~ NSV ~

Today I did a push-up.  A real, no-knees, man-style push-up.  Go me!

I wanted to share this & then I realized I've yet to share my NSVs.  So, here's a short list of my non-scale victories:

• I've dropped 3 pant sizes, 1 shirt size
• My upper thighs & biceps are becoming more defined.  Muscles are sexy!
• I started running & can do so successfully for 3-5 min at a time
• I hiked 5 mi last Saturday & cannot wait to hike it again this weekend
• I am consistently working out 5-6 x per week
• My team members (aka co-workers) call me "skinny" (I'm far from it, but it's still nice to get the feedback)

Good stuff!

Last Saturday I tied on my tutu, pulled up my white socks, and laced up my sneakers for my first 5k.  My friend Lissy & I trotted our tushies over 3.1 miles of pavement, winding in and out of stations where we were showered with brightly colored black light powder (aka corn starch).  By the end of the "fun run" we were colored from head to toe.  And we had a blast!  We jogged, we walked, we skipped and made our way across the finish line in under 40 minutes.  We.  Rocked.

What's next?  Our first obstacle 5k on April 5... in the MUD!  I am so stoked for this.  These are the kind of events that I would only have thought about briefly before dismissing in the past.  Now my calendar is full of fun runs and 5Ks over the next 2 months.  Seven to be exact.  I even signed up for one in November that scares the sh.. stuff out of me, but I'm going to do it.  Oh and in January I'll be tackling the PF Chang's mini marathon.  My logic?  It's only 5 mi.  I've got this.  

Needless to say I'm feeling great!  I had my 3 mos post op with my surgeon yesterday.  He is thrilled with my progress - and so am I!  I'm down a total of 47lbs.  I have 53 to go until I reach my goal of 100 total lost.  I've been working out 4-6 times per week, running and/or boxing.  I'm adding hiking into the mix as week so I can prepare for a trip in April to Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon with my mom.  Big plans!

Food wise I'm doing well.  I have good days & bad days as far as choices but I'm still very limited on portions.  Sometimes I feel hungry but whether I'm "starving" or not I still eat about the same amount - 1/2 to 1 c of food.  I haven't found any foods that upset my stomach or don't work with my system.  It's been a really nice change since I had so many issues before surgery.

I'm becoming this person that I don't think I knew I could be.  It's to the point know where I feel guilty if I don't work out or get myself moving.  I'm still getting used to this, and some days I look in the mirror & cannot see the changes, but either way I love where this is going.

Overachiever, much?

4.

That is the number of 5Ks I have committed to in the next 3 months.  I guess if I'm going to overdo something it's better that it's exercise rather than food, right?

So this week I took my handy dandy smartphone and downloaded the C25K app (that's Couch 2 5K). Yeah I know, so 2 years ago but it's helping me.  Last night I completed my first run: 5 min warm up followed by 20 minutes of jogging/walking intervals.  To add to that, my team leader has decided to start a running club at work.  Of course I joined.  So Mondays & Wednesdays I'll be using my super cool app to get my butt in gear for my first 5K on March 15.  I intend to run at least half of that 5K while be covered in multi-colored foam.  Afterward I fully intend to shake my ever-shrinking booty to the music.

Soon I'll be adding "runner" to the list of words to describe me.  That is something I would have never thought could happen and now I intend to ensure that it does.  Although, I'm sure what I think I look like running and what I actually look like are two completely different things!

I'll be a busy girl, running 2 days a week and boxing 2-3.  I told my boyfriend I hope he doesn't get tired of this, but he's super dreamy and supportive of the whole thing.  I'm so glad he gets it - that makes me feel better about "me" time.

Yeah, I'm a boxer.

2 months, 2 weeks.

41 lbs.

18.875 inches.

I am doing this.  

I've taken up boxing, which I love.  It's a tough workout but after only (roughly) 10 classes I already feel stronger in my core, more defined in my arms & legs.  Not to mention I'm one tough chick!

I have biceps!  Who knew?

After obsessively weighing myself daily I've decided my weigh in day will be Wednesdays.  My scale is now tucked away in the corner of my bathroom to help me avoid temptation.

I have accomplished so much in these few months.  Just 59 measly lbs until I reach my goal.

I can do this!

Still here...

