mousecrazy

I can also be forgetful aboaut some of these habits, and it's been a year and a half for me. I am much better at putting the right amount of food on my plate. However, if I am excited (like talking with friends while eating), upset, or otherwise stressed, I will tend to forget and just eat big bites, or eat too fast. This will cause the golfball feeling and pain. Having a band, no matter how much or how little restriction, does not change your thinking/attitude/behavior around food. That's why I advise people to go slow with their fills, and take the time to learn and practice all these new behaviors....even when you practice, you will still blow it sometimes. I hope you are feeling better after reading all these responses...seriously, I don't think anyone's perfect...so don't beat yourself up over it! Cindy

Welcome...now, will the REAL Judi please come out and play? You've already found her, by the way....she is a wonderful and funny lady, and will be lots of fun to play with on the boards! Thanks for finding us, and hope you learn lots by hanging out here...oh yeah, and use the "search" feature to look up whatever you want to know more about!

So...I was looking outside (a beautiful sunny Texas spring day) and all of a sudden WHOOSH! What was it? I ran to the door, opened it and stood on the front porch. I had to duck this time, to miss something that flew so close to my head, I could smell its strange, but musky, odor. As it passed by, flying up over the house, I realized what it was.... A FLYING MONKEY! I'm sure it's on it's way home to whomever sent it...sorry you had to go to the trouble! I don't know WHY I have less time to play on the computer than I did when I was working...it is indeed one of the great mysteries. I have just been running errands and doing little projects. Nothing big. Unlike some of you. Dianne, I sure hope you are on your way to getting to peek under those bandages! Kelly, thanks for posting updates for us...and tell her we are all very interested and are praying for her. Kat, I am soooo sorry to hear about your cat going to kittie heaven. I've had to do that a few times, too, and it's just hard, is what it is. Hugs to you. I am glad you are winning the bubble-blowing contests...way to go! Mandy, wow. I will pray for all of you. I hope this treatment will get things on a stable basis for Abi. Remember to take care of yourself. Beanie, glad you are back, and have had another fill. You can call about the teaching anytime! Darcy, you are doing so great on your training! I am way impressed! Betty, lunch would be fantastic! We really should meet! Eileen, 2 jobs? Good luck, sweetie. Deb, hope your family is on the mend...let us know! Sherry, I can't scroll back far enough to check, but were you also sick or feeling bad? I hope you are well...and your job isn't too stressful. How's the Reiki going? If I can find it (after moving the house stuff out and around during the flooring thing), I did have Patty's address once upon a time. If I find it, I will let ya'll know. I have no idea what has happened with her, and I sure hope all is well and just busy. Sherry, you have talked to her more recently, right? Haven's recital was really good...the owner of the music academy complimented her, which totally made her day! I'm starting to learn not to be nervous...she just handles herself so well in that setting. Okay, I'm still a little nervous...but I'm LOTS more nervous when I watch her learning to play softball. God bless the coaches who have the nerve to teach kids a new skill like that. And thank God for batting helmets! I have to sit in my car, so the kids don't hear my goaning and laughing...I'm not kidding! I hope this super long post is good enough to keep those dang flying monkeys at home for a little while, but thanks for missing me! I still don't know why I had more time at work than I do at home...:success1:

The actual percentage of erosions/slippages is pretty small.

My "sweetspot" is a more relaxed one than others have described, so thought I would throw in on this thread, just for variety. I like to be able to eat normal, small portions of a wide variety of foods. I can eat bread, but not much and especially not if it is soft. There is not a particular food that is off limits. I have never PB'd, but if I eat too big of bites, too fast...I will get that "golfball" feeling. If I am excited or stressed, I will get the golfball. I have lost fairly steadily, but slowly, and that is fine with me. Some people prefer a faster pace; I wanted slow and safe. Hope this adds to the info-gathering!

