ljv52

Morning everyone. I don't get notifications either so didn't get that rant -- I don't care about which thread we use -- either is fine with me. As long as I can find it, I'm happy. Just got Bryan's b-day cake in oven - having family here for his 22nd b-day celebration (his is March 8 too). Making chicken piccata, rice, broccoli and the cake. He wanted a rich chocolate cake with choc. chips in it so found a recipe -- I won't be sampling it - has 5 eggs and a cup of melted butter in it - -a bundt cake -- he can take all the leftovers over to his friend's house where he hangs out. But even if it's here it won't bother me -- stuff like that just doesn't interest me that much -- I'd rather gorge ont he chicken piccata and rice. LOL. Little Katelyn is so gorgous -- sounds like it wasn't too difficult of a delivery - so happy for you Lori and the family -- now you can get down to spoiling that sweet grandbaby. You're going to love it! Laura, sounds like your parents are coping pretty well -- happy they spent the week with you -- good for them too -- you didn't mention your sister -- did she stay back home this time? I hope so -- they probably needed a good break away from each other too. Some old person must have fallen for your DH to have to do an emergency hip. Hope your DH is home by now. I know my surgery was rather quick - I think it only took about an hour. Apples, hope DS's party went well - give us the details -- glad you made it home in time. It's a nice day here -- sunny so far and 28 degrees - yesterday was windy and cold with little bit of snow flurries - nothing stuck but just chilly. I'm more than ready for spring. Gotta get going -- need to hit the gym and then Aylah is coming over early to help decorate the bday cake. LOL Janet on giving up shopping - good luck. Linda

Went to Sam's today and just finished cleaning and packaging up all the chicken breast -- now need to eat -- will cbl -- glad you started a new thread Janet. I'm lost without it. Linda

I have been cold ever since surgery -- I was never cold before even though I've had hypothyrodism for over 10 years -- so I do believe it's due to the surgery and losing the weight. I also read somewhere that it is common for all weight loss surgery patients to be cold afterwards -- not sure why but it seems to be common. I've also been at this weight for over a year and still am cold -- even though I've stabilized this long. But, I'll trade being cold and healthy for being obese and unhealthy - feeling cold is NOT going to kill us -- plus I bought long sleeved tee shirts on clearance for $3 each a few weeks ago at a huge sale at JC Penneys -- they were on sale cause they are "winter" clothes - lol -so I even save money for my summer wardrobe -- I'll wear long sleeves all winter to be comfy at work. There are so many benefits!! Linda

Don't worry about looking good -- or knowing the steps -- find a good beginners class and just do it -- it's a fun class and no one does it perfectly I'm no dancer but the music is so good it makes it a lot of fun.

Hugs Kalia, sorry you are struggling. First and foremost you need to stay on your meds for your bipolar -- you need to accept that this is something you will need to do for the rest of your life in order to have a happy life. Once you feel you have that part of your life under control, then you can start to deal with your weight loss issues again. First of all, do not beat yourself up or feel guilty about gaining this weight. Obesity is every bit as much of a disease as being bipolar or having cancer -- it's not who you are, it's what you have.Then you need to get your fill and start working your program again - follow the rules -- Protein first, drink your Water, no snacking and exercise. I think will help with both your bipolar and the weight issues. It's a struggle, but try to find something you like to do. You didn't say if you have a hubby or kids, but even if you do (and I know how busy that is) try to take one hour for you every day to exercise - take a walk, ride a bike, dance, go to aerobics classes -whatever you find that is fun. Start out slow and increase over time. I have found that going back to the beginning with the 5 Day pouch Test was a good way for me to reconnect again when I strayed and gained some weight back. It really helped me to get back on track. It's at www.5daypouchtest.com Good luck and know that we are all here for you. Linda.

Arlene, you need to sign up for the Neighborhood -- it's free like this -- just sign up and check the box for the newsletter or if no box, then you probably get it automatically when you sign up. Can't remember. Linda

