ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: Debbi on June 10, 2008, 07:27:10 am
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Thanks to Eve's excellent suggestion, I am moving this over to it's own topid (thanks to Wendy for letting us hi-jack her thread for so long...)
Seems that Mid-July is a possibility for a lunch of ANers in NYC. Jan will be in NYC on the 15 and 16, and Wendy should be back from Florida then. Lori will be at the NJ Shore, which may be train-able and Eve says she's in, Transear and all.
So, Jan and Wendy, can you pin down a date?
Once a date is set, who else wants to join in the fun? We need someone to volunteer for the seating chart ;D :D With all us SSD folk, that should be challenging! I've volunteered to find a location, accessable to Penn Station for those who are training in on NJ Transit or AmTrack (also not too far from Grand Central, for those training in from CT or upstate NY). Suggestions welcome...
So, who's in???
Debbi
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I might be in interested ! :o -- near the train wouild be a great idea !
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Sounds like fun....keep me posted and I'll try make the NYC trip.
Joe-
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Debbi -
I can't be sure what date I can make it until I have my date for surgery and find out when I need to go for pre-testing. I should know for sure sometime the week after next. I will be leaving for Florida on July 3 and probably be home by the 16th, so I have to get my pre-testing done ASAP when I get home, assuming my surgery date is the 24th, as planned. As soon as I know for sure I'll let you know.
Wendy
P.S. By the way, I'm sort of embarrassed to ask this question, but the only message icons I can get to work are on the message icon menu. Am I doing something wrong. All the others just come out as leters when I click on them.
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I'm working on the logistics a bit. I have to figure out when we will have visitors at the shore first. The major selling point for getting my husband to agree to this vacation every year is that we don't have to spend the entire time in the car going to visit everyone - we stay in one spot and they come to us. And let me tell you, with my friends and family - all you need to do is say free vacation at the shore and they decend like a plague of locusts.
As soon as I know who will be coming and when, I can get a better idea of what's going on....I hope it works out! I'd love to meet up with everyone!
We should have an easy time recognizing one another - just look for people who appear to be winking at you and snarling at the same time. :D
Lori
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I'm not sure I can pinpoint an exact date or time at the moment. All I really know is that my plan is to be in NYC on the 15th and 16th with two 12 year olds in tow. We will be taking some kind of train from NJ - have to ask my brother which one is the best - and I do have a hotel reservation at some "suites" (can't recall the specific ones right now) for both these nights. We plan to do some sightseeing and perhaps see some kind of entertainment, but have no definite commitments at the moment. We wing it a lot - can you tell? ;)
Beyond that I really don't know any more details. If it were just me I could commit to something definite, but having the kids with me kind of puts me on their schedule - since this is more their vacation than mine. Like Lori mentioned, logistics come into play.
I would say that you guys should finalize something and if I can make it I'll definitely be there. Guess that makes me a "maybe".
Hope this all falls into place; it would be great to meet everyone.
Jan
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Lori, aren't we considered family? If so, I say we change plans, pack up the car and go down the Jersey Shore. I can think of nothing better than listening to Bruce, hangin out with friends (family) and having a few brews.
Joe-
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Hey, why not? Plenty of sand for everyone!
I remember back in the good ole' days of going down the shore - as soon as you knew of one person who had a place down there, everyone would show up - sleep on the floor, the chairs, the bathtub, the front lawn....
Can't do that anymore - my back would hurt too much to be able to get up the next day!
But, like I told my biological family - I paid the rent, so I get a bed. Everyone else can fend for him/herself. So, party at my place - bring your air mattresses and a heating pad for the crick in your back! :)
Lori
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Hello!
I checked out the train stuff today but couldn't ever get it to give me the right afternoon times. The more I got to thinking about it, the more I am not sure I can do it. Addi will be with me and my in-laws are paying for her (well, me too for that matter) to come with me to BALTIMORE for a nice Mommy/Daughter get away to BALTIMORE. My MIL will not be as understanding about me wanting to run to NYC to meet up with friends. I love her to death, but she is very much a "if you say you are doing 1 thing, do it - don't add more" - I about drove her crazy one time when I used an old entertainment center for a China cabinet! It wasn't made for that!!!! (but it looked great & I got TONS of compliments on it!) Guess you will all have to come to TEXAS!!! ;D
K
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Debbi,
I would love to attend, depending of course on upcoming surgery schedule.
Jimbo
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Hi All! Sorry I haven't been in touch for a little bit. I would love to come to an AN lunch. It would be great to finally put the faces with the posts!! Debbi thanks for organizing this - and how are you feeling?
Mary
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Hi All-
Okay, so here's the question - for the folks local, is mid week or weekend better? Since Jan may not be able to make it (and who can blame her 12-year old twins for not wanting to spend time with a bunch of "old" folks??) we probably have some flexibility on date. I am good either way, but would like to make sure as many of us can come as possible.
As far as a location - I'm thinking Heartland Brewery which is on 34th St and 6th, at the Empire State Bldg. It's about 2 blocks form Penn Station, and is very easy to find. It is also large, which may make it a bit noiser - but location makes up for that. Also, a very diverse menu to carnivores and vegans alike should be satisified!
So, let's hear from everyone on preferred dates (think July 16 or 19 or 20)...
Debbi - still infusing...
