Great2BThin

Good morning! GRRR more techie issues. This morning my internet wasn't working. Went to check the modem and no power. Somehow the outlet it's plugged into keeps tripping. No idea why so I found some extension cords and ran them to another room and got power that way. DH is in Denver today (without me BOO HOO!! but just for the day) so he can look at it when he gets home or I will call the builder if we have an electrical issue. Not sure if the storm has anything to do with it, but all my other power is working. After our issues getting the XBOX Kinect hooked up I did real well connecting it last night to the wireless etc. and was worried I did something there but then saw that DH was on the internet early this morning. So frustrating, at least in pony express days you just had to care for the horses! LOL Looks like I may be snowed in today, will see how it goes, I'd like to run a few blocks to Walmart and check out the Christmas clearance for next year (Paper and bows, etc) but that's not crucial of course. My dogs (black lab mixes) stunk so bad from being boarded at the kennel that I decided to give them baths. I usually hose them down outside which they love but in this cold I couldn't hardly do that. They are too big for the bathtub so I took them one at a time into the shower with me. OMG now I have black hair everywhere. So gals, I knwo a few of you have big labs, how do you give them baths? Especially Apples there in the frozen tundra of MN??? Jewel, congrats on ONederland. You have come so far, so proud of you. You should go back and read some of your first posts on this thread and see for yourself where you were and where you are now. Amazing girl! Tina, good luck at your appt on Monday. Yep that is all Janet eats, that is a typical banded lifestyle diet, or should be. No eating around the band. Apples, hoping you can get some rest. Linda, now that is junking up the thread. Too funny how that kept doing that. LauraK, enjoy your new years. Janet, I did a New Year's eve when I lived in Vegas, it was the year they imploded the Hacienda hotel. But they imploded it at 9pm so that it would be midnight on the east coast for television. DUMB! So at 9pm we are all shouting Happy New Year and singing Auld Lang Syne and then go home and watch it all over on TV at midnight. It was crazy the people and oh the alcohol by the actual midnight it was pretty bad. It's a new Year's I will always remember and my kids talk about all the time, hard to top that one. Arlene, be careful on too many stops on that choo choo!! That's also what I wanted to go to Walmart for today, get some Protein bars, etc.

Well after some frustration we got our XBox Kinect set up tonight. TUrns out some 'sync' button wasn't working and it wasn't us. That was a relief. Felt so frustrated and foolish when it wouldn't work and it wasn't even us. Sometimes I just assume it's us when it comes to technology. LOL Still have some setting up of things like our accounts, etc. but hope to get my workout thing going on it soon. Janet, yes I do want to lose some pounds, but tops I have been a large in since hitting goal pretty much, got a few mediums but usually needed the large even at my smallest. Pants well I bought them snug and hope they'll be loose soon! Arelene, I'm not looking to follow WW or anything will stick to my 'band rules' and Protein, but was just curious about the changes since I did the points program forever before banding. Glad you found something for the anxiety. Apples, glad you liked the woman doctor, I've had very few in my life as well. Can't believe DH didn't want to hook up that walk in closet for ya! Is he still planning on the bikes?? They could maybe go in there too. LOL LauraK, enjoy your New Years date! Will want to hear about it. Jodi, have you ever gone to Times Square to watch the ball drop? I have always thought that would be fun. WE thought of doing it when we lived in Philadelphia but didn't. I watch it on TV, I usually watch it at 10pm here and pretend it's midnight and then go to bed. LOL

Arlene, congrats on the 2 lbs! So what's so different about this new WW point program than the old one? Melissa, glad the back is feeling better, be careful. I am slowly getting on that Protein train too. I didn't like how tight clothes fit when I was trying stuff on today.

