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Melissa, Congrats on your becoming an Aunt!! I have always loved being an Auntie and am very close to all my neices/nephews even though we've always lived thousands of miles apart. It's a very special relationship. Congrats also on going to the doctor and asking him for help and being brave and honest - that's a big step for us food addicts and I'm proud of you for that! I think the advice given by everyone was wonderful -- we all need to hear those words -- Peaches I love hearing all the OA advice -- thanks again. Apples, sounds like your place at the lake is the most beautiful one there. Sorry about your family issues, I understand -- I'm like you, need to rant, swear and cry and then I'm okay too. Love thinking of the dog singing - I bet it's true too! Jessica - so proud of you -- wtg on the 50 lbs. -- you are just amazing and you've overcome so many obstacles - so impressed with you and all you've been through. Sorry you're feeling lonely - maybe you could meet some other mom's through some play dates for your son? Just trying to think of ways to meet new people. I know it's hard -- that's why working is always good - whenever I moved I always felt like I knew people -- cause I knew them through work and sometimes became friends with some co-workers. PJ so happy to see you on line -- sounds like you're doing good with Janet's help -- keep up the good work! Julie, have a safe trip -- hope you have a painless one -- please take care of yourself and enjoy your Grandkids!!! I woke up Sat. pretty sick - very bad sore throat -- had strep and then it went to my chest -- now it's in my nose -- everyday it moves -- on antibiotics and trying to take it easy - but at work of course (have no time that I can use for being sick). I hate being sick -- I did do a little cardio Sunday but not much, hopefully by tomorrow will feel well enough to get to the gym. Trying to just get rest so I will get better. Went to the camp ground on Sunday to secure a campsite - they don't take reservations at this one -- so first come, first served. We wanted one near the playground so we can watch GD play from our site -- we got a nice one -- so paying for 8 days but only camping for 4 - oh well, it's worth it on a holiday weekend. Called the camper rental people yesterday - they will deliver Thursday late afternoon and told DH we can stay in it Thurs. at no charge, so DH and I will go out Thurs. night and get all set up and rest of family will come on Friday afternoon. Looking forward to getting a tan and reading a couple of books. Eva, welcome back sounds like you had a great trip. LauraK, date sounded good, I agree, take home the food -- why be wasteful? I take food home all the time -- I always order a regular meal and enjoy the leftovers. My DH b-day is 4-21 and mine is 4-22 -- but I'm 3 years older -- I always say that's why we got married - so we Celebrate together - it's kinda nice in many ways. LOL So no, I don't think it's that weird that you share a b-day. Cheri, very interesting info you gave us -- I definetly don't have Myofascial Pain Syndrom (from your description) but do have Fibromylgia (was diagnosed 10 years ago). But it's interesting that at the end of your post you stated that lowering carbs can lower pain because I swear that I don't suffer anywhere near as badly as before surgery -- and right after surgery is when I went completely off all white carbs -- I seldom eat any The only carbs I eat every day are fruits and veggies. So that's very intriging -- maybe that's why I feel so much better. Thanks for the information! Joyce, you were asking about carbs -- the nutritionist at my surgeon's office wrote in black magic marker across the top of our nutrition information pages in big letters "White carbs are NOT required for balanced nutrition" so that was my first hint that eating bread, potatoes, rice, etc., is just "extra" food that we don't need. Yes, we "want" it -- it's what most of us foodies truly crave, but once I got away from it I really don't miss it that much. I haven't been able to eat bread for a long time due to restriction (and that's a good thing). But I didn't like just the bread, potato, Pasta or the rice - It was the butter, gravy, sauce, sour cream, or cheese that I truly loved. Just eating plain bread, muffin, pasta, potato or pizza crust isn't really that exciting. I used to eat "butter with a little bread on it" rather than bread with a little butter on it I used to buy butter at Sam's Club -- 3 or 4 lbs in one package and I would buy at least 3 pkgs every time we went -- and we went about every 6 weeks or so -- so we were eating more butter than I even realized. Wow, that's a lot of butter. No wonder DH has also lost weight since I quit cooking for him every day. It's natural when we're planning a meal to think, okay, we'll have the meat, salad, this veggie, and what fabulous potato, macaroni or rice dish to go with that? I still think that way when planning a meal for guests. Since I have reached my sweet spot if I try to eat a little bit of a carb - like a baked potato or a little rice or pasta (like in a Lean Cuisine) I get so full after a few bites that I can't eat at all-- so truly you have to eat your Protein and veggie first when you get to your sweet spot cause if you don't, you won't get enough good stuff in to keep your nutritional needs up. I think that's why it's good to practice not eating those things at every meal early on and why our doctor's say "protein first". It's a learning process, but that's what I have learned. As has been said many times before, we're all different but thought I'd just share what's been my personal experience. Meredith, so good to see you. How's the house? Congrats on 87 lbs.!! That's great!! Hope you'll post again soon -- how's Andrew and the new house? Think of you often. Congratulations on graduation!! We had 93 and very humid yesterday - storm this a.m. and temps dropped to 70! Supposed to be nice -- high 80s and sunny from Thursday on. I'm like you Apples, since the weight loss I love it hot -- humidity doesn't bother me any more either -- but if it drops below 80, I feel chilly in the shade. Very weird as I hated the heat my entire life. Lori, sorry about the snow - wow, never heard of snow that late in SLC. Really was shocking. Hope the move goes smoothly -- thinking of you. Sorry about the tree and that HOA -- I understand -- just really hate being treated that way. Janet, you and Simon Cowell? LOL. You're much nicer than he would be I think. Congrats on 136 -- I'd like to get down there, I'm sure I will. Trying to learn patience. I am losing inches, but sure would like to see the scale move sometimes too. I have to keep reminding myself to be patient. As far as the buffets go, I still enjoy eating at them - I find lots of band friendly buffets -- but I never go near the Desserts - I tell myself I'll have my treat when I get home and that's enough to satisfy me so I stay away from the desserts (except on vacation, then I do allow myself a few treats on vacation). Plus, if you show your lap band card, it's kid's price, so I feel I get my money's worth when I'm paying 1/2 the price. Laura, hope Nelson had a great time at the zoo - sorry you weren't allowed to go. It's hard watching our babies grow up. Okay, everyone, gotta get back to work I've been writing on and off since 8:30 a.m. -- cbl. Linda

LOL, Arlene, thank you and yes, I could hear the drawl!! It's supposed to be high 80s here for the weekend -- only 68 for a high today -- can't wait!! Linda

LauraK, when's the date? I forgot to ask about it? Has it happened or is it this weekend? Must tell us all about it. Where's Jodi these days? Phyl, wtg on the exercise - I'm so impressed with your energy lately!!! Linda