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Debbi,
I would prefer July 16 but can make it on any day you specified. The restaurant will probably be less noisy on Tuesaday also, so it is something to consider. I am also hoping we can top those delicious apple dumplings in MA people rave about! ;D
Eve
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I am also hoping we can top those delicious apple dumplings in MA people rave about! ;D
nev'ah! ;)
Sounds like a good time for all... wish I could join you!
Phyl
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Debbi -
The 16th is no good for me as we will probably just be returning home from Florida that day or the 17th. I doubt they do pre-testing on the weekend so more than likely, the 19th would be good. I just have to check and make sure if I am right about the pre-testing which I will do on Monday. Hpoe all is well with you and you are feeling better.
Hugs to you for taking this task on. I never dreamed so many people would be involved when I wrote to Jan after I found out she was coming to NYC. If she doesn't make it, I hope I can still meet up with her somehow.
Jan and Lori - How long are you going to be in the NY/NJ area? If the lunch ends up being on the weekend and either or both of you can't make it, I'd still like to meet up with you, if possible.
Wendy
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Wendy -
I'll let Lori answer for herself. It might be a day or two, I believe she's in NJ right now with her mom who had surgery.
I will be in NJ at the shore from 7/10-7/15 and in Summit on 7/17 - we fly out of Newark on the morning of the 18th. I'm planning on a very laid back vacation, but would be more than happy to get together at a beach or a pizza place or at the house we are renting if that fits into your schedule. That way the kids can kind of run wild and I can hold a grownup conversation ;)
If you'd like my cell phone number, please PM me. Maybe we can connect.
Jan
Forgot to say that this same thing goes for anyone else who might have an interest in coming to the shore and meeting up. I am sharing the house with my brother and his girlfriend - it belongs to a friend of theirs - so I really can't offer anyone overnight accomodations, but if anyone wants to hang out call me.
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Ok, back from NJ.... again.... I feel like I'm living there again...
Anyway, I've got family/friends/total strangers scheduled to be in and out the whole week, so I can't make it to NY this trip. I'm only about 15 miles from where Jan will be though, so if anyone's up for some good pizza and a day on the beach, that'll work for me!
NY crew - make sure you take pictures!
Lori
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Yes! Pictures would be great! Wonderful idea, Lori ;D
If Lori and I meet up at the shore, we'll take pictures also - although don't expect any of me in a bathing suit ::)
Trust me; you'll all be thankful ;D
Jan
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Okay, so it is sounding like either Sat the 21st or Sun the 22nd would work for most. We'll have to bring little pictures of Jan and Loir and set them at the table so they can be with in at least that small way.
So, can we start to pin down either the Sat or Sun date? Who's in???
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Debbi,
July 21 or 22 will work for me. Glad you are not having an infection and hope you will be PICCless real soon!
Eve
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We'll have to bring little pictures of Jan and Lori and set them at the table so they can be with in at least that small way.
Debbi -
that is SO sweet!
Jan
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I had to check with the boss first but I'm in....if we do the Sunday I need to be back for a 6:30PM meeting...
Joe-
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Hi Debbi -
Just a point of clarification, Saturday and Sunday are July 19 and 20. You must have been looking at June's calendar if we are talking about meeting for lunch in July because June 21 and 22 are Saturday and Sunday. Anyway, it looks like I should be able to make it on either day. I pinned Dr. Choe down and he is now saying Friday, July 25 for my surgery date. This seems pretty certain as the date was changed to accomodate Dr. Chen's schedule. I'm not ready to put it on the calendar yet because it could still change. I'm trying to remember to breathe since I found this to be good advice. Hoping you are feeling good today.
Wendy
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Wendy - yes, breathing is good advice! I'd keep it up if I were you! :D
And I don't think I have any recent pictures of myself to put on the table, but I look just like a supermodel, so just cut one out of a magazine and we'll pretend it's me - okay? And try not to be too disappointed when we actually do meet in person... :-\
Lori
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Okay, supermodel pictures at the ready!
Wendy, thanks for noticing my date snafu - you're right, I was looking at June. And, GREAT news about having a sorta definite date! Wahoo!!
So, can we agree on Saturday, July 19?? (Joe, does that still work for you?)
Spouses/blokes/wenches welcome of course!
Debbi - I'll be the one with a scarred belly and a crooked smile... ;D
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Ohh, Debbi's going to show her belly scar :o
Lori, maybe we should change our plans - we don't want to miss that one ;)
Wendy -
hope you get a definite date soon.
Jan
BTW, I'm not blonde, but can I be Christie Brinkley?
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Trust me, Jan, NO ONE wants to see that!! (Belly scar, that is!)
Yes, you definitely get to be Christie Brinkley - in fact, I can see the resemblance! Now, who wants to be Heidi Klum?
Debbi -watch out - spitting stitch coming at you!
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I'll take Heidi Klum - I mean it is only fair - she's had some kids, I've had some kids - I bet our bodies are about in the same shape... ;D
K
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Well, as long as Debbi is showing off her scar, then there's no reason for me to show mine.
I'll take Cindy Crawford (without the mole). Not too many dark haired super models out there, are there?
Oh, and Wendy, I will be checking into the beach house on the 12th of July and checking out on the 19th. I forgot to answer you last post. Sorry!
Lori
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The 19th works for me....as far as bringing the wife, I was looking to have fun.....
Joe-
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The 19th works for me....as far as bringing the wife, I was looking to have fun.....
Joe-
OH MY :o I hope the wife doesn't lurk here :o
Jan - just call me "Christie"
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Jan-
My wife would laugh....I wouldn't have been a mess without her during my AN journey.
