ljv52

Cheri, I swear, you could retire from teaching and be a counselor - you are right on in your message to Tina. Sorry you are feel so lonely and blue. Wish I could help you out, but I'm too far away. The only good news I can pass along is that the sun is shining here today and supposed to shine all week so it should be getting to Chicago in the next few days. Only 12 outside, but at least the sun is out. Nice. The only thing I can recommend to you is to do some exercise -- it should lift your spirits too -- is there an indoor place you could go? Maybe some gyms in your area are offering some free days you could take advantage of -- usually the first of every year there's some free deals. Just got up -- Aylah crawled in bed with us and with her AND Merry there too wasn't much room for me - kept waking up and finally at 5:00 I asked Aylah to move back to her bed which is right next to ours -- it's one of those reclining chairs that is just perfect for her. Thank goodness we have that as we sleep downstairs and the other bedrooms are upstairs and she's too little to be upstairs by herself. We kept Aylah again although Kstie seemed to be much better. Hopefully she didn't do anything stupid last night as we love Aylah but would be nice to have some of my weekend kid free. Taping the Rose parade to watch in a little bit. Doesn't start here until 10:00. I need to go to the gym or do my step aerobics here. Our westher is fine -- no moisture -- just cold. I wouldn't care if we don't have any more snow -- would be just fine with me. I plan to make splt pea Soup later. Sounds good in the cold weather. My DH loves it and I can use up the rest of the ham from Christmas dinner. Well, need to get going. Have a good one everybody. See ya later. Arlene, choo choo today??? Love ya, Linda

Happy New Year to you all! We are back from our dinner safe and sound. I had three nice crab legs - I actually spluged and had a tiny bit of butter - I dipped a corner of it barely in the butter but oh my, I could really taste that butter -- used hardly any of that butter, but I enjoyed the heck out of it. Also had some cold shrimp and a few bites of DH's prime rib. And was stuffed. No dessert -- me and Merry will Celebrate with some sugar free vanilla yogurt later. Aylah is here -- she has her Disco Dance Party CD in and her roller skates on and is blowing noise makers in the living room -- fun fun! Well, I do know there are some reasonable places near Grant park to stay in Chicago - when we went we splurged and stayed at the Drake which was lovely, but it was expensive. parking is out of sight -- like $75 per day so we don't want to have a bunch of cars downtown Chicago - so probably the best idea is to stay out near Cheri's house and then carpool or take the train into the city -- train's are easy -- used to take them in LA and they are a great way to get around. I think that's the best plan. To HerestothenewDecade - congrats on your band and yes, sounds like Janet gave you the right advice -Gas X but the walking is the best thing of all. Walk as much as you can and you'll feel better. You are going to love the new you. Tina, I'm excited for you for Monday too - I hope you get your band date - I agree -- you should get back in the groove of driving. Sounds like your partner kinda took over your life and I think you need to take it back. Apples, hope you win at Monopoly. Lori, what you're taking tomorrow sounds perfect Yes, just eat a meatball - sounds good -- if they insist tell them you have wheat allergies (works better than saying you "watch what you eat"). LOL. Of course there's probably wheat products in the meatballs but most people don't realize that either. Julie, glad you posted and Happy new Year - hope this new year brings you better health. Janet that was a very nice message you posted -- thank you and as Apples said, "back at you". Arelene, hope all is well in your neighborhood - scary stuff. You take care and stay safe. Good going on the choo choo today - proud of you. Joyce nice to hear from you too -- good going on the gym. Apples, Joyce is about 3-1/2 south of me in Kansas City area, so she could meet us here and then it's about 5 hours exactly from my house to Chicago. But if you'd rather fly, that's fine too. Eva, you are such a good parent to your plants - such a good idea with the Christmas lights -- you are so smart - I never would have thought of that. Jodi, you have a great New Year too when you read this after your holy day. Sorry you can't celebrate New Years like everyone else. Well to everyone else - happy happy New Year and much continued Lap Band Success in 2011!!! Thank you all for a wonderful year and looking forward to another year of our friendship. I'll be toasting you all later. Linda

Tina, I just checked mapquest - it's 440 miles from Nashville to Chicago. Okay, I really gotta go to the gym. Bye for real this time.

