ljv52

Hi everyone, Eva, when you find out when you'll be in KC let me know too so I can drive down and meet both you and Joyce. So please don't come in July when I'll be in Florida!!! Not much happening here. Had a busy busy day yesterday -- went to gym and then to several stores -- dollar store, Walmart and another grocery store. Then cooked as I was out of everything. Bought ingredients to make DH's favorite cheesecake as his b-day is day before mine so have to make him his fav (chocolate turtle cheesecake). I'll have a teeny, tiny slice, but HAVE to HAVE some. I'll take most of it to work for the "kids" the next night and leave enough for DH to have a couple of slices. I slept in again today -- couldn't go to sleep last night -- don't know what's up with that but I hate sleeping so late, cause it makes my day off so short. Have am appt. Wednes. with lap band surgeon -- don't need a fill but haven't been there in about 4 months so think I'll go just to weigh in and see what they think. Janet, hope you're enjoying your movie. DH is working on the swing set -- it's getting a little faster now -- hopefully will be done in the next couple of days. Hope everyone is having a lovely day. Will CBL. Lori, will the realtor be doing an open house? You're house must have been in great shape if you're already done staging it. Miss Apples, but hope she's have a great time. I'm a bit jealous, have to admit. Linda

Good Morning Everyone! Had a wonderful time last night -- wonderful meal at Bone Fish Grill -- best fish I've had away from any coast. They cook fish on wood grills. Concert was awesome! Nonstop for 2-1/2 hours -- he didn't stop at all -- unbelieveable at his age! I'm surprised he's not skinny. LOL Such a wonderful entertainer. He said at the beginning of the concert that he hadn't been to Des Moines since 1973 so I think he felt he "owed" the fans an extra special concert. We had great seats (through work) we were the first row off the floor about 3 sections from the stage. I could actually see him without watching monitors. For any of you struggling for ideas on food, Hungry Girl has a new cookbook out - Hungry Girl 1,2,3 - I just got my copy in the mail and there's tons of great ideas in it -- it's nice to take the "guesswork" out of recipes - with these, all the nutritional information is right there so you know exactly what calories, etc. you are eating. There's even a recipe for mug chocolate cake that only has 147 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. She uses sweetner in all her recipes as well so low fat and sugar free as well. She's very creative with her recipes. Laura, sorry about the burned fingers, I've done that and it's just miserable. Great, what a wonderful cruise -- hope this volcano clears up before the end of the month -- what a great deal -- that's down right cheap -- almost free really -- less than $100 per day for both you and DH -- unbelieveable. I slept in this morning -- by the time we got home I had been up 22 hours -- so didn't even open my eyes until 10 -- wow, I haven't slept that late in many years. Hope everyone has a lovely day -- I gotta hit the gym -- I'll be back later. Linda

Hi all, just a quick note before I leave work to go to my Elton John concert in Des Moines. Having an early b-day dinner before hand at Bone Fish Grill (haven't been before, but everyone says it's quite good). DH's b-day is day before mine, so we are celebrating together tonight. Found out Step daughter's test was to see if she is allergic to fructose. Should be interesting. I'll CBL. Have a great weekend everyone! Linda