Always joking,
Joe-
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Joe -
I realized you were joking and I was just adding to the joke.
Guess I should have said "LOL" or something so you didn't think I was serious ;D
Jan
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Lori and Jan -
I'm still not sure exactly when we'll be home. Probably the 16th or 17th. Since the 18th is my birthday I'm sure I could persuade eveyrone to do what I want, which is to see you, that is if you don't mind all four of us coming down for the day. The rule in our house is the birthday person gets to spend their birthday any way they want., as long as it's reasonable. Except for Rob, all ourbirthdays are in the summer,so school is not a problem. If we get home on the 16th I might have to go for pre-testing on the 17th. I checked with my doctor, and he agreed to the 3rd or the 16th, but the 17th might have to do. He really wasn't crazy about the 3rd through because it's right on the edge of the time limit. He said he'd rather I go closer to my surgery date, preferably on the 16th as he was sure they'd get teh results before the 25th. It looks like I'll have to behave and eat healthfully during my vacation. Who does that? I guess me, at least this time.
Jan, What tiime on the 18th are you leaving for the airport? It it's not too early, maybe we can get out there at least long enough to meet each other. It doesn't look like I'll make it before then as things stand now.
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Wendy -
we fly out of Newark the morning of the 18th unless United decides to change something. So you might just have to settle for seeing Lori without me if you two can work something out.
We'll be in Summit on the 17th, but it doesn't look like that will help you at this point. I'll be turning my car in prior to going to NYC so I won't have a car on the 17th or 18th and will be relying on my brother or public transportation to get around.
Jan
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Well, I will have my butt parked firmly in the sand at Seaside for the whole week - sure hope it doesn't rain... Wendy, I'll PM you my cell phone number so you can call when you have an idea of the plan.
I hope your healthy eating plan involves birthday cake!!!
And Jan, you don't need a car - didn't you say you wanted to start running again anyway? :D
Lori
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You know, Lori, all I do is "talk" about running ::) Which is the problem :P
The treadmill in my basement is now free from "debris" since the house is for sale; the weather is very pleasant (not hot & muggie like last week) - basically I have no more excuses. However, I still haven't started to run.
I'm working on it though. I did manage to start walking more yesterday and took my bike out. So I'm confident I'll be running soon. My goal is to be a runner again by the time the ANA Symposium rolls around next August. I've never run along the lake front and it's one of my "things to do before I die" ;)
Jan
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Tell you what - I'll chase you in a car to help you cross that goal off your life list. That should make you run! :D
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Tell you what - I'll chase you in a car to help you cross that goal off your life list. That should make you run! :D
That might be just what it takes ;)
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"Every time I feel the urge to exercise, I sit down until it goes away." - Mark Twain
Works for me, too. ;)
Jim
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Amen to that, Jim :D
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Jan -
You know, funny you should mention walking and running. I started walking about 6 weeks ago (I've been really out of shape), just around the immediate neighborhood, maybe about a mile to 1 1/2 miles a day. I am now up to 8 miles a day, four in the morning and four at night. I was walking seven miles a day for the past week and just upped it again today. I feel like I am running (or walking really fast away from or to something) but I haven't figured it out quite yet. I started out just trying to get in shape before my surgery and it turned into something else along the way. The good news is I've lost 12 lbs. I still have a few to go, but I am determined to be in the best shape possible by July 25. I figure the better shape I'm in, the better my recovery will be. It certainly can't hurt anyway.
Lori -No need to chase me with the car - I walkiing as fast as I can!
Wendy
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Congratulations, Wendy. You're doing much better than I am :) And IMO being in "better" shape will have a very positive effect on your recovery. It certainly can't hurt.
I used to be a runner but when I finally got pregnant with my twins after many years and many medical treatments, my doctor told me to stop running until after I gave birth. I had already miscarried once and since I was carrying multiples that took so much time, effort, and money to conceive the thought was "why take any chances".
Once I had my children and I went back to work full time I never had the time to take up running again. Although I was married back then, the kids, the house, the chores, and my job were all "my" responsibility. I thought as my kids got older I'd have more time but that hasn't seemed to happen. In addition to still working, I'm still responsible for the house and most chores, plus now I'm playing taxi driver and entertainment director on a daily basis ::)
It seems the time I have to run is either very late at night or very early in the morning and I won't just leave the kids in the house while I run outside. Yes, I do have a treadmill, but I just can't motivate myself to get on it as I find running indoors extremely boring. When I was a runner, I used to run in pouring rain, shin deep snow, etc. So thus far I only have good intentions. It's taking a toll on me physically - I've gained weight and I find I'm more stressed out than I was when I ran.
I keep telling myself that now is the time to start again since my medical stuff (AN & BAHA surgeries) are over and the house is on the market, which were all major things I had to deal with. The only problem is, I keep telling myself this - but I'm not listening yet :D
Jan
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Jan~
Well, you can't really hear - maybe you are talking into your deaf ear and you don't have your BAHA on.... ;D
K
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Thank you SO much, K.
You have given me yet another excuse to not start running again ;)
Jan
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K - I think that's my problem too! I'm not really lazy - I'm just deaf! Now if only I could convince myself via my good ear....