Apples, thanks for offering to pick me up - I'd LOVE that! Maybe Joyce could meet up with us and ride with us from here too. Linda

Good morning all. I got to sleep in!! Love having a 3 day weekend. It'll be hard doing the whole 5 days next week after two short weeks. Melissa, proud of you for going last night and tonight -- glad you enjoyed yourself. You WILL be successful. Arlene, get on that train -- you will love how you feel if you can go a few days in a row. This is Day 5 for me and I weighed this morning and i weighed in at my pre-Christmas weight even though I ate crap for 5 days during Christmas. So I'm very very happy I grabbed the conductor's hand and climbed on board. Now I just need to lose that last 8 - I want to do that by my bandanniversary on January 26. That way I'd be to my original goal. To the newbies or those struggling -- I lost 106 pounds in about 10-1/2 months -- I was very good about eating correctly and exercised every day for at least 2 hours a day during that phase. Then I hit a wall last year when I had my hip replaced and all I did was whine whine whine about my "plateau" Although I was eating the exact same foods that I ate during weight loss, I couldn't get the scale to move even though I changed up exercise, I still stayed the same. I couldn't understand it and so I thought "my body must like it here". I am very very fortunate that I didn't gain weight. Anyway, long story short, when Cheri kept talking about the key to losing was to take the carbs out I didn't listen -- why was I able to lose 106 pounds by eating Protein and a few carbs all those months? I thought it would eventually get better. But I was eating SLIDER foods -- not just protein. So I kept getting more fills -- well then I got too tight and suffered most of this year with pb'ing and getting stuck. I FINALLY took my head out of my a$$ and got on the choo choo and feel sooooo much better and am back to my lowest loss after spending quite a few months about 5 pounds up. I tell you this cause I don't want any of you to go through the same thing I did. There's so much wisdom on this thread, truly it is the greatest support -- even my surgeon's office doesn't give out the information we have here -- you truly have all the tools you need by reading and participating on this thread. So my 2011 resolution is getting to that original goal of 132 (normal BMI by the way) and maintaining that weight for the year! No more little 100 calorie pack snack foods that I thought were "okay to eat" -- they were NOT -- they have all been thrown in the trash. Thanks Cheri for speaking your mind on this thread and insisting that protein only is the way to go. Okay, gotta get to the gym. Had Aylah last night so she's busy running around putting smiles on our faces -- she's so much fun when she wakes up after a good night's sleep. Oh, forgot -- it was 60 here yesterday and rainy on and off - all the snow is gone except for where there were huge drifts -- unbelieveable. Felt good though. Hope we can still get to our casino today -- have to be careful cause it's been foggy with all this warm rainy type weather. Looking foward to crab. We'll go early -- DS will watch Aylah as Katie is too sick. Happy New Year to all if I don't get back here today. Much success to everyone in the year 2011 -- we WILL meet our challenges and WILL succeed!! Love you all. Linda

Lori, love that outfit -- very nice -- I bet it looks great on you too. Glad to hear you DD is doing better today. We saw Little Fockers on Sunday and I agree with Lori -- not as good as others, but watchable. Maybe we'll go see True Grit this weekend. But I'll have to pass on the popcorn this week -- I was really pretty ill Monday and Tuesday from my overinduling and since the last thing I overindulged on was the popcorn with butter I think I'll pass this time and do as I usually do -- pop up my 100 calorie stuff and sneak it into the movie in my large purse. LOL. One of these days they are going to look in there and tell me I can't go into the theatre. But, I can't drink soda so I take a bottle of Water too. What's the harm?LOL. Cheri, you did very well in Vegas - I didn't realize you were uncomfortable at all -- it was a bit overwhelming with so many of us --and I was disappointed I didn't get to spend much time with several of you as I'd have liked - but there's always next time. All the talk of Chicago -- maybe we could meet there in the spring/summer or fall this year -- it would be driving distance for many of us and it's a wonderful city to visit. I know some of you want to cruise, but I don't have the $$ for that and I can't go on a cruise without my DH as he would feel too left out - poor man is alone most of the time anyway so he needs to be able to at least do the expensive vacations with me. I'm very happy cause I hit my 5 years at work this year which means I get 6 more days vacation/personal time -- yay!! happy about that. Melissa, glad you are going to go to the party -- I think you'll be happy you did afterwards. I used to have a big crowd over every NYE for a NYE buffet -- I miss those days -- now I can barely stay awake until midnight much less prepare food and serve guests between 10 and 1:00 a.m. LOL. Apples, my Merry is just like your Tanker - she always puts her little chin anywhere where we hurt -- last night she never left my side -- slept next to my shoulder all night comforting me - and she usually doesn't like to sleep with us - I think our bed makes her too hot or something. My pets are always family members and when they pass away and have to grieve just like if a family member passes. It's always tough for me. Been very slow at work - not many people needing our services today -- I just should have taken the day off. Katie is sick and DH picked up Aylah so we'll be spending our long weekend entertaining her which is okay. I hope her uncle Bryan will babysit tomorrow so we can go to the casino for our special meal but sometimes he's a brat and refuses -- we'll see. Yes the retirement village MUST be somewhere warm -- I don't want to be in snow country after I retire. I'm already freezing to death all the time -- just imagine how cold I'll be when I'm 90. I remember my Great Grandma wore a heavy cable sweater ALL summer - we used to be in shorts and sleeveless tops and be swimming and she'd be in her sweater and even have a crochet shawl around her shoulders sometimes. She's the one I'm built like - very tiny bones and short. I made a talapia fillet on my George Foreman grill at lunch - just seasoned it up with some garlic, salt and pepper and lemon juice and a little spray butter and threw it on there for a couple of minutes -- didn't take very long and was very yum. Why I never thought to use it for fish before is beyond me - -just never did -- it was so quick and easy. Apples, I forgot yesterday to mention your lap band friend's badgering of you. I cannot fathom talking to someone that way. You handled it very well, but it's so ridiculous that you are forced to listen to this woman's tirade. Sorry that happened to you. Phyl, so sorry about your friend's husband. How is your friend handling it all? Hope Earl's in a better mood today too. Eva, you are making me wish I could retire -- sounds so nice to have time to do all the things you are doing -- I love making homemade soups/sauces, etc. Okay everyone, I think I'm all talked out for now. Will CBL Linda