Howdy everyone, Julie, so happy to hear you had a wonderful, pain-free night-- that's really great, but also makes me ANGRY that they made you wait so darn long -- wasn't fair to you -- you shouldn't have to suffer so much darn it anyway. Lori, hugs on feeling unappreciated, I understand exactly how you feel (raising step kids is rather the same type of feeling most of the time). A simple "thank you" goes a long way to make someone feel good. I get weird some times too and actually get to the point where it's almost paranoia -- I'll convince myself I'm being intuitive and can get all wound up until I take a deep breath and tell myself it's not "intuition" but "paranoia" and to knock it off. (Usually has to do with work related issues.) It passes. LOL I hope no one thinks I'm really truly strange now, but I'm just being honest. Sometimes our emotions just get the best of us. That's why it's good to have our friends to vent to. Good luck on the move -- it sounds like so much work -- thank goodness you got your second knee done when you did and didn't put it off - that would have been so much harder on you. Hope you find a lovely new house to buy. You won't have to worry about exercise with all the work you'll be doing the next few months. Janet good going on the gym -- I did step aerobics at home today -- my knees feel less sore -- I'm sure you're right, I'm exercising different muscles around those knees. I will be careful, believe me. Hope work gets less busy for you - wow, I hope I'm still not working in my 70s like your coworker. I hope I can retire by age 66 at the latest, sooner if I can get health insurance without working. Arlene, wtg on the loss - you are doing FANTASTIC - I'm so proud of you. I don't think I could do it now -- so I give you a lot of credit. I wouldn't even want to do the 5 day pounch test. Step daugher is having some new test done at Iowa City today - something about breathing into a bag every 15 mins. for 3 hours? Laura, does this sound like anything to you? It makes me wonder. . .since we aren't privy to her medical issues, sounds like a weird test to me for someone who has gastro issues. Let me know what you think please. Eva, hope work gets a ittle less stressful for you too. But at least the time goes by more quickly when it's busy. You have to work out in that heat -- I can't imagine how tough that was when you were heavier. Deb, Joyce, Jodi, Jessica, Laurak, Melissa, Cheri, hope you're doing good today. Our weather is sure beautiful. In the 80s again today, but they're talking about only 60s for the weekend. Hope they're wrong!! Everything is quite green here too -- heck DH had to mow the yard last week already! Have fun at the lake Apples! Thanks for the compliments on my exercise. I do hope someday I'll be able to lighten up on it -- but right now I still need to do as much as I can to get this last 10 lbs. off -- slowly but surely I'm getting there. My metabolism must be just horrific -- should get that test done some day. Have a lovely afternoon -- cbl. Linda Linda

Love your photos Apples. We've had gorgeous weather all week -- 85 today again. Loving wearing summer clothes and no jackets. Lori, LOL on the 50s comment -- you got me on that one. Hugs on the volunteering - I feel guilty cause I don't do much around our community -- maybe if I ever quit working full time I will then. I just think I would hate to have to "check in" or ask permission to have the day off if I was volunteering. LOL. The swing set is still in process - I should take photos -- DH is a true perfectionist -- he's already had to take some things apart and put back together - if it's ever done it might be a miracle. Cheri, hugs on all the education and GS issues. You sounded frustrated. Sorry - wish I could be of help. Julie, glad you're doing okay and I hope the week ends up being pain free. That would be great. Laura, glad to hear your Dad is able to get in water -- I know how much I'd miss it if I couldn't - water is always so soothing. Joyce for sure we need to get together this summer -- I have a h.s. friend in Shawnee that I'd love to see also . already time for me to go home, I'll CBL. Have a good afternoon/evening everyone. Where's JOdi and Jessica been? Linda

I used Charco tablets awhile after surgery, hoping it would make the tooting go away - didn't help for that so I quit, but it does help bloating. Clag, congrats on the 16 lbs. WTG! Keep it up and congrats on advancing to mushies. I still eat Egg Beaters and you can add a slice of fat free american cheese for just 30 extra calories - - makes it yummy. I cook mine in the microwave. Easy. Arlene, glad I had the low fat version for you -- they aren't bad and have lots of Protein. So glad to hear Julie is done with her appt. and hopefully is getting some much needed rest!! Keeping my fingers crossed for her. Joyce, loved your car, forgot to mention that. I'll meet you in KC for a ride one of these weekends. I take antibiotics before dental work too - metal rods in back and now my new hip. Well, it's time to leave work. Got a little tykes foldable picnic table at work today for GD for $10 (used of course) -- quite a good buy. DH is busy building the swing set - hopefully will be done by the weekend. Lots of work. CBL Linda