Lori
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Lori -
if you're able to do that, please clue me in ;)
Jan
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Hi Jan -
Don't you just hate it when you don't listen to you? I know what you mean about responsibilities. I'm not working right now,and in fact was in the midst of job searching when I found out about my AN. At that point it seemed like a good idea to wait until I decided on a treatment and had it. I hoipe to be gainfully employed again well before Christmas. My kids are a full time job too, even when they're not around and I don't get a lot of help either. Since you have to do everything yourself, I'm sure it's twice as hard. Every now and then though, you need to make some time just for you. Maybe you can ship them off to a friend's house (does you ex take them at all?)The kids will survive if you take some time for you. In fact, it's good for them to see you taking care of you, it will make them value you more, in my opinion anyway.
Wendy
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Thanks for the input, Wendy :)
I do take time for myself whenever I can. Lots of times when I have a doctor's appointment, instead of taking a few hours off work I take the whole day if I can and spend the "extra" time doing something I enjoy. I also send the kids to my parents house every now and then for a few days. In August I'll be traveling to Minnesota for work for about a week and that will also be some grownup time for me.
My ex doesn't see the kids at all - hasn't for about 2 years now - which is both a blessing and a curse. It's definitely better for the kids not to have to deal with some of the stuff he was dishing out, but at the same time I don't get the regular breaks that a lot of divorced parents get. I'm not complaining though; I'm actually very happy that I have sole custody. Children grow much too fast and it will be all too soon before I'll have so much time on my hands I won't know what to do with myself.
Jan
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Hi Jan -
I get what you're saying. At least for now it's on your mind, but it sounds like you've got an awful lot on your plate. Eventually things will fall into place and when that happens, you'll probaby start running again. When that happens, I guess you'll ruin all the fun Lori plans to have chasing you with her carr!
Wendy
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That's okay, once Jan has some free time, i'm going to send my 5 year old and my 2 year old..and the dogs to Auntie Jan's house to visit. Wouldn't want her to be lonely! :D
Lori
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Lori~
Let me know when that is and I will send my 5 & 6 year old to visit Auntie Jan too. It is almost like having twins... ;D
K
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Bring 'em on girls! The more the merrier.
I love little kids. You know what they say "little kids, little problems - big kids, big problems" ;) I'll bet none of your kids will want illegal fireworks, Ugg boots or a trip to Tiffany's - at least not for a few years ::)
A very honored, Auntie Jan :D
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Jan -
Your kids sound just like mine -- they could be quadruplets! Does your daughter want every handbag Coach has too?
Wendy
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Hey Jan, you forget I have a 20 year old and a 17 year old also... I know all about big problems. Fortunately for the little ones, by the time they are teenagers, I will have had myself committed to an insane asylum and James can deal with them.
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Wendy -
if my daughter has her way I will be financially ruined by the time she hits high school :o She has very expensive tastes - NorthFace jackets, Ugg boots, Puma gym shoes, Chanel No. 19 perfume, etc. The kid dresses and smells better than I do :D And last year in summer camp she developed a taste for StarBucks - which is the latest fad here among pre-teens. Yikes! She does love Coach, but so far she only has a Coach wallet (from the outlet) that a friend gave her for her birthday.
While I realize I don't have to say "yes" to all her requests for high-end items, in all fairness she does get, and wear, a lot of hand me downs from her cousins. She also managed to save $150 plus tax for a pair of silver earrings from Tiffanys, so I have to give her some credit :)
Thank goodness my son doesn't share her expensive tastes - he's happy with jeans and t-shirts from Walmart ;D
Lori -
I keeping forgetting that you have older and younger children. I am older than you though, so that explains my forgetfulness ;)
Don't worry, I'll visit you at the asylum - unless I forget :D
Jan
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Jan -
I know what you mean about your daughter having expensive taste. Cudos to her for saving money to buy her own earrings from Tiffany's though. Maybe she can give my kids lessons. Even though my younger daughter's birthday isn't until July 2, her birthday party was yesterday. We started having it early for two reasons. Her best friend goes to Norway (that's where her mother is from) every summer and usuallly leaves the day after school lets out. That used to mean she could not attend my daughter's party, which upset them both. Also, a July 2 birthday party is difficult. School is out and a lot of people start vacations almost immediiately, plus there is the July 4th weekend., so having the party early just works out better. Anyway, she had been begging me for Guitar Hero for her PlayStation. I bought her the dual game pack that has Guitar Hero I and II, the guitar, and the Wireless Guitar Pedals. Altogether,this cost me about $130. She also begged me to give her her birthday present the day of her party, so if she got Guitar Hero, she and her firends could play with it during the sleepover. Against my better judgemetn, I decided to do as she asked. Today she asked if she was getting the iPod she wanted for her birthday. I pointed out that she'd gotten her present and she actually cried. She thought sh'e get another expensive present on her real birthday. Guess she's more spoiled than I thought. I guess I'll have to fix that sooner than later.
Wendy
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Hey, guys!
I was going to put your lunch event on the AN Calendar, but I wasn't sure where you're meeting.
Can someone let me know? or can someone post it on the calendar?
Thanks,
Jan
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Jan -
I thought Debbi said something about July 19 being the date, but in looking back as the posts can't find anything. Can everyone who is interested in this luncheon check in and say if the 19th is good for them? The 19th is perfect for me I just wish Lori and Jan could be there too. Also, I know Debbi sort of took charge of this, do we have a time and plac?. I know she mentioned someplace near Madison Square Garden or Penn Station (pretty much the same location), but can't remember what she said.
