piercedqt78

There are several band groups, and some general weightloss groups. Do a search, they are there. ~Mandy

I tried to add you but I need a last name or an email address. Or you can add me if you want. ~Mandy

Most of the local schools have break next week, our first day is the 6th. It kinda sucks, because the other schools have all this week off and they have the 6th for good friday and the monday after Easter too, so they have 7 days off, we have 6. Our district has fewer days off then any of the ones around us. We had a shorter Christmas break, shorter spring break and we only had 3 teacher institute days. Our teachers are asking for a shorter school year next year, because we have something like 16 more school days then all the other districts. Our weather is ok, loads of rain but it was 64 today. We had family fun/game night tonight and everyone noticed that Abi was much calmer and actually listening to me. It was nice that my family finally sees that I made a good choice. I'll check in tomorrow. ~Mandy

We recieved great news yesterday, Abi is being released from the program 2 days early. She has made such great progress. The program wants to hold onto the last 2 days that were pre-approved in case we need them in the future. (the approval is good for a year) She gets to go back to school next tuesday for 4 days next week, 4 days the following week then spring break. We have plans for most of the break, we are doing a muesuem, the zoo, and going to see Meet the Robinsons at the movies. She has worked so hard with this program, and I am so proud of her. Today she is like a different kid, she is smiling, laughing and being more like herself everyday. I hope that between this program, the followup support group and the weekly counseling she will be able to keep these positive changes working for her. I will check back in later. ~Mandy

There is no battery in the easyband. It is an electromagnetic something or other that I didn't quite understand. Sounds like a great idea. ~Mandy

Have you tried dark meat chicken? It is much more moist and less stringy. Seems easier to chew and works for some bandsters. ~Mandy

I don't know about sweet tomatos, but I know that Golden Corral has a take out option and they charge by weight. I go there and they allow me to make a box and then I pay for my food as if it were take out and then I just eat there. Last time we were there my meal cost me $1.75. I had some crab salad and a few steamed shrimp. I know that most buffets do this now, some also offer a single trip to the bar at a reduced cost to anyone that wants that option. ~Mandy

Our meeting went very well. The support group leader at the center sees some of the issuse that we are seeing at home. You see, Abi is an angel when she is not home. The program co-ordinator actually said that Dave and I are doing a great job of raising Abi. That made me feel really good. She also said that mentally and emotionally Abi is somewhere between 12 and 15 trapped in a 5 year olds body. I can see that too. They also say that if we continue the meds and group therapy she should be ok. We are going to start a group for girls that gives them a chance to express themselves with peers and they learn coping skills, a new skill is introduced every 2 weeks. There are family exercises and individual groth plans set for each girl. They also work on self-esteem, something we need. She has today and 3 days next week and then she gets to return to her regular classroom. She says that she feels better each day and we have promised to continue to work on the things that she struggles with. She was crying last night because they talked about how their actions hurt others. She said she didn't realize that her words and actions hurt so much. She also left her group session in tears yesterday when they started talking about a mothers love and how mom's always love you, even when you hurt them. Abi was deeply affected by that session. I hope that this will make a long term change for her. School seems less and less helpful each day. I called yesterday to see if they were going to help with the continued support that she needs. I was told by the school psych and the social worker that they could support her accademicly but not in any other way. If she needs continued support that needs to happen at home. I tried to explain that we planned to continue the home program but school may need to help suring the day and she said "I'll see what I can do" That means, this conversation is over have a nice afternoon. I told the center that and they said they would list her school care as "as needed" and they want her re-evaluated before school starts next year. Between the group meeting, family counseling and seeing the psych, she won't need the assholes at school. I did talk to a lawyer about fighting to have her transfered to the academy that the mental health center runs, he says I have to prove that the school is failing her. I am noting everything and I have to prove that an IEP is also not being established or followed, I am working on that. I have a parents support group today, I will check in tonight. I want to thank my band sisters here, you have been more supportive and caring than you can ever know. My own family hasn't supported and care as much as you have. It means soooo much to me to know that I have family, spread all over the country that really cares. I love you guys..(((hugs))) ~Mandy

Be careful ordering off the kids menu, most of that stuff is crap. It's mac n cheese, hot dogs and pizza, nothing really healthy. A few places that have good options, cracker barrel and Olive garden both offer grilled chicken and veggies. But for the most part I ask about lunch portions or senior menus, both usually offer a healthier option in smaller portions. ~Mandy

