NJChick

I was banded in October 2005 ... still banded and Thanking God every day. I have not reached goal, been going up and down but not nearly where I was before banding. I joined Weight Watchers in January because I needed to get myself back into eating healthy which I have neglected for a long time but that is my fault, not the band. So far I love the points system. You are so right, people are living their lives and moving on If I can answer any questions please ask away. Good luck !!!!

I'd like to ask just how many people have acid reflux problems after the surgery? Is this common? Thank you !!!

This is a picture of 5 lbs of fat vs. 5 lbs of muscle. So if your having a hard time staying on track i.e. dieting or exercise, just come here and take a look at this, hopefully it will motivate us AMAZING .....

Lets Discuss Equipment, what do you have? what do you like about it or dislike? I have an eliptical which makes my knees feel like they are gonna pop so I try to use my treadmill and Total Gym, which I like occasionally.

Hi Girlies, Just popping in to say hello and all is well. Kat darling, your all in my prayers.... Lifting you and your family up to Jesus. Nice to see the ol thread still going. Anyone hear from Beanie? Cindy? miss them. Have a great weekend chickies (((Hugs))) Eileen

Here's some recipes I used to make when I was following Atkins. You can modify them any way you like to make them less calories. Low Carb cheese Cake 12 Servings @ 263 Calories a Slice and 3.58 Carbs Per Slice 3 Pkg Cream Cheese (8 oz each) 3 eggs 10 Pks Splenda 1 ½ Tsp vanilla 1 TBLS Lemon juice 1 Cup of Sour Cream Heat oven 350 degrees Line bottom of spring pan w/2 sheets of wax paper…spray w/pam Spray sides of pan w/pam Cover outside bottom of pan w/foil, make it tight Add batter Place pan w/batter in a deep roasting pan Add 1” of Water to roasting pan….. Cook 1 hour Shut oven off Let cake stand in oven for 1 additional hour Take out of water bath and cool on rack…refrigerate and eat the next day. With whipped cream made from any flavor of Divinci Syrup is devine _______________________________________________________________ Mock Fried Rice 3 1/2 cups of grated raw cauliflower 3 green onions 1 clove of garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp ginger 3 tbsp soy sauce 3 beaten eggs Olive oil Cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, whatever. In a wok or large flat skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom. Fry minced garlic (or garlic powder) with finely diced white part of onions for approx. 1 minute. Add grated cauliflower and fry 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add soy, ginger, diced green onion tops, and pre-cooked cubed meat or baby shrimp. Stir to mix well and brown a bit. Push mixture to one side of pan. Add more oil if necessary and scramble eggs in empty side of pan until done but still moist. Stir eggs into "rice" mix and remove from heat. 3-4 servings 5 net carbs each _______________________________________________________________ Egg Muffins Spray w/Pam a 12 hole muffin pan, put crumbled cooked sausage or cut up ham or bacon or whatever you like in the cups. Some broccoli or spinach or asparagus would be good too. Add grated cheese, cheddar or montery jack or swiss. Don't over fill it w/the meat & cheese, like about 1/2 way or 3/4 at most. Beat 8 eggs with lt cream or half and half, just a splash and spoon egg mixture into the cups. Bake 350 degrees, maybe 15 minutes or so, you'll see them start to brown. The possibilities are endless, you can add any kind of cheese, meat or veggies, they are wonderful to freeze. In the mornings I like to grab one or two out of the freezer and by the time I get to work they are defrosted and ready to heat. LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE!! _______________________________________________________________ Sausage & Cabbage 1 head of green cabbage, shredded (or a bag of precut coleslaw mix) 1/4 Cup onion chopped 1 Pkg of turkey sausage (removed from casings)I like Shaddy Brook hot or sweet. 1 egg (optional) garlic 2 cloves Olive oil cook sausage, save drippings. add a little olive oil and saute fresh crushed garlic (2 cloves or jar) into the drippings add onions saute more and then cabbage, saute until cooked down but not mush, you can add an egg at the end if you want, kinda like fried rice style. YUM _______________________________________________________________ Portabello Burgers This is easy. Portabello Mushroom Caps Ground Beef (chicken, turkey or veggie burgers work good too) Cheese Cook your burger any way you like it. Then grill some large portabello mushrooms caps w/a little olive oil brushed on them. When done use the caps like you would bread, you can even put your favorite toppings on it, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, katchup (a touch), mustard, onions, etc...... OR !!! make some Low Carb Chili and put that on top for a chili