Tina, actually we have Meredith and Jewel here both in their twenties I believe, but you are close! LOL

Well did I ever score shopping! First up was the Loft, of course, with my gift card, it was for $100. Everything in the store was 50% off but the card I got in the mail said that excluded new arrivals. What I really wanted was these new wide leg jeans they got in and were showing on the postcard. You all know how I hate my legs and big calves/knees, wide leg pants help me a lot. Well.....I get to the store and they are honoring 50% off everything! PLUS! the card I had was for an additional amount of a total purchase. So I got a jacket (normally $80) 2 pairs of jeans (one normally $60 and the other $70), a knit shirt (normally $40), sox and a necklace (normally $40), all of it was brand new mechandise and total came to $108 so for $8 plus my gift card I got a huge sack full! I was so excited, told DH that was why I liked gift cards for Christmas. LOL I can feel it getting colder and our storm starting to get close. Supposed to get real windy here soon, then rain turn to snow by tomorrow. We've had so much snow already and in Denver they are having to Water their lawns as they've had nothing. Weird. Well DH just surprised me and walked in early. Gotta go.

Good morning! Am ready to leave shortly for my day of shopping. First up downtown to the Loft store with my gift card! Not sure if I will spend it or save it for spring/summer clothes. I really don't have much of that, what I do have I bought 2 yrs ago at Goodwill when we went on our cruise. Then it's the mall closer to me as NY & Co has everything 70% off, then it's costco for some lobster tails, I think they are frozen to keep for Friday night. I don't want to go later in the week if we get that huge snowstorm they are talking about so I want to get all my errands and running around done today. Arlene, been meaning to ask, how come you want to cruise next Christmas? I thought you enjoyed being with all your grandkids so much? We are looking at a cruise around May or so, would really like to go to Eurpope again so have been watching for some deals. Linda, glad you had a good time with DGD for Christmas. Sorry you missed your son so much, that would be hard. Cheri, your day downtown Chicago sounds lovely. ABout 15 yrs ago DH's sister lived there (Schaumburg I think) and we went downtown to see all the lights and windows. We saw a parade as well so it must've been around Thanksgiving time. Then I went one summer and we went to the pier. So, you cooking gals, I am going to this New Years day football party. She is serving spaghetti, what's something good but not too difficult I can bring to go with that?

I remember one of the posts I wanted to comment on, Cheri's about the food. You must be my food twin. I hate to cook as well, needs to be easy. Also grapefruit tastes very bitter to me and peppers kindda the same so I must have that pepper gene too. I like simple recipes. And I am awkward in social situations as well. Hence why the dinner party was so hard for me it involved both cooking and socializing.

Arlene, too funny, you are commenting on how this is the longest you have had your Christmas stuff up and I am commenting on how early it is to take down. I guess everyone has different traditions. I am seriously considering working on getting some down tomorrow, unless I go shopping that is. Big snowstorm coming on Wed. so might head out tomorrow. I got a gift card to burn! LOL And I sure don't want to drive downtown in a snowstorm. Okay that's it, I talked myself into it. Christmas down on WEd. shopping tomorrow! I gotta stay busy too, it was hard to come home this time from Denver. Apples, yep looking forward to new traditions too. I really did Christmas up big last year, knowing it was the last one in my home in Denver with both kids as DD was engaged but living at home at the time. It was a special one but this one started new traditions. DD really wanted Christmas dinner at her house this year as she is hoping to start a tradition in that we and her DH's family will always come to her house on Christmas day. Next year we'll have little Katelyn crawling around in all the paper and boxes! Can't wait!