Good morning! What a difference a day makes! Sounds like several of the issues have resolved themselves at least somewhat...what a relief! Dianne, good luck with moving day! Mandy, sure sounds like you are feeling a lot better. How's Abi? Kat, I am super happy that you have your fence money from the moron! Also, am hoping your mom is on the mend. Darcy, tell about the new treadmill...is it really great? I think I missed the post where you described it. I didn't know you were applying to be Beanie's assistant...is this just when she travels? (wink) Beanie, sounds like a relaxing trip...the weather is definitely on the warming trend, and I love spring! Just not so much on the super hot Texas summers...but that's what air conditioning is for! Hi Betty! What are you doing this weekend? Are you going on a bike trip pretty soon, maybe to my little town? Or even a drive? Still would love to meet you! Eileen, I really do feel your pain...when I was working this week, I couldn't even turn on the computer on my desk, because I did not have the password for it. If I do work again, that is going to be a deal-breaker. i MUST have a way to check in with my pals during the day...I have just missed out on too much! All we have going on this weekend is DD's Off-Broadway workshop (Sound of Music); performance is Sunday. Today is a dress rehearsal. It's a nice slow day. Hope everyone is having a good Saturday! Hugs, Cindy

Sorry I keep dropping off the face of the earth...this week, I have been working full time as the receptionist/nurse at DD's school (I think I told ya'll that at the end of last week...can't remember....). Every night, DD has had an activity, so I've had absolutely no computer time. I am not able to sign on to any of the computers at the school, so I'm out of luck there, too....that's why I've missed checking in on everyone. Mandy, so sorry about your DD's recent problems, and really sorry you are still suffering. Hope it's getting somewhat better. Your ideas for Dianne were great, IMHO...slowing down, and taking care of yourself is a great place to start. I agree with you, Kat...it is hard sometimes feeling so close to each other on here, but in reality being too far away to be of any real help. I know being a listening ear is helpful, but it would be nice to get someone's laundry done or something! Dianne, loved your list, and hope you had good luck with it! Breathe a little, and put your feet up, and help your DH face what has to be faced. That's the hardst job of all, huh? More hugs for you, sweetie! Betty, sorry you are sick...hope you are better! Darcy, good for you! A new treadmill! Sherry, you had the great advice, too! As always...I've missed keeping up with everyone...how is your job going right now? I have not had time to read all that I have missed. I did want to check in and say HI! Love ya and hugs to all, even if not named in this post! You know I love ya! Cindy

I still miss WhippleDaddy. I'm not even going to try to do better than Darcy...beautiful words, Darcy...and perfect for him!

Oh yeah...for exercise, what I'm doing is wearing a pedometer every day...2,000 steps equals a mile. This last month, with selling cookies, working at the school (it's a spread out campus, lots of buildings) and going to basketball games and school events, I just logged a lot of steps! Get yourself a pedometer! I don't think that qualifies me for Queen of Exercise....maybe just Princess of Clever....

Hi guys! Dianne - I'm still praying for you and family! I agree with Kat - your family is very lucky to have such a loving DIL! Just remember to take care of yourself, too! Mandy - hope you are on your way to being well. How fun to get some new stuff for the house! Betty - sorry about your monitor, but glad you are on the road again! (computer-wise, that is!) Eileen - what are you doing? Tell us how that new book is...you never know when you might pick up a good tip! Beanie - you know, I'm a big believer in a piece of pizza now and then...so don't sweat it. Where's Darcy? Did I miss a post? We had a good time in Norman...saw a play, had some great milk tea with tapioca at an Asian place my nephew enjoys...I've GOT to find a place that makes that here! Some places call it Bubble Tea? Anybody had that? Deb, glad you are still posting here! Sounds like the party was fun, even if it was messy! Sorry about your car, and sure hope everyone is okay! Please let us know! I am "working" at DD's school again tomorrow...the receptionist is still away at her stepson's funeral. Hopefully, that will be the last time for a good long while, for her sake! The Girl Scout cookie mom gig should be over as of tomorrow night, too...let's all do the happy dance for that, shall we?????!!!!!!! Love ya lots, Cindy

Oops! Sorry, Kat...I chose the exact same ticker....ya want me to change mine, or do you mind being "Twinkies" for a little while? I don't mind, either way, your choice, since you had it first!

Welcome NJLoser! Not all of us are in NJ...we just found each other in NJ, and still hang out here. Stop in anytime, and tell us more about yourself! Chrispy, that tattoo boy sounds pretty good. Good luck with the new fill. Beanie, way to go! I think it sounds like your "head work" has caught up to your band. It worked like that for me. No sweat, right? Mandy, be a good girl! It sounds like you are, and it's paying off! Take care of yourself, and you'll be back to your old self in no time. Thanks to all for asking about the "new job" (even though I created it for myself!) There is not a specific time given for finding out anything...I have no idea. The budget year starts in June...enrollment ends mid-March...both of these factors have a part in the decision. The Headmaster would need to get approval from the board, and again, I don't know how that works. Sooooo, I'm just kinda waiting, and "auditioning" for the job with the work I am doing "gratis" right now. They called me to play receptionist today, tomorrow and Monday, but I just couldn't...I told them maybe Monday. The poor lady had her grandfather's funeral yesterday, then found out that her stepson was killed in an accident last night. That's just a bit too much...but then some of us on the NJ thread are a little overwhelmed right now, too...so it must be something in the Water or the planets or something? Keep saying prayers for everyone...I am. Hope things are going better. My miles for February = 52 (TO DARCY!!!!!)

Beanie, lots of good news for you! Glad you could wear the blouse that used to be too tight! It's just weird sometimes...but if you think about the room a pound of feathers takes up (like tummy fat), it makes better sense (to me, anyway!). Call me anytime! Dianne, I'm glad the little Bambi is free and whole and healthy, running around in doggie heaven, and you have one more thing off your mind. Good luck with everthing else! Darcy, prayers offered for you, DH, and DH's dad. Hope it is going okay, and hope you and DH are doing as well as you can, under the circumstances. ((HUGS)). Let us know. I worked today, and ran around with DD afterwards, and I'm just pooped. Talk with ya'll tomorrow. Mandy, how are you? Hugs, Cindy

WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE???? Moron doesn't begin to cover it, Kat. I'm thinking "mentally disturbed" or "on drugs" is more like it. To act that way, in court (with a mediator, but under the court's control) and not be aware that these actions would have repurcussions is simply astounding. I'm glad you have a protective order, and glad there were officers there! Mandy, glad you are resting, and Eileen, I hope your throat is better. Later...and hugs! Cindy

BIG GIANT HUGS, Dianne! ((((Dianne)))) I pray that at least something is going your way today, even if it means little Bambi has found his or her way to doggie heaven. Please, please let us know if there is something we can do...you've got the prayers, and you can come scream to us anytime you want! When I get too tired of too much junk in DD's room, I pull out a big black trash bag and start filling it. It doesn't necessarily get thrown out, it might live in the garage. But, if nothing is noticed as "missing" for a while, that kinda tells you how unimportant it is, and then, you can dispose of it. He'll probably not even notice after the shock of being able to actually see the bed and floor and stuff has worn off, that is! Please, take a deep breath or find something to laugh at...you've got a plate that is just way too full! ((hugs)) again! Mandy, you keep resting up! Beanie, call any time! Betty, your salad sounds good, too! I'll have to make both yours and Eileen's! War of the broccoli salads...anyone? Glad ya'll are hearing from Pat, and glad she's okay, just MIA. Those flying Monkeys scare the bejeesus out of me, so I'll be sure not to stay away too long, with those things out looking for people! I made a bunch of chicken enchiladas for dinner tonight...just waiting until later to actually bake them. I can probably eat 1/2 of one, but that's the kind of thing we get used to. I'm not losing weight right now, but like always happens, now is when people notice or ask how much weight I've lost lately. It's the weirdest thing. That happens to ya'll too, right? Girlie girls, I've gotta go pick up DD from school...please stay sane (ha!) and well...see ya tomorrow. Did I tell ya I was "working" again tomorrow as the school receptionist/nurse? Yeah! More kids to tease about why they are tardy...I just love that.... Hugs, Cindy

Hi, gals! Before I forget, Beanie, look into math (definitely) but don't forget there are courses in the business area, also, that you might like to teach. Check out that TEA website, or the Allen High School course offerings. I actually have a former student teaching at that high school, if you need any insider info. My meeting with the Headmaster went very well today. I won't get any word on the possibility of being hired for a while, because adding a position will depend on enrollment/budget stuff. There is an agreement that this job needs doing, and that I would be good for it, so that's good right there, I don't care who ya are! (hat tip to Larry the Cable Guy). So, it's a wait-and-see thing for now. That broccoli salad is yummy! I've made it before and LOVE it! Mandy, please update us on your health...I'm really worried, and know we all are. Kat, glad your party went well, all things considered. Sorry about the big mess, though! I have a meeting up at school tonight, so will check in tomorrow! Hugs, Cindy

