On the cover of a Rolling Stone

Hey, you must check out the most recent Rolling Stone! Its the Nov. 2, 2006 issue. You must read "The Worst Congress Ever" it is the most interesting article I think I have ever read. The more I read, the more I am convinced that we are no longer a democracy. This has become a single party ruling class. Given the last two fixed presidential elections and reading about the current Congress it is scary that this country is in its decline. Our government is no longer for the people, of the people or by the people, it is bought and sold by the richest corporations.

My next read is State of Denial by Bob Woodward.

My DH read the book on Enron and he said the shit that Cheney did for them and the corruption and is deep into government would make me sick.

Why don't people talk about this? Why aren't people more insensed at the blatant corruption in this country???

My Scars

(Warning-this post may be TMI) Yes, there is more to my life, than just my band, but right now I am still learning how it affects me so its always on my mind.

I am looking at myself in the mirror again (nekkid) and I look like a science project! I have a total of seven scars on my belly and its weird to see. One is from giving birth to my daughter via C-section--that one is the most admirable. The other six are from my Lap-Band surgery.

I marvel at how quickly my body has changed in the last month. A month ago, I was 26 pounds heavier and had six fewer scars. I was tired all the time and not very attractive. Not that I am so attractive now, just not so scary.

But, my body isn't the only thing that has changed, my mind is able to conceive of things that I either never would have before or I haven't thought of in a long time. Like next week I am going to a reception for Notre Dame's Master of Non-profit Administration in Seattle. I wouldn't have even considered looking into it six months ago before this whole process. Its as if the scars on my body have removed the scabs off of my mind.

Thanks to Bug for being supportive. Not everyone has been, so it is appreciated!

Hope you are all well!

Big Change

Hello no-one!
I am going to start my blog again, mostly because I have had a major change in my life. I am going to change my focus a bit and write about my life as a bandster. For those of you who don't know, I had surgery this week to put in an adjustable gastric band. It is a silicone band that is put around the top part of the stomach. It is adjustable by adding saline through a port just under the abdominal wall. It is controversial, I know but it is what I felt is best to lose the many pounds I have put on since college. So far, I have lost about 17 lbs since August 11 on my first visit with my surgeon. Most of it(about 13 lbs) have been in the last two weeks. I am happy about it so far, but have gotten some flak from my extended family members. It hurts, but I have to keep reminding myself that I can't please everyone.

I am on a liquid diet now (only clear liquids) for three more weeks and am struggling since my family is eating steak and pasta right now. This is really hard. I really want some food. I think I will do better after Wed. when I can have some protein drinks. Until then...