NYSparklegirl

Hi all...good morning! It was a wonderful weekend. The weather was absolutely gorgeous needed only a light jacket/coat. My meeting went very well with the producer. If she is someone who is going to produce this show....ill be very happy to work with her. Jeff was happy as well...so on to the next step of finding the right network to pick it up. Again not holding my breadth until contracts are signed. lol Im not changing my life at all...and certainly making no plans for anyones future. Today...am home with Dassi apparently who has a virus of some sort. Was throwing up yesturday afternoon with slight fever. I made her home remedy of pedialyte for the first 8 hrs. That seemed to help. At night she had crackers and some soup this morning. I will be going to work at 2:30 after babysitter gets here. Phyl I love that roasting recipe....what a great idea for shabbos for me....can put the roast in the oven before leaving for work and which on Friday is early early...day. Home by 1:30 and then the chicken would be ready...Have so little time after work since shabbat starts at 4:00-4:30 for about three months starting daylight saving time. Been looking for recipes like this for the winter!!!! Thank you Thank you!!! Okay....I got this post from the support group on Thursday..so posting for everyone Here is my tips that ive heard and hopefully learned about the upcoming holiday season....to share TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR LAB BANDERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS 1. Thou shalt not enter a party feeling hungry 2. Thou shalt not thing about the holidays being about food 3. Thou shalt not arrive at a party empty handed 4. Thou shalt not feel exhausted during the holiday season 5. Thou shalt not be unprepared during the holiday season 6. Thou shalt not EVER accept leftovers 7. Thou shalt not drink less than 80 ounces of "good Fluid: daily after reading this post 8. Thou shalt not disobey the 5% rule 9. Thou shalt not ever feel guilty 10. Thou shalt not forget their goals or the hard work they have allready accomplished HEALTHY EATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Ideas to get you through the season 1. Always be prepared 2. Location is everything! "Hang out" in a safe zone 3. Avoid leftovers at all costs 4. Its just another meal attidude. 5. Protein, protein, protein! 6. Half of the time, food cravings are the thirst in disquise. 7. Increase your exercise during the season. 8. "Buisness as usual" attidude. 9. No guilt- Relish ion your success. Happy Holidays all.....

Hi everyone, So So Sorry....its been such a busy week and any spare time has been at the gym so forgive me please for not posting in a week with all the meetings I had after work every night except Tuesday as well.....Im tired!! lol I need someone to recap for me because I cannot sit here and read a weeks posts....ill kill myself lol I do however want and need to hear how everyone is though so would appreciate some recapping....if someone would be ever so kind...... Ive gone to the gym every day this week!!! Yea.. Ive tried several new classes and OMG do I hurt. I decided that there is at least one class I really enjoy per day that is either arobic, conditioning or strengthening. SO...ive tried to figure that twice a week I can do weights....twice cardio arobics and once abs workout. I think this is a good plan for me....I dont love the damn tred and doing it alone. So far people have been really nice. The instructors are very knowledgable and "real". They really try to help so i dont feel helpless or a failure! This is the bestest. I was at my support group on Thursday evening and we talked about Thanksgiving....and how important it is to make a plan.....cause as we know if we fail to plan we plan to fail. Id like to take some time in the next week and see how people plan on dealing with the upcoming celebrations and tips about what we can do to avoid the pit falls of the foods that are going to be so readily available. I will start tomorrow...lol cause its so darn late but do have some that were mentioned.....lets start here as well...... I also have something to post about the ten commandments of the holiday time for bandsters...will copy and post that as well...with some yummy healthy alternative recipes. I did do this this week as well....and this ill say now... There are several aplications for those who have blackberrys that track food, diet, fitness etc I found one for free called "Sparkpeaple Tracker". You start with entering your present weight....your goal weight...then you can logg everyday every thing you eat....it calculates all the cal, carbs, fats and proteins for you. Then you enter what exercise youve done....then you enter how much water youve drunk during the day.....as you make your entried it tells you how many cal youve eaten, how much exercise youve done to counter the calories and then it tells you..how much you need to do more of something or less of something to reach your goal for that day..... I like it as I dont have to think and calculate everything all day...and carry around a journal. It saves everything and tells you by what date..you will get to goal if you follow and track everything and do as follows...I checked several apps and this is the only one that also tracks water....and computes all and lets you know how much more excersize you need...more water or more food etc.... Check it out.... anyways...must go to sleep Am meeting a producer tomorrow morning about a project Jeff is putting together in LV. Been busy with that as well and if that works out.....hmmmm Vegas here I come!!! lol Hope everyone is well and is having a good weekend... is there a new east coaster from NJ here??? I skimmed and saw something I think....Welcome to the newbys!!! Jodi

Good Evening all.... Today I am still in pain!!! ouch, ouch and more ouch! Even still went to a new class this morning. I woke up at 9 AM which was really 8 AM so....had plenty of time to make breakfast..walk the dog and get ready for the gym. Dreamed last night about going to the gym and how much I got from it....must have been really hurting!! When I got up I knew even though I was hurting I had to go....So went to this class called "kick it up" I really liked it!!! Lots of kicking and punching. Arobics....for an hour!!! After I got home....I had to get into a hot, hot bath! It really did help..of course the Allieve did as well lol Finished all my paperwork due this month...yea...Always on the 5th and the 8th. Due....so while I took Dassi to the shelter so she can volenteer...I did my paperwork in the car. Wont be able to do that come winter but now....it was okay. Need to remember to go physically and drop off the invoices tomorrow lol. This week will be a busy busy week...have three meetings and need to think about the ABA homebased program and how im going to create and run that program. I dont like take on a project if I cant run it the best possible way....since there isnt much research on other programs of this type.....Its going to have to be....created and revamped as we go along....Ive got the basics of what Im looking for and will work from there.....its going to be a work in progress..excited about it...just sad that I have a full time job that needs to be attended to at the same time..lol. No matter my best thoughts and work come in the middle of the night anyways. Arlene.....this is so beutiful. What a fabulous idea....to decorate christmas tables..or thanksgiving tables....Gorgeous. Yours should have won. Unfortunately we dont have anything of the sort so it is especially interesting to me to see all the beutiful decorations that people make. Its a real talent. My shabbos table is the pretty traditional type...but people do pride themselves on setting a special shabbos table each week...but nothing like this!! Do you only use these items for Thanksgiving and Christmas? What a shame to use it only once or twice a year....but it does make it special and the memories attached are priceless im sure. Are you going to use this setting or is it just for show? I hope not. Too beutiful not to!! Im sorry to hear about your friends husband so sad. Thanks..yes it was a good decision...interesting that you asked about Jeff at the same time as the position....you are wondering whether perhaps there is a connection there?? lol Well.....you are a mother and mothers see these things dont they??? Well, Jeff would love for me to move to out to LV. Hes desperately trying to get me a job....hes come up with some really enticing ones so far....but none making me think yes....I can do this...however...however.....He is working on something really big and if he gets a contract with a major network...then Ill be moving real fast lol. Thats a job oppurtunity that I would not be able to refuse!! However.....however.....Im the extreme pessimist..until I see it in writing....with my name on it...its only a pipe dream and well until now...lots of pipe dreams..so im staying put! But...yes, to that question he was deff a part of the "no thank you, not now" but, beleive you me..if they had offered double the salary I might have well considered it...maybe. You're a trooper!! Can't believe what you've been through with your mouth!! That stinks!! GEEZ!! Hope you can find a better job SOON!!! CONGRATS~~~!!!!! Sounds like you're having a GREAT time and making GREAT choices!! ENJOY!! Your Christmas table was GORGEOUS!!! Loved it! So sorry to hear you are still dealing with the aches and pain!! And so sorry to hear about your friend's DH! So young! So sad! You could never bore us with your farming stories!! It's so different from anything I've ever experienced. I find it all quite fascinating, really! I would have found a way to eat that shrimp even if I had to put it in the blender!!! LOL! I LOVE my seafood. Jodi... sounds like a good decision on the job offer!! Laura... sweet of you to give the toys to your cleaning lady. Her little ones will enjoy! Julie.... hope you're doing okay with the shoulder pain, etc. That's all I can remember gang!! Friend's memorial service was yesterday.. very nicely done. Wife asked me to take photos so some of you may have seen them on FB. Really fighting a bad case of depression this week. Maybe the med changes are taking their toll, I don't know. But I'm ready for it to be over!! Phyl... I sure do hope you feel better....but you havent physically felt well lately...perhaps that virus is a part of feeling this way....Whenever I get physically sick I get depressed. So...perhaps this is why you might be feeling this way....you also are settled in for the winter so to say....also a possible reason?? Of course...loosing someone so close is a deff posibility. I know this only first hand but each person internalizes expereinces differently...so please accept my deepest condolences. Apples...I have no dought that your trees and your decorations are absolutely gorgeous. I would love to see pictures of everyones trees. Three trees??? wow. And what fabulous creative ideas...to instill memories for generations to come....sounds like such a lovely custom youve started. Janet,I have no idea what program you are refering to as I dont watch TV on Friday nights at all..lol. Antisemitism is well alive in this world and it will always be unfortunately....however Jews arent the only ones persecuted. Genocide happens all over the world to so many different people. We havent learned from our mistakes..we repeat them over and over. Something will give eventually....perhaps even the end of the world. Dismal as that may seem...until then "we fight and fight with all our might to make it right"! (thats my Dassis saying, stole it) I dont know how you can read all those books....I cant.....Ive tried and I cant...I have nightmares and terrible feelings if I do....I think Im a soul that was tortured at that time and....I just cant watch or read about it. There was a fiction book that I read this past year...not sure if it was before LB or after....but it was an audio book..one that I was listening to in the car on the way to and from work.....called "Sarahs Key" Forgot who wrote it but I didnt know it was about that time.....until I started listening and was hooked so much that I had to get the book to read over that shabbat because i didnt finish listening and couldnt wait to get to the end!! You should get this book....I bet from what you say..youd enjoy it!! Nice that the boys.....can do this together....I used to love when Ron would take Dassi places....thank god he did..as she now has all those memories that are special and hers. Nels will remember these special times and he will create special times with his children because of it. It is great to see a dad take his children alone on trips...and handles things well...your husband is deff one of those!!! Kudos to him and you for letting him have this alone time for them to develop their relationship seperate and together with you. Special!! Okay...well....food consisted of one egg for breakfast, lunch was a shake with a banana, blueberries. Dinner was about an ounce of steak and salad. Am cooking for the week. Stew....and chicken breasts in curry sauce....no sugar. I have left over steak for steak sandwiches and baked chicken....we are set for the week....made all the vegetables on Friday...and steamed cauliflower tonight. Im set for the week..... I hope I stick to what ive made......and no deviation....meaning no forgetting the lunches!!! Have a good week all... Jodi

Hi all.... I am in sooooo muccch pain!!!! Ouch, Ouch, Ouch!!!! Every muscle in my body is aching from that weight class that I took on Friday. My friend Cheryl she called after shabbos..wanted to know if I was coming to "spin" with her tonight.....I was like are you kidding??? I cant move. I took two alleive last night and this morning.....and a hot, hot bath and im still aching. But I liked that class. I stopped with the trainer and this class has all the components of what he encompassed for me in the private session. There are only about 10 people in that class and I feel like if I go here....its more then what he was doing in the private class as far as weights go. I still need resistance training however. Im getting the cardio with "spin" and "step" so with this weights class" I need a resistance class.. Karate once a week perhaps? We shall see....not sure I want to commit to another structured class and time. Im not good at having to be somewhere at a certain time. lol. Even work so....getting to classes are really hard for me. I didnt take that position...although they called me and would have liked me. It just wasnt enough of an increase of salary for a 24/7 position at this stage in life. If I didnt allready have a job...that I was getting a good salary with benefits and great vacations with flexibility...then I would have jumped at it..but its not the right thing for now...its my dream job but I could have had that up till now if I pursued it...but I wanted and needed flexibility for Dassi and she is still a child who needs a mom when she gets off that bus everyday....and having the babysitter three times a week for three hours was not going to cut it here esp. if I wanted to go to gym everyday. Id have to have a part time again four times weekly plus id have to work till 3 on Fridays and the day before every jewish holiday. SO not ready for that. Hard enough now just the day before. lol and....I now that Ive gotten this position to officially supervise the home based ABA program for the agency....well that makes up the diff in salary. I worked it out that I no longer am seing that little boy I see everyday and can just do supervision on Fridays..granted I have time for only 3-4 clients...I can see one or two....on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. When the agency gets more then 6 clients at home...I will have to make some decisions then..to perhaps go independant instead of full time and cut the hours spent with my little guy....to maybe 15 hrs and so on...till next year. or............Well perhaps I will need to quit all together because.....Jeff has been working on some ideas that are being discussed this week and who knows maybe ill be doing some interesting work with consulting within the field of "Autsim" not holding my breath at that prospect....but this week will be the deciding factors for him on those deals....Im still keeping my day job. Its getting cold here in NY. Im not loving this at all. Not looking forward at all to winter and the clocks being changed back tonight. Dont like it at all. Hate the cold. Like it nice and hot!!! Cant wait for spring again! I know, ive got a few months. Holidays??? me??? nooo nooo noo. Not for me. I dont do "Thanksgiving" or "Chanuchkah at my house. Nope. Those are designated to my sister and brother. Not sure if Chanuckah actually is going to happen at all this year at my brothers because my mothers court date is the 17th of november and the whole family usually gets together and this might not be such a good time for my mother and her soon to be ex to be around in the same house. lol. I might have to have shabbat chanuckah here instead. sooo I might be doing that one soooo take back the above but thats easy.....just make latkes and jelly donuts and have a party to give out presents and light candles. No biggee...(so she says today). Its been quiet here this weekend...lol. Dassi has a friend over for the weekend so have some time to just think and chill and read some. Catch up on sleep. lol Went to shul this morning across the street for a bar mitzvah that we were invited to....it was nice. Last night had Dassis friend and her mother stay for dinner after dropping her off for the weekend. Got all the updates from the "old Neighborhood, School". It was fun to see Dassi and her best friend since 1st grade together. They havent seen each other since last January but after five minuets of awkwardness....they were like two seven year olds again together. These two....are going to be the friends that will be forever.....college, roomates, I can see it.....lol. Its a good thing. As long as we the parents can keep up with these occassional visits there friendship willl hopefully flourish. Maybe they will end up going to the same high school in three years. That would be nice. Apples....dont know how I feel about hunting..being a city girl....dont have much experience with hunting or hunters....but have a strong suspicion that I wouldnt really love the idea at all. I still probably would eat all the meat though...as I am a true carnivore. lol . Could not think of life without "meat". Sandy, did you ever look into that "Peanut Flour" at Trader Joes? I tried every darn health food store from Brooklyn to Long Island and couldnt find the PB2. I guess Ill have to order it online like you all...lol. I just hate to order things like that and hate it after. Tex, you sound really good.....good luck at the docs this week. Janet, I am eating and drinking no problem but cannot eat anything dry. At the beginning I couldnt eat anything hard just mushys and liquid and anything hard...would get stuck and pain in the stomach so bad for about 10-20min and thought this is really bad after that first throwing up......I think I must have eaten something that irritated it....that first day that caused that to happen and then after....I was irritated from then on. I listened..to everyones suggestions about doing shakes and mushies for a while....so thts what I did and now Im feeling better...had some chicken last night and some zuchini. This morning had some goat cheese and spelt crackers....very very slowely. lunch I had some chulent...which is stew consisting of meat, Beans, barley, potatoes and that went down well...slowly...chewing chewing, chewing. well....sorry to have junked up the thread with my weeks goings on.... Have a good night all Remember to turn your clocks back tonight!!!! Jodi

Cheri....you have me rolling on the floor!!! Im so sorry you arent feeling well....but at least you can laugh about it!! Feel better soon!!! You go girl!!! This sounds promising!!! So happy happy!! Doing the happy dance for you! Cant wait to heat about the next date!! Good luck. Apples...sorry that this visit wasnt so great...but....you have great teeth now! Glad all the tests came back with good results..... Well....guys its olmost shabbos so need to run but wanted to see how everyones been and wish you a good weekend...olmost wished you all a good shabbos.lol....well I guess I can do that too. Have a good shabbos all.....lol Today went to my first weight class....that was great. Hurting like a b---now but it was great!!! So this week went to "spin, Step and Weights!! Yea. Food well....cant be bad only had shakes and mushy....starting to feel much better!!! Glad I didnt get that unfil...will see how this weekend goes...but am def less tight. but not chancing anything Have a good night all......

Hey all.... well, I never went to get that unfil. Made the appointment but then read some of the responses about the last fill being the hardest and how it could take a while to get used to the tighteness. So....thought id give it one more week and canceled that appointment for today. If I couldnt eat at all or drink...then id go...but its not that I cant eat soft things or some hard things...but alot of things that I was eating before....cannnot eat now. Yesturday ate beef stew and a Protein Bar in the PMwas fine but last night...ate a handful of dried peas from Trader Joes....I was in pain and sliming for about 15 min. Havent thrown up except for that one time....last week. This morning ate a hard boiled egg and was fine...but then ate for snack just before a handful of "Barbaras Rice Cereal and..started to feel stuck..... so will do as Cheri and Linda suggested...eat only Protein shakes and soft foods to heal and then after I loose some lbs hopefullly will not be so tight. If I continue to feel bad on this..then will make an apt. for next week for sure. Thanks for all the suggestions.... Sandy, Was at Trader Joes on Monday and looked for the Peanut Butter flour but its not peanut butter...its peanut and is not the same when asked....but have you heard differently. Wanted to buy it but didnt look at all appetizing!! Have you bought this??? Is it the same? Going to try another health food store just now.... well....thats a very detailed descrition thanks for that!! lol. Good that he loves you!!! Sounds like you are enjoying the time!! Glad your finially feeling better some....Beading sounds like so much fun. holy cow....im coming shopping with you!! How in the world? You go girl. Apples, Hope you are feeling better! Glad to hear the harvest went well and is over and you are getting some something something from all the hard work....after all you deserve it! oh and about those holidays....heck no!! They are sooo over over and more over....lol Next one is Chanuckah which comes out at the beginning of Dec. oh wait not that far away is it?? grrr. You got your christmas presents and thats the end of Dec. hmm best think about that now....thanks alot. Janet...so sorry about that visit..so sad. Its always so good to see our loved ones to communicate our thoughts before....the invitable...of course no one knows when that ever is going to be so, we should all communicate our thoughts and love all the time. Tex, you are doing fabulously!! Keep up the good work!! Feel good. Joyce...if you can hear this....HEEEELLLLOOOOOO! Hope you are having an amazing visit! Hope you grand daughter loved the American girl dolls....this weekend Dassi had a sleepover and in the AM they were styling the hairs and dressing them all up playing house....havent seen that in a long time...miss that. Well....must get going Have a great day all......

Hi all.... Just read through ten pages...wow. busy busy. Tex....glad to see your doing okay!!! Dont push that shoulder..take it easy youl need to recoup so recoup!!! Joyce, have a great trip and enjoy your family!!! Great...glad your back..... Janet, you went somewhere for the weekend....I hope you enjoyed. Cheri...you are the teacher id move my kid to have for...no question there...you are better then even me!! lol (i could say that) Eva, so much for retirement hey? Enjoy this though.....and make it what you want! Julie, Pictures...sweet!!! Beutiful. Sandy, thanks for the tip about Trader Joes..peanut butter flour....are you sure though it is peanut butter flour and not just peanut flour? Ive seen that but not the latter.....I am going there tomorrow to check this out..need to get some...as every one is raving about this!!! Phyl, I hope you feel better soon....my bet is strep but.....you never know and you need to be sure!! Hope you went to the center. Apples....sorry you arent feeling well...with your vertigo..Fee better..... and that costume ..cute...cute..cute!!! I always missed being catholic on Holoween...my parents every year when I was little always used to fight about whether we should be allowed to go trick or treating as it isnt a Jewish holiday....but...when my mother argued that we would get "free" candy then my step father gave in lol. Hypocrite. We dont see much trick or treaters here in this neighborhood. I miss all that....Used to love going to the city to watch the holloween parade and then see "Rocky Horror Picture Show". Those were the days. lol. Today went to brunch with my family for dads bday....yesturday. It was nice...at an inn...gorgeous place and delic looking buffet. I would have liked to have eaten but...am having such a hard time since my fill on Wednesday. Since getting that fill....I am stuck on pretty much everything im eating. Im thinking of calling the surgeon tomorrow....its that bad. I cant eat....really anything and if I eat something....I get this awful stuck feeling and it hurts like heck. I have never had a problem with any of the fills before and only get stuck on dry foods...but this? this isnt normal...and ive resorted to sliders as to not agravate so this is a problem....I think. I just keep thinking sooo....you really didnt need that fill after all...see what happened. On Thursday night I was so sick after getting stuck after one bite of something....I actually for the first time threw up...not just slimed but threw up. I felt better then but knew..this wasnt a good thing and if it continued over the weekend then Monday I would go get an unfil or something. As far as food goes....Im afraid to eat so...not eating much. We still have our foster dog...shes so sweet but apparently is not so sweet to some dogs that for what ever reason is she doesnt like.....yes we had an incident but thank god nothing happened to either dog. We were pretty scared though. It was not a good thing...and from now on no more dog run for us....apparently if there is another dog that wont back down after a tiff is started....its major fight....so had to break this one up and not going there again. No chances here....just cant believe how docile and sweet could turn and be so defensive thank god...was easy to pull her off and control her. exersize on on Friday.....Thursday not...would have gone this morning but....was at bday brunch. Tomorrow morning its...back on Tred..... I must go to sleep...so tired and its only Sunday night.....lol. Have a great week all. Jodi

Hi Lucky bandsters, Well....according to the Surgeon....i dont need to loose any more..unless I want to ....hmmm. I right where I should be I could loose another 10 at most but...not needed. lol. okay then.....so of course I do!!! So....got a fill and he said.....say goodbye to future fills....you dont need them any longer..this one just for good luck! Sweet. lol I also asked about the tummy tuck and before I finished he said..so we are starting to document that you told me about your rash and im going to prescribe some anti whatever...stuff and its not going to work.....and then we will send you to a plastic surgeon and the insurance should pay....hmmm I see. So.....I got my script and he said to fill it tomorrow..ummm okay. SO...i will do just that.. Anyone need some of that cream I hope I wont be needing it long. achum Went to spin class this morning...not as bad as last time!! I liked it this time. Hard but fast. Bought something new...and showed it to surgeon to make sure it was good..... Instead of a just a Protein shake in the AM before gym. I bought a holistic Meal Replacement from the gym store. It is called "Mlis"....it has 20g protein...and 5 g. Soluble and 5g...dietary Fiber. Total carbs. 10g. impact carbs 5g, and no sugar. 180 cal a seving fat cal 27. with an 8-10 oz of Water or milk. Surgeon was happy with it.....He said doesnt bother him that its a meal replacement instead of straight Protein powder.... Its all natural, natural sugar, and fiber and minerals. I checked their website and they have other products as well. check it out......M'lis They are out of Salt Lake City Utah. I had it this week and I like it....wasnt hungry after only two hours that I usually am after just a Protein Shake.. well must go....have a great night all..... Keep dry and out of winds..... nighters. Jodi Debbie, thats a good man there that wants to live a long and healthy life...today is the first day of both your jorneys...thanks for the update!! Let us know if there is anything we can help with for him and you. Im suprised that the nurses let him sleep at all. Usuallly they want you walking every hour on the hour for the first 24 hrs...wanted to kick their butts by morning...lol. I suppose with the shoulder surgery that this situation was different...maybe walking not so good?? Well if there isnt any reason to not be able to....its the best thing for the gas pain!! Walk, Walk and more Walking...Drink Drink and Drink water by taking sips sips sips. I walked the halls of my apartment building waking everyone up at all hours..that first week! lol. That and GasX my best Friend. Have a great night...and get ready for a new life....a great one!! Apples...I heard this afternoon that there were at least ten tornados through your neck of the woods....hoping you were far out the way from them!!! Cheri....wouldnt want to cross you....I bet that one...she will be in that class from now on!!! Good for you...its okay to get Angry...your entitled...even angels get angry.....:sneaky: (in case you didnt get that, I was referring to you...angel)

Hi all.... Im so sorry to hear about the CC problems. In confused....how is it that Apples had a problem not at the Desert Rose but on the last day at lunch? At the restaurant that we were at together? I didnt use my card at either place....I used my card to take out money from Hooters lobby and from Chase. Other then those two places did not use my CC at all. I did go and buy Water from the shop at Desert Rose but used cash...luckily I see. Im so sorry you all had such a horrible experience but still am baffled that Apples you say you didnt use your card at DR and that it was compromised as well?? Are you sure you didnt use it even in the shop at some point? Just wondering about the possiblities..... Just unbelievable.....when I went to FL with Dassi two years ago.. Chase put a stop on my card because it was being used so much all of a sudden in another state...but didnt call to ask if it was me!!! That was real bright. They have this great safe guard but they forgor to call me to ask if I was in FL....I had to call them when my card was all of sudden declined at some restaurant or something and when I called they told me this was standard procedure...Its a good plan but notify me first that this will happen if you dont respond in a certain amount of time or something.....dumb....It took about 1/2 hour to take hold off and allow me to use it again. Tex....Good Luck tomorrow. Youve begun your new lease on life...live it well!!! Apples....sorry about the rain and wind...think its heading our way. Great.....glad you had a good visit. Phyl...take care of yourself...feel better soon! Jessica...glad things are going well even if it is a bit hectic. Linda...im a special educator. I work with babies 0-3 and then 3-5s I work for BOE of NY. I work with two agencies one for the 0-3 population and one for the 3-5 population. Two different sets of laws one for Early Intervervention and one for Preschool. I work full time for the Preschool agency......I work with one child at his home for 25 hours a week. I work with one child after this four times a week for 30 minuets for the Early Intervention agency....and do ABA supervision for them as well on occasion. so....am sort of a therapist...I do special instruction along with other therapists that provide related services such as P.T, O.T, and Speech and Language. Im what the parents and kids usually refer to me as the "play teacher". lol Eva, congrats on the new job...so what type of ed consulting would you be doing??? From home??? cant get any better!!! Joyce, I hope your visit is going well!!! My week has been busy...busy and then some After work ran to pick Dassi up from school to go to the Ped Orthopedist for her long over due leg braces. Thank god they are the right ones this time....and they fit. Had so many problems with this particular company. I know have to go out and buy her new shoes and sneakers...maybe boots. Not a happy camper. Just bought new shpes just last month and they werent cheap special shoes to fit her feet....she always needs special size etc etc....70 bucks! Now another 70 and the sneakers will need to be special. GRRR but, must be done so...whats new?? lol I started my step class on Sunday did I mention this? did Cardio yesturday and today....after returning from Doct. food intake.... Egg with cottage omelate for Breakfast, Grilled vegetables and 4 bites of chicken breast, Protein bar for snack and lamb shwarma for dinner with steamed veggies....could not think of cooking so it was take out tonight. Tomorrow am going to surgeon. Havent been since first week in Sept. am deff do for a fill...starving all the time!!! Im down to 148...but fluctuating from that to 150. Another five to ten lbs. Im good....according to charts now..my BMI is 25 and im no longer overweight or considered obese. woo hoo....on my way to maintenenance!! Yes...now the hard part is here....the band did its work and I used it but now its more of me everyday to keep up the help it gave me to get to this point......more then ever food and exercise is the key now to maintainence I know this...so am trying, trying, trying! okay....must take dog out and go to sleep. Have a great night all Tex my thoughts are with ya.....be good. Ill have you in my morning prayers. Have a great night.... Jodi

Welll....its been six months or slightely more for all of us March Bandsters!! Hope everyone is doing well and keeping up the good Changes made in the first 6 months...its now within the next six months that we will be tested daily......routine is getting a little mundane, food a little boring and reinforcers are slowing down..... Now is the time to beef up the activity level esp now for the winter months of hibernation. lol. Winter foods are comfort foods so start planning now for new healthy recipes. Exercise level should be increasing to keep up with the weight loss and strength and muscle building is essential now more then ever to change that fat loss into muscle. We are also eating less protein shakes and bars....to get us the nutrition we need. We are eating real foods and they should be whole foods.....not processed, less sugar and even less carbs. Crock pot and slow cookers offers an excellent way to make healthy foods that you can put up in the AM and have ready by PM. There are many sites that have recipes that include, meat, chicken and fish. Im down to 147 and am fluctuating ack and forth from 147lb--151lb. from 2x to 10/12 Ive begun to add classes from the gym to take as well as training twice weekly. Spin, Step and weights. Hope I can loose the other ten over the winter and then maintain that weight. Am down to BMI of 25. Surgeon is happy....Im thrilled.....however if I dont tighten this stomach im going to feel still fat all over. lol I might have to have that tummy tuck after all. Good luck to all...... Thats amazing!! So happy for you...isnt it a great feeling to be able to toss out all the old clothes and clothes that fit on hangers? You will get to your lower goal even still....just keep up the good hard work!!! What are you doing besides walking now?? Walking is great. I wish I can walk more but dont have time...did get a foster dog sooo will begin to walk her but when it will get cold....well I dont like cold lol. So you dont have any fill? Laura are you secure with your surgeon? Confident in him is important as well....Im sure this occurs often but I never heard of leaving the incision open to begin with....there must have been a good reason why he doesnt believe in stiching. I just hope you feel better soon and begin to get back to your life and your goals and aspirations arent tainted with this experience. Good JuJus...sending your way. keep us posted. OMG.. thats fabulous!!! Im so happy. Hope you took lots of pictures!!! She sounds like an amazing horse and in no time youl be jumping into that saddle never mind pulling! Well...would love to hear from the others who have been popping in and out since March...... Have a great day all Jodi

hi Lucky theadsters, I see everyone had a busy week...Eva is back...Laura has her honey safely home, Earl has come through surgery and he is recouping....Loris new "girl" babys Ultra looks great. Julies plans for a beutiful wedding has come to fruition. Thats a good week a very good week. My interview went extremely well. There are two more applicants and well bottom line if they have permanent certfication for administration and several years more experienced directing..well they win. Who knows....they sure did like me and are excited but the facts are what they are so im waiting. I know theyd like me but its not about who they like and think would be good....NY is all about licensing and being certified. Bottom line. Im not sure Im ready to take on such a big undertaking anyways. Its 24/7. Two weeks vacation and just holidays off. Its a 12 month program so in summer...its Fridays till 4;30-5:00 and what do I do about Fridays?? I hated having to work till 3:30 and rush home for shabbat at 4:00. Not only that Id have to get a babysitter for Dassi every fridays and her vacations and summer weeks before and after summer. Not sure if I want to go full time like that yet without another person for support. Its a big job. Especially after surgery. I have a ways to go..and this will definetly be a stress and this year is important for my health and well being. So...instead of the possibiltiy...I decided to complicate my life a little more and foster another dog! Yes, a German Shephard Collie mix. Sweet Sweet dog. Not Boomer. lol But she is sweet and totally house trained and walks beutifully on a leash. If anyones interested in a dog....shes good to go. Have been looking into this new program called...."Body Transformation" with a nutritionsist. Have a consultation with her on Tuesday afternoon. Need someone to help out with food and healthy eating! Im in pain from working out on Friday after the spin class on Friday. Cant lift arms..lol Took a hot bath on Friday afternoon but that didnt help. Wont stop me from going tomorrow morning...I am going to Step class. Yes, was so happy that I was home when I door bell rang.....must tell you....I have worn all the jackets at least twice so far...and the black wool one...my personal fav goes with everything!! Its my new lucky jacket....i wore it to the interview with the black long sleave cotton with white trim on top with a black and white wool skirt knee length with three inch high black up to knee, back tights. Wore that today as well to synaguage. Felt lucky!! My other favorite outfit....the brown wool jacket with the cream cotton turtle neck with a long jean skirt anke lenght with tan trim the same color as jacket with brown cowboy boots. Thanks again... I just feel so blessed to have been able to use all the clothes youve sent as they fit perfect and will take me through the winter I hope!! I would have had to keep at those damn thrifts where its slim pickins and they are never really my style but its toleration...till the end of this weight loss process...I felt so good about myself but not in the clothes that I had to wear..and now that winter is upon us.....id have gotten the least but needed to carry through. they No sense spending any money till I loose another ten to 15 pbs. besides dont have the money to spend anyways. So...now I feel really good inside and look smashing outside... Hugs and kisses.. Janet your a sweet heart but um your clothes would not really fit me no matter if we were same size....your tiny...as in pettite and shorter then me but do appreciate the thought...Apples..just knew that the clothes she had outgrown would fit me because she just knows these things I guess. lol. I would never have thought so looking at her today...she looks so fabulous and thin. Also....I really didnt want her to spend money on sending and it was a fortune!! So....I really really apreciate her wonderful thoughtfulness! id be glad to pass them on to someone who can use them after I loose another two sizes..but cant imagine that yet. I hope your sister is feeling better..never a good thing to feel bad physically or mentally. Yes this was indeed nice!! Thank you Thank you.

Hi Guys!!! Back from the first "spin" class ever!!! Wow....I am so tired! But did the full hour. Of course after the full hour when I got off the cycle I olmost fell when started walking..you know when you have jelly legs? or just came out off of anesthesia! But ive since recovered after a long hot shower. Okay...sitting here posting and the door bell rang....Im thinking who is that?? Im not really home...(will explain) and its UPS!!! Im thinking who is sending me a big box of something...oh right Im supposed to get my Brailler but thought id have to pick that up at P.O. and thinking hmmm now Ill have to spend my impromptu day off practing on the Brailler. grrr.....how wrong I was!!! Apples...you are a sweetheart!!! Thank you Thank you! What a perfect way to spend a fall day! Shopping and trying on clothes (after finishing this post)....so wish you were here to help. So, why am I home?? ahh well my little boy...after being released from the hospital he is still not up to having a instruction or therapists...so the Nuse told us yesturday go home until we get clearance...well who am I too complain... Im sorry he isnt well enough but I sure can use some hours to Havent gotten things straightened completey with bills and such since returning...so nice to catch up. Turns out...as Im sitting here posting the child I see after him for half hour daily...is sick today so mom called to tell me not to come at all!! soooo hence....two days free!!! WOO HOO. Good thing Im full time if not...id be crying at the loss of money. ohhh. wait.....one more thing had to take a moment break...just got a call from that agency...that I worked so hard on getting my resume in order for at the end of summer....the one close to home. They called last week to ask if I was still interested in the position....as they were looking at 400 resumes and they were dowm to the last 3 candidates and would like to meet....sometime this week....I had forgotten all about it...until just now! Tomorrow at 3PM...I have an interview with the exec director! WOO HOO. Maybe I should stay on this thread longer as it seems to be bringing alot of luck today.....I should rename it from the LAB BAND THREAD to the LUCKY THREAD.....you know come to think of it.....regardlesss of the above....it is THE LUCKY THREAD!!! Ive been so lucky to have found it and all of wonderful wonderful people and friends....to support, encourage and listen to my journey and lifes woes....lol I thank you all .......LUCKY THREADERS. Phyl, Prayers are with you and Earl for a speedy recovery through and after surgery I will have you in my prayers today....(which havent been said yet but has prompted me to as soon as this is posted) Apples, I agree..do it!!! Youve gone through so much to get to where you are now....with band, teeth and so on why stop??? You deserve to finish this for yourself and look absolutely fabulous so you can streak across the house if youd like and feel proud very proud...not that you shouldnt feel proud now....but being embarrased brings guilt about it and that is not healthy!!! Besides that you could get an infection and that would not be a good choice ever! Laura...what great fam, Pictures....everyone seems so happy!!! Lori, Welcome back, I just had this flash from when my dad came back last visit there and brought Dassi a video of some woman doing a traditional dance with all the dressing....We put it on and she was just like ?????. lol Ive had problems with wax in my right ear since birth...ear canal is small so there is always wax build up that needs to be taken out every few months. I used to have that procedure done and oh how do I hate that!!! Sometimes I have the vacuum suction and sometimes the water it drives me nuts. ..The water hurts like heck and the vacuum noise kills me. I now do candle waxing. This is relatively painless and doesnt make a noise. You kind of mold a hot long candle and put in in your ear down in cannal and the heat pulls all the wax out and up into the candle. It pulls alot more wax then the other methods....which you have to debrox for a week twice a day before doing each of those proedures to soften the wax enough to allow them to work...sometimes takes two to three times....the candle.....once and thats it. Need to have someone really good...alternative Med. You could get really burned if not. If you are beginning to produce alot..you should look into it. Julie.....Slow it down....you were doing so well. Remember you said you were going to stop doing so much if you started to feel alot of pain....You might be agravating the area that is being treated and it is becoming inflamed again. Youve worked so hard dont ruin all your painless nights....Please let others take over.....Kayla will appreciate all that youve done even if not done all alone. Joyce.....How are you doing with eating out?? Has the E-diets helped you at all? I really used it when starting out.....pretty much memorized it. lol Remember....I wish that I had the advice to only have liquids on plane....I ate. hmm and see what happened to me!!! BTW.....finially got the Papaya Enzyme. Love them, Dassi likes them as well...she eats them like as if they are candy. Omg....my back is starting to feel the pain....lol I guess no pain no gain. who said that??? Why is that??? Should not be that. Cheri, Things will get better......sometimes it takes me about a month or two to get back to myself after a vacation even for a weekend.....with all that you are going through....give yourself a break!! Tex....way to go!!!! you will loose...so much more this is just the beginning. Voilin.....wow!!! that is an amazing start....I only lost 10 first week...everyones diff. its not a race!! okay....really must go. Have a great day all Jodi

okay...been posting for an hour and well......lost the post.....dang it! Cannot post anymore tonight...hope you all have a great week. Jodi

Hi everyone, TGIF!!! If this week had another day...well good that it doesnt. SOOOO MADE IT TO THE GYM!!! MADE IT TO TRAINER AS WELL!!! I feel good oh I feel so good!! Did 45 min cardio in the AM before work and then an hour with trainer strenght building in the PM. IMMMM TIIIRED!! but feeling that really good tired. Why oh why had I let so many things get in the way?:??? I like the gym, I like exercising....shit...did I say that??? hmmm. This is the plan for the future.... Sat night if possible is "spin" class Sunday morning is "step" Monday is "Cardio machines" Tuesday is weights and strenght with trainer Wednesday is "spin" Thursday is shopping and cooking for shabbos Friday is "weight" class See above...this is my freind Sheryls sched for me for the rest of my life.....she is at me night and day to join her in these classes but never felt up to that level....but she promises that it cam be at any level and she will hold my hand each step. I guess why not?? Cardio machines can be lonely. So if shes a willing partner who will push me then I guess.....I will go for it. I see Sat night and Sundays iffy but if im not busy ill go...this week Sat night not busy....Sunday yes. The rest of the week is in the work sched...no excuses. No changes....I didnt come this far to falter out now.....its time to get shape into shape. You should both join a support group together...that would really....help him begin to understand what you are going through and what needs to change....resistance is only going to hinder your progress. I know that I had to go to a psychologist for a consultation before hand. Perhaps he should also go and have a consult and then go together....to communicate these concerns that you posted that you are having. It probably would be a good idea to have these issues resolved before you have surgery so "you can" focus on getting healthy. Thats so amazing and cool.....great going!! That is great. Well thats all folks...Renee is here and ive allready eaten so must go.....Have a great weekend Jodi

Laura, Sure hope the doctor did what was needed. Sending good juju your way.

Hi all........... so..these responses might be late but have been wanting to post all week. Welcome to the newbys...Chris and kimberly and Greygoose... Chris.....you are deff the cook in your house and know food..you can just tell about the way you describe food. lol so use what you know and adapt what you make lighter...youl be just fine....keep it going. Good Luck you wont forget this experience....nor this thread. Sandy, Dog whisperer.....Dassis favorite show..doesnt miss a one. Tapes it all the time. I use basic "ABA" Applied Behavior Analysis". Its basic behavior modification. I only use positive reinforcement and shape the undesirable behavior so that it becomes desirable. You can look up ABA therapy and it will give you the basic priniciples to implement...bottom line its not the dog who is doing wrong its the adult... changing our response to behaviors neg or pos will change those behavoirs....I use it with all the dogs we foster and um the children I work with as well. I hate the concept as it is so structured when done in a program that you need to be accountable for...but when done relaxed...it really does work and dont even realize that im using the method. Check it out and use one or two principals and apply it then work from there. Janet, Your GS...will be fine because he has your support. Young adults who have support from loved ones are more successful in their personal and professional life. Just give your suport. Joyce, you keep up the good work. You are doing great. Great..You should get some new clothes for Hawaii. Im glad that you had a good vacation to maine. All that talk about lobsters make me wish we didnt keep kosher here. lol ymmm Charlene, I hope things get better Julie, wow seems like this new treatment is working. Crossing fingers for you. Jessica, so happy to hear about your tests coming back so high you are doing fabulous. Keep up those great work. Laura, you are so brave to be alone with Nels....its hard but you are doing amazing so hard when our little ones need us so much and we need to do it alone sometimes. Your husband seems to have needed this vacation home and the fact that you have allowed him to do what he needed without feeling guilty will solidify your relationship with him even more....and btw...I know you were posting how hard it is to be away physically for so long when you live with someone...I think it was you. Well, when we get married, practicing religious folks that is...We dont sleep together for two weeks or so out of each month. um yes, its called "needah" so what happens is...when you get your period you seperate and get to know your own self....and spend time talking and communicating with each other, not just sleeping but no touching at all...not even to pass something. So what happens after two weeks is you renew your physical relationship like that very first time. This happens over and over every month. When really done with purpose it works....but so many times we get caught up and we dont follow the laws of "family purity" and when that happens the possibility of breaking down the marraige could happpen. SOOO I bet that when your husband comes back it will be like the very first time.....so to say...but until then you are doing exactly what you should be....getting it together for you!!! You are important..enjoy this time as well!!! You will be both be better partners because of that. Phyl, Zoey is so adorable...and the clothes for her. So cute..love reading your posts about her and your adventures with her. So refreshing. LauraK...keep plugging away "the right guy" will present himself when you least expect it!! But you must seek it out in order for that to happen...otherwise the oppurtunity for that will never occur. Goose. You are looking amazing!!! WOW...three hours in the dental chair and you were able to go shopping after? wow wow wow. You look great. Thanks for that post from the magazine, its always good to remember these things that was so much in the mind before and right aftert surgery but quickly forget. Sorry if ive forgotten anyone!!! Dont mean to offend but its hard to read and read and not post replies at once..so soo sorry..... okay...well today was no different then the rest of the day... Had an early meeting at the district with mom of child of the boy I work with..Anual review...this I knew. I planned on that training at 4. Well, after the meeting I told her I would go to hospital and stay till 1:45 as at 2:15 needed to see that other child. Really needed to be on the road to drop off the check for the feet braces....the ride would be at least an hour....figured that would be enough time to get there and then to gym by 4 if it was an hour there 1/2 hour there and then an hour to the gym. plenty of time..however MOM didnt come to relieve me until 2:30 because she couldnt find a darn spot. so...then I got into afternoon traffic and needed to cancel that apt. sooo there goes another day...but will go tomorrow morning and have that training in the PM!! okay...time to go to sleep...late late. Have a great weekend...all. Dassi going to friend for shabbat. sooo I get to sleep and play! My friend Renee is coming over and movie and dinner....havent seen a movie in wow, a long time any suggestions??? Jodi

wow...you sure are a trouper. Hope you feel better soon!!!

hi all..... Finially had a chance to sit down and post for real. lol Well....Janet will have to give me several whippings....cause ive been a bad girl. yes, I have and have no excuse...actually I do but none that really will strenghthen muscles and get my heart rate..actually that isnt true either but...doesnt account for calorie burning just severe agina. so....will not bore you all with my day to day calamaties. Will try again for tomorrow when I meet my trainer at 4. Will get to weight training class on Friday morning. This is my plan for the rest of the week. Hopefully it wont end as horribly as the beginning.... and as if I couldnt begin to see the results of not exercizing.....wrong I gained 4lbs since vegas. Not good as I lost weight that week...go figure. Okay.....so im going to gripe so please dont freak out.....but I must vent about my crazy weekly schedule and daily changes that I will not let happen again because after weighing tonight I said....thats it...no more changes. The sched is set and thats it.....I must make time to go exercise and that is the first thing I must do not the "after " of everything else. As this is the second week of a full weeks work for all the agencies for ind contractors and agencies after the holidays since labor day.....it has been hell trying to coordinate with other therapists and parents. Having said that.... I have set my sched....and have stuck to that...however there are other therapists that didnt set theres.....so therefore Ive had to adjust my schedule to accomodate theirs.....not easy. so...every day I start out with a plan...and inveitably someone has something that needs to be changed....either in the AM or PM. so all week have been shuflling back and forth from thinking about that gym either in the AM before work or PM after work...so this is how the week went.. Monday I figure im going in the PM...great. NOOOO that didnt work because the little boy I work with is in the hospital so....I go see him and end up relieving mom who was there all night without a break to eat....sooooo that was the end of the gym as by the time I left I needed to get home for the bus. Tuesday....I got a call in the PM that my vouchers from the court were ready...and sooo of to the court house to pick them up so there went the darn gym. Wednesday I get a call to switch schedules with a therapist for AM and so in doing I screwed up the AM plan for spin class thought okay ill still go now in the PM...nooo why?? because the mom at the hospital could not find a parking spot to come and let me go home at 3:30 but came at 4:15 instead and there went the gym... so....this is how the week is going.... can you guys see that im not good with change?? well...add the riuning of the one plan that I must do for me...and that has put me in a foul mood this evening..... only consolation..... a package at the door when I arrived home from a really fabulous person!!! Thank you Thank you!!! Oh and now....that I want to post and respond to all the posts that I would like...Dassi needs the computer and is kicking me off! grrr, not a good day for doing for me.....but... I did help with a sick child and gave mom respite, did make other therapists lives a little easier by helping them switch sched, made my daughter happy being home for the bus and getting her those braces with those voucher checks that she so desperately needed...and time on the computer to do her homework... so this week was about making everyone happy.....and in so doing so has made me very happy in my head and heart but not my body.... okay the weeks not over...will try better... self flagulation really isnt my thing but im learning that it might get me to the gym so sorry to bore you all with this....but hey verbalizing all this can only reinforce what I need to do...I hope....so Im really sorry for all this ranting and raving about the disorganization of my life....but if you dont like it....delete lol please. must go now and know that Ive read everyones posts and have comments that will just have to wait;...and that just isnt right either but I have no darn excuse good for that either as there is always the middle of the night where no one can bother me... Have a great night all.

Good Morning all... This week I did some serious planning..... Did the shopping for food on Friday, bought meets on Monday and cooked for the week!!! Planned the meals including brocoli and Cauliflower...steamed those. Dont need to eat out, dont need to cook in a hurry, dont need to think about what to eat at that moment of hunger....thats when the trouble begins usually. Put them all in labeled containers and waalah.... Made, several different dishes...Dassi will be happy theres real food around as well. Only thing needed to make is salad and what ever vegetable I get that day....but in case I dont theres the steamed ones allready. I also called the trainer and will be seeing him today. Made arrangements for tomorrows spin class that will be the first one of those.... Its back to basics....the gym and eating real meals. LV is over and time is ticking. oh and I lied about yesturday....didnt start at the gym.....I forgot that there was no bussing for Columbus day...and I was doing drop off. But.....that is not going to stop me from today...thats Tuesday!!! Today I am going to the trainer....at 4PM. Helps if I write this down. Affirmation. Made lunch to bring with to work.... Must run... have lots to reply to but will have to wait till tonight...but read posts and have what to say...of course lol Have a great day!!! Jodi

OMG...I get tired of reading my posts. so sorry...will try to post shorter and more condensed in the futire. Apologies for killing eyes and brain cells.

Good Evening all.. Just recovering from the busy week back. Finially settled. (I think) Went shopping at Trader Joes, laundry and straightened up the place again. lol I packed up the wadrobes 14's in big black bags and am running them over to a family that needs clothes due to a fire I think....not sure but glad I can help and get rid of the next batch of sizes at the same time.....after all they apparently arent fitting any longer.... Thursday afternoon stopped at the thrift shop that I found at the beginning of summer and stocked up on jean skirts, short and long, corderuoy and suede...got to get ready for fall and winter. Getting chilly here especially at night. Have no clothes for this coming season at all. lol. Not even a jacket. I saw some leather and one cashmere and angora...was so tempted to get those two however.......skirts were more important at the moment...as the 12 that I was wearing um embarrasingly enough fell down as I was walking down the stairs to the apt house...lol Good thing no one was about other wise theyd have a good show on my behalf....that prompted that visit....spent $125 for about 10 skirts and two shirts and...did buy a fall wool jacket that I can wear dressy or with my skinny jeans... I will go back on Wednesday after payday and buy those two coats..and am now in the search of boots...however I think the best thing to do is to buy them new as I will not grow out of them, and can wear them till the style goes out...and with boots that wont be too soon. Can use more shirts as well but have enough of mediums to last 3 months so...can get away with what I have.....I just love that I need to go through the closets every three months and get rid of everything that I own and start from scratch again. lol Wish I can just buy all new.....but that would be such a waste and I would feel terribly guilty about good money spent like this when I really dont have that to spend....saving for when I can buy and have till I decide to get rid of it as apposed to not fitting any longer. So....was happy to wear something new....for this shabbat....I know that this thrift store gets from the religous community of Jewish woman in Brooklyn because alot of the clothing is what is being worn now..and conservative but modest...so for me its striking gold. I find for work and for going to synaguage. Not really for anything else. Funny that. SO....felt good to look and feel good in new clothes for me that was designer fashionable and relatively new styles. lol Last night we went to people for dinner that we didnt get a chance to on the first days of the holiday...I was in Vegas the second days..so we went. We had an okay time...but they were younger...much with young kids so dont think we will be freinds with this family..really. Again its nice to meet new people. Dassi wasnt really too happy as she would have prefered to stay home but....if we do that we will meet no one in this neighborhood and she needs more social situations then just with me at home. Didnt eat much there as most food was fried of made with flour and chicken had corn flake crumbs....not good....so came home and had some cottage cheese and apples. .lol Today....was a big kidddish...(after prayer party) for the new month. Again, socialization was fun but food not good so ate only salads and chulent...meat, Beans and potato stew..and ate only meat and beans. In the late afternoon....I walked Dassi 40 min to the Rabbi of the shuls house. The rabbis wife apparently has a party for all the 6th grade girls who are members of the shul once monthly on Sat afternoons....but they live 45 min away....and since we dont drive on sat....we walk and walk and walk. lol so walked her there and then back an hour and half later....that was two total hours of walking for me..and sure damn glad it wasnt rainy or cold out...when that comes we will have to make some other arrangement. There is nothing that I like less then miserable weather to walk in NY! Tomorrow.....There is a community fair in the park across the street with rides and all. We are very excited about all the rides especially...I wil probably have to ride them all more then once. grrr. but wil do them happily!!! After the fair I promised to go to animal shelter and walk dogs so Dassi can volenteer to clean and socialize with the cats. I need the exercise so as long as it isnt raining we are going. This will keep the idea of getting another dog now at bay. (for how long?) Have bought all the food for this weeks preperation at hand Friday...so can cook tomorrow night for the weeks lunch and dinners....I hope. I will go to gym starting back on Monday morning. I will do treadmill on Monday, step on Tuesday, weights and strengh with trainer on Wednesday and Thursday cardio machines..not treadmill. This is my plan this is what I am going to do.... now that ive stated this....you are all free to call me upon this everyday.... I must get back to the exercise...the food is okay, the exercize as usual sucks....if i want to loose another 20 lbs and keep it off then this is what I must do!!!!! I know this and I must do this no ifs ands or buts....no excuses the summer, holidays and start of new school year is over. Welcome Neen and Chris..... Lori.....I believe that Maine is not that far from NY....lol If your flying through call....im 10 min from airport if you have layover or something. Yes its gorgeous there this time of year.. We try to get to New England at least once a year at this time but the last two years not...enjoy!!! Dont be surprised of the lobsters are imported from other places however.....unless it says maine lobsters its not! Try to get to a farm that you can get your own molasses from the trees. I like that....enjoy the time....

Hi everyone.... Hope all is well... Hit 148 this week so..another 15 to 20 to go....so happy and feeling great. I had to get rid of another set of clothes and down to 10-12. I never thought Id fit into anything below a 12 ever again... I was in Vegas last week for vacation to meet some of the woman who are on this site for support...another thread. Had an amazing weekend with them all and it was a wonderful experience. It was a weekend support group. lol Couldnt get better then that....everyone exchanged information all weekend I found it very helpful. Of course I have friends who I stayed with other wise wouldnt have flown that far but sure am glad I did!! Really reafirmed for me the last 6 months and put be back on target. We also went shopping together and interestingly enough....no one really was buying the correct size clothing ...and it took the group to kind of say hey.....wait you should be trying on this size or that size.....that was really interesting as for me personally I would never have tried on anything but a size 14 but as things are getting looser ive started to try on some 12s....but when we started to look at things to try on at this one store....the other woman were like..honey you need to try on 10;s not 12;s and we would like to see you try some skinny jeans....hmmm???what>?? me??? but I tried those 10 and heck they fit like a glove!!! Got me those two pairs of skinny jeans and wouldnt take them off the whole weekend!! Still wearing them! (after washing) Whod have thunk that?? Would never have tried this..until the 12's would have been falling off as I walked as the 14's were starting to but...just was uncomfortable with the idea of something too small? too tight??? Not really sure...but was wondering if anyone had any feelings about the clothes fitting and wearing too big too small etc? Suffice to say..went to thrift store and stocked up on 10s...lol I am down to 147 with another 20 to go....Food wise is going well.....as far as exercise well....that isnt. Plan on getting back to gym and trainer this week on Monday...that is my plan. (Please let me keep to it)! Laura, glad to hear you are in a good state. No....I wouldnt want to be on my feet all day with fifth graders either...so you are good to take take the day off to recoup. Well...hope all is well. Have a great week Jodi

Laura, So sorry to hear about the incision...I guess there are always complications and we know the risks and im sure you are still happy that you did the surgery....this is just a glitch that and this too will pass. Good luck...and will have you in my thoughts come Monday. Let us know how you are.....we are here.

Hi all.... Well...its been olmost a week since Ive been back from Vegas and had one busy busy week so no time to read or post until now. Well...the trip back from Vegas was uneventful but arriving home was interesting. Dassi was awakened by the door and so of course we had to have all the presents bought and pictures shown etc etc. She was happy I was home. Me not so much lol Well....upon inspection of the house in the AM...I found the most interesting, disturbing really.....I found, Cookies, cake, ice cream, half eaten chocolate bar and rugalach frozen in the freezer. All the fruit and vegetables that were bought was still in the same place and some rotting. hmmm so.....what do I do????? What???? I know you guys know. No I didnt throw them all out till last night, so what do you think?? Of course I did...6 cookies, I ate 6 of those trader Joes.. chocolate oh's! 2 a night....until I said enough!!! First I threw out all the garbage and then called my mom... That wasnt such a good conversation.....for her that is. I really let her have it. What in the world was she thinking??? Her response..I forgot to take it all home..was going to. that was her response???? The end of the conversation was with me saying....after all the saying about how unhealthy it is and we dont eat this stuff anymore there is so many alternatives etc etc....the last thing I said was I love you but this is not acceptable and the next time you come here and sit for me....either you listen to me and do as I ask or I higher a babysitter and you wont be able to spend time with your grandaughter and shel have a stranger with her when I and if I go away....what you do in your house is your buisness but in mine its mine and I expect you to follow my instructions..... hmmm. Response was.....in that you are higher then though voice.....okay miss Jodi....gotta go.... grrr What the heck was she thinking???? In any case.....my week about was about cleaning house...still cleaning so will post when all done...perhaps by Sunday! lol When the house and me will be back on track!!! Have a great night all. Jodi

Hi everyone!! Well....WOW...Phantom was amazing!! Fourth row!! Fabulous. The club is names "Stoneys" and the Host is Cadillac Jack. They will have a live band as well. It is on the upper strip from hotel so limo will go up strip all the way to club. Apparently and it is a popular club that locals go. Yes, dress is country casual. Jeans and shirts, cowboy hats, cowboy boots and high shoes lol. Tonight going to walk the strip. lol We are eating at some famous guys restaraunt at the Belagio? Dont know...lol okay....so again text me as you guys arrive. Thanks for all your support about the sliming...wasnt aware that stress and plane can cause tighteness....now I know!!! Food has been pretty good. Eating is regular three meals no snacking....and proteins, veggies and pretty much thats it. Weighed myself this morning and was 147..interesting as last Wednesday I was 151....with the holiday till now...how the hell??? but happy happy..... Having a really nice time but missing Dassi and cant even call her to say hi from last night till Sat night....its holiday again and im feeling really guilty actually. Its simchat torah and im not in synaguage and with family and friends...its a weird feeling to just pretend that it isnt these few days and ive blown it off....so to say. The fact that I cant call home to talk and say goodnight for three nights really irks me but...such as the choices we make. Am having a really nice time..Jeff is as usual being a gem but....hes here and not religous at all so he understands but really doesnt. Im feeling really great as that I can get another weeks use out of the great summer clothes that I got attached to lol. Skinny clothes I call them...they are thankfully becoming loose and wont fit next month I hope so will have to say goodbye to them for next year. Well...hope everyone is doing well. Again im sorry that everyone is not coming. Hope next time we will be able to all get together!! Have a great day.... see ya all tomorrow Jodi