Also check ebay for the magic bullet and extra cups. My girlfriend got a great deal there. ~Mandy Here is a knock off that looks pretty good. http://cgi.ebay.com/White-Magic-23-pcs-kitchen-chopper-bullet-shape-1yr-wty_W0QQitemZ330101174812QQcategoryZ20673QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have a Hamilton beach one from Walmart, it was $10 and I love it. Some blender companies also make portable cup attachments for full sized blenders. I love my little blender from walmart, it has a cover with a straw hole in it and is great for making smoothies and drinking them in the car. It's crushes ice, works for frozen fruit and has oz, and mil marks on the side. It cost me $13 and now they have it in fun colors. ~Mandy Here are some other options http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3609512 http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4756038 This is what I have, it was much cheaper at walmart. http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/cgi-bin/main/co_disp/displ/carfnbr/30/prrfnbr/1899/Single-Serve-Blender-with-Travel-Lid

I am covered with huge tattoos, you can see them on my myspace page. They have held up just fine. My tattoos are on my neck, arms, back, between my shoulder blades and on my legs and feet. They all look fine, just a bit bigger now. Think about it like this, a postage stamp on a poster board, compared to the same stamp on a recipie card. I have gone from a size 24 to a size 11jr so I think I am qualified to answer. I want to get a few more tattoos but I am waiting until after I've had my lower body lift. I want one on my lower back and something around my bellybutton. I'm done having kids and now that I am thin I want to get the work done. I have my band date on my back under a flaming lotus, I love it. ~Mandy

My insuance was billed $30,000 and I spent the night. Plus my pre-op stuff, so about $35,000 total. They paid somewhere around $17,000. The hospital bill included the surgeons fees. I would also ask for an itemized bill. I would ask for it for you not the insurance company. If you start asking too many questions and rocking the boat it may delay payment or cause problems. As long as the insurance is making payment, and they are not asking you for money, I think I would let it slide. ~Mandy

April 7th good? ~Mandy

When are we meeting again? I would like to try for a sat. I can get my mom to babysit then. What is good for everyone else? Do we want to do Panera again? Lets get planning. ~Mandy

The insurance company has 30 days to make a decision. (I was told 30 calander days, some say it's 30 business days) I know that some lawyers will do expidited appeals but they may charge more. The legal group would be the best place to get those answers. ~Mandy

:humble: This is better than a pat on the back anyday.... :ip: :ip: This is what I hope you dream of tonight (with a handsome stud laying there!!!) I am proud that you are still fighting for this. (((hugs))) ~Mandy

Good to know that you are doing so good Lala. How is your family? Things have been a bit nuts around here. You work for a school right? I need to talk to you, do you still have my number? ~Mandy

He was at a book signing at my local macy's. I have a friend that works there so I got to meet him before the crowds were crazy. I also got to meet Kat Cora from Iron Chef America, she was kinda a B*t*h. Clint was great, he was funny and charming just like on the show. My friend said he was very down to earth and only ask for a few bottles of water and a comfy chair. He stayed and signed books for an extra 2 hours because the line was so long. My friend says he has been one of the best to work with of all the celebs that she has had to cater to at Macy's. ~Mandy

I met Clint from what not to wear and he says 95% of people looking good is the fit of their clothing. EVERYTHING the people get on the show is tailored to their bodies and that is why they always look so great. ~Mandy

What is the lifespan of the battery? ~Mandy

I have gone from a size 7 1/2 or 8 to a 6 1/2 or 7 (US womens sizes). I just bought new gym shoes and they were 7's my old ones were 8's. ~Mandy

Some people have problems with anything that gets "gummy" when warm, chewed or wet. (flour tortillas, rice, bread) Some fruit skin is hard to chew well enough for it to be mush. I can't eat apple with skins, bananas (unless they are in a smoothie) and I have to eat oranges very slowly. I do fine with meat even steak if I take my time. ~Mandy

I'm not a huge fan of eggplant but this is a good way to prepare it. 1 pound eggplant, stems and ends removed, cut into 1/4-inch thick half moons 1 cup flour 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup bread crumbs 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper, to taste Dredge the eggplant in the flour and bat against hand to remove excess. Dip in the egg, turning to completely coat. Dip in the bread crumbs, coating completely. In a 12 to 14-inch saute pan, heat the olive oil until just smoking. Add the butter and heat until it foams and subsides. Cook the eggplant in the pan, turning so that both sides are uniformly dark golden brown. Remove from the pan, season with salt and pepper and drain briefly on a plate lined with paper towels. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and serve immediately

Bubble, I love to cook and I am willing to help you as much as I can. Feel free to PM me with any questions you may have or if there is something you want to learn about let me know. I will do what I can. Cooking can be fun and relaxing. ~Mandy