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Good luck to everyone traveling - -can't wait for all the updates . Lori, maybe you could get a flight out later today or tomorrow a.m.??? Hate to see you miss out!! CBL Linda

LauraK, I got back up cause I forgot to send you hugs on your doggie situation -- my gf here has 4 daushounds too and had the same problem with one of hers last summer -- she ended up finding a doggie accupuncturist which she said was much cheaper than back surgery - you might check that out in your area. Her dog made a complete recovery and runs all over just like he did before -- he also could not walk at all before treatment. I love daushounds --my current dog and last one were long haired daushounds/terrior mix -- very loving and sweet dogs (but barkers). So sorry -- I know how tough this is --will keep you and your baby in my prayers. Okay, back to bed. CBT. Hugs to all who are having travel problems. This is just terrible. Linda

This is just awful! I'm so sorry to hear about your flight Janet and Eva -- how devastating. I am so so sorry. I can't believe it's snowing in Dallas -- honestly this winter is just too much. As far as posting here, I say it would be too hard to post on another thread -- someone who's traveling might miss something important -- so I think all those who are not travelling will just have to weed though it. Plus, I enjoyed hearing all the plans even though I couldn't go. Duluth sounds good to me -- I too would drive probably -- depending on when we'd meet. I lived in Duluth for one year -- June, 70 to June, 71 and have been dying to go back and see it again and take DH there. Sounds good to me. Count me in. Again, I'm so sorry for you girls who are having problems with flights. It's so disappointing. KDee, it sounds like you need a slight unfill. If you have been trying to eat solids, I'd stop immediately and do just liquids until you get in to see your surgeon. Gotta get some sleep -- TTYT. Linda

ANyone else watching biggest loser? If so, didn't you think Melissa "planned" her one pound gain so she could go home -- her little speech certainly sounded well rehearsed. She's a bit "out there" in my opinion - glad she left -- also thought it was very mean of her to say that her "DH's weight was a HUGE issue in her family" - I mean come on, she started out over 230 -- so her weight was also a HUGE issue/problem as well. She seems very controlling to me. Just my humble opinion. LOL.

Morning everyone, I'm in for Vegas or anywhere for next year, but I like going to Vegas cause I could also see my DS since he moved there last year. But I'd go anywhere, really -- never been to Savanah, GA would love to go there some time and have always promised myself a trip to NYC some day. San Fran is my favorite city of all time, so any where you guys want to go is fine with me, I'm easy to please. Shouldn't have any problem with getting away next year -- so can go any time. Just count me in when you talk about the plans over the weekend. I hope you all have a wonderful time. I know you will. Just wishing I were going too but it probably is for the best as I may have booked through Chicago and it isn't looking very good for anyone flying through Chicago right now. Can you believe this weather the east coast is having -- unbelievable! Watched Biggest Loser and also taped Am. Idol in VCR -- ended up watching both and not getting to bed until late, but did get my exercise in this morning - 95 mins. So that's good. Food is good. Julie, thanks for the note. I have done some additional research on plateaus and I think I'm doing everything right - made some adjustments so hoping this will pass soon -- at least I'll be an "expert" on this problem for any future bandsters who may encounter it. It's only 19 right now - sun is shining though, so that's good. DH and DSD made it back from the 80 miles one way trek to Iowa City last night -- DH said he should never have gone -- roads were really treacherous -- but glad they are safe and sound. Specialist confirmed for DSD that there's nothing else wrong with her except she needs to become a "perfect" diabetic and start taking readings and insulin regularly and eating correctly. DSD is still in denial and thinks there must be a magic pill that would cure her. She needs to cure herself. It's sad, but until she decides to take care of business, all we can do is help out with DGD. If there were no DGD I would just ignore her completely -- she just needs to grow up and realize she needs to be here for her daughter and take care of herself. Curious, you are welcome to stay and get to know us better, we do discuss problems and solutions dealing with lap band, but most of us have been here so long we've developed more personal relationships and have become very good friends, so of course we're interested in our day to day lives, families, etc. There's always room for more in our group. I'll CBL, have a great Wednes. everyone and safe travels tonight (Lori) and tomorrow to all. Hope everthing goes smoothly and no problems. Linda

Morning all. Good luck with your fill, Jessica and listen to Great, she is right about the fill business -- very individual - interesting how different the doctors all do the fills too -- even my surgeon does them differently now than he did when I had surgery last year -- a girl I work with had surgery in Sept. and she's had a completely different experience than I had with fills and we have the same surgeon. So it's interesting how different it all is, but it not up for comparison. Had a great morning - got up on time (5:15) and got my exercise in - had to skip yesterday cause I couldn't sleep Sunday night (again) and so had to sleep in yesterday and skip exercise. But that's okay as I had exercised for 5 days straight and my body needed a break anyway. So scales were the same again today and that's all I'm going to say on that subject. I have new theory -- my body is trying to stay warm - I am CONSTANTLY cold - never warm enough -- I dress very warmly, but still get cold. Melissa, so sorry you can't go to Florida -- I was the first one who had to cancel due to my hip surgery and my neice deciding the get married in July (the nerve of that girl -lol!) so I understand how bummed you are - I was too and I'm really bummed now that they are getting ready to leave - I still want to go and feeling so left out. But they promise to take lots of pics and post and keep us in the loop -- right ladies? LOL. Well, I'm at work so can't stay on long - Janet -- I know what you mean about the dog -- that is a stressful situation. I'm tight too - in fact I can never really eat much dinner these days -- so at least I'm able to eat early in the day -- guess that's better than the reverse - I wish I'd lose a few pounds to "loosen up" that band a bit. I'm for sure not needing any more fills. Weather is ugly here today -- was minus 5 this a.m. and really windy and blowing and nasty today - last night my car was completely iced over when I went home from work - had a hard time getting the doors open -- it had been over 30 all day and snow flurries and then dropped to 12 before I left work so it was really frozen. Couldn't even scrape the ice off the windshield -- had to let the car/defroster run for almost half an hour to get it halfway clear. I'm more than ready for spring!! So Apples, you aren't missing anything but misery -- as if you didn't know that. Gotta run. CBL. Linda

Right, Janet, I forgot about that commercial -- liked that one as well. Great pics Phyll -- you and Earl look so happy and relaxed -- you look fabulous!

Morning to everyone! We are having an extremely slow day at work. With all the rain out west, snow in the middle and eastern parts of the country things are pretty quiet. I have all my follow up work caught up and truly after that, if the phone doesn't ring there isn't much to do. During our busy time we are so super busy so it's nice not to have the phones ringing off the wall, but it sure makes it rather boring to be here and the day takes FOREVER to pass. Julie, wise decision to check your bag - I would never ever try to lift a bag into the overheads -- I can barely pick them up off the baggage go around thingie. DH does all that. I can roll it and that's about that. Please be careful of your shoulder -- you don't want to be in pain all weekend. Judy and NYSparkle -- you guys are great to share your religion with us -- I haven't had many Jewish friends so am pretty unfamiliar with all of it but have always wanted to know more. I think it sounds wonderful and moving. Most other religions have gotten so "modern" -- and I think going back to more basics would be nice - I miss not dressing up for church, etc. I really do - it was always nice to dress up and go to church and go visiting afterwards -- very special memories. I agree all the SB commercials sucked -- except the Betty White one was kinda cute - she's cute anyway -- love her -- and the Dorito one with the dog was cute and the only other one I liked was the Clydsdale one -- I always like those -- thank goodness for TIVO -- if they started out looking stupid I just fast forwarded right through them - we started watching about 1/2 hour late so we could do that. Yes, the Who looked sort of ridiculous I thought -- really OLD looking -- lol. The kids said, "Lala, they are a lot older than you" - not really - maybe a couple of years, but I took that as a compliment. LOL. Take it any way I can get it. Glad the Saints won though - at least New Orleans has something to celebrate - and it's long overdue. I probably never mentioned this before but DH and I were in New Orleans for a week just before Katrina hit - we missed it by just a few days - we were very lucky. So busy yesterday, did 105 mins. of walking and walking with weights -- then ate, showered and shopped -- we have a nice dollar store that carries great things and I spent about an hour in there just finding goodies - lots of cute decorations for Easter, V-Day presents for GD, etc. Then spent another hour or so shopping at Walmart. Then went home and made a casserole, broccoli salad, dip, a cake for kids and DH. DSS had a friend over to watch the game and eat too. It was nice -- I ate my own food. Janet, so happy your visit with DS and family went well -- my DS sent my DB a letter of apology over Christmas and we are all planning our week of "togetherness" at my neice's wedding in July. I'm very happy about this -- my DB is not in good health and I was so tired of being in the middle and visiting them separately -- very stressful for me. Our family is not that big so that was hurtful -- six years of that crap - so glad it is over. DB and I are planning on renting a condo together for the week --will be fun -- we love the beach and we all love to eat seafood. Looking forward to it. Okay, I'm really feeling left out and wishing I could be with you guys -- I'll be with you all in spirit - you better post lots and lots and lots of pictures. I mean it! I'm happy for all of you that can go and looking forward to meeting you all next year. Well, better get back to looking like I'm working. CBL. Linda

