NYSparklegirl

Hi all....well...Yesturday went to the surgeon...and got my first fill. It was really no big deal. Didnt hurt a bit! Drank some water after and waited about 15 minuets and after feeling fine I left and been fine since. Just had to have mushy for the night and now on reg foods. After the surgeon I saw my primary care phyisician who took my blood pressure and decided....no need to continue medication! Yea. now if I could stop the Cpap, previcid and crestor...il be a very happy camper!! Met with nutritionist tonight and worked out a diet of real foods. lol We figured that right now...I am eating about 600-900 cal. So we will try for about 900. Wondering if this is the typical now on reg foods. Any ideas about how many cal...is typical for the first few months? Janet, I dont think any of these products are great..the best tan I got was going to a place and having them apply the tanning lotion to me....took about 1/2 hour but it was so much fun. It was like a a spa treatment. Music and massage table and everything. After finishing...I couldnt take a shower for about 6-8 hours. You look really look dirty until you take a shower but after......its wahlah....Caribean tan. lasted about two weeks at a time. I did it three times one summer... when I had lots of money to waste..meaning before baby. Since then havent found anything comparable. I thought about a spray tanning machine but havent tried that one..maybe this summer...when I wear a bathing suit in public again. Thats if I can save up the money for it as well. SO cute these pictures!! Sweet. Enjoy all the new little ones! WOW.... all the above is so interesting. Cash crops....intersting. So...when we talk about selling shares on Wall street on cash crops and busels and contracts...this is what is it about? Soybeans hmm. I researched alot about soybeans when the news started talking about genetically enginered soybeans and learned all about the difference between soybeans, genetically engineered soybeans and seeds. While researching I aslo saw a movie about the food we eat and how the farming industry is being taking over by government and the farmers are being controlled and the seeds...are being restricted. Bottom line...is the farmers are having a rough time because of the taxes, genetically enginered products and the FDA. Are you affected in anyway by the above? Its funny how you described my idea of your farm...but as funny as how you described it....I dont have a clue as to how you described it in detail. lol Me on a little round stool under a cow pulling on teats. Separating cream, churning butter, feeding chickens, singeing and plucking the chicken, candling eggs, laying down bedding for the baby pigs, pitching manure. I have no idea what half these jobs you described above are!! Real city girl here...never been to a farm. Saw one from a far. Bought real milk from a bottle at the farmers market in the city on Wednesday in Washington square. So its interesting to wonder why I think I would love that farm life? I guess the grass is always greener. It also defines some more understanding of standardized tests. I know that there is not so much a connection directly..but as an evaluator it interests me...to see the test results of children who live in the cities or the country, rural, urban or suburban. We test children using standardized tests. Meaning that the children are tested along with a sample of all children of that age group across a certain area...usually the US if the tests are made in the US. I always have a problem with the above......Children from different environments will test differently. Afluent children living in mansions with lots of grass trees and land arent going to test the same as children living in a one or two bedroom apt in the projects or the child living in the country or on a farm or desert. The pictures, words and phrases are different so when we are testing....the tests are biased on the children that it was standarized on and the peaple who made the test. Why do I tell you this?? Your description...just hit a bell.....as I said what are these words and desciptions...then I thought about testing..and how as an evaluator I would not give credit to a question because i wouldnt understand the answer...perhaps. well.....it sure is interesting to hear all about this....It would be great to come vist and to see all this however...that isnt happening anytime soon...so yes pictures would be great to see it. Have a great night all...and a nice weekend!!

Hi all, Tomorrow im off the surgeon...cant wait to see him. Hope im getting a fill....im just starving now all the time....but not caving in...eating those damn mushy foods still...but tomorrow we shall see..I hope ill either get a fill or at least be able to eat normal!!! I going a little crazy with the softies. I need food. lol My Stomach has been making the most horrendous sounds....and everyone is hearing them! gurgles and rumbles and when that happens...I know i better eat something fast!! I do and they go away for about two hours or so....but then again...and tis is how my days are going now!! So am anxious!! Janet.....I use that brand as well. Its the best yet. I use it daily. Its the perfect shade...must use it everyday..however...must remember to wash hands thoroughly otherwise they get discolored I found. Do you find this as well? OMG.... Julie Im so sorry you are in so much pain..but got to tell you your post had me in stiches...and I dont mean to be mean...I know you are in such pain and you need relief and arent getting it and if I could Id kick that insurance co butts if I could...but Julie....you are a funny gal. Your Husband...as you have explained is a loving and caring husband. Im sure he would not mind picking up after the house or hireing someone to help out! You do so much for so many other people all day everyday! Its now your turn to just heal!! Now sit down and relax!! yes, dont do anything. Read a book. Oh heres one....I just finished reading "The Help" my mom lent it to me. (Its about the relationship between the help and the woman who hired them in the Missisipi in the 60's when Medgar Evers was killed and the civil rights movement was moving forwards). Now...this is a direct order from the teachers gallery. But. really..Julie you need to slow down. You have alot on your plate. Take it easy, you cant heal until you do. oh and you can vent all you want....I for one will listen with all my heart and feel your pain....you arent alone! Remember that! Post away! Julie....Looks like every day is getting better and better....glad to hear about your exams....great going! Apples..wow, I always wanted to live on a farm, but keeping kosher and needing to be in walking distance of a synaguage and a a community of at least 10 men to pray with three times daily....well that kind of never allowed for thought of living on a farm. It sounds so amazing! What do you sell? Do obviously corn. There is nothing like drining milk straigt from a cow...and churning your own creams and butter, eating eggs right away and eating chicken that you know what and how theyve been fed. This is real food. Whole food. Do you eat like this? or is this just my fantasizing about living on a farm is like? I probably am and you are laughing your arse off at the dumb NYker. lol So tell us...Id like to know...after all I am that dumb NYker. well....off to sleep now.....I know I missed a few...Eva and phyl....and Laura and Joyce.....and everone else......hope you are having a great week!!! Keep up the great healthy eating! Jods

Cheri...either you are a saint or crazy like me....as im no saint. lol I woudnt work for a yeshivah at all. They cant pay what the NYC BOE does. If I had money. I would work for volentarily however unfortunately I dont and since my ex passed I meed to make serious money. Its a good thing I love what I do otherwize id be miserable. We have charter schools in NYC but they dont seem to be doing well mainly because the union isnt allowing them to become autonomous. The UFT was created to protect the students and now they are just protecting the teachers and the students are suffering. Charter schools have a certain amount of years in which the students are being tested to determine whether the school is succeeding. The problem being..the students are coming from failing schools so these students who were now failing come to the charter schools and they have to get them up to grade level in a year....which cant happen so when the students take the acheivement tests they fail...so the schools are "supposedly failing and no one is taking into account that the kids are progressing and after one to two years of remediation and tutoring etc etc....they are at grade level but by that time theyve allready been cited to close due to failing students. Its a no win situation. We also are trying to pass the voucher system here, as of yet its a no go. I would love it as I pay for private school education for my daughter. In additon I pay the taxes in my district for the Public Schools even if I dont send my child there. As of today, the BOE will pay for private school special education only if you sue them because there is no appropriate placement for the child to go to. Most programs are not appropriate at all for any child so it is fairly easy to make a case. The catch?? If you want to send your child to a catholic or Jewish run school, the BOE will only pay for half the private school tuition as they will not pay for religious instruction. So you are stuck paying most of the bill anyways. Most programs cost between 25 and 35 thousand a year with only paying half thats still alot of money! So I cant wait for the voucher system to be approved. Not sure it will pass however. Right now with the current administration Early Intervention has been cut and salaries cut 10%. The rates of services have been slashed so the agencies are getting reinbursed less and the teachers and therapists across NY have just recieved a decrease of 10% on their rate of sevice per session. We are going backwards instead of forwards. Early Intervention is no longer a family program and the rates have increased for centerbased services, we are going back to the old model which was being phased out as it wasnt working...but its back and again its the children who are going to suffer. You and I can sit here all day and talk about the injustices of the political climate but bottom line....you and I both will continue to work in the worst neighborhoods for pennies compared to the corporate world because we love the kids and we love helping them. Change is always imminent. The question is which way is the wind blowing and if we can catch it! You certainly have....keep up the amazing Job....if you were in NY id try to snatch you for sure!! if and ever you do want to move east....well youve got a job waiting. I suspect no offer could lure you away however. Cristianity and Judiasm are very similar in the educational system. Yes, discussing the strenghts of each religion esp in regards to what we teach our children and general philisophical priniciples have always been interesting to me. We will have to have some discussions sometime...soon. after we finish venting about the inequalities of the educational system and the children it serves. Which by the way...will never end lol. To end....there is a phrase that is cited in Judiasm regarding the teaching of special needs children....and the translation is..... "educate each child according to his or her own way" This is one of those basic tenets of Judiasm. (Of course one can wonder why the yeshivah education is so sadly lacking in that area, but that is for another discussion another day..that I can vent about for hours on end) There is a book that you might find interesting about people and Judiasm. After reading Chaim Potak...this should be a shocker....Its called the "Unchosen" im not sure about the author..I forgot I could get it if youd like. Its about the jewish men and woman who dont fit in and who are ostrasized from their communities in NYC. Not a pretty picture however its a true depiction of the role of organized religion plays on our children good and bad. my prayers are with you...as you are truly putting yourself in danger for the worthies of causes...so Ill be thinking obout you every morning!!!