Merry Christmas!!! I know it's a couple days after but it's still the season! We had a wonderful Christmas after our scare with our daughter going into preterm labor. I could read here while I was in Denver but couldn't post and I so appreciated reading all your thoughts and prayers for me, I was overwhelmed by the love and support! DD got released from the hospital at 6pm on Christmas eve. They had to wait 24 hours from the time they had first given her this injection of some kind of steroid that is supposed to help develop the baby's lungs in case she delivers early. She needed the 2nd injection and then got sprung lose as long as she promised no standing and to take it easy. She behaved pretty good. She's still have contractions however and taking an RX to prevent them. She had a dr appt today and the cervix is still good and not looking like delivery is imminent whatever that means. She has another week of being homebound and then sees the dr again next Monday. She had all this stuff ready to have her first Christmas dinner of her married life with us and her inlaws so DH & I cooked it all while she supervised, it turned out yummy. She had brined a turkey. The kids got me a Kinect for the XBox and the EASports Active game for it, looks like a great workout. I am hoping we have no troubles getting it hooked up. Also we'll be able to video chat with each other. I had such a hard time coming home this morning. I wanted to stay til tomorrow so I was there while DD went to Dr but DH was in a hurry to get home. I sobbed like anything at the airport this morning. Then to come in and see all the Christmas stuff at home, I started again. LIke I said I've been reading the posts but unable to respond, but of course can't remember everything I read. I did read a few comments about taking Christmas stuff down already. Really? Am I the weird one for leaving it up til New Year's? I guess I try to hang on to Christmas as long as I can and get kindda depressed taking it down. However, reading about you gals taking your's down has me thinking. It was very hard to come home today and see it all up, knowing it was over. It's the first time ever since having my kids that I didn't have Christmas at my house and it still feels like it should be coming even though I had a wonderful one in Denver. LOL My grandma always said we shouldn't take it down til Jan 6th which in the Lutheran (and probably Catholic) is Epiphany. But I've not usually left it up that long by New Years day I am usually ready. Speaking of New Year's, we don't do anything New Years eve usually as far as going out. The past several years we've cook crab or lobster at home. New Years Day we are invited to a Rose Bowl party. DH doesn't want to go. I was like Excuse Me? You are the one that wanted me to host that dinner so badly because we need to be more social etc. and now we are invited somewhere and you don't want to go? Needless to say He's going! LOL Tina, I am sorry your husband left you, lots of stuff to deal with a marriage ending, the holidays and upcoming surgery. Be strong and stay focused on the new healthier you to get through. Janet, how is your son doing? Julie, glad your pain has been better, it'll be better when it's gone for good but at least it's not as severe. Okay I can't remember everything I read to respond to over the past 5 days. I so appreciated each and everyone of you and it helped so much to know you were all praying and thinking of me in my difficult time. You know that neither of my sisters called at all? They knew too that DD was in the hospital and everything.

Good evening. Went to dinner with DH tonight for our 'Christmas', I got my favorite, fish and chips. Just had half the fish (it was fried) and none of the fries. Then came home and exchanged our gifts. I got a scarf, bracelet and sweater from the Loft along with an Ann Taylor gift card to spend. WOOHOO!! ONly thing is the sweater is a little snug. I am going to try and exchange it for the next size, if not I will keep it, it's a cardigan and I'll just wear it open. Can't wait to go to Denver tomorrow and wrap my arms around my kids. DD is feeling better tonight like things are loosening up some. So that is a relief. Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good night!

Rain, snow, rain, snow, it's been going back and forth one or the other for several days now. All day yesterday rain, last night snow and this morning snow. So I just got in from shoveling a lot of slush. That is my gym for today! I've not been real faithful at getting to the gym this month but am staying active. I may not go to the gym as much after the first of the year because I might have a workout partner at home. I was telling my friend about my Power 90 DVD's and she wants to come over and do them with me every day. I hope she's committed as that will help me a lot. If not Plan B is to do them myself and/or go to the gym. I know better than to let my exercise or lack thereof depend on someone else. It's great to have a workout partner when they are committed but if they are not and you are not then it becomes an excuse for you not to as well and I won't let that happen, preparing myself in my head for that. This friend, I love her dearly, is the type to jump in things with both feet and then start to flake out. I got younger this morning, had to go out and brave the roads, rain then snow is not a good combo on roads. Can you say ice? Luckily it wasn't too far. Then I did my shovelling and as soon as I cool down some am going to go start packing. Tonight DH & I are having our own little Christmas I think. We are going to dinner, then coming home and opening our gifts from each other. Since we won't be home we thought we'd do that rather than pack them to take to Denver, just to pack them to take home again. I was going to wait to do it til after we got home but DD tells me I want to open my gift from DH before we come. LOL Wonder what it is? I know he went to the Loft. LOL Arlene, pardon me if I am out of line, but is there something that is possibly preventing you from wanting to be successful? Are you dealing with something that is making you self sabotage yourself? I know I've done that recently and I have the extra pounds (as you all saw in Vegas) to deal with as well. But I am not looking at is as failure but as a learning experience. Because I am learning to deal with my self esteem/worth issues in the weight loss and once I deal wtih them once and for all I will be successful long term. Carbs, even healthy ones seem to be your downfall. Can you elminate them from the house? Don't buy more oatmeal, sweets, etc. I allowed Diet Coke back into my routine, first it was a little glass, now it's big gulps. I don't want to deal with the caffeine withdrawal over the holidays so my plan is to give them up when we get back. Also having the diet coke makes me crave other stuff with it, like salty crunchy. I know I have good restriction because I just PB'd on my beloved nuggets (today was a 5 nugget day LOL) so it's a head and bad habit issue for me. Meredith, any word on the missing dog? I just cried when I read that last night. I am such a dog person anyway and have 2 black lab mixes myself. Everyone sending cards, thank you so much. I feel like such a slug because I took this year off from sending them out. I have sent them every year for 30+ years and it's the first time I've done that. Maybe I'll have to send VAlentines this year or something. LOL Phyl, been enjoying your 'check in's on Facebook. Not sure how you do that but it's fun to watch your travels. Well I'll probably post again tonight but if not, have a very Merry Chrsitmas everyone! I can read and keep up on my phone but haven't figured out posting while I am gone.