Good afternoon everyone!! Well, our snow was very slight -- never affected the driving conditions-- got about 3 or 4 inches but it took all day and temps stayed up in the 30s so it melted on the roads as it fell. No problem on the roads. Today it was supposed to snow again, but sunshiine all day -- I'll take it!! I got a recommendation from my manager yesterday to go to a restaurant called "Jethro's" -- it's the guy who played Jethro in Beverly Hillbellies -- came here and opened a restaurant (supposedly). But it was great -- good smoked meats (I had turkey) with a side of really delicious beans (black, kidney and white all mixed in a yummy sauce) and applesauce. I actually ate 2 onion rings -- my DH had to order them and they truly may have been the best onion rings I've ever had. This is the first "fried" food I've had since December, 08 -- and I enjoyed them tremendously. I could only eat a few bites of my meal after eating those two onion rings, so will have it for tonight and possibly another meal too -- portion sizes very large and quite inexpensive. So if you ever go through Des Moines, . . . I recommend it. LOL. DSD and DGD came early this a.m. so they watched me exercise. I mean it truly is not a spectator sport -- watching an old lady sweat. But they did and stayed until after 2. Am really really wishing I could be with you all next week -- we should all meet in Vegas next -- maybe next spring? I'll be happy to help plan. Well, gotta run and get dinner. Have a great night everyone -- Apples glad you're having a good time. Janet, so glad you and your company are all getting along and having a good time as well. Deb, you WILL be fine -- did you check out the Beck diet at the library? I really really recommend it - I've only read a little bit, but that little bit is very helpful and I think it woud help you at this point. We know how it is -- so vent away, no problem. if I can do anything for you, just let me know. Sorry you couldn't go on your trip -- my DB said he got 28" at his house -- border of OH and PA. Really buried in snow. Laura, I'm sure your parents will get over you're not being able to be there -- they gotta understand with Nelson's school and DH's job you have limitations -- and they have your sister there to help, but I know it's not the same. They will get over it I'm sure. Very excited about the olympics. My company is doing a lot of the temporary lighting -- for things like the snowboarding venues, etc. OneDay -- yes, you should have DS's boyfriend ride with you that would be ideal -- my mom used to live in Ft. Myers -- I miss going there. Okay, gotta go for real now. Linda

WTG Jessica -- very proud of you!! Linda

Eva, I forgot to say congrats on the floor -- I'm afraid to try it -- haven't sat on the floor in like 4 or 5 years -- someday I'll get the nerve up. . .we'll see. linda

Hi all, I checked out the Moon Fish menu on line -- sounds yummy, but yeah, the size of their portions HUGE - like 24 oz. steaks wow! You could split 6 ways! We are heading to West Des Moines late this afternoon for an appt. so will be eating out - I think we'll go to Joe's Crab Shack -- sounds good -- we used to enjoy the one in Long Beach, so think we'll give it a try. I like their grilled Dunguness crab. Laura, hugs on your Dad's surgery -- I hope you get some good news from this. Yes, I do think stress does make our bands tighter. I couldn't eat much last night - I got home from work, DSD and DGD and DSS there and arguing with DH about something and I took 1 bite of fish and that was that. Lori, have fun on your mini vacation --sounds like fun. You're like me, I always pack at the last minute as well. I've been busy here at work -- started this hours ago. Can't have dinner at Joe's Crab Shack afterall cause now DSS is going with us - I'm not paying for him to eat good seafood. That doesn't sound nice but when you can't keep a job at Walmart I don't think you deserve to eat expensive seafood. Julie, have a safe trip to Duluth - I lived there one year, June, 1970 until June, 1971 -- always wanted to go back and visit. Need to make that trip some day. It's about 9 hours from here. Eva, I get all "wound up and hyper" when I exercise a lot too - I find I sleep less and less the more I do. I think that had something to do with my sleep issues the past few weeks -- I hadn't thought of that before, but it seemed to coincide with when I started exercising again after surgery. Hope you all have a great weekend and if you're football fans you enjoy the SuperBowl. Jessica, great job on your test (using positive imaging here for you)! Apples, hope you are enjoying the sunshine -- snowing here, but LIGHTLY and not sticking to main roads - 33 degrees - so it's ALMOST spring like. LOL. CBL. Linda