Morning to everyone. Arlene, so sad about your friend. So nice of you and your DH to help her out -- you are a true Christian. You walk the walk and talk the talk and no b.s. I love that about you. I hope your cold clears up so you can get those injections. I look in the mirror and it seems I have more and more wrinkles everyday. LOL. When I think I'm almost 60 it just doesn't compute in my brain. I'm sure you feel much the same. Meredith, so happy you are having a successful week on the 5 DPT. Good for you -- it feels great doesn't it? WTG and keep up the good work. The other day at work people were getting mini blizzards from DQ. They are about the size of a bathroom dixie cup -- what is that 2 oz or 3 oz or something like that? Anyway, I looked up the nutritional value of them -- most have like 450 calories, 80 carbs and 20 grams of fat in that tiny little cup. Not worth it. I can't imagine what a large would be. Holy cow. I used to get the large (of course) and never even thought about the calories,etc. I have a dental appt at 1:00 - what a way to spend a lunch hour -- have a small filling to take care of . No biggie. Just a pain having to brush and floss at work. AI was brutal last night -- really amazed at the talent they found this year -- seems like they are so much more polished/professional then they used to be -- do you think it's cause of those video games like guitar hero, etc.? Or are they just doing a better job with the auditions. I think all of the 13 finalists are as good as many of the past winners. It's going to be very hard this year - would be a great concert to attend afterwards. Biggest loser seems weird to me this year - the way they are manipulating the show by changing things up is kind of ruining the show in some ways. I think the red team was dumb to send ARthur home when he has so much more to lose and they kept people who are basically done losing their weight or close -- of course the black team did the same thing the weeks before. Of course they are probably thinking ahead to where they'll be competing individually and don't want those heavier people around to compete with I suppose. So maybe they do know what they're doing. LOL. For some reason it doesn't seem as good as normal. Well, gotta get my butt in the living room for some step aerobics this morning. Have a great day all. Happy Friday. Linda

Saw a new poster at work that is really great and applies to all of us: Here it is: Pain is temporary -- Pride is forever!! I'd say that is quite perfect. Gotta go home. Linda

Apples, so happy you are safe at home - I hope spring comes early for you too. We seem to be having some spring like weather here. Party sounds great - nice to really celebrate! I've never had a birthday party since I was young. Maybe I should have one for my 60th next year. Arlene, how are you doing today? What is your DH and kids doing for your big b-day? When are you getting your injections? How's your mom doing? Julie, sorry to hear about your friend's DH -- so young! My sister talked to my SIL and since they moved my DB to the Pittsburgh University Hospital his new doctors want to hold off on surgery -- they may still do it but are trying to see if the lung issues will resolve themselves without it. She said FINALLY someone is more worried about WHAT is wrong as opposed to just a quick fix. I just hope they can figure it out without more surgery -- he's been through so much in his life with his health. Poor guy. Thanks for keeping him in your prayers everyone.