Okay all you chocolate lovers here's the bean brownies: 1 can black beans 1/2 C. unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 C. egg beaters 2 T. sugar free chocolate syrup 10 T. Splenda Granulated 2 T. fat free sour cream or Greek Yogurt (plain) 1 T. melted butter 1 t. vanilla Rinse and drain black beans. Place in food processor. Add all other ingredients, blend until smooth. Spray an 8x8 square pan and pour mixture into pan. Bake at 350 about 25 mins. or until toothpick come out clean. Refrigerate. Each brownie: 53 calories, 1.5 grams fat. They aren't bad, really. I like them best cold, kinda fudgy, not really "cake like" but not bad. I also think the Special K Pretzel bars (2.5 grams fat, 90 calories) are tasty for a chocolate fix. I also like Rice Krispie treats with chocolate drizzle (2.5 grams fat, 90 calories) once in awhile help me also. I think the worst thing to do is deprive ourselves completely - afterall this is lifestyle change and we can't live forever without some treats. Moderation ladies, moderation. I can join the "I had a horrible dentist as a kid too" club. I don't understand why they were so mean in the 50s. Janet, thanks for asking, have one of my flexies on right now -- love it, very comfy -- I have the one on that just looks like a tank top. May send the corset one back - not sure I really need that -- would be good under a dress but wear so few dresses. Still thinking about it. Julie, hope it all went well and you get some relief. Thinking of you today. Laura, so proud of you for exercising!!!! Keep it up. I know it's hard with your busy life and having a young one at home makes it more difficult so I do give you a lot of credit for making it there! I get to the gym every day about 5:30 a.m. - work out until 7:45 or so -- do the recumbant bike, treadmill, eliptical and then some weight lifting machines. I'd never go if I waited until after work. I'm definitely a morning person. I notice my knees have been sore since I started at the gym but I think it will pass (I certainly hope). Well, I'll cbl -- not much else to report and need to get back to work. Linda

Sorry your son had to have that happen to him as well as you had to hear about it as well. Kids are so very mean. Like Apples said, you are on your way to recovery and changing your life and today you are 14 pounds lighter than you were last month -- every day, every week, every month gets a little easier. You'll get there and then when you're at goal you'll look back and not care what that brat said. Don't let this get to you or give you a set back, make it help you get stronger. Keep up the good work. We love and care about you and are here to support you any time. Vent away any time you need to, we're happy you found us. Linda

Eva, wow, I agree, doesn't even look like the same place - wonderful job you've done!! You have so much talent! Love your Glimmer -- she looks so sweet - and loving. Mine is too. How can anyone not love dogs? Apples, your Tanker is soooo cute -- so is your DH. LOL. He reminds me of a little boy on his first bike -- quite a grin he had for the picture. Tell him to have a fabulous b-day!! I don't know if you'll be able to spoil GD more than me, she's pretty spoiled already and I have another 12 years to keep spoiling her!! LOL. Still at work, gotta get back to it. CBL Linda