I hate the dentist also -- can't imagine anyone who likes anyone poking around in their mouth. Hope everyone is having a great day. I'm feeling good today - got up early and got my exercise in. Janet, thanks for your advice -- I think you're right - the ONLY carbs I eat really is the fruit and I must have a banana every day to keep my potassium levels up and I really enjoy my tiny amount of strawberries/fruit every day. Like I said, this same formula worked from day 1 so I can't imagine that it really can be the food - I think it's just a plateau and I just have to learn to live with it and continue working the plan. So I'll quit obsessing about it now. LOL. I think part of the problem is is that I'm really working it hard and I expect and need (and deserve) the reward of losing a little every week. I'm sure it will pass, just gotta learn to accept it for now. Right now I'm at work and i tried eating my omelette and it is stuck and I'm miserable. By the time it passes it will be cold so I won't be eating that. Janet, glad you're better today -- drink that water girl. It is so miserable to have constipation. Eva, hope you're doing okay after the dentist. Supposed to get snow flurries for next few days, boy am I ever ready for spring! Apples, enjoy that chocolate cheesecake - sounds fabulous. I love flea markets -- the bigger the better - you probably had a ball today. Well, everyone gotta get back to work -- CBL. Have a great day -- love to all. Great - hope everything is okay with DD and she makes a decision soon. Linda

Hi Julie, so sorry about your latest -- honestly, it's amazing how you endure all that you do. Hope it gets better and they approve you for that MRI. Apples and Lori, thanks for the reassurance. I don't think it's the vicodin cause I was on it daily for many months before surgery due to all the pain I had. I take one at bedtime now still to help me relax so I don't think it's that, but that was a good suggestion. Thanks for reassuring me that you both did hit some plateaus. Sometimes it seems like I read lots of blogs and things and some people seem to never have plateaus. So I feel better just know you guys did too. Thanks for that. Apples sounds like your son had a very scary ex. My uncle was married briefly to a woman who grew up on the farm next door and they fell in love very early on in life. Well, they married, she got pregnant, had a son. My uncle came home from the steel mill one day and found her holding a butcher knife up ready to stab their baby (a few months old). She was diagnosed with paranoid schizz (sp?) and remained in an asylum (back them they still had them) until she died, i think in the 1970s. The baby grew up and is now almost 60 so it all ended well . My uncle however was never able to get divorced because back then it was harder. Mental disorders are nothing to mess around with, but I feel so sorry for your DS. Although difficult, I'm sure it also broke his heart -- very tough. Well gang, it's time for me to get on home. CBL. Linda Deb, get back on that horse!!!!!! Throw out all the bad foods!!!

Jessica -- great picture -- what a huge difference in your avitar pic -- wtg -- you're doing so great! Congrats on your labs too - you are doing great on everything in your life! Good for you and keep it up. Apples, I did not think you were being harsh so relax -- but truly, truly I am confused as I am eating/exercising the EXACT SAME way I was before surgery -- when I say I eat the SAME I mean I really really eat pretty much the same food every day -- so I just don't understand why that formula stopped working. I eat usually around 950 to 1150 calories per day -- I usually burn around 850 -- so in reality I am only getting 100 to 300 actual calories per day on days I exercise (which is usually every day). I just wanted to clarify that with all of you who think I need to eat more -- I will try it - not sure I really can eat a whole lot more but will try. I log all my foods every day on Daily Plate, so I know I'm accurate on that. If you all really think I need to up it I'll try it for a week, but ohhh, I'm so afraid. Also just to clarify: here's my "normal" diet: B/F 1/2 cup mixed strawberries/blueberries with 1 fat free Yoplait Yogurt (300 cal) mid morning -- 1 banana; lunch -- egg beater omelette made with 1/2 C. egg beaters with 2 slices fat free cheese (160 calories), mid afternoon usually a 100 calorie popcorn or a 100 calorie rice krispie treat; dinner -- 4 oz. of chicken or fish and a veggie -- usually green beans or zucchini. Then I usually have a sf pudding and a fudgesicle after dinner and before bed. I very seldom eat anything other than this. How does this compare to what you guys all eat? Well, I will CBL -- gotta get back to work -- I'm home on my lunch hour. Thanks to all of you for your kindness, support, suggestions, etc. I hate to be B&M constantly about this but I am so concerned about why this is happening -- Lori, I don't remember you having any big plateaus like this when you got close to goal -- did I miss that? Janet/Apples - did you have issues like this and if so, how long did it take before the loss started again. I try so hard to just ACCEPT what is going on, but you all understand that is hard at this point. I want to get to that 132 goal because then I will truly feel that I accomplished what I needed to, and I'll feel like I'll have a 3 to 5 lb. leeway if I need it. Right now if I gain 3 lbs. I'm back to an obese BMI - that's not where I want/need to be -- I want to be closer to Normal. Janet, I hear you on the people who think we did nothing and the band did all the work. So often when I tell people I had the surgery they go "OHHHHHHHH" like that explains it. Then I usually follow up with -- you may not realize it but the lap band is only a tool, you still have to change your lifestyle, exercise and keep sweets out of your mouth." Grrrr. Lori, hope your DD and her DF get it all figured out -- I can't believe he actually sold the Corvette -- that's pretty impressive. No wonder DD is struggling so much -- that's a very difficult position she's in. Laura, party sounds great. Are you going to be riding a bike too? Hugs on your dad's newest problems -- hoping it all gets better soon. WEll, TTYAL -- thanks again Cheri, Eva and everyone who gave me such good advice/suggestions -- I hope my experience will only help those who will follow in my band steps. Linda

