Meredith2424

Hey gals, Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted. I've been trying to read and keep up. Busy, busy, busy, per usual! Hugs to all of you with family members that are sick. I will be praying for all of them, and all of you. xoxo Well, I'm off to Florida tomorrow morning!!!!! Like Laura said, hopefully we will be meeting up on Sunday. I'm so excited to meet her! I'm also pretty excited to get out of this crappy depressing weather. It really does make it very difficult to focus on eating well and exercising. I know when I'm down there all I will want to do is walk the beach and swim! Yipee!!!! I'm not taking my computer, and my phone no longer connects to the Internet. This is a good thing. I need a technology break. So, I'm sure I will check on all of you when I get home on the 13th. My aunt and I will be having a fantastic time this coming week! Poor Andrew will be at home. This is the longest we will have been apart in almost 5 years. Aw! Goodnight all! Love all of you! Meredith

Oh Apples and Eva, You two are so cute! Eva~ I practically cried when I read about that baby tortise. I just have one. A three-toed box turtle named Mr. Marley Marbles. He lives inside with us in the living room. He is starting to come out of his hibernation. I love him like he is a person. It's strange, I know, but he has such a cool and interesting personality. Melissa~ Hugs. You will get through this! Janet~ Thanks for laying the smack down and reminding all of us what this journey is all about! I'm having a tough time with food issues. I don't know what my problem is, except that is weather is total shit and that I'm sick of it, and that I cannot wait to leave and head to Florida on Tuesday. I am just kinda depressed because it is so cold and dreary. I really cannot take any more of this weather. This is one of the worst winters we've had in a very long time. It really does take an emotional toll on me when it lasts this long. Hopefully when I get home from Florida I will feel refreshed and recharged. This is a well needed vacation! I will not be getting home until the 13th! Yay! I am also taking a hiatus from FB, LBT, and e-mail during this time. It needs to be done! Just don't get nervous if you don't hear from me. Ok, sorry about the rant! Oh, and Julie, so happy you are back!!!! Yay! Good night all~ Meredith

Hello all!!! I've been reading, but so busy working I haven't had time to post. I mean WORKING! Thank goodness I've been super busy at work. That means more money in my pocket. In fact, I even got an opportunity to work at a charity event dinner tomorrow night serving and greeting guests. Many of whom are clients at the salon. It's all about networking! I'm going to do the 5DPT again starting Tuesday because I want to lose 5 pounds before I leave for my Florida vacation on the 5th. I was sad to read that you didn't like it Lori. Did you lose weight on it? Let me tell you, I cannot wait to get out of this weather! It is absolutely HORRIBLE! I am not one to really complain about winter, but enough is enough! I wanted to work outside today on the yard. It was sunny and beautiful! Well, I got out there, and it was frigid! I could only work for about a half an hour or so. Too cold. Apples~ Sorry to hear of FIL's health troubles and his accident. What did he have surgery on? How scary for all of you! Julie~ So glad you are feeling better! I am so glad for you! Hopefully this pain free existence sticks around for you! Hugs and prayers! Jewel~ I am so happy for you! Way to go on the purchase of your bike. BE CAREFUL! I get so nervous! Have a great time on your cruise. You are going to have a great time. Good luck with the school work. Like Eva, I too have tried it. Hope it works out for you. Arlene~ Back on track tomorrow! So glad it is a new day! Eva~ You know I am obsessed with all things turtle, right?!?! I enjoy hearing all about your new little additions! Great~ We are supposed to get snow too. Ugh. So over it! Linda~ Are your meatballs like swedish meatballs? Those are my absolute favorite! Especially over egg noodles. Haven't had them in so very long. Also, what are ham balls, and what kind of sauce do they go with? I too haven't cooked for Andrew in awhile. I know he misses it. I feel bad for him sometimes, but he knows why. I have been supposed to go to the grocery store for days now, and finally tomorrow, I HAVE to go! Laura~ Hope you are having a nice time with your mom and dad. Looks like Nels was having a good time with the toasted marshmallows! Too cute! Ok, sorry if I missed anyone. I must make Andrews lunch and do a load of laundry before bed. Have a good Monday everyone! Meredith

