Dutchgrl59

Good Morning, :notagree I am a bit sleepy this morning.... I think it's the stress cold that I have. I'm in the coughing stage and I want it to go away. At work I met the real registered nurse, she comes in once a week and her name is Katie. She totally encouraged me to listen to my insticts when kids come into my office and what to do. Over half of the little monsters are what I call "frequent flyers" they come in just to leave class. Ya give them the once over, take a temp and send them back.... no coddling. Today I get to meet our floating substitute, Susan. Shes going to teach me files today but she is also the one who would step in when I have surgery....Shes my VIP and I need to make friends. So, before my little monsters get up I'm gonna make a lunch pail. Bye,

Morning all, Betty you are amazing! I could never imagine a 92lb weight loss, you could do a Gene Kelly dance on the ceiling. Which reminds me, I haven't heard from my clinic in over a week and need to call them today to see where I am in the approval stage. I've been so caught up with the new job I kind of put it on the back burner. Yesterday I was at the Pharmacy and they had a do it yourself blood pressure machine, so I stuck my arm in it and it told me that I was normal. What a relief. So, my to do list today is to #1 Call the clinic #2 Call my kids tutor #3 waiting on HR for a BP retest Ohhhh, kids are up, gotta go!

:thankyou: Congratulations on jumping through all the hoops. You've come a long way Wendy-girl. I've said a prayer and can't wait to hear your story. Hurry home, Hugs,

:typing: Happy Sunday, Sorry I was MIA yesterday, its this dang headCold from my life of stress. I knew this would happen.... new job, kids and stupid ex-DH(I'll get to that later). I'm on decongestants, and tylenol for the sore throat and 16 layers of clothing because I am really really cold, this tin box I live in never heats up.... anyway, feeling better this morning because I slept so well. The children are nestled in bed and it's peaceful. Anne: You mentioned that you are a twin! How cool it that. I love being a MOT-(mother of twins) my boys are very close and still don't mind dressing alike at age 13. My first ultrasound showed 4 embryos, now that would have scared me.... by weeks end only 2 babies remained, I had whats called "vanishing twin syndrome". Pat: I was So sad about your story. How can others be So cruel. Sometimes I wonder about how crafty a thef is in order to steal.... if they are so "smart" couldn't they harness that energy to support themselves honestly? I'll tell ya later about some checks of mine that got stolen -- incredible. Anyway, I totally understand your wariness about a new-hire. I'll be praying for you. Betty: You are right on the button about my silly "phone fear". I'm such a newbie at work and when a switchboard is all lit up I freak. My victory lies in the fact that I picked up one line.... this week I'll shoot for 2 calls -- baby steps! Donna: That head hunger seems to be such an animal and we probably all have it. Thanks for the reminder because being alone with my boys I don't want to unravel in front of them. I'm gonna need to take some precautions. OK, a quick rundown on yesterdays antics. Remember when I told you guys that my ex-DH has to pay for the boys Disney passes.... well he has to pay for 2 1/2 of the passes according to our agreement. In September I paid for little Lewis and on Jan 4th it was Garretts renewal a 50-50 split. This week are the twins. I called him up to remind him and he said he was sick and that he was busy (lame excuse)I nicely asked "So, you all have been sick?" Well, he said "its complicated" My gut says the wife is preggers again.... anyway I ask for the money and he says that I should meet him at the park in 2hrs and he will take care of it. I got heated because I don't like being told what to do and secondly I know that he doesn't have the cash and is stalling. We bantered a few words and "attorney" came out of my mouth and then he HUNG UP. Unfortunately all the boys heard this and I had to do some damage control... its the ugly part of being divorced. The ex will cool down and it will all work out but in the meantime I have to hold the boys closer. It wasn't how I planned our Saturday. Sorry this was so long.....