Happy Birthday to the Puppa!! How old is he today, Apples? Maybe if you'd sat and not cleaned and shopped so much at DS's you would have maintained - all that energy -- probably burned 500 calories everytime you hugged your DS! Can't contain that kind of energy -- you'll gain it back -- hugs on that issue. Laura, so glad to hear you put tomatoes in your beef soup -- I made some a while back and DH just told me last night (when he was pulling it out of the freezer to eat for dinner) that it wasn't "his favorite" because I put tomatoes in it. I'ver never heard of beef soup without tomatoes. He was raised in So. Cal - what does he know? LOL. Shows the subtle differences in how different we all eat. Janet, that little bit of cake was not good to me this morning -- although I've been good I did miss two days of exercise last week and I gained 2 lbs. -- it's gotta be hormonal or something - this can't be really going on. I've been very good every day -- I log all my food -- nothing is being left out. I'm ready to start pulling out my hair. Honestly it's soooooo frustrating. But, I WILL beat this thing and I WILL get to goal!!! So forgive me for venting gang, but I'm not Happy with that scale. I drink all the water I'm supposed to -- I honestly don't get it -- someone at work thinks I really can't lose more cause I don't need to -- do our bodies really try to hold on to weight this badly? Jeez, I guess I'm lucky I didn't gain 15 or 20 during my month off cause of surgery. I'm just really confused at this point. Case in point -- dinner last night -- could only eat about 2 oz. of tilapia and about 3 bites of my cooked zucchini -- had no snacks yesterday - total of 700 calories. Lori, sorry about DD -- that's gotta be very hard on her and we all know when our kids are hurt we hurt too. Hope it gets better. But the minister must feel very strongly about it to make that statement. Jessica, hope your nephew is doing okay -- hope you will get to spend some time with him -- if for no other reason to give him a break from your SIL - is she your DH's sister? Just curious. Cheri, hope your tweak goes okay. I think I'll join you in maintenance since I can't seem to really lose any more no matter how good I am -- I'll just call it maintenance and then if I lose okay and if not okay too. Like you mentioned before, at our age we look darn good at where we are now -- size 12 is pretty darn good for almost 60! Eva, good going on the eating and the pilates -- wow. You keep it up girl. Laura, hope your dad is doing okay now that the storms are over -- are they able to get out and about now? Jodi, hope you get your surgery date soon -- sounds like you're getting close to getting all the hoops jumped through. Julie, hope all is well with you and Mimi today -- how is she feeling? Well, still at work, so this is short will try to write more later. Love, kisses and hugs to you all. Linda

Hi everyone, Having a good day, got up at 5:15 a.m. so got my 100 mins. of exercise in today - I'm doubly motivated as we are also having a fitness challenge at work for the month of February (during the Olympics). Prizes will be awarded based on what level you attain: Bronze will be 30 mins. daily at 5 days week; Silver 45 mins. daily for 5 days a week and gold 60 mins. daily for 5 days a week -- prizes will be given out based on the "medal" you accomplish. I'm all for the gold medal prize. They are generally pretty good prizes - gift certificates, etc. Don't you all agree I work for an amazing company? Lori, glad you are back in Colorado safe and sound and glad you had a good visit to SLC. When will you know for sure about DH's promotion? Laura, hope you are snuggling with DH -- sounds like the thing to do on a cool, rainy day. Charlene and Janet thanks for sharing some wisdom from the Beck books -- I'm hoping to get more reading done in them this week -- but what little I've read so far makes me feel encouraged that I WILL be able to beat this addiction once and for all -- I feel like this book will definitely be an integral part in my recovery of this addiction. I'm just so afraid of gaining it all back. WEll, I must run, still at work - just wanted to say hi and check in. Julie, so sorry about your pain and not being able to sleep -- I do hope your ins. co. will approve your MRI so you can get some relief. No fun. Hugs to you. I sure hope the groundhog gives us good news tomorrow - snowing here again today -- supposed to get 3 inches. I'm so tired of cold and snow!! CBL -- love to all -- Linda