Laura, I felt that way this week to, so I think sometimes we are just totally exhausted and I think it's okay to just go back to bed and rest when that happens. As long as it doesn't happen every week. I got up at 5 this a.m. and went to the gym and I found that after the two days of rest that I had even more energy than usual, so I think that resting can be a good thing. Especially if you're at TOM! Cheri, love your honesty -- you hit the nail on the head -- he's an arrogant ass - exactly. Not sure why he has to argue with Janet though -- he should just give her the credit she deserves. Judy, wtg on your new attitude - love it and love hearing all the OA information - you and Candice please keep the info flowing. Candice, welcome to our group -- had forgotten to welcome you yesterday. Glad you're here. Have another busy weekend planned -- tomorrow need to get nails done, having lunch with some friends, then a graduation party and an Uppercase party (and no, we still haven't gotten the ones I got at the last party up yet). Grrrrr. Hopefully Sunday will be quiet. DH has to have a hernia removed June 15. There's always something going on, I swear! Joyce, hope you had a great massage and fun with your grandson. Lori, that information from your doctor is a bit worrisome -- I better behave -- sometimes I do feel like I push it too. Thanks for sharing that. Gosh a week from now you'll be in your new home -- how fast that all happened. Your new house looks great -- love that "open" floor plan and high ceilings. I would love a "new" home - I was jealous of DS and DIL bought a new home in Vegas -- so nice having everything new -- I've never had a "new" home. Maybe some day. LOL. Jessica, sorry to hear about your injury -- that really sucks as you were really getting into a good exercise routine. But proud of you for still doing some upper body work -- wtg -- you're an inspiration! Julie, hope you had a nice evening and are feeling better today, thinking of you! Arlene, meant to tell you what a pretty lady you are -- so nice to have a face with the words -- not sure if I ever mentioned I lived in San Angelo for a couple of years -- in fact, my DS was born there -- really love the Texan people -- one of the happiest times of my life. I can still talk the drawl and when I read what you write I hear it that way too. LOL. Well, better get some work done! Have a great weekend everyone! Linda

Julie, glad to hear you're feeling better from the flu. Not sure what my problem is this week -- had a bad spell at the gym Tuesday -- after working out and doing my weight machines, had a bad vertego spell - got so nauseous I could barely get out the door, but got over it -- felt dizzy, but it got better later in the day. But have been so tired all week -- haven't been exercising -- decided maybe I needed some extra rest. Arlene, wtg on the weight loss - great job!! Laura, hope you're doing better too, that Aunt Flo has arrived for her visit. Good news on your Dad -- so happy for you and your family. Maybe now your mom will get some rest too. Janet, your trainer is very opinionated -- a trend I see every night at work when the young men come to work -- they truly think they know it all. Sometimes it bugs me cause they have little in the way of real "experience", where we have truly experienced these things and have a different understanding. Melissa, sorry you are struggling -- but I think the advice from OA is really helpful too. I'm really enjoying hearing some of the advice we have had on here recently. Lori, hope the house issues are better today. We had a situation when we moved from LA - had a call the day after we fed exed our closing papers that they did not arrive -- we were on the road on the way to our new home and the moving van was going to arrive there in 3 days. We had spent several hours at our bank the day before signing before a notary (it took forever) which caused us to get a later start on our trip than we wanted. Long story, but they "found" those papers about 3 months later on "someone's desk" -- the ridiculous part of the whole situation is that they had sent us a pre-addressed fed ex envelope which we had used -- so we couldn't have made a mistake. I told them to check the routing number and they claimed they were told it was not in the system. We had to pay for a notary at a bank in Arizona to re-notarize papers -- luckily we had our "copies" from the day before). They reimbursed us later on (we had to send a letter asking of course) but the mortgage broker was very rude to us and acted like we were lying when we said we had fed exed them. The stress of that was unbelieveable. They ended up apologizing later, but it was pretty bad at the time. Gotta run, just checking in. Will CBL. Linda

Hi everyone, Another busy week here, sorry I've been gone. I'm still trying to catch up, but thought I'd post when I have a minute. Lori, sorry I missed your birthday - happy birthday late -- lobster dripping with butter sounds fabulous. LOL. I'm like Phyl, like my crab just fine with cocktail sauce since banding but haven't had lobster -- think I'd HAVE to have the butter too -- it's also one of my favorites. I have to admit though that when we went to our favorite crab buffet last Friday that I really noticed all the fat people -- in fact I'd say 99% were obese - and not only did I notice how much they ate, I noticed what they ate and also how fast they all finished - no one seemed to be enjoying the food -- just shoving it down. I'm sure we were all like that before our band -- it was just the first time I've really noticed it. One lady had a coffee cup full of butter (rather than those little plastic cups they have next to the butter) and she "soaked" her crab in the butter and then used a SPOON to get it from the cup to her mouth. LOL. I will forever have that etched in my brain I think. It was something to see. DH and I noticed she refilled the cup once even. Wow that's a lot of butter. I'm only sharing this so we can all get a good idea of how far we've come - we have come a long way, each of us is so strong. We deserve to be proud. OMG, Janet took a sick day. You need to take those more often - I'm sure it did you a world of good. Yes, I'm glad you're here talking to us with tough love -- we need it and that's why we come here in my opinion. We all know you only say it cause you love us. Apples, sorry to hear you had another stone pass - you've had a lot of those lately. Hope you have a long time without another one. We are also going camping over Memorial day. I'm taking next Friday off and we are renting a camper -- we have a lake about 1/2 hour from home and they have really nice campgrounds there -- we used to tent camp but with both our hips, backs, DH's arthritis and my fibromylgia, having a real bed sounds good to us. We love camping -- in fact that's what we did for our honeymoon, with all the kids plus DH's brother -- at Lake Tahoe (so gorgeous). When I lived in Reno, I used to tent camp almost every weekend with a group of friends -- really miss that. Can't wait to share that experience with GD. The marshmellows, graham crackers and chocolate bars were the first things bought by step daughter for our trip. LOL. They make these gigantic marshmellows now -- they are huge. My best trait - my sense of humor -- I'm partially crazy (or at least my kids all say so) -- I'm very outgoing and personable. I talk to EVERYONE ANYWHERE -- standing in lines, etc. -- my kids all hate that too. I take tylenol all the time and have - I take tylenol arthritis strength as I can't take ibprofin. I take two at a time and have never had a probem with any pills getting stuck unless I take them immediately after eating -- if I'm too full it can cause me to pb. But I take the huge fish oil pills first thing in the a.m. with no problems also. Heck I was taking vicodine a lot last year before my hip replacement -- didn't hurt my band at all. Eva, sorry you got stuck at airport, but at least you made it sound like you turned it into a fun experience. Glad you had a great time at your concert (I'm with Janet, don't recognize those names either). Laura, wtg on going to the gym -- it's okay not to have umph all the time -- just showing up and doing something is better than nothing -- I tell myself that sometimes when I don't feel like it too then once I get there I'm usually okay. Prouud of you for going when you don't feel like it though. Arlene, your e-mail made me laugh about your "sharp" teeth - I once complained when I was little that my teeth were dull cause I didn't like to chew steak -- and my mother used to always laugh about that. Welcome to any newbies I missed -- someone asked about our journeys - I've been banded 1 year 4 months --lost 100 lbs. in about 11 months, went off my c-pap machine after 40 lbs. down, off blood pressure meds, went off cholesteral meds, my blood pressure is fabulous, my cholesteral levels are fabulous -- don't take anything except my thyroid pill for hypothyroidism. Have been pretty much maintaining and trying to lose the last few pounds since December. Sesame street was great -- will post some pics soon - -my step daughter borrowed my camera and I'm waiting for her to return it. It's about time for me to leave so will try to add more later or tomorrow -- love to all. Linda

