witch while I "detox."  I am ready.

And just in time -   As part of my employee insurance plan, we have to participate in a wellness program. If you earn enough points throughout the year, you get the "cheap" insurance prices.  I've always had to do extra work to make up for the fact that my BMI was over.  All of my other numbers have ALWAYS come back normal.  I got blood drawn last week and this time I was just over the line for pre-diabetes.  I knew it was coming, but always thought it would be much further away.  My grandfather died at 60 with advanced diabetes and had had multiple heart attacks.  My mom is severely diabetic and has been for probably 15 years (she went untreated for years).  This makes me feel all the more comfortable, right and ready to get banded.  

BYOC

Bring Your Own Crazy!

It’s Friday fun day! That means it’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer a few questions to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy to your own blog if you so desire and have fun!

1. Are you a “wake up on the first beep of the alarm clock” or a “hit the snooze button 50 times before you get up” kind of person? Is your alarm clock set to the right time?

Um, I am definitely a hit the snooze button girl.  I have 3 alarms set for 5:45, 6:00 and 6:15, and they all snooze and repeat at odd times.  Recently however, I have gotten up at 5:35 almost every day to pee, and yet I still go back to bed, fall completely asleep (its a gift - I can fall asleep in under 2 minutes, literally) and then continue my snooze routine.

2. Do you decorate for any holidays other than Christmas?

I'm a slacker.  Through and through.  I used to go all out and decorate a lot.  I was the one that made stockings for each and every one of my 6 different college roommates.  Now I've gotten a bit lazy.  Really, I don't spend any of the actual holidays at my house. I'm at somebody else's house.  I'm sure if / when I have kids I will totally go all out and decorate, but for right now, I'm perfectly happy helping decorate other peoples' houses.  :-)

3. Would you consider yourself a spontaneous fly by the seat of your pants kind of person or a massive OCD controlling planner kind of person or someone in between?

I can go either way.  In fact I am usually one way or the other.  Either super over-planned, or completely against making a decision.

4. Tell me some of your MUST have hair products that you use consistently….you know - share your “hair routine."

I am really trying to find a new hair routine.  Over the last few years, my hair has gotten much thinner, (and I'm not even banded yet - REALLY worried about hair loss after).  I have fine, curly hair.  I fought it for years, straightening it everyday.  I got a shorter haircut a year or so ago, and now wear it curly.  So. Products I use - starts with Paul Mitchell Round trip which is a gel, followed by Aveda's phomollient (a softer mousse), then a few spritzes of a spray gel (right now its garnier curl shaping gel) and then I use the diffuser.  I have already started taking biotin, and just bought the bumble and bumble thickening line in prep for the aftermath of the band.  We'll see!

5. Repeat question: How was your week and what are your upcoming weekend plans?

My week was insane!  Work is crazy busy and I'm trying to get everything prepared for me to be gone. I actually went today to do all of my pre-op testing.  Chest x-ray, barium swallow, blood work, EKG and I'm ready!  I got to meet my band-class, and so far so good.  I was sad to see I was probably tied for the heaviest person in the group, but also SUPER surprised how much other people DON'T know! I'm a super researcher, which is what got me involved in all of your wonderful blogs.  I just want to say thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge, I am so glad I have a completely realistic view of what is about to happen, and what I will need to do to ROCK my band!

Meeting my bandster class tomorrow!

So, my doctor does all his surgery's on Wednesday's.  He has "classes" of band recipients.  1 week and a half before your surgery, it is Pre-Op day.  Tomorrow is that day for me.  So I'm heading to bed now, and fasting in the am before heading to the hospital.  Check in at 7:45 and then I will do my EKG, blood work and barium swallow.  Apparently there are 8 of us getting banded on the 23rd.  We all will be traveling around the hospital in a pack tomorrow getting all the tests done.  I think this is partly convenience and partly for a built in support group :-)  I'm kind of excited about meeting the rest of them, but let me tell you - I'm actually super nervous about the barium swallow.  I'm a super gagger when it comes to certain textures and really can't hold down any liquid meds... YUCK!  I'm hoping I don't puke.... Send out some positive vibes for me tomorrow!