Wendy, Wishing you the best. Hurry home :biggrin1: :biggrin1:

Good Morning! :hungry: I just love the banter on this thread! Work is doing well... except I'm alittle afraid of answering the school phone when one of the gals has to run to the potty. I got this scarey man on the line, he said he was the locksmith. I just told him to hold on and then Terry got out of the restroom. Everybody is really helpful and trying not to throw too much at me, which is great but the stress finally gave me a sore throat( which I expected would happen) Otherwise I am in HogHeaven and things are looking up. I got my new Disney Pass in the mail yesterday and I am dying to try out the newest ride at Disneys California Adventure park -- its a ride based on the film "Monsters Inc". Anne: 3lbs and I'm jealous. So, got for weird and let you BIL mess with your booby(just kidding). My ex boyfriend became my BIL, married my sister.... and yes he's a good kisser! Eileen: You need to be eating Sugar-Free Reese's.... they don't make SF m&m's.... must write the company. Cindy: I sent you a message, a personal how to use a hand blender. Rene: take a tylenol PM tablet(it's non-addicting). You need your rest. Betty: put your feet up this weekend, you work too hard :kiss2: OK, ladies gotta get pretty -- bye

Dear Pat, Go, ahead and vent away. I am so sorry that one of your girls just split. Back in the days when I was with a law firm we interviewed alot.... and we sent most of those applicants home. One day at a time, that new girl will be just what you've been looking for :bandit . Hey, I survived my first real day at work.... no throw-up kids(yeah). At my morning meeting I met the 30+ other health aides in the district and was awestruck. This is such an enormous job, and I am honored to be a small part of it. Thanks Rene, for telling me about salt intake, I had forgotten that raises BP. I have been walking everymorning at 6am and drinking lots of green tea. When I get re-tested I will then sign my work papers to make me official.... but just being here 3 days they won't want to get rid of me -- interviewing for this position is a bitch. I found out that I beat out a 21year old because she didn't have "life experience", wow makes me feel old.... nah, my motherhood and experience I wear proudly -- I earned it and ya can't take it away. Eileen & Beanie: back together again you troublemakers! Doc: tell me what the band feels like? Sherry: try any new shakes lately? Cindy: were you asking about hand blenders.... I love mine and keep spares. PM me. Well, gotta go,

Good Morning All, I couldn't sleep, I have my first Health Services Assistant(thats my title) meeting today. I will get to meet everybody who has the same job as I do within our School district and the 4 real nurses. Nervous doesn't begin to describe where I'm at :phanvan After our meeting it's off to work, by myself for the first time! I just need to keep a cool head. Yesterday, when I got home it took me hours to unwind. Hey, I just wanted to thank ya all.... without this place, my head would surely pop off! CYA,

Hey Gang, Just when I thought life was getting good..... ya know that employment physical -- I failed it! According to Pathway medical my blood pressure is too high -- ha I have never ever had high blood pressure in my life, even when I was pregant with twins! But did they try to take it a second time? Nah, just wave bye-bye and told me I wasn't gonna get the job. I was steamed. I went to work today on my last day of training and as overwhelming as all that is, all I could think about was failing a blood pressure test. After work I immediately went to human resources and they seemed to already know, and want me to come to work tomorrow and are willing to step in and sort through the mess. Working in the districts LARGEST school is nuts and I am truly trying to keep the panic at a managable level. The gal that was training me was trying to teach me everything she does.... except that it took her 18months to learn it all and I had 2 days with her -- impossible to do! I told her to say goodbye to everyone and get her skinny little butt out of my office! I plan to have many many meltdowns but it's not rocket science and it will all work itself out.... thats what I say today.... any how, thats my vent this afternoon, I have kids to pick up in 20 minutes. Sayonara

Morning, Cold & Windy here....I can hardly move my mouse. I have the day off and the kids are still with their dad. I'm gonna head out to try and get my employment physical done which completes my personel packette for work. Do you think they will weigh me? Pat: you own a small country.... lol and it is beautiful (can I come visit?) I live in a 2 bedroom mobile home w/ 4 children -- we are shall we say COZY. Eileen: you have been talking about that soup since surgery, is it really that good? I've never tried squash soup.... I'm curious now! Ohhh, shopping, I'd love to go.... me have no money either :kiss2: Sherry: your shopping trip to Walmart sounds like you're "nesting", keep looking for that blender, the right one will come along soon. Anne: I agree, Zone bars are the best, and I think I will be buying them by the case. Keep up the good work! Hey, gotta scoot,

I'd say good morning but it's almost lunch :hungry: time! Brrrrrr... I know it's cold in Jersey but why did you send it to California too :omg: I'm freezing right here at my computer, whew! Nuttin' special planned for today, spent the early morning wrapped in a quilt reading a novel. My kind of day. Eileen: you have such a tiny ass, I don't mind that you sent belated congrats. Just a note, no LB date yet....we must have patience. Betty: So good to see you. Lonely out there in the corporate world, please don't work too hard.... we need ya around here. Pat: Did you say that you live on a ranch? I never knew that! Beanie, Keri, Anne, Dianne, Sherry, Lisa.... Zan what'cha doin' on this glorious day? I know I'm missing some gals, please forgive me. Stay warm,