Wendy
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Hi, Jan:
I really don't wish to hijack the thread (well, maybe for just a minute) but after reading your message regarding your pre-teen daughter's expensive tastes, I wanted to pass along what I taught my (now adult) son: never allow possessions, brands and being trendy to define who you are. I'm sure you've set a good example as you certainly don't seem to be the shallow, narcissistic type at all, although you are droll, but I thought it worth mentioning as your daughter is at a vulnerable age and our society - via advertising and then, peer pressure - tries to convince young women that they are what they wear or own and that is an unhealthy outlook, as you know. We're also an affluent and often materialistic society and that simply compounds the problem. Not that I mid being a citizen of one of the most affluent countries on the planet, but I've seen what runaway materialism can do to ruin people and I find that sad. Certainly not something anyone would want their children to get into. Success is great but greed and a lust for money and what it can buy (beyond a reasonably comfortable life, which we all want) can be destructive on many levels. Trying to acquire everything the market offers in order to fulfill some inner need won't ever take the place of human relationships and the joy of helping others.
Not trying to meddle, just mentioning what I thought was important on a subject you raised (your young daughter's expensive tastes). My son has expensive tastes in some areas, but he works hard to pay for those and has never been materialistic or allowed his possessions to define him. The kid learned well. :) I'm sure your daughter will, too. She'll have a great teacher.
Jim
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Jim -
don't worry about the hijacking, I do it all the time :D And you are certainly not meddling - just providing your input.
In general it is hard to raise children in the environment and the world you so aptly describe, and in the case of my children, there are a few additional factors which make it more difficult. I do find that at times they are too materialistic - especially my daughter - and I am doing my best to set a good example for them. It's not always easy since it's a whole new world since I was a child :) I do regularly instill a sense of "giving back" in them by making sure they are aware of the good causes that I support, plus I have decided that within the next year we will all be volunteering our time on some level to help those less fortunate than we are.
Thanks for the good advice. Although I'm not a fan of Hilary Clinton's, I agree with her assessment that it takes a village to raise a child.
Jan
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Hi again DEbbi -
Do you have any idea of whyat is going on with regard to the NYC luncheon? I haven't seen any recent posts.
Thanks,
Wendy
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Sorry, missed this.
We had talked about July 19 at Heartland Brewery, which is on 34th at 6th, below the Empire State Building and about 2 blocks from Penn Station. At this point, we should try to find out who is interested/committed to coming?
I am 90% sure of attending (just have to arrange transportation, probably the train if the schedule works out.)
So, who's in?
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Hi Debbi -
I am definitely in. I would love to meet with anyone who can attend!
Wendy
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I am in also! I would love to meet everyone who can attend AND boast about my Transear! I have to admit, Debi, that after all these years I still have nightmares about Dr. Louie's petri dish so I will just stick with the Transear.
Eve
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I'm in.
Joe-
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Well, then, I think we have a quorum! A small but mighty group of 4 - and all other comers welcome!
I'll do a bit more research on locations, but will keep us close to Penn Station. Eve, I can't wait to see the Transear and "hear" how you like it. And, yes, I'll be kind of glad when my last (hopefully) visit to Dr. Louie is done next week! No more petrie dishes, please...
stay tuned here for any other breaking news regarding the NY/NJ lunch!
Debbi ;D (hey, shouldn't they have one of these smiley faces with a half-smile???)
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Hi Debbi -
Another stolen moment on the computer in a busy house where eveyrone wants the computer. Hope you have a great weekend and get good news from Dr. Louie next week. Do me a favor and let Brian know I was so rushed, I didn't realize he was home. I was really glad to hear that too. Have to go again as someone is waiting for the computer again.
Wendy
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As the date draws nearer...
Date: Saturday, July 19
Location: Heartland Brewery - 34th Street at 5th Avenue, at Empire State Building
URL: http://14935.williams.hostinglogin.com/media/heartlandbrewery.html (http://14935.williams.hostinglogin.com/media/heartlandbrewery.html) (click on Empire State)
Time: High Noon?
If everyone who is going will PM me, I'll send you my cell phone so we be in contact on the day-of.
So far, it is Joe D, Wendy, Eve and I - anyone else...??
Debbi
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Hope you guys all have a great lunch :)
I'll be flying home on the 18th, so won't make it.
Guess you'll all just have to come to the symposium next August, so I can meet you there ;D
Jan
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We'll take pictures, Jan - I'll be the one with the crooked smile! Wendy will be the one looking scared. Joe will be the one looking perfectly normal. Eve will be the one sporting the cool new Transear.
And, yes, symposium next year - it's a date!
Debbi
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Define normal....
Joe-
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We'll have to see the picture first to decide if Joe is normal or not! :D
Jan and I will be there in spirit! Try not to talk about us too much or our good ears will be ringing!
Lori
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Okay, Joe, maybe "normal" was too non-specific...
I say we take a group shot and I'll post it here after the lunch - if everyone is okay with that. I'll bring my digital camera.
Debbi
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Maybe Lori and I can post a beach or pizza place picture - although I can guarantee you it will not show us in bathing suits :P
Are you bringing your camera, Lori?
I'm famous for bringing mine places and then never taking it out of its case to take pictures ::) So I thought I'd just leave it home this time around.
If nothing else, maybe my little bro will have his camera and we'll get him to take a picture. I'd ask one of my kids, but I know darn well it will cost me. I can just hear it now. "How much will you give me?" :D We're currently negotiating spending money for the trip and my son is always looking for a way to make an extra buck ;)
Jan
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I wanna go..... and I can't...... :'(
*walks away sulking......*
(have a fantastic time, folks! Will look for the piccies!)