Here's Kaye Bailey's this week's newsletter -- it seems to hit the nail on the head for us this week, so thought I'd share it again. From Kaye Bailey: Recently in a question and answer session I was asked "What is the single most important advice you give to post weight loss surgery patients?" Well, I was certainly caught off guard by this and on the spot I'm not sure I gave the best answer when I said "Make your own health a priority before taking care of anyone else so that when it is time to care for and nurture others you have the physical and mental strength to do so." I am not original with this advice and it does sound good in a sentence, but how do we do that in the real world of family-work-friends-social-religious-networking commitments? So, I am taking the opportunity with this 5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin to amend my answer and offer something a bit different, although I do know that we do our best when we are healthy. Knowing this, I suggest we actively pursue an internal peace treaty whereby we separate the medical condition of obesity and/or morbid obesity from our moral character and personal self-worth. In 2010 I wrote an article that explains this better: "I Am Not Obese. Since kindergarten the word "fat" defined me and I actually thought that was who I was because "You are fat" and "I am fat" were constant phrases in my world. By about age 40 I finally figured out that I am not fat. I have obesity, a disease. Have you heard a heart attack patient say, "I am heart disease" or a leukemia patient say, "I am cancer"? We are not the disease. Heart attacks and leukemia are not a moral failure and neither is obesity. We are not the disease! We have a disease that is part of the whole person that makes us the wonderfully unique and powerful person we are." Read the full article. When we disjoint our moral character, our spiritual self, and our self-worth from the medical condition we are fighting with weight loss surgery we are able to pragmatically approach the control and treatment of the condition without making it personal. We are not bad people if we relapse with weight gain and we are not bad for having this illness in the first place. It just happens to be the cards we were dealt in this life. If you have ever been the parent of a child with an illness you understand the emotional baggage that comes with the news that something is wrong. But you also know that when you take a knowledgeable and deliberate approach in the management of the problem you are better able to function and do the right things. So, I suggest we take a clinical approach toward our obesity. management. When we lose weight we put obesity in remission. When we gain weight obesity is in relapse. As intelligent beings we can take an active role in managing our remission by using our experience and the knowledge we glean from others. We can return to the behaviors that worked shortly after surgery to help us lose weight. Behaviors that are not supportive of our health can be considered and replaced. We have opportunities every day to improve our health and enjoy the pleasures good health brings. Please consider this if you are using the 5 Day Pouch Test to get back on track. Take your knowledge and let it empower you because you are a good and worthy person. You are not your disease. I have met enough of you, my WLS Neighbors , to say this with complete conviction. You deserve to be your very best - obesity be damned for getting in the way! Comfort Eating is Okay IF.... From the moment we were born food has provided comfort to us. It is natural that we are compelled to reach for food when seeking comfort. This is not a character flaw: this is the human condition. Weight loss surgery does not take away our intrinsic human need to be comforted with nourishment. WLS gives us a second chance to rethink the type of nourishment we reach for when seeking comfort. Gone are the days of empty calorie comfort snacking. We are better served with a warm cup of Soup or a delicious meal of perfectly-cooked Protein and vegetables. Sweet berries or fruit provide far more nourishment and comfort than convenience store Snacks and they come without the post-noshing guilt. So I say, indeed, comfort yourself with nourishment: it is human nature. Just use wisdom in selecting your comfort foods. Pot of Soup Never underestimate the comforting power of a healthy well-made soup: it is your best weapon in the battle against the Carb Monster. Use any fresh vegetables that you like. Saute them in a scant amount of olive oil which will help your body absorb the nutrients and then simmer in reduced sodium chicken, beef, or vegetable broth until nice and tender Serve yourself some delicious goodness one cup at a time and feel the love. Focus: Practice mental presence during the 5 Day Pouch Test. Be mindful of all you eat, how you move your body and observe your energy levels and patterns. Be completely aware of yourself and identify the things that are working and helping you to feel refreshed and alive. Use the 5 Day Pouch Test journal to record your experience and focus on learning about yourself. Awareness is not selfish, it is part of the process of understanding so that we may improve our health and wellness. Carry this focus forward to Day 6 and continue to treat your body in a kind and healthy manner and avoid stepping back into the the self-loathing and unhealthy behavior that brought you here. Lori, so excited for you - can't wait to see the pics. You will love being a grandma. Meredith - it's okay to not want kids -- I only wanted one, my DS and his wife aren't having any and that's fine -- the only time I think it is sad is when you get old -- then I think it's nice to have kids and grandkids when you're old and sick. LOL. But that's just me. Gotta get back to work. Linda

Morning to all. Don't have too much time so this will be short. We had a nice evening - took Bryan to the casino for his b-day dinner. He works at the university cafeteria and normally works nights -- this week is spring break for the school so he was free for dinner this week - his b-day is also March 8 -- so we went for seafood buffet which the casino moved to Wednesday nights (used to be Fridays). So we enjoyed our crab and prime rib dinner - Bryan's was free for his birthday month -- mine was child's price -- $8.00 minus a $3 coupon they had sent me and Dennis paid full price -- so was $23 for all three of us to eat all you can eat crab buffet. I ate crab and a few bites of prime rib and a couple of the garlic dill pickles they have and a few bites of fresh strawberries -- they have amazing pies there but I just don't go near the dessert area and I'm fine. Melissa, if you could just do the 5 days without breaking it I think you'd get excited about your weight loss again. Pick a week where you know you won't be hormonal -- where your schedule looks busy and then try to stick to the 5 day pouch test. Weigh yourself the first morning and then weight yourself again on the morning of day 6 and I think that will help excite you again. Then try to spend at least 150 mins. a week on some type of exercise -- walk, playing tennis, etc. It doesn't have to be a one hour grind at the gym -- until you start losing again and feeling some energy return you aren't going to feel like exercising much. The carbs really do make you feel lethargic - I was exhausted all the time when I was eating carbs. First just try to rid your body of the carbs -- not sure if you like the things I mentioned, but if you do they should help get you over the hump. Like I mentioned yesterday - feed that carb monster -- and then after a few days it will back down and not be rearing up it's ugly head. Whenever you want to eat, eat -- the first two days you can include sf pudding and Jello -- so buy them and eat them -- add a little Protein powder to it and try that. I think once you see (and feel) the results after 5 days you'll get back on track. Good luck, I'm here for you. Meredith -- one glass of wine is okay-- Gotta run to class. Later. Linda