Hi everyone, sounds like everyone had a nice weekend. We did too, enjoyed the nice weather today -- in the 70s and much warmer than yesterday. DH had a hankering for kebobs, so he bought steak and chicken and we made our own -- marinated the chicken in a fat free Italian salad dressing and then used that to brush on the kebobs instead of olive oil (as we used to do). Turned out great! I've always used italian dressing to marinate my chicken - it gives it such nice flavor. Have you guys heard about this chef Roco (can't remember his last name) - he's on biggest loser a lot - anyway, I saw him on the Doctor's show a couple of weeks ago and he developed a recipe for a brownie that has 53 calories and only 1.5 grams of fat per brownie. So I ordered his cookbook and made the brownies today. They are made with black beans instead of flour -- cocoa powder, egg substitute, splenda granulated, vanilla, sugar free chocolate syrup. Well, they are okay but not great - interesting and lots of protein but kinda weird. I doubt I'll make them again. Interesting concept though. Eva, my word that was a lot of concrete you mixed -- wow, that must have burned some calories. Did you cement a large area? Can't wait to see the pictures. Janet, sorry about your tiff with Andrew We had a fight with my step son today too - he's really pushing his limits here and it really upset me. I'm so tired of problems with these kids - wish they would grow up and become responsible and take care of themselves. Hopefully he's learning a good lesson and is scared enough to not make the same mistake again. Hope you and Andrew are back on the mend. Deb, I love to clean too -- when I'm in the mood -- I love the smell of murphy's oil soap too -- lol. It's such a good feeling when you get all that kind of stuff done, isn't it? Jodi, you are so lucky to have those clothes at your disposal -- don't feel guilty - I'm sure you've done your share of volunteering and giving over the years, so enjoy -- you deserve it and as you lose weight it will save you so much money - plus you won't be wearing the clothes very long before donating them back as you lose weight. Congrats on your losses - you're doing fantastic - keep up all the good work. So nice your DD is proud of your accomplishments -- she sounds wonderful. You were a smart lady not to have talked bad about her dad to her -- it could have been so disastrous if you had -- she's a lucky girl to have such a great mom. Apples, you can have my DGD when she's around 14 or 15, okay? Not until then. LOL. She is something else. DH started working on putting the swing set together today -- she can't wait, but my word, it's a huge project -- it's one of the wooden ones and it's got tons and tons of bolts, etc. Over 50 diagrams in the book -- he got just one little section done today. Julie, I know you'll miss Mimi, but she'll enjoy the day care as well and you'll still get to watch her when DD goes out with her DF. It really will help you to heal faster if you're not lifting her -- I know cause I seldom lift my GD but every once in awhile, it's just necessary. She weighs 32 lbs. also and that's a lot of weight. Okay girls, I've never been to NYC either and am DYING to go -- I can't go this year, but am willing to go any other time. That would be a fun trip for us. LauraK any word on DD's job offer? Hope she gets it. Arlene, sorry to hear about your fibro. Mine has been relatively quiet for the past month or so, but you never know when it's going to hit. You're doing so great with your new plan, congrats on the weight loss. Lori, glad you are liking your new car. Did you trade in your old one? Well, that's about all I can remember. Hope everyone has a great week. Thanks again for all the compliments on my pictures. Appreciate it. Happy Birthday tomorrow Eva!!!! Hope it's the BEST one ever! Love, Linda

Hi everyone, hope you are all having a great Sat. We are -- nice day, sunny but cool with the north wind blowing. DH got all the patio furniture out, cleaned the pull out awning and all the furniture. Got up at 6 a.m. so I could go to the gym and get it over with. Then I had my reading at the bookstore and afterwards went shopping for some bling to wear to Elton John concert next week. Our little shop in town has some cute things, but oh, so expensive -- used my 20% off for my b-day month. I'll post some new pics for those of you not on FB from Easter and the two new topes I bought today. Also some pics of my GD Aylah. CBL Linda

LOL, I'm still giggling Apples, you cracked me up. Does your DS still put the dryer lint up her nose? When I was reading that it just cracked me up. And yes, we probably are triplets -- separated at birth -- except I'm so much older than you and Janet, but we sure have a lot in common, don't we? Welcome back Lori, glad you have made it safely home to Colorado. When we decided to leave Long Beach, we packed most everything and stored the boxes in the garage, listed the house on a Monday, the agent had an open house that Sat. and we had 10 offers and sold it that same day (this was in the boom days). We asked for a 6 week escrow. Two weeks later we flew here and bought a house and 4 weeks later we moved. In my opinion, the quicker it happens, the better. Remember i was an AF wife for many years, so moving is one of my "specialties". What I hate the most is getting to the new house and unpacking boxes and thinking, "why oh why did I spend good money shipping this?" LOL. No matter how much I try to get rid of unnecessary things, some always manage to "move" with me. Deb, glad you had a good trip to Pittsburg and got to visit your mom. I'm sure she enjoyed your visit as well. Jessica, sorry to hear about the drowning situation. I'm sure it will all work out okay. Laura, glad you had a good Easter with the folks. Sorry about your Dad. When I saw the picture on FB I thought, gee he looks good -- sorry he was angry about it, but know he really doesn't mean to get that way I'm sure. Julie, I am so happy you are approved for some shots for your pain (cortizone?). I just hope it will bring you relief - it's not fair for you to have to live with so much pain. Melissa, I loved your "smart ass" quote -- very very cute -- and of course, I used to be extremely smart. LauraK, I do hope your daughter gets that job, I'm hoping for the best for her! Okay, my family buys me White Diamonds all the time for Christmas, etc., so I never really have a chance to try new perfumes. I guess it smells okay on me as I get compliments. Step daughter was sick again -- had to have GD for a few days. Tomorrow I go to the local book store to read my story. They have a kitchen in the book store and every month they do a "cooking with books" and they invited me to read my story and they'll make the muffins. Should be a fun morning, looking forward to it. Hope someone shows up, they're charging $5 for it seems a bit pricey to me for muffins -- maybe they'll make something else to go with it. Otherwise I may be reading to myself. LOL. Gotta run, meeting DH for dinner at our Mexican restaurant and I'm aleady a couple mins. late and have to go potty first. Beautiful day here today - in the 70s -- wore springy clothes to work. TGIF! CBL Linda