Phyl
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I wish I was going to - maybe we can chat on the phone, Phyl, while they are having fun together. At least now I might have some REAL before & after pictures!
K
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Loir and Jan - you must have beach pictures!! Those of us who can't join you must at least be able to see what we've missed.
I'm definitely bringing my camera to our lunch next weekend.
Debbi
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Debbi~
I think I can speak for Jan & Lori and say that "lunch" pictures & "beach" pictures are COMPLETELY different... ;D
K
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Yes, the beach pictures may cause you to lose your lunch! :D I'm speaking for myself, here, not Jan, who says she is quite svelte. ;D
I'll be thinking of you guys and wishing I could be there! I still think a train ride to the shore from NY wouldn't be so bad for you guys!
Have a great time - looking forward to the pictures!
I'll be hitting the road tomorrow night but running around like a crazy person trying to get all the last minute stuff done tomorrow, so if I don't get back to the computer - I'll miss you guys!
Lori - soon to have her feet in the sand.... ;D
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I wish I was going to - maybe we can chat on the phone, Phyl, while they are having fun together. At least now I might have some REAL before & after pictures!
K
HIJACK ALERT!
K, you are on! :) We'll have to prepare our own meals and gab away and gossip about all while they enjoy the sights/sounds of NYC.....Let's chat BoSox and Astros/Rangers.... since they have to deal with the "Evil Empire" (Yankees!)... (Mets too, of course!)
Phyl
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Okay, ladies and gentlemen - rev your engines!!
We have a reservation for six (6) at 12 noon at Heartland Brewery
350 Fifth Avenue (at 34th Street and Empire State Bldg.)
212-563-3433
Reservation is under the name BIFULCO
I have asked for the quietest location possible, but have no idea if they'll be able to accommodate. I made the reservation for six because I wasn't sure if anyone was brining spouses (mine is away racing this weekend, so I'll be solo).
My train arrives at 11:40, so I should be to the restaurant by noon - if someone else gets there first, go ahead and get the table, okay?
You've all got my phone number, so call if anything comes up.
Really looking forward to meeting you all!!
Debbi
PS - I may have my new Blinkeze eye weight by then!!!!! So, Eve can show off her Transear and I'll show off my Blinkeze...
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Have fun with your luncheon. New York City! Wow. You guys going shopping after! ;)
Sue
Vancouver, WA
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Debbi & Co -
hope you all have a phenomenal time on the 19th.
I'm currently in NYC at the Embassy Suites but will be leaving here on the 17th.
Never did connect with Lori - except by cell phone voice mail :(
I decided not to rent a car and was somewhat held hostage by the kids and my brother & his girlfriend. Was hoping to set something up for Monday evening, but left the shore a day early due to cold, rough water. Kids couldn't boogie board any longer, so we decided to save a day of rent on the beach house and return to my brother's place in Summit before going to Ellis and Liberty Islands earlier today.
Am planning to visit the Empire State Building, Times Square and Central Park before returning to NJ and then to Chicago.
Someone have a drink for me ;)
Jan
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Jan, hope you fully enjoy the NYC experience!
Debbi
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Have a wonderful time at your imminent festivity! I'm really looking forward to a full report, and some pictures! :)
Carrie
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Jan,
Hope you and the kids are enjoying your NYC/NJ vacation. We just got back from Florida 3:00 a.m. this morning. I am hoping I can talk my husband into going down to the shore tomorrow if I can get in touch with Lori. I'm not sure if she ever PM'd me her cell # though. I will check later as we are going out in a few minutes. If we make it down there tomorrow is there any chance we might see you too?
Wendy
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Wendy -
we are leaving NYC tomorrow morning and making our way back to Summit. We'll be spending the afternoon in Summit and then fly out of Newark on Friday morning.
I'll PM you Lori's cell phone number in case you need it.
Jan
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Can't wait to see everyone! Debbi, I have my Transear ready and wondering how eye weight works. Sorry I can't meet in person those who cannot make it but I know you will be there in spirit.
Eve
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Hey, July 19 is my birthday.You can imagine I'm there too .What a birthday that would be.Have fun! Teresa
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Jan -
How was your vacation? Did pretending or actually not hearing your kids requests for money and expensive souvenirs work. I tried it myself but they just came over and tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention! It made me feel a little bad to have to turn them down after they tried so hard, but not bad enough to change my mind.
Wendy
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Wendy -
the vacation was great. I highly recommend the Jersey shore to anyone who hasn't been there. We stayed in the town of Spring Lake and it was just beautiful and the beach was fantastic. Nice and clean, plus you could walk for miles ;D We also went to beaches in Belmar, Sea Girt, and Point Pleasant and my brother taught the kids how to boogie board. Only sad news is I didn't get a chance to connect with Lori :( Bummer :(
I got to see the Statue of Liberty - something I've wanted to see since I was a small child. My parents took my older siblings to the New York's World Fair, and the Statue, in 1964 or 1965 and my baby brother and I had to stay with our grandparents.