Good evening. Tina, no I didn't have any bouts of depression before the band. I am sure some people may but not all. I guess what I mean is we all have different issues and reasons we got the way we did. But the important thing is you are facing what it is for you. I did wake up from surgery and had a minor freak out moment thinking OMG what have I done to myself, but that didn't last long and am so glad I did it. Julie, this year and last my tree ornaments have been co-ordinated. We made a bunch of balls out of pheasant feathers. However my wrapping paper is never co-ordinated, I just buy what I like each year and use it up. And I am usually a slap a bow on kind of person. Never can get anything else to look nice. Joyce, sorry to hear about your knee, what happened? Meredith, sorry to hear about the missing dog. That's so sad. Hope you are feeling better. Just spoke to my DD she went back to the dr with her chest congestion, she was getting pains in her pelvic area when coughing. She has bronchitis, the pain they said was from the strain the coughing is putting on her already stretched ligaments from the pregnacy. The baby is fine, but her oxygen levels are border line, She is to do absolutely no lifting or pushing and be on rest. They gave her an inhaler to help with the coughing. Hope she improves soon.

Here ya go Cheri, warning it's not 'low calorie' or anything: Garlic Potatos 3 lb. red potatoes 6 garlic cloves, minced 1 C Water 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 8-oz pkg cream cheese 1/4 C butter 1/2 to 1 C milk Quarter potatoes and place in slow cooker. Add garlic, water, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on high 2-3 hours or low 4-6 hours, until potatoes are tender. Add water if necessary. Lightly mash potatoes. Stir in cream cheese and butter. Add milk to desired consistency. Serve immediately or keep in slow cooker on low, adding more milk if necessary.

Welcome, Tina, ask away with any questions you might have. We are very supportive here. Without knowing any specifics the best advice I have is to remember the lap band doesn't do the work for you. YOu still have to do the work and it's only a tool to help you. If you can go into with this mindset you will be more successful. Folks who think the band does it all are usually disappointed. Janet likes to point out that they didn't band our heads, meaning we still battle with head hunger. Also be sure and journal your food and eat Protein first. Good luck to you. Arlene, did you know that Chik Fil A Southwest chicken salad has about 20 grams of carbs in it? That's w/o the tortilla strips I think, not sure which one you got. Happy Anniversary to you! Did you have a Christmasy wedding? My parents got married in Dec and their pics have all sorts of pointsettias in them.