Quote: All my molars are either filled and mosted are capped and I have a bridge on the left rear side (missing 2 teeth) - missing a molar upper right but far enough back and I don't want another bridge - one doc said get implant but those take six months an that's just too much time in the dentist office for me.. Janet, I'm truly frightened now. I too have a bridge on the bottom left of my mouth. Are we truly 2 different people? LOL. We are so darn much alike, it's truly getting weird. Linda

Joyce, love Gizmo - so sweet and cute - love, love all our pets (family members). Janet, you go girl!! Good for you that that fireman gave you such a great compliment - wow, I bet that made you day (week) You better wear that outfit everywhere you go for awhile. LOL. We already told you you were gorgeous, but it's something else coming from a guy and a stranger at that!! Wow. Laura, sorry to hear your Dad had such issues -- it's so tough. Like someone said, don't worry about Nelson crying. My 6'5" football playing son is a crier - just makes him even more special - a great big teddy bear with feelings - he cried like a baby when his bride was coming down the aisle -- I was proud of that!! I cry at the drop of a hat -- especially at goodbyes - I am finding though that I'm getting tougher these past few years - not crying as much -- which is kinda weird I think. Julie, glad your busy weekend is over -- get some rest and hope the pain stays away for a few days. We had over 80 degree weather today -- lots of storms in the area - none have hit here yet though - just cloudy and hot - didn't mind though -- air conditioner was on at work and I had my heater on at my feet. Not much else to report - hope everyone has a great night. Thinking of Lori at the beach -- wishing I were there as well. CBL. Linda

Not only is your DH a lovely man, but a smart one too who made a good point -- 19 pounds gone forever!! Sounds like you have it all together - keep up the good work and congrats on those 19 pounds!

Hi, I agree with Laptastic too. I've been at a plateau since first of December -- I got to 100 lbs. lost and couldn't get any more off although I was exercising like crazy - 120 mins. a day 7 days a week and eating exactly the same as I did previously when I consistently lost 2 lbs. per week average. One week ago I started taking liquid protein before my workouts and I am doing actual weight machines -- I was doing exercise (lots of cardio) and some light free weights, but started weight machines a week ago. Got up and weighed in this morning and lost 2 lbs. which is the first time in months I've lost more than a couple of ounces for a week. Someone told me that if you ingest 18 grams of protein before you work out your metabolism increases -- not sure if it's true, but it did work for me. Good luck and I hope this might help you so you don't stall for months as I did. By the way, I tried a lot of other things during this plateau (like eating more calories, exercising a little less each week) and nothing happened -- in fact a couple of times I'd gain a pound from doing that.

Happy, you're doing fine. It is normal after the surgery to NOT lose weight -- your body is in the process of healing -- within the next few weeks you will start to lose. You should call your surgeon's office and ask them if your calories are what they recommend or if you need to change them. I followed my doctor's advice to the tee and I've lost over 100 lbs. in 14 months. I recommend you only weigh yourself once a week as your body fluctuates too much to be weighing every day. I found I consistently lost 2 lbs. per week until December when I had another major surgery (not related to the band). Just keep doing what you're doing and you'll be fine. Best of luck to you.