I actually saw the Heartland Brewery where you guys are having lunch later today, when we visited The Empire State Building on Wednesday night. It was about 11 p.m. at the time, so it was closed, but it looked like a great place. I hope you guys have a wonderful time ;D
My kids weren't too bad with souvenirs and I actually came home with money in my pocket - a vacation first! But I have to admit, my baby brother (who is now a very successful businessman) was incredible about picking up lots of the tabs. I set a limit for each of my children and my son actually came in under his limit. My daughter spent her money on a silver charm at Tiffany's in NYC. I didn't apply their souvenir limit to everything, so they got some sweatshirts and t-shirts at the Hard Rock Cafe in NYC. I got a few new shot glasses for my collection from NJ & NY, so we are all quite happy.
It's good to be home - though I'm not really looking forward to work on Monday morning :P
Jan
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Teresa - Happy Birthday!! We'll miss you!
Jan, so glad you had a good time on vacation. Interested to hear your impressions of the Statue of Liberty - one of my all time favorite sites. Did you get to Ellis Island? I could spend hours there - it is just fascinating. My husbands grandparents all immigrated from Italy, and some of them are on the Wall at Ellis Island - very emtional finding them there.
I am off to meet my fellow intrepid ANers from NY/NJ shortly - the weather is suitable hot, hot, hot in honor of the occasion! I'll post pictures later or tomorrow.
Wahoo!!
Debbi
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Theresa -
Happy Birthday! We'll have to have a toast to you today!
Wendy
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I wish I was joining you in NYC!!! I took my sons there last Aug 1st weekend and had a blast. My oldest son and three of his buddies are going this Aug 1st weekend. I was disappointed when we visited "Little Italy", because most of the vendors were oriental. Mind you the Cafe Napoli was ethic. The pizza was heavenly and the owners were thrilled to find out my son's grandparents are from the Naples area. My oldest and youngest were able to speak in broken Italian to them so out come a wonderful antipasto on the house.
I LOVE NEW YORK!!! I'm hoping to go with my girlfriend the 2nd weekend in Oct. Its a great plan than I do not have to cook for our Thanksgiving!!! I wonder if my husband and sons can live without me for the weekend...... ::)
Anne Marie
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Greetings, Intrepid ANers!
The First Lunch was huge fun and I truly wish you could all have been there! We had some major laughs and I presented Wendy with a Good Luck Scarf for her sugery this Friday. I have a feeling you're going to rock the house, Wendy!
Eve (Jerseygirl) and Joe are both inspirational and wonderful post surgical role models.
Here's the better of the two picture of us (from left to right - Eve, me, Wendy and Joe.) My Blinkeze is apparently working overtime here, since my eye appears to be half-mast. Oh well, I've become less concerned in recent months with appearances... ;D
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk167/debifulco/719HeartlandBreweryNYC-EveDebbiWend.jpg)
I am hoping we can all get together again sometime in the fall, when Wendy is back on her feet and up to it.
Debbi, tired, but thrilled!
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It was a great time...the bonus was I didn't miss my train station on the way home....
Joe-
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A fine looking rogue's gallery. I will assume this pic was taken after cocktails... ;)
Steve
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Steve,
You wouldn't want to look at me if I drank cocktails! In fact, you would not see me at all because I would be under the table, not at it! I am obviously still in the recovery mode. After hearing about Joe's early morning run and watching him down a glass of beer, I decided I will step up my exercise program - enough of a lazy summer for me. Very inspirational, Joe!
Debbi, I would not even dream of venturing into the city alone this early in the recovery process; this is pretty amazing! Your hair looks great and many thanks for organizing this lunch.
Wendy, I want to wish you one more time the best of luck on Friday. Hope you will have an easy and smooth recovery. I am keeping my fingers crossed for wonderful news!
Eve
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Debbi -
Thanks for organizing the luncheon and also for your lucky scarf! Thanks for posting the picture too. I tried the scarf on when I got home and am cerrtain it will make a wonderfull addition to the lovely and fashionable hospital attire I'll be sporting in about a week! I'm sure I'll be the belle of the halls!!! Of course, between your lucky scarf and my lucky bunny sliffpers I can only have a fantastic outcome! Eve and Joe it was great meeting you both and I hope we get together again sometime this fall as Debbi suggested. It would be great if a couple more people could come too. The more the merrier!! Eve, thank you so much for your good wishes. With my lucky attire, my wonderful doctors and a positive attitide and the good wishes of friends, here and at home, and my family I am truly hoping for the perfect outcome (or as close to it as I can get).
Wendy
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Debbi -
thanks for posting the picture. I'm glad a good time was had by all.
Wendy -
do we get a post op picture of you with the scarf and the bunny slippers? ;) Can't blame me for asking :D
Jan
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Debbi:
Nice photo and I share the sentiment that we're glad you folks had a good time together in the Big Apple. These kinds of social events are always rewarding. That Joe got his train on time was also a bonus. ;)
I may join this group in the future because it's just as far to NYC as it is to Springfield, Massachusetts for me and I doubt I'll do both. We'll see.
Jim
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Hi Jan,
You will absolutely get a picture, I already promised Debbi and Eve. I guess I have to sit down and learn how to post pictures once and for all!
Wendy
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Glad you all had a great time! Nothing like getting together in person to meet and greet and get to know one another better. I'm really happy that people all around the country are doing this. It's a wonderful way to share and to have some fun at the same time. :)
Sue in Vancouver, USA
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Hi Jan,
You will absolutely get a picture, I already promised Debbi and Eve. I guess I have to sit down and learn how to post pictures once and for all!
Wendy
Cool 8)
I have some very easy instructions for posting pictures; I'll PM them to you.