Good morning, it's snowing AGAIN! It rained all day yesterday and now today snow. I think it's supposed to be nice in Denver though so that's good. They've not had any snow hardly and we keep getting it. Glad we aren't driving to Denver this time. Today I am doing laundry and tomorrow packing. Thanks for the input on Grandma names. I don't like Granny either, that's not even in contention. Will probably just go with the flow and see what it turns out to be. Arlene, we usually get inside cabins on cruises too as we aren't in the room much, but never by an elevator though it's convenient I don't like the noise. We got a balcony once and that was nice though I could get very spoiled and used to that and always say next time I am getting one again but when it comes down to the extra cost I never do as I'd rather have that extra money for excursions, etc. I am contemplating another Europe cruise this year, we did Western Mediterranean before so maybe Eastern this time. Apples, prayers said for DH, when do you find anything out? I am cleaning my kitchen this morning too. Phyl, glad you are safe in your travels. Are you posting from your phone? I haven't tried to figure how to do that on my Droid yet with this new update and all. LauraK, when does DD arrive? Is this her first trip home since moving? Julie, glad your pain seems to be better. Careful with the little ones today.

Good evening. Well everyone just left from the small group gathering I had. It went okay. I was more nervous or unsure of myself tonight than last night. I wasn't sure how much to serve and how much to just let them go get. Everything was out on the counter and island in the kitchen as far as food, drinks, coffee, utensils, cups etc. But it seemed to go okay. I also didn't know half the people as well. But it's done. Apples, so glad you had such a great day. I love playing board games on Christmas. Arlene, where else is the cruise going? I am assuming it's a Western Carribean since it's going to Belize. We went there, Grand Caymen, Roaton and Cozumel a few times on ours. TX, good thoughts for your dad's surgery. Cheri, all that new technology would scare me too, but you'll figure it out I am sure. Well I am sleeping in tomorrow! Time to relax a little!

Thanks Cheri, I like simple. Tonight's gathering is appetizers and everyone is bringing some. I made an artichoke dip and have cheese and crackers. House is still clean from last night so good there. I have a much smaller house than any of them last night and probably tonight too (but haven't been to one of them) but it's newer and well I think fixed up awfully nice but that's personal taste. The person I was most nervous about last night, her husband is an airline captian and she's very into designers and brands, but very down to earth, she made me feel comfortable. Your Christmas eve gathering sounds wonderful. This is the first year in years I've not hosted it for DH's family and that's only because we moved. That menu is set as it's his family tradition to have oyster stew and then chili for those of us who don't eat the oysters. I plan on sleeping in tomorrow now that I got the weekend behind me. Then it's laundry to get ready to pack for Denver! Oh and I get younger on Tues (hair colored aka gray covered and cut). Wonder how Karen is doing as fake Grandma? I bet she's having a wonderful time eating her pancakes. LOL

Again, I want to say thanks from the bottom of my heart for you support during my little meltdown over entertaining. Maybe next time I won't freak out quite so much. Oh and I just loved, loved, loved my new dishes. I've never wanted DH to get me stuff like that for Christmas before but was thrilled with them. Especially since he didn't think we 'needed' new dishes. Cheri, were you saying I overdid it with the primerib? I really got it because a) it was on sale for $5.99/lb and it was something I was comfortable making and I knew I could do good. LOL MY other go to dish that I make well (at least get lots of compliments on) are my chicken enchiladas but was unsure about going Mexican cause not everyone is a fan. But I take them a lot to potlucks etc. Janet, that hiphugger belt thing looks like something I need, my jeans always gap in the back. Did you get that at Walmart? Apples, thinking of you today being 'fake Grandma'. Speaking of Grandma, I have a question I'd like some feedback on. Seeing as how I am going to be Grandma soon I am wondering what I want to be called. I think I prefer just the traditional Grandma. But someone told me that since I will be the out of town grandma I should be called something different so the kids don't confuse me or get to know me as something besides 'the other grandma'. So should I and what? What do you 'grandmas' go by??