Sorry to hear your dad is having another rough day. Hope it's better as you read this. What's an extra day. Wow, your SIL is a piece of work. Why is she so mean to Nelson? I can't believe anyone could be mean to that sweet little face. Did she ever have kids? I just don't get why some people think kids should eat everything they are served -- even I'm picky when it comes to some people's cooking. LOL. But the biggest thing is NOT acknowleding you and your sister's hard work at the weight loss - what a b_____h! Sorry there's no other word for her. Apples, so happy to hear everything is looking good for DS. Such a relief. Maybe he can come visit you during a little of his recovery period? That would be nice. CBL having a rather quiet day here at work. Linda

Good morning everyone! Hope you all had a great Easter. We had a good one. Enjoyed our GD's delight when she found out the Easter Bunny had left her some things here at our house too! Made a nice dinner -- fresh asparagus (yum) and ham balls. My GD loves noodles and found a nice recipe that was band friendly. It's noodles mixed with cottage cheese and light sour cream, onion, garlic salt and then sprinkled with parmesean cheese and baked -- it was quite good -- could only eat a tiny bit, but enjoyed it. It's the first Paula Deen recipe I've ever seen without butter! It was a nice change from the usual scalloped potatoes. I'll post pics when I can -- colored eggs - had a great time with GD doing that. I'm so thrilled - joining the gym was obviously a right decision for me -- I weighed in this morning -- down a pound -- so I'm happy with that. Thinking of Apples and hoping all is okay with her DS. Lori is on the plane right now heading to Hawaii -- bon voyage! Have a wonderful time. JoJo -- as everyone has said, this discomfort will go away -- I was banded 14 months ago. I do remember how huge my belly was after surgery -- but trust me, it's quite flat now -- and I feel so wonderful -- I'll be 58 this month and getting the band has saved my life in my opinion. I am loving life and wouldn't change a thing. I only wish I'd heard of the band 20 years ago to save myself all the misery I had with my body. Follow your doctor's orders, think right (the band is around my stomach, NOT my head) and work the program. You'll be amazed at the results and how great you will feel. Mommy, good luck to you. I think your doctor is recommending the band because he is worried about you yo-yoing all the time which we all know is very dangerous -- but before you have the surgery you need to understand that you will have restriction only for hard proteins -- cake, cookies, ice cream, candy all go right through the band. It is NOT an "easy" way to lose weight -- you still have to limit your food/calories and exercise. Sounds like you have an outstanding exercise program in place. Whatever you decide, I wish you the very best. Janet, your pics are just gorgeous -- I love that outfit. Andrew could be a model - so handsome! Love the doggie's pics -- so cute. Phyll, loved your pics --looks like everyone had a great time. Laura hope you had a great Easter with your Mom and Dad. When do you and Nelson fly back home? Sounds like you had a busy time with them -- it's nice that you take care of things when you visit -- I used to do that when I'd go to my Mom's -- always taking care of things that no one else could or wanted to do. LOL. Julie, you had such a busy few days. Take some time to relax now. Congrats on DD engagement -- I'm sure it will be fine. It's so nice they have found each other, sounds like a good match up. I'm sure you'll be happy with the decision once you get to know fiance a little more. I'm so happy for her and Mimi too! Well, gotta get ready for work, will CBL. Hope everyone has a great day and a great work week!! Love, hugs and kisses to all! Linda

Hi and Happy Easter everyone! Apples, praying for you and your DS -- have a safe trip. It's great that you're able to go -- he'll really appreciate having his Mama there to help him recover. Happy Easter to everyone else. I'll try to post tomorrow - too late and I need sleep. I've been so busy - will catch up tomorrow. Love you all. Linda

Thanks Apples, I may have to try that bunny cake!! Sounds fun!