Been crazy busy lately.  I'm training at work for underwriting so my focus has been on that.  In addition, I just closed on my very own home!  This is a huge accomplishment for me since I did it on my own.  Although I am very excited to share the joy with my love & my son.  We'll be moving on 2/10.  I hired movers but I have yet to start packing.  I'm procrastinating hard core!

Not much change in weight.  I've been able to eat more these past few days.  That or I've just been pushing which isn't a good thing.  I'm down 34 total since Nov.  66 lbs to reach my goal of losing 100 total.

No new recipes to share as of yet - I haven't been cooking a lot, though I really need to.  I feel terrible eating badly & feeding junk to my family.  I know it isn't good for any of us, I just struggle with finding the time/energy to cook at the end of the night!  I really should make use of the crockpot more often.  Hmm, maybe I'll work on a crockpot turkey meatloaf.  That seems doable.

I've been weighing daily but I think I need to change gears & weigh in 1x per week... officially.  I'm sure I won't avoid the scale completely but maybe it's time for a change.

We adopted a doggy this past weekend.  She's a Neapolitan Mastiff / Boxer mix & totes adorbs.  Yep I just typed that... I took her on a walk tonight & she does so great on a leash!  I am going to start my morning walks again with her as my walking buddy.

I'm beat after a long busy weekend... here it is 8:30 and I'm ready for bed!  On that note, I'm off!

Ch-ch-changes! And a recipe...

My friend who had lap-band surgery a few months ago wil be joining my blog to share recipes, tips, nsv, etc. Together we'll share our journeys - ups & downs.

I hope you stick around to see what's coming. 

The other night I had a craving for something a little crunchy but still fitting my "mushies" stage so I thought potato pancakes would be good. I took it a step further and made sweet potato pancakes. These delicious morsels pack 12.9 g of protein per serving (2 pancakes) and only 85 cals. 

They turned out really tasty, just a little bit sweet, and everyone who tried them loved them!  The recipe below makes 16 pancakes, 8 servings. 

2 med yams/sweet potatoes (or 1 pouch of Organics Steamers from Costco)

1 1/2 c egg whites

2 scoops vanilla protein powder

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract 

Mix all ingredients and cook on a hot griddle. These may stick so use spray if needed. The tops will bubble like pancakes but keep an eye on them so they don't burn. Each pancake is 2 tbsp batter. 

Enjoy!

Week 3

I'm a week into the "mushies" and boy it's been great to have more variety!  I was having issues with the liquid phase simply because I felt empty & needed to feel satisfied.  I was NOT hungry, just felt like I needed something with more substance.  I've been enjoying cottage cheese, avocados, soft cheese (Laughing Cow), sweet potatoes, etc.  I have 3 more weeks of this (4 weeks total) then I can eat more normally.  I won't be able to have steak, but soft meats like fish and ground meats.  Now I can pretty much eat anything that doesn't require chewing.

Since pre-op (11/21) I've lost a total of 23.5 lbs.  Since surgery on 12/5 I've lost 13.  It's a lot to lose in a few weeks yet I can't help but feeling like it's slow.  I know, it's completely ridiculous to feel like that.  I am so happy I made this decision & I can't wait to see my progress over the next few months.

I'll try to be better at posting, I just haven't felt like I have much to say recently. 

I'm sleeved!

I was sleeved 12/5 - wow that feels great to say!  I've lost 5 lbs since surgery, 16 total.  Small start but still re-cooperating.  The most walking I've done is the trip to the grocery store last night which wore me out!  Every day gets easier though and I'm less sore now.  Not really hungry yet, just feeling empty.  The hardest part so far has been the pre-op diet.

The worst part, for me, has been the gas pressure.  Walking helps more than gas strips, but they have helped some.  This people warned me about. 

Now for the stuff nobody talked about... the taste in my mouth from the sugar free everything.  It leaves a funky aftertaste that I can't seem to get rid of so I'm trying to drink more decaf tea and plain water instead. 

Diarrhea.  Yep, I wasn't expecting it & in all of my reading I never once had someone mention it.  Finally after asking one of my fellow sleevers said she had it 10 days or so after.  So as badly as I want to pass the gas while walking I can't because I'm afraid of passing more.  LOL sorry if TMI but it's blunt truth.  That has also gotten better as the days pass though.  Everything is getting easier and despite the discomfort and unpleasantness overall it's WORTH IT.