Jan
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it looks like you all had a fantastic time and I'm tickled that you all got to meet. It truly does make a difference to have folks get together and meet up in a relaxing atmosphere, great food, lots of chat and to share with those that do walk in our shoes. I'm jealous that I didn't get to join you all.... but..... thrilled you all enjoyed! Congrats for a successful lunch!
Phyl
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Can I just say, again, how great it was to spend time with Eve, Wendy and Joe?? I had such a terrific time and it was so good to share experiences and laugh. Okay, how many times did we say "pardon me?" Nothing like a bunch of hearing-challenged folks trying to have a conversation... ;D
Wendy, Jan definitely has the best directions for downloading pictures - I was never able to figure it out until she sent me her directions (thanks again, Jan - you've created a picture posting monster!)
Next time we all get together, and there will be a next time, hope more of you can join us! I'm going to try to find a restaurant between Port Authority, Penn Station and Grand Central for the next lunch gathering!
Debbi, busy triangulating the next location...
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To see that picture make me feel good all over. I`m so glad that you all had a great time. I`m hoping to attend future meetings and will be at ANANJ in Oct. 25. So much looknig to see you all then and spend the day. God Bless! Mickey
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Micke7-
Glad you are attending the ANANJ event - I'll be there, too, and look forward to meeting you!
Debbi
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Debbi -
I PM'd Wendy my picture posting instructions last night.
I'm looking forward to that scarf/bunny slipper picture :D
Jan
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I too wanted to say again how great it was to meet Debbi, Eve and Joe in person! I think the waiter may have been baffled by us as he came to the table so many times but he was a good sport and got a good tip. I have to agree it was funny the way eveyone kept saying excuse me, what and pardon. It was really part of the fun! I'm looking forward to doing it again too!
Wendy
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Jan,
Iwanted to say thanks again for the picture posting instructions. I'll post the pictures ASAP when I get home from the hospital.
Wendy
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Hi Debbi, Yes I will be looking fowards to meet you in Oct. at ANANJ. Have met Joe a couple of times there, a great guy. We all have something in common also DRs. Roland and Golfinos. I`m still watch and wait with next MRI in Sept. Hoping it will stay stable but will treat it the way it treats me! I`m also doing Neuromonics for tinnitus which I will be commenting on at the next meeting. So many nice people there and just from reading your posts, knowing I be meeting another nice person. Glad your doing well, Mickey
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Hoping to see you all in October as well!!
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Great picture! I'm so glad you had a great time and a great lunch!
It's so nice to meet nice people who you never thought you'd cross paths with. A good thing that comes out of this AN journey, I guess.
Jan, glad you had fun at the shore. I love it there. The water was rough, but that didn't keep my kids out of it - even the 2 year old was body surfing by the end of the week. The water warmed up a lot too. Wendy, I'm sorry we didn't get to meet - my Mom wound up in the hospital again on Thursday morning, so since she was only an hour from where we were, I went up there to be with her that day. Once we are back in VA (less than a year now - wooohoooo!!) I'll be spending a lot more time in NJ, so hopefully, I can join the NY/NJ crew for one of their get-togethers!
Lori (happy to be able to sleep in my own bed...)
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Hi Lori,
Sorry about your mom. I hope things go better at the community hospital than they have been. I had my gallbladdersurgery in a small community hospital and it sounds like your mom's hospital operates pretty much the same way -- a slower pace than big hospitals and on theri own terms. It can make you almost lose your mind sometimes but hopefully the quality of care is good and it makes up for everything else. It would be great if we can get together sometime after you move back to Virginia, We'll have to plan something special!
Wendy
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Lori, we're counting on you to give us the Baha demo! Eve dazzled us (or at least me!) with her Transear, so we need equal time for the Baha now...
Deb
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Ah, my partner in crime, Lori is back :D YEA!!!!! ;D
Thank goodness!
Sorry to hear about your mom :(
Jan
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Good to be back. Now I'm sweating in Nashville instead of NJ.
Mom is doing better, by the way. She went home today and hopefully she'll stay there for a little while. They think it was just a matter of getting her meds adjusted after her heart surgery. She's been through a lot lately, so I hope she just stays well now.
I would love to give the BAHA demo! Like Jan, I'm always willing to show it off. ;D Wendy said Eve's Transear looked like quite the delicate piece of equipment, so I think it's good that I went with the BAHA! I knocked it off twice last week! Once while crawling under the end table to retrieve one of Barbie's shoes, and once when I fell asleep in the car on the way home from NJ. That time I didn't even notice it and thought I had lost it - then I opened the car door and heard it hit the ground! I wonder if I should wrap the thing in bubble wrap before snapping it onto my head from now on.
Lori
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I wonder if I should wrap the thing in bubble wrap before snapping it onto my head from now on.
Oh yes, please! :D
Hi Lori, nice to see you back, glad your mom is okay too.
Steve
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Glad the lunch on Saturday was fun--thanks for posting the wonderful pic of it, Debbi! (And I'm definitely game for another meetup in the fall--will be up to Amtrak treks by then!)
Glad your mom is doing better, Lori...
Carrie
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Hi Carrie-
It would be GREAT to meet you!
BTW, there is an ANANJ patients mini-forum on Oct 25 in Summit, NJ. I think a lot of folks from the NJ/NY area are going to be there. I think my hubby is going to be on the Caretakers panel as well. Maybe you can come up for that?
Meanwhile, keep feeling better, okay?