Good afternoon everyone! Hope everyone's day is as lovely as ours -- 82 here today -- although inside I was cold - had to have my heater on all morning -- that's the only bad thing I've found about losing my weight -- I do get cold and have a hard time getting warm sometimes. But, I can turn on a heater or put on warmer clothes quite easily. LOL. Bunny cake sounds delish -- I should be a good GM and make one for sunday -- I'll have to look up instructions - I know I've seen them around. Aylah would love it I'm sure. I had to laugh at our notes about our DH's clothes -- I know there are shirts in the closet that I purchased for him the first year we were dating (1992) so that's 18 years. LOL Lori on the 25 year Mervyn's shirt. LMAO. SO, I guess they are all alike. What's sad is that everything still fits even though he's gained a little weight but seems like his clothes always fit him. Urggh! Julie, so glad you are getting some answers and see an end in sight! Keep up all the positive thoughts and try to just keep that pain in check - always try to stay ahead of it. I know you probably hate taking the pain pills, but better to take them then to be in pain. LauraK congrats on getting half of the room painted!! That's great. Hope your DD gets that job - if she moves to Vegas we can meet up there (my DS lives there -- he moved there last fall for his job). Gotta run, cbl so happy I have tomorrow off!! Linda

Good morning all! Arlene, congrats on the 8 lbs. that's fabulous and fantastic! Laura, so happy you are feeling better! Hope you have a great trip -- so happy you and Nelson are visiting your folks, that should help cheer them both up! Lori, glad you are learning to accept compliments with a "thank you" - I have a hard time with that myself - I always tend to say, "thanks BUT I have more to lose" which isn't good - I remember reading in the Beck book that we need to learn to say a simple "thank you" as the people giving the compliments think we look great and don't need to hear that we think we need to lose more or wish we were in a smaller size, etc. Jessica, have a great time in Boston -- should be great weather for you. Glad you're getting away - your brother and his family will be so proud of what you've accomplished!!! Apples, I don't live as badly out in the sticks as you do (we have population of about 10,000 in my town), but after living in LA area for so long, for me it seems worse cause I have to travel at least 30 miles to the closest (and very small) mall and 65 miles to get to Des Moines. So for me, I think of it as the "sticks". We do have a small JC Penney store, but doesn't have a lot of selection cause it's very small. There's a wedding shop and another clothing store (very small and quite pricey) but except for Walmart, that's it. I'm used to being close to huge malls. What I miss the most are Ross and Marshalls. I don't get to Des Moines often and when I do DH wants to tag along and I can't shop "freely" when he's there waiting for me. I must go sometime by myself or some girlfriends. He doesn't understand my need to buy clothes because he doesn't wear out clothes -- for instance he has a jogging suit that he wore this weekend that he bought 10 years ago when we were in Mason City for my son's wedding (where we were this past weekend), so he was bragging about how long ago that it was when he bought it. I have to practically demand that he buy new clothes sometimes. Whereas I am constantly buying clothes. Deb, you gotta either take the offending food to work and let them eat it, freeze it for the next time someone comes over or throw it out. I do all three - as Janet has said, better in thee (the trash) than in me. But I am lucky that I work with a bunch of young college kids who come in to work at night so I can leave food here and they skarf (sp?) it up and I don't have to feel guilty about it cause none of them have weight issues. I did that with my leftover tiramisu last week - it was too delish for me to have around my house -- I wanted it gone so I told my DH -- eat what you want now cause it's going bye bye tomorrow. Great going on the weight loss though and the zumba!!! I have belonged to our Y here in town but it's really OLD and decrepit -- plus the ONLY bike they had there was in a separate room with some machines but it always was hotter than heck in there and the machines they did have were really old. They only have 5 treadmills and most of them don't work correctly -- we basically used the Y just for water aerobics, but that's why i was so excited to get a "REAL" gym here at last. I stopped going this winter to water aerobics cause it was just too cold in the pool and in the changing rooms -- I would literally shiver during the whole work out -- everything is just so old it just doesn't work right. Eva, those invitations were so adorable. You are so creative. Julie, hope the doctor visit goes well today. Be sure and post what he says as we are all anxious to hear. Joyce, I can't remember how long you've been posting here, but I had a total hip replacement Dec. 8 and frankly, it was a breeze compared to the years I suffered with my bad hip. So if they tell you you need a new hip I recommend you allow that to help keep you on track with your weight loss and exercise as much as possible because that really helps you if and when you need to have a new hip -- my surgery was amazingly easy for me as I was in great shape and had super strong leg muscles. I gotta run and do a big project for work. I'll be back. Linda