burger. _______________________________________________________________ DEEP DISH pizza QUICHE 4 oz softened cream cheese 4 eggs 1/3 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated) 1 tbs chives 1/2 tsp Italian or pizza seasoning 2 cups shredded cheese (I use mozzarella /cheddar mix) 1/2 tsp wet garlic or 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/2 cup lowest carb tomato or pizza sauce 1 cup mozzarella cheese Toppings to taste (I use pepperoni, sausage, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, whatever!) Beat together cream cheese and eggs till smooth. Add cream, parmesean cheese and spices Spray 13x9 glass baking dish with oil Put 2 cups of shredded cheese in dish and pour egg mixt. over Bake at 375 for 30 minutes Spread with sauce and then add your toppings Cover with mozzarella cheese Bake till browning and bubbly Let stand for 5 minutes or so. ________________________________________________________________ Chicken Cordon Blue Chicken Burgers Makes 4 large burgers 2 lbs ground chicken 2 heafty teaspoons sweet paprika 2 heafty teaspoons poultry seasoning 1 tsp salt 2 chopped up scallions 1 - 2 Tbs oil (what ever you prefer) ********************************** Ham Swiss Cheese Garlic soft spreadable cheese ********************************** Mix first 6 ingred together well, make 4 burgers, they are sticky so when you flatten them out coat the outside with more oil so they are managable. Grill them, and just before they are done, spread some soft garlic cheese on top, place a slice of ham on top and then a slice of swiss cheese (melt it). These can be tweaked to add any spice/seasoning you like. We ate this with a bunch of sauted mushrooms....very very good !!!!! _________________________________________________________________ Cole slaw 2 bags dole precut cabbage/cole slaw mix (20 oz each bag I think) 1 Cup Helmans Mayo 2 Teaspoons Celery Salt 4 Tablespoons Vinegar 6 Tablespoons Lt Cream 6 Tablespoons Water 14 Packets Splenda Mix all ingred together except cabbage, pour over cabbage and toss well, refrig over night and enjoy next day. When the flavors mingle mmmmm mmmm !! And nobody know's its low carb ______________________________________________________________ Mock Mashed Potatoes 1 head cauliflower 1/2 stick butter 1 cup sour cream Salt to taste Cut up and cook cauliflower til very soft, drain well. Melt butter on cooked cauliflower. Puree or Mash it (I mash, I kinda like it lumpy) cauliflower with butter, and sour cream, salt, in blender or food processor. (be careful not to puree too long) You can also add cheddar cheese and bake it for about 25 minutes until cheese melts (350 degrees). _________________________________________________________________ Cold Broccoli salad 1/4 - 1/2 Pound Cooked Pork Bacon, crumbled (depends on your taste) 1 head fresh raw broccoli, cut into bite size pieces (I used only the flower part) 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 3 tablespoons white Vinegar 6 - 8 Pks Splenda (depends how sweet you like it) 1 cup mayonnaise 3 Tablespoons Light Cream 3 Tablespoons Water 2 Tablespoons Bacon Fat 1 Teaspoon Salt Mix all ingred together and then pour over broccoli, refrig over night and enjoy next day. This broccoli salad is one of my all time favorites _____________________________________________________________ Tips on Buying Ground Chicken READ READ READ !!! Make sure the package says Ground BREAST of Chicken, this way you are getting the white, lean meat and not the icky fatty funky stuff they throw in the regular ground chicken (like they do to ground beef). I buy Perdue and love it !! Here's the nutritional information on Ground BREAST of Chicken vs. regular Ground Chicken from Perdue - the differences are staggering !!!!!! http://www.perdue.com/athome/product/product.asp Ground BREAST of Chicken - Perdue Brand 4 OZ - Raw Calories: 100 Cal From Fat: 5 Total Fat: 0.5 gm Saturated Fat: ** (traces) Cholesterol: 65 mg Sodium: 75 mg Carbs: 0 Compaired to - Regular Ground Chicken - Perdue Brand 4 OZ - Raw Calories: 180 Cal From Fat: 100 Total Fat: 12 gm Saturated Fat: 4 Cholesterol: 135 mg Sodium: 75 mg Carbs: 0 I make chicken burgers alot, you can stuff them with just about anything. To keep my calories and carbs lower with the burgers, I do NOT add breadcrumbs, I just throw in some poultry spices, and any kind of ckn spice you like, onion, sweet paprika, garlic, etc. They are VERY sticky so you might want to add a teaspoon of olive oil in the mix (normally I don't but you can). What I do is spray a plate w/pam first, plop some ckn mixture on it, spray some pam on top of the ckn blob and flatten it out into burger shapes. Also, when you grill it, if you grill it, spray the spatula first. I'm telling you, it is so worth it, YUM!!!!!!!!!!! low cal, low carb, high Protein and low fat...what more can you ask for and left overs are wonderful. _________________________________________________________________