Thanks for the advice girls! I think I'm going to have to talk to her about this and tell her what you recommended, please respect me when I say "no". I've been friends with her for a long time, going on 10 years. I've never seen her act like this though! She is quite a bit older than I am, but age doesn't matter. Her best friend and I were talking last weekend at the st. pattys parade and she cannot stand her husband either. Plain and simple, he is a liar. A lot of us at work are very close, we are like a big family there. But this is getting rediculous! She just sent me a text message saying "Mer, you are still coming out with us tonight to toast my brothers 'would be' birthday, aren't you?" Total guilt trip style. I was close with her brother. He has 4 children that are about the same age as I am, so I took his death, about 3 years ago really hard. So I sent her one back that said, " Ya, I am driving myself tho." She follows with, "Oh, we will drive you!" NOOOOOO! UGH! I will talk with her this week. I just needed to make sure that I was doing the right thing. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your advice. Really. I just felt worse now because Andrew just called and wants to go play tennis. Hopefully we will be able to tomorrow now. Lori~ Oh my! That poor guy. On one hand I can understand why he wouldn't want chemicals in his system, but on the other hand look at what it has done to him. Poor guy, and your poor friend! I will have to check out that book. It sounds like something I need to read right now. Jodi~ Holy moley girl!!! You never stop!!! Dassi really is such a lucky girl to have a mom that cares so much. Mine was, and still is the same way and she will appreciate and remember all you do for her for the rest of her life. LauraK~ That man is not worth it! It sounds like you know that and aren't sweating it. That just happened to a friend of mine. This guy was her boyfriend for 6 months and she left his house to go home and take a shower. He was supposed to come pick her up later that night and never showed! It's a year later, and we now joke about how they have a "long distance relationship". It really messed with her at first though. Why is it so hard for them to just tell the truth? Men...... LOL Ok, well, i'm going to get ready to go. Meredith

Hey girls!!! Just hanging out around the house today. Lots of stuff going on. Of course. This week, I had fun stuff, mostly St. Patty's involved (refer to FB photos!). I really did have a good time. But then, the girl I work with gets back on me about coming with her and her husband to this Monday night band gig her cousin has. It's not really my scene, and the girl is just driving me NUTS about it. After about 10 minutes of her literally harassing me Saturday at work (in front of clients!) about going, I caved. So, I'm going to go, after litereally being forced. I'm going to drive myself though. Part of the reason I don't like going is because I absolutely cannot stand her husband. He just is not a good person. Period. Anyhow, I'm going to drive myself, so I can leave when I want to. Sorry about that rant! I tried to do what all of you told me and just say "no", but this didn't work!!!! Then what do you do? She is becoming increasingly pushy. St. Patricks day she TOLD ME that she was coming over for corned beef and cabbage! What?!?! Inviting yourself to someone elses house for dinner? Insane!!! I would NEVER! Plus, we had our meal the night before and I was saving the rest for Andrews family and the dinner we had yesterday. I really did just tell her "no" then! Wow, the more I write, the more I realize how very rude she is! Now what do you gals suggest? I have to work with her, so I cannot just ignore. Linda and Arelene~ Since the two of you are drinking green tea a lot, may I suggest the Arizona "Diet" Green Tea "NO CARB"? You can buy it in the cans for 99 cents at the store, or you can do what I do and buy it in powdered form in the canister. It comes with 6 tubs per canister, and each tub makes 2 quarts. It is sweetened with splenda, so no calories! It is so delicious! Oh, I think that the canisters only cost about $3 each! Oh, and it's like iced tea. You drinnk it cold. Just an idea. Let me know if you try it and what you think. Janet~ Whew!!!! You exhausted me just telling us what you did this week!!! Sounds so fun though! Glad you had a good time! Apples~ You are always on the go!!! Lori~ So glad you had a nice visit with that little one and DD. That is great. Sorry you had a tough time leaving, but how could you help it!?!?! She is so cute! Also, very sorry to hear about your gf's son! He is the same age as I am. So sad. Bi-polar disorder can be treated fairly easily with the right drug combos. Has he tried meds before? He might not like the way they make him feel or something, so then he refuses to take them. Poor guy. So tortured. Julie~ Hang in there girl! I'm so glad you came to your senses!!!! We love you!!! Really though, feel better soon. It really does sound like the erosion was the cause of your pain. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Let us know whats going on. Ok, sorry I forgot to post to some. I had a ton of reading to do, and these things stuck out for me. More later for sure. Plan for the week, tonight: forced blues band outing, tomorrow: visit my sweet little man and best friend and grocery shopping, wednesday: cooking, cleaning up house, and in the evening, going to a memorial mass for my friends baby that was a full term still born 6 months ago. They weren't able to handle doing it at the time it happened, of course. Tons of work for the rest of the week!!! Thats good! Have a great evening!! Meredith

Happy Birthday Joyce!!! Hope you had a good one! My work-a-holic honey got home from work "early" (6ish)!!! Last night we talked about how much better we would feel if we walked together in the evenings. So, that's why he came home early tonight! We walked 3 miles by the lake and came home and had our St. Patricks day feast a night early. All day I worked on making Corned Beef, Cabbage, carrots, rutebegge, and potatoes. I only ate a few bites of corned beef since I get tighter after any type of exercise. I also made enough for his mom, sister, and her 3 kids, so hopefully they can come pick it up tomorrow at some point since I have to work. Just wanted to check in, I have to get some dishes done before I go to bed. Love all of you! Meredith

Hope everyone had a great day! Arlene~ Don't worry! I'm staying on track! I just had my fun time weekend, and now it's back to business as usual! LOL. However, I'm sure next week I will do the 5 day again to check my restriction. Thank you!!! Apples~ I just love St. Patty's day. I just cannot help myself! Jodi~ Yay!!! WTG on your successful party for Dassi!!! It sounds like she has a career as a party planner in her future! Lori~ Enjoy that time with your little sweetheart! How is her jaundice? I hope it's better. I'm sure it will clear up soon. I went out to see my little one today. Cannot get enough of him. Cannot imagine how you feel as a Grandma. Enjoy! Eva~ Oh girl! Heaven forbid they give out Water after the race! haha! And, don't let me fool you, it was not a real race for me! I just walked it casually with all of the others who had some drinks. It didn't take us long at all. We even had to take a potty break during the "race"! Next year I'm going to be more serious about it I think. The race part that is, after the race, I'm not making any promises! Anyhow, it was a great time! I'm planning on running a half marathon at the end of October. My friend gave birth to a still born baby after carrying him full term. His birthday would be around the time of the race, so, I'm going to do it.... I hope. Ok, well, I'm going to make A's lunch, watch the news, and hit the hay. Hope everyone else is well. Thinking of you Julie! Meredith

I'm alive!!!!! And no, Apples, I didn't fall off of a St. Patty's Day float!!!! But, I wouldn't put it past me.... Ok, so I've been busy, busy, busy!!!! Saturday I had to work, then wen to Old Navy to buy some sun dresses for my trip to FL April 5th. They were $9 each! I bought 4. I also bought a top, a skirt, yoga pants, and two pairs of flip flops. Maybe more, I don't remember. Then I had to rush to get home in time for church. My grandma was having a mass said for my late grandfather whose birthday whould have been yesterday, my late great grandmother, and my late great uncle. We went to grandmas house after and had corned beef, cabbage, rutebege (sp), carrots, and potatoes (none for me!). Sunday was the St. Patricks Day Parade in Corktown here in Detroit. First, I participated in the 5k run/walk. It was fun!!!! Then we drank the free beer that was provided to the walkers and runners. Shortly after the parade started, and it was wild! I had the best time. Got home around 7 and was sleeping by 10:30. Today I slept in (much needed!) and went to see the Lord of the Dance movie in 3Dwith my "SIL" and niece and nephew. They loved it. Little cuties. Late night for them though. I put them to bed and read bed time stories, ran to the grocery store before it closed, and here I am! Exhausted!!! food, is so-so. I'm not being crazy about it, but I'm not eating like a pig either. Just eating the way we are supposed to. I did have a piece of bumpy cake on Saturday, and well, the beer on Sunday, but these were for special occasions. Glad to see everyone is doing well, and that someone heard from Julie. I've been thinking about her. Hopefully her tests come back ok. Anyhow, I will read more and comment tomorrow. Sorry, just thought I would fill you in. Night, Meredith

Oh poor Julie!!! I will pray for her. I hope that once this is resolved, her pain will be gone. We just all have to be here for her when she gets back. Great, please let her know that we are all here for her. Went to Dr. today. Had to see the partner. He took the syringe and sucked out all of the Fluid. There was 5.6 cc's in there!!!! Not 5.2 like they thought. I remember a year or so ago, they thought my band was leaking and a whole cc disappeared. Well, here is .4 of it! He said sometimes that happens. He put me to 5.2, but said that now, I might need that .2 back in. We will see. I go back April 18th or something like that. Hopefully this is where I need to be right now. I had slim fast after and 4 oz of fish for dinner. I ate another 2 oz while cleaning up and doing dishes. Fingers crossed that this does the trick. I was raised Catholic, so for Lent I am giving up "self sabotaging" behaviors. This basically pertains to food. I know many of you know exactly what I am talking about. Ok, well, I'm going to hit the hay. Hopefully I will get some better sleep tonight since I have been up with this damn acid for the past two. Hopefully this work week is busier than it has been lately! Night! Meredith

Thanks for all of the advice gals. Because I have a partial slip still, my band is different than it was before. The acid is INTENSE! I mean really bad, it woke me up in the night time 2x and I threw up only acid both times. It was horrible. Then, today I threw up my iced tea. That isn't right. There is no way in hell I could even think about eating any type of solid food at this moment. It's bad, and I don't want it to get worse. I don't know if I should even take the chance of waiting it out. I was at a good restriction after I did the 5DPT, so I think I should be ok getting th Fluid out. We will see how I do tonight. Cheri~ The best "over the counter" product that I have found for frizzy hair is made by Suave. It is in an orange bottle and says "Compare to Matrix Sleek Look" on it. Use the whole system, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave in smoothing mask. There are other professional products available (that I use on clients daily), but they are far more pricey than the "OTC" types. Also, make sure you get your hair trimmed very frequently. I'm talking every 4-6 weeks. This way, you are keeping split ends away which will keep your hair in all around better shape. Another suggestion is to point the nozzle of your hair dryer from root to ends while you are drying. This will keep the cuticle closed and smooth on the hair shaft. At the end of your blow dry, use the "COOL" button for several minutes to lock in your style. Stay away from hairsprays and products with alcohol in them. This can cause damage as well. But, the BEST product I have ever used, by far, is called Redken Glass. It is a silicone based product that you put on after the blowdry and style. It is quite pricey to some, but just a drop goes a very long way, so the container lasts forever. I could go on and on. Try these things and see if it helps. Let me know. Lori~ Oh girl! The shopping has begun over here too!!! Before I went to see baby, I bought a sliver bracelet for mommy with a white gold and aquamarine charm (birthstone of march!), a short set for baby, and University of Michigan booties for him as well (those from uncle andrew)! It is soooo fun! How far away from you is the Carters outlet? I think we have one here about an hour and a half away. Also, I need some clothes too, so if you are feeling very generous feel free to shop for me too! LOL!!!! Love it! I just cannot tell you how very happy I am for you. It has got to be the best feeling in the whole wide world! Ok, going to get ready for bed in a little bit. "Snore" is over here laying on the couch next to me. Night! Meredith

Apples~ I have 5.2 cc's total in my band now. He only put the .2 in yesterday. He kinda wasn't listening though! He had to leave the office right before my appointment to go to an emergency. So, instead of rescheduling, he said he would be back in about an hour or so, I just waited. He came back pretty quickly, but my total waiting time was about 2 hours. I think that he was still in "rush" mode when he got back and wasn't his usual calm self. Tomorrow I see one of his partners since my surgeon is going out of the country to teach new LB stuff. Last time he really sat down and listened, so this is totally out of character for him. When he filled me initially, we did .5 cc's at a time. Well, except for the very first fill ever. That one was 2 cc's, but out of surgery my band was empty. Anyhow, glad everything went nicely for your DS's bday party! That is so wonderful for him. Thinking about you. Joyce~ I don't know if I missed something, but I just didn't realize that you had a cast on! Where have I been!? Well, thank goodness that thing is coming off soon! Hang in there!

Happy Birthday Arlene!!!!!! Happy Fat Tuesday/ Paczki Day!!!! I'm allowing myself one. It is my scheduled treat of the week as I've been doing pretty well. However, I might not be able to get anything down after the LB dr yesterday. He filled me .2 cc's. Last time he refused to fill me, this time he was chomping at the bit! Last time I had .2 put in, I had to have it out 5 days later bc of reflux. Well, last night, here it was! TERRIBLE reflux! So bad that I couldn't sleep at all. After I did fall asleep, finally around 5 am, I woke up choking and threw up. I threw up again a few hours later. I immediately called the Dr's office and they are getting me in tomorrow at 1:15. I keep asking if there is any way to make the fill smaller, like .1 cc? They say "no" that it is immeasurable. Apples~ Hugs to you my dear! xoxoxo Lori~ I hear ya on the no sleep. It's a good kind of no sleep though! All of that adrenaline! That baby is just adorable. I'm sure the new little family did great their first night at home! Eva~ You made me nervous at first! But, I think that is a great plan! It is so difficult/ugly when people try to grow out their colored hair. Why not shave it all off? Janet and Melissa~ I agree with you Janet, Melissa DH is sabotaging her or something. I know that if my Andrew ever brought that crap into the house, he would end up sleeping in the garage! Also, I know that sometimes we bring it into the house, but that is our own issue, not theirs. I'm not trying to be harsh, its just the way it is. Right? Love to all of you! CBL~ Meredith

Real quick fly-by before I go to the LB dr. Cheri~ I HIGHLY recommend your DD cut off her hair before chemo. A client of mine (and childhood friends mother) had to go through chemo 2x. The first time she just let it fall out, the 2nd time I went over to her hous 2 weeks before and cut it into a short 'do. The day after she started chemo, her husband called me in a panic and told me to come over immediately as her hair was falling out already. I got there and shaved her head bald. She later wrote me a thank you note telling me that this way was so much better than the first time and she wishes that she would have done that the first time around. Anyhow, Melissa's post made me think of that and tell you before your DD's hair fell out. Off to Dr. Meredith

Cheri~ I'm so so so sorry that you have to go through this tough time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Julie~ Interested to hear what happens after you go in tomorrow. Prayers to you that all goes well and it is nothing too serious. Hopefully they can fix what is wrong and get you back on track to becoming pain free. Lori~ Love that baby!!!! She is adorable! Congrats on becoming a grandma too! Wow! I was happy to read that DD's MIL is behaving herself. It's about time! Laura~ I have been getting filled gradually for the past few months. I'm at 5 cc's and I think I was at 6 before. 2 months ago I had it filled to 5.2 and 5 days later i had to go in and have him take out the .2 because i had reflux so badly. Last month I wanted a little fill. He said "no" because thats what we kept doing, filling, then it would be too tight, then taking some out, refilling, and that was the cycle. So, I think tomorrow is just some sort of check up or something? After doing the 5 day I'm not so sure if I need a fill or not. I think that I just need to do high Protein and liquids 6 days a week, and have my treats on Sunday. That seems to be the way to go. Sorry I didn't post to all of you. I'm not really feeling so hot today. I woke up this morning with a sore throat and no voice. I've been feeling achy all day and don't want to get sick again after I was so ill in December. I just relaxed today. It felt good after a really long week. Ok, bedtime for me! Night all! Meredith

Long night of no sleep. Baby is here. I posted info on fb. I let mom and dad rest today and will go see them and meet my "nephew" tomorrow. I'm going to work and skipping out a little bit early to go. They are at a hospital about an hour away. Some of you know that I HATE driving long distances (this is long to me) but I would do anything for this little pumpkin! I'm doing very well on my 5DPT. I'm down several pounds and have stuck to the plan to a "T". Melissa, the first day is the hardest. You need to get those carbs out of your system! Yesterday I was sick with headache because of the stupid withdrawl, but I feel so much better now and I have restriction back! Sorry it's a flyby! Love you! Meredith

Apples~ I just have to put my mind to it, and I really have. I just finished day 2 of the 5DPT and tomorrow it is on to soft Protein. I'm ready. Also, I cannot wait for this little one, he is going to be such a joy, but you know what I mean, it's just kinda scary anyway. I love kids, but don't want any. It is just not for me. I've never really wanted them. Andrew feels the same way. I asked him what if I ever change my mind? I don't think I will, but if that ever happens, I'm sure he will be open to whatever. He's good like that. But, really, I don't think thats gonna happen. Not in the plans. Thanks for your encouragement. You are awesome! Now I cannt sleep!!!!

Well Lori, It looks like my prediction might come true for the baby I am expecting to come into my life!!! My best friend just called me at 10:45 and said that her Water had just broken and she was on the way to the hospital! EEK! She is so nervous and sounded like she was going to have a panic attack on the phone. Now, I'm nervous. I just poured myself a glass of wine. I'm nervous for her, and for lots of other things. Like, the future. It sounds so dumb, but she has been my best friend since 6th grade, and I am scared that her having a baby is somehow going to change her, or change our relationship in some way. Of course I thought of this before, but now it is real. I know this is sounding so selfish, but I think it's probably normal. Right? Anyhow, her dad is the weatherman for the Detroit area, and he was just on tv, grinning ear to ear and kind of giggling! The anchorwoman was joking with him not to let the secret out! It was cute. Anyhow, I cannot wait to hear what is going on with your DD and Katelyn!!! Anytime now!!!! This is soooo exciting!!!! Linda~ You never cease to amaze me!!! You really do have some wonderful insight into this whole journey of ours, don't you? I mean, you have it down pat! I appreciate you sharing so much about your daily menus and your personal experiences with eating. I just need to break this carb addiction! This might sound crazy, but today I had such headaches, even after I had my massage. I think it was the carb withdrawl that Kay Bailey talks about. I'm sure I just trashed all of that with my glass of wine tonight! LOL. It's liquid though! Cheri~ I am so sorry that your daughter has to go through all of this. I am not very good at talking about things like this because I just don't know what to say. Just know that I am thinking about you and your DD and praying for the both of you. I did see that you got some good news today about the cancer not metasticizing (sp) to other areas of her body. Hopefully this will make the road ahead a little easier. Love you girl, hang in there. Janet~ Like my dad says "All guys are dumb". Period. I suppose your Andrew can now be placed into this category now that he is out on his own? Glad he knew to call and apologize though. Apples~ I am so glad that your adventure went so well! It sounds like such an amazing time! I am so happy for you. You really deserve all of this happiness and fun in your life! I cannot wait to hear more about it, and about the "Love Shack"! Also, looking forward to hearing about the party you are having for DS 30th! Sounds like a great time! Eva~ Girl, you never know it, I might really show up one day! LOL It sounds like you have been so super duper busy. WOW! Ok, well, I wanted to go to bed at 10, but now with all of this drama, it is going to be tough to sleep! EEK! Prayers for the safe arrival of baby Adam! Love, Meredith

I'm so sorry to hear of these terrible health issues that are going on in some of your families right now. I will pray for all of you. So sad and scary. I am having the worst time with food right now. I know that pales in comparison to some of the other issues going on, but I need someone to kick me in the butt, and this is the place for that! Here is the deal, since I came back from vacation, I have been eating like I am on vacation still. I know I wrote about this the other day, but I just can't kick it! Yesterday I started the 5DPT. Well, I made it until about 10 pm and completely lost control! I ate some vegetarian stuffed grape leaves and some animal crackers. It was like I was ravenous!!! I know that it is the carb monster. I just know it. It also feels like I have absolutely zero restriction what-so-ever. So, I started over today. Soup, soup, soup! Oh, and some coffee. The 5DPT site says that I could have some creamed Soups too, so I did. I know that I'm prob at 1400 cal today. How did I do that with just soup you ask? I don't know, I did, and I'm disgusted. I'm just like the Charlie Sheen of the food addiction world! LOL. No, but really, I have an appt w the dr on Sat, but I'm changing it to Monday. Hopefully he will fill me. I don't know if he will, because last time he said that he wouldn't because of all of the issues that i had with the partial slip. I went to do my taxes tonight on turbo tax, and there were major issues on their site which i also encountered last night. I wasn't able to input my info properly and it is really frustrating to me. I tried to e-mail their technical support, but was unable to do so because it wasn't one of the "options"! I usually use turbo tax, but last year went to a tax guy because I bought the house and needed to credit the first time homebuyer tax credit to last years taxes and wasn't confident in my abilities to make that happen. So, anyhow, if they cannot fix their site in a few days, I will have to go back to him even though it is triple what turbo tax costs. Ok, well, sorry about the rant. Long day. Thats good because tomorrow I'm getting a massage!!! The receptionist at work and I switch services. I cut her hair, and her kids hair, and she gives me massages. It's a great trade!!! Then I have a support group meeting tomorrow evening. Those always help kick my rear end into gear. I just need to pull it together and get to the gym as well. I'm a lazy bones lately. The weather does that when its sh!tty out, and trust me, it has been. Finally the weather is starting to break, and hopefully it will help me to get with it! When its nice out, I will look forward to going on walks with Andrew and my friend that lives a few doors down. Sorry, I feel like I am complaining so much, I just need to snap out of it!!!! Night, Meredith

Janet~ Oh sorry, I did read that you went shopping, but didn't realize that it was fancy shopping! LOL! We have a mall here that is like that. It's about 25 min away. I don't like to drive distances, so I rarely go there, plus, we have 2 other malls that are closer. I started the 5 day today. I agree, when on vacation, I want to relax and not stress about food. When I'm on vacation I'm always so active and end up staying the same or losing anyways since WLS. Lori~ I have just started buying round steak. I cut it into pieces about 4inX4in and then marinate it for 2 day in the chop house flavor marinade (says 30 min) from Kroger. I then grill it, since the weather is crappy, ive been grilling it on the george foreman. Anyhow, i let the meat cool and slice it very very thinly and put it on salads with balsamic vinegarette or whatever. I also like it as a snack, cold, right out of the fridge. Just an idea. Ok, well today is supposed to be cleaning day, but all I've done so far are the dishes. We don't have a dishwasher either, so I HATE doing them. Andrew is going to buy us a dishwasher, do any of you have one that you really love?

Arlene~ We would get an inch here, and inch there and then it would melt. This past Monday is when we got the big snow. I saw someone on FB write "I'm so sick of old man winter, I could kick him in the snow balls!" A bit off color, but this is how I have started to feel. Now I'm worried about all of this thawing. We have only been in this house for almost a year and am not sure about any leaking that could take place in the basement. So, we will see! How is the weather for you? Similar?

Watching the Oscars. They are so strange this year. Especially the woman that won and dropped the F bomb. Trashy. I was turned off. Had a terrible eating week. I couldn't get back on track from the vacation. That was my problem when I was super fat. It was like I was always on vacation. So, tomorrow I'm starting the 5 day pouch test and then I'm going back to aerobics on Tuesday. Lori~ I'm holding out for the 3rd!!!! I know you are wanting to meet that little girl so badly! We are waiting for our little guy (best friends baby) here too! How exciting!!!!! Cheri~ I am soo soo soo sorry to hear about your DD (dad too). I will pray for the both of them, and for you. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you. Laura~ Looks like you had so much fun on your vacation!!!! Jealous! Looks like I will be in FL April 5-13th. I was talking to my aunt and she was not keen on the idea of driving any further than 20 min in any direction. I will have to work on her. We will see. I'm not sure if I feel comfortable driving her car. I don't have a fancy car, and she has a Benz. I would feel like a real jerk if something happened to her car. Hmmm. We will figure it out. Apples~ Have a safe trip back. Sorry you had to leave and come back to this snowy business. It's crap. Lets hope that your weather is going to get better where you live like ours is supposed to here. It is 32 here today and got up to 37, so things are melting. Tomorrow it is supposed to be in the mid 40's and tonight and all day tomorrow we are supposed to have thunderstorms. I would rather have 1" of rain than 11 inches of snow! I think..... Linda~ The time with my sis and her pups was fantastic!!!! Her house is extremely small and only 2 bedrooms. My dad slept on the twin bed in the spare room, mom slept on the couch with their dog (a cock-a-poo named Piper), and I slept in my sister double bed with her and the two pups (an overweight 22 lb "miniature" long haired weiner dog, and an 80 lb mutt). Needless to say, I didn't sleep very well because I was sleeping on "their side" of the bed. Funny though!!! I did get to see a lot of sights, and got to meet the newest addition to our family, her horse Tank! I think she put the pics of us up on FB. It was a great time and we ended up staying another day because we got over a foot of snow down state and didn't want to chance it with the drive in the weather. I miss her and "the boys" already! Hugs to you on the issues with Katie. That little Aylah is so beautiful though!!! You can see her loving spirit in her eyes. Julie~ Feel better girl! Have you tried walking? My father struggles with severe pain on a daily basis caused by many things. He has been very sick for years. Since I was about 5 or 6. The other day he was telling me that the only thing that helps him is walking. Even if it is just around the block. I don't know if that will help, just a thought. Janet~ Lori is right!!! I love how you keep it real and tell it like it is. I've only been to the reg Anthropologie store and not the outlet. I'm interested now though!!! Eva~ Aren't you sad your visitors are leaving? Can I come now? LOL Ok, sorry I know I missed a few. I'm so sorry. It's been a few days since I posted. I guess I better go back and reread and re-post later! More later. Love all of you so very much! Meredith

I pick March 3rd at 2:27 am I'm baaaack!!!!! Got home yesterday. A whole day late because there was so much snow downstate. Over a foot in 18 hours. Crazy because where I was, in Petoskey, MI where there are ski mountains and resorts (Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, and Nubs Nob) we got ZERO! Unreal. Thats Michigan for ya! It was a great visit, although it was tough to sleep since my sisters house is so small and there were 4 adults and 3 dogs there. But nevertheless, we really enjoyed the visit. It is just so beautiful up there. I forgot my camera, so I will have to wait for Courtney to post the pics from her camera on FB so I can steal them and post them myself. Cheri~ I understand too. We are kinda playing that "game" right now too. I'm really feeling that great today. The combo of the lack of sleep, snow shoveling when I got home, and working today, my body has had it. I'm achy and feel feverish, but I'm sure I don't have one, just too much going on. Don't mean to whine and complain, just the way it is. I'm going to watch Modern Family, take a shower and hit the hay. Laura~ I'm so sorry that you have a lot going on in your mind right now. I too am so close with my dad and would be very upset if the same thing was going on in our lives. Just know that I am thinking of him (and you) and praying for his well being. I'm not very good with saying much in these situations, just know that I am thinking of you. I was kinda bad with my food while on vacation, but maintained my weight, so I am okay with that. Tomorrow I am back on the train with you Arlene! Ok, show is almost on. Will write more tomorrow. Night all! Meredith

Just a quick fly by. Got home from work at 10:30 and I'm exhausted. Had to put clothes in washer and eat dinner. I'm leaving for my sisters tomorrow after work. She lives up north about 4.5 hours away. I haven't seen her since Christmas and am so excited. I also haven't seen the puppy since his "return" from the wild! I'm soooo excited! Wait, did I mention that I'm excited?!?! Jimmy Kimmel is on now and he just did a joke about the Lap-Band. Not funny. I get pissed when people make fun of people that are over weight. Jerks. Anyhow, have to work early and still need to put laundry in the dryer, shower, make A's lunch, and pack. It's almost 12:30 am. Unreal. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Be back Monday! Love you! Meredith

Hey gals. Back on track today. Linda~ I have a "little" sister. She is the one with the dogs, is an OT, skinny, and lives in Northern Michigan. I LOVE her so very much. We are only 18 months apart and are super close. Thanks for the support and advice, I appreciate it so very much. CBL~ Meredith

Hello all! Had a nice Valentines day today. Andrew gave me my gift last week, a white and black diamond buckle ring from macy's. I love it. Went over to mom and dads today because mom said she had a little something for me. A pair of diamond heart shaped earrings! Sheesh! I am spoiled this year!!! I made Andrew a cheesecake (his fave, my first time making one) and topped it with strawberries cut into heart shapes around the edges, put it in the fridge and headed out to dinner. We went to our usual spot that we do every year. It's actually our "Anniversary" today of our first official date. I had Soup and salad. Did ok today, except when we got home I had some cheesecake. BAD! Last night I had chocolates. I'm done. I feel sick. My body isn't used to this crap. About the TT's~ Not sure if my ins covers them or not? I think that it is a case by case basis, and only if you lose 100 lbs. I need one. But, I don't think that I would need the muscle tightening too. I've never had kids, so my muscles aren't stretched out. Right? As soon as someone gets it done, I cannot wait to hear all of the details of it. As all of you know, surgery makes me so nervous, but now, I think that after is what makes me more nervous. I probably would have my boobs done at the same time too. I wouldn't get them larger, just lifted. Now, I'm done with the junk. Why do I make excuses for the "junk" and use it as a reward? I tell myself, "it's a special occasion" and all kinds of sh!t to make it "ok" for me to eat. It makes me sick that I do this. I'm sure part of it is self sabotage. Am I the only one that does this? Looks like all of you had a great day today! West Coast Clique~ So happy you had such a wonderful time together!!!! Night all~ Meredith