DivaStyleCoach

PJTP...gone for the weekend, off sick on Monday, and I come back to 6 pages! Cute puppies, DH's that don't do laundry (mine does, but only his - I won't let him touch my stuff after he turned his underwear pink), etc, etc, etc... Ya'll have been busy! Nothing exciting this week - just a "new job" celebration dinner for a co-worker that finally got away from my manic-depressive, needs-a-tranquilizer, royal-bi*ch-on-wheels ex-supervisor...she (the co-worker) is in a much better office where she won't be so stressed out and miserable. Next weekend (April 3 - 5) taking DD for a college visit to Virginia State University, where she's been accepted to the Mass Communications / Broadcasting curriculum. The empty nest is looming, and I'm not sure I'm ready...

I'd be willing to bet she fired the first nurses because they were NOT overwhelmed by her "celebrity" status and were doing the job for the BABIES. She got no attention from them, plus they were there to report on her stupid mistakes, so of course she had to get rid of them...they are probably mandatory reporters and would have had to mention the other less-than-ideal circumstances around the other children in the house. It's going to take a LOT to get this woman to live in the real world, and once the celebrity dies down, she'll be in dire straits. I just hope she doesn't have a tragedy before someone sees that she is NOT prepared to handle all of this...it's really tragic!

Yay! Congrats to you for getting it moving - keep up the good work! Continuing to walk and row - used a different machine at the gym this weekend and got totally different numbers...of course that could have been because DH was playing with the resistance setting on the machine...can I just tell him to LEAVE MY ROWING MACHINE ALONE?

Going to the movies no longer means diving headfirst into a giant tub of buttered popcorn... I'm not sure if I'm happy about that or not!

I'm with you on this one, Makulafamy - there are extremes in behavior all across the board, and to imply that because one sub-section of a population does something implies that the entire population is doing it is definately bigoted. There are things that "normal" adult men and women do all the time which are, to my mind, extreme and I would never do. That does not mean I am going to 'tar' everyone with the same brush...

Afternoon Warriors! Just got in from my afternoon walk - a little late today because of Admissions committee prep work, and it was a little chilly outside, but I went anyway! :ohmy: Feeling pretty darn good - got a good time on my walk and worked up a sweat. My hamstrings know I've been walking hills :tt1: Probably will row tonight - 30 minutes. Gotta get a good start on the weekend...everyone enjoy!

Hi Anel, My experience was that as soon as my health plan approved it, I had some pre-op stuff to do (appts with nutritionist and psych eval) then two info sesssions (one in a group, one solo with the surgeon) and then I was scheduled. My process was fairly fast, though - about 3 months from start to surgery date. I have heard of others needing 6 months to get through all the hoops - it really depends. Stay strong, be proactive (as much as possible) and it will happen for you! :ohmy:

Oh how I can relate to this...my mom was 5'4" on a tall day, and regularly told my brother (at 6'1"), my nephew (6'0") and me (5'11") that she would cold-cock any of us that gave her lip. She intimidated my hubby - he's 6'3", 300lbs, and a powerlifter - and he didn't give her any lip either! Now me, I LIKE tall guys too (example 1 - my DH)...:wub:

Wow...that's just crazy. The report said the reporters were creating a dangerous situation for the babies. They were said to be very aggressive in trying to get photos of the babies and Gloria Allred is concerned that no more nurses will want to come to the home to help care for the children. Octopussy has created a circus that she cannot handle - I'm willing to be she didn't foresee this, but I also bet she's eating up the attention and notoriety. :tt2:

Heather, I'm so glad to hear that...how are you doing now? Hi Sil! 58 pounds is great! I know what you mean about pb'ing...it's definately NOT fun! Take care of yourself and keep checking in to let us know of your progress.

PJTP... I don't understand the reluctance of today's teens to work... I babysat, did gardening, raked leaves and shoveled snow as a kid. When I was barely old enough - 15 - I fudged my birth certificate year and was able to get a summer job working for an accountant and haven't looked back since. My DD wants a "glamour" job...eventually settled for Burger King after working at JoAnn Fabrics for a while. My DS, while a teen, worked at McDonalds, a local auto parts store, and for a summer youth program (glorified babysitter). Neither of them wants to mow lawns, shovel snow, etc...though it pays good money! I occasionally had to pay a neighbor kid to rake leaves because my two wouldn't do it until they saw the cash come out! Of course, then I wouldn't let them do it because that would have put the other hard-working, go getter kid out of a job!

I had a problem with my DD's internet use - visiting chat rooms, posting too much personal info, etc. I tried talking to her about it first, then when I found out she was still doing it, I disconnected her access completely. We attended a couple of workshops where horror stories abounded, and she has slowly gotten her access back. For that reason, I continue to google her name and check myspace. I'm also not afraid to check her cell phone bill, since her phone is part of our account (though she pays for it). For me, vigilance is key! I'm not sure where that talking back stuff comes from either - had the same issue with my DS (now 25). We stayed firm - whatever we promised him, good, bad or ugly, we did it. He knew that if we said something, we MEANT it. For instance, we came out of a grocery store after shopping and found out he had shoplifted a package of pens. DH went ballistic, popped him in the head a few times in the car, and then marched him back into the store to confess his crime and ask for forgiveness from the manager. Loudly, in front of EVERYONE. He was, of course, barred from the store, but the police weren't called. He never pulled that again, and told me years later (this happened when he was about 13) that he relived that experience a couple of times in his head when he was tempted. I think consistency - both in the message and in your behavior - is helpful. When you tell them something will happen, make it happen. Whether it's good, bad or ugly. They'll then understand that you MEAN what you say - that kind of integrity is hard to find in our world. Hold them to what THEY say as well - and when they don't hold to it, remind them of what they said and make the consequences appropriate.