Judy, sorry to hear of your struggles. Glad you're taking care of it now, I commend you for your honesty. This is not an easy addiction - we are here to support you and encourage each other. Hope you find the strength you need to fight it one day at a time. Janet, do you eat a banana every day? The potassium is important for leg cramps -- I eat a banana every day and haven't had a problem so far. I just know I remember reading that at some point. A banana a day keeps the leg cramps away. Have a great weekend everyone. Julie, hope you're doing okay, worried about you. Linda

I'm here, sorry I've been so darn busy -- not even sure why just seems like I need about 3 extra hours each day to get done what I need to get done! Apples, good for you for doing your teeth -- anything that makes you feel better about yourself I think is important and if you can tolerate the inconvenience, pain and have the money then why not? You were already beautiful so now you'll even be more gorgeous. Deb, glad you had a great time on your trip to NY -- I've never been so hope to get there one day -- wouldn't mind if our next get together was there. I bet the play was great -- love Denzel. Congrats on your boobs -- lol - that's a great story!! WTG on the zumba - it's great that you love the exercise -- it makes it easier to keep it up I think. Good for you!! Arlene -- good going on the weight loss -- hey 1 pound is still fantastic!! Keep up all the good work! You're doing a tremendous job. Sorry to hear your mom's sick again, will keep her in my prayers. Jessica, I'm with you on the elliptical -- I like it better than the treadmill too and burn more calories as well. I certainly feel like I work out harder on the elleptical - but like it better cause my back and knees (and hip) doesn't hurt afterward. Using more resistance on the treadmill sometimes causes me problems and I can't get up to a high enough speed on the treadmill that I would like. So I really do enjoy the elleptical better as well. And you're correct, all the hard work is going to catch up with you -- you're doing a terrific job -- just keep on doing it and you'll be where you want to be before you know it. I love your new "do" -- looks great -- you are getting more beautiful every day. Good for for your hubby -- just think what positive role models you will both be for your son - great job to both of you! Congrats on wearing shorts for first time in 7 years -- that's quite a milestone! Phyl you have to be the most technology savvy grandma in the US!! I'm jealous -- I don't even know what a new Zune is! Wow you are amazing. I'm disappointed you'll be too far north for me (except if it's a weekend I might be game). So keep me informed as the time gets closer - I'd love to meet you and Karen AND Earl. Laura, happy you had a safe trip home and happy you had a nice time with your family. I'm sure you're dad will feel somewhat better with the chemo behind him. I'm sure your mom is totally exhausted -- sounds like she needs a few days to rest. It would be nice if they could come visit you guys when you're dad is up to it and you're mom could really get some rest maybe. But she still looks gorgeous. Love Nelson's hair -- very nice -- yeah losing the first tooth -- wow -- he's not your "baby" any more. I used to make the cutest tooth fairy pillows -- counted cross stitch -- very cute -- made theme ones for little boys (I remember doing Thomas ones) and girls -- makes me wish I still had my patterns -- hadn't thought about those in a long time. As far as your support group goes, I think they all should be active on LBT - I do think because we stick together and support each other DAILY (or almost daily) it helps keep us on track and motivated. Thank you again Janet -- you are our super guru (sounds better than Food Cop!) Jodie, sorry to hear about your asthma attack -- hope you start feeling better soon. Our bodies sure do like to make us sick when we've overly exhausted them don't they? Glad you were able to be treated at home and not have to go into hospital. Glad Boomer is happy with his new home and family - he's sure a sweet dog -- love all dogs, but he did look special. Nothing wrong with you -- heck, I could cry just thinking about you leaving Boomer -- that's all it takes to make me cry -- just hormones -- we are moms -- we cry easily. That's what makes us special and good moms (in my humble opinion).Hope you have a great time on your trip to Fire Island -- sounds like fun. Congrats on the 7 lbs -- that's incredible -- you ARE the incredible shrinking woman! Great, hope to hear soon that you found a wonderful house -- I don't envy all the work ahead of you. I was appalled that your mom gave you "instructions" on Grandma -- can't wait really for you to be gone and she has to deal with your sisters -- should open ALL of their eyes as to how much you did! This should be good so if you ever move back maybe then you can ALL share the responsibilities more. Eva, have a great time, hope you enjoy your time off and away from work! Sounds like a nice trip. Will miss you but glad you are getting away! Julie, hope you are feeling better, miss hearing from you. Well, I've been reading and writing this for over 6 hours -- been busy today at work, but trying to get caught up with all of you. Going to the gym now as I couldn't get up at 5 - it was rainy and stormy and I just couldn't do it. Have to be at work at 6 am. tomorrow to cover a shift for a co-worker who's on vacation. Then I'll get off at 3, so that'll be nice on a Friday - we are heading to our favorite casino seafood buffet since I'm off early -- take about 1-1/2 hours to get there. Joyce, we still need to plan a trip to get together -- maybe when Eva decides when her trip to your area will be - I think she said August, but if that doesn't happen, I'll still try to plan a little get together some weekend with you. Janet, glad your trainer yelled at you -- he should -- you don't give yourself enough credit -- that's the one thing the author on Oprah was talking about yesterday -- we need to ACCEPT our success and acknowledge our hard work -- we tend to downplay it -- heck -- watching Biggest Loser the other night and them talking about how inspirational they are - well, heck we have to be inspirational to people too -- look at what we've all accomplished!! Accept the praise!! Sunday we are taking Aylah to Sesame Street Live, Elmo's Green Thumb - got tickets through work -- have front row seats in our section -- can't wait -- she's going to love it. I was disappointed Big Mike went home -- like him better than Casey -- oh well, the teeny boppers are all voting for Casey I'm sure. He almost didn't even get a ticket to Hollywood during auditions -- but I think he did deserve to be on but don't think he's good enough to win. I'm with Phyl, would like the finale to be Lee and Crystal. Hope you all have a wonderful evening. Love, Linda