Correction go to www.5daypouchtest.com, then click on Neighborhood then click on LivingAfterWLS on the little headers within the website then click on kitchen. It's worth the trouble to join to have access -- she has some really nice recipes. I think whoever it was that was looking for everyday food -- I think it was Kelley -- will find recipes there to use. I admit I'm boring and tend to eat the same foods over and over -- I find something I like and then just eat that until I'm sick of it. I'm cooking only for myself and not a family or husband so it's easier for me than most of you. Eva, don't work too hard -- glad you enjoyed your snow. Thanks for the nice compliment. Cheri - thinking of you and your DD. Lori, Katelyn sure is taking her sweet old time -- you'd think she'd be excited to meet you and all her new LBT great-aunties!! The nerve of her!! We want to see her pictures!! At work, so must go. Later all. Linda

Morning all. Well, Katie was feeling better so Aylah went home yesterday afternoon. Meredith, I think you and I are similar in that we want to restrict calories and fats and we try like heck to eat "correctly" all the time -- that I discovered was my biggest problem last year. Yes, we successfully lost our 100 pounds -- but we did it with sheer determination and will power - we cut calories, we cut fats, we exercised and now that we are trying to lose the last few and/or maintain, we are struggling. I had gained a few pounds but was still eating below 1100 calories per day and I was starving all the time -- that's when I discovered the 5 day pouch test and realized I was eating all wrong. So, since I've quit worrying so much about calories and fats and have focused more on eating no carbs - I've lost all the excess and gotten back down to my all time low and hopefully will soon break that. And I've been doing it by eating more fats but no carbs. I'm much more satisfied -- never feel hungry any more and have more energy. Here's a samle of what I ate and basically eat every day: Breakfast, greek yogurt with a tiny amount (1/4 cup) of strawberries/blueberries and 1/2 banana. I have Protein pudding (SF fat free puddding mixed witih unflavored protein powder) for a morning snack (only time i usually feel any hunger cause I have a late lunch - I get up at 5 and don't go to lunch until 1-- and sometimes have a piece of laughing cow cheese to make it through. Lunch is usually turkey sausage and 1 egg omelet with 1 wedge garlic herb laughing cow cheese. dinner is almost always spring greens and spinach salad with grilled chicken breast -- I'm hung up right now on Kraft light ginger sesame dressing which is soooo good. I do put tomatoes and onions in my greens and sometimes get wild and throw in a couple mandarin oranges. Then because I like to eat in front of the tv I keep SF popsicles on hand and have one or two of those and have more protein pudding before bed. I did add up the calories one day and it was about 1100. I do exercise every day - at least one hour of cardio every day and weights two or three times every week for about 1/2 hour. I have found some delicious new items recently -- some small sausages (size of smokies) but they are turkey flavored with garlic/cheddar and sun dried tomato/mozarella -- got them at Sam's -- probably have them at costco too - they are very very yummy - eat them sometimes with my egg -- 5 are 100 calories and only 2 carbs. I have found by increasing the fats I'm much more satisfied -- as Kaye says on the 5 DPT website - don't starve yourself - eat until you are full on the 5 day -- cause you really suffer from carb withdrawal. I think it will work for you -- but you really have to make that committment to NO carbs at all cause if you add carbs to the mix it's going to make you gain weight. I didn't even eat any real eggs for over a year cause I was trying to cut fats -- I would eat two servings of egg beaters and still be hungry where when I eat the real egg and 1 piece of turkey sausage, I'm full and satisfied until dinner. I eat lunch at 1 and dinner around 6:30 or 7. Hope this helps -- I do think you're trying too hard to cut fats/calories and that's when you fall off and eat -- cause you are probably really hungry --but try to eat only protein when that happens. Oh, I've also discovered some delicious hummus -- the 3 olive hummus at Walmart -- Marketplace brand - just fabulous -- I could eat it like pudding. I eat that with my chicken sometimes. I also eat fish at least twice a week -- I made some tuna patties from the recipe on the Neighborhood the other day -- they were good -- they have ground flax seed in it instead of bread crumbs -- very simple to make and very tasty. There are great recipes on that website -- go to www.5daypouchtest and then click on kitchen. Okay, time to exercise. Have a great day everyone. Haven't heard when my DB is having surgery -- probably today or tomorrow. I'm worried about him. Linda