Mornin' Warriors! Ceradad - enjoy your vacation! Walked my killer route yesterday, then went for an appt with my band doc. I'm down a couple more pounds, but not as fast as either of us would like, plus I'm still hungry between meals (a lot) so he gave me a small fill. I definately feel the restriction today! Will walk at lunchtime (weather permitting - it's warm, but we're expecting rain today) and rowing tonight.

This is great advice, IMO...

Mornin' LastOption! I love my bodybugg - there is a fee for the monitoring / upload service. I paid $99 for 6 months initially, and I think renewals are $99 per year. That gives you access to the website, the ability to upload your bugg, and a session with a trainer initially. You can also purchase more trainer sessions where they will look at your uploads (nutrition and workouts) and give you advice on how to optimize your workouts and your calorie burn. So far, I'm loving it - having to log all of my food is helping to keep me honest, and getting to log my exercise is exciting because I can see how many calories I'm burning. I highly recommend it - especially since I got mine on EBay and didn't pay retail for it! Update: My doctor's appt went well yesterday - I'm down a few more pounds (have to update my ticker) and he gave me a small fill since I'm still getting pretty hungry between meals. I'm on liquids today, then mushies on Friday and back to solids on Saturday. I definately feel the difference with the small tweak he gave me - I'm having a protein shake and I'm having to sip instead of gulp this morning!

I'd much rather wear the size 8, thank you, girlfriend! :thumbup: And y'all will definately be among the first to know when I get there! Although at nearly 6 feet tall, I don't know what size I will end up, but I DO know what I want to look like...hey, that could be a new thread: Whose body do you want when you get to goal? You bad girl you...*smirking* :sneaky:

ROFLMBO....:lol:

Okay...I'd still be careful. Have the ring appraised (for insurance purposes ya know) and if it's more than $500, I'd still be suspicious. Take him at his word, but be careful with future interactions - you may have to remind him of his words at some future date. Do it kindly if you can, but by all means be careful. I'd hate to have you feeling beholden to this man...:sneaky: Thanks so much, Kat! I wish the scale were moving as fast as my clothing sizes, but I once had a WW leader who said she didn't care if she weighed 300 pounds, as long as she could fit into a size 8...I'm not quite there yet, attitude wise, but I'm getting there slowly... PJTP - I have a new goal date: July 4 - 9 I will be in Florida. Partly for a family reunion (4 - 6) hubby has to return for work on the 7th, me and DD are going to stay a couple of extra days, and then head to Virginia State U on the 10th for her freshman orientation. I was going to send her solo, but a parent has to attend, so we'll get a couple of extra mother-daughter days, and then the college visit. My baby girl is growing up! *sniff* :crying: I don't know if I am ready yet!!!!!:thumbup:

ROFLMBO...Y'all are too funny! :sneaky::lol:

I gotta say again, I agree with Glouc. SMS - your BF sounds insecure and crappy - you deserve better, and maybe somewhere in your psyche, you believe that too. That's why these other guys are hanging around - they are definately picking up a vibe from you. You are gorgeous, witty and fun to be with - that much I've learned from your posts. I think you should give yourself room to 'play the field' *cosigning what Beth said* and see what else is out there, especially since the BF has been such a jerk lately. You DESERVE better, girlfriend!

My hubby had some magazines that he shared with me that talked about it, and he asked me if I would be willing to try it. We were in an adventurous mood, and gave it a shot. It took several "sessions" for both of us to get comfortable, mostly because he was letting me set the pace. *****TMI Alert***** Start with asking her if she would let you explore the area with a finger - go easy, slow and let HER set the pace. Don't just launch into it, go into the session thinking about making her as hot and therefore relaxed as possible. Once she's comfortable with your little finger, for instance, go to a slightly larger finger and work up to your thumb. There are also "toys" made especially for that area...check xandria.com for ideas. If she's comfortable with that, then it's a matter of time and patience. Don't rush it - and definately don't push it, if you know what I mean. It's as much a mental transition as a physical one...good luck!

Mornin' Warriors! Extended my at-work lunchtime walk and changed the route to include a big hill on campus. I was huffing and puffing at the top, but feeling good 'cause I made it! That is now my favorite route - and I made it within the same 30 minutes I was giving myself anyway. That either means I was slacking, or that I am getting stronger - guess which one I prefer? :thumbup: It's going to be a beautiful day today, so I'll be back on the pavement again - enjoy everyone!

Checking in... LastOption - sounds like you had a great week away! Kudos to you for making YOU a priority and getting those workouts in. I extended my walk at work yesterday and changed the route so it takes me up a big hill on the campus. It definately changed my calorie burn - I checked my BodyBugg and I burned more calories on that walk than any previous one! I am feeling stronger and thinner every day - now if my SCALE would just catch up with how I feel, it would be great! Have an appt with my band doc this afternoon - I'll report in with results. I don't think I need another fill, I just have to work the one I've got!

I agree - Tara rocks! That was the big benefit for me - seeing the changes in their bodies and especially their faces! Reminds me that I need to take some pictures along the way...

Glad you're feeling better!