The shots suck.  My doctor prescribes an anti-clotting injection for 14 days after surgery.  I give myself a shot in the belly (well below my incisions) every night around 8pm.  Most often its no biggie and doesn't hurt but last night's injection wasn't fun. And even though I know it doesn't hurt I still have a hard time with it.

Day by day is easier and I'm so grateful for this new beginning.  I'm still in disbelief that it's really happening. 

On a side note, I got pre-approved for a house!  Today will be my 2nd outing: going to see 2 houses my realtor found in my price range.  Here's to new beginnings!

T- minus 2...

The site has been uncooperative these past few days so I've been unable to post. I had to improvise and am using the mobile app instead. 

Surgery is the day after tomorrow. Just. Two. Days. Or one, I guess. Today is my last day in the office. I'm working from home tomorrow. People warned me that the pre-surgery antibiotics will have my bowels screaming and I'd rather not share that with my team members at work. It'll be good anyway to be home so I can get laundry done and get some last minute stuff ready. 

Remember that nesting stuff I was talking about? Yeah that passed. My house is dusty and covered in dog hair again, as it should be. Although it's not as cluttered I haven't been staying on top of the dusting etc. 

My fridge is stocked with clear protein drinks - which I'm told taste like ass - and my pantry is fully stocked with chicken broth, protein powder, calcium chews, and so on. My prescriptions are all filled and I have my gas strips on hand. 

I am ready. 

My new beginning is Thursday. 

Tomorrow night I'll take the dreaded "before" pictures and finally update that section of this thing!

Wish me luck. <3

Check, check, check!

I picked up 5 of my 6 prescriptions tonight. Tomorrow I'll pickup the last one.

Last night I made several marinades from onions, citrus, and several other ingredients.  Tomorrow I'll grill my first batch of chicken to take for lunch on Thursday.

I'm a little nervous to start the pre-op but excited at the same time. I made a realization the other night that I'm only 2 (now 1) days away from my new beginning. 

I read a post on Facebook today from a girl who is a year post op. She suggested making a video, now, at my beginning, to my future self as a means of encouragement. In the video I should tell myself why I'm doing this so that later, when I'm feeling discouraged I can watch it and get a pep talk from my fat self. She didn't say that part, but it's the truth.  I'm definitely going to do that. 

So close!

Wahoo!

It's official, I'm approved!

((((Booty shaking happy dance))))

I got the call this morning.  Technically I knew already.  I called my insurance company yesterday to ensure they received my file from the doctor's office & they informed me of the approval.  I was giddy but didn't want to get too excited until I received the final word from my doctor.  This morning nurse Becky called to tell me the good news & give me the go-ahead to fill my prescriptions.

Three weeks from tomorrow I'll be headed to the operating room & on my way to a new life.  

3.  Wow.  

I can't believe it's nearly here.  I start my pre-op on Thursday, a week from tomorrow.  My BFF says she'll suffer through it with me.  I keep telling her she doesn't need to do that but I think she's enticed by the prospect of losing some weight! 

Waiting sucks.  

I called BCBS today to ensure they received my case/file from the doctor's office and they don't have anything yet.  She did tell me that it can take a few days to be uploaded to my file and that Mondays are hectic.  So I called my doctor's office to be sure it was submitted and they confirmed everything got sent over on Thursday.  

Hurry up and wait. 

I ordered another protein flavor from Syntrax: chocolate truffle.  It's yummy and tastes like hot chocolate. 

I also ordered liquid calcium citrate to take right after surgery since I'll be on a liquid diet.  That is NOT so yummy.  I'll be mixing it into my protein drinks I think!

I finished up my COM class and am still in CIS, nearing the end of the semester with a 93%.  I'm trying to decide if I want to change my major to paralegal; my work will pay for certain degrees and dietetics isn't one of them.  Ah the decisions of being a grow up!

I guess I should get myself through this before I try to make any other decisions...

done and done.