Good Morning and Merry Christmas Eve, Betty Crocker, my stars, send those cookies my way will yah... NOT !!!! LOL, I dont need any help gaining anymore weight thats for sure LOL. You always did bake up a storm. How are you feeling sister chickie? Sherry glad your feeling better sweetie. Did you get the new band (realize?) or something like that. Pat oh Pat.... love you too lady !!! We are heading off to my Mom's around 3 and then church at 5:30 where my DD is dancing to a beautiful christmas song called Cradle in Bethlehem (sara groves). Then home and getting the wee one off to bed so santa can do his thing.... Who know's maybe Santa will get himself some tonight, Mrs Santa is feeling kinda frisky naaaaah naaaaaaaah. Now that I put that awful image in your head, aren't you glad I came back LOLOL Alrighty then.... have a great day chicklets.... MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!

Hi Everyone, Things are ok, just busy (nuts actually) I just wanted to pop in and say MERRY CHRISTMAS !!! and a healthy happy New Year. Running 90mph going no where is about where I'm at these days LOL, but really thats not a complaint. We are all doing well. I've had no desire to post/talk so please don't take that personally, its me, I think my winter SAD is kicking in and with work being busy, life being busy, getting a new boss, making deadlines I'm just tired/down. I hope if I can shake this I'll feel like posting more. I really love you gals and miss you. MERRY CHRISTMAS LADIES !! Love yah !! Eileen

Here's some of my favorite low carb recipies...... Of course these can be altered to be lower in fat and calories, but they are awesome and when I was following Atkins these were my fav. Low Carb cheese Cake 12 Servings @ 263 Calories a Slice and 3.58 Carbs Per Slice 3 Pkg Cream Cheese (8 oz each) 3 eggs 10 Pks Splenda 1 ½ Tsp Vanilla 1 TBLS Lemon juice 1 Cup of Sour Cream Heat oven 350 degrees Line bottom of spring pan w/2 sheets of wax paper…spray w/pam Spray sides of pan w/pam Cover outside bottom of pan w/foil, make it tight Add batter Place pan w/batter in a deep roasting pan Add 1” of Water to roasting pan….. Cook 1 hour Shut oven off Let cake stand in oven for 1 additional hour Take out of water bath and cool on rack…refrigerate and eat the next day. With whipped cream made from any flavor of Divinci Syrup is devine __________________________________________ _____________ Mock Fried Rice 3 1/2 cups of grated raw cauliflower 3 green onions 1 clove of garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp ginger 3 tbsp soy sauce 3 beaten eggs Olive oil Cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, whatever. In a wok or large flat skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom. Fry minced garlic (or garlic powder) with finely diced white part of onions for approx. 1 minute. Add grated cauliflower and fry 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add soy, ginger, diced green onion tops, and pre-cooked cubed meat or baby shrimp. Stir to mix well and brown a bit. Push mixture to one side of pan. Add more oil if necessary and scramble eggs in empty side of pan until done but still moist. Stir eggs into "rice" mix and remove from heat. 3-4 servings 5 net carbs each ____________________________________________ _____________ Egg Muffins Spray w/Pam a 12 hole muffin pan, put crumbled cooked sausage or cut up ham or bacon or whatever you like in the cups. Some broccoli or spinach or asparagus would be good too. Add grated cheese, cheddar or montery jack or swiss. Don't over fill it w/the meat & cheese, like about 1/2 way or 3/4 at most. Beat 8 eggs with lt cream or half and half, just a splash and spoon egg mixture into the cups. Bake 350 degrees, maybe 15 minutes or so, you'll see them start to brown. The possibilities are endless, you can add any kind of cheese, meat or veggies, they are wonderful to freeze. In the mornings I like to grab one or two out of the freezer and by the time I get to work they are defrosted and ready to heat. LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE!! ___________________________________________ _____________ Sausage & Cabbage 1 head of green cabbage, shredded (or a bag of precut coleslaw mix) 1/4 Cup onion chopped 1 Pkg of turkey sausage (removed from casings)I like Shaddy Brook hot or sweet. 1 egg (optional) garlic 2 cloves Olive oil cook sausage, save drippings. add a little olive oil and saute fresh crushed garlic (2 cloves or jar) into the drippings add onions saute more and then cabbage, saute until cooked down but not mush, you can add an egg at the end if you want, kinda like fried rice style. YUM ______________________________________________ _____________ Portabello Burgers This is easy. Portabello Mushroom Caps Ground Beef (chicken, turkey or veggie burgers work good too) Cheese Cook your burger any way you like it. Then grill some large portabello mushrooms caps w/a little olive oil brushed on them. When done use the caps like you would bread, you can even put your favorite toppings on it, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, katchup (a touch), mustard, onions, etc...... OR !!! make some Low Carb Chili and put that on top for a chili burger. _________________________________________ _____________ DEEP DISH pizza QUICHE 4 oz softened cream cheese 4 eggs 1/3 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated) 1 tbs chives 1/2 tsp Italian or pizza seasoning 2 cups shredded cheese (I use mozzarella /cheddar mix) 1/2 tsp wet garlic or 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/2 cup lowest carb tomato or pizza sauce 1 cup mozzarella cheese Toppings to taste (I use pepperoni, sausage, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, whatever!) Beat together cream cheese and eggs till smooth. Add cream, parmesean cheese and spices Spray 13x9 glass baking dish with oil Put 2 cups of shredded cheese in dish and pour egg mixt. over Bake at 375 for 30 minutes Spread with sauce and then add your toppings Cover with mozzarella cheese Bake till browning and bubbly Let stand for 5 minutes or so. __________________________________________ ______________ Chicken Cordon Blue Chicken Burgers Makes 4 large burgers 2 lbs ground chicken 2 heafty teaspoons sweet paprika 2 heafty teaspoons poultry seasoning 1 tsp salt 2 chopped up scallions 1 - 2 Tbs oil (what ever you prefer) ********************************** Ham Swiss Cheese Garlic soft spreadable cheese ********************************** Mix first 6 ingred together well, make 4 burgers, they are sticky so when you flatten them out coat the outside with more oil so they are managable. Grill them, and just before they are done, spread some soft garlic cheese on top, place a slice of ham on top and then a slice of swiss cheese (melt it). These can be tweaked to add any spice/seasoning you like. We ate this with a bunch of sauted mushrooms....very very good !!!!! _________________________________________ _______________ Cole slaw 2 bags dole precut cabbage/cole slaw mix (20 oz each bag I think) 1 Cup Helmans Mayo 2 Teaspoons Celery Salt 4 Tablespoons Vinegar 6 Tablespoons Lt Cream 6 Tablespoons Water 14 Packets Splenda Mix all ingred together except cabbage, pour over cabbage and toss well, refrig over night and enjoy next day. When the flavors mingle mmmmm mmmm !! And nobody know's its low carb _______________________________________________________ Mock Mashed Potatoes 1 head cauliflower 1/2 stick butter 1 cup sour cream Salt to taste Cut up and cook cauliflower til very soft, drain well. Melt butter on cooked cauliflower. Puree or Mash it (I mash, I kinda like it lumpy) cauliflower with butter, and sour cream, salt, in blender or food processor. (be careful not to puree too long) You can also add cheddar cheese and bake it for about 25 minutes until cheese melts (350 degrees). ________________________________________ _______________ Cold Broccoli salad 1/4 - 1/2 Pound Cooked Pork Bacon, crumbled (depends on your taste) 1 head fresh raw broccoli, cut into bite size pieces (I used only the flower part) 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 3 tablespoons white Vinegar 6 - 8 Pks Splenda (depends how sweet you like it) 1 cup mayonnaise 3 Tablespoons Light Cream 3 Tablespoons Water 2 Tablespoons Bacon Fat 1 Teaspoon Salt Mix all ingred together and then pour over broccoli, refrig over night and enjoy next day. This broccoli salad is one of my all time favorites __________________________________________________ ___________ Tips on Buying Ground Chicken READ READ READ !!! Make sure the package says Ground BREAST of Chicken, this way you are getting the white, lean meat and not the icky fatty funky stuff they throw in the regular ground chicken (like they do to ground beef). I buy Perdue and love it !! Here's the nutritional information on Ground BREAST of Chicken vs. regular Ground Chicken from Perdue - the differences are staggering !!!!!! http://www.perdue.com/athome/product/product.asp Ground BREAST of Chicken - Perdue Brand 4 OZ - Raw Calories: 100 Cal From Fat: 5 Total Fat: 0.5 gm Saturated Fat: ** (traces) Cholesterol: 65 mg Sodium: 75 mg Carbs: 0 Compaired to - Regular Ground Chicken - Perdue Brand 4 OZ - Raw Calories: 180 Cal From Fat: 100 Total Fat: 12 gm Saturated Fat: 4 Cholesterol: 135 mg Sodium: 75 mg Carbs: 0 I make chicken burgers alot, you can stuff them with just about anything. To keep my calories and carbs lower with the burgers, I do NOT add breadcrumbs, I just throw in some poultry spices, and any kind of ckn spice you like, onion, sweet paprika, garlic, etc. They are VERY sticky so you might want to add a teaspoon of olive oil in the mix (normally I don't but you can). What I do is spray a plate w/pam first, plop some ckn mixture on it, spray some pam on top of the ckn blob and flatten it out into burger shapes. Also, when you grill it, if you grill it, spray the spatula first. I'm telling you, it is so worth it, YUM!!!!!!!!!!! low cal, low carb, high Protein and low fat...what more can you ask for and left overs are wonderful. _________________________________________________________ pumpkin CHILI !!!! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM If you love pumpkin, you'll love this.... at least I do. This recipe was give to me by one of my best friends who has lost 85+ lbs by following a Mediterranean diet. She is not banded. She is truly amazing and has learned to cook so healthy and wonderful. Thanks LINNY !!!!! You can adjust this recipe any way you like and it still turns out wonderful. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped red bell peppers 1 clove garlic 1 pound ground chicken breast or turkey 2 (14.5 ounce) cans canned peeled and diced tomatoes 1 (15 ounce) can LIBBY'S® Pumpkin Pie 1 (15 ounce) can canned tomato sauce 1 (15.25 ounce) can canned kidney Beans, drained 1 (4 ounce) can ORTEGA® Diced Green Chiles 1/2 cup whole kernel corn 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper HEAT vegetable oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Add chicken or turkey; cook until browned. Drain. ADD tomatoes with juice, pumpkin, tomato sauce, beans, chiles, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. MY SUGGESTION, EAT THE NEXT DAY......... YUMMY !!!! You can put in what ever you want, any veggies, beans etc. I also put in to bulk it up, zucchini, squash, green beans, peas, carrots (canned).

Hi Ladies Happy ThanksGiving Sorry I've been MIA as well. Been down emotionally about my weight so I've been hiding from the world I guess. I just don't want to deal with it...sad huh. Other than that, things are ok.... I'm blessed!! I'm on my way to pick up DD from school, they have 1/2 day today. Have a great holiday girlies... Love yah !! Eileen

Hey Sherry Girl !!! We just got back last night so I haven't had time to mess with the 800 pictures I took...yeah I know only 800. It was awesome !! The halloween party there was great, the kids were so excited. Then after halloween they started decorating for Christmas, so that was cool to see. We stood on line no more than 5-10 minutes for the rides, it was great. My Dd got to fight Darth Vader on stage at MGM and was thrilled... not to mention all the characters she met. I ate like a pig but walked miles and miles each day. All in all its nice to be home. How are you guys? I see LBT changed AGAIN !!!!! lolol

Trick or Treat !!!! Oh... am I to late Sorry Kids I've been MIA. We just got back from 8 days at Disney, our first and only vacation in 20 years. We had a blast. Now back to reality and that fill I so need. How's everyone?

Hi Girlies, What a beautiful day. Got lots to do, lots to do I tell yah How's every little thing? SOSDD :tt2: Have a great weekend !!! Eileen

Happy Saturday Chickies, Finally the sun came out, sheesh I was starting to think the weather guys could be wrong *faint* lol Things are nuts here, pups are bigger, poop is bigger, yadda yadda yadda. Two pups are leaving to their new homes in 2 weeks, and we are keeping 1. MIL is in the hospital, they thought they would have to amputate her only leg, but they were able to save it by doing a lower bypass. Thank GOD!! DD and myself are sick, colds/bronchitis/sinus infections, happy happy joy joy... but really I'm not complaining b/c I know things could be worse. I'm going to disney oct 31 - nov 8 (or somethng like that) and I promise myself I'm going for a fill right after... Its getting to the point where I'm going to break (hit bottom), so I'm ready to give up eating the portions I love to eat. Its so good to see you all.... and I agree.. how did october get here so fast? .

If you've ever lived in New Jersey...you'll appreciate this!!! If you live somewhere else, you might find it interesting. New Jersey is a peninsula. Highlands, New Jersey has the highest elevation along the entire eastern seaboard, from Maine to Florida. New Jersey is the only state where all of its counties are classified as metropolitan areas. New Jersey has more race horses than Kentucky. New Jersey has more Cubans in Union City (1 sq mi.) than Havana, Cuba. New Jersey has the densest system of highways and railroads in the US. New Jersey has the highest cost of living. New Jersey has the highest cost of auto insurance. New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation. New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is sometimes referred to as the "Diner Capital of the World." New Jersey is home to the original Mystery Pork Parts Club (no, not Spam):Taylor Ham or Pork Roll. Home to the less mysterious but the best Italian hot dogs and Italian sausage w/peppers and onions. North Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area in the world, with seven major shopping malls in a 25 square mile radius. New Jersey is home to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Passaic River was the site of the first submarine ride by inventor John P. Holland. New Jersey has 50+ resort cities & towns; some of the nation's most famous: Asbury Park, Wildwood, Atlantic City, Seaside Heights, Long Branch, Cape May. New Jersey has the most stringent testing along our coastline for water quality control than any other seaboard state in the entire country. New Jersey is a leading technology & industrial state and is the largest chemical producing state in the nation when you include pharmaceuticals. Jersey tomatoes are known the world over as being the best you can buy. New Jersey is the world leader in blueberry and cranberry production (and here you thought Massachusetts?) Here's to New Jersey - the toast of the country! In 1642, the first brewery in America, opened in Hoboken. New Jersey rocks! The famous Les Paul invented the first solid body electric guitar in Mahwah, in 1940. New Jersey is a major seaport state with the largest seaport in the US, located in Elizabeth. Nearly 80 percent of what our nation imports comes through Elizabeth Seaport first. New Jersey is home to one of the nation's busiest airports (in Newark), Liberty international. George Washington slept here. Several important Revolutionary War battles were fought on New Jersey soil, led by General George Washington. The light bulb, phonograph (record player), and motion picture projector, were invented by Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park, NJ, laboratory. We also boast the first town ever lit by incandescent bulbs. The first seaplane was built in Keyport, NJ. The first airmail (to Chicago) was started from Keyport, NJ. The first phonograph records were made in Camden, NJ. The game Monopoly, played all over the world, named the streets on its playing board after the actual streets in Atlantic City. And, Atlantic City has the longest boardwalk in the world, Not to mention salt water taffy. New Jersey has the largest petroleum containment area outside of the Middle East countries. The first Indian reservation was in New Jersey, in the Watchung Mountains. New Jersey has the tallest water-tower in the world. (Union, NJ!!!) New Jersey had the first medical center, in Jersey City. The Pulaski SkyWay, from Jersey City to Newark, was the first skyway highway. NJ built the first tunnel under a river, the Hudson (Holland Tunnel). The first baseball game was played in Hoboken, NJ, which is also the birthplace of Frank Sinatra. The first intercollegiate football game was played in New Brunswick in 1889 (Rutgers College played Princeton). The first drive-in movie theater was opened in Camden, NJ, (but they're all gone now!). New Jersey is home to both of "NEW YORK'S" pro football teams! The first radio station and broadcast was in Paterson, NJ. The first FM radio broadcast was made from Alpine, NJ, by Maj.Thomas Armstrong. All New Jersey natives: Sal Martorano, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jason Alexander, Queen Latifah, Susan Sarandon, Connie Francis, Shaq, Judy Blume, Aaron Burr, Joan Robertson, Ken Kross, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughn, Budd Abbott, Lou Costello, Alan Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Marilyn McCoo, Flip Wilson, Alexander Hamilton, Whitney Houston, Eddie Money, Linda McElroy, Eileen Donnelly, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Walt Whitman, Jerry Lewis, Tom Cruise, Joyce Kilmer, Bruce Willis, Caesar Romero, Lauryn Hill, Ice-T, Nick Adams, Nathan Lane, Sandra Dee, Danny DeVito, Richard Conti, Joe Pesci, Joe Piscopo, Robert Blake, John Forsythe, Meryl Streep, Loretta Swit, Norman Lloyd, Paul Simon, Jerry Herman, Gorden McCrae, Kevin Spacey, J R Cacia, John Travolta, Phyllis Newman, Anne Morrow, Charles Lindbergh, Eva Marie Saint, Elisabeth Shue, Zebulon Pike, James Fennimore Cooper, Admiral Wm.Halsey,Jr., Dave Thomas (Wendy's), William Carlos Williams, Ray Liotta, Robert Wuhl, Bob Reyers, Paul Robeson, Ernie Kovacs, Joseph Macchia, "Uncle Floyd," Kelly Ripa, and, of course, Francis Albert Sinatra. (Don Bragg of Penns Grove-Gold Medal in Pole Vault event at 1960 Olympics) Howard Stoneman {who is that} ? You know you're from Jersey when . . . You don't think of fruit when people mention "The Oranges." You know that it's called Great Adventure, not Six Flags. A good, quick breakfast is a hard roll with butter. You've known the way to Seaside Heights since you were seven. You've eaten at a diner, when you were stoned, or drunk, at 3 A.M. You know that the state isn't one big oil refinery. At least three people in your family still love Bruce Springsteen, and you know the town Jon Bon Jovi is from. You know what a "jug handle" is. You know that WaWa is a convenience store. You know that the state isn't all farmland. You know that there are no "beaches" in New Jersey--there's the shore--and you don't go "to the shore," you go "down the shore." And when you are there, you're not "at the shore"; you are "down the shore." You know how to properly negotiate a circle. You knew that the last sentence had to do with driving. You know that this is the only "New" state that doesn't require "New" to identify it (try . . . Mexico . . . York . . . Hampshire-- doesn't work, does it?). You know that a "White Castle" is the name of BOTH a fast food chain AND a fast food sandwich. You consider putting mayo on a corned beef sandwich a sacrilege You don't think "What exit?" is very funny. You know that people from the 609 area code are "a little different." Yes they are! You know that no respectable New Jerseyan goes to Princeton--that's for out-of-staters. The Jets-Giants game has started fights at your school or local bar. You live within 20 minutes of at least three different malls. You refer to all highways and interstates by their numbers. Every year you have at least one kid in your class named Tony. You know the location of every clip shown in the Sopranos opening credits. You've gotten on the wrong highway trying to get out of the mall. You know that people from North Jersey go to Seaside Heights, and people from Central Jersey go to Belmar, and people from South Jersey go to Wildwood. It can be no other way. You weren't raised in New Jersey--you were raised in either North Jersey, Central Jersey or South Jersey. You don't consider Newark or Camden to actually be part of the State. You remember the stores Korvette's, Two Guys, Rickel's, Channel, Bamberger's and Orbach's. You also remember Palisades Amusement Park. You've had a boardwalk cheese steak and vinegar fries. You start planning for Memorial Day weekend in February. And finally . . . You've NEVER, NEVER pumped your own gas. AMEN!!!

Hi Ladies, Betty Happy Belated Birthday and I'm sooooooo happy your feeling better. Congrats on the twins :tt1: Kat sweetie, you have had such a rough time. I'm just thrilled that all went well and your on your way back to being healthy. What an ordeal to say the least. I'm so happy you have such a great family to help you through this. Pat... my dearest palsey walsey... I went to Asheville with a bunch of girls from another forum. We had a great time. They have a little chocolate store that makes the best truffles I ever had ....yeah you know I behaved down there LOL. Sherry crock queen... oh I mean crock pot queen haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa sorry, that was to easy. You know I love you. Ya think we should have gotten bands for our mouths instead of our tummies? lol. I'm still waiting for the brain band :thumbup: Darcy, nothing much going on sweetness...same old crap different day. Work, eat, eat, eat, work, eat eat eat...oh a a wee bit of sleep in there some where, clean, clean work EAT ALOT!!! lolol Pups are still with us another 3 weeks and then they go off to their new homes... all but one :tongue: Hi Everyone I did not mention *WAVE* Today is a MUST clean day, just the kitchen and living room and laundry...thats all this old body can handle for one day. Tomorrow we may go apple picking. Have a good day kids.... love and miss you !! :bolt: Eileen

Good Morning, I just wanted to pop in here and say hello before I head on off to NC for the weekend. Nothing other than that is going on :smile: Kat OMG girl I'm so sorry I haven't been in here. What a scary thing to say the least. My prayers are with you sweetie :thumbup: I can't stop shaking my head. Darcy what a happy surprise to see you *hugs* I have to read back a few pages to catch up but boy its good to see you. Pat, Sherry, Trish, Betty, Michaele and the rest of you lovely ladies....have a wonderful weekend. Catch you later :smile: :smile2:

Hi Sweeties :smile: Michelle, how scary. I'm so glad your home and doing well, what an ordeal. Now rest up and take it easy. Donna good luck w/your fill. I'm so over due... I can eat two plates full of food at a chinese buffet..no lie. But its all my fault, I keep making excuses. Nothing much happening, pups are getting bigger, they can see and have teeth... they yipe pretty loud now LOL... but boy are they cute, little teddy bears. Have a wonderful week ladies...... keep smiling. Eileen

Hey Girls Pat and everyone in Hanna's path... stay safe. It should hit us by tonight. DH is packing up his shop/work in a rental truck incase we flood. Can't trust the weather reports ya know. I'm being lazzzzy today. Gonna take a nap in a few minutes and i can't wait LOL. Later we'll scrap book :shades_smile: Have a safe weekend !!!!!

Hi and Welcome !! Are you having Dr. Ballentyne do your op? if so, he is WONDERFUL and so is Hackensack... I went there as well. I don't know what hospitals are closer to you but they should have some sort of support groups, just call around. I went to one at hackensack and this woman TOTALLY hogged the session which was a total turn off to me so I never went back. I really should though. GOOD LUCK !!!!

Hi Girls Betty boop, did you have Betty boob surgery? I'm sorry I missed it how are you feeling sweetie ???? Any type of surgery like that scares the crap out of me *gentle hugs* Pat... when are you going to sign that pink slip and make me owner of your corvette? :tongue2: my favorite car is a 1959 white/red corvette or is it a 1956... can't remember.. CRAFT disease remember lol. I don't know whats the deal with the tri color pups... but I bet she had a good time, maybe I should name her good time sally. lol I'm at work today.... as usual lol. Hanna is supposed to hit us tomorrow, any where from 3 - 7" depending on which radio/tv news you listen to. either way I'll be indoors scrapbooking / cleaning / playing with the puppies. Anyone hear from Cindy or Beanie? I miss those gals. .

Michaele good luck next week.... it'll be over before you know it. Glad you got to see your DH :party: Here's a picture of the pups, they are 2 weeks old and 2 have their eyes open just today.