LauraK....That is great!! I am so glad for you guys!!! What great news!!

Cheri..you work in the South Side of Chicago??? WOW I have even more respect for you now. Jonathon Kozol talked about the schools there in the book he wrote "savage Inaqualities" or something like that. S, Chcago, St, Louis and New Jersey the most difficult school districts in the US. Things have gotten better but not so much so I dont think. Kudos for you!!! Im not really up on the programs you are using..as I work with EIP but have heard of them and yes...I think you are right these are the best programs that can help him your GS from how you described some of his concerns.

Hi all. Julie, nice to see you back! So glad you are enjoying your new apartment and ammenities. Hot tub!! You lucky devil! You deserve it! Enjoy it. Apples.....glad you enjoyed the weekend. Sounds lovely. Great....You are going to have a marvelous time..maybe youl even get yourself a strand of pearls from Majorica. I once dated some guy whos was family was something special and so was he...not really sure what he was but was something something...lol His parents sent him a strand of pearls to give me that were pink. They were so beutiful. Until then I didnt know anything about where he was from or what he was.....I found out when he gave them to me...as I was like where in the world did you get these? We were in Israel and they didnt have pearls like this. I still have them...wonder where he is now. More important what was his name?? lol Yikes. Must be getting old. In any case....bring some back! Have a great trip. Well.......Went to the gym again tonight for a training. Tonight was boot camp! lol It was fun. Yesturday we did reg strenght building. I like the fact that the Trainer...Marty does the exercizes with me to demonstrate..never laughs at the movements I make..as spastic as they might look! He makes me feel comfortable and at ease. I wish I can go everyday with him but dont have that kind of money....am going to try to continue twice weekly....for as long as I can. Maybe ill get some extra money somehow..Bday is coming up...perhaps I can get some sessions from each family member. that will be like 4 sessions...maybe. I rearanged my room yesturday. I couldnt stand it anymore. I didnt really think about my room when we moved in here last year. Ive been thinking about what to do with it for a long time. After getting the living room furniture I decided it was time to focus on my room. So...I did and it looks great. I even put up the pictures that I never did before. Havent heard anything about the interview. Im still thinking about the idea of working from home. That sure would be nice, but not forcing things. I have a great job with benefits. Today cant ask for more then that in Early Intervention in NYC. Well.....I must be off to sleep. Have a great night all.

wow...Cheri. If my child was in your district. I know shed be getting what she needs...as you would be the only teacher that I would have her have! Im surprised that all they gave was two hours of SEIT and half day kindergarten. NY is liberal so we give alot of services. Children with a diagnosis of Autism get two hours a day in a full day kindergarten. We dont have half day any longer. Pre-school special ed is all day as well. There are few half day classes any longer. Where are you located again? Its sad that children are used as pawns and given what ever the whim of the political administration decides at the moment. I again have to tell you...from the above you know what your grandson needs and I have no dought that you will get what ever that is for him! Ive heard of the programs that you mentioned and you are right those sound perfect for children with auditory processing concerns. Good Luck....and Im sure you are glad that meeting is over! No matter how educated you might be....when its your child or grandchild its still all new and very stressful.

Hi all.. Hi all. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Great...what a great trip.. a cruise! What fun. I hope you enjoy. Concerts....the last one I was at for me was "Meatloaf" Jones beach on 1992? Since then ...well ive seen some musicals and plays but concerts would Hanna Montanna count? lol. My daughter will remember it forever Im sure. Backstage, my friend got us into that concert in Las Vegas. Went to the pre-concert party and have pictures of my daughter and her together. It was fun seing my daughter so happy and I had a good time as well with my friend as well. Thats never going to happen again. lol I wont ever go see him or Las Vegas ever again. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Im thinking about Phyl in her camper traveling. We had a camper when we were younger. We went camping every summer. Nova Scotia was the furthest away that we traveled. Had so much fun. The most fun was with my brothers and sisters...in that tiny camper. A Prowler. It slept 8. We were 6. We had many experiences good and some not so good. We got caught in some severe weather. A huricane, a flash flood ( that was bad) in the Upper Deleware Campground. We got out just in time but lost the camper....got another one right after..the same one. One time while the trailer was parked on a hill it rolled down the hill after a rock moved from under the wheel. Unfortunately I was in it while it rolled, thought it was an earthquake. I was playing jacks with my friend Glenn....whom I really liked at the time but I was eleven and well...you know how that was...ewwww. But after we both dived out the trailer together as the trailer rolled.....our parents had the nurve to ask if perhaps we were doing something else that made the trailer roll.?? like what??? geez we hated each other after all and we were only 11 yuch! Fun times. lol Now for the weekend update with Jodi Lynn...... Spent the weekend at my sisters house babysitting for my nieces while sister and hubby was supposed to go on vacation to Ireland. They were supposed to go to Ireland but..the flight was cancelled Friday night due to mechanical difficulties..the repairs that needed to be done needed parts flown in from somewhere else from Euorpe and could not get to them due to the volcanic ash so cancelled all flights to Ireland as well as Europe. They missed the last flight in the afternoon that flew to Dublin. They came home and cancelled their trip and instead of Ireland they will be going to St. Lucia and are leaving Tuesday instead....so we had a family weekend in the end. That was nice.....unexpected nicities. The house was a killer for any dieter and for me on mushy even worse! Every where you looked there was chocolate, treat, cake, junk food. Holy crap...the stuff that was there was just unbelievable! Good I brought my own food otherwise I know id have been eating something not good. Ive been so good this whole month and lost now 30llbs....wasnt about to blow it on some damn chocolate and cheese doodles. I was like what the hell?? Do you want me to stay here?? really??? What were you thinking? Do you leave liquor all over for an alcohlic? Why would you leave all this junk while Im here? They didnt think was the response, uh so annoying. We had a great weekend regardless. I cleansed their kitchen over the weekend. They really didnt mind so much and I felt so good. I thought theyd kill me but they didnt. lol I love my sister but sheesh. Come on. Glad to have gotten out of there this morning none too soon as I didnt have the heart to throw the giant size peanut butter jars that I could eat out of by the spoonfuls and I was thinking well...maybe just one...but no no no I didnt. I had my third training at the gym this week. I went to the gym three times other to just do cardio. I hope this week I continue. Wednesday I go to the surgeon. Hopefully I will get a fill if not then next week for sure. Im hungry alot now and eating much more....still not alot and watching what I am but am drinking and eating without any restriction. Dont feel like I have a band at all. well. I must go to sleep, Hope Apples is having a great time at the lake..... Thanks for all the good thoughts about the tight sched and the gym..hoping this week will get settled although its Israel Independance day tomorrow and the celebrations have allready begun and there are several parties and carnivals. Dassis class is giving a concert at her school tomorrow night and Tuesday has half day and several activities going on. It will be another busy week but....I will be going to gym tomorrw early afternoon. oh...the interview that I had on Friday went really well however they cant pay me what im getting now...but i told her I could be flexible if I dont have to travel to Brooklyn everyday...and can work from home, those would be amazing benefits. Its possible....need to wait and see what they will offer. She was happy and wanted me for sure but the money!!! I make too much lol. (Yea me for making good money at teaching not settling for too much less. If I dont get that position she offered my reg sessions at the same rate that I make now in Bklyn and evals as well.....not a bad deal as I really hate to be in Bklyn...but went due to the high rate per session... Id be happy here in Far Rockaway ....no propblem. We shall see....in the meantime Im good where I am. Ill keep you all posted. Okay.......must go to sleep/ Have a great week all Jods

OMG Im so happy to hear that! I never know whether what I do is really helping. When your involved with those babies from the start of program with the kids and families for fulll three years and then they age out....when the connection is strong you keep in touch for several years but then you or the families get busy and "life" happens and they dont need the support any longer. You never really hear about the children you work with many years later. You wonder what ever happened to....(I always wonder). What ever happened to .....that adorable little boy/girl. So, I really appreciate the thank you. I must tell you however, that it isnt the teachers or the program its the parents of the children that are with the children 24/7 and remember teachers and therapists are only there several times weekly for several hours. You the parent who follows through and work hard to do all the work after that short half hour or so....Yes, we teach you and give you the tools but its you who actually does the hard work day in and out. SO, let me take this oppurtunity to thank you..the parent for helping us do our job helping your children! Your daughter is so lucky to have you and you must be so proud. Give yourself a hug you deserve it. Thank you for the kind words. Jods

Hi all. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Im so glad to see the first fills are going well and so far no difficulties. Spent the weekend at my sisters house babysitting for my nieces while sister and hubby went on vacation. They were supposed to go to Ireland but..the flight was cancelled Friday night due to mechanical stuff...the repairs needed parts flown in from somewhere in Euorpe and could not due to the volcanic ash so cancelled all flights to Ireland as well. They missed the last flight in the afternoon that flew. They came home and the AM...repacked for St. Lucia and are leaving Tuesday instead....so we had a family weekend in the end. That house was a killer....every where you look theres some other chocolate, treat, cake, junk food. Holy crap...the stuff that was there was just unbelievable! Good I brought my own food otherwise I know id have been eating something not good for me. Ive been so good this whole month and lost now 30llbs....not about to blow it on some damn chocolate and cheese doodles. I was like what the hell?? Do you want me to stay here really??? What were you thinking? Do you leave liquor all over for an alcohlic? Why would you leave all this junk while Im here? no comment was her response, uh so annoying. We had a great weekend in the end. I cleansed their kitchen over the weekend. They really didnt mind so much and I felt so good. I thought theyd kill me but they didnt. lol I love my sister but sheesh. Come on. Glad to have gotten out of there this morning none too soon I left the giant size Peanut Butter jars. I could eat that by the spoonfuls. I had my third training at the gym this week. I went to the gym three times other to just do cardio. I hope this week I continue. Wednesday I go to the surgeon. Hopefully I will get a fill if not then next week for sure. Im hungry alot now and eating much more....still not alot and watching what I am but am drinking and eating without any restriction. Dont feel like I have a band at all. well. I must make dinner. Have a great week all. Good luck with everyone on the good food choices and the fills this week. Jodi

Hello there everyone! Its been one long week!! I cant even begin to tell you all what kind of week its been because it would be just too long to post. Lets just say...thank god its friday and it will be over. Ive had three training sessions this week. The other two days I did the funny new cardio machines. Im sooo tired but not sure if thats from the actual physical exercise or the taking the hour and half time extra each day for something extra to do when not having this extra time each day. Getting this new routine is hard. I just cant seem to figure out how to do this! Exercise in the AM or PM. Should I go in the AM and not waste Dassi time in the PM even though I really dont have time in the AM. So ill start work later which means running into Dassi time anyways? Started going back to the nutritionist and chiropractor as well this week. pushed that in at about 7 PM. All this and the preparing lunch and shakes and water bottles etc etc. Its all so much extra stuff everday to do....I cant even get online till about 10 or 11 at night. Hence, why I havent posted lately...havent even posted a new status on facebook in two weeks!! Im having withdrawel symptoms. Im hoping to get it together by next week! If not something is going to have to give...not sure what. All the above is important. Ive been reading posts on blackberry....so have sort of kept up to now...but havent had time to post to all the posts that were posted...lol say that ten times! SO.....I havent weighed in since Sunday but been eating the regular mushys! Getting tired of the mush. I want to chew. I need to chew..and getting a little frustrated not being able to eat normal? Next week I go to surgeon and hopefully Ill get to eat normal foods and maybe a first fill. Ill be happy with that as Im beginning to eat more and can eat more. Drink more, I feel like I dont have a band at all except I am not eating like before lol Well....let me respond to some posts that Ive been thinking about all week. Julie....I am so happy for you that you are somewhat better..and have been pain free for your first night!!!! Doing the happy dance for you. Im so glad that you saw Mimi happy and playing in daycare!! Sometimes....its a good thing to have some socialization with other children and you to have some respite...Im so glad this seems to be working for you and you arent feeling so guilty now. Its so hard to know what the best thing is to do but..you made the right choice. Even nicer you are paying for the program as this would be such a hardship for your daughter now. Im sure she appreciates your help both taking care of Mimi at home and financially helping for the daycare. Your a great mom and grandmother! I hope that the dinner with your daughter and fiances family goes well this weekend. Eva...happy belated birthday! Thanks for the update on the whey protein..its been a question that ive had since before the surgery!! Great...its always nice when you are shown appreciation for the good work we do, so rude..but perhaps they felt badly that you were leaving and didnt know how to tell you and they couldnt face you leaving! bottom line however, what you do is between you and god. He knows what you do and did here volenteering and your reward will be either in the form that you might not see yet..or when you meet him ....sometime not soon at all. Thats when the thank you will come and thats where it will count. It still feels badly...when not acknowledged so, Here you go....Im so thankful for all your wonderful help volenteering with hospital patients.....they for sure have appreciated your help!! Laura...glad your dad had some enjoyment this week. When you feel so bad, even a little happiness like the dip in the Jacuzzi is such a nice thing. Thank you , Thank you. U and Eva both have finially put my mind to rest about the type of protein ive been using. I had some questions about why everyone recommends "whey protein" as opposed to any other type and you guys finially answered why! Again thanks! Apples....your pictures are great. thanks for posting them. I hope you enjoy the lake...my favorite time was opening up the bungallow each summer. Enjoy it.....our bungallow was 4 hours away in upstate NY. I wish it was closer like your 45 min. Id have surely been there in winter as well then! I know there is so much more..I just cant remember all that I want to say..best at this point to say goodnight. Must go to sleep. Tomorrow I have an interview with an Early Intervention Program about ten minutes from my house..which would be so amazing as now I travel about 45 min to an hour everyday back and forth to work and I hate that! Not really looking for a new job however, if the pay is good and the description matches what my dream job will be..(as Im ready for that who isnt?) Ill seriously think about it. Id feel very bad about leaving my two little ones....not sure if I will be able to in the end anyways! lol But ya never know. I have to go and check it out. Pretty sure the pay wont match especially now with the states cuts on the reinbursement rates for services provided in the homes of babies 0-3 yrs. So with the cuts....just coming down this month and all the service providers are forced to take a 10% decrease per half hour session rate. Cant imagine thats going to affect the salary going to be offered.....another thing.....the insurance that they will have to offer is a way to decrease the yearly salary..as we the employees will be paying for ourselves regardless. SO, not too anxious....its not the time for getting a job with an EIP program...but as they have a centerbased setting as well....who knows...those reinbursements went up per child who goes centerbased...so who knows. Will let you know how it goes! Have a great night all and happy Friday! Jodi

Cheri....I hear your frustration loud and clear. I also am frustrated this week with the system. NYS has just lowered the rates of services for homebased Early Intervention services. As of this month all the agencies have cut salaries 10% for all homebased therapists and teachers. Agencies that have centerbased services they got an increase on the rates for services provided there. It seems that what you are saying about cutting funds for the early years are getting earlier and earlier. Soon intervening early will be a thing of the past and unfortunately we will be back to the old days of providing services after the fact. Regarding your grandson, when I went to my daughters IEP meetings and any other child I advocated for...I did as much research as possible with wrights law and talking to advocates about the maximum possible services that can be given in the state in which you live and then justify that for your grandson. Functional level as opposed to IQ and test scores are what should be the focus as this is an advantage to your quest to recieve as much services as possible. Dont let the school tell them he really can test higher...bottom line he didnt and therefore the tests that are in front of them should determine placement and services. Unless it doesnt benefit him. Then you use the schools reports and what they say is important. In your case....you do have an edge...you and your daughter!!! Who can ask for a better team a lawyer whos the mom and the grandmother who is a special educator but dont let them know that...if they do....and I I was the the Ed administrator that will be leading your IEP meeting..Id be so prepared and when you both entered that id allready have what the plan would be and make sure that all the other administrators knew the plan to make sure that ever detail was set in place so there wouldnt be a chance for either of you to oppose or to ask for other services.....so you should be as well...and sounds like you are from your post! Dont let them scare you...like you said...you could file a suit. That is if you think they arent providing the services that you want and know you should get but they arent providing it because of money or the school that he goes to now doesnt provide it...you can file....no questions ask...if district cannot provide services then you are entitled to have the BOE provide you those services at a private school of your choice and have them pay for it. To prove that they cant provide is easy.....you just need to find one service that is provided at another school....such as the one you mentioned above that cost too much that does and the one where he goes now doesnt because of cost. hmm sounds to me as an advocate...id say youve allready got a case.....so maybe this knowledge can be used to your advantage at this meeting. Its a little late..for researching now...but If you get this post before morning...and you need some information or have some questions that you have..,id be happy to brainstorm with you before the meeting about the best approach etc etc....of course as I stated above....you seem ready...nurvous but ready!! I dont think I can help and give you more then what you have but.....hey you never know. you can e-mail me at NYSparklegirl@aol.com. otherwise good luck..and dont sign anything unless you agree and are happy with the services they are going to provide...you dont have to. Let them know at the end of the meeting if this is the case, you dont agree with the plan and you plan on consulting your advocate/lawyer to discuss your options. Dont feel bad if the meeting lasts more then an hour....ive been to some that have lasted about two hours..arguing back and forth. Check out "Wrights Law" regarding the services that could be provided to children who are on the spectrum and those services that should be payed for by the BOE. Again...good luck. Jodi