My final appointment went well.  I am confirmed for 8:00am on Dec 5th, provided that insurance approves everything.  I'm the first surgery of the day so I have to be there at 6:00am.  I have the paperwork for my pre-op diet and all of the questions I had written down were answered as well.  I ordered another canister of protein powder to ensure my pantry is well stocked for my pre op diet and stage 1-2 of post op.  I'll be shopping next weekend for everything else I need.  I start my pre-op diet Nov 21.  The doctor wrote me 6 7 prescriptions.  Six Seven.  In all of the readings and research nobody ever talked about the prescriptions:

• antibiotics (2) to be taken the day before surgery.  These will clean out my system and I should expect to be feeling icky that day.  My plan is to work from home.
• Liquid pain meds (2) for after surgery.  Self explanatory.
• Anti-nausea meds (2).  I guess it's common to feel sick from the anesthesia but even more common for sleeve patients to feel sick for 3-5 days following the procedure.  The doc normally gives 1 prescription (patches) but he also gave me tablets that dissolve under my tongue.
• Lovenox.  This is an injection that I will have to give myself daily after surgery to prevent clots.

Variety is the spice of life!  So just as soon as I get clearance I'll fill my prescriptions and pack my hospital bag so I'm prepared.  So close yet so far!

On another note, my sister and her family are coming to town for Thanksgiving.  I'm so excited to see them!  Thanksgiving will be interesting since I'm only allowed to eat turkey, but I can do this. :)
While she's here we're finishing our tattoos.  In 2010 my son & I moved back to AZ from NH.  She and my mom flew there to help us drive back.  While there we each got matching nautical star tattoos with the intention of finishing them when we got back to AZ but we never did.  Now that she's moved to CO (earlier this year) we decided it's time we finished them.  I made our appointments today!

Ok enough for now... I'll end on this: my friend & I are going to enjoy a spa day on Saturday.  I've only had one once before, right after my son was born 10 years ago!  I'm SO looking forward to this.

Nesting

So here I am on the eve of my final nutritional appointment and my pre-op visit.  My surgery date is still set for Dec 5.  What am I up to?  Cleaning.  Yep, you read that correctly.

Let me back up here.  I should preface this by telling you that I hate cleaning.  I. Hate. Cleaning.  Yes, I know that should go without saying but there are those few cuckoos  out there who actually enjoy it.

I decided last Saturday that I would tackle one mess at a time leading up to my surgery date so that I don't have to sit here for two weeks afterward staring at a mess that I won't be able to do anything much about.  Ordinarily I sit here every Saturday, relaxing after a long week and do my best to will the messes away only to find that they're still taunting me on Sunday night.  But for some reason I suddenly have a bug up my ass to do something about it and, get this, the will power.  Which brings me to the conclusion that we really do have this natural instinct to prepare ourselves for big changes in our lives, hence the title of today's post.  I did this when I went into labor with my son, nearly 10 years ago.  I was gingerly mopping the kitchen floor when mother nature decided she had other plans.

In preparation for my surgery I have been doing some shopping, mostly on Amazon.  My pantry is now stocked with 2 lbs of protein powder, a case of Ensure Clear, calcium chews, fitness water mix (turns ordinary water into electrolyte water), 1 lb unflavored protein powder, fiber, and a blender bottle (1 of 2).  Tomorrow I'm expecting delivery of liquid calcium with D3 since I won't be allowed to have the chews for my first several weeks.  I also have sub-lingual B complex in the medicine cabinet.  I'm getting there!  This weekend, maybe, I'll start shopping for my pre and post op items such as canned tuna, chicken breast, broths, Jell-o, etc.  I did buy a Ninja this weekend to blend my protein shakes and puree my soups and foods when I start eating those things again.  Thankfully the protein power I bought blends pretty well in the blender bottles so it will be easy on the go.  I think the Ninja will be nice for milk based drinks or when I want to add ice for milkshake types.  YUM!

I will start my pre-op diet 2 weeks from tomorrow and my surgery is 4 weeks from Thursday.  Whoa. I can remember feeling like it was SO far away and now it's nearly here.

Grape koolaid?

For the record, grape protein powder does NOT taste like grape koolaid despite what the reviews say. It tasted like grape flavored protein lol. It's tolerable, but a little different that I'd expected. Along with that, I ordered unflavored powder and Ensure clear for post surgery.  I'm gearing up and stocking the pantry for pre and post op so I'm not trying to do it all last minute. The last thing I'm deciding on is whether to invest in the Ninja or just get something smaller like the bullet. Ah, decisions. 

It'll be here before I know it. I'm looking forward to it but I'm nervous about the drastic changes as well.  My first mourning of food will come on the pre-op diet because I'll be on it during Thanksgiving.  Gotta start somewhere!

