**Thursday's Roll Call**

Good morning Oregon! It's raining! You know, I don't mind the rain. I'm just so glad that it is warmer outside! I couldn't make myself go out in the cold this past week to go for a walk. I went last night with my DH, and it felt wonderful! We got rained on a tiny bit, but I didn't mind at all. I love looking at all the Christmas lights. I'm hoping to go out one of these evenings and just drive around and look at them. Are you ready for some Questions of the Day (QOD)? Here they are! 1. a. For those of you who celebrate Christmas, where are you going to be gathering, and how many are you going to be celebrating with? b. For those of you who do not celebrate Christmas, do you have any special plans at this time of the year? 2. What is your middle name? 3. Any good New Year's Resolutions? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1a. We are going to church Christmas Day, and then we are going to our older son's, daughter-in-law's, and 2 grandson's house to open presents and have brunch. Our younger son, his girlfriend, and my DIL's sister will be there, so counting my DH and me, that makes 9 of us. Later on, they will all come to our house for more gift giving and dinner. 2. Louise 3. Exercise! I am working to get my shoulders and back well so that I can start doing more kinds of exercise besides walking. I want to play tennis, hike, dance, and swim. I also want to drop at least 20 more lbs. in 2006. The other New Year's Resolution is to help get our support group in the Portland area up and running. Hope you will add it to your New Year's Resolution too if you live up here. That's it for me. Tag! You're it! Peg

I am up and at 'em waiting until it is time to leave for my surgeons appointment. I weight 2 pounds more this morning.....don't know why, but doesn't it just figure! 1. We celebrate Christmas....we will go to church Christmas Eve. I sing in the choir and we will sing a Cantata that night along with a candlelight service. It is really beautiful. All my children and grandchildren will be here on Christmas day...we have gifts and dinner and spend the day together. This year my mother is visiting from California. She is almost 80 and we have not had Christmas together for at least 5 years. 2. Kristine - family name on it's 6th generation of use. 3. Since my surgery will probably be in the new year, I don't know what the resolution will be...there may be many. A new healthy lifestyle would be the logical. Will keep you posted on a date...I hope to have it today!

Hi Sue. Nice to hear from you. Have you ever logged into the Christianity board? It's very active. If you haven't checked it out, you might want to do so. Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy your family. I can't wait to hear when your WLS date is! Peg

I have not found the Christianity board yet, so thanks for the heads up. I know that Jesus will be holding my surgeon's hand though all of this. My email signature always includes Psalm 62:6 He is my defender; I will not be defeated.

Hi Sue. Have you heard yet about a WLS date? Do let us know! Hugs, Peg

I had a good appointment today. I will have an endoscopy on Jan 5th - a precaution because of the lousy stomach and esophogus that I have. They are sending in my insurance this week and once they get the ok, they will schedule. It looks like towards the end of January will be my date. I am happy that Dr. Patterson is taking the step to look at my stomach first in case there is any repair that she will need to do. Also, I have a growth in my stomach (benign) that has been there for several years and she wants to take a last look. After surgery, they can't see with a scope any longer (duh). I am excited to start my journey. The one thing I see with every person who has had WLS, that no matter what problems they have had, they would do it again in a heartbeat. I am tired of not being able to get up when I want up and down when I need to be down. Personal hygeine is a chore. I want to feel healthy. Thanks for asking.....

1. We celebrate everything, you name it! Kwanza, Ramadan,Channukka, Christmas and New Year (which is huge in many cultures) I mean it, we celebrate 'em all. We have friends from around the world and we are lucky enough to be included in a bunch of eating and celebrating opportunities this time of the year. We will open gifts on Christmas. Our DIL is away from her family for the first time ever on Christmas and we are making every effort to be a soft and warm place to land. She has been over to the house a lot lately and I think it is that she is lonley for her own family. I am grateful she wants to be here. I adore her. So, we will follow her lead since the rest of us are grinches. 2. Ellen 3 No, not really. Why invite trouble!? tee

Hi Tee. Sounds like you are very multicultural. Whatever the event, have a happy holiday! Peg

1: Christmas and it will be just the immediate family....likely we'll all still be sick. 2: Kay 3: I never make New Year's Resolutions. Just one more thing to fail at and I don't like failing. So when I make life changing decisions, they come as needed..... Dina

Hi Dina. So sorry you and your family are sick. Hope you all get well soon so that you can enjoy your Christmas break. Hugs, Peg