Monday What's Happening?

Good morning my OFF sistas!

Well, I got that man of mine off to Saudi one more time.  I stopped at Sam's Club on the way home and had a little retail therapy to combat the blue funk!  LOL!  I don't know how many of you have every shopped at Sam's, but sometimes they have pretty good clothing bargains there.  The upside is the great price.  The downside is no dressing rooms.  I was always afraid to buy anything there before my WLS.  Who knew if it would fit, you know?  But yesterday I picked up sweat pants, leggings and a new top without fear.  Gotta love being a "normal" size again!

Today I am in bookkeeper mode--bleh--and I'm balancing our checkbook and paying all those lovely first-of-the-month bills.  Fun, fun.

Always so happy to come here and spend a precious few minutes each day reading about each of you.  You all mean so much to me!  I truly do not know what I would do without my OFF sistas and all the support and love and friendship to be found here.  Isn't the internet an amazing thing to have in our lives?  I am thankful for the miracle of cyber space and cyber friendships!

Love you all!

Aloha Vicke...I can only imagine what it is like to have your husband leave each time, especially since you have so much on your plate right now. I was married to an Air Force man many years ago, and I so remember going with him whereever he ended up....and it was a challenge. Thankfully we didn't have children until he got out of the AF, and eventually became an airline pilot. Then it become....4 days on, 4 days off!! We learn to adapt to the lives of the ones we love. I just want to tell you that I think you are amazing!! I can't imagine "raising" a little one at this time of my life.

Sending you a big virtual hug!!

Aloha nui loa,
'
Maui Karen

Thanks for the kind words, Maui Karen!  But you know, we just do what we have to do.  I love my husband and this is what he does for a living.  I had to either accept it or go crazy.  And if I don't step in and help with Benny, what will become of him?  I'm just thankful I had the WLS and can now actually physically care for a baby again.  Some days go better than others, but then, that's true of life, yes? 

I think the work you do with newborns is amazing.  I wish I could send you some of my crocheted baby things to give to the little ones.  Do you have lots of preemies or low birth weight babies?  I make some amazing preemie clothes and blankets.

Vickie....sorry your hubby had to leave so soon. You are a very strong woman. I don't think I could handle that as long as you have. I hope that some of the talking you two did with Chris has helped. I am still praying for you every day!

Glad you had some retail shopping in today....that always helps!!

Love to you....hugs.....connie d

Thank you, Connie.  We are rocking along okay for now.  Never know how long it will last, but I try to enjoy it while it's happening. 

I saw the wedding pics on FB.  I think YOU are amazing.  Not sure I could handle that situation with as much grace and acceptance as you have.  You are so loving and kind to everyone.  I am proud to call you my friend!

Thanks Vickie.....the pics of me I hate....my dress sticks out so far from my boobs I look pregnant...ugh!!

It hasn't been an easy situation...I am just going with the flow. I can't lose my Gracie!!!

You are a wonderful friend....thank you!

Love and hugs....connie d

Yep, I hear ya!  I can't lose my Benny Bop!  We do what we must, huh?

Vickie,

So sorry to hear your husband had to leave again. My dad was in the Air Force for 30 years. He was a flight engineer and was always gone. I look back now and see how hard it must of been on my mom with 3 kids. But God Bless her she never complained. 

I too feel blessed to have found this group!

Big hugs,

Debbie

Thank you, Debbie!  You are doing so well with your journey!  I'm so glad you joined our sisterhood!

Aloha and good morning Trish and my other very special OFF sisters.......

I was up last night at 3:00 a.m. and thought I would start the thread, but alas it had already been started!! Ha. Went back to bed and now it's 7:00a.m. Hawaii time and I'm up again and ready to go to work.

I so hear and relate to all of you who are facing physical, mental, and practical challenges. Life can be a challenge. I get "downsized" when I go to the hospital and meet/greet the newcomers to this world....every day. Yesterday I had 9 newborns from the day before, and they were all adorable, loveable and a gift to me in giving me hope for our future. I had a 4 lb. baby, and a 9.15 oz. baby!! Loveable.....no matter what size, color, condition, or life cir****tances. I feel such sadness when I know a baby is going home to a substance abuser, or to a 14 year old mama. I do say a little prayer to each baby I test......that they are loved, loving, cherished, giving, happy....etc. etc. Babies are so "a blank slate as my son said about his firstborn" and I can only hope that they are given a chance in this life.

Connie.....you WILL find your place.....just trust and it will happen. I so love you and all the love that you give in spite of your challenges.

Eileen.....You are on the downside of the mountain!! So glad you are taking care of yourself. You are very special.

Laureen.....always an inspiration!! I can feel the love that surrounds you, and that makes me happy.

Sorry for those I've forgotten....my mind these days is unpredictable!! Ha........

Sun is just coming up on Maui.....glorious, bright, beautiful, and just now three outrigger canoe teams are gliding past. Think I'll take coffee out on lanai and just be thankful.

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen