Apples2

Thanks for the info on your weather. You were banded in March, right? How's it going so far? Any questions or concerns?

Hey 2plus4...I got to know these girls by lurking first...then I started my daily visits with them. Happy I took the step to do so, and hope you will too. When do you finally warm up? I thought maybe you have about the same type of weather as we do in Minnesota?

Linda...have not seen "Lint Shoving Sister" since 1996. I have one of those families that needed not to be in my life. Sad but necessary. I'm good though. I have sooooooooo many "fake" sisters and all of you "cyber sisters" that I truly love!

That is so true and thank you for amending my statement, Emjay. So nice to know now that things will just fit.

Quite thread today cuz I've not been on blabbing?????? I think I may be right! Busy day on the farm. Up at 4:30, did laundry, hung jeans, towels and bedding on the line while it was still dark out. On the road by 7am, 70 mile drive to WalMart to pick up compact flash cards for the tractor and supplies for the lake. Spent an hour searching and asking and searching and asking about the cards only to find out that they did not have them. Drove another 40 miles to another town...they only had one. Found out after all of this that our own little store in town had what I needed. Back home by noon to feed my two guys (yes, two...nice). Baked 8 doz cookies (2 diff kinds), scrubbed my kitchen floor, all the cabinets, frig and stove. I am always in a hurry and knocked a 1/2 gallon of milk off the counter so ended up spending the last hour scrubbing every surface in the kitchen. Spilled all over my braided wool rug. DH is so cool. He took time from calibrating his new planter to get the pressure washer out and cleaned it for me. I also got all the packing done for the lake in the last 3 hours. Thought I was hot flashing but think it was just from running like a crazy lady. Beautiful day here. 77 degrees this afternoon...28 this morning when I left the house. I think it is safe to say our spring weather is quite fickle. Janet...hope you are not still sitting in front of your computer screen just waiting for someone to post! You were talking about veneers...I would never do the too white. Would make sure they were "age appropriate". Very unsure right now what I will end up doing. Have to wait till I get my estimates and then make a decision. I also have white blinds...well, in the kitchen and dining area. They are wide slat wood. I love them and they are really easy to keep clean. I have an Oreck that straps on my shoulder and just brush them clean. Every once in awhile I clean the slats individually with a cloth. I would do them again. The other rooms have wide slat also. Eva...hoping you see the end to your electrical project soon and you can get your tree planted. We did all underground wiring when we moved here 23 yrs ago. Also did it on our other farm site. Such a worry to have wires hanging with all the big equipment going under it. First month we were here, DH went under the wire loop with an implement when the arms and markers were up. He melted the tires on the implement. He was lucky. We had a neighbor electrocuted about 30 yrs ago when he was moving an auger under a wire. Also, one of our groomsmen was electrocuted 7 months after our wedding when he was moving irrigations pipes. That spurred us to take care of them. Cheri...must have missed that you are on vacation. Hope you are having a relaxing time. Hey Linda...Well, I am thinking you and I and Janet must be triplets! Your bridges and caps and filled molars sound just like mine. My quest to have a better smile is my plastic surgery. I was SURE that I would need PS after weight loss but really no need for it. Not saying I'm perfect but look no different than any other 54 yr old lady. So, the PS fund is now a smile fund. I have always disliked my teeth and I am looking at it as the last step in my journey.....well...maybe a few more shoes and clothes to adorn the new me! LauraK...wishing your DD the best as she is looking for a job. Great...nice to have you back. Lucky girl! Good luck with getting your cleaning done and showing your house and the appraisal. If it were me, I would be anxious to get the move done and not have it hanging over my head. Sounds like your GM is really going to miss you. I feel for her and hoping your sisters step in and "try" to replace what you do for her. Julie... sounds like Mimi's surgery went as planned. Good to hear. Hope this does the trick for her. I had a little sister who had lots of troubles and tended to be sickly a lot. Removed the adnoids and tonsils and she really thrived. They found out that she had stuck some dryer lint up her nose and that was causing all the trouble. Still today she is not the brightest... What kind of shots are they going to give you? That approval came quickly. Happy for you. Arlene...have a good time with the grandkids. My two sons had a tough time settling down to get to sleep also. It was so hard to let them cry but it was the only thing that worked. It wasn't an hour but seemed like it...about 15 minutes. It was tough on me to listen. Hope DD will be OK. Hi Laura...sounds like you are really working at getting those 3lbs off. I am sure it was tough to leave your folks but bet you are happy to settle back into home and your own routine. Swin a couple of laps for me this weekend. Thank you. DS just yelled in the door...gotta run for some planter parts. Sorry I missed some of you...later.

Charlene...most of my teeth are cap but I detest the color. As far as my favorite perfume...I have a few, but, if I have to choose it is Rain by Terra Nova...so clean smelling. I also like some of the Ralph Lauren ones. For years I wore Knowing (80's) and my 90's perfune was Pleasures. I must have missed the news on your friend. All of her tests that you were worried about must have come back OK?

I always somehow reread my posts and have to add because I think I didn't quite get my point out there... The first few months of banded life tend to consume us so it does change the whole dynamics of the household. But, I feel it SHOULD consume you in order for a person to get it right and make it work. And, if your spouse or family understands and works with you on this, a person (IMHO) has a better chance of being successful.

You know what, Joyce? There really are hurdles in the begining that do involve who you live with. I think it's just as tough for them as it is the banded person. I was also lucky to have a DH that totally supported me. I think he could SEE how unhealthy I had gotten and could FEEL my pain of being so unhappy with all the negative aspects in life that came with being obese. He was so for it because he wanted for me #1 to be happy with myself again and he wanted me healthy. I sometimes forget those early months after banding. I think the toughest thing for me was having an anxiety when eating in social situations. I was never one that had trouble with PBing, etc. I just was anxious. I do wish I would have forced myself more the first few months. I do admire you for getting yourself out shortly after banding and eating in public. It took me about 9 months to settle in and feel comfortable. How I got off on that tangent...I was trying to explain that my DH did not have as many dinner dates with me because of my social anxiety. But, this all fits together and we become comfortable with what works for us. When you find your routine in all of this, it becomes just so normal and you forget that you were ever NOT banded.

So true, Joyce, about having to think ahead and be prepared when we are banded ppl. DH always gives me a hard time. Says that living with me is like having a newborn in the house again. I ALWAYS have a tote sitting by the door and packed or it's in my truck. Just in case...you never know...I have it filled with jerky, soynuts, protein bars, high fiber/high protein cereal. I even bought a cute cooler that looks like a purse for perishables to take along with me at times for things like deli meats, yogart, smoothies, etc. Ya just never know. I am also one that panics if I forget vitamins (it's only happened twice in the almost 2 yrs I have been banded). I keep a little pill container in my purse for such things.

All I know, Joyce, is that when I was on my liquid diet things were loose. I could not get away from the bathroom those couple of weeks after surgery. Good luck with your dental appt. I have some major work I want done. My teeth are a darker color and want to do vaneers or implants. Just need to get my butt in gear and get it all started. I am very self-conscious (sp?) of my smile. I am lucky to have the teeth I have and have put $$$ into my mouth. But, it's time for me to smile without feeling inadequate. I just need to get going and get some estimates and check out the doc's I have chosen to do it. I feel it will complete me. (Sounds like a sappy saying from a Lifetime movie, doesn't it?)

I "only" wanted my life back and I got it! I "only" spent a matter of months working the LB rules and I got my life back. I "only" got my body moving 30 minutes per day and the "only" thing that happened is that I got my life back. I not "only" look in the mirror and am happy with the results, I "only" have to look now every once in awhile because I have gained a new confidence in waking up every day and "only" feeling healthy and happy! And this "only"....I "only" went shopping for one outfit for a wedding but ended up with "only" three just cuz they fit!:smile2:

Feeling optomistic...it's now up to a whopping 28 degrees. Whoop-de-doo. Plus, the wind makes it feel so much colder. I walked out to the mailbox with my winter parka on with the hood up. All I know is that my two men are not dressed warm enough for this at their outdoor implement sale. They left here with their spring jackets on. There was frost on my patio set and cushions this morning. I will try to be positive and NOT continue to say all day that this sucks!

Guess I should have checked the temps b/4 jumping the gun and planning a day at the lake. After posting I looked and it was only 24 degrees and a high of mid-fifties today with wind. I'm smarter than that! Gonna finish some projects in the house. Got company after coming home from our wake last night and did not complete what I wanted to.

Since Janet is sitting in a slump and tired of her dinner food choices (which maybe some of the rest are you also), lets start a list of different ideas to bump things up a bit. I'll start with a few recipes I have made lately. All of these freeze well and so easy to just grab out of the freezer when you are in a hurry or set out to thaw when you leave for work. WARNING: Long list of recipes but you all might find helpful....Since it it freaking cold here today, I have decided not to go up to the lake (still ice on it) and will take the time to post these recipes. Cottage Cheese/Asparagus Bake 1lb aspargus, sliced 1 medium onion 2 cups Egg Beaters (reg or just egg white) 2 large eggs 1/2 cup flour 1 tsp baking powder 16 oz FF cottage cheese 1/2 cup FF shredded cheddar 2 Tbls melted butter 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp ground pepper 1/2 oz parmesan cheese Saute asparagus and onion in (use cooking spray)...cool Beat eggs and Egg Beaters, add flour and baking powder to egg mixture: whisk until lumps are gone. Stir in all other ingredients, except parmesan chees. Put mixture into greassed or sprayed 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with parmesan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Turn oven down to 325 and bake another 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown. 10 servings. Cals. 163, Fat 5.3g, Protein 18.3g Spicy CrockPot Thai Chicken 6 boneless dkinless chicken thighs 1/3 cup reduced fat peanut butter (Skippy has a good one) 2 Tbls lime juice 1 Tbls lite soy sauce 1 tsp grated fresh giner 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (Asian food section of store) 1/2 cup ground cili past (Asian food section) 1/2 cup chopped peanuts 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro Place chicken into slow cooker. Mix peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, ginger, sweet chili sauce and chili paste. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Cals 260, Protein 20 gr Crab Cakes 1lb crab meat or 2 cans crab meat 1 egg 1/2 cup bread crumbs 1 tbls mustard 1 tlbs warcestershire sauce 2 tbls FF may 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp old bay seasoning 1/2 tsp dry mustard Mix all ingredients in bowl. Make 6 crab cakes. Place in frig for 1/2 hour minium. Spray skillet and brown about 4-5 minutes on each side. Cals 145 (servings 6), Protein 18 Chili Rellanos 2 cans green chilles (7oz cans) 3 cups LF sharp cheddar grated 4 green onions, sliced 3 cups FF mozzarella cheese grated 6 eggs 4 cups skim 3/4 cup flour 1/4 tsp salt 8 oz salsa Spread chilies in a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese, green onions and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella over chilies. Beat eggs, milk, flour and salt together until smooth. Pour over chilies and cheese. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 50 minutes or until knife comes out clean. Mix salsa with the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella. Sprinkle over baked casserole and return to oven for 10 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes b/4 serving. Makes 12 servings. Cals 210, Protein 23 gr White Bean & Ground Turkey Chipotle Chili 1tbls olive oil 2.5lbs ground turkey breast 2 garlic cloves, minced 32 oz reduced sodium chicken broth 30 oz canned white beans, drained and rinsed 1tsp ground cumin 1tsp dried oregano 1 tsp chili powder (chipotle variety if you have it) 2 tbls lime juice fresh cilantro (if you are into it) Cook turkey, onion and garlic in the olive oil over medium to high heat until turkey is browned (about 10 minutes) Add beans, seasonings and broth. Simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add cilantrol just b/4 serving. 8 servings...cals 260, protein 41gr.

Good Morning and hope everyone has a happy Thursday. We were up VERY early around here. DS and DH headed to a machinery auction. You would have thought it was Christmas morning around here! And, I designate this day "To hell with the spring cleaning today". Think I will take a drive to the lake with the dog. Jodi...have a good first day back at work. You have done so well to get through your holidays and maintaining you detication to your new LB life. You did it! and now if you are tempted next year, you can look back on this one and KNOW you can make it through. I'm a cryer, too, Jodi. I had to step down as a lead with our local National Guard Family Readiness Group because I was crying with everything I was doing...in meetings, talking to families that were sending loved ones, etc. I handled things perfectly when my son was over in Iraq and I was in this group but not the second time around. I think it just brought back too much. I tried to stay SO strong when he was there and then the flood gates opened. And, Jodi, please, please do not let yourself worry about your first fill. Just not worth it. You heard what Joyce said about hers...uneventful. I got myself work into a tizzy b/4 mine and never should have...it was nothing. Jessica...such a sad thing with the drowning. As Janet said, kids need to be watched 24/7. I never trusted my parents with my boys either. Gotta protect your cubs. Melissa...I bet you feel a lot better after sending that letter. Get it off your chest and put it in his court. You are so lucky to have found a "real" father for Alex. Sounds like you are with a wonderful man. Julie...thinking of Mimi and all of you today. Great...hope your all night flight was a good one and you are now snuggled in your own bed. Janet...I have never tried the Lean Cruisine lasagna. When you mentioned it, I went and put it on my "WalMart List" to eat when I am alone here and not cooking. I do have my own stash of lean cuisine in my basement freezer and it is FULL. I make meals ahead for when I am one the run or at the lake. Well, let me tell you, I am ready for the lake! The freezer is full! My two men actually like just grabbing from the freezer when I am gone. No agrument from me. Hi Cheri, Deb, Laura (hope you had a good night in your own bed), LauraK, Meredith????, Sandy????? and everyone else I missed. Phyll...how was the first leg of your journey? I love being on the road and especially in an RV. Be safe. Watch the crossroads (as my grandpa used to say). OK...hitting the shower and then hitting the road. You all have a good one!

Julie...will be thinking of your family tomorrow as Mimi has her surgery. Hope momma can stay calm. It's always tough when it's your child. Joyce....it's nice when that first fill is behind you. No big deal but I think most of us have gotten worried about it. The unknown.

Yep, that's what our struggles are all about, Arlene....figuring out what sets us off into our downfalls. My time of day used to be when my blood sugar would drop about 4pm...or about the time of day I would get off of work. Continuous grazing until dinner and then grazing after dinner. I would "diet" during the day. Well, figured out I had to fuel my body throughout the day to stave off my urge to stuff my face. :thumbup:

WOOHOO, ARLENE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go! This plan is really working for you...or...I should say...YOU are really working for this plan:biggrin:

Hey Sue...sorry you are struggling a bit. Fire away with any questions you might have. Can you give us a sample menu of your typical day? Are you getting an adequate amount of daily fluids? Are you moving that body at least 30 minutes a day? Just let us know your concerns.

Janet...have my pilot but would have to rent the plane. But, would take any opportunity to fly with my DS and to be able to come down and visit you. Joyce...good luck with your first fill. Hope it give you the tweek you need. Just keep in mind it might take a couple to get you to where you want to be. This stage of the LB journey takes some patience. Let us know how it goes.

Laura...try not to feel bad about your dad being upset with you. You know he loves ya! And, with everything that is going on with him, you know he is not himself. I will never forget how a really good friend of ours changed after an illness. He could bite! It just wasn't like him. As others have said, your intentions were well-meaning. Phyll...sorry you have to leave your "happy place". I know exactly how you are feeling. It's like me turning the key in the door on that last day at the lake for the season. I can hardly get the key in cuz the tears are blocking the way. Have safe travels. Once you get home, you will be so happy to be there. It is tough saying goodbye to good friends though. From the sound of your posts, you have had a wonderful season down there. Be safe. Joyce...it WOULD be great to get together out in CA (or any place). We'll see where DS ends up out there. I never know with him. He's my "happy wanderer". He's working on a couple of jobs out there. He's self employed right now so this will be a big change for him. I think a good change and will take off some of the pressure he puts on himself. Julie...sounds like DD and DF have a great support system. Hope they can get things settled down with his X. Have a busy day ahead. Plan on doing windows and finish the cleaning I did not get done yesterday in the lower level of the house. Wake tonight for a good friend's father. Still dark outside but I can see the flag just a-blowin'...gonna be a windy day. You all have a good one!

I was going to comment on you being petite. It fits you. I can't help it that your head comes up to the top of my leg. We still mesh!

Janet...if you are looking for a good chipolte seasoning, Mrs. Dash has a great one. Also, a tomato, basil, garlic one that I really like. You can use them in rice instead of potatoes or on veggies and meats. DS is searching in a couple of areas. His GF is a law student and she is doing the next year out there. He did live in Santa Barbara for a little more than a year and really like that area. Won't know for a bit. Not sure if he will fly, instruct or both. I know you are a few hours from that area but I'm adventerous when it comes to driving and flying. (Would have my own pilot to fly me down).

Janet...you are NOT bags and wrinkles! I've seen you for real and you are as cute as a button, Little Girl. All of us need to know how to take a compliment. Let's all work on that! The potatoes I made were chipolte flavored. The chicken was pretty easy to make. Just took about a cup of LF Italian dressing and mardinated the skinless chicken thighs and legs overnight. Put in baking dish (with the dressing) and sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese. I covered for the first 45 minutes and the last 10-15 without lid. I was soooooo good. I had made steamed brocolli and b/4 I served it, I drizzled some of the juice from the chicken over it. DS called a bit ago b/4 flying back from Masters to Atlanta. He had a great time and is feeling pretty normal. He was gifted golf shoes and pants from buddy of his that is a vendor and was paid by some guys that he flew there. He was a happy camper. He is thinking of making a move from the Atlanta area to CA. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...momma could visit and kill 2 birds with one stone and visit my LB friends?????