TerriDoodle

I'm sitting here PBing into my trashcan for the last 40 minutes because I had 3 bites of eggs. Would someone tell me why in the WORLD I thought I could eat eggs now, when every single other time I ever tried them I am in the same position???? Am I just THAT stupid????

Just had to come over here to share this joke with you!!! .......... WIFE FROM HELL A police officer pulls over a speeding car. The officer says, “I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir." The driver says, "Gee, officer I had it on cruise control at 60, perhaps your radar gun needs calibrating." Not looking up from her knitting the wife says: "Now don't be silly dear, you know that this car doesn't have cruise control." As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks over at his wife and growls, "Can't you please keep your mouth shut for once?" The wife smiles demurely and says, "You should be thankful your radar detector went off when it did." As the officer makes out the second ticket for the illegal radar detector unit, the man glowers at his wife and says through clenched teeth, "Damit, woman, can't you keep your mouth shut?" The officer frowns and says, "And I notice that you're not wearing your seat belt, sir. That's an automatic $75 fine." The driver says, "Yeah, well, you see officer, I had it on, but took it off when you pulled me over so that I could get my license out of my back pocket." The wife says, "Now, dear, you know very well that you didn't have your seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt when you’re driving." And as the police officer is writing out the third ticket the driver turns to his wife and barks, "WHY DON'T YOU PLEASE SHUT UP??" The officer looks over at the woman and asks, "Does your husband always talk to you this way, Ma'am?" I love this part.... "Only when he’s been drinking."

Good Morning Girliez- Laura - you misread, unfortunately. I was NOT able to quit smoking so I don't rock as much as you think! When I get into a size 12....or maybe 10 (which is my real goal) then I'll quit again. I'm like Denise...when I quit in 2003 I gained 60# in RECORD time to hit an all time high weight. Speaking of which....let's discuss SET POINT weights! Those of us who are 'stuck' or 'plateaued'....by any chance are you at a weight where you spent a lot of time previously? My set points are 180, 168 and 158. So yes, for me I'm definitely stuck at a previous set point. TracyK - So glad your sister is OK. Maybe this was her angel's way of waking her up to take better care of herself! Kat - What the heck is wrong with your hip?? It's hell getting old! Mine's been freaking out lately too...I need to find a chiropractor. Soon. I'm hoping Mom will get busted out of that rehab center soon. She's getting too depressed there...the other clients are so much worse off than her and 90% are devoid of personality. So I told her that she needs to come home with us at least thru the holidays and she was all for it! My dd will get displaced from her bedroom (haven't figured that one out yet) but I am really looking forward to spending this time with Mom. And now I have some ammunition to get her to 'behave' (stay hydrated and get exercise)!! If she doesn't, then it's BACK to the rehab center!! LOL That should work! Now....to get her discharged. Busy, busy BUSY day today!!! Gotta run! XOXOXO!!

Is that the preacher's wife way of saying "I need to get my shit together?" LOL!!!! <snort> I only lasted a few weeks....3 i think. I just canNOT diet and quit at the same time. I will quit though....someday!! GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!! Whew! I avoid those kinds of worries by just not going to the doctor at all. LOL I've got a list of appts. I need to make and just keep putting them off.... physical, dentist, mammocram, pelvic, and orthopedist!! Jeez. When am I going to do all that??!? I love Spanx (thanks, Judy!) but I need the chin to ankle spanx too. That would be oh-so-helpful. I should have invented those things myself and I'd be RICH!! i used to cut off the hose from my control top panty hose all the time!!! Dammit!!! HI! Miss you!!! She did contact me but I told her that, unfortunately, I am just too freakin' busy right now to schedule anything!!! Between mom, work and the holidays I have virtually *zero* free time. After Jan. 7th, i'm home free. Can't wait to catch up! My secret santa gift goes in the mail today!!! I hope she likes it! Thanks everyone for the dancing nanners!!! You girlz rock!

(((((((SUZIECAT)))))))) !!! We're so glad you're here!!!

Well, Tracy, you must be right about the GV jeans because i just went to Dillards to find some dress pants to wear to my parties this year. I took 5 pair in the dressing room....all size 16's (which used to be reliable)....but they were ALL too big! So I ended up with size 14 (Jones NY) that fit perfectly. However, i am wearing my Spanx today so that had a lot to do with it, I'm sure....and as a general rule I don't buy tight jeans....just comfy. The GV jeans have just the right amount of stretch in them. SO! I had a NSV today!!....and I haven't had one of those in a helluva long time!

Oh, I have found the perfect jeans!! Cheap and comfortable! Gloria Vanderbilt!! I can go to Kohl's and buy Size 16's and not even have to try them on! I think I've bought 5 pair in the last couple of months...all colors! Uh, aren't all blood donors volunteers?? LOL Kat, you're a better person than me, that's been proven over and over...but I'm one of those that hates to give blood. I do it once in a blue moon, but it messes with me and so I rarely do it. I had cheese enchiladas yesterday....I win the award for ETC day. Today I'll be picture perfect. I promise!! Suzie - I missed it....what kind of work do you do?

Michelle - Most evidence suggests that shaking up your routine by doing something different with your exercise routine and/or adding/subtracting calories, eating more protein, and more veggies will help the scale to finally move. What has happened is that your body has simply adapted to your routine...so you need to change it! I found this very interesting article about calories in/calories out, too, which supports the idea that you may be eating too FEW calories: Weight of the Evidence: Calories Count - In More Ways than you Think I am stuck too, but it's because I've been lazy. I understand your frustration....and it's little consolation if 1,000,000 people have been in your shoes and feel your pain. It's still your pain. How can you change things up?

TracyKS= You are soooooooooo right! You have everything now. Just sit back and enjoy this season with your grateful heart and it'll be the best one yet. I am sooooo happy for you!! Just think where you were a year ago and how much has changed in 2007!! Angels have been watching over you for sure. Cindy - You had a busy day! Sounds grand! Yeah, I'll just be wearing that jacket with slacks. I also have some pewter (shiny) heels that I can wear with it..should look kewl! Denise - I have been eating far more than 1000 cals a day....good for you!!! Maybe in 2008 we'll all be wearing WWDD bracelets! I have been working hard on my Secret Santa gift! I know your shocked to discover that I'm making jewelry! But it's a beauty and I'm even making all of the links myself....and having a ball!! Gotta get back to it..... Bye for now!

Morning everyone! Pamela - Christmas in Hawaii sounds divine! I am such a scrooge....getting away for the holidays always sounds great to me! TracyK and I live on polar opposite sides of town....and in Houston that equates to 50+ miles apart... here's a map link:from: dickinson, tx to: cypress, tx - Google Maps just in case you are that curious! LOL I shopped for 6 hours yesterday...and only bought stuff for myself. My mission was to find something to wear to Christmas parties this year and I was apparently way behind!! The selection was very slim. Anyway, ended up getting some nice things at Chico's besides just party stuff. Laura, like you said, there's 50 sleeveless things for every 1 with sleeves. Or if it has sleeves, then it's too heavy for Houston. At Christmas time it can easily be 80 degrees outside....or 40....you never know. So this is what I got to wear to my company's Xmas party (that I coordinate). It's very comfy and cool....and you can't really see it, but the buttons are beautiful rhinestone thingies. Very nice. I was shocked to see that I wear a size 2 (they size 0,1,2 & 3) in most things there!! Freaky! I'm still not used to shopping for clothes.... always have to exchange for smaller sizes after trying on. Today is beading day for sure. Yea!! TracyinKS - yeah, how ARE things with Cody??? Cindy - I might get a kit, but I doubt I'd be very good at it. It would certainly be worth a try! (I don't do the small beads, I do the bigger stuff) Judy - What is that thing you got for Bob? I'm always at a loss for what to get my husband!! That's a good question for everyone.... if you have a hubby or SO... what are you getting them for Xmas? I need ideas!!

PS - Michelle, I LOVE the dress!!! sounds like I'm built a lot like you are! I like the flesh colored lace one best, but that's just cause I don't look good in red/black combo. My first thought was a boa of some sort. It''d be cool if you could find a shawl with feathers on it!! A LONG string of pearls would help the eye go vertical, too. OOOOOOoooh!! And a wide cuff bracelet...pearls and rhinestones...and drape-y rhinestone earrings!! I wish I was there to help you play dress up!

CINDY!!!! First of all, WELCOME!! So glad you decided to join us! I visited the Crackerbox website and was blown over by the beautiful ornaments!!! The website, sadly, does not give any indication of what kind of skills are required for putting them together!? Obviously they look incredibly difficult....are they? I'd LOVE to try one!!! Gosh, your tree must look amazing!!! My company gives me a Swarovski snowflake ornament every year and I think I've got 8 or 9 now. Now we give them as gifts to several of the younger couples in our family so their collection will grow. They, too, rise in value every year...but nothing close to the Crackerbox ornaments!!! So cool!! TracyK - I've got the day off today for shopping, too! I haven't bought one thing either. Not one. Don't know why I haven't been just making beads for everyone!? Well, I do know....NO TIME! I'm going to the grocery store later today and I've vowed to myself that I WILL NOT BUY ONE FORBIDDEN ITEM. I usually buy 'treats' for the kids....like Toaster Streudel or cinnamon rolls or ice cream....but it's not good for them either!! Then they go back to their dad's and I finish off the ice cream!! I WILL NOT BUY JUNK, I WILL NOT BUY JUNK, I WILL NOT BUY JUNK. Grrrrrrrrrrr. Sorry I haven't been around. Things will slow down considerably after the middle of the month and I'll be back to posting regularly again. Mom is doing so much better than she was a month ago. She's much stronger....the PT and OT are doing wonders...as well as the fact that she's getting 3 squares a day and cleaning her plate each meal! She looks good. I'd give her outlook a 6 out of 10, though....she seems a bit depressed, but OK. Could be worse. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. I'm starting to worry a little bit about my 14 yr old daughter. She told me the other day that she wants to become a vegetarian because she wants to "lose some of her muscle mass". Shit!!! She's 5'8" and weighs 130 and wears a size 5. I think she's upset because last year she wore a size 0 and is not getting the relationship between getting taller, 'becoming a woman', etc, and needing larger sizes. She knows she's not "fat" but apparently wants to be smaller....so in her mind she needs to lose muscle mass. OMG!! I've pounded good nutrition principles into these kids' heads since they were toddlers!! Is she crazy??? I'll keep a close eye on her. She does love milk so I'll keep pouring that down her throat. I've got lots to do today, girls.... I hope you all can be patient with me during my busy time and not think I'm just being a snot! Frankly, I'm feeling a little crazy and just trying to keep it all together. Love you all!

I'm here!! BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!

Oh yeah! I remember you telling me that before!! Sorry! (I'm old. Someday you'll understand.) DENISE - good news that you're not crazy!!

Oh, another thing, Laura -- aren't you concerned about reflux eating so late at night? I've had a bout or two and I want NO part of that!!!

Yeah, Laura -- go to the hardware store and ask them for the hooks. There are different kinds, but i think the ones we have shove between the shingle and the eve. I'm not sure since I'm not the one who hangs them!

YES, Judy, it most certainly does!! When I was wearing my BodyBugg faithfully (don't have time to keep up with it right now) it was interesting to note that on my work days if I sat behind my desk all day then relaxed when I got home, I'd burn maybe 1850-2100 calories in the day. On the weekend days if I had an active day working around the house, shopping at the mall, cooking, etc. with little rest, I'd burn about 2500-2600 calories a day....and that's withOUT any added exercise like the bicycle or treadmill, etc. Sitting still I burned about 1.5-2 calories per minute. Moving around I burned about 3. So that's why people who wear a bugg say it keeps them motivated to MOVE! Not necessarily "exercise"...but just MOVE! HA! Your house stays cleaner, too! LOL When I was in your position, I went for a 0.1cc unfill and it made a world of difference! 0.1 cc!! Do you know how LITTLE that is?? (Of course you do, you're a math teacher!!) So getting a very slight unfill might be just the ticket for you! I haven't had an adjustment since then either. I like my level of restriction just the way it is. Yeah, I do PB sometimes, maybe 1-2x a week. Kat, How much did you lose in just this last year (2007)?? I'm just afraid I'll never lose another pound :cry

bump bump bump

Hi Y'all! (((Laura))) - I keep having those same thoughts too...sorta. Not to the extent you are because I still love my band, but wonder what the hell is wrong with my head??? I mean, why are we BUYING and eating stuff we know is bad??? I am eating so much damn sugar (for me) that I feel like I'm out of control! So what is that about? I guess it's the stress of dealing with my mother....but it's gotta stop! It's just not like me to eat this way. The only thing I can think of is that I've been 'sticking my toe in the water' and haven't gained weight, so I've convinced myself that it's OK to eat this crap. Also, when I get busy I eat on the run too much! Is that perhaps your problem too....something to do with being really busy at work?? I gained just a little...not enough to worry about really...but I'd much prefer to lose. I haven't gotten any shopping done. Nothing. I don't foresee getting any done in the next 2 weeks, either!! Aaaack!!! See? That stress right there has me wanting a big bowl of chocolate ice cream! I don't want or need a fill. I need my head examined!

Sounds like everyone had a great day!! Thanks for the pics Judy and TRacy.... I love pics!! Michelle - I ditto all you said!! Thanks to all your girls for being my new friends. Ya'll are the best!!!! I had a good food day. Woke up weighing 182 (whew!) and had cottage cheese for breakfast. PB'd half my turkey dinner even though I tried real hard to chew well and eat slowly...but still probably ate too fast. As a result, I sure didn't eat much but it was all good! We were at my in-laws today, then dropped by to see Mom for a couple of hours. She's doing well. I don't plan on doing any shopping tomorrow...I'm cooking for the Thanksgiving dinner I'm having for Mom on Saturday. In my spare time I'll have to clear out my beading from the dining room table What a chore that is! Suzie - I've had just the opposite thing going on with me...I find that food tastes better because I've learned to savor every LITTLE bite! Rest well everyone....and to those of you hitting the mall tomorrow ....good luck and happy Black Friday!

No, I've never sold any of my jewelry. I'm just now getting good enough to the point where I could (in good conscience) sell something. The wire in that piece came in a spool...so it is essentially 'straight' and I bend and mold it into submission! I don't even feel confident enough to make jewelry for friends 'cause they might not like what I like...and if I spend $30-50 making something, they better damn sure like it!! LOL I'll post the things I make from time to time and if you want one like it, I can certainly make another! Or if you want something similar, but in a different wire (like sterling or gold filled) and/or with different color stones I can certainly do that too. Like you could say, "oh, I love that necklace...but I prefer browns and greens".....then that's easy! I'd do the same necklace but with aged brass, aged copper or gold wire and choose some earthy color stones (jade, citrine, carnelian, sponge coral, etc.) Interestingly, there is a trend now to go to completely oxidized silver metal....which means it is totally black or almost total. It's cool, but seems kind of odd to spend all that money for silver then turning it black! LOL Here's an example of what I mean (from my favorite handmade website Etsy :: Your place to buy and sell all things handmade ): Etsy :: The Weight of Water Earrings

I'd call your doctor.

I was self-pay, but I just want to say that after my time on this board and watching others' ups and downs with insurance woes, I'd just like to suggest that you prepare yourself for the possibility of denial...AND be prepared to appeal. It seems to be a game that the insurance companies play so that they can hold on to as much of their money as possible. It's like they HOPE you'll just give up and walk away....BUT DON'T!! I've seen some that had to appeal as many as 4 times before they got approved. So be mentally ready for that....and to fight to the bitter end. There are even agencies that will help you, and get good results, if you need their help. I just Googled "lawyer obesity surgery appeals" and found this one real quick: Obesity Law and Advocacy Center -- there are others. Best of luck to you!!!

We all went thru similar questions, so no, you're not unusual in that regard. My job doesn't know, I plan on just taking a few weeks off for &quot;minor surgery&quot; and not disclose why. You probably will only need a week off, 10 days at the most and then you'll be fine! I am afraid of never pigging out again on pizza, or going out to have dinner with my relatives to an &quot;Olive Garden&quot; or &quot;Texas Roadhouse&quot; or &quot;Red Lobster&quot; again. The band gives you FREEDOM from that behavior! You will be eternally grateful, not regretful! At first it's kinda hard to get used to, but after that it's no big deal at all. You will be happy and amazed at how little is on your plate and you will NOT miss pigging out! How would I explain a Protein shake instead of a steak for dinner? You won't be having a liquid diet except for the first few days! I eat steak (filet mignon) and salad and baked potatoes and veggies....just like everyone at my table...but I have 2 more meals left and take it home! I sleep on my right side, can the port be placed on my left side, same side as the stomach? This is not an issue after the first couple of weeks. You will be able to sleep however you like, no matter where the port is placed. Will being banded effect my singing? Will I be able to still harness my stomach muscles for strength? The band should not effect your stomach muscles in any way. Am I JUST CRAZY for worrying like this? No, but you're concerned about things that will probably not be a problem at all. Does everyone go through such self doubt?Yes. I will be 50 in March 2008. Is this just midlife crisis? No!! You are making an excellent choice for your future health!! Not getting banded will be far more detrimental than doing so. 93% of bandsters say they would have the surgery agaiin in a heartbeat. Doesn't that speak for itself?

I thought I would post a picture of my last project...it was so much fun to make! The beads and pendant are made from raku pottery which is extremely hard to photograph (especially with an iPhone!) because of the reflective nature of the glaze....but it's kind of an irridescent gold/green/blue/purple. The wire components are all handmade (by me) with copper and then oxidized (aged). If you're curious, if I were to sell this necklace it would go for about $50-60. The raku pottery beads are very expensive....they are painstaking work.