Just found out my DB is back in hospital and is having lung surgery in the next couple of days -- keep him in your prayers please. Thanks, Linda

Aylah is back -- called us last night at 8:15 and said her mommy was sick. So we went and got her. Not sure why -- Katie seemed to be doing okay so makes us suspicious. My DH was there for dinner and didn't leave until 7 so between 7 and 8:15 she got that sick? LauraK -- glad your new relationship is fun -- hope it continues. CBL Linda

Morning everyone. Kelley, sorry to hear about your mom's aneurysm. A co-worker of mine just had that surgery in January -- they discovered it in November -- she was able to have a non-invasive surgery where they went in through her groin and got the aneurysm from there - she had surgery on Friday and went back to work on Wednes. Hope your mom can have that same type of surgery. Glad they found it -- like my friend - she was investigating something completely differnt and then they did the CT scan and found it. Will be sending positive thoughts and prayers for your mom. Laura, sorry to hear the bad news about your dad -- but again,will keep positive thoughts for him -- he IS such a fighter -- hope he handles the chemo okay - hope you are doing okay. Thinking of you and your Mom too. Kelley, lol on the people who can't handle the snow -- I know what you mean - when I lived in Reno we had people there like that -- you could tell them cause they didn't have a clue about how to drive in a little snow. They used to scare me to death. Kristie they say not to worry about weight loss during recovery period because you're body is healing -- once healing is done and you can work out more the weight shoudl start to come off -- but again, it's not a fast process -- most of us lost an average of one pound a week -- and that doesn't mean we saw it on the scale every week -- it means at the end we looked back and saw that we "averaged" a pound or so a week. Sometimes I think it's best if you don't weigh every week. Chris, glad to hear from you -- hope all goes well with your bidding on your route. How's Deb doing? Janet, we are too much alike -- lol on the Cookies - yep, I can pass up most but those sugar cookies with icing are the ones that really KILL me to leave alone. Glad I have such a nice DH who's willing to fall on the sword for me. LOL. Julie, hope you can get some resolution and relief -- sorry that new doctor has let you down -- but as Arlene said -- are you still doing Lyrica? If it gave you some relief early on it might be that they need to increase your dose -- I remember they start out low and increase as you go along -- worth checking out anyway. I have plenty of projects around here -- you can send your DH my way. Time to leave for Water aerobics. Oh, on who asked about the 5 day -- just google 5 day pouch test and the website by kaye Bailey should come up -- all the information is right there. Hope you can find it. I think it's www.5daypouchtest.com Linda

Meredith - love that little quip about kicking winter in his snow balls. LOL. Linda

Morning all, not much to report -- had a nice weekend - very restful for a change. Supposed to be nicer weather starting tomorrow -- but had an ice storm last night -- but sun is out so it should be a nice day. I checked the forecast and looks like it'll be in 40s most of the week and sunny so that's spring like and decent weather for Apples and her DH's trip home. At work so not much time. Didn't watch the Oscars -- watching Amazing Race and CSI Miami instead. Glad King's Speech won though -- I hate it when movies I didn't like win. Arelene sounds like you had your hands full with the GKids. Sounds like a neat party your DS was invited to. Aylah just called here at work to say good morning and that she misses me. She was over briefly yesterday - brought us Cookies she and her mom made -- I had one bite while she was there to show her I liked them -- it was good -- but DH ate the rest later so I wasn't tempted LOL. Sugar cookies with icing are something I really do love - so it was hard to not eat it all. WEll, gotta work. CBL have a good Monday all. Linda

Morning everyone. Not much to report here. Got my housecleaning done yesterday and then DH and I spent the afternoon and evening trying to catch up on shows we recorded on TIVO. There's always so much to watch. LOL. We were a bit behind cause with Aylah here we don't watch as much. Katie seems to be doing well -- so far so good. No baby yet -- I'm really surprised -- now she's going to make everyone wait for her arrival. LOL. I can't wait to see pics of her. Lori have a safe trip to Denver - I bet you'll be going soon soon soon. Haven't planned much - weather is icky -- had no more snow but roads are still covered and icy so we won't be driving anywhere far. Am thinking about taking today off from exercise -- my last day off was Feb. 11 and I'm sore and tired so think it would be a good idea. Apples, have a safe trip home -- yes, it's so hard to leave loved ones - -I cry so easy -- your DFIL sounds so sweet -- so happy you'll be spending winters visiting him -- it'll be something for him to look forward to. Sandy glad you posted -- was wondering if everything was okay with you. Glad you finally got your DF in home PT -- we've used it many times. Cheri, happy you resolved issues with your DH -- good for you -- glad you got that cleared up. LIke you said you don't need that with everything else you are dealing with. Will be sending positive thoughts and prayers on a daily basis. Janet, that bra looks fabulous! I'll be buying one for sure just as soon as I can -- perfect for me -- I saved the page and hopefully will be able to find it again. I can't wait to get one. Thanks for sharing. Julie, so sorry you are having more pain. Have they figured out what is causing it? Is there anywhere you can go that you haven't been to before? Sending hugs and prayers for you too. Kristy - enjoy the snow. LOL. Be careful if you drive -- I'm sure it will melt soon - at least you have a good attitude about it. Glad to hear things went well for your FIL too. Well, better get moving - I'll cbl. Linda