I'm on this kick where I refuse to buy clothes. Since I plan on dropping weight I can't justify spending money.  If I absolutely have to, I'll break down and hit the thrift store. On the other side, I don't want to buy clothes that I will wear later because I don't want to jinx myself. I'd rather wait until I need them. In the end I hope to be a size 8, but I have no idea if that's realistic or if that's where I'll end up. Exciting and scary at the same time. 

Getting there...

My last appointment went well; I picked up an elliptical machine which my surgeon was glad to hear.  He was pretty happy that there are no clothes hanging from it either!  We set my final appointment and pre-op for Nov 8th.  At that time we'll submit my paperwork to insurance and go over the surgery details.  We're aiming for a surgery date of Dec 5.  Whoa.  I'm so close!  I have my pre-op diet checklist and the list of foods I'm allowed to eat for the first few weeks so I need to get my shopping done.  I'll be buying tons of canned tuna, chicken breast, turkey breast, and fish to get me through my pre-op!  I was kind of hoping to have surgery before Thanksgiving so I'm not tempted to cheat while on my pre-op but no such luck.  I've got this!

I did talk with the nutritionist and she told me that I'll be ok with a multivitamin and should supplement with a B12.  So there's another item to add to my list.  I may just pick up a Bullet for now to blend my shakes.  I'd like a Ninja but I'm having trouble justifying the cost.  My goal is to buy a house in the next 6 mos so I'm trying to save money where I can.

Two months... amazing.  It'll be here before I know it!

Finally!

My trip to Detroit was amazing!  The weather was lovely & the presence of team members in downtown is overwhelming.  It's hard to describe it & until one witnesses it firsthand it's incomprehensible.  I was lucky to go with 3 team members that I get along with very well so we had a great time!  While I was there I got a call from my Ops Director letting me know she pushed my promotion through & I'm officially a Team Captain.  Woo!  It feels great to be recognized for hard work.

I have my next appointment Oct 8.  After that we'll set my final appointment and maybe start discussing surgery dates.  After my Nov appointment we can submit to insurance!  The front office staff recommended talking to the surgeon about getting a tentative date set so I can begin my pre-op right after the Nov appointment in hopes of having surgery prior to Thanksgiving.  Otherwise I'll be looking at early Dec.  I'm really hoping for Nov.  It feels like forever but at the same time I can't believe it's nearly here!

I still need to order my protein sampler, get a decent blender, and get an elliptical.  Of course now that it's cooler walking won't be so bad but I do like the idea of having an elliptical readily available.  I'm also on the lookout for a decent multi vitamin + calcium.  I've decided to go with the sleeve & I know these are uber important to avoid deficiencies.  Also, B12.  Does anyone have recommendations?

10. Things. Thursday.

1) I am still here; I have not gone away or died.  I am not in a coma.
2) I started school for the semester so my evenings are spent working on assignments for my 2 online classes: COM100 and CIS110.  Both are fairly simple classes but homework still blows.
3) Last week my sweetie, the kid, and I went to Knott's Berry Farm for a much needed vacation.  We spent Thursday & Friday between the park & the water park (Soak City).  Saturday was just too crowded so we had a lazy day at the hotel pool/spa.  Sunday we hit the beach for a couple of hours before heading home.  Then it was back to work on Tuesday.  Boo!
4) I'm coming up on my 4th (or maybe 5th) nutrition appointment on Tuesday.  I need to call my insurance company to see if they'll count my initial visit as 1 or not.  Hopefully we'll start talking surgery dates & pre-op stuff soon.
5) No promotion at work just yet but I feel it coming soon.  My team lead / director has me running around like crazy, planning training sessions, meetings, etc.  I had my annual review which went really well.
6) I get to go to Detroit for work on 9/16 to see how things are done there with the big boys (our head quarters are there).  Plus our founder owns the casino there so I get to stay in a fancy suite & play roulette all night if I want.
7) I have sucked at walking the past 2 weeks.  I'm just so damn tired (I know, always an excuse).  I've gotta find a way to make more time.  Something has to give.
8) I've become fixated with planning a trip for next summer; my goal is somewhere warm & tropical so I'm hoping for Hawaii.  Maybe I'll be 50+ lighter by then!
9) I have a new daily driver so I can wheel my Jeep without worrying too much about breakage.  My sweetie bought it from an older couple through his shop for $450!
10) My $6 ticket did not get dismissed; the judge continued the hearing to Oct 22.  Silliness.

