Sheep's Ass Hair

I had my first haircut on Saturday. I HAD to do it. My hair was growing like a weed and getting completely out of control, especially on the sides around my ears and around the back of my head ... it was beginning to look just like a sheep's ass. I had been wavering for the past couple weeks about whether to trim it or just let it grow ... even if it was growing wild. I have been soooooo grateful just to have hair again! Now it is much shorter (around the sides and back), but it looks much more chic in my opinion. I'll have to get a pic up soon to prove it. ;-)

And I can't believe THIS GUY ...

... is still around!! When does this U.S. nightmare end?

EVEN MORE OFF TOPIC: Anybody seen Michael Moore's "Sicko?" How was it??

OBAMA GROUPIE!

Coming out the ladies room, I figured this is as close as I'm going to get ... lemme snap this now since, afterall, I didn't bring my paparazzi lens.

Who knew ultimately she'd be up close and personal ... and so warm and friendly to boot?!

I attended a fundraising luncheon today for the Obama campaign with some friends in Boca Raton. Michelle Obama was on hand to give a speech about growing up in a working class family on the south side of Chicago, attending public schools, the values her parents instilled in her and her brother, Craig, her amusing first impressions of the man who later became her husband, the common interest they had in community service, the priority they continually give to successfully raising their 2 daughters, and the shared vision they have for the country and improving the lives of all Americans. She described how the Barack Obama she has always known has always been so consistent in choosing principle over money and power. This dates back to his days following graduation from Harvard Law School when Barack moved to Chicago and chose to work as a community organizer and civil rights attorney.

Michelle explained she and Barack always understood, even as young people, how fortunate and blessed they had been in their own lives. They recognized and felt a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of other people -- not just to go about living a good life of their own. What struck me most was just how genuine she was and how heartfelt her words were. I have so much respect for her as a working mother ... and even more respect for her selflessness and the family sacrifice she is making to share her husband with the rest of us for the common good of the country.

Following her speech, Michelle slowly made her way around the room and took the time to speak with each supporter individually and allow for picture taking. She is such an amazing, awesome lady! And she will be an amazing, awesome FIRST LADY as well!

Recent South Beach Pics

I took these pictures Saturday afternoon at the beach. Just thought I'd give you guys some idea of how my hair is progressing. Turtle, turtle ... but overall, I'm happy with it. Yes, I got BURNED UP out there despite all the cloud cover. I just really did not think to reapply sunscreen after I came out the water ... the clouds were deceiving, but I should know better how UV rays work. Yikes!

Further updates. I had my first "expansion" of the tissue expanders on June 27th. It was very, very tolerable ... not bad at all really. It's still too early to say how the remaining fills will go and whether they will be pain free. However, during this first expansion, I only felt a small amount of pressure building against my pectoral muscles as the saline was injected. At first, the nurse only wanted to do 30 cc's of saline since it was my first one. I INSISTED that she put in the 60 cc's I had been promised. My attitude was "fill 'er up!" So I now have 120 cc's of saline with approximately 180 more cc's to go (my tissue expanders hold 300 cc's). I am going to ask for 80 cc's at my next appointment (this Wednesday) since 60 cc's was so manageable. I still experience some tightness in my chest wall area, but I seem to notice it much more when I first wake up in the morning. Once I get up and get going, it's not so bad. Either the skin is loosening up a bit, or I've simply grown accustomed to the ever-present tight feeling and have learned to ignore it.

You can see from my beach photos above that I have some projection now ... I'm looking less like a flat chested penguin. The downside is that the "ports" through which the saline is injected sits right on top of my breasts. If you look carefully, you can see the port on my right side which makes me look like I have a big ole bump in my chest. The one on the left side is not as obvious for some reason. My plastic surgeon told me she prefers to have the ports positioned there, as opposed to on the sides (where it would be better camouflaged by clothes), because it seems to cause some people discomfort. But how many times have I crammed my toes (and my bunion) into a tight ass Charles David shoe simply because it was hot shoe?? I am willing to sacrifice comfort for style sometimes! No, but seriously ... my concern is that as I get more and more saline in the expanders, I am fearful these ports will protrude further and/or even possibly come through my skin. The nurse says it won't happen, but I can see it projecting so prominently, right under my skin. Hmm?

Also, I got back in the gym last week and attended a few spinning classes. I am determined to get this weight off! Plus, I just need to make exercise a standard part of my life now. If I could just give up my coca-cola addiction though! Damn, it's HARD. I'm not a coffee drinker, but it would be tantamount to asking someone who is to forego the caffeine. I'm not sure if it's the caffeine to which I'm actually addicted ... I just LOVE the TASTE! And the stronger the burn in the back of my throat, the better! It's a sick addiction I have to overcome, I know.

The Village Called ...

... apparently, their idiot is still missing. If you see him, do not approach him ... please contact local authorities IMMEDIATELY!