Since I am actually only 10 days out, I've officially started stockpiling the "stuff" - you know, the stuff that is listed on every forum.  Here's what I came home to today.

Yep, I'm addicted to internet shopping... It is just so easy!  That is three amazon boxes, a box of samples from unjury and some shampoo / conditioner I ordered. It's like Christmas at my house!

Putting my goals on paper

Well, as much as the internet is like paper :-)  I've been busily trying to ready my house for my upcoming banding.  16 days!!!  Yikes!  I wanted to make sure to put down somewhere the reasons I'm doing this.  Luckily I have not had many health concerns related to my obesity, but I know I can't go forever being this lucky, so here is my list of victories I want to see soon!

1. I will buy clothes in a normal store (and at the same time, cut up my Lane Bryant card)

2. I will be able to find boots that fit my GIANT calves.  They are probably my least "fatty" part of my body, but are just huge and even special order expensive boots don't fit :-(

3. I will be able to sit comfortably in any chair without having to hold my elbows and squeeze my thighs to prevent "spillage" to other chairs.

4. I will be able to do any adventurous "excursion" I want, without having to worry about safety checks for weight limits.  I want to scuba, to white water raft,  to zip line, and possibly even sky dive - none of which are available to me right now.

There is a new underground zip line in my town - Unfortunately it carries the following stipulation Participant weight guidelines are 55 to 275 pounds. Participants WILL be weighed in a private setting before zipping. If you do not meet the weight requirement, you will be given a 6 month rain check to return at a later visit. So... guess what I'm doing when I see the 260's  - I'm giving myself some room for clothes :-)

5.  I will be able to go to the bathroom in a public restroom without having to "do-si-do" around the door and the toilet - I feel gross having to touch all parts of the way-to-small stalls!

6. I will be able to sit in my car and put my hand on the bottom of the steering wheel without it also resting on my stomach - My legs are too short, and my stomach is too large!

7. I will be able to shave certain areas of body hair without having to lift, separate and pretty much become a contortionist. 

8. I will be able to paint my own toenails.  Right now, I could get maybe one or two, but the stomach and thighs meet and make it nearly impossible!

9. I will not be the "fat-friend."

10.  I will feel comfortable enough with me, and love me enough to maybe be comfortable enough to get out and meet new people that will love me!

Happy Derby Day!!

It is officially the biggest holiday in Kentucky - Derby Day! This week has been absolutely crazy for me! I'm trying to get everything caught up and ready for my big day in a couple of weeks, and still manage to enjoy Derby week. A close friend of mine's birthday was yesterday and she really wanted to go down to the Downs (Churchill Downs for all you out of state folks) for the Oaks race yesterday. I rearranged my schedule so that I could go with her. So, I saw my first client yesterday at 7:00am! This way I was done and dressed and down at the track by about 11:30. Normally okay, but my sisters' had talked me into going to see some friends of theirs in a band the night before. Going to the track on 4 hours of sleep is not a good idea. It was freakin' HOT! I'm always hot anyway, probably in part because I have lots of extra "insulation" and probably because my blood is Wisconsin blood, therefore making me avoid the heat. So, while I always love the idea of going to the track for oaks / derby.... The execution of it never exactly lives up to the expectation. Got rained on again, had a nice heat headache even after drinking 4 bottles of water and no alcohol, and some nice blisters from shoes that I wear a lot and have never gotten blisters from before....  After coming home to shower and take some advil, I went back over to my friend's house for a laid back birthday party.  After the party (at about midnight) I went grocery shopping because of course I have to bring a dish for the party today.

Today's party is definitely my kind of derby party. My roommate from college's family always throws a big party at their house. There is betting online, regular $ pots and always lots and lots of food and good people. This year, I'm just going to try and be aware of what is going in my mouth, since grazing at these kind of parties is a real issue for me. Next year of course, I hope I will be an experienced bandster who has already developed all sorts of new, healthy, habits.




Anyway, long post done, Happy Derby to all!