Hi everyone, this will be short as it's late and I need to get to bed. Had a busy, busy day and didn't have a chance to check in until now. Went to a very nice wedding reception last night -- food was okay -- they thankfully had some skewered barbequed chicken which was very good and some fruit -- I had a few bites of DH's cake and one glass of wine. Got my exercise in today and a little extra for the two days I missed this week. Then spent a few hours cleaning -- then the kids came over and visited and by the time we ate dinner and watched a movie, it's time for bed. Will catch up tomorrow. All is well, but I was sad I didn't get a chance to read much of my Beck book this weekend - the weekend went by so fast -- need another day off. Goodnight everyone, I'll try to do better tomorrow. Linda

Good afternoon everyone. Thanks to all for your kind words, I appreciate it very much. Jessica, I'm just shocked at your SIL and her behavior -- hopefully she will not lose all her kids, but I can't believe what she is doing to this 12 year old boy! How tragic -- I do hope you end up adopting him anyway - sounds like he needs to be away from her. I hope it works out for you and him. Very sad. Janet, I'm soooo envious of your weather -- it's sooo cold here -- I think around 10 or so - I would love to go outside and dig in the dirt. Hope you have a great day - I bet that webcam is neat -- I don't have one either. I love the new I-pads -- since I don't have a laptop I'll have to see about getting one -- supposd to be around $400 when they come out -- very exciting. Julie, hope all is well with you today. Hope you get better rest tonight and hope Mimi is better today. I slept in today as well - around 9:00 -- we were having a furnace service man come today around 10 -- well, he didn't come and didn't come and didn't come -- normally I work out in the middle of the living room but didn't want to do that until he came and left -- well he finally came after 1:00 -- I was so irritated. I did do about 45 mins. of my new zumba tapes this morning. i don't think I'll be teaching it any time soon. LOL. I think I will like it once in awhile - I love the music, but it did kinda hurt my back and hips doing it, so I'll have to "work up" to it I think. So, I didn't get much else done, will have to get on it tomorrow. WE have a wedding reception tonight -- should be fun -- nice to have a party to go to -- should be a fun time - weather is good, just cold. Cheri, congrats on goal - I already posted a comment on FB - so proud of you!! congrats. Charlene, I still like to wear black -- in fact I wore black almost every day this week to work with different jackets - in the cold weather a black sweater, black pants black boots and then a jacket is necessary to keep me warm. I wear a lot of scares with them too. Apples, you amaze me -- you ARE the energizer bunny for REAL. Hope you find some time to relax during this trip. Laura I would love to go to Haiti too -- those children on the news just break my heart -- I just want to go sit and hug and kiss them all. How heartbreaking this all has been. Well, gotta run DGD is arriving and need to visit with her. TTAL. Linda

Happy Birthday late Janet. Sounds like it was a good one. You share a b-day with Oprah -- did you know that? I think you and her must be about the same age. I tape her show and I just skimmed today's and saw it was her birthday - she had 100 in her audience that shared her b-day - you should have been there! She got herself two new springer spaniel puppies (girls) -- very cute. Everyone in the audience got two free nights at a Hilton (anywhere in the world). DH and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner. I usually have a salad that has grilled chicken on it, but I was sick of that (I've had it at least once a week for over a year) so I decided to get a chicken taco and a chicken enchilada instead -- ate the insides of each and it was great - delicious food. I don't even touch the chips - I'm very good -- they just don't really tempt me at all for some reason. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get back on the exercise horse. I was just so exhausted -- going back to work, plus we had DGD from Sunday through Thursday afternoon, so that was exhausting as DSD was back in hospital. They still are finding nothing wrong -- she's lost more weight down to 108 -- she looks like a skelton - she's 5'7". So I worry. Anyway, Phyl, have a wonderful time on your cruise. Apples, enjoy your visit with DS and have a safe trip to Florida. Glad you made it when you did -- the weather is very bad between here and there - you really had a short window of opportunity and lucky you went when you did. Great hope you enjoy your trip to SLC. Julie, how nice of you to send cookies to the troops. Cheri, I teared up reading your post tonight -- what a fabulous teacher you are. On a sad note, my sister had to put my mother's dog down today -- Daisy Mae -- my mom's been gone 6 years and it was good of my sister to take her afterwards. It was a hard decision for her and it made us all sad again - memories of mom with the dog, you know. It was our last connection to her. Can't believe how much I cried over this today. Gotta get some sleep -- love to all -- sorry to those I missed -- oh, I got my Beck books, can't wait to read them. Linda