Morning to all -- I'm rushing to get to my Sat. morning Zumba class so don't have much time. LOL, DH had terrible time yesterday with new tv v. old DVD, old surround sound system, etc. Had to get one of Katie's friends over to help him get everything hooked up -- had to go get a splitter too --poor DH -- he was sooooo frustrated. We may have to buy a new dvd -- they're pretty cheap these days so no biggie. But the tv is nice -- a little low -- we need to buy something to set it on as we like it a bit higher -- can't really hang it on the wall - we have a huge cabinet -- with shelves and lights -- a curio cabinet basically and I have my collections in there so can't really get rid of it until we are ready to retire -- DH loves that piece of furniture - it was his "special deal" years ago - so I live with it. Katie was released Wednes. night and didn't feel great so Aylah stayed with us until yesterday afternoon -- Katie took her to see how it went and felt well enough to keep her overnight. DH lectured her -- we'll see -- at least she didn't argue (which is her usual) so maybe what the doctor told her is finally sinking in and she'll straighten up. Janet, she works part time at a local grocery store -- she's barely worked -- they give her months off the schedule when she's sick -- when she does work it's only about 10 hours a week. Which is part of why I get so frustrated -- she's on "assistance" and when I was raising my son I never even considered getting assistance -- and this generation seems proud of it - it's embarassing to me - especially living in our little town with our uncommon last name. I just keep telling myself it's not really a reflection on us. Well, gotta run, I'll cbl -- have to clean today -- got another couple of inches last night -- yesterday was gorgous all day -- sun and in the low 30s so a lot melted, then more last night. Supposed to have several more days of snow. Apples, be careful on your trip -- will be thinking of you. Linda

Happy Happy Friday to everyone! We have sunshine, 30 degrees, so all the snow is quickly melting -- but supposed to have more tonight, Sat., Sun. and Mon. -- hope they are WRONG. I'm also sick of snow and winter and ready for spring. Lori, hope you and DH find something fun to do - do you have a planetarium or science center there -- we love going to those -- always interesting. Had to buy a new tv today as ours completely died last night -- it's been going bad. Unfortunately last year DH spent about $500 repairing it - thinking it would last a few more years -- boy that was dumb -- should have junked it then and bought a cheap new one instead -- he learned a good lesson. LOL. There was a good sale on one so we got a 47" High def for about $370 after rebates -- a cheap one but it'll be fine I'm sure. We got a wide screen cause have been noticing everything is wide screen these days -- even the weather forecast --lol part of it was always cut off. Katie was feeling well enough to have Aylah visit her today -- so Dennis dropped her off for a few hours -- just so he could go buy the tv and deal with getting the old one disposed of. Had to drive 40 miles to buy the new one. Kristi -- sorry you had the stuck episode, glad it didn't last too long. I carry papaya enzyme (buy at Walmart) pills which can sometimes help get the food down -- I also learned that getting up and walking around sometimes can help too. Glad you didn't slime -- that would have been embarassing. Good to baby your stomach today -- just have liquids and let it quiet down. You're only two weeks out -- I was on Clear Liquids a whole week and full liquids the next two weeks, then pureed for two, soft Protein for two and then finally regular protein after that. Congrats on the weight loss. LauraK so glad to hear your new fella is a keeper - hope the relation is all that you want it to be. Enjoy it while it's fun and hope it continues to be perfect for you -- you deserve it!! Meredith -- you haven't mentioned your nephew dog and how your visit went -- do fill us in on all the details. Did step aerobics this a.m. at home - I have a great tape if anyone is ever interested -- it's an entire hour of cardio. Gotta fun -- will catch up more after work -- Lori -- hope you are packed and ready to head to Denver -- I'm sure it'll be soon. Love to all. Linda