Well it's 11pm and my guests just left and......IT WENT GREAT!!!! I owe so much to all of you. I found this board for support in my weight loss and instead found support in my life overall. I know some of you who are entertaining extraordinaires are probably rolling your eyes and wondering what the big deal was but this was huge for me. You have all built me up, gave me pointers and encouragement this whole week and I don't think I could've done it without you. I so appreciate it. I really don't think it could've gone any better. They came at 6, I planned dinner for 630, I had a plate of cheese and crackers out but no one ate them. I gave tours of my house and DH his man cave and then dinner was ready. Opened a bottle of wine (Yellow Tail thanks to Karen) and one gal says oh that's my favorite! so thanks! They were all surprised and thrilled by the prime rib and it turned out as one person put it 'just perfect'. I made a new recipe of garlic mashed in the crockpot and they were yummy, I had a spoonful and Karen, your asparagus was a hit as well. We talked and laughed and shared stories. The 2 couples I invited knew each other 10+ yrs ago but not real well anymore since one of them had moved away and back like I did so lots of catching up, etc. So maybe, just maybe I can do this again. Oh and my new tablecloth was gorgeous with my new dishes. I thought it looked very classy. I was so nervous I didn't over indulge either. And we have left over prime rib, YUM!! This was really a good prime rib, did I say that already. LOL Tomorrow night is a small group gathering from church, everyone is bringing appetizers and white elephants, I am just hosting but not the 'leader' so that should be easier. Hard to believe a week from tonight Christmas will be all over! Phyl, safe travels. We leave for Denver on Wed. am very anxiousl

Ah, thanks Cheri, that means so much! Hope your bathroom is good as new soon. Well the prime rib is in the oven, the garlic mashed potatoes are mashed and on warm in the crock pot, the asparagus is sauteed and ready to go in the oven, the table is set, I think I am ready. As ready as I am going to be anyway. I'm pretty nervous and not sure how much I will be able to eat LOL One couple is bringing salad and the other dessert. Arlene, you are too funny. So have you had an all Protein day yet? LOL I've done good today but may have a spoonful of taters tonight. Maybe not. I will let you know tomorrow how dinner went tonight. I hope it helps me conquer my demons!

Apples, I am making your sauteed asparagus recipe. How far in advance can I do the sautee part and leave it in the covered glass dish to put in the oven? Can I do that part way ahead and then just put it in the over 30 min prior??

Oh my gosh, gals, you are making me cry. No one has ever said those kind of things to me before (well besides DH, DS and DD but I figure they have to LOL). Thank you. You are giving me encouragement and hope that I can do this. DD has called a few times to see how it's going. Poor thing is sicker than a dog, dr said as close as she can be to pnuemonia, she's on antibiotics but can't take much for the congestion being prego. Anyway I have the potatoes in the crock pot, house is clean, I have DH cleaning his 'man cave'. And I think I am ready. I went and bought a new Christmas table cloth at Kohls (can you beleive that stuff is 70% off before Christmas?) and am about to go set the table when DH brings up the leaves for it. I don't have a centerpiece, is that necessary? Since DH nor I drink coffee I am always worried about making it. I found a new fool way to do it. I found premeasured filter packs that you just put in where the filter and coffee go, that way I can't mess it up. LOL BrownSugar posted a page or two back I think yesterday about how terrible her first fill was but didn't say how or why. Hope she's okay.

BrownSugar, why was your fill such a terrible experience? Good luck to you as you begin your banded journey. Ask away as there are many successful folks on this thread. Best advice I have right now is follow your dr orders, remember the band is a tool, you still have to do the work. Protein first always! Well here I am up because I can't sleep because I am fretting about my dinner tomorrow (tonight now). This time tomorrow it will be over. Then I just have the appetizer thing on Sunday night, not as nervous about it.

Good evening. Just got back from the store with the rest of my groceries for tomorrow. Did find the asaparagus for much less than $7/lb! Arlene, a little here and a little there but still adding to a cup is still a cup. LOL A cup is a cup is a cup... just giving you a bad time. You should submit your story for Dr Davis. Thanks for the card, nice pic at the Grand Canyon. Eva, goodness retirement is sure keeping you busy! Thanks for the card it was beautiful! Kelly, you rock, congrats on the weight loss. Linda, focus on your granddaughter and try and not think about the rest and enjoy her this Christmas. I'm trying to focus on my family and keep my sisters, etc. out of my mind myself.

I always heard the saying as: You wouldn't worry so much about what others are thinking if you knew how little they really do.