Chimera

I hooked into Ansestery.com 14 day free trial, to see if I could find anything.. of course, the free is over and I am lost in ancestor land! My goal is to print a book for the family. My mom and dad are pretty much the last generation left from the old school... Im going through the photos with them before its too late... I sure don't know who anyone is in the photos. If you have even your mom and dads birthday and place of birth, any grandparents names... the application does a lot of the work looking stuff up for you... census info, death and birth certificates... and with some work other clues... I though my family came over later as well, some of them did, but it is pretty amazing how long many families were here... before the Revolution.... I have found 2 slave owners , a couple of Quakers, some transport ship names.... but hardly any personality.... a few stories.... that is the interesting part, and that is the part that is lost... almost lost... I haven't the time to interview my folks about everything, but trying to get a word now and then... and the best surprise? All the animals. I have pics of people on horseback, with wagons, with dogs, with cats and even a goat pulled cart full of kids. I dont know who many of these people are, but I think I will put a collage together with the animal pics... love them. I know animals are a big part of my life, and I relate to them.
I see the ap in the name, and verch must be daughter of?
As my friend Jack says "We're in the Zone" meaning old enough to start seeing the end stages of life all around us... I just saw this on Facebook, and thought you might like....
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty Mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles roll
ed into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..
‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.
‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.
Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

New low! 160.2!!!! Please don't let this be a fluke!! The strange thing is, this is the new lowest low I've had since surgery, haven't weighed this in about 16 years, but seeing the number on the scale didn't give me the rush I thought it would. When I broke 200, when I hit 164 (the first time) I felt like a warrior goddess, I felt skinny and strong!! Now I saw it and was just like, "meh". What's that about?
I was made acting team leader because my tl was removed due to his temper!!!!
Does anyone know how to reopen a worker's comp claim?

Must be spring a bunch of us are doing well! I popped up to 153 by kiddo is here and we are going out to dinner every night. Last night took both boys out for sushi, it was delicious!

Sheryl - have you tried using a lubricant that isn't Water based? Or simply use olive or coconut oil. Down to 161 flat!!!! Li'l Dickins scale teased me with 152 with my first step-on this morning. Stepped off, stepped back on and 161, several more times and 161 flat every time, so no I didn't lose 9 pounds overnight, just a little less than half a pound, BUT I'LL TAKE IT!!

I had a good fast day on Tuesday and was rewarded with a new low yesterday (168), it was my birthday so accepted it as a present but didn't claim it. Today scale says the same and that was after cake and drinks yesterday so I am claiming it! I'm chip chip chipping away and can see the finishing line, though I know that is where the real journey starts. I'm buzzing and it is a fast day today.
Celebrations were only small yesterday but we will Celebrate again on Sunday as it is Mothers Day here in the UK so I will be out with both of my boys and of course hubby will have his mum with him too. MILs dementia seems to be progressing faster these past couple of months so we need to make it a special day for her (and hubby too).
Hope everyone has a good day.

I have been reading all sorts of food addiction books - and ordered this little one that arrived a couple of days ago - I have to say that I am loving it so far - its is pretty much in line with the rules we have as bariatric folk which I like - another little tool to add to the arsenal of weapons against the dreaded regain.
The Little Book of Thin
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0399166009/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=36306974918&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15491231640768002992&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2n6n72qut3_e
I am always clueless when folks leave, or if there is drama - I think because I got deeply mired in some online nonsense on another type of forum a decade ago (and became the target of some crazy craziness out of the blue) I tend to stay far away from that kind of stuff. I really love the input of folks like Cheri, and Laura, and Butter - some of the pearls of wisdom that these folks have shared is some of the most valuable info I have come across on this journey.
Ah well - it is a good thing you guys are moderators to help keep all the crazy in line

Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels, or so say the super models. I'm not thin yet, but seeing a new low number on the scale is way more satisfying than grilled cheese!

I have been reading all sorts of food addiction books - and ordered this little one that arrived a couple of days ago - I have to say that I am loving it so far - its is pretty much in line with the rules we have as bariatric folk which I like - another little tool to add to the arsenal of weapons against the dreaded regain.
The Little Book of Thin
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0399166009/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=36306974918&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15491231640768002992&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2n6n72qut3_e
I am always clueless when folks leave, or if there is drama - I think because I got deeply mired in some online nonsense on another type of forum a decade ago (and became the target of some crazy craziness out of the blue) I tend to stay far away from that kind of stuff. I really love the input of folks like Cheri, and Laura, and Butter - some of the pearls of wisdom that these folks have shared is some of the most valuable info I have come across on this journey.
Ah well - it is a good thing you guys are moderators to help keep all the crazy in line

Sarah I am thinking about your FIL and hoping the best for him, you, and your family.....
You really don't need any more stress on your plate....
Georgia I'm very happy to hear your a host on the vet's forum and kicking the newbies out...
cowgirljane it's a really good feeling when something spontaneous happens out of the blue. Perhaps Stephen is learning some new tricks. You two do seem really close and are able to talk about the most vulnerable things... Just saying....
Last night I meant up with some colleagues from my past job. I had a little bit of a mini breakdown when one of them started talking about past employers in which I had heard a million times and wanted to quickly run away...I'm so over that. My ego isn't there anymore, I'm more for letting go of the past of wanting to be and now working on just being and loving myself and my friends too. Last night was a big surprise for me.....Today is a new day so let's bring in the new and out with the old....

I volunteered to be a host for the plastics or vets forum but Alex didn't choose to take me up on it...dunno why.
I had a couple of fabulous days.
Thursday night Steven showed up at my house unexpectedly....it was cool as he has never done that before.
Friday I was supposed to go skiing but it didnt work out so had dinner with my friend Mary and told her all about Mexico...So fun! We are both gonna look into how single women can retire or semi retire as snowbirds with our critters (horses, dogs and in her case a goat)'
Saturday we went on our first trailride of spring. It was so fun!!!my new mare, Mia was in season but her behavior was near perfect. One of the reasons they gave her to me for free is she was supposed to be bitchy mean when in season but she was a doll. I scored big time with that beautiful horse! We stopped for a drink and shared an appetizer (dinner) at our favorite place...dressed like the cowgirls that we are. Saw some of our acquaintances there and had a gas.
I have a pretty good life.
I read all your posts...more replies later - but Cathy I gained like 8 pounds in just over a week....yeah I was on vacation but that seemed insane! Jury is out on that progesterone cream for me (I am so dedicated to not gaining weight!!!) but I have been sleeping well....

And I don't get why we lost two good BPers. I know they were upset over the Run in's with a couple idjits but hey. Why punish the rest of us?
(I hope they are lurking).

I am so sorry you are going through these wacky swings with menopause - I am in it as well, though have yet to have the serious symptoms hit me - I know they will come.
You will get your goal - please don't feel like a failure. I know that I have to constantly work on my inner dialogue - it is utterly punishing a lot of the time. Something that helps me is to remember gratitude, even if it is the tiniest thing, thinking of 5 things I am grateful for can make the pain a tiny bit easier - like my kitties brushing up against my legs and looking up and purring
I think of everyone often as well - especially folks who get so upset or are struggling with issues that they feel they have to leave the board :/

I am so sorry you are going through these wacky swings with menopause - I am in it as well, though have yet to have the serious symptoms hit me - I know they will come.
You will get your goal - please don't feel like a failure. I know that I have to constantly work on my inner dialogue - it is utterly punishing a lot of the time. Something that helps me is to remember gratitude, even if it is the tiniest thing, thinking of 5 things I am grateful for can make the pain a tiny bit easier - like my kitties brushing up against my legs and looking up and purring
I think of everyone often as well - especially folks who get so upset or are struggling with issues that they feel they have to leave the board :/

Hi ladies!
Sheila, the phentermine is an appetite suppressant and it was part of the original phen-fen combo - its that part that does not make your heart valve go wonky. In a nutshell it completely removes the desire to eat for me - which is the help with de-carbing that I seem to have needed.
I always leave my ticker at my lowest weight (which feels deceitful) - but I had popped up by about 13 lbs and have been quite ashamed about it. I am feeling in control for the moment and I am 9 lbs down from last week. The lowest weight I have been at since November. I should reach my ticker number soon - oh you can be sure I will trumpet that to you guys lol.
My surgeons office highly recommends Phentermine to both pre-and post op patients - I know that many folks cycle the use of it to keep it effective (say 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off etc.) It is a class IV Drug so insurance often will not pay for it (this last time it did - Obamacare maybe?) and it cannot be called in for refills - a new scrip must be handed to you in person each time. Its pretty much like an amphetamine - and it works, but I dont take it all the time - and I dont think it is meant to be taken for long streches.
You should ask your doc about it - my GP doesn't feel comfortable prescribing it - so the WL providers do - and those guys don't like to do refills for my Klonopin (benzo). I have quite the custom mixture precisely tailored to amp my dopamine...because I am an addict and it helps with my food addiction.
Here's Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phentermine
Mechanism of Action
Phentermine has some similarity in its pharmacodynamics with its parent compound, amphetamine, as they both are TAAR1 agonists.[8] Phentermine works on the hypothalamus portion of the brain to stimulate the adrenal glands to release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that signals a fight-or-flight response, reducing hunger. Phentermine works outside the brain, as well, to release epinephrine or adrenaline, causing fat cells to break down stored fat, but the principal basis of efficacy is hunger-reduction. At clinically relevant doses, phentermine also releases serotonin anddopamine, but to a much lesser extent than that of norepinephrine.[9]
I am getting a Shingles vaccine as soon as I possibly can! That does not sound like something to mess with.
Georgia - lovely pictures, wishing your family the best for their future happiness and security. Your outfit is stunning - so smart and stylish, I love it!
Globe and everyone - I can absolutely relate to the food addiction issues. I have been reading a lot of 12 step, OA stuff and it is like reading my own story, the drive for booze, drugs, food, sex, gambling, what have you all comes from poor brains starved of the proper chemicals due mainly to genetics (dopamine receptor).
I know the war with food and weight and loving ourselves and taking good care will always be with me - I guess remembering to take pleasure in the little things like ordering skinny jeans from a favorite catalog (when you could only dream about those clothes before surgery) and even having your shoes become too small to wear are pretty cool signposts of triumph on this bumpy old road.
I stopped in at my old job to say hi to a few folks I haven't seen in about 9 months and one women who knows me well literally did not recognize me at all - there was a completely blank look on her face when I walked past her and greeted her by name. I have colored my hair, but I wasn't aware that I look that different - I guess I do lol.
Sheryl - you may not feel hot right now but by jove you are smokin hot in your vacation pic
We are going on a cruise to Mexico sometime next year and I think I am already planning out outfits.

I love this thread and re-read the whole thing everytime it is updated with another post. Let's see my own breakdown of this process and my losses so far - I keep this info on my profile page so I don't forget how far I have come on those blue days.
Start weight of 318, 5'3" 48 female
4/13/11 - attended hospital seminar with my husband and family
6/20/11 - first month of medically supervised weight loss
Managed to lose 30 lbs in about 11 months
5/8/12 - Husband has VSG
5/21/12 - my VSG - lost 14 lbs on pre-op/Atkins liver shrinking diet for a total of 44 pre-op lost. Surgery weight 274
8/12 - 3 months post op I was down 50 from surgery weight
11/12 - 6 months out I was down 70 from surgery day
2/13 - 9 months out I was down 86 from surgery.
As of today I am at my ticker weight - I tend to keep that updated regularly.
My husband is down 134 lbs. now from 318 (yes we had the same start weight) to 184 lbs.
I have a rough goal to be 180 by the end of the semester - 160 by the start of fall semester, and 140 by the new year - which will put me at goal of a healthy BMI - so that is about 19 months after surgery - not including pre-op loss. About 5 lbs a month - and I will take it - sure I wish it moved faster but never before have I ever thought that anything I have done would "stick." We both are engaging in healthy exercise, get more movement through fun family activities (skiing, walking, aquarobics, etc), and make good choices now with what we consume. Our Dr.s and nutritionists think we are doing great.
It feels so good to finally know how to eat and take care of myself properly I dont care if it takes me the rest of the time I am alive to get there - by jove I will get there eventually!

i just came back from a trip to a warm climate and I never once felt awkward about wearing sleeveless or otherwise dressing in comfortable vacation wear (shorts, tank tops etc). I saw some photos of myself looking alarmingly like a normal person. Even though I have been at maintenance awhile, I still sometimes am shocked that I look okay. The place I went had a lot of really thin/skinny American women (the expats and retirees tended to be quite trim due to the active lifestyle they are drawn to there) so I was feeling kinda fat until i saw those photos and just felt that i looked okay. I didn't lose weight for looks, but it is a real confidence builder to just feel like you "fit in" I even bought a top at a store and didn't worry about if they would have anything that I could squeeze into.
So, although maintenance at times is work, it's worth it since day to day life is just better when you are fit.

Hi ladies!
Sheila, the phentermine is an appetite suppressant and it was part of the original phen-fen combo - its that part that does not make your heart valve go wonky. In a nutshell it completely removes the desire to eat for me - which is the help with de-carbing that I seem to have needed.
I always leave my ticker at my lowest weight (which feels deceitful) - but I had popped up by about 13 lbs and have been quite ashamed about it. I am feeling in control for the moment and I am 9 lbs down from last week. The lowest weight I have been at since November. I should reach my ticker number soon - oh you can be sure I will trumpet that to you guys lol.
My surgeons office highly recommends Phentermine to both pre-and post op patients - I know that many folks cycle the use of it to keep it effective (say 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off etc.) It is a class IV Drug so insurance often will not pay for it (this last time it did - Obamacare maybe?) and it cannot be called in for refills - a new scrip must be handed to you in person each time. Its pretty much like an amphetamine - and it works, but I dont take it all the time - and I dont think it is meant to be taken for long streches.
You should ask your doc about it - my GP doesn't feel comfortable prescribing it - so the WL providers do - and those guys don't like to do refills for my Klonopin (benzo). I have quite the custom mixture precisely tailored to amp my dopamine...because I am an addict and it helps with my food addiction.
Here's Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phentermine
Mechanism of Action
Phentermine has some similarity in its pharmacodynamics with its parent compound, amphetamine, as they both are TAAR1 agonists.[8] Phentermine works on the hypothalamus portion of the brain to stimulate the adrenal glands to release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that signals a fight-or-flight response, reducing hunger. Phentermine works outside the brain, as well, to release epinephrine or adrenaline, causing fat cells to break down stored fat, but the principal basis of efficacy is hunger-reduction. At clinically relevant doses, phentermine also releases serotonin anddopamine, but to a much lesser extent than that of norepinephrine.[9]
I am getting a Shingles vaccine as soon as I possibly can! That does not sound like something to mess with.
Georgia - lovely pictures, wishing your family the best for their future happiness and security. Your outfit is stunning - so smart and stylish, I love it!
Globe and everyone - I can absolutely relate to the food addiction issues. I have been reading a lot of 12 step, OA stuff and it is like reading my own story, the drive for booze, drugs, food, sex, gambling, what have you all comes from poor brains starved of the proper chemicals due mainly to genetics (dopamine receptor).
I know the war with food and weight and loving ourselves and taking good care will always be with me - I guess remembering to take pleasure in the little things like ordering skinny jeans from a favorite catalog (when you could only dream about those clothes before surgery) and even having your shoes become too small to wear are pretty cool signposts of triumph on this bumpy old road.
I stopped in at my old job to say hi to a few folks I haven't seen in about 9 months and one women who knows me well literally did not recognize me at all - there was a completely blank look on her face when I walked past her and greeted her by name. I have colored my hair, but I wasn't aware that I look that different - I guess I do lol.
Sheryl - you may not feel hot right now but by jove you are smokin hot in your vacation pic
We are going on a cruise to Mexico sometime next year and I think I am already planning out outfits.

Georgia is so right. Some foods I am fairly sure I could eat unlimited quantities...
So I always think in terms of not so much how much CAN I eat but rather how much SHOULD I eat - but she said it better.

Hi ladies!
Sheila, the phentermine is an appetite suppressant and it was part of the original phen-fen combo - its that part that does not make your heart valve go wonky. In a nutshell it completely removes the desire to eat for me - which is the help with de-carbing that I seem to have needed.
I always leave my ticker at my lowest weight (which feels deceitful) - but I had popped up by about 13 lbs and have been quite ashamed about it. I am feeling in control for the moment and I am 9 lbs down from last week. The lowest weight I have been at since November. I should reach my ticker number soon - oh you can be sure I will trumpet that to you guys lol.
My surgeons office highly recommends Phentermine to both pre-and post op patients - I know that many folks cycle the use of it to keep it effective (say 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off etc.) It is a class IV Drug so insurance often will not pay for it (this last time it did - Obamacare maybe?) and it cannot be called in for refills - a new scrip must be handed to you in person each time. Its pretty much like an amphetamine - and it works, but I dont take it all the time - and I dont think it is meant to be taken for long streches.
You should ask your doc about it - my GP doesn't feel comfortable prescribing it - so the WL providers do - and those guys don't like to do refills for my Klonopin (benzo). I have quite the custom mixture precisely tailored to amp my dopamine...because I am an addict and it helps with my food addiction.
Here's Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phentermine
Mechanism of Action
Phentermine has some similarity in its pharmacodynamics with its parent compound, amphetamine, as they both are TAAR1 agonists.[8] Phentermine works on the hypothalamus portion of the brain to stimulate the adrenal glands to release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that signals a fight-or-flight response, reducing hunger. Phentermine works outside the brain, as well, to release epinephrine or adrenaline, causing fat cells to break down stored fat, but the principal basis of efficacy is hunger-reduction. At clinically relevant doses, phentermine also releases serotonin anddopamine, but to a much lesser extent than that of norepinephrine.[9]
I am getting a Shingles vaccine as soon as I possibly can! That does not sound like something to mess with.
Georgia - lovely pictures, wishing your family the best for their future happiness and security. Your outfit is stunning - so smart and stylish, I love it!
Globe and everyone - I can absolutely relate to the food addiction issues. I have been reading a lot of 12 step, OA stuff and it is like reading my own story, the drive for booze, drugs, food, sex, gambling, what have you all comes from poor brains starved of the proper chemicals due mainly to genetics (dopamine receptor).
I know the war with food and weight and loving ourselves and taking good care will always be with me - I guess remembering to take pleasure in the little things like ordering skinny jeans from a favorite catalog (when you could only dream about those clothes before surgery) and even having your shoes become too small to wear are pretty cool signposts of triumph on this bumpy old road.
I stopped in at my old job to say hi to a few folks I haven't seen in about 9 months and one women who knows me well literally did not recognize me at all - there was a completely blank look on her face when I walked past her and greeted her by name. I have colored my hair, but I wasn't aware that I look that different - I guess I do lol.
Sheryl - you may not feel hot right now but by jove you are smokin hot in your vacation pic
We are going on a cruise to Mexico sometime next year and I think I am already planning out outfits.

Writing that dos name down! Still have a bit to my own goal and then maintain it for a bit - you look great! My top half appears similar - a bit more drastic than yours as I am older Im sure and I was heavier - so its super deflated. i.e.Dont ever look at your undercarriage while doing a plank without spandex on haha!

So I've been at goal for nearly two years and have all new clothes except my winter robe. It was kinda small on me at my heaviest weight and until this winter I hadn't noticed that it was way too big. I just wrapped it around me. Finally I noticed it was wrapping clear to my backside and asked hubby for a new one. We opened our presents a little early and it was kinda emotional taking off the last of my fat clothes and putting on my new robe in size small. The fabric is thinner too. I was shocked at how tiny I look in the robe compared to my old one.
So in case you are wondering, even a few years out, there are still some mental adjustments here and there. I feel really pretty in my new robe, but a little vulnerable without my extra padding. It's funny because when I look in the mirror while naked or in any other clothes, I don't feel small, just normal.
Here's to a happy and healthy 2014 at goal!
Lynda

Cute skirt too!
 
Those pics of your boat time look great! I have a friend that is talking about renting a house in Mexico (maybe Porto Viallarta or something like that) or a month March of next year... and inviting friends to come by... she is choosing a great bird watching area so we can go and do that... I have not been to Mexico for year... starting to save up now!

Well, just had to share this NSV with my pals. Somebody gave me a beautiful Brighton belt about four years ago. Of course, you know I couldn't remotely wear it!
Today, almost four years later I have it on! I couldn't even wear it when I reached goal the first time! Thanks, 5:2 and an additional 10 pounds down! I seriously couldn't believe it when I just reached for it today and buckled it right up!!!!
AMAZEBALLS, Coops!

Yeah, I can understand that. And BTW, why is it when I get to where I want to be I tend to sabotage myself and ease off? Ha! Me and the PB crackers are living large right now. Fighting to stay in my bounce zone but I really want to just "enjoy" a little too much.