Hi all....hope you are all having a good week. Well.....this week has been really busy and all with taxes due tomorrow. Got my in today and glad I did...as I will be getting a return on both fed and state....thats a first! So, food is getting a bit boring now. Mushy foods are well mushy and I want to start chewing? Tired of the grinding and blending. The foods are basic. A poached egg for Breakfast, Protein shake for lunch, ground something for lunch and a dairy cheese something for snack...water, Water water...and dinner about 5 forkfuls of fish. Then its water water water. This week...I thought I need something else...im going bonkers. So, I added steel cut oats, chumus with white Beans, and chili. These are also mushy foods. Next week I will go to reg foods and maybe get a fill the following...maybe ill get one next week..not sure. How about a Y? or a Community center? The parks dept runs several different activity centers around NY one or two in different boros. Do they have any where you are? I know that they have one here in Far Rockaway that I visited that cost 50 dollars a year. The place was a dump but the exercise room was brand new! There are several others in other boros that were brand new and gorgeous. However If this site was closer to home and had a car park I would have joined, regardless of the dumpy building. I ended up joining the gym and am paying $68 monthly. I dont have this money but I cannot and do not do exercise so must must have help. I signed up for their spring training deal which is 6 sessions for 50 bucks. Im onto my second session and I know there would be no way in hell I would do any of what this trainer gets me to with him. So, this is where I think I will be spending my money for the next year. Money I dont have but I hope will be well worth it. I was supposed to be going to do the cardio equipment on the days I dont train with him privately as of yet...that um hasnt happened. Im hoping for tomorrow. Im just so busy and I have my daughter that im not sure about how to schedule time. Cool. So glad you got it though....I allready know exactly what it feels like as in the hospital they took out some that first day....so im not nurvous at all, now im just nurvous about how im going to be afterwards, if ill start to throw up again like the first night and have to have them take out the solution. Just take it slow...if you feel its too much when you start eating again go back to liquids for a day or so. Take it slow, let us know how you do. Hope all goes well. Thats great. 22llbs is great!! Good going!! I agree, the thought of eating a fry?? Im afraid just thinking about the possible after affects. I did have a small chili from Wendys they are only 170 cal. and are only meat and beans. Thats as far as any fast food I hope to go. Its interesting....I hear what you are saying about the eating. I dont feel like I have the band in at all any more. I can drink about 8 oz now at a time well not at one time but over a few minuets. Two weeks ago I couldnt drink two oz so fast.....I can eat, just like you said but after a few bites of whatever it is I stop but I think I can keep eating....Im not really sure when ive had enough? or when I should have had enough? when I should stop? am I not eating enough? I asked this at the support group. They said are you feeling full? if so your good. Are you eating when you are hungry? if so good. The thing about the band is...they said.....is its not a switch....its not going to shut off when youve had enough and not allow you to eat more after. Its your brain that needs to say..stop youve had enough thats it. This is the hard part...this is retraining your brain...the same brain..that needs to learn to say noooo Im not going to have this food or that food etc etc, Its all about changing the way we think about food...and the way we eat...if we dont do that then no diet, no band, nothing is going to help, the band is a tool only. We have to do the work ourselves in changing the foods and how we eat them. I have gone out to eat with friends and family and I will have fish. Its good that I like fish otherwise id be a very unhappy camper. I did have steamed fish for the first time last night and um that didnt go over well. Had no taste but it was a chinese restaurant so no special orders was allowed. Grilled or baked would have been fine. Live and learn I guess. Ive limited my total carb to 8% per meal and sugar intake to no more then 5-7 grams of sugar, not really concerned with calories or fat as the numbers above wont be anything to worry about with fat or too many calories. I also havent had any of the "whites" and I really dont miss them...hope that will continue! Its been two months and im not going to anytime soon. (I hope). I tell people right away.....they say wow you look great...what is it?? you lost weight.. have you? and I tell them. Yes, I have ive gotten the lap band and they ask questions and thats it. Most people are supportive....havent as of yet had any negative feedback...im sure that will come soon enough. Encouragement and education is really important, keep up the great work!! well must go to sleep. Long day ahead tomorrow. Have a great night all and keep up the great work all!!! Its olmost a month for everyone pretty much.....and we are olmost up to getting our first fills. Let us know how that goes for everone.....Good luck for all those who are getting their fills this week!!! Jodi

OMG really??? we must get together! Where does your daughter live? Is the Bra shop on the LES or maybe the UWS, there is two stores that are my favorites that everyone goes to....Town on the UWS I frequent more often but the one on the LES they know more about what fits and how. I get all my bathing suits at Town.....they know bathing suits! In fact this summer I will be able to wear some that I had gotten there more then ten yrs ago that I never gave away thinking next summer, next summer. In any case...where is your daughter?? If you will have time id love to get together with you for sure! Jodi

Hi all.... well.....Passover and Easter is over. Its back to regular schedule programming. Im sorry ive been incognito for the last two weeks but see im observant so most of passover I couldnt post at all and getting ready with all the cleaning and cooking and getting ready...I didnt have a moment to spare when I could post. I havent disapeared, Im here....and back.....so get ready for those long posts consisting of updates and rants and raves!!! lol quick update....Its been a month since surgery and wieghing in yesturday....I lost 28 pds!!! I cannot believe it. Passover was really hard,.....I cooked and cooked but didnt taste anything....nada nothing....chicken soup, fish, pot roast, meat balls, chicken, side dishes of all sorts and tons of passover rolls and rolls and more rolls..lol I didnt taste one taste not even a pinky taste. I made everything like I always do...didnt dare make anything new without tasting. I sat and watched everyone eat at the Passover seder. I did not have a smidgen of matzah the whole passover. We didnt go to anyones house for any meals...I had them all here because....going somewhere meant having to explain why I cant eat anything except something mushy......or drink but not at the same time...or the mushy needs to be only proteins. lol talk about an ungrateful guest. lol So it was just easier to have meals here at my house, no one ever asks or insists you eat your own food they dont really ask as you are buisy serving and no one notices so much. The only thing that I wanted the whole week?? A Passover roll why???? Why??? Nothing of the real food but I wanted a roll more then anything else, not the deserts and chocolates or macaroons but I didnt have one....nope not even one. I was sooo proud of myself. My mother could not believe it. I couldnt...the only year or person Ive ever known to have lost weight on passover!!! I joined a gym and had two training sessions so far but oh how I hate to exersize. I just hate it but know I must. I spoke to the surgeon last week and he said...I could now do what ever I want...lift more then the 8 pounds excersize whatever! So, it was time to take that next step. baby steps here....even bought new sneakers for that occassion. So, im feeling really good. Ive pretty much developed a regular routine, in the morning around 7 I have a protein shake, then at around 9 I have a poached egg. I try to drink water in between.. at around eleven I have a piece of sliced cheese or two tablespoons of rigatta or greek yoghurt or cottage cheese. At around 1 I have a few tablespoons of ground chicken or meat. I keep drinking my water, in the afternoon I have a protein shake....and then at about 9 I get hungry somewhat or at least I think I am and eat a piece of fish...like maybe three tablespoons and then I take my vitamins and pills...crushed and thats it!!! So its goes..since after the first post op while starting mushy foods. Ive been really careful about the juices.... I have them watered down and make sure I only am eating proteins. I havent eaten any vegetables or starches....caffeine and limit the sugars. I wont eat anything that has a more then total carbs of 7-10 percent in any one food and or more then 5-7g of sugar. This doesnt leave alot of room for food. lol I really want to try to not eat anything that is white that turns into sugar. No wheat, No more white potatoes, No white rice and vegetables that are considered starches and try to eat as little as white sugar as possible. We will see how long I last. lol Right now im eating only proteins. I also have one "REDS" and one "GREENS" drink a day....this is powder vegetables and fruit mixed with water. So I am getting all my veggies and fruits for the day as Im not eating any now. I need some variation this week though getting really bored with the current repertior. lol Help. Ive bought, some chumus and white beans. Some protein bars that have little carbs, etc etc. and steel cut oat meal, and I tomorrow I will be making home made chilli with chopped meat and beans for dinner and I will eat fish for lunch. The oatmeal has a little more carbs then I would like but the nutrtionsist has said this is important for fiber so a little more carbs is okay as long as sugar and fat is very low. Any ideas for more friendly foods?? I also, am having a problem with BMs. I am soooo constipated. Since the surgery Ive gone only 3 times?? Is that possible?? but true. I spoke to a nurse who I work with and she made me...a concoction...of get this.....prunes, apples, honey and olive oil. blended them all up in the bullet. and she gave me about three tablespoons...and said now jodi....dont be going anywhere for the next few hours....well guess what??? nothing happened. So when I called her in the AM she said....now take olive oil and honey and take a tablspoon a day till you go. Hmmm finially went some but nothing reg... any ideas?? Id hate to take over the counter...would prefer natural remedies first. Not sure how long this will last!!! How is everyone else feeling? What is everyone else eating? Drinking? exercizing?? etc etc. I feel like i can eat anything now..and drink alot at once. I dont dare tempt the fate....so am being very careful and wont eat anything other then mushies and drinking slow but steady. Im not hungry most times....but sometimes I get what I called hunger pangs! They actually hurt and make so much noise then I know I need to eat something...but that doesnt happen often thank god. I do feel like I need to eat more often so I eat a little something every four hours and drink in between; anyone else feel like they dont have a band anymore? It doesnt feel like it did three weeks ago thats for sure! So now that weve lost some weight and Im sure people have started noticing somewhat....what are your feelings about this? Are people surprised? not....asking questions?? what are your responses to them? Are you telling them that you had surgery? what have been their responses? Interested in all of your experiences so far. Lets talk about this. Anyone ever make a decision about going into the chat room at the same time each week to meet up and chat at the same time? I thought this was a really good idea, anyone want to set a time for that each week?? Id like after 9 if possible. Anytime after is good for me. Any day except wekends. Come visit more often.....lol I love your posts, I hear you...Id like to fit a size 12 as well......I was a 20 now down to 18 maybe 16, youl get there.....keep up the work. Its not easy but it will be rewarding! HI Cynthia..welcome..yes, I agree easiest passover ever!!! I was banded on 3/9. Sorry to hear about your gym. Was your area affected by the floods as well? There are no other gyms that you can join anywhere else? Maybe one where you work so you can go before or after work? I know its a pain when not close to home. I was lucky and have several in the neighborhood to choose from. I chose Hollywood. I seem to like it. Where in Jersey are you?? Where did you have surgery? Please feel free to post any suggestions, experiences and ideas for eating. Welcome again. ; I cant believe that you are still on liqiuids "clear" is this usual? Ive never heard clear liquids. I was on clear liquid two weeks after surgery then mushy for four and afterwhich reg for two weeks and then they do the first fill. Or so it will be with me if everything goes well. I would go out my mind with another two weeks of "clear" liquids if I had to. How are you doing now??? Hope all is well and you are good im so glad to hear your doing well!!! yes, 12 pounds is great!! Good for you!! Thats terrific. Glad to hear the gas pains went away!!! See....we told you they would eventually. It did for us as well although you think they will last forever. I also a little hungry between three and five...so I eat a protein bar or have a protein shake. If you are coming home and are starving maybe the handful of peanuts isnt enough, What time are you eating lunch? Maybe you need to eat a little more smaller things,,,,,over the day. Maybe something every two hours or so. Nothing big but a handful of peanuts is a good snack but its not a meal. maybe a shake before leaving work or protein bar before leaving work or that time would help starve of wanting to eat right awaymwhen you get home. Are you eating mainly proteins? This will keep you full longer and keep up energy,. Carbs I was told will make you want to eat more pften as they are called sliders....they go down easy and dont stay for long and turn to sugars more quickly. You might want to try only proteins during the day and see what happens. Would love to hear from everyone who was banded towards the end of the March...how are you are doing??? I missed alot of posts then because of Passover so ,,, hope you all had an easy time and are recouping nicely!!! well.....its late and gotta get up early once again! Have a great night everyone and a great week!!! Jodi

Hi all. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Well....its been an interesting week, As I previously had posted about joining a gym,,,,I had my first intro on Friday...and when being weighed I found I lost another ten pounds! All together since surgery March 9th I lost 28 pounds!!! Is that crazy????? i cant believe that!! I lost 16 the first week and then another 11 since then. so.....tomorrow I go for my first real training session at the gym....where we will figure out my a program for me. Sitting on the side watching everyone would be the one I would chose but I think the trainer has a different plan in mind, lol Back at work after two weeks, joined a gym its been a good week! Yesturday I went to the mall near where I live....and bought a pair of cross training sneakers two pairs of workout pants and six t-shirts, (and a partridge in a pair tree ) Im now set for working out or at least look like it. In additon to the above I bought a new hair straightener that seemed really good. Mine broke and havent found one since. While on the way out the mall a woman stopped me and convinced me to see this new straightener and demonstrated. It really did work!! Even better then my old one that I loved and used to death. literally...it died. In addition to the additon ....I also bought a watch at Macys..which ive need for the last 6 months. So....did a little shopping, not a good thing for someone whithout money to go shopping...especially since I also bought Dassi some dress shirts to wear with some beutiful skirts that we recieved at the childrens clothing gmach...(organization that collects clothing and if you need..you just go and take) before even getting to the mall! Talk about over spending...this was it. However....since we volenteer to collect the clothing and organize all and take it to where its housed and hang it all....we get first choice of everything that comes in first dibs that is. Which is one of the reasons we volenteer for this organization. Its so expensive to buy clothing now and here in this neighborhood everyone dressed to kill even on weekdays. Going to synaguage is like going to a wedding. I cant afford that kind of clothing and the kids are dressed the same. So we got involved when asking if there was any clothes in my daughters size and sure enough there was plenty....and was asked if wanting to help out...and said of course...now I help run it. lol Last year someone donated some gorgeous designer skirts that were perfect on Dassi that she loved but had no tops to go...so I figure hey, if the skirts for free I could splurge a little and get some nice tops to match and she can have several outfits to wear it was worth it. I cant wait to get to the womans clothing one this week...ive had someone else take over since the surgery as I couldnt life anything for a while...however the doctor said this week I can start again doing regular and all exercize so am back. So I will go and check out the clothes and get me a new wardrobe woo hoo. I cant wait to see what will fit as I never am able to take anything as the clothing always were too small. (people who give away clothing in the five towns in NY too small lol!) But.,soon enough I will have choice picks of the gorgeos clothes that Ive been drooling over since starting to volenteer. I had my eye on a whole bunch of skirts that came in, in size 12. I want them all, lol. I dont want to be greedy but the woman whos in charge; (she is just a doll) has insisted if I buy a stich of clothing and do not take everything that fits shel fire me from volenteering lol. So im real happy!! Every time I loose weight I can take and switch. The clothes are all designer and practically new. People donate alot in this community and there is just more clothes then for people who need. If there isnt enough we post a message in the community bulletin and wallah in pour the clothing. So if Im going to need a size that is not available....I was told to post a message. lol Its a community of people that do many different things for charity and giving and doing for people in need so the clothing Gmach....which the word "Gmach" actually in yiddish meaning "to give". Now even happier knowing I dont have to buy new clothes every few months. lol yea. Ill only take if I can give as well...so glad to volenteer and exchange so other people will be able to take as well. Dont want to take and have others needing. So, will only take what I need and no more. One day at a time.... Sometimes..we need to purge ourselves of our deepest feelings especially to those whom have hurt us. Psychologists would say this is very beneficial in terms of healing and moving on. You needed to do this...and that a good thing. You finially felt confident enough to do it and thats great!!!! Good for you! It doesnt always make you feel better right after but in time..all that pent up feeling that you had will start to disipate because you got it all out and now you can put it aside...Yes, having never say a bad word about your ex to your child is a smart thing....because if you do..it will come back one day and bite you in the butt. I agree. and of course....you never want what happened to me....we got divorced and then he passed away three months later so....if I had spoken bad about him to my daughter boy would that have not been a good thing then....so you never know whats going to happen and its best to not talk badly....its also not good for the child to ever do this the psychologist say,,,,so I dont.. now....he is an angel and is with god because he was a good man the best...this is what I say now to her and she really loves me for it. Even if I know he wasnt! She doesnt need to know that I think this. She deserves to think this about him so its a white lie...but her psyche is so much more important then me telling her the truth now. Who cares? Hes not here to hurt me or her any longer,,,,,let her put him on a pedastal she doesnt have a father any longer, Its okay with me. so...remember Karma can be a bitch, must be careful what we do, say and think! That poem by the way had me ROTF! Thanks for the laugh~ I agree with you....its so darn all consuming! I hate things that are like this...as I dont have tine to think about taking a shower or even going to the bathroom sometimes! lol If I didnt have my families support of my daughter being so wonderfully encouraging and so proud of me. She tells everyone about what ive done and how well im doing and how healthy im getting! I could never do this right if she was feeling slighted because time is being taken away or attention is being divided etc etc. and or with whining and complaining, I could do it but certainly not with the commitment and energy that im putting into this whole process. Its not just the surgery...its the change in mindset and if anyone isnt open to the enormous calibra of change this entails well somehthing would have to give somewhere,,,of course it wouldnt be my daughter and that would make my like miserable, Anyone else..well they wouldnt be such an issue unless they live with you. So, I owe my success so far to the people who support my decision to have embarked on this journey and they are doing it together with me....its not just us,....as you said,,,who ever you live with is part of this journey their support and help is imperative in order to be successful. Laura....yes, the gym I joined does have zumba for beginners They also have pilates, yoga and dance. all for beginners. I will the zumba...and let you know...thanks for the recommendation! [ Great, Glad you are back safe and sound. Glad you had a restful vacation, After all the work for wedding it was a nice rest im sure! Julie, Im so glad the surgery with Mimi went well. You should be able to sleep a little easier now Im sure..and after you hopefully will get your cortisone you should feel even better!! Good luck! Hope it helps!. Yes, a child of 30 punds is pretty hard to lift when needing to....you should really be careful im sure it doesnt do you shoulder any good to be lifting her and carrying her....this must be extremely painful,,,and a child who is perhaps squirming andtrying to not have you handle them..dead weight can pull someones back shoulder and neck out! Please be careful.Ive done this several times dealing with the children I work with, IT HURTS. Dont want you to hurt any more then you do. Hopefully you will begin to see better communication and responses to requests as well as overall better behavior in the are of listening and following basic directives after about a month or so after tubes are in.,,until then try not to lift her so much. Teacher mode again,....tell me to shut up if ive overstepped. Janet, Perfume?....I love perfume. My favorite is Tresor. I like several others like Eternity, White diamonds, Gerlaine, Poison, D'amarige, and Opium... "these are a few of my favorite things"!!! I like these all but Tresor is my favorite and I always seem to come back to it, I have alot of the newer perfumes...but its the oldies but goodies.......I awitch off between, Tresor and Eternity and Gerlaine now.... You said you like perfume with Roses??? My mother loves her Rose perfume......When ever I smell someone wearing that perfume..I think of ,my ,mother!! The house smelled of it when she put that on for hours.....I loved that smell.....but would never wear it myself. Way to strong! lol but loved it on her. well......I must go to sleep....got to go to gym at 12. lol Have a great day all tomorrow..enjoy your Sunday! Jodi

Hi all.....yes its over! Vacation is as well and not too happy...its been two weeks and well...I could use another week to recoup! First....let me wish Mimmy a successful surgery Julie...I hope all turns out well. I have her on my list of names that I recite every day during a prayer that is said for people who are sick or are having surgery. Im sorry your daughter and you have to deal with all this in addition to your shoulder troubles right now..I hope tomorrow you will feel good and not have too much pain. Im not sure what your dads name is Laura but I have him in mind everyday as well for a speedy recovery and that he should feel better soon. Well passover has passed over...and now its back to the same ole same ole? NOOOO never doing that again. This morning joined a gym. Yea. Its been a long time coming. Turns out, this is a really nice gym! A friend recommended it and well..I was looking at several different gyms in the area and this was the nicest..and the closest to boot. SO...I joined and in addition took a 6 private training session. The membership was not that expensive..I thought it would be much more. I was told that my daughter can also join if I really wanted even though she wasnt 13 yet. Its cheaper then the childrens gym she goes to now...that she isnt crazy about. I dont know why..I love it lol however, if she comes with me....we can share this experience..I dont have to have a babysitter and its cheaper then her gym...I think thats three good reasons for me...and the one big one for her that she doesnt want to go to hers anymore but rather prefers to come with me. hmm thinking about this. Must have her try it for a bit to see. Today was an absolutely gorgeous day in NY!!! April?? no couldnt be....89 degrees?? Unbelievable! so....much so that I figured might as well head to the beach as this is really August not April. lol Today was the last day of vacation for the kids and also me...so I figure we should do something fun. After taking Dassi and two friends to eat pizza....after all for a week they didnt have any....they were dying for it. Shame....not to have pizza for a whole week! lol So I took them to the pizza shop where there wasnt much I could have...so settled on red snapper. Paid a fortune for a little piece of fish in a pizza shop; it um tasted like it was made in a pizza shop but it did its job. Four bites and I was good then threw the rest out..as we were headed to the BEACH! Couldnt exactly save it in the crazy heat today...no loss there....as stated; not so good. Im proud of myself....I made it the whole passover with eating just one passover roll. I didnt eat the choc dipped macaroons, and all the candy and junk food around...in my house for everyone and in everyone elses whereever we visited. Didnt eat or even taste any of the food I made for the 13 people....for the Seder of shabbat and the last two days of passover. It wasnt easy seeing all that great food going around and around. It was kind of strange.....usually after passover; its a big rush to eat something that is made from bread of not kosher for passover...a starch or even ice cream....usually its bread with peanut butter and something...lol this year??? nothing doing...im eating the same thing I ate before passover and during passover...its a slight let down feeling....but see??? this is a trigger to what we call eat eat in yiddish......"FRESS". Just hearing people get all excited and talking about what they are going to eat after passover is a topic that can be made into several books! But..not me...not ever again will I be talking like that!!! NO NO NO. and that makes me very happy....a little let down.....but thats okay....but on the upside..I know that for the first time in 10 yrs I didnt gain any weight this passover I lost. Tomorrow I go back to work and Dassi goes back to school. I feel like Ive been away forever. I miss my little kiddies Cant wait to see them. Especially my guy who I spend five hours a day with! I hope you all had a great Easter. Jodi...Hi im Jodi as well. Nice to have you...Ive also just been banded...and I have to tell you.....the stomach does go down....it will not stay swollen forever. It takes about a month. As for the first week....it was bad...bad bad but I got through it...with walking walking and walking....and gas x and gas x and more gas x. After a week the gas pains or pain went away...and after two weeks..I felt so mich better....now...a month later I dont feel like I had surgery at all! It gets better....I promise. I also felt the same way.....what the heck did I do?? Im gonna kill myself lol but you will see it will be worth it..after that first post op visit and they weigh you and it shows....about 10-18pds or so. I lost 16 in the first week. Ive lost about 20 or so now not sure exactly. The other thing...besides walking and gas x?? This site, This thread!!! The people are wonderful and supportive and encouraging.....all my questions...fears and daily happenings are adressed and responded to...and that was the best help of all. So good luck and stick around....we will try and do our best to help you through the first weeks! Eve.....your so creative! How do you ever think of these things? They are terrific...you should enter them in some contest in some magazine or something! Julie...im sorry you have to go to a funeral tomorrow. You have worked so hard over the this holiday...you sure need a regular day.....everyone Im sure appreciated what you did...especially with the generators and all. What a difficult job to do...under the circumstances....but from what you described it all worked out in the end and your breakfast and after meal was successful. Im glad to hear....hope you enjoyed the breakfast as well. Laura, Cheri could not have explained it to you any better about your dads behavior. Infortunately when we feel our worst we lash out at the people we love the most. Whom else could we be ourselves with especially at the most trying of times. Let it go and think of the nice time you had for a lasting memory...he also was btw upset that maybe you were leaving and he couldnt express it. Who knows...bottom line...think happy thoughts about the past week....and how nice it was together. oh and the crying?? hah my daughter will tell you..my mom cries at the drop of a hat. Tell me a sad story...or have me watch a hallmark commercial or those animal rescue...feed the children...movies about animals etc etc.....im a gonner. Or best....seeing my daughter in a play.....or some thing in school special.....at parent school night praising my daughter...I cry....sad its true. lol at good and bad. Im a basket case. My daughter is always....MOOOM your embarrassing me. my ex use to say "zoloft could help", (achum) its who we are thats all....and its good for our children to see we have feelings...that we are not disensitized like the world around us. I used to go to the movies.when divorcing my ex while being so mad all the time then at him and everything pretty much...just to cry and make sure Im still feeling! Kids need to see that we have feelings and its okay for them as well...they are going to be god willing fathers one day....you want them to be able to show their feelings instead of internalizing all the time. Dads should be sensitive as well. This is why we suggest boys to go and play in the house area in nursery and kindergarten ...its a good thing....go ahead and cry!! Its a sad situation...and you are sad and angry and frustrated and its okay to show your feelings! Apples......dont you love us kids?? We can drive you moms crazy with worry about us....I know my mom worries like crazy for me......and I in turn worry like crazy for my daughter. Im so glad your son is feeling better and out the hospital. He should have a speedy recovery....I still have him in mind as well everyday! oh, this is just so true!! Jewel...this is such awful news is right! How terrible for everyone. Pools and young children are so risky...you have to watch them 24/7 around them. Was there a fence around the pool or was it enclosed? Is your dad responsible even though he isnt living there?? I hope this will not affect you in any way.....you have so much on your plate allready to deal with. You certainly dont need some other complcation. Im so sorry to hear....never nice to hear anyone dying..but a child is such a horror...you are so right to have never left your son ever at the house....esp if the conditions werent safe with your step-mother and her family. Im glad you are having a great time with your brother and niece!! Sounds like you are!! Enjoy the rest of the vacation. Phyl. I hear you about leaving after a season is over....I used to go to a bungallow colony each summer ...the same one and at the end of the season....omg the tears that used to flow....it was just unbearable for me. It was like camp for adults. You ever see kids at the end of a season at camp??? so upset to leave their friends? well, picture adults but worse! Another season will come soon enough. Enjoy the time in between. Cherri.....you can get as weird as you like....your posts are informative and entertaining.....they are funny and you are so knowlegable about so many things....I have learnt so much from you in the few months ive been reading and posting so please dont hold back lol keep em coming! Joyce....im so glad the first fill went okay...I am starting to get nurvous as well. Thanks for letting us know..it wasnt bad! Hope you are feeling good. well.......its taken so long to read all these posts since the weekend and equally longer to respond...I hope I didnt forget anyone! Its been a while so forgive me. I know "great" is in Hawaii; hope she is enjoying. To all the new posts..welcome! Have a good night all. Jodi

Hey....everyone., Wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter! Hope you all have a fun, meaningful Easter...nice weather and a beutiful day! Ive been really buisy with passover....and all the eating and cooking and eating everyone has been doing...im finding myself in the kitchen non stop....as everyone wants to eat at different times and different things....its been umm interesting!! Im doing all the cooking and none of the eating....not even tasting. lol Well......its been fun! Im not gaining any weight and everyone else is hehehe. Monica thats great!! I hate that stupid machine..but use it every night. Cant wait to get rid of mine but suspect it wont be for a while as my case was pretty severe. Did you say you were on "Clear liqiuds for 4 weeks???? OMG....after one week thought I was going to go bananas! Then I went to mushies...Im on mushies till April 20th. Thats great!! 25llbs. thats amazing, You must be so happy!! Hope you are feeling good. yes soft mushies. Well....Happy Easter and a great rest of Passover to all!

Hi all....... Wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter....May you all have a peaceful, meaningful and enjoyable one! Enjoy the day..I hope its sunny and nice out and all the easter egg hunts can be done outside! I was banded on March 9th and I know how you feel about those liquids!!! I also cant get enough even now. In the beginning I was only on "clear" liquids the first week. I tried to sip grape juice and apple juice watered. Sugar free Ice pops, Sugar Free Jello, more soup more juice more water etc etc. Besides the protein drinks. Not easy but I tried...never got to 64oz even now...but after several weeks...I was able to drink at least 3oz in a half hour....now I can drink more which helps.....chin up, try to drink as much as possible....I also wasnt hungry until maybe last week/.....I was like hmmm I think I might be hungry! Good luck OMG he/she is so cute!!! I love this bunny cake!!! Hope you all enjoy it!!! [ Julie...OMG im so happy for you all!!! Im glad you thought about all the questions but seems like all is good!! Its good that they are waiting till after summer...this will give you all enough time to get to know each other and spend time before the planning...which we who have been married know can sometimes be so trying at times!!! Oh, Enjoy this time.... Im so sorry to hear this..I hope your son has a speedy recovery!! Im glad you will be with him soon. Its scary no matter what age...to be in the hospital. Nothing like mom to be with. Have an easy flight. Okay, must go now...big day of cooking again tomorrow for the last two days of passover. I hope you all have a great day.....and enjoy Easter Sunday! Jodi

Hi all. Passover rolls?? Passover rolls??? This is what I had to have a bite of???? Why, Why. Why???? I was so good!! I cooked and cooked and cooked...and wasnt tempted.. for the pot roast, the chicken soup, the zuchini pie, the tzimis, the chicken, the meatballs and all the deserts I made...why why why was it the passover rolls??? All they consisted of was matzah meal, eggs, and oil!!!! I was soo good until today...after the big feasts were over and all the food was consumed by everyone while I watched.,,,,I really really didnt want or need anything but I made these stupid passover rolls and bagels for breakfast for mom and Dassi and well....I just couldnt stand that bag of rolls sitting on the counter! I needed to to have a bite. They were really good!!! SO a bite turned into two bites. I was afraid to eat any more then that! Passover rolls??? what the heck is wrong with me?? lol So, I know I havent been online as the holiday was like the sabbath for two days,,,so couldnt post. We had a really nice passover so far. The seder we had here at my house was different and special. The theme that I decided to have was "Woman and the exodus and how they were instrumental in the freedom of the slaves". Since I have two nieces and my sister and sister in law...besides my mom, my daughter and myself was at this seder....it went over well.., we discussed this topic and different woman and their roles. It was fun and different. The food apparently was good....I wouldnt know except for the damn passover rolls. The two days went fast and it was nice being all together...the nicest thing of all. The sleeping sofa> for mom. That really was a great help. Glad to have bought that set it was the perfect time. Setting up an air mattress for my daughter every night would have been a real pain in the butt. Today was the first day that wasnt like a shabbat and it is called the interim holiday,,which is between the shabbat type holiday..but nobody works and the kids are off so its called trip days. This year we have three such days only...and tomorrow and sunday is short as we have to prepare for the shabbat and shabbat type holiday again for two days that will end the holiday on Wednesday evening. Sooo....today we took a trip to the CT Marritime Aquarium with my dad and his wife. They live in Westchester and they didnt come to the Seder. SO....we met them there and had a great time...up till the time when it was time to eat. Ahh this was fun ....not. I took out our passover food...and yes, those passover rolls. My dad and his wife took out their ham and cheese sandwiches on bread. hmmm, what I thought is wrong with this picture?? My daughter was like grandpa??? dont you know its passover and we dont eat bread on passover? His response was "I tried to make a sandwhich on Matzah but it just crumbled!" I just had to laugh.....he got an "A" for trying..but Dassi wasnt too happy...as she said..after the day was out..."I really wanted that sandwich mom" Why couldnt they have just gotten a salad or something else?? I agreed that it was rude however, perhaps we also were rude in expecting them to do what they werent used to or didnt want to do. And of course then we discussed "Freedom of Choice" and that is what I said it boils down too period. We all have a choice and we shouldnt judge anyone else about their choices because we really do not know which choices we choose are the ones that will be rewarded or not. In any case....it was a lovely day....nice weather and a great trip overall. Thank you all for the suggestions about how to get those liquids in...I am going to try them all!! Just wanted to take this time to wish everyone a Happy Easter as im not sure when ill be able to post again in between the holidays...that I cant post. Sat night only......SO., I hope everyone has a joyuous Easter............and is with family and friends for the holidays!

Hi everyone..good evening, Hope Everyone is doing well. Its been a rough week. Its passover...ive had the seders here and company all week. Ive been cooking and cooking and cooking. I havent tasted anything which is really hard however time tested recipes have always pursued so....I didnt deviate and even so everything was yummy....heresay of course. I have to say the only thing that really got me...was the pot roast made with brisket. That tempted me...maybe the chicken soup which after skimming I did taste. I could of had some of that but Im so sick of broth after the first two weeks post surgery! Hi..yes it is frsutrating but be patient....youl start to feel better soon...probably by this post allready! The bloating is not water its gas. When you have surgery in the stomach they blow air in it to be able to get done what they done which is why we feel the gas pains all over for about a week or so after. It took me about a week to feel like I lost the bloating but still was swollen for a long time...until this past week. Good luck...it will come soon enough. GingerJane: I dont have a scale in the house because I know id be checking every day but the surgeon said not to check everyday...once a week is fine..and even then no need if I come to see him every month. I prefer weekly. Scales are also different yours might be not showing the same as the doctors which probably is exact and yours may not be. If you are following the diet and the doctors instructions you should be lossing just fine. Give it at least a week. Because of all the gas and bloating you might not see it on the scale...also well if you havent gone to the bathroom yet a BM....this may also cause the scale not to move. At your post op apt. which should have been a week or so I bet you will see that you lost a lot!!! Stevie and Monica, Glad you are both doing so well. I read in both your posts that you are excersizing allready?? I was told not to do any exercise or lifting anything over 8 pds. for a month just to walk and walk and walk and walk! Why do feel like the only one who is concerned for no reason as to ripping the stiches or hemoraging? Yes. Everyone isnt it great that the clothes are starting to fit better and we allready in need of a slightely smaller size?? Yes, thrift stores are deff in order. I am lucky enough to have been involved with an organization that collects clothing in my area. I bring all the clothing that is collected to the houses that house them and organize them before people come and look at them and take what they want. The clothes are all amazing!! From the richest of the rich and I get to take what I want whenever I see something I like. I get first choice, sooooo at the end of this month Ill start getting rid of what I have now..and take what I want and there is plenty and then every month Ill bring back what I took and take new stuff each month. Sometimes it pays to do volenteer!! Feeling really good. Havent weighed myself since last week so dont know if I lost any more weight but certainly my clothes have gotten looser. Have a great night everyone. Happy Passover and easter

Hi. Just taking a break from cooking.....trying to at least. lol so far...the sink decided this was the right time to clog...and when calling the super he said..yes, I know..the woman in the downstairs apt she...had a clogged sink but when calling him she told him she wouldnt be home till about 11 AM tomorrow morning as she is on call as a doctor at the hospital. Hmmm what to do what to do?? well, I cooked what I could without using too much water...washing the veggies and food and leaving all the pots and pans to wash tomorrow morning....turns out the water is going down but very slowly so I can at least wash the dishes used...so we are using them sparingly. What a time?? figures!! Im cooking for 13 and and my sink clogs.....bad karma??? well... so far the pot roast, the kifilta fish, the tzimis, the meatballs, the bitter hurbs and the charoset and roasted eggs done! Yea Tonight maybe Ill bake a cake or two. Tomorrow....Ill make the chickens, the soup, zuchini kugel and Quinao, in between.....I made an apt to get nails done...need to go to the market and get a few more items that I could not find before..kosher for passover...I need to get these items for my zuchini kugel!! Ive looked all over...and ill try one more place but if they dont have what is needed...Ill have to try another recipe but really would like this one. Im happy to say with all this cooking and good smells, Im not at all tempted to even taste something!! Not hungry at all...and maybe Ill have a little meatball since that is mushy....but not really needing it. I pretty much have settled on a reg diet.... In the AM I have a poached egg..and yes even the yolk. For snack my protein drink... Lunch is about 2-3 oz of cottage cheese...or greek yoghurt or rigatta afternoon snack is a protein drink Dinner is about 2 tablespoons of some baked fish,,,sea bass, halibut, flounder or talapia. During all this....im sipping the water and sipping and sipping and not sipping enough!!! I have not gotten up to 64oz as of yet per day. I just cant seem to do it??? any suggestions? well...must go now have a great night all..... Jodi

Jewel, We got an Auro mattress.....from Bed Bath and Beyond. It was 80 dollars but with the 20% off that they send out all the time it was a bit less. We use it every weekend and it stays filled up till we unfill it. It is more comfortable then a sofa bed.

Hi every one, I hope you are all having a great weekend. Its spring...even though it was supposed to snow yesturday....lol This was a really quiet weekend....considering its a break from all the cleaning and getting ready for the big holiday. My daughter had two friends sleepover...and being that I wasnt cooking..I got a big sushi platter for them and thats what they ate last night and lunch...hope they werent expecting anything special the weekend before the holiday. lol Im glad she had company as that left me to close the door after returning from synaguage and feeding them lunch to turn over the clothes from winter to spring. That took all day but its done!! Yea, Usually I dont get to do this until after the spring! Im ahead of the game....could it be cause I didnt have to do all the cleaning this week myself??? lol absolutely!! Julie, Im so sorry you are feeling bad. After all you go through now....and a cold on top of it??? Oy My thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery are with you! I am so happy you are finially going to get something done now that you know what is going on..I am sure this is a relief for you!! Good luck and what ever you do...go to Neuro Surgeon for a second opinon and a third if possible before engaging in any treatment plan. Mimi....oh sweet Mimi...I hope everything will be good.. There are so many great treatment plans for children who have blocked ear drums...Tubes are a godsend for some, Ive worked with many a babys that have had them and they began talking shortly thereafter. I have also had babies that did not go that route and went to the chiropractor for weekly adjustments for about 6 months with the same results. It really depends on the severity of the fluid in the canal. Coccelar (spelling?) inplants have come a long way and for children who have had fluid and whos hearing is affected by it have done amazing and they also have started talking about 3 months after inplants. More importantly is Mimi getting therapy now?? I know in NY she would be getting at least 3 times a week speech and language therapy and at least 3-5 times special instruction. This would be because...of difficulty with hearing and so on...she is at risk for delays in development later on. You really want to ensure that she is getting all the help she can get so this wont happen. I know you and your daughter from what you post are doing everything possible to help her now...but Early Intervention could mean so much....I know you said she does get some therapy...but getting as much as you can would be best. Due to the fact that you are allready working with doctors...will make it easy to get all the therapy she needs. I have to tell you....most parents wait till their children are way older to start getting treatments so...its great that you are interving so early!!! Good for you..and with all your pain..I dont know how you are doing it!!!! Im so glad you are getting it taken care of...your pain and frustrations are so easy to read..and oh how that makes me so upset for you!!! Good luck....... As far as why I have to kosher the kitchen for passover?? hmm well,, apparently we are to be made feel like we are leaving our homes just like the jews did in egypt. When they left they didnt have time to have the bread they made rise..so they grabbed it and ran so to say...this is how Matzah is made....and since then....the practice is to get rif of anything in your house made with wheat that has risen. Basically you need to get rid of any foods that might contain wheat or wheat products and therefore you must kosher your house to the best of your ability so there should not be a crumb of anything that may be considered...CHAMETZ...not allowed to eat on passover..that contains the above. (wheat, grains, rice, yeast, and certain foods with seeds) So, you have to kosher your kitchen as Janet has so thouroughly explained!!! That was really great..dont know where she got that information but there were a couple of things that Ive forgottent to do that Ive left for last minute and well...I would have probably forgotten them by tomorrow night and been all in a tiff if I remembered to late!! SO I must thank her for that list and tips....for passover you have to do whats on that list and then you have to cover everything because koshering is not enough......you have to cover everything you use normally like the counters, stove, table and refridgerator (i use tin foil) you need to change your dishes glasswear, cookwear and serving utensils etc etc. Basically you are turning over your whole house..and kitchen with everything that you use for the time of the eight days of passover then we can change everything back. As Ive said its the holiday from hell. lol and Why I ask do I feel like a slave every year when its the holiday to celebrate freedom?? Because Im not rich and I cant just pick up and go to one of those gorgeous resorts that people run for the week where you can go...close up your house and just go to a hotel for the whole week and everything is done for you. But, that would cost oh about 5,000 dollars easy for my daughter and me....so we are staying put because I have spent only about 1,000 dollars.....and thats cheaper lol But the honest truth?? With the cleaning girls this week?? I dont really feel that worked!! lol Of course tomorrow starts the cooking..and Ill be cooking for another two days...but I enjoy that so Im happy...problem is..come next year when I dont have the excuse of having had surgery.....having two cleaning girls for the whole week costing about 400 dollars! How the heck will I be able to justify that one?? Oh and heck if I wont have them again though.....Ive seen the light!! They are staying. Im never doing it by myself again. lol This was way too easy!! Ill start saving now..for that luxery! Laura K - ahh "Tzimis" lol is a traditional dish usually served on holidays..depending on where you come from its served differently. It usually consists of meat...that is cooked a very long time along with sweet potatoes and prunes. It has a sweet sauce usually made from brown sugar, lemon juice, margerine and cinamin. I will not be eating this dish lol. In fact I wont be eating anything of what I am making this passover....nor will I be eating any Matzah..for sure...ill be starving. lol Great.....These are lovely pictures. Your daughter looks beutiful and so are you!!! Thanks for sharing...Weddings are so special especially when they are your own daughters!! Im so glad you enjoyed the wedding and all went well....is it a normal occurance to have animals getting stuck in the road??? That really doesnt happen in NY too much...no matter where that will im sure be remembered as part of the wedding day....memories!! well, must go to sleep as the cooking fest will be starting tomorrow AM....Mom is coming over and I just hope she remembers how to make the pot roast....lol I hope you all have a great week. Jodi

Hi, hope everyone is having a great weekend. Its Sat night and I just finished changing over the winter to spring clothes....happy to think that comes summer ill have to get all new clothes!!! Hope all you past week bandsters are recouping. Give it a week and I know...its uncomfortable....take the pain killers they really help even with the gas pains. Remember to sip and walk, sip and walk. I sipped so much the first night....that I was getting up to pee more then just to get up to walk lol. I hope everyone else is doing good post op who have had surgery at the beg of the month and everyone is feeling good now!!! Im having a problem drinking 640z of liqiud still. I just cant sip that much all day...I try and try but to no avail. I get to about 24-30 at most. Doing okay with protein drinks and all the vitamins etc etc but still cant get enough liquid. Anyone else having this problem? (Stevie) Jodi, I do like not having a scale at home, but sometimes I would like to know how I am doing. I would be afraid to have one at home for the fact that i would probably be on it everyday as well. I would just like to know my progress so far. I can tell I am slimming out, I just dont believe it. I have been stuck here for so long... Stevie... thats exactly why I wont have one here....I know ill be on it night and day!! I actually went to my primary doctors this past week ...as he wanted to see how I was doing..so he weighed me and I lost another 4 pds or so....yea...he was so excited I lost 20pds since March 9th he hugged me...a little inapropriate but I suppose he feels responsible as he was the one who pushed me to have the surgery in the first place...lol But he also agreed not to have the scale until I hit goal. I am however starting to feel like I lost weight. I actually fit into some clothes that my mother bought for me in size 18 and before surgert they did not fit...and now not even a month later they fit!!!! Yea. Hoping next month Ill go down to a 14 and then I can start getting rid of my big clothes!! cant wait for that. Hope your feeling good! Finding me; Yea you did it!!! I hope you are feeling good. I know the first three days are the hardest but you will start to feel better soon.....I began driving and shopping on day three. Day two not...so good..but day three and on I was okay so you should be able to go...esp when you will be sitting. just take water with and sip sip sip. Liftingchic; I hope you are feeling okay..I know the doctors did say if you develop a fever to call ASAP as maybe this could be you have an infection...I hope all is well and you did call. Im worried for you now....Please post and let us know your okay.... I didnt go back to work for a week and half. I really could have after a week but I just started to feel better on Sunday which was just 6 days after surgery...If I pushed it I could have but decided to wait another 2 days and ended going back on Thursday a week and two days after surgery. The extra two days...I kind of just shopped and got my house back on order. Im glad I waited....I felt really good when I went back later like I never had surgery by that time. Please let us know how you are....will be thinking about you and hoping everything is okay!!! You just joined!! What a great idea about going into the chat room at the same time each week to get a support group going. I think this would be as you said a great time to ask all those questions we all have and forget to post ask or dont get responses fast enough lol. I would love to come in and chat,,,,the only thing is is 6PM is really early as I am a single parent and that is a really hard time, Im on the East coast and that would make it afternoon for the west coast. Is it possible to make it later so that all the people who have kids can sit and chat maybe after the kids are closer to going to sleep or after dinner for the east coasters?? Ill take any time of course that the consensus chooses but my choice is for as late as possible. 8 and later...for me...what do you think?? Not sure about how to make your own chat room on this thread...but maybe someone will know. perhaps we can make a pole about the timing to go into the chat room on site. Dont know how to do that lol but if someone does...I know Bob he made a pole before so maybe he can help here.... Let me know,,,again great idea. I love it. and welcome to the thread!! Hope you are feeling well. Keep us posted. Well...must run Have a great night all...feel good. Jodi