Thanks for the Flexie info Janet, I ordered them through the link. Right now they're buy one get one half price so ordered two of each -- can't wait until they come! Since I can't try them on got a large and an Xlarge in each -- if one's too big i'll send back and get smaller size. Gotta do what I gotta do when I live out in the sticks. Linda Linda

Hi everyone, happy Monday! Lori, what beautiful pics -- all of you are gorgeous -- you, your DD, DH and DS! You looked so beautiful in that MOB dress!! You know what I thought in looking at that pic -- I thought "she looks like she's been a thin person all her life" -- truly I see nothing that would make me ever even think you'd been anything but a skinny minnie your whole life. You said you're finally able to see yourself as thin - I'm so happy to hear that. Apples asked the question if we like having our pic taken -- I was shocked that so many of you said you never minded it -- I HATED having my picture taken when I was heavy - now I love it -- but I always hated it before. LOL. Hope your week with your parents goes well -- hope those sisters of yours are on good behavior. Laura, so happy you are feeling better -- I do hope you mend quickly with no further complications. Cheri -- thanks for that info -- very helpful and good for us all to remember as we go on this journey. Glad you had fun with your grandkids. We had a great weekend -- crap weather on Sat. but nice yesterday (but with a very cold wind). Enjoyed my visit with my DS and DDIL and her folks -- had a very nice dinner on Sat. night -- had Mahi Mahi that was cooked on wood burning grill topped with warm pineapple salsa - very delish. We enjoy good meals out as our little town has little to offer so when we away we really enjoy our dining. Got back last night around 9 p.m. We stayed at a Holiday Inn and their fitness room is being renovated so they gave me a key to go to a nearby gym -- Anytime Fitness - we recently had one open in my little town -- only been open about a month. I kept thinking I didn't need to spend the money on a gym membership, but after working out there yesterday morning I decided I'm going to join the one here -- maybe that will get my weight moving again -- I just felt like I got a better work out with the bike, treadmill and the eliptical than I get at home. So I'm going at lunch to sign up. All brand new machines, I've heard it's pretty great - open 24 hours. I belong to our Y but it is old, have little equipment that works correctly -- I go to Water aerobics there and so does my DH, but for anything else it's just too antiquated. You can even meet with a trainer once for free with a new membership, so I will take advantage of that as well. I'm excited. We too are supposed to have 70s by mid week -- can't wait - so tired of being cold. Plus, for once it might be a warm Easter -- last couple of years it's been very cold for Easter. Julie, hope they can get you fixed up soon without anything too invasive (or not invasive at all would be really great). Wow, this guy must be something if DD is ready to commit so quickly. I don't want to sound negative, but I do hope they get some counseling before they decide to take the plunge -- my only concern is cause it's hard to raise someone else's kids as I know you know as well. I think having some counseling sessions is helpful. You didn't say if he has custody of his daughter but sounds like he does. I do hope it works out for her - it would be great for both her and Mimi if he's a great guy. Sometimes it doesn't take a long time to know someone - my current DH and I didn't know each other long before we made our committment -- I think when it's right, it's right. I can't believe how energetic you all were this weekend -- I can't get my DH to part with our entertainment center -- so I'll be out of date forever - he got a great deal on it and he's so PROUD of it. We'll probably never get a flat screen either as he loves his tv and when we had it repaired last time the guy told him it should last another 20 years -- I would love to ditch the center, put in a fireplace on that wall and hang a flat screen above the fireplace. Well, only way that's likely to happen is if DH runs off and that's highly unlikely. Jessica, have a great time visiting your brother and enjoy yourself -- try to relax while you're gone -- you have a lot on your plate right now. Hope everyone has a great day - I'll CBL. I'm so excited - this is a 4 day week for us -- Good Friday is a holiday. Linda