Cheri, happy happy birthday. I hope this year brings you all the joy and happiness you deserve. Hugs and kisses. Love you lots. Linda

Melissa, I'm not sure any of us can advise you on this issue. It really depends on many factors -- is this an event your DH has been looking forward to? If you don't go will he be disappointed? If there are people there you know well you will probably have better time than you imagine. Part of our struggle with our weight issues is our desire to hide and not be seen unless we are at our perfect weight. Truth is, most of these people aren't going to probably even notice your weight gain. Maybe you can find an outfit that makes you feel good and draws out some of your other great features. If you do go don't dwell on the food, dwell on the people, the conversations, your DH, etc, Make the party about the event, NOT the food. Try not to overindulge. On the other hand, it does sound like a lot of work to get there and if you DH is not dying to go, perhaps it would be better for you to skip it. I think you also need to sit down with your DH and discuss your weight gain. You said he's been "looking at you" like he's noticed - well, I think it would be good for you to discuss it and put it out there and tell him how you are feeling and how you are struggling right now with feeling out of control and need his help with it. I'm sure he will understand with all the stress you've both been under this past year how difficult it has been for you. He will probably understand much better than you imagine he will. Once you get that off your chest, I think you'll feel better and it will be easier to get back on the horse. My heart goes out to you, I know it's been tough and I'm sorry you are struggling. Hugs on whatever you decide. Cheri, I'm with you, that retirement life sounds pretty awesome to me right now too. LOL. Maybe we can all go to the same place? Wouldn't that be fabulous!! LOL. Meredith, I'm just soooo happy about your nephew doggy -- such a joyous outcome. So what's the whole story? Someone found him and called your sis? Did they JUST find him or have they had him a few days? How old is he? Laura, you are a fabulous mom -- it's natural for you to be ready for Nelson to return to his routine. Even though those of us who have grown kids sometimes wish we could go back in time and snatch some of those days and have "do overs" we all felt that way when our kids were young. Chris, glad your fill went well -- my doc does no numbing - just sticks that big needle in there. Hope you have some better restriction with this fill. How much have you lost so far? On the choo choo again today. today was my day off from exercise - didn't sleep very well - couldn't get to sleep last night and then kept waking up - shoulder hurting, etc. So I decided to sleep a bit more this a.m. Last day of work today and a nice 3 day weekend. Will be hard going back to 5 days next week after two short weeks!! Looking forward to just relaxing this weekend, no parties, no cooking, etc. Just taking down decorations and going to the casino and watching the Rose Parade and football games. Julie, haven't seen you posting lately, hope all is well. Miss you. Lori, how's Mandy today? Hope all is well. Have a great day everyone! Linda