Lori, Welcome home, we missed you. Not too much to catch up on I think. Apples has been going to cabin every week and then home a few days to take care of her boys while they plant. Janet just returned from a weekend shopping trip with her friend, Candy. Arlene has been shaking it up with sugar free syrups and losing good amounts of weight every week. Jodi's foster dog Boomer, was on the Today show -- we taped it hoping to see Jodi and Dassi, but they didn't put them on camera. Jodi got some new clothes from her Step Mom. Julie is suffering and hasn't been on much. Laura and family drove to NC to spend weekend with her folks. LauraK is back from graduation and is preparing to help her daughter move to Nevada next month. Joyce has been exercising and losing weight as well. Phyl has been meeting with a trainer and using her new gym. Eva went to her nephew's graduation this weekend (can't remember where but they flew). I have little news to report, much the same with me. Okay gang, that's all I can remember, someone else can take over and fill her in on what I've forgotten. We went to the tulip time parade Saturday with GD and then she spent the night. It was cold and windy (had to wear winter coats and gloves at the parade.) Hope you all had a great mother's day. I did -- I made homemade waffles for breakfast (everyone's been hungry for them and they are easy, but I could only eat about 2 bites but that tasted great). Then I mostly just relaxed and tried to catch up on some tv watching. Hope everyone has a great day, I gotta go get ready for work. Linda

Arlene, add me as a FB friend, I'm easy to find, my name is so different - Linda Vilcone - I'll be the only one - anyone else here can add me as well. Janet, that's what I always thought too -- but I read an article last night that contracted that -- saying faster is "better" but that can't possibly be correct. I'm like you -- I use higher intensity not faster. Hope the Andrew drama is over - I always TRY to look at those situations as "well, he probaby learned a good lesson that should help him grow up a little more" and let it go. It's when those dramas start happening too often that I can't take it. I paid my Step Son's rent for 6 months last year cause I couldn't take him living in my house and causing so much drama. Now he's living with us again and has been okay for the most part -like Andrew, he has his moments. Im still at work. It's really cold and windy here -- only 55 and rainy. Tomorrow is "tulip time" in Pella Iowa and we are planning to go to the parade -- it's fun - check it out on the internet -- just google, Tulip Time, Pella, IA and you'll see how neat it is. That's a town 20 miles from here. Well, must get back to work. Hugs to all. Linda

Happy Nothers Day everyone - have safe travels to all of you traveling. Eva, loved those pictures - the one with the lightning is such a great one -- could win awards -- would hang that in a frame in my house -- really neat picture. Julie, sorry to hear you're having more pain and I know how hard it is to deal with. Thinking of you and praying you get some relief soon. Hope you somehow have a good mother's day. Phyl was on FB and said the trainer told her no resistance machines for 48 hours -- Phyl, when you get back here could you tell us more about that? I'm curious about what advice he's giving you -- I love any and all free advice I can get on that subject. Everything you read seems different -- I read another article last night that said it was a fallacy that exercising longer burns more fat than exercising harder -- heck I had just read that in an article in a different publication --so now we have contradictory information coming out as new "news" -- so not sure what is correct any more. Thunder storms here over night -- I got up at 5 but decided to go back to bed. Just worn out I guess. Have a great weekend everyone!!! Hugs to all! Linda

Poor kid, I feel so bad for him. Here's a book that sounds good for such a thing -- you could paste the picture inside the front cover of the book. I think a book like this might help. Here's a review I found on it Dog Heaven This affectionate and joyous look at what heaven must be like for dogs can be a great comfort for both children and adults who believe in a heaven as a place where dogs go. When our dog died, I bought this children's picture book by Cynthia Rylant for my husband, and it helped to ease his grief. With text and full page acrylic paintings, Rylant shows a heaven filled with dogs’ favorite things. (Scholastic, 1995. ISBN: 9780590417013) Phyl, I saw Boomer but no Jodie or Dassi either - was very disappointed -- that sucked -- I wonder if they were shown in "the crowd" right before the doggie segment came out. Jessica, congrats on the grades - wtg girl! Laura, great job on the weight loss woo hoo! I think the skirt looked fine in the pictures -- looked just fine. I'm still at work. Will CBL Linda

Janet, sorry to hear about your friend's dad, but it's so nice of you to have such great memories of him in your life. Jodi, I'll be taping the Today show, do hope we get to see you there!! Had a pedicure and nails done after work so home late -- feels like I've hardly had an evening. DB still in hospital - has a bad infection -- his surgery was two weeks ago tomorrow -- but biopsies came back clean thank goodness. Happy Mother's Day Apples. Have a great weekend -- sorry it's still cold up there. Sounds like you have a good attitude when it comes to your son's decisions -- it's hard but we gotta let them live their lives -- but I know it's hard to let them to do that when it comes to dangerous jobs like that. Jodi, congrats on the clothes -- that's really fantastic. Phyl, wtg on the gym -- you are rocking it girlfriend!! Arlene, those shakes sound good - may have to try a few myself -- have some sf pudding in the cupboard. Well, gotta get to bed, 11:30 here and must be up at 5 to go to gym. Eva, hope you feel better, soup sounded good. Love to you all and have a great day tomorrow! Linda

Hi everyone, I pay about a $35 co-pay for my fills until I hit my deductible for the year. My total bill I believe was only $137 for the fill - if I remember right. Joyce, yes, what your pt told you sounds about like what I read -- harder exercise does not equate to "better". If knees hurt I wouldn't use any resistance -- just getting your heart rate up aerobically should be beneficial to weight/fat loss. WTG on your weight loss - my surgeon is much like yours -- after the first few fills he just gave me .25 ccs at a time and although I thought it was too "slow" at first, I'm greatful for it now cause I didn't have too many problems along the way. Arlene, congrats on your weight loss - wow, i'm so proud of you!!! I very impressed! Glad to hear the flowers cheered up your mom. Apples, your description of Tanker going to the vet is so funny - reminds me of my previous dog - just a 15 lb. daushound/terrior mix but she knew how to put the "brakes" on when we would take her to vet or groomer. Lucky for me she was easy to pick up -- poor Tanker. CBL Linda

I eat shrimp with no problems -- yes, it's known to cause problems so we need to chew it well, but so far so good (knocking on wood). I even had a mussel and clam the other night and no problems. Actually popcorn was listed as a food that might give us problems, but thankfully I can eat that (and do eat it almost every day). I haven't had a soda since being banded and don't really miss it. I've never had a problem using a straw either. I cannot eat any kind of bread any more -- I really miss that the most -- I love a good burger once in awhile but every time I've tried to eat the thin buns it's a no go. I do really miss that. I can't eat much rice either -- a few bites and I'm stuffed if I try to eat it. But other people can eat it with no problem -- it's just all an education -- each person is very different. The basic rule is to chew well though. Arlene, sorry to hear about your Mom being unhappy - some times those places are just not the best place to be - especially when you're used to being independent as I'm sure she is. Good going on being good with your food today. Oh Apples, I've also done the shoe thing too -- in fact I did it one time during a power outage - cause I couldn't see they were different (so I had a good excuse). LOL. Gotta run. CBL. Linda