Here I am! Sorry, I just got buried in a couple of projects, which I'll explain later. Mandy, i am really concerned about your health and well-being. I hope to hear from you soon, whether or not you are in the hospital, or if these antibiotics are working. Eileen, sounds you have a good plan going into the week! I think carbs/sugar are the main issue for me, probably sugar. I do know if I can gut it out and break myself of them, I do not crave them. Good luck, sweetie! You can do it! Your food sounds delicious, and I wish I could share with you! Beanie, be sure to check into all the alternative certification procedures out there...there are several types. I'll be happy to help you check into anything. Go to the TEA website for starters. I read the posts very quickly, because as you know, I'm behind. What happened is that on Thursday, the receptionist at DD's school called to see if I could sub for her on Friday. I said okay, but I don't know how to do phone systems, but I would try. Well, I worked on Friday, and ended up doing all kinds of other things, like help the Headmaster with some technical things, give the Admissions dept. input on web design, talk to some salespeople on the phone, etc. By the end of the day, the administrative staff was saying stuff like they didn't want to let me go! They asked me to write a proposal for a part-time job. I had to think this over and talk to DH. So here's what I'm doing. I researched other private independent schools and found they all had a Communications and Media Director, which we do not have and need. I wrote a job description, and then an employment proposal, that I would work approx. 20 hours/week, offsite mostly, doing internal and external communications, publications, and website management (after it is designed...updating and writing copy, and stuff like that). We can negotiate salary, tuition offset or a combination. I can hardly believe it myself, and do not know what the response will be. If the Headmaster declines it, I will still do the newsletter on a volunteer basis. DH and I discussed it and decided I was doing a lot of stuff like this for them already, and I enjoy the work...might as well get paid for it. They are very focused on marketing and none of them have time to coordinate media message/communications applications, and I edit for the Headmaster all the time now. So, I'm planning on taking this proposal to them tomorrow. That's why I've been so busy...whatcha think? Hope everyone is doing well...Darcy, how's the treadmill? Did I miss reading about it? I'll try to be here more often, now that I've done the letter/proposal. It was hard, since I've had the same job for 29 years! I'm excited about this possibility, and then again, wonder if I know what I'm getting into. Kinda like I'm being lead to something inevitable. Whatever happens, I know it will turn out the way it is meant to be. Hugs to you all, Cindy

Sorry, Kat, about Kinzie! I am so happy to find out that she is on the mend, and at least is getting in fluids. Mandy's tip on the frozen grapes is a great one! DD had something like this, and I remember the elixer of Benadryl/Maalox...not so easy to administer to a little one! I do keep you all in my prayers every day, and will add special prayers for the little one tonight! Dianne, prayers for you and FIL, too! Please, take care of yourself, too. You have to! Eileen, the picture of the smilies beating the dead horse was too perfect! But, Kat's DH might just have diagnosed the problem, and saved Darcy's poor ol' Bess! Stay tuned... Haven's mouth is still sore, but getting better. I did have to take her up some soup for lunch, because the school lunch wasn't going to work (couldn't chew it). The tooth fairy delivers those gold dollar coins around here...usually one per tooth, but for the special pain, she brought two dollars per tooth, and a couple of Puzzlemania books. I loved the letter (link by Mandy)! I'll send that link to my niece for her DD. It's just that my DD knows that the tooth fairy is really yours truly. We just both play along with it, because it is fun! Tomorrow DD's class is going on a field trip to see Bridge to Terabithia...I'm a driver, so I get to see it, too! DH is taking off half a day to go see it with us! Her class read the book right before Christmas, so this is great timing and follow up to what they have already studied. then, we are going to the Ash Wednesday service at our church. I see lots of you signed on down here...hope everyone had a nice day, and feels spring right around the corner! Hugs, Cindy

Hi girlfriends! Shopping went well...we found 3 skirts, 2 capris and a couple of blouses for DD. I found a couple of pants and a couple of tops, too! We had lunch at Red Lobster, then it was time for her dentist appt. Get this...she had THREE teeth pulled out! Total surprise to me! I knew one was loose, but no idea about the other two...and there's a fourth that is ready to come out, but wouldn't while we were there. These are her 12 year molars, people! Can we slow this train down a little? Please? So, this visit was exciting, and came with business cards for the orthodontist. Oh wow. See ya later! Hugs, Cindy