Well, let's hope I don't junk up the thread with this post. That was so strange! Anyway, Kelly, I loved your comment -- yes, I agree that I don't know how people eat that "shit" everyday either -- although I used to myself - but you know, I never felt good either. Tina, gotta get your partner to support you on this -- without her support it will be much harder -- I stopped cooking for my DH -- he now cooks for himself -- it's just the two of us and he's capable -- occasionally I will cook him a nice meal or casserole and freeze portions for him - and I cook for special occasions -- but as for everyday -- i don't do it -- it would be too hard for me so I just said, no more." I also decided that I had to spend at least one hour per day (actually at the begining I did 2 hours each day) exercising - I felt very selfish - but just told myself I'm going to spend that time on me and if it's selfish or perceived to be selfish then too bad cause I'm doing it anyway. And I've stuck with my plan for almost two years and I've accomplished a lot. I was just thinking the other day about how two years ago right now I was in Hawaii and weighed almost 250 and could barely walk anywhere. It was miserable. I couldn't even put on my own socks or shoes -- part of that was my bad hip but the majority of it was my fat. I feel so much more alive than I did before -- I exercise and am in great health and feel so much younger than I've felt in probably 15 years. So, it's been worth every thing. And truly, it hasn't been all that hard -- you just have to have the correct mindset going in. Chris, hope the fill went well. Sandy, good to see you post - hugs on the dad issues -- it's very hard to deal with but you gotta be honest and not let him make you feel guilty. When they get old they tend to think of only themselves - it probably doesn't even cross his mind that you are exhausted most days. Perhaps you could get a caretaker to come in -- my mom used to do that -- she would go in everyday and cook meals, do light housekeeping, grocery shop, etc. for some elderly people -- take them to the beauty shop, doctor's visits, etc. She was not a certified nurse or aid, just a nice lady who liked to care of people. She kept busy doing this for over 20 years and never ever ran out of people to help out. She didn't make a lot of money -- you could maybe find someone like that in your area -- maybe someone you know - go to church with or something like that -- I think she called herself a "house companion". Cheri, how did the visit go with your mom at the facility? I hope she liked it and will start to think about moving to a place. I think it will be easier for our generation to give up our freedom - I know since I've moved around so much I don't feel like I HAVE to stay at my current home -- not like I lived there for 40 years and raised my kids all there - I can understand how people have a hard time when that's the case. I've always been a gypsy type, moving around a lot. Janet, no I never did go to the strip for NYE -- I dated someone who hated crowds - as I recall we spent every NYE just hanging out with his family. NOw that I don't live there I think, oh that sounds like fun. LOL. Lori, hugs and prayers for DD. I sure hope they can figure out how to stop these contractions. Sounds like she's going to have to be on bedrest for the duration. I know she's used to working so that will probably make her nuts. You may have to go stay with her and help her for the next few months. Hope it all gets better soon. Arlene, hope all is well with you today. Proud of you for staying on the choo choo. Well, gotta run. Will try to CBL. Linda

Just a quickie as I'm at work and sneaking this in. I'm fighting back the tears I'm so dang proud of you Jessica -- wow! Wow! Super Wow! You are just amazing and we're all so proud of you. What a great year you have had -- so much to be proud of -- and that doesn't even count your accomplishments in school -- you are such an inspiration -- congratulations on it all but especially on onederland -- I know how important that was to you. So proud of you.

OMG how many times di it repeat that post? LOL, That IS so bizarre!

That was weird -- I did absolutely nothing to make that post -- it just did it all by itself and now the typing is flowing correctly. Arlene, congrats on the weight loss -- wtg girl!!! Keep up the good work. Eva, you make me tired with all the hard work you do -- I just can't do that stuff anymore and marvel that you can do it. My shoulders have been bothering me for several months. I've given up weight machines on upper body cause the doctor thinks I over do it -- but even without doing them they still are bothering me. I sometimes think it's just stress - -- I can even feel myself stressing up in that area but it sure is painful. Arlene, do you ever experience this? It doesn't feel like it could be fm cause it is painful INSIDE my shoulder joints. I'm sure tired of having these type of ailments. Well, gotta get to Water aerobics -- have a great day everyone. WTG on the shopping Great -- good for you. CBL Linda

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this back up and running properly? LauraK, so excited about your date for NYE. Is this a new guy or someone you knew or dated before? Have a great time. Arlene,

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this back up and running properly? LauraK, so excited about your date for NYE. Is this a new guy or someone you knew or dated before? Have a great time.

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this back up and running properly? LauraK, so excited about your date for NYE. Is this a new guy or someone you knew or dated before?

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this back up and running properly? LauraK, so excited about your date for NYE. Is this a new guy or someone you knew or

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this back up and running properly? LauraK, so excited about your date for NYE. Is this a new guy

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this back up and running properly? LauraK, so excited about your date for NYE.

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this back up and running properly? LauraK, so excited about

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this back up and running properly?

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this back up and running

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if they'll ever get this

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to even type. I wonder if

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so it's hard to

Morning everyone. Meredith, so sorry about the possibility of the mono, but with your busy schedule, it's not too surprising. Hope you get better quickly and it's a good thing you had already planned to take this semester off school. Now when I type the font is stalling so iy's hard