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been gone, but I was crazy busy for a few days. Enjoyed our overnight Friday and sat in the jacuzzi and indoor pool at the resort and didn't come home until Saturday evening. Sunday I was like Apples -- up and running early -- went to gym -- spent 3 hours there and then grocery shopping and then home and cooked all afternoon -- made food for me and the boys for the week. I like doing that since I don't get home until 6:15 or later - if I cook that late I feel like I don't have an evening to relax. I had a bad day yesterday -- took a stupid vitamin pill too soon after lunch and it got stuck - I've only been stuck a few times and usually I take my papaya enzyme and it passes quickly -- well, yesterday was horrible -- I had to come back to work and it was busy (we were short handed) and honestly (stop reading now if you don't want graphic visual), I was gurgling -- it was bad -- went on for hours -- every once in awhile the slime would just come up (lucky for me I never missed the trash can and no one sits where they can see me thank goodness). Anyway it went on for 3 hours until I finally had a minute and went to the restroom and I actually vomitted a bit which finally ended the problem once and for all. But boy oh boy was it awful. I've never experienced that before -- like I said, that's only the second time I've ever had any slime and hardly ever PB. I won't be getting any more fills as obviously I am at my sweet spot -- last fill was in January and I have good restriction and sometimes a little too much. I never have a problem taking pills - heck I take 3 huge fish oil pills every morning (one at a time). I need to go back to chewable vitamins though cause if I take them on an empty stomach, they make me sick. So, I learned a good lesson (passing it on to you newbies). By the way, I made something super delish the other night. I mentioned a week or so ago that I got the new Hungry Girl cookbook -well, I love canollis and there was a neat recipe in there for those. If you go to Hungrygirl.com and type in HolyMOlycannolis the recipe will pop up -- I don't want to retype it here because it could be a copyright infringement. But let me tell you, they are delish and taste like the real thing and takes about 10 mins. to make and makes tons. My new favorite "treat" an only has 1.5 grams of fat and about 100 calories. Did I mention it has real choc. chips in it? The mini ones. I believe in not depriving ourselves -- I have had limited "treats" ever since the beginning and I can honestly say I've never had an "unplanned" treat. I just make sure it's low calorie, low in sugar (if not sugarfree) and low in calories. Heck I even had a big bowl of fat free, sugar free frozen yogurt at the buffet the other night. I do think with the new health consciousness in our country that we will find new freedom in eating out. Jodi, I hear you on the food label reading -- about 14 years ago one of my step kids developed juvenile diabetes and that's when we started to read and understand food labels. Let me tell you, it's gotten much better over the years -- labels are so much easier to read now. Likewise with low sugar, low fat foods -- 20 years ago I had to make my own fat free cream cheese by hangingn yogurt in cheesecloth -- so it's come a long way! I also make a zucchini dish that I thought I'd share -- it's something my mom made and I've discovered it's a great band friendly dish that tastes especially wonderful - especially if you miss Italian food as I do: Here's the recipe. which I call Zucchini Skillet One onion, diced Green, yellow and red pepper diced (about 1 cup diced) 3 large zucchini, cut small 1 can tomato paste spray butter garlic powder, basil, oregono (or Italian seasoning) parsley flakes fat free mozerella cheese Spray skillet with butter flavored Pam -- saute onions and peppers -- after an initial browning I put the lid on and cook until soft -- I add a little low fat chicken broth and then add the zucchini and cook until that's soft - generously season with salt, pepper and garlic powder while cooking. When veggies are cooked spray with a little spray butter for flavor (or add a teaspoon of low fat margarine) add the whole can of tomato paste and a little water to make it saucy. Add other spices and simmer for about 20 minutes to flavor sauce. Add generous handful of cheese -- probaby about 1/2 cup and stir and eat. This makes enough for about 8 large servings - I eat it all week. If you try it, hope you enjoy it. If you must saute in olive oil, you can, but it adds quite a bit of calories/fat to it and truly, it's just as good made without the oil. I've made it both ways. My mom used to make this and then top it with homemade bread croutons -- seasoned with butter and garlic. I've also added mushrooms to it which is also good -- tastes almost like pizza to me and you're getting your veggies in. Apples, hope your vertigo gets better -- I get it too but mine lasts a long time. Meds for it make me sleepy and so I don't take them either -- the exercises do help me - so I do think mine is inner ear. It's gotten better since leaving LA (I think the smog made it worse), but still bothers me quite a bit. We're all so much alike it's very weird how we have so many of the same issues. Sounds like you had a great weekend -- except for the weather -- but sounds like you still had a relaxing time. Jodi, happy belated birthday to you!! Sorry I missed it. Good for you on going to the bris and your daughter is one smart little girl!! Of course you should have a relationship with your step mother. As a step mother myself, I can't imagine my step kids just disappearing from my life if my marriage were to end. Your Dad was being very selfish when he made that demand and I applaud you for ignoring it - no need to rub it in his face, but good for you for being your own woman! Jessica. congrats on the great grades -- those are not easy subjects, you're very smart and work very hard -- very happy you are doing so well. How much more school do you have to do until you're done? Good going on the new undies. I think you'll enjoy the support group -- I can't go to mine cause it starts at 5 and I work until 6 and it's an hour away and I have no vacation time to use to cover it. But I used to get good information from it cause the surgeon's nurse always had interesting topics/speakers, etc. I miss it a lot. Julie, you should have said to your friend, "that's fine I'll make sure you're put in charge of the next fund raiser." And then make sure you do it - tell the minister or whoever that she volunteered!! Let her do all the work -- that was just uncalled for, mean and mean spirited, especially under the circumstances you've been living the past year -- you said she was one of your best friends so obviouslly she knows how tough your life has been. You don't deserve that, you are like a living, breathing angel and you just don't deserve anyone treating you that way. Slimnole you are doing great!! Not sure what you expected, but things are going according to what we all experienced -- if your surgeon and/or his office didn't prepare you properly by telling you what to expect, I'm truly sorry. As others have said, it's not a miracle cure -- having a band is simply a "tool" but it's a very good one that will truly help you if you'll approach it in a positive way and commit yourself to working hard. Remember that old saying, "it's not worth anything if you didn't have to work hard to get it" -- it's true of the band and what it does for us -- if it was 'easy" we wouldn't learn the lessons we need to learn to continue to live our lives -- most of us hope to be around at least another 20 to 30 more years and we want to do it working WITH our bands and enjoying new healthy way of living. Joyce wtg on the gym -- proud of you. Yes, it's hard to work off those calories. I do about 2 hours -- 45 on bike, 45 on elliptical and then 30 on weight machines -- burn about 900 calories -- but I've been doing exericise for a long time -- you have to really work hard to build up to a longer workout. I just read somewhere that harder is not necessarily better - it said you burn more fat if you exercise "longer" rather than "harder" - and when you first start out you really are burning a lot more calories -- as you lose weight you have to exercise longer to burn the same no. of calories. Don't worry about your fills -- no need to worry -- you're learning more every time you get one so when you do get restriction, you're going to understand it -- i hope I'm not scaring you by what I wrote above -- don't mean to scare anyone -- like I said my restriction is usually perfect -- I'm never hungry between meals and I'm satisfied after small amount of protein and a few veggies. It's all a learning experience, but your surgeon will know what's best for you. Trust him. Phyl good for you on meeting with the trainer -- hope he shows you something next time - what did he talk about for 30 mins? LOL. That gym sounds great -- good deal too. I like my new gym -- it's always open - it's small and never too crowded -- oh I was so embarassed - I was working out Sunday and suddenly realized I had my shirt on inside out. LOL. That's an old lady sign if I've ever heard of one. I just about died of embarassment. Arlene, how's your mom doing? I hope better. You are doing such a great job with you new plan - I'm so happy that you found something that is working for you. You are sounding more upbeat every day. Eva, hope you're doing okay too -- glad you had a nice weekend - you deserved a restful one!!! Janet wtg on the new clothes and hugs on the dog and GS issues -- I understand EXACTLY what you mean about your house -- it doesn't even have to be major -- it's just "senseless shit" that drives us insane with our young adult kids -- it can be something as simple as muddy shoes that can set me off. So I sympathize. Well, I've been writing this for hours and hours in between work - better get back to some real work. Laura, great pics of Nelson and his friends - love to see them -- they always look like they are having a great time. LauraK, congrats on getting through the graduation. How'd it go with DD's father and his family? When will you be driving to Nevada? Remember I'm in Iowa and would love to meet you if it's possible. Missing Lori, but sure hope she's having a great time. Love to you al, I'll cbl. Linda

