Monday 9-11

Saying a prayer for the country today.. the 5 year anniversary of the worst day in my adult life.. I went to a garage sale Sat and found a Gazelle.. Tony Littles little exercise thingy.. LOVE IT!!! I can do such a workout!!!! NO impact on my knees and wow!!! it really works on my arms too as well as just burning calories!! I am getting off the computer earlier today to do it before work and get my endorphins pumping before I sit at my desk for the day. Best 30.00 I ever spent. Have a wonderful DAY.. even if it IS Monday... Linda

I can't believe it has been 5 years...seems like just yesterday I was watching it all happen on TV. CBS aired a show about FDNY last night that while sad, was great to watch. I flipped between that and the Colts game. You know it was good if I didn'****ch the Colts game! Got the bridesmaids dress this weekend. They did go ahead and order me a size smaller (measure for a 26 but got a 24.) It fits great! A little big but comfortable! I think all other bridesmaids dresses, I've been stuffed into. I have to get the straps shortened or else the "girls" might make an appearance during the wedding! I am leaving work early today to go get the alterations done. Linda I really want a Gazelle! If you (or anyone else for that matter) find one please get it for me and I'll pay you back/pick it up! Better get to work! Have a great day everyone!! Sam

5 years ago today I was driving my then 3 year old daughter Paige to pre-school. I heard about the planes on the radio. I wasn't sure if I wanted to leave her there or not. Today I was driving my now 3 year old Jadyn to the same pre-school for her first day. I wasn't sure if I wanted to leave her there either, but this time its because its my last one to start school, and my baby is growing up. This morning before we all ( husband and daughters Erika - 11, Paige - 9 and Jadyn - 3) walked out the door we held hands and each said a prayer for the families, our nation and our leaders.

It's like yesterday was 9/11. My thoughts and blessings seem to relive that day when I see a clock on anything that says 9 11, I try to stop and say a prayer. I can't believe its Monday already, I am beginning to give up on getting approved for surgery. I was praying that it would happen, but I don't think its meant to be. I'm sorry I don't mean to vent but I feel so down. Everyone has been so supportive to me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hugs and Blessings to All, Gail

Gail, Dont give up. It took me months to get approved. Have u tried calling them to see where u are in the process and see if there is anything u can do to ru**** along? I did that weekly....I dont know if it helped but it made sure that when they came to me they knew my name and how badly I wanted this surgery. As for feeling down. That wont go away just becouse u have surgery. I go thru that at least once or twice a week. Some days are just harder than others. Some days its all I can do to be greatful for anything....then I remember ....that Im so lucky I was born in American and I have a friends I can vent to when Im having a crappy day. Its not going to be an easy journey but dont give up. Keep your head up!!! We are all here to support you Mariah

Gail. Please don't give up. I know how frustrating the waiting is but you need to keep doing all you can to show them this is what you need and you are prepared to jump through all their hoops to get there. If you can go to any support groups it would be a help and someone there may have some new ideas for you. This web site is a great support group as it is but meeting people 1 on 1 that are pre and post op at meetings is more personal. This surgery is the best thing you can do for yourself and you are so worth fighting for. I was ready to take money out of one of my retirement accounts to pay for it on my own when our insurance finally came thru. You are about my age and I know how bad I felt before surgery. I feel 20 years younger and I'm doing things I've never done before. This surgery has truly given me my lfe back and I'm so thankful every day. Keep calling your insurance carrier. Try to get 1 person that you talk to each time. Find out what more they need and what you can do. If your physician isn't forcefull enough find another that will support your cause. My PCP wasn't infavor of the surgery and her first letter to insurance didn't say much. When I had to appeal I wrote a letter for her to use as a guideline to say to the insurance company what they wanted to hear and she used it. I don't know if it was her letter or my persistance that won out. Keep trying Gail.

Where have the last five years gone. I was a work training and new employee when we got the news. Thank goodness it was a slow day because we were glued to the radio and just feeling sick all day. We didn't get much work done that day. Sam. just before surgery we went out and bought a treadmill and a gazelle. We got the one with the power pistions that can be adjusted. I think I've only used it 4 or 5 times. I love my treadmill. We have been walking outside most of the time this summer. (Hubby walks with me) I'm not quite ready to get rid of it (gazelle)yet. I keep telling my husband I'm going to alternate and maybe I will when the weather gets bad. With the treadmill I can turn on the TV get on and set a pace with incline and just go. It is harder for me to keep going with an even pace on the gazelle. More work I guess. Good luck on your search. If I see one around how much would you want to pay for one?

Ummmm probably $50 or less? Cheaper the better! I am not renewing my gym membership in October so I want to get some stuff for the house. Sam

Sam, I have an exercise bike from sears that has one of the fans and the arms that move. It has only been used a few times and is in new shape. It has the electric stuff on it and all. If you come get it you can have it! That goes for anyone else out there too! Carmen BTW it makes a great clothes hanger!

Oh Carmen thanks so much! I know the clothes hanger feeling. Bikes do a number on my knees right now. Hopefully if I get some more of this weight off it won't be so bad. So if someone else wants it they are more than welcome to it. Living in an apartment I'm not sure where I'd put it...can I sleep on it? Sam