Kat, you were definitely a winner in the Valentine's Sweepstakes! That was a great trip! How very sweet and thoughtful, and aren't we all so lucky to have great DH's? At least, it sure seems that way. No surprise trips here, but I did get a very nice watch... DD's Science Fair project is complete!!!!! I am so glad that is done. NOT my favorite thing to do. Beanie, very glad you are back in Texas...not fun to get bumped from a flight. I know you were glad to get home and relax a little. Betty, sorry about your stiff neck, and know you are glad to see something close to the 70s again! Chrispy, take it nice and slow. No rush, and check it all out. Finding the right guy is just the most critical decision a girl can make for happiness. I think this guy has some positives going for him, and he seems like he cares about your welfare. Dianne, you have got so much going on, I hope you are taking care of yourself. You are in my prayers, girlfriend. Eileen, brrrrrrrrrr. Your NJ weather is pretty extreme! Yours, too, Mandy! Ya'll stay warm! Darcy, hope you can get the treadmill going...is it still acting up even after you put in the new parts? I wasn't clear on that. DD is home from school tomorrow, so we are going to go shopping and see if we can find a couple of skirts and tops for her to wear to church; she is very hard to buy for! Everyone, have a great day tomorrow, especially if you get a day off! Cindy

Tammy, I want to congratulate you for the hard work you've put in to get to where you are! You've done so much for your health! Picture a scale...the kind with two trays, trying to balance. You have put a lot of effort into the one side, physical. Now, it is time to put the effort into the other side, which I'll just call "inner self". Sooner or later, we all have to do this. As you've read in the other posts, some of us feel like ourselves again, and some of us don't know who we are. It's time to find out. If you need the help of a professional (counseling, life coach, minister) then, by all means, throw yourself into it with the dedication you have shown in achieving your physical goals. This issue, weight loss, has more than one facet; you are already ahead of the game in that you are realizing that! Good luck, Tammy! You really deserve the entire package!

Mandy, tell your husband thank you for me! We are doing the Troop to Troop thing, too...we are getting so many boxes of cookies to send to the wounded soldiers! Thank God, since our Congress is busy undermining them. Stay warm and get better! Beanie, that restaurant sounds completely wonderful! I want to go! You're right...I'm not a settled-down person, and like to be involved in things. It was fun doing the newsletter. Eileen, a sleigh ride sounds like a really fun thing to do! Have a great time, but bundle up! I worry about you guys up there in the really cold part of the country. I know we are complaining, but we know where it's REALLY frigid! Most of our weekend is going to be putting a science fair project together (who's bright idea was it to push these science fairs...I bet it's the maker of those display boards....). Fun galore! See ya'll later...HUGS! Cindy

God bless them.

Honey, I'm HOooome! Hey, everyone...ya'll have been busy! Mandy, all that snow! Love the pics! Sorry you are still not feeling well, and congrats on the fantastic deal on the fitness equipment! Beanie, enjoy the great meals in the Big Apple/ New Jersey! Hope you are okay with the weather! Eileen, did you get the day off? Sherry, listen girl. Happy Bandiversary, and you've done great during this year! Sure, I wish I'd made it below 200, too...but that doesn't mean I get to beat myself up over it, and besides...would ya'll even LET me?! No. No way. So, answer that question...can you beat yourself up over it? NO. NO WAY. Pat yourself on the back, relax, fix that acid reflux problem, and there is not a time limit on weight loss. You will lose your weight...so will I. Are you telling yourself that you weigh 195? Keep doing that. We are going to do this! (((HUGS))) Betty, I'm in the busy club with ya! I've missed so much in 3 days! Anne, glad your work is going well...glad you could stop by. Mary, you go, girl! Size 16! I was so excited when I could wear that size. Of course, I still wear that size. Maybe when I can picture myself wearing a size 14, I will. Starting on Monday...I drove the basketball team (part of them) to a game on the other side of Dallas, but the main interstate was totally shut down due to a Haz Mat problem, so it took 2 hours each way. Way fun! Tuesday I cooked stuff for the teachers and class for Valentine's day...then had a Girl Scout meeting with DD. Wednesday, took stuff to school for the teachers, went home, met with Geek on Wheels to work out some wireless network stuff, then back to school for the class party, then across town to pick up more Girl Scout cookies for the booth sale this weekend, then back to school to pick up DD from basketball practice, then over to church for a children's ministry council meeting plus DD's choir. Whew! Today, I spent about 5 hours doing layout for the school newsletter, which is published quarterly, and has been edited in the past by someone else, but she left...so guess who volunteered to do it now? LOL! It was my first time to do something like that, but I am happy with how it turned out. It is 10 pages long, so I can't really post it here. If you want to see a copy, PM me, and I'll email it to you...and I'll totally understand if you don't wanna see it! LOL! So, this retirement thing...do you ever get to relax? Just wondering... Hugs to all of you! Cindy

Please, Jack, I'm shamelessly begging for a position on your cabinet. It would be an honor. (at least let me get you a black coffee every day!)