ljv52

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a good one which I've also been struggling with the past several weeks -- feeling like I just don't have time to do everything - had to keep reminding myself -- "it's only an hour -- you can devote one lousy hour every day to yourself and your heath. Some times we just need to say it out loud -- good for you Melissa in recognizing this -- and don't hesitate to remind yourself every day to do some exercise. Linda

Morning all and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I've been lurking and reading but kept running out of time to post, just busy few days. Sunday we decided to escape for a few hours and went to see Little Fockers -- cute but not as good as the first one but fun nonetheless. Had a great Christmas -- most of you saw the pictures on FB -- DGD had a good Christmas and that's what it was all about for me. I overindulged as well but back on the choo choo yesterday too -- I couldn't wait - truly didn't even enjoy the food -- it's not the same for me any longer -- which is a good thing I think -- it no longer provides me with comfort as it used to -- didn't even taste that great either. However, I did work out every day except Sat. so was proud of that accomplishment. We have nothing planned yet for NYE -- we usually stay home and watch Dick Clark on tv. Weather is supposed to be warm and rainy so we might venture out to the casino for our crab leg buffet since I'm off on Friday and we could go early. Again, depends on the weather. Supposed to be up to 60 on Thursday -- that will be warm for January for sure -- should melt all the snow. I was ready to take my Christmas stuff down on Sunday, although usually leave it up until after new year's but DH wasn't ready and didn't feel like getting the boxes out from under the stairs, so we went to the movies instead. I hope to do it Sat. - it's a lot of work as we do lots of decorating -although it's much quicker to put away then to put out. It will still take most of the day and that doesn't include the outdoor stuff. Christmas Eve and Day went pretty smoothly -- kids were well behaved -- they got presents which I don't think they were expecting (although they've always gotten gifts so not sure why they thought they weren't). For me without my DS and DIL and my family in Florida, it's always a little sad, but I try to be jolly. Thursday afternoon we delivered goodies to several friends and had our Mexican meal (had to have a tamale for Christmas too Janet). I spent all day Friday in the kitchen. We had lots of snow Thursday night/Friday so was glad to be homebound for a few days. Glad everyone had a great Christmas and safe travels - Phyl take care driving south. Great - so happy everything worked out for DD -- keeping my fingers crossed that eveything progresses as it should. Julie, glad you had a relatively pain free Christmas. Arlene, glad you're on the choo choo -- keep it up. Cheri, so happy you had a nice Christmas. We spent a long Thanksgiving in Chicago about 5 years ago and really had a great time shopping on the Mag. Mile and seeing the Christmas decorations -- we even went to the Thanksgiving parade when we were there -- it was lots of fun. We keep saying we want to go back and do it again. Maybe one of these years. Janet, that was smart to do the Skype thing -- great to watch Brooke opening presents. Glad your DS is okay -- hope he decides to get healthy - -sometimes that's all it takes is one health scare. Tina, sorry to hear of your troubles with your partner. Keep your chin up and stick to your food plan even during difficult times -- eating doesn't help or fix anything. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Apples, I can't blame you for being excited about heading south -- you're winter has been pretty horrible and you deserve that break -- I can't wait until I can finally retire and be traveling snow bird too. Well, gotta run -- heading to the gym and then work -- glad it's a short week -- rather quiet at work and boring. Love you all -- no time to post to everyone, but I think of all of you every single day. Linda

Just saw this on fb and thought it is perfect for us: None of the secrets of success work unless you do. Perfect. I can't figure out how to attach pics either Laura, why did they have to mess with this site? Later all. Linda

Pam, glad to see you post -- Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you too -- hope you'll be back more often. Linda

Hi all, couldn't sleep, so got back up -- need to connect with all of you! First off, the cards have been truly wonderful -- Eva, loved your card -- so beautiful. And Janet, your card really was the perfect card for you to send - very Janet-y. Thanks to all of you for all the lovely cards, enjoying them all very much. Arlene, hung my Texas snowman on my tree -- I think of you everytime I walk by and see it -- love it. As to your question -- my tree is always done in all my ornaments -- I have been collecting them since I got married the first time (40 years ago) and because I've moved so much I treasure them because they were given to me by many friends all around the country that I remember each time I put the tree up -- many I've lost touch with unfortunately. I also have ornaments from when all the kids were litle (first Christmas, etc. Many ornaments my Mom gave me that I treasure. So my tree is a memory tree -- and I really should get two trees cause I have enough ornaments for two -- it's very heavily ladened. I never color coordinate any of it. Had a little Christmas party tonight with the night shift operators at work -- it was fun -- I only work with them an hour every night but enjoyed spending a little extra time - this week we are very slow -- we have a special project we are working on to keep us busy, but aren't getting many calls from customers. After work we took Merry and drove around looking at the lights -- since it was a mild winter for us a lot of people really did a nice job of decorating the outside of their homes. We hadn't done that in several years and really enjoyed it. Supposed to get a nice Christmas snow storm -- just snow, no ice or wind -- supposed to start tomorrow night and continue through Friday -- love having a beautiful white Christmas (especially when I don't have to be anywhere). Off tomorrow but have lots of errands to run - need to play Santa and deliver some goodies to special people -- have about 6 stops to make. Have to hit the gym first and then errands then nails and grocery store and should be done. Have a few presents to put in bags (I hate wrapping and love bags - usually buy them at the day after Christmas sales). Looking forward to a few days off to just relax and enjoy -- making ham dinner for Saturday. Yes, Arlene, the potatoes I make are the same as your "funeral" potatoes. Chris, glad to hear your dad is doing better -- he probably didn't mean to flash -- probably the drugs. Laura, I know exactly how you feel -- had the same thing with my Mom -- it's tough but like your DH said you never know for sure what is going to happen. Your mom and dad will have a wonderful time and I know you'll do everything just perfectly -- hope you take time to sit and soak it all in as well. Eva, for someone who doesn't think she's much of a hostess you sure have a lot of company for dinneres, etc. I bet you're a fantastic hostess -- I think all of us entertain more casually now than we did 20 years ago - I know I do -- I seldom serve sit down any more -- usually buffet style. I think our entire culture has gotten more casual -- in some ways it's a good thing. Although I miss the more formal days too sometime. Apples, happy to hear you had a good report on DH. That was the best Christmas present!! So happy for you both. Bet you can't wait to hit the road for AZ. Enjoy lunch with DS tomorrow. Lori, thinking of you -- know you're in Denver - hoping you have a wonderful holiday with your kids and grandma. How did DH like all his gifts? You made out in the present department. Enjoy your shopping after Christmas. Had my appt. today with vein specialist. Had an ultrasound on both legs. i don't have varicose veins -- she says my arteries and veins are in great shape -- my blood pressure was 110 over 64. Wow, it just keeps getting better and better. She suggested I buy some compression stockings for my leg pain -- she gave me a website to order some that come in fashionable colors/styles and says they are reasonable. She thinks if I wear them at work my pain at night will start to ebb, so good news all around. Joyce, glad your knees will heal with some rest -- what a relief. You might check with the aquatic director at your facikity and see if they have a Water aerobics class that is geared more for people with limitations like ours -- just getting in the water and walking or treading water is terrific exercise and the stretching is so good and makes me feel great. LauraK, hope you're feeling better -- enjoy the holidays with your DS and DD. Cheri -- congrats on finishing up your project -- glad you got it all figured out. I thought of you when I watched the news about the choir in Compton too. Tina - I had lots of worries pre banding -- even as they were putting my IV in my arm the morning of surgery I was tempted to get up and run out of the hospital cause I was so uncertain I was doing the right thing. If you've done the research and understand that the band is only a tool (not a miracle cure) and that you have to make lifestyle changes, you will look back on it as the best thing you ever did for yourself. My only regret is that I didn't do it years earlier. Do you watch the Biggest Loser on TV? If you do, remember how quickly the contestants go off their meds and how quickly they turn their health around? It's pretty comparable to those of us who have had weight loss surgery -- most of us see huge improvements in our overall health in a few short months. I got the band cause I wanted to live and not die an early death -- I want to be around to see my GD grow up. I think it's perfectly normal to be nervous and worried about our decision to be banded. Julie, so happy you've been doing better with the pain issues - hope it continues -- that's wonderful. I know you'll have a wonderful holiday with your family. Apples, if I could change anything in the world, I'd have to say I'd like to see an end to pain and suffering, There's a long list, but I'd have to put that near the top - so many people suffer in our world - so sad. Meredith, Merry Christmas - hope you and Andrew are feeling better. So sorry about your neice doggy -- omg I understand and I fully relate -- so sorry this is happening now at this time of the year -- it's hard regardless, but especially now. So sorry. Arlene, you are such a trooper -- you who did shakes for three months. It's hard, but you are a strong strong woman -- look at what you've accomplished - you're the little engine that CAN -- so just keep doing it every day. Love you -- glad to hear Dr. Davis is going to do a new show -- watching these types of shows really helps to motivate me and keep me on track. Sandy, loved what your trainer did for you -- plus, it was TRUE you were the most improved -- wow -- just look at what you've accomplished this year -- we all need to stop and reaffirm all the positive things we've accomplished this year -- whether it be eating healthier, exercising more, etc. just tell ourselves how much we love our new healthy lives!! Phyl, glad you and Earl made it safely home (and didn't kill each other). Zoey must be excited to discover that home still exists -- I can just see her running around the house. Enjoy your Christmas with your family. Jodi, thanks for the lovely Christmas wishes. Sorry to hear it didn't work out well with Jeff -- but so happy you are wise enough to see the flaws and not put yourself and Dassi in a bad position. I know you'd hoped he'd changed, unfortunately it usually doesn't happen, sad but true. You'll meet someone wonderful -- and you'll be so glad you're available when that happens. Whatever happened to that summer guy you spent time with this summer at your vacation place? Ever hear from him? Well, gotta try to get some sleep -- just wanted to say hi and Merry christmas to you all. Love you all. Linda

Hi everyone, Had a busy busy weekend. Did lots of baking and enjoyed it. Needed to have some things on hand for some special friends. I was on day 5 Sat. and did not even lick my finger -- it can be done. Had a nice moment on the scale yesterday -- down to my lowest weight and hope to maintain that now through the holidays. It was worth it to get that few pounds back off - I feel great. Melissa, I did shakes and Soup the first day and sugar free Jello -- you are supposed to have as much as you want -- you aren't supposed to be hungry - with your work schedule I can see how that can be tough - especially working around food - but just try your very best and if you fall off on one day -- just forgive yourself and move on to the next day. I'm lucky cause I can eat at my desk whenever I want to and I don't cook meals at home for DH any more -- except for special occasions -- when I got the band I gave up daily cooking -- he's old enough to fix his own meals. I sometimes make things he likes and freeze it for him or make a roast for him to eat for the week, etc. But he's a big boy and can heat up his own plate. LOl. Apples, sorry to hear about DH -- obviously you discovered it in early stages and that's a good thing -- more easily treatable -- they have come a long way in how they treat that cancer, but you just don't need this stress just now. Sorry and saying prayers for you. Sounds like your Christmas dinner was great - kids are fabulous -- just loved hearing about your day. I just sit on Christmas morning and smile as I watch Aylah's little face and then watch her play with all her new things - it's so wonderful. Arlene, happy happy anniversary -- nice pic of you and DH on the card too. Great -- I called my maternal grandparents (that I saw everyday) Gram and Gramps and my paternal grandparents Grandma and Grandpa. Aylah calls me "Umma" cause of the noise I make when I kiss her - and I wanted a "special" name so I kinda came up with it -- I also have the Lala nickname that my grown up kids call me now. Enjoy your Christmas in Denver - I bet you're excited. Glad your two parties went well - knew they would. You just need to do it more often and build up your confidence. We actually have both Thurs. and Friday off - -so nice -- can't believe they gave us Thurs. too. Julie, hope you continue to have a pain free week and it continues for a new pain free year in 2011. chris, hope you dad's surgery went well -- hugs -- it's sweet you are so concerned. Janet, hope your week goes smoothly and you get out of there early Thurs. Laurak -- enjoy your DD's visit. Eva, what's up with you? Are you cooking on Christmas day? I'll be cooking both Christmas Eve and Day, but easy stuff - we do everyone's favorite appetizers on Eva and then have linguine with clam sauce too and on Christmas day just throwing a ham in oven and making cheesy potatoes in the crock pot -- I'll make a Breakfast casserole or do quiche for breakfast that I can make in advance. Having a work potluck dinner here Wednes night - I'm making individual cheese balls -- thought that is band friendly and I can control what goes into it - using light cream chese, etc. That way I'll be less tempted to over indulge on carbs. Cheri - enjoy your week - don't stress too much -- you'll get your project finished in time -- just try to think how much good will be done with those dollars. Well, gotta run, just wanted to say hi. Welcome to Tina -- ask away -- we will be happy to help you. Love you all. Linda

Morning all. Just returned from the gym. Did my bike and elleptical and upper body weights -- feel good. Showered and ate my hard Protein for Breakfast -- last day of the 5 day pouch test. Apples, yes, I agree with what you said -- over Thanksgiving I allowed myself a few bites of everything at the one dinner, but after that I was done - no leftover that weren't part of my everyday foods. I didn't gain any over that holiday so expect not to over Christmas either. I think this past few months has been a good learning experience for me -- and I'm glad I woke up and nipped it in the bud when I did -- it's so easy when you're on maintenance to get a little sloppy with our eating. I know I was miserable cause I was too tight but I was afraid to have any fill taken out - but since I did I've been so much better -- and I don't need a fill -- I'm at perfect restriction -- the only way I was able to tell that was by doing the 5 day pouch test. She has an entire site by the way -- I may check it out -- basically like this one but it seems to deal more with people who are struggling so it may be of help to some of you here too. Cheri, I don't eat the yogurt and berries either when I'm doing no carb days -- but I did eat it daily during the entire weight loss phase with no problems. Now, I can still eat fruit daily and maintain, but to lose any weight, I have to give up all the carbs including the fruit. Lori, hope your prep is going well -- call if you need any advice - you have my number. Apples have a great time tomorrow -- enjoy those kids -- sounds lovely - what IS on that menu anyway? I'm nosy. Well, gotta run - baking is calling me. Hope all is well. Love ya all - have a wonderful day! Linda

(Think Janet's voice): Arlene, you could taste it without tasting an entire cupful!!!! At least you are being mindful for dinner! Here's what I've eaten so far today: 1/2 turkey patty for breakfast; 1/2 turkey patty for lunch, one sugar free Jello cup and I'm not at all hungry!! In fact had a problem with pb'g at lunch. So truly do not need a fill. I really recommend that anyone contemplating the need for a fill do the 5 day test - I wish I'd have used it in the past when decided on whether or not to get one -- it really helps you realize that you do indeed have restriction - so often we eat so many sliders we think we don't have proper restriction when we do. Sandy, glad to see you post -- sorry about your dad's situation -- is so tough. I hope things work out for the best. You need to keep putting yourself first -- don't allow this stress to derail you from your needs. It's so easy to do that. Laura, how's the rash? Hope it's better. When is the family showing up? We have both Thurs. and Friday off next week -- how nice -- I'm so looking forward to a few extra days. Christmas is kinda depressing for us this year - thank goodness we have Aylah but both DSS and DSD are treating us so badly and we long for an old fashioned Christmas -- wish I could have spent it with my DS or my sister or brother and their families. I will cook a nice meal and of course, Aylah will have a great Christmas but it's tough to be in the giving spirit with the other two. Not complaining -- just allow me this one time to whine a bit about it. Thanks. I'm done now. LauraK, any new dates? When does DD arrive? Bet you're looking forward to it. Like Apples, I love cooking and baking -- I'm looking forward to spending some time in the kitchen this weekend -- will make just a few cookies/bars -- have some people I want to give some out to -- I think it makes nice gifts - especially to those who work and probaby don't have time to bake -- my hairdresser, a few people at work, etc. Plus we're having a little pot luck here at work so I'll bring some goodies for that. I truly love to cook and bake -- for me it's how I relax - I guess it's that creative gene in me. Apples did you get those sugar Cookies decorated? I don't do fancy decorating, but I bake some cookies that are tough to make. Chris, hope you'll check in over the weekend. Well, gotta get back to work. Aylah went home so maybe I'll have some time to myself this weekend -- we'll see. Linda

P.S. to my previous post -- I can only eat a very small amount of that potato when I do order it -- usually less than half of it. Just want to clarify that I'm not condoning eating baked potatoes on a regular basis. Linda

Gotta get to the gym so not much time, just wanted to say good morning. Lori, sent recipe on FB message to you. Hope you get it okay. Jessica, wtg on the tests -- you are one smart girl -- and so nice of you to help out the teacher - I'm sure she appreciates it too. Melissa, I eat Dannon greek yogurt with a very small amount (probably no more than 1/4 cup of strawberries/blueberries and 1/2 banana every morning mixed into it. That's my Breakfast. Like Janet, these are the only carbs I eat - I never eat starchy foods (potatoes, rice, Pasta, bread). First of all, I pb if I try and secondly, I don't really crave it any longer. Once in a blue moon I'll order a baked potato at a restaurant but I always have light sour cream with me to put on it if I do. It's a treat maybe twice a year. Today is day 4 of the 5 day pouch test -- it is truly wonderful to feel so good -- it's the way we're supposed to eat -- so if you need a refresher course on what to eat, check it out. Busy night last night -- finished cards, Aylah was here. Katie sick (nothing new there). Well, gotta get to the gym. Later everyone. Linda

Lori will send you the spinach recipe when I get home -- it's always a bit hit. Swan, I had liquids only pre-op diet for 2 weeks - it's hard, but you can and will do it -- I did and I lived through it. Just have the determination and you'll make it just fine. When I get tempted I tell myself, "you ate whatever you wanted for over 50 years -- you already know what it tastes like so you don't need it." It seems to help me. LOL. Phyl, have a safe trip back to Wa. state -- hope you have good weather for the drive. Hope Zoey has a fabulous first Christmas!!!! Sending the love to her. Laura, I couldn't click on the link either. Hope you get some relief -- there's nothing worse than an itchy rash -- miserable. Well, gotta run - sneaking this in at work. Later. Linda

Lori will send you the spinach recipe when I get home -- it's always a bit hit. Swan, I had liquids only pre-op diet for 2 weeks - it's hard, but you can and will do it -- I did and I lived through it. Just have the determination and you'll make it just fine. When I get tempted I tell myself, "you ate whatever you wanted for over 50 years -- you already know what it tastes like so you don't need it." It seems to help me. LOL. Phyl, have a safe trip back to Wa. state -- hope you have good weather for the drive. Hope Zoey has a fabulous first Christmas!!!! Sending the love to her. Laura, I couldn't click on the link either. Hope you get some relief -- there's nothing worse than an itchy rash -- miserable. Well, gotta run - sneaking this in at work. Later. Linda

Good morning everyone. Janet, glad to hear you're feeling better -- like someone else said I've been lucky that I've been nausea free since banding - I don't get too many stomach viruses so I'm thankful. I've been on the Protein train for two days - in the process of doing the 5 day pouch test -- I do this too after I've overindulged a bit - this past week I enjoyed myself a few extra times and my pants were feeling tight. I enjoy it -- feel renewed and energized -- I truly recommend it for anyone struggling -- remind yourself it's ONLY a few days. I can do anything for a couple of days -- positive thinking MAKES it happen people. Arlene, I'm kind of glad your surgeon recommends salad as I have always been a salad person and enjoy eating a salad as my main course for dinner -- with chicken or salmon in it -- I can eat quite a bit -- probaby 1 to 1-1/2 cups of veggies and then my 4 oz of protein added in. I tend to use fat free ranch on mine because that's what I have eaten for over 20 years. I know others here don't think fat free is the way to go. Vickie, good luck to you, we will support you any way we can -- did you get banded in Mexico? If not, you should call your surgeon's office and make an appt. with the nutritionist. They should still be willing to help you with your weight loss -- my surgeon's office advertises that they will be there for their patients "for life" -- any time we need them we can go in for consultation. I don't go in very often since I don't need fills any more -- they want to see me twice a year to keep me accountable, but if I need them I can all and go in at any time. Kelly, wtg on the weight loss and walking -- walking is truly a very good way to begin your exercise journey -- just keep increasing speed/distance as you go along -- move those arms. Funny story -- I always have dogs that are part daushound -- the last two have been terrier/daushound mixes - but personalities like daushounds -- anyway, my former dog, Rusty, was old when I started walking in 1988 - it was the first time I started a serious weight loss path and I was walking every morning -- she truly loved it at first -- the first 6 months or so. Then one day I was getting ready -- stretching when she was doing her business and when it was time to start walkng she just sat down and refused to budge -- she was about 16 at the time and I think 5 miles of super brish walking was just too much for her -- so then I started walking her just a small bit and putting her in the house before my longer walk. Gotta run everyone -- Aylah was here overnight and she's up and I need to ge be grandma. Love to all. Chris - where are you? Hope everything is good with you, Linda

Hi all, I've been reading and lurking. I'm not all the way caught up -- had a busy weekend and have been busy since the weekend as well. We were expecting about 1 to 1-1/2 inches of snow on Sat. evening -- and then it was supposed to get bitterly cold and windy late Sat. night/early Sunday morning. Well, when I left to go to the facility to decorate for the party it was raining -- we had just finished up the decorations when we got a call from the HR director saying we might have to cancel due to weather -- so we sat and waited another hour for the decision to be made -- it had dropped in temp and snowed several inches and we were expecting blizzard conditions due to high winds -- so our party was indeed cancelled and so we spent the rest of Sat, undecorating - lots of work since we decorated Friday all afternoon and had 60 tables set up and over 500 chairs to unfold and stack. But we got it all done. Will have it in Jan or Feb - whenever we can get our entertainment to come back - we were having a Dueling Pianos group. They were already in town and so we will have to pay them again to get them to come back. Then the caterer had some of the food prepared so we had to have them serve the seafood, sushi and brisket at work Monday so it wasn't wasted. We were already over budget, so will end up being a huge expense to the company -- but it's a great company and they will do it. But boy was I worn out. Julie, sounds like the new doctor is already doing more than most of your former ones -- that's the type of doctor that Aylah had for her disease -- I have a lot of respect for rhumatoidologists -- her doctor sure did a great job on her. Good luck, let's all hope 2011 is much better for you. Great - good luck on the party - I love entertaining -- like Apples - I think if you like to cook that's most of the secret -- I was born that way -- love to cook, eat and show off my things I guess. You'll do fine -- like Meredith I would recommend having something you can cook in advance like lasagne - make a big salad and garlic bread or bread sticks to go with it. Since I'm late in giving you my recommendations I'd suggest you do a casserole called load potatoe casserole -- it's like twice stuffed potatoes but in a casserole - you can make it in advance and keep it in the oven until you are ready to serve it -- I usually make it with my prime rib on Christmas day - also I like a spinach salad with my prime rib - I have an old recipe that everyone loves -- the dressing is made with fresh lemon juice - very easy to just make up the salad in advance and the dressing and then reheat the dressing right before you serve. If you want any of the recipes I'll be happy to oblige. You'll do just fine -- you're a very warm and gracious woman and your guests will enjoy themselves, trust me. Melissa, my nutrionist at my surgeon's office has a motto - Carbs are NOT required for a balanced diet. She is specifically referring to the white carbs -- she told me when I was in preop that I could go the rest of my life without ever eating a carb and be just fine. I occasionally go on the 5 day pouch test and it's really helped me -- it's sort of a "cleanse" and you feel so energized when you do it - just google 5 day pouch test to get the instructions. Cheri, your post about older relatives was very poignant and well said. My mother died before we needed to intervene and my father is in a special home for brain injured vets so never had to deal with that. It's the one thing that I hope I never have to burden my son with - I just hope I can take care of myself until I die. I have lots and lots of friends/acquaintenances here that are 80 plus that are still living independently so I know it's possible. Apples, hope all is well - -you enjoy those kids -- all kids can use an extra set of grandparents -- there's always room for more grandparents. Yes, costco is almost exactly like Sam's -- I used to belong to Costco and then when I moved to So. Cal the Sam's was closer so I switched. I don't really think there's any difference - yes the Costco people think Costco is better, etc. To me they are pretty much carry identical products. Laura, pics were fabulous -- loved them all. When do your folks arrive? Eva, hope you enjoyed your visit. I did get some Christmas goodies made Sat. and part of Sun - got too tired so stopped -- will make a few things this weekend. Our weather has been really terrible -- wind chills of -20 and -30 -- lots of ice and blowing snow. Today was the first warmer day - up to 25 today -- but supposed to snow tonight -- 3 to 8 inches. Had my second appt. with counselor today -- gave me some more coping pointers and thinks I'll be fine if I can use them. She says I need to think of the kids trying to serve me their "problems" as I would think of someone trying to serve me a plate of Cookies -- just say "no thanks I think I'll pass" and refuse to get involved. Sounds easy but I'm sure I'll struggle with that. Tough love is super hard you know. Meredith, another bandster here at work is having similar problems -- she had a scope done today and they told her she has kinks in her tubing -- they tried to remove Fluid and could only get .25 cc's out. But the scope showed no slippage. She's had tons of problems with vomitting and acid, etc. She lost 150 lbs. but she really hasn't been able to hold much down for the most part -- she's been on liquids most of the time. Hope your band heals itself. Stay positive!! Well, time for me to go home, and I probably won't have time to post later. Will try to cbl. Love you all. Linda

Morning everyone, Had Water aerobics this morning and then I'll be up and doing some of the party work this afternoon, tomorrow morning and again at 5:00 -- we set up in the mail -- over 500 people are coming so we have 50 tables, 500 chairs, etc. to put out. I'll probably also go to the gym in the morning just cause I'll be eating some special treats tomorrow night. Chris - I know you're in a tough place right now -- it is bandster Hell, but I promise it will get better - keep lots of sugar free Jello around and eat it so you won't feel deprived. Sounds strange, but it seems to help -- that and hot tea or hot coffee -- makes me feel full -- even if you drink it black. Once you are able to exercise and get active again you won't have any problem losing the weight. If you aren't walking much try increasing your walking - it is truly a great way to lose weight -- try to walk as fast as you can - try to measure out a 5 mile path and try to walk 12 or 13 min. miles -- you'll get a good workout and the weight will come off -- I used to do 5 miles every single day and then add other exercise in -- it does help get you started on good weight loss. Maybe you could buy some ankle weights -- I'm sure hand weights would be out of the question for you because of your shoulder surgery. Gotta run all -- be back later. Have a wonderful Friday everyone! Linda

Yes I agree, neither of them should be on the jury -- it is a weird situation for sure. She was the rudest and crudest person I've ever seen on there!

Arlene, I keep forgetting to mention your friend. So sorry for her -- I hope she makes a full recovery and will learn how to stay healthy - I've said many times that I'm so very thankful that I saw that first ad on tv and made the decision to get lapband -- I truly believe it was a message from God to save my life. I really think I'd either be very sick or even dead right now if I hadn't done it when I did. I'm very thankful my wake up call wasn't like your friend's. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Jodi, glad you and Dassi are enjoying your Hannukkah -- it's probably about over or is over and if so I apologize for my late greeting. That was a wonderful thing you did for Dassi saying that gift was from her father. So many women wouldn't be that generous to an ex spouse -- just shows how loving and kind you are. You deserve all the best in your life. Speaking of that, what's up with the deal Jeff was working on? Any new news on that? Arlene, I don't know if it was the Corvalen but I was so hungry yesterday -- was tough on me not to snack - but I made it -- probably all in my head. I'll keep you posted if it happens again today. Knowing me it's just my imagination. Okay, really gotta go now. Would rather stay here and chat with all of you. Linda

Good morning everyone! Took the day off from exercise -- did 8 days in a row and had a late night last night so decided to sleep in. With working on the party Friday and Sat. I'll get some extra exercise in anyway. I'm exhausted Laura, I forgot to mention my wierd rash stuff to you -- around 1993 I had just cooked some fresh shrimp and was peeling it and my hands turned bright red and started to itch. Well, for the next 6 or 7 years I had hand exemia (sp?). I would break out every couple of months -- take predisone and clear it up and few months later back it would come - it was horrible. Then poof! One day it just disappeared and I've never had another problem. I've never had any problems eating shell fish -- so not sure what the heck that was all about. So anyway, maybe this too shall pass. Meredith, I think taking a semester off is great as long as you get back to it after that semester. You've worked too hard to give it up completely -- I just worry when I hear of some young person taking a break cause some never go back - That's usually been the reason why I've gained weight back after successfully losing it -- taking a break and then never going back to the exercise or eating correctly mode. The mother in me worries. But, I'm sure you need the break and will definitely benefit from it -- you have had so much on your plate the last few years -- good to take a breather. Janet, I'm happy to hear Melissa is checking iinto what she needs to do -- once she makes that leap, the whole family will benefit -- you'll be so relieved when that change occurs. I keep hoping my son will call me one of these days and say "I tried out for Biggest Loser and made it on the show". LOL. Speaking of that, any of you watching the show? I think Ada deserves the no. 3 spot -- not Elizabeth - I'm wondering if Ada losing less weight than we all expected was game playing -- so she'd have a chance to beat the men -- it's really the only way she could win -- cause she's gotta be within 20 lbs. of goal -- she's only in the 160s and I bet she's 5'6" or even taller. So if any of you are watching I'd love to hear your thoughts. Elizabeth was rather pathetic all season -- just excuses, excuses and more excuses. Frustreated me! Speaking of TV, what about Survivor? OMG those two girls quitting last week was such a shocker! Couldn't believe it! WTH??? Phyl, glad you now have a golf cart for you and Zoey to ride around in -- how will you take it with you? Will you have to tow it behind your vehicle? Or will you just store it in Ca? Well, gotta get ready for work -- hope everyone has a fabulous day -- oh, yesterday was the first anniversary of my hip replacement -- time sure flies. Doesn't seem possible it's been a year. CBL. Linda