Congrats to Joyce, Laura and Arlene on the weight losses -- wtg and keep up the good work girls!!! Lori must be on her way -- so jealous -- sounds like a great vacation. Hoping she can relax and enjoy and not worry about the move until she gets back. We're going overnight tonight -- just a quick overnight stay at a local casino - they gave us a free night and free buffets for our b-days this month and need to use before the month ends (tonight). So off we go! It's just an hour and a half away, but will be nice to just get away from it all (kids). They have a good seafood buffet on Friday nights so I'll enjoy the crab legs. We are in the middle of severe storm warnings - it looks weird out -- hope it happens soon and gets over with. Hope you all have a lovely weekend - enjoy it and stay positive!!!! Linda

Hello everyone. Lori, have a great time on your cruise -- and relax, everything will fall into place - "what will be will be" you know. As far as the house goes, I'd rather be super happy with my house than where it is. Funny story when we bought our house here -- as I mentioned before, this is a little town and selection was not too great. Well, we finally decided to buy ours (really it was the ONLY one that would "work" at that time) and when we told my DIL "where" it was she gave us crap because our little subdivision was "the first" subdivision on the edge of town and the people who lived there thought of themselves as superior - -houses were a little pricier than in town, etc. I remember someone asking me where we lived when I first moved to town and I told them and they actually said, "well, we like our house in town just fine." I just thought it was the funniest thing cause our house is nothing "special" trust me. The only thing great about it is that it's on the edge of town and we have a field behind us. Other than that, it's just a regular house. Most of the people on our street are older now -- they've been in their houses just about 30 years -- and most of them do think they are better than the average -- I guess at the time they built there it was really special. It's just funny how over time that perspective changes. Anyway, I would go with the best house but that might also include location -- again, you don't want it to take an hour to get to your favorite mall or to meet your girlfriend's for lunch - how about your DH's commute -- will either side of town be good for him for his commute? I hated commuting - and traffic -- I was so happy to leave that behind when we left LA. My first job? Well, of course living on a farm we started working at birth (or so it seemed). We had chores before school -- milking, feeding cows, pigs, gathering eggs, etc. etc. In the summer we gardened, weeded, picked, shelled, canned and froze veggies, fruit, made jelly, pickles, etc.. etc. I had to help with all those chores. I also had to dust my house and GM's house EVERY day -- to this day I detest dusting! I think I was 11 or 12 when I started babysitting for money. My parents divorced when I was 12 and mom went to work and worked as a waitress in a restaurant that served business lunches and dinners and she worked both and it was an hour away so didn't come home in between. My sister was 5 and DB 16 at the time - so I did all the cooking, washing, ironing, cleaning and babysitting. After we left the farm (age 15) I did tutoring and always found a job in the summer working as a nanny/housekeeper -- did that every summer. My junior-senior year of high school I also worked at fast food (anyone ever hear of a Red Barn? they sold chicken and burgers). My senior year I went to school until 1:00 and then worked in an insurance office from 1:30 to 6:00 as a receptionist. I married 3 days after graduation, moved to Duluth and got my first "real" job at U.S. Steel as a secretary in the accounting dept. That was a "big time" job. Made lots of money (for that time). LOL. Having a good week food wise -- had a dental cleaning before work so didn't exercise this a.m. -- took a day off. I'm "enjoying" the elleptical machine at the gym - (if it's possible to "enjoy" a machine like that). I feel like I get a good work out for the time I spend on it. I did 3.5 miles in 40 mins. yesterday. Not bad for a 58 year old with a new hip! I like it better than the treadmill. Julie, hope you get some relief soon - can't wait to hear what the neurosurgeon says - good luck with your appt. Janet, I know what you mean about work -- I used to feel that way in lawfirms - just leave me alone and let me get my work done -- I know exactly what you mean. Plus, all the politics/drama. Try to hang in there. Sorry to hear about your co-worker - I feel bad for her. I heard from an old co-worker of mine recently - she's 76 and just retired - you'd never know it to look at her -- she used to run in marathons - last one she completed was in Des Moines 5 years ago -- I remember cause I had just moved here when she ran it -- her mom just died last year - was 99. And she didn't run "old people" marathons - regular marathons. She's amazing. LauraK have fun at DD's graduation -- have safe travels. Eva -- hope all is good with you -- nice you have some time to decide what kind of job you think you might want to do -- I really lucked out when I took this job -- great company, great benefits and low stress -- just what I needed. Jessica -- sorry to hear about your memories causing you pain. As Apples said, talking with a therapist is the best thing. You've come a long way and done a lot for someone your age - you're one tough cookie and we're all proud of you. Great going on your test. Remember when you feel like eating everything in sight -- give yourself the "hunger vs. emotional eating test" am I really hungry or am I just eating because of emotions? If I'm truly hungry, it can wait another hour (or whenever the next meal is). Try to chew gum or drink water to stave off the eating frenzy. To all the rest, love you all -- gotta get back to work. Linda

Hi everyone, Julie, so glad of your good news - thank goodness! What a relief that is! Lori, sorry about the houses - yes, maybe a condo -- that sounds exciting to me -- especially in snow country. Hope you find something perfect that you'll LOVE. When we bought our house here we didn't have much to choose from and frankly, I wasn't all that happy with our house - it's grown on me, but not my favorite -- it's a split foyer and all the stairs drives me insane. But I offended DH when I commented a few years ago that I reallly didn't "like" our house much. Ooops. Debra, welcome! You're doing great -- so proud of you -- hope you'll stick with us -- we're the same age (I just had my 58th b-day last week) and now if you're only 5'1" we're almost twins. With your weight goal at 125 I'm assuming you must be rather short. Julie, your DD dress sounds gorgeous -- so glad she found something she likes -- it's getting exciting! My neice's wedding is now less than 90 days away -- wow, time is flying. Well, I gotta go home. I'll cbl. linda

Yes, you are right, Apples, Thanks for the kind words. Like your friend, both my step kids are very bitter about "God picking on them by giving them diabetes".

Hi everyone. Janet, glad you had a good night's rest, I did too - I slept in this morning as well. I've just been tired lately. Think it was episode with FM last week. Arlene thinking and praying for your mom. Good job on planning your food for the day. WTG! You're doing great! I ironed as a kid too -- and probably why I hate it so much now -- no pay for me - I was free help. LOL. My brother who is 4 years older than me (one who had surgery last week) used to hit me if I didn't get the creases on his jeans just right. LOL. Can you imagine ironing jeans today? By the way he doesn't hit girls anymore. I think it was a kid thing. LOL. That probably sounded really bad. Sunny here today too Apples supposed to be nice again until Thursday. Hoping it is anyway. Step son had to go to ER last night for his diabetes. Honestly! When are these two kids ever going to learn. They truly were raised to be responsible people, I don't get it. Hope everyone has a great day - I gotta run and get ready for work. Enjoy your day! Linda

Hi everyone, Hope everyone is surviving this Monday -- it's cold and rainy here but the week ahead is supposed to be be good. Apples, sounds like you had a great visit with your friends over the week/weekend and sounds like your place at the lake is ready for the rest of the season! Good for you - glad you will be enjoying your new deck. Julie, so sorry to hear that your doctor can't help you between now and the time you go see the neurosurgeon. I'm so sorry you have so much pain again. Sorry to hear about Mimi's ears again, hope it gets better. Arlene, sorry to hear about your mom. Hope she is better and back home soon. My DB's surgery went well -- he had surgery on his lung Thursday -- everything went well the surgeon saw "nothing suspicious". He was still in ICU as of yesterday afternoon, but doing okay. With all his other problems (heart condition) they keep a close eye on him, for which we are grateful. Eva, bet your purse party was fun. Laura, I think you're looking at her tickler wrong -- I think her goal is 117 pounds to lose, not her final weight goal - her final goal would be 135 I think which sounds more reasonable. Jessica, your new picture is really wonderful - you look so great -- we're all so very proud of you. I'm so happy you are in your own place and enjoying your little family so much. I had good news this a.m. - I'm down another pound which shocked me -- I'm so used to not losing. LOL. I'll take it!! I guess my band gave me a belated b-day gift. Janet, hope you had a good Monday at work. Just think, only a few more days and then it's the weekend again. Just four more days. When's your next furlough day? Poor Aylah had to come over yesterday dressed in her snowsuit and scarf over her face and gloves and hat on to play on the swingset. I went to take a picture, but battery was dead on camera. Darn, it would have been such a cute one. I plugged it in so I'll be ready for next time. Lori, what's new -- anything going on with the house/move? How're the newlyweds doing? Did Grandma have a fabulous b-day? Well, gang, hope you all have a great night. I'll CBL. Linda

Hi everyone, Just a quick note to say I'm here. It was a busy day -- gym, stores, cooking, cleaning a bit. The big news is: The swingset is DONE. Sorry to say it started pouring rain about 5 mins. after he was done -- it sprinkled on and off all day but then it really started to storm. DGD came over and was so disappointed she couldn't use it. Hopefully the weather will clear tomorrow. Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday -- I'll try to post more tomorrow. Linda

Lori, sorry that I forgot to congratulate you on your 31st wedding anniversary - that is a wonderful accomplishment. It's wonderful that you and DH are still so much in love. Such a good example for your kids. Please don't get snow today -- ouch - I don't want that coming my way. Julie, I can't believe how much the girls look like each other. They'll get along better when they get used to the idea. Both of them are just feeling insecure -- it's probably pretty scary for both of them. It's nice they'll grow up with each other -- they'll probably end up being very close. How far apart in age are they? Janet, hugs on the sister issues. I feel so bad for you - sometimes life just sucks and you have to "survive" - I know it's tough but you are one tough lady and can handle anything I know,. I'm so proud of you for not resorting to the eating -- congrats on saying "NO" to the donut. It wouldn't have tasted very good anyway you know. It's a cold rainy day here. I woke up with lots of pain. My fibromylgia is bad today but I've had a twinge in my shoulder blade area the past few days and now my back is spasming as well - so I got up at 5:00 when the alarm went off but was hurting so bad I just got back in bed until 7 and got up for work. I'm taking arthritis strength tylenol as well as a muscle relaxer and I still hurt. It's the worst day I've had in a very long time. Arlene, sorry you too are having the same kind of day. Hope you feel better soon too. LauraK, is your route taking you through Iowa? If so I'm only a short distance from I-80. Would love to meet you if we can work it out. Jessica, so happy you are settled in - sounds like you are thriving in your own place. I'll have to check out that website -- maybe pick up some new tips -- never too old to learn new tricks. Good going with your school classes and your exercise and eating -- keep up all the good work. Welcome BattleKat, hope you'll let us know what you eat so someone here can try to help you. I've been stuck at the same weight for seems to help. I think sometimes our bodies just do what they want to do. Sometimes we just have to exercise a lot of patience. Let us know if your surgeon had some ideas for you. I also love JDRobb books -- I think I've read all of them or if not, close to it. Apples, I laughed so hard at the branding story. Part of my finding it funny is cause I was deathly afraid of bulls -- I would be so certain that they would stampede me -- maybe cause I was small -- but I would not even want to walk to the barn if the bulls were within a half mile of the barn. The last thing I would have done would have been to poke one with a hot stick. LOL. Boys will be boys I suppose. Julie wtg on the skinny comment - I'm so happy for you - that should make you feel terrific cause you've worked hard for your loss and I'm so happy you are finally hearing some positive affirmations about it -- it means so much coming from people who knew us "before" -- congrats and be proud of it - you deserve it girl!! Joyce hope you're having a great day down in KC. I'm keeping my fingers crossed we can get together with Eva this summer. I'd so love to meet some of my band sisters in person! Cheri, sorry you had such a tough time with the choir. Unfortunately that sort of thing does happen but I'm sorry they took it wrong -- I think it hurts worse cause you "know" them and they should "know" you didn't mean it that way. Hope it gets better soon. Hi to all the rest of you, sorry, I'm have CRS this morning. Well, gotta go, hope everyone has a great Friday. CBL Linda