Apples, yes, you did a great job raising your boys! I know how you feel - my DS will be 38 this year and we still refer to him (my sis, brother and other relatives) as "little Greggie" and he's 6'4-1/2" and 270!! He's not "little" anything, but still momma's baby boy. Always will be. He's a heck of a guy -- hard worker, great husband, great son, makes loads of money, has a beautiful home and fabulous cars - he just needs to make me a grandma and I'll be thrilled. LOL. I think it's not just his decision. LOL. I don't have much time either. Got up late, I'll have to do extra exercise this weekend to make up for my sleeping in this week - -gotta get back in the groove. I think I'm fighting off another virus. I always wanted to be a teacher - actually taught adults for a few years as an extra income job (just a one night a week class) at the community college in Reno and I loved it. Well, gotta run, cbl. Hope everyone has a great day. OMW Telly, you look fabulous!! What a difference --congratulations on all the hard work -- how beautiful you are and thanks for sharing with us. Linda

Hi everyone, Busy day here at work. I read everything on my lunch hour and now I can't remember what everyone said. Welcome to Lisa. I never had horses -- but had friends who did -- I never rode until I was an adult and I was petrified. I once saw my friend get butted off her horse and then kicked in the stomach and she flew a long way and had to be hospitalized for internal injuries, so that was not a thing for a 10 year old to see. LOL. Anyway, I love veterinarians cause I love all animals -- so glad you found us. Lori glad you got your fill -- that was interesting about what the nurse told you about your surgery. I feel lucky that didn't happen when I had surgery. Who would have thought that could happen. Have to keep that in mind. gotta run and go home -- cb in a little while. LInda

Jessica, I eat reheated food all the time -- I cook and have leftovers and no problem -- I bring home food from restaurants no problem -- Just make sure you don't dry it out -- that is probably why they warn you about that I would think. But I know Janet cooks one pot wonders and has them over several days -- I do too. And in my opinion, taking home a doggy bag doesn't make you look cheap -- it makes you look like you don't like to waste food - I don't think it matters who is buying -- at least in my opinion. I bring home food all the time. As far as talking about the band, don't be embarassed if it comes up - especially if you know your dh's boss is so interested in it -- I think Biggest Loser has helped dispel a lot of what people think of overweight people -- I don't think anyone worth their snot is going to judge someone (you) just because you are overweight - you are a lovely, smart intelligent girl with a bright future and that's going to shine through anything else. You dress us and go strut yourself and have a good time -- they are going to love you just the way you are -- don't worry. Janet, we are twins, I do wish I could come to Florida -- I am really crying over not being able to shop too. I've never bought a Coach purse either - I'm usually too cheap -- I do have some cute purses that i designed at a purse party -- they weren't cheap either but I've never even been to a Coach store. Gotta run, am at work. CBL. Got up and did 1 hours of exercise. DGD spent the night -- all is okay hopefully her mom will get out of hospital today. I need a restful night -- I'm tired. Apples, I miss you already. Linda

Apples, she lives in Florida - you're going to Florida -- I "see" a new black lab puppy in your future. . .you can have your doggie pick out the one he wants. LOL. That'll get DH -- maybe he'll want a couple. Thanks for the advice -- I agree I think I'll be fine, it's just that I don't understand why my body refuses to let go of the weight -- and I'm so stalled - I just wanted your advice cause I've hear that theory about eating more, but I'm not sure I buy into that -- I worry about gaining -- I think I might try what Apples suggested -- and Janet, I already didn't exercise for two days this past week, so don't think that's the problem. I just don't get why my weight refuses to budge. If I don't lose in the next few weeks I'll call my surgeon's office and talk to the nutritionist. I already don't eat many carbs -- only fruit and a very small amount - I eat very little really and I eat the same food pretty much every day -- breakfast ff yogurt with 1/2 c strawberries/blueberries and 1/2 banana, lunch is usually a egg beater omelette made iwth ff cheese and some times 2 oz of additional protein like chicken or fish, dinner is either chicken or fish -- with usually green beans or squash. I eat one 100 calorie popcorn a day and usually a sf fudgesicle or pudding. Only once in a blue moon will I have part of a baked potato or rice or bread. Not even once a week. Anyway, thanks for your help, I think I just need to continue on and just be more patient. Still at work, cbl. Linda