Keri, Running after all those kids.... I bet you dropped a dress size. Thanks for the encouragement. Can you tell I really really want my band. See Ya,

I just stopped by to let you know that I think you one AWESOME Mom Not once during your whole ordeal have you considered just throwing in the towel. You moved when you needed to and you check in regularly with your darling son (keeping accurate temperatures are crucial). You listen with your gut as well as with your heart.... and no one knows your ex better than you do. Right now this minute my 4 sons are on visitation with their dad(its a 3day weekend) and I finally get the chance to relax and regroup before the week begins again. Your girlfriend was right to take you out -- time to recharge your batteries. Keep your chin up and watch your step, it does get easier. Hugs,

How about a nursing basket for the livingroom. The basket should contain: diapers, wipes, baby wash cloths(they are smaller than adult ones) burping cloths, blanket, breast cream, diaper creme, nursing pads, bottles of water/juice/protein bars for mom, and a place for the cordless phone & TV remote(buy toy ones for baby). When mom sits down to nurse everything is within arms reach. Add things that match her personality. The other hit gift I get parents is a copy of the daily newspaper on the babys day of birth. Wrap it in plastic and bring it to the hospital with a congrats card. It's the one gift they will not throw away.

Hey Betty, I've been meaning to tell you that I too miss your daily check-ins -- Please hurry back. I just got back from a trip to the GoodWill store. My girlfriend bought a recliner loveseat for $10. and I bought an Ivory gown for $8. and it's waaaaay to small for me, but it was simply much too pretty to pass up.... and by next year I'll be wearing it Right? We have rain here in Southern California but that was early this morning, now it's just cool. We should have had this during Christmas -- did someone forget to tell the weatherman? Hope you all are having a pleasant Saturday,

Hey Jessiebear, That is an awesome clothing site. Thanks.

OK, I'm gonna teach ya how to make a shake... says the girl who fasted for 7 months(years ago). You must learn to dr up these packaged things. The program I was on was called HMR and you can still buy it. I get my cup, fill with 6oz of water, empty the envelope and blend. I add 1/4 cup of half & half or I used to use cream when doing low carb and enjoy. My favorite flavor is vanilla and at night I would blend add a teaspoon of SF vanilla pudding mix and put it in a latte mug, microwave and sprinkle nutmeg for eggnog. If you are a chocolate fan just use Carnation Instant Breakfast add Whey powder to buffer in some protein, half & half and you're good to go! Da Vinci makes coffee syrups in thousands of flavors and you need to try at least one(sugar free) to get your varities going. I have stuff like hazelnut, kaluha, raspberry and coconut just stashed in my cupboard and I buy them for a discount at... get this "Ross dress for less" and "Marshalls" in the gourmet cooking aisle. Whey powder comes in Vanilla & chocolate and Walmart carries. Taste is personal but recipes are endless. Food for thought -- hope this helps :rofl:

Cheri, We all get it that DH doesn't want you buying new clothes... aren't there outlets stores in your neck of the woods? On Wednesday I needed some new jeans but can't afford $24.99 a pair so I went to Susies $5 deals they are the dumping grounds for Lane Bryant. They had Vesenia jeans for, you guessed it $5.00. I bought 2 pair. Now that you are dropping weight, you might need an alternative clothing source.... which is why I have decided to just buy one pair of jeans in almost every size (18, 16,& 14) which would cost me $15. and give me something to work towards. Congrats again,

Hey, Girl I have a stick immersion hand blender from Braun. I use a tall plastic cup from like 7-11 and add water + powder and whisk. Rinse the blender and throw it in the drawer. My Mom bought me this one 20 years ago and I recently found a back up one at a thrift store for $3.00 (I did the happy dance). If you use a typical kitchen blender you will be washing it alot... and I for one hate washing things. Were we any help? :rofl:

Good Morning Ladies, Dianne: Your good thoughts on my first day of worked.... but boy was I bushed when I got home! Brain Dead :nervous Here's what I saw, 2 throw-ups, 5 stomachaches, 1 jammed thumb, 4 respiratory kids and gave 1 meds! Not bad for a Friday. Most of the day I felt... well sorta surreal because when I started the week, I never imagined that by weeks end that I would have a "real" job. I'm a bit calmer this morning and am super glad that the boys are on visitation. It gives me a chance to process all thats just happened. I giggle everytime I say that I have an office with a restroom of my own and get this.... a private parking space with "nurse" printed on it! :clap2: So this weekend I'm gonna continue unpacking from going to my Moms house -- need to do laundry so that I have work clothes. General housekeeping and thought I'd take myself to the movies as a treat. Rene: My date for surgery has not been set. My ticker is my wishful surgery date and I use the word "vacation" so that when the kids sneak up behind me and read that they don't get upset. I won't be telling them or the Ex. Jumping thru the hoops are: Seminar, dietitcian, surgeon meeting, psych eval. I have done the Seminar & Dietitcian and I need a referral to meet the surgeon -- then they will give me the date. I believe the psych evaluation is included on what they call the all day visit pre-op then surgery. Have you done all this stuff? I am hoping for Feb 13 or 15 and now with the new job that puts a tiny wrinkle in the plan... emphasis on the word tiny. So, thats my life in a nutshell. Wishes to all my girlfriends :kiss2: have a great weekend,

Haaaaa, Cindy That was the best advice I've heard yet. Hey, Eileen how do you like your Cheerleading section so far?

Cheri.... are you the same girl that cried at the cracker barrel? Are those icky first days a distant memory? You have a great Victory! Us girls that have not been banded stand in awe of you -- Keep up the good work my dear.... motivation is the key! Hugs,

Oh, Eileen, I'm so glad that your troubles weren't about DH or DD. I had forgotten about the review..... your rating wasn't fair. Keep a clear head and you get a "high five" for going to your old boss. Mr. Drill sargent needs to understand that in order to make his department look good, he needs to surround himself with strong workers that will defend him. Bide your time and look around. This review and how your are feeling to it wasn't an accident and the Good Lord will reveal his plan in due time. I sent up a prayer and we're glad that we have a weekend to refocus our energies -- Hugs darling. Well, I'm up.... just washed my hair and will get all my monkeys up for school. Todays my first official day as a permanent employee of the Westminster School District.... and no butterflies!? I think I'm ready. I get this one day of training; I think mostly to learn which kids have meds that they take at school and how their computer system works. The gal thats training me wants to head off to her new postition. I need to find out why she is leaving.... just to see if I didn't sign on to a pandora's box. Anyway, feeling good and positive. Yesterday our family had an add-on. My Niece Tammy had a baby Boy and they named him Caleb Jordan Stremcha :biggrin1: All went well and Mom and baby will be going home on Saturday. Well thats it folks, I'll check in later. I wonder if I can get LBT from work.. I'll find out.

Many thanks for your heartfelt thoughts, everybody. School went swimmingly and I hugged every child and told them to I'd come to visit often. When I left school I attempted to go for my employment physical and they told me all the Drs went to lunch(it was 12:30) and please come back at 1:45. Well, that put a kink in my plans so I decided to run errands before the kid pick-up hour arrived. After banking at my teachers credit union I asked to see a loan officer. I told her my WLS story and why I needed $500.00 -- a one night stay at hospital is $250., $100.00 for HMR shakes, a rental for a lounge chair 50. and liquid meds & vitamins. Could I get a small personal loan. Her magic fingers danced the keys and she had me approved for $1,000. WOW that was amazing. I had victory again! It has been many many years when my DH & I couldn't be approved for anything and now on my own they are throwing money at me! I have come a long way BABY! I thanked her kindly.... and a Grand was a bit too much to play with, so we played with the numbers to make them smaller and she printed an approval letter. Soooo, when I get my surgery approval I can get my nest egg and really prepare for lapband-land Eileen: I ache for you.... please come back and share with us. Sherry: Is your surgery in February sometime? I'm aiming for 2/15 It would be wonderful if us 3 have the same month. Hey, did you know that they make hershey kisses sugar-free? They are tasty too! Well, gotta make dinner and get ready for my first day of work -- yeah!

Lisa, I'm gonna make a suggestion. If you are really hungry, my guess is that you need protein... 60 - 80 grams per day. A silly egg only has 7 grams and you would be eatting for days. A carnation instant breakfast with a scoop of whey powder 20grams(walmart) will give you such a boost, and you will not be hungry. Make it warm in the morning and iced in the afternoon and warm again before bedtime. Look for soy products to give added protein.... and because it takes longer to digest you won't need to eat as frequently. Congrats on the weight loss. I would kill for a 15lb loss today! Hugs