Meredith2424

Hello Ladies! I am happy to announce that I did so well with my eating today! And, I exercised really hard. I feel that after my slip up over the weekend, I am back on track. Thanks to all of you really. You helped me to realize that I need to just put it behind me and keep moving forward and forget about it. I put an offer in on another house today. Another short sale, but this realtor says that she thinks that the bank should let us know within 30 days as to whether or ot they are going to accept the offer. Cross your fingers. My mom and i are arguing about this house for some reason. She is nervous I think? Who knows? I think that sometimes she takes frustrations out on me too. My dad and I are really close, but my mom and I have trouble seeing eye to eye sometimes. It really bothers me. I know that a lot of you really understand this. Sorry to cut this short, I have to wake up early and go do grandmas hair. Still tonight I have to take a shower and get the laundry together for Andrew to do while I am at school tomorrow. Oh, and I totally forgot, I have homework to do also! Ick. Night, Meredith

Hey girls! Janet and Phyl~ I love your new purchases! It looks like your two had a great time! And Janet, my moms closet and yours are so similar! She is a total clothes horse too! She is the one that always buys me all of my clothes. Laura~ Hopefully when your dads results come back they are positive. I continue to pray for you and your fam. What a difficult time this must be. Like I keep saying, I couldn't even imagine how you are feeling. The pics from the air show and the sunset are great! Apples~ I admire you for your work ethic! Geez, you have been going through your moms stuff for awhile now! The rest of her fam is so lucky to have you there working so hard on everything. Also, I would like to thank you for all of your encouraging posts. You really help me. Right now, I really need it! Melissa~ Like I was saying to Apples, I too am having a terrible time pulling it together with my eating habits! So, here is my confession.... Today and yesterday I have been having major eating issues. It's my TOM and I have been craving chocolate like crazy. I never ever eat chocolate nor do I ever crave it. But, right now, holy crap! Yesterday, I went to the drug store to buy tampons after work at about 7:30 after I had hardly eaten all day. After roaming around the candy aisle for about 10 minutes I bought a snickers bar, a kit kat bar, and some smallish holiday coconut wreath. Why did I do this!?!?!? I ate them all in the car on the way home. A few hours later I was hungry for real and ate a salad. I thought that my craving had subsided and today I would start over fresh. Not the case! Andrew went to the grocery and bought peanut butter cups! I ate 3 for breakfast!!! What is wrong with me!?!?! Then, I ate a salad for lunch. Of course. Then for dinner, I ate 98% fat free frozen yogurt. I never keep any of this crap in the house and as you can see, I intentionally went out and conciously purchased it! And, the frozen yogurt I sent Andrew out to get it! He went to TCBY ( a frozen yogurt shop) and got it after I asked him to! Ew! He is the one with the sweet addiction, not me!!! So now that I am totally embarassed of my behavior, I am going to sign off. Hopefully I can put this behind me and tomorrow will be a new day. I have aerobics and weight training. Ususally when I exercise a lot it keeps me in line more than when I don't. I just really need to use some good old fashioned will power which is what I was lacking and why I had this surgery in the first place! Ick. I am just so disgusted with myself. No wonder why I am stuck at -59 lbs? Any suggestions to get my ass back on track? Help! Thanks. Sorry that I totally just purged all of this. I would never admit this to anyone except for all of you. Thank God you are all here to help guide me! ~Meredith

Julie~ You are so hard on yourself! Look at what you have done so far! 106 pounds!!!! That is amazing! Remember, now you have a tool that you did not have before. Thank God for this band! Also, I agree with Cheri about the anti-depressants. When I was smoking cigs, I felt ok. Then I quit and became fat and depressed and panicky. My phychiatrist (sp) prescribed me anti-depressants and I am still on them to this day although my dose is lowered. It might be worth a try! There is no shame in taking them and maybe for now that could be your answer. Look forward! There is nothing but good ahead for you! I know it. You should for sure talk to someone and let your DH know what is going on with you. He might be able to help you and support you more than you know. Laura~ Hoping and praying that your dads results come back and that things will work out alright. You are so strong. I am so glad that you and Nels are getting to spend time with your parents and family. Phyl and Janet~ So happy that you and Janet are going to hang out and get your purses! Don't worry Phyl, you will be down again soon. You already know that though! Let us know which one you get so we can look it up on line. I haven't ever done the designer purse thing, but love them. I'm too rough on my purses and get sick of them so quickly. I usually only wear them for one season and donate them or toss them. My sister on the other hand is a coach purse junkie. She probably has 20. No joke. It's to the point of ridiculousness. I like how you get yourself the purses as a reward! They are definately a splurge! Long day again for me today. School this morning at 10 and then work from 12-9. I'm pooped. I 'm going to weigh myself and then so to bed. Tomorrow I have a few clients and then I get to go house hunting at 3! There is one house that I really have my eye on. But, yet again, it is a stupid short sale! Ugh! You never know though, this one might move through the process faster than the others. Like Janet said, she knew someone (DS maybe?) who closed on a short sale within a month. Hopefully I will find the house that I love tomorrow. This is starting to feel like another full time job! Ok, thats all for now. Time for bed! ~Meredith

Hello everyone! I am here! So sorry that i haven't ck'ed in at all since I've been home. I've just been so busy with wrapping up this semester at school and looking for houses. I still have my offer in on that short sale, but it has taken so long that I have decided to keep on looking. I've also expanded my area within the same city by a few miles, so I have found some beautiful homes and I'm going to look at those on Friday. My trip to California was awesome! I loved it there and then came home to the cold and wondered why I live here and not there!? Well, then I realized that I would be completely miserable without my friends and family and decided that I should stay here for a very long time! I do love it here too! I love having all four seasons and snow in the winter! I will post some pics at the bottom of this post. I have just read all of your posts and caught up with all of you in the past 5 pages or so! I'm sorry that I cannot comment on all of your posts, but I will be back on regularly now so then I can keep up and post on everyone on a more regular basis. Once again, I am so sorry! As for my eating, i was really nervous about gaining while i was in cali. Actually, i stayed the same and have since lost another pound. I was at a stand still before i left and it has been coming off slowly the last 20 pounds or so, but I am exercising my butt off and have recommitted myself to only eating properly. I have done well for the past few days and I am hoping that I can keep it up! I am almost at 60 pounds lost and just one pound away from adding my new bead to my troll bracelet. My sister gave me this bead in august for my birthday and I cannot wait to put it on! As for the challenge, I am in! My goal is also to lose 10 pounds by Christmas!!!!! That will make it 70! Ok, I'm in class and should probably be paