Apples2

Certainly not upset...I took it one way..you said it another. You are always kind and considerate, Lori:biggrin:

Can anyone say "stress eating"? Good thing I have some room to grow. Cereal, ice cream, Snickers, Rollos, sesame sticks, Cheetos, etc., etc., etc.,

Thanks Lori...actually, not in the middle of anything. I will not allow that or set myself up for that. I have totally distanced myself from them. What I am in the middle of is grieving (yes, even though he was a tyrant) and also grieving for what could have been. As I stated...I will work through everything and allow things to settle down. Anyway, just appreciate you and all of the girls here. Can't get much better support and concern than you guys have provided the last few days. And, I thank you for that.:blushing:

Thank you so much for the kind words, LauraK. Sorry to hear about your friend. Ugh...lots for him and his family to deal with, I'm sure.

Ummmm...that would be thank you...but I am thankful

Thanks, Arlene for the kind words. Funny how families sometimes get ripped apart after the death of parents. A little info...the ripping happened 15 yrs ago with mine. Out of respect for the dead and not wanting drama caused at my dad's funeral, I am sitting here as the funeral is taking place. Same routine as when my mother passed away 4 yrs ago. I don't want to send the wrong message to all of you. Nope, not a cold-hearted "B" that does not attend her parent's funeral. Just a smart girl that knows what would take place if I were there. I am left to deal with this in my own way. Not an ideal situation but to know me is to understand that I will take it all as it comes my way, feel it and get on with life. Thanks for caring

Julie...another big thankful GF.

Thanks, Joyce...but, be careful what you ask for with me writing my feelings. You girls don't even want to hear what I am feeling right now. Very long and complicated story. All I can say is that I am at peace with my life and what I have done with it and the person that I am and how I treat others. That's what life is, right???? Oh my gosh...I just figured out the meaning of life. Be right back...gonna get it a patent....

Janet...no shopping. Actually just at home today muddling through life. Don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer" but really struggling. Too many emotions to deal with and just plain pissed off about too many things, sad and just plain depressed. And, the fact that I have not slept in two nights does not help with keeping my emotional balance in tact. Again...to everyone of you. Thanks for the comfort and support.

Welcome home, Lori...good to hear that you had a nice time and your knees played a role in that. Will talk later.

So funny, Phyll...What kind of walk was that again?????? I am sure you are amazed every day by the things you are able to do compared to a couple of years ago. Gonna speak for all of us again...WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!! And, you walked for such a good cause. Congrats. Great recap, Julie. Thanks. I am sure it was a lot easier for Melissa than going thru pages and pages. Up at 4:30...couldn't sleep. Cried most of the night and it's not any better this morning. Hubby is still snoring. Pretending like he's listening to the Linder Farm Network...can't fool me. I am amazed the difference his CPAP has made. For DS also. DH is not a big man and has been the same weight since I have known him. "Normal". Him and DS both have a rare sleep disorder (don't ask me what it is called by the medical world). Anyway, changed their lives and for that I am thankful. I also sleep better because DH is not thrashing around, walking in his sleep, talking silly to my Grandmother in his sleep. Deb...sorry you have been struggling. Try to post every day if you can. It really does help to have a bunch of hens clucking at you at telling you what they think. Off days like you have been having can really throw us off mentally and you just have to jump-start again and get back on track (easier said than done). Melissa..how's the new job going? Missing your daily posts. OK...gotta hit the shower. Gonna see if I can do something with this hair. Had a new person cut it while in FL and, of course, I am dealing with run away curls and flips. Think I will just let it do it's own thing. Not one for fussing with my hair. My motto for hair and makeup...If I cannot do it in 2.5 minutes, then it's not getting done. We have missed you, Great... You all have a wonderful day.

Phyll...she's my favortie too. Has been since she first tried out. She cute and natural...she has that husky Melissa Ethridge voice. I am pushing for her. The other (terrible with the names tonight) the first singer...cute little brunette...she just seems so full of life and cute. But, she's been flat the last couple of times. The nerves must take a beating with all these kids. I feel for them. Janet...hope you are OK. Gotta watch that!

Melissa...sorry but not up to doing a recap. Have a bad case of CRS lately and am afraid I would screw it all up. Lots of posts since you have been here. We hit page 600 yesterday.

Melissa...so sorry for what you have been through with your baby dog. He is soooooooo pretty. I bet he gave you 13 yrs of joy. I feel for you as you deal with the loss of your family pet. Take care

Jessica...you will be blowing by those women on the track in no time. Being stiff and sore the next day is a good thing...no pain, no gain. Way to go!

Yeah...Queen for a day!!!

Joyce...congrats on the 17lbs. I do not use a ticker...choose not to. I just would post once in awhile on my weightloss. As far as the list of band unfriendly food....we all got the list. I remember shrimp and popcorn being on mine and was upset to think that they were out of my life forever. I eat shrimp and popcorn both. Just be careful when you introduce new foods. They are on that list for a reason and things some banded ppl have trouble with. Does not mean you will. Shrimp is very dense and chew, chew, chew. I have a very loose band and there are some things that others with a tighter band can tolerate but I cannot. Some things that get to me are muffins, bread and I get stuck on cake...go figure. But, I never get stuck on meats or seafood. We are all different in what we can and cannot eat. You might find that you get stuck on something like tuna but the next time you try, it's OK. Just have to introduce foods and see how you handle them. You just learn to live with what works for you.

Laura and Eva...I love a good scrappy competition. Only problem is...I love you both so I will be swaying from side to side. READY...SET...GO...

Ummmm...Laura...who is that new blond hot chick that is using your avatar space?????????? Congrats on the gym and the NSV.

Janet...thanks for sharing the recipe. Sounds good. I like the spicy V-8 so will make it with that. Both DH and I love shrimp cocktail and have it at least once a week. We are going to try your version this weekend. Good Morning to all....Well, our Jodi is most likely well on her way to being banded this morning. I'm pretty sure I can speak for all of us in saying it's been a real joy to get to know her. Her posts are so interesting. Looking forward to following her every step of the way. (Yes, Jodi...talking about you like you are not here). And to all of you bandsters....we feel that way about each and every one of you! Janet...we live on the plains and wind is something we deal with about 80% of the time. I really dislike wind. Hair spray is my friend.

Janet...I know you are busy, but, you had mentioned a Tex-Mex Shrimp Cocktail you made over the weekend. If you have time, could you please share that recipe? Thanks.

Jodi...thinking of you!

Forgot to add...another version I use...instead of the block of cream cheese, I add 1 cup fat free mayo.

Ask and you shall receive: Chicken Divan Ala Apples2 In 8x13 baking dish...layer 2, 10 oz bags brocolli spears or can use the same amount of fresh. Add 3 cups cubed or chopped chicken, top with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. In a sauce pan: 1 cup skim milk, 1 10 oz low sodium cream soup (mushroom, chicken or celery). At 1 tsp. lemon juice, 1 tsp curry powder, 1/4 tsp pepper and 8 oz of 1/3 fat cream cheese. Heat on low, stirring often until well blended. Pour over chicken/brocolli/cheese layers. Bake covered in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes b/4 serving. The way I have it figured, there's about 300 calories per serving. 12 servings per pan.:thumbup:

Julie...DH loves to see your body in the chair???? Is that necked TV watching?????????