I have so much reading to catch up on!  I hope everyone is well.

My name is Dotti & I'm a (blog) slacker.

Life has been HECTIC, to say the least.

Last weekend's wheeling trip was a lot of fun & a great success.  We raised $3,000 total for our charities, the weather was nice, and the trail was kind to us.

The past 2 weeks at work have been insane.  I've been in a new role since May 1 (essentially QA) where my objective is to monitor calls for team members.  This is a new role in AZ so I have a lot of freedom in how I'd like it to go.  My counterpart, whom I'm not terribly fond of, was promoted to Team Captain.  That in itself was a huge blow; myself & many others (whom have all voiced their opinions) were shocked about the choice but I was informed later that I'm meant for bigger & better things.  We'll see...

Anyhoots, I've been running around the past 2 weeks because 2 team members were moved to "my" team & I've been given the task of training them.  In the process I will be reviewing calls for another team so I'm trying to "fix" some things I've come across.  It's a good thing innovation is rewarded here!

My daily challenge (#operationactive365) is going fairly well.  I've missed a day here & there but have been doing pretty good about walking.  I've got my handy dandy FitBit to help motive me towards 10,000 steps per day.

My 4th nutrition appointment is coming up Aug 13 and I'm kind of nervous.  My surgeon told me to lose 5-10lb.  The nutritionist said more like 5-8 to stay "safe".  I'm not sure I've accomplished that, again.  So my eating hasn't been superb but I've improved greatly on the exercise front.  I guess I could fib, but I tend to let it all out when the doc asks me.  Should be interesting...

I hope all is well with everyone; I've got some catching up to do on my reading list!

I'm going wheelin'!

Whew, this week has been busy!  I lost track from Wednesday to today...  I've been a busy bee at work, training 2 newbies to my team.  In addition to that I suffered a small blow to my self esteem when one of my team members was promoted to team captain.  I was shocked, actually.  I've made my career goals here very clear: I want a leadership role.  I've been expressing these objectives from the day I started.  Not only have I stated what I want, I've demonstrated my abilities to excel.  So yeah, it was a tough pill to swallow. Although it was nice when the DVP mentioned that my qualities are far greater than the position that was offered to my counterpart & that for me she's looking at a bigger picture.  I hope that's true.  

End of pity party rant.

This weekend is the 2nd annual charity run to Crown King for the Jeep club.  We take a 4x4 trail from the back of Lake Pleasant up to a cute little town in the pines.  The trail takes about 4-5 hours & we have 60+ rigs signed up.  Not to shabby for a club that only has 15 or so active members!  The proceeds are benefiting 2 charities: the Granite Mountain Hotshots & Project H3 which helps homeless vets get off the streets.  We're also hosting a separate raffle & 100% of the proceeds are going to Baby Rose, one of the Hotshots' unborn baby.  So we wheel all day then hang out at the bar in Crown King among friends. Afterward we'll camp then come back down Sunday.  I'm really looking forward to it but I'm also nervous at the same time.  I drive a manual & it's the first I've ever had.  I started wheelin' just over a year ago but I learned on an automatic.  It'll be interesting, especially if the rain keeps up & we're trolling through mud.  I'll be sure to share pictures.  Btw, that's my Jeep!

I've been keeping up pretty well with my walking.  I did skip Wednesday this week because I was just so tired & couldn't wake up!  That night I went to Four Peaks to have a beer with my friend for her birthday.  I may not walk today either; again I was super tired this morning after having bad dreams all night.  Tonight I won't have time since we'll be getting everything ready for tomorrow.  We have to be at our meeting spot by 8:00.  I'm not sure if I've lost or maintained.  I didn't really pay attention to my weight on the day of my last nutrition appointment so I'm just going to wait until my next one to see what the scale says.  My eating has been okay; I bought My Fit Foods this week & have been eating them for breakfast & lunch, except yesterday I ate from our potluck.  My next appointment is Aug 13, then I only have 2 left before it can be submitted to insurance!  I guess I should really acquaint myself with a new PCP so I can get my letter done.

Back to work!  Happy Friday, everyone.