Howdy everyone, I'm so jealous hearing about the Florida trip. I cannot make it - no way to take unpaid time off -- I asked and it is "no". And, I can't borrow against future time either, but I WILL be there next year no matter what!!! Well, I went right to sleep last night -- could barely stay up until 10:00 and jumped out of bed energetic at 5:00 -- did my 2 hours of exercise -- did 60 mins. of step aerobics and walked 2 brisk miles and did a 3 mile walk with weights. Felt great afterward -- and feel much better today knowing I took care of business this morning. DSD went back in hospital yesterday, so DGD was there last night, but she fell asleep around 7:40 -- she had a bath when I got home and we snuggled up on the couch and the next thing I knew she was asleep. She's such a sweet kid. DH had to drive her to Iowa City to doctor today for her monthly infusion. Her mom is still in hospital. Good news Apples -- storm has passed -- sun is out -- we got about 5 inches of snow and had strong winds, so lots of drifting which closed I 35 north of Des Moines -- DH ran into some drifting on his little trip, but made it there safely this morning. HOpefully will get my Beck books tonight - got my zumba tapes yesterday -- didn't have a chance to look at them -- will probably have to wait until the weekend - there's 4 different tapes -- one just shows the dance moves and then there's a beginner and then 2 more advanced ones. I can't wait -- just cause I know I'll love that music -- so fun and the time passes so quickly when you exercise to that type of music. I just hope I can figure out the moves. LOL> Was disappointed on the scale this a.m - I weigh EXACTLY the same as last Tuesday -- including the ounces. I'm so frustrated -- I exercised, I ate nothing off my plan. One of my fellow bandsters at work thinks I'm not eating enough - but I'm afraid to eat more -- I eat between 900 and 1100 every day and that's total calories -- I burn between 560 and 980 (depending on how much exercise I do each day) and I don't subtract that - I just log all my food everyday and it is always between 900 and 1150. I keep my fat intake very low -- usually no more than 15 fat grams per day. She thinks I should eat more but I'm afraid to do that. I'm interested in what you guys think -- my thinking is to just do as I'm doing and be patient - that the scale will eventually start to move again. I have upped the intensity of my exercise quite a bit since my surgery -- I just thought that since I wasn't exercising for about a month during surgery that when I started up again I'd see some change -- but nothing is happening -- I gained 2 lbs. over Christmas which came off but I'm stuck at 100 total loss and can't get past that. So any ideas, thoughts, encouragement would be welcome. I don't always hit my protein for the day - some times I only have 50 to 60 instead of 70-80-- do any of you think that could be a problem? Lori, your DD and her DF sound like they are really trying to figure things out -- sounds like the counseling may be opened his eyes a bit - hope it all goes well. I think another week break will be good. Oh, the other person in my picture is my baby sister (from when we were in Vegas in August and she turned 50 - I have the curly hair). Janet, thanks for sharing the information from the Beck books -- can't wait to get mine -- sounds like there's some really good info there. Julie, hope PT went well - hope your roads were good again today. Wish I were coming to Florida so we could play pinochle. Jodi, you do fit in here very well. Apples forgot to mention that her expertise is resident chef of the group-- she cooks and cooks and cooks. I don't know how she can make food all the time and stick to her eating plan, I don't think I could do what she does. Laura, how did Nelson get along at school yesterday with his cast? Hopefully no problems. Yes, we call fog "thick as peasoup" where I come from as well. Eva, can't believe you had a bobcat in your yard -- yikes I'd be nervous -- don't think I'd want to go outside walking/hiking there. I'm a chicken when it comes to wild animals. Janet, WHO picked up a puppy? And you better post a picture right NOW. I want more dogs, but DH says Merry would die if we got more she's so used to being the "only one" - I think she'd like the company. Oh well, if I had it my way i'd have at least 3 or 4 small dogs. What did you name your new dog? Gotta run, wrote this on my lunch hour and it's about over. CBL. Have a good afternoon everyone. Love you all -- take care. Linda