Cheri, sorry to hear about your DD and your dad -- will be thinking and praying for all of you. I have a close friend here who had aggressive breast cancer - and had radical mastectomy and all her nodes stripped had chemo and radiation. She's done very well last March had reconstructive surgery done -- so keep your positive thoughts because they are successful in treatment and are doing wonderful things. Don't overdo yourself -- don't spread yourself so thin that you'll get sick -- and don't turn to food - as Janet said - it won't help. Will be thinking of all of you. Hugs. Janet, glad you had a good massage. I need another one. Saw chiro tonight -- feel pretty good -- got 6 inches of snow since 5 -- it's 10 now and winds are blowing -- drifting some. Well, gotta get some sleep. Later everyone. Linda

Morning. Had Zumba last night followed by elliptical -- didn't do weights though as I've been having problems with shoulder pain again - seeing my ortho surgeon next week for check up on hip and mentioned shoulder problem so they will check it out while I'm there. Almost feels like the joint goes out of place when I move it sometimes -- very painful. I'm praying I don't need surgery -- that's the very last thing I want to go through. Then came home and had to fill goodie bags as it's Aylah's turn to give treats at the pizza party at school today. Katie had already bought everything so I just had to fill them -- but took about 45 mins-- 16 in her class. LOL. She's so cute -- such a little mother hen in helping me. So I haven't watched Idol yet -- no time -- it was 8 before I ate -- did watch Survivor though. Ii don't think Russell will last long this time. I think it's so funny he thinks the farmer guy is dumb and doesn't know what he's doing. LOL. Should be fun if they lose immunity challenge next week with Russell thinking he's got the game under control. I like Boston Rob but can't believe these people are listening to him and going along with what he wants to do. Unbelieveable. I think he may have a shot at winning since everyone is playing "his" game. Felt almost sorry for Matt last night. LOL. Loved the look on the girl's face though. Isn't that Phillip a piece of work? LOL. Where do they find these people? My luncheon yesterday was very nice -- About 30 of us received awards -- they do a very nice job. I got a nice jacket with a fleece removable lining and $600 -- my 5th anniversary gifts. Interesting to hear the company statistics -- we actually hired over 100 people in 2010 -- never laid anyone off -- quite an accomplishment during this economy. Gotta get going -- Water aerobics at 6 a.m. See ya all later. Linda

Before I forget, I'll pick Saturday, Feb. 26 at 9:30 p.m. for baby's arrival. Thanks for all the well wishes on Katie, appreciate it all. Laura, so sorry you couldn't sleep -- hoping for the best on the Pet scan - I know how hard this is -- went through it with my DM -- will keep you and your folks in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs. Julie, hugs on your pain -- I wish someone could figure it out for you. Today is treats day for me as I have my luncheon. LOL. Supposed to be a nice day (calm before the storm) and then turn nasty and snow on Thurs. Arlene, good luck with the chew chew today -- remember to feed the carb monster with Protein - just eat as much as you want but only protein -- don't try to starve yourself -- just eat protein and keep those cravings satisfied. Made up my chicken last night -- bought some new spring salad greens at Walmart - very tasty -- and not too expensive. There's some stuff in there even I don't recognize, but it's okay if it tastes good. LOL. Janet, we're busy at work too -- this is our super busy time of year -- now til July then will quiet down again until Sept. -- very seasonal. Getting a cash bonus today which will go into our vacation fund. We are planning to take Aylah to Disneyland next January -- our week at our timeshare in Carlsbad is the third week of Jan. and we figured would be a good time to take her there, visit firends and family,etc. but need to save save save!! Not sure if I mentioned but we are not using credit cards -- we had gotten ourselves in debt helping everyone out (Katie, Bryan etc.) over the past few years. In order to actually be able to retire in 5 years I decided I needed to pay everything off and so we are trying to do cash only while we pay them all off. Also paying extra on the mortgage so it can be paid off in about 5 years -- then I can sell everything and buy my motor home and hit the road. Okay, gotta get ready for work. Have a good day everyone!!! Hugs to all. Linda

Lori, thinking of your DD and hoping Katelyn makes her appearance soon -- sounds like she's going to make a grand appearance -- not an easy delivery to be sure. I'll be thinking of all of you -- hope it goes well and soon. Linda