Hello everyone. Thank you all so very much for the birthday greetings! I appreciate it very much. Today is "the" actual b-day. Yesterday was DH's. We've been celebrating for a week! Remember, we went to dinner and Elton John concert last Friday, then I made homemade dinner last night for DH and the kids, including a chocolate turtle cheesecake (yum, but it is gone now thanks to the people at work). I had a teeny tiny piece, and oh goodness, so rich. Almost too rich if you know what I mean. Then tonight I get a footrub from step son (he promised - my favorite thing). DGD delivered beautiful peach roses at my office today, so it's been a lovely day. Nice weather, rain will hold off until tomorrow so that's good. Sorry I haven't been around - had GD for two nights, Monday and Tuesday and was busy Tues. preparing for dinner last night, then had a house full of company last night. Work has been busy, so not much time to be on computer at work either until today -- it's quiet at the moment. Julie, I had to give up heavy housecleaning ten years ago when I had back surgery -- and gee, I don't miss it at all! I can still do lots of things, but NOT heavy things (especially now after hip replacement as well) -- I cannot vaccuum (DH does that), canNOT scrub walls. I can clean windows, but I can't get on a ladder or step stool either. Can't scrub the tub, but can clean the rest of the bathroom, can do our shower stall in our bathroom. You'll have to learn what you can and cannot do. It's a process. If it makes you hurt, stop. One of the things I do still do and it really is hard on me is cooking -- I love to cook and bake, but truly, after a few hours in the kitchen I have terrible pain, get spasms in my back, etc. Thank goodness the kids are grown. I do cook on Sundays and I can cook my food, but the rest of the time I usually have DH do his own thing - I still make his favorites for him though. You know what I mean I'm sure. So I do what I can and DH helps. I've had cleaning people over the years, but we alwyas end up firing them cause they stop doing a good job after awhile. Then we do it all awhile and then when we get tired of it we hire new people. LOL. Right now Step Son is doing it as he's living with us -- free rent equals cleaning my house. Except he doesn't always do a great job so I have to end up doing things too. DH has still not finished the swing set. I get frustrated with him -- he's such a procrastinator -- I've been waiting 6 weeks to have him help me put up a couple of Uppercase Living things too -- need his help in centering and leveling them. Since he stopped working (over 10 years now) he just puts things off till it drives me insane. I'm still waiting for him to get my bathroom done so I can paint it - it's been 6 years. He's good about lots of things like the yard work, snow removal, taking out garbage, etc. so I hate to nag or complain. Anyway, Arlene, congrats on your one pound -- I'm so happy you are losing -- I'm still stuck and stuck good -- I have great restriction and eat exactly what I did through all the months I lost well, but still can't get much off -- I've only lost 3 lbs. since December. I'm not really too worried -- I could call it goal if I wanted to, but I want to get to my actual goal my doctor set and it's tough. I exercise all the time - so I just hope someday I will just start losing again - at least one pound a week -- or even 1/2 a week I'd take, so congratulations to you. Apples, sorry I missed you, but hope you are having a wonderful time at the lake -- the pics were great -- have lots of big farms like yours here in Iowa -- I grew up on a small farm in Ohio -- we raised wheat and corn and had pigs, chickens, beef -- and did our own butchering, had big gardens did lots of canning and freezing - a really wonderful way to grow up, but had to work hard. We had a milk cow until I was about 10 -- my grandma churned butter everyday with an old wooden churner -- can still remember the wonderful smell of that sweet butter. Janet, hope work gets better soon -- I know how you feel -- felt that way for many years in lawfirms -- and there's really nothing you can do except endure it as you have to work, have to have insurance, etc. I was a single mom for a long time too and know how it feels. Retirement seems a long way off, I know. My little job here which I consider my fun 'retirement' job is so stress free compared to the 35 years I worked in the legal field. I feel like I goof off every day -- such an easy job for me. Of course, I don't make much anymore, but the benefits are great here. Eva, your job sounds so physical -- I certainly give you credit for doing all that physical labor and in that heat -- wow, i can't imagine how you managed it before you had your lapband surgery. How's your hip doing? Laurak, exciting news about your DD -- we'll have to plan to meet in Vegas some time - my DS lives in Henderson. Cheri, hope all is well with you and you will be able to help your DGS. I know you must feel such frustration since you are such a dedicated educator. Lori, good going on the sale!! I bought a few sale items the other day at JC Penneys and got great deals too. Laura, glad you will have a little vacation over Mother's Day -- enjoy your trip. The mountains are so beautiful, I love driving up through there. Should be a nice trip. Loved the pic of Nelson in his undies doing the muscle man pose!! Reminded me of my "lttle" boy who is now all grown up!! Makes me a little sad how fast it all goes, so enjoy it as much as you can. Sorry about the TOM issues - I had a hysterectomy at age 32 but I suffered for so many years -- it was such a relief to finally get it over with - I've never regretted having it taken care of early on in my life. Hope your Dad is doing okay. My DB had major surgery today -- waiting to hear. He's had a collapsed lung since Decmeber and had fluid in the lining which they removed before but the lung never reinflated. So now they basically are doing the same surgery my friend had done last year - getting all the fluid out, doing biopsies and hopefully reinflating the lung. So say a quick prayer for him for me please. This is the DB who had cancer at age 25 and so he's been 36 years free of cancer, we just hope he still is. We were alll hoping that him having surgery on my b-day is a good omen. Phyll, glad you're home safe and sound, loved the pics of you and the grand dogs on FB -- such sweet faces! Hope the weather gets better for you. We're supposed to have rain all weekend. :thumbup: But can't complain, it's been gorgeous for several weeks with lots of sunshine. It's been so nice having the patio furniture back on the deck. Hi to Jodi, Melissa, Deb, Jessica and any others I missed. Can't remember what else is going on, but I did catch up on reading all the posts. Have a great night everyone. Thanks again for all the b-day wishes, I feel so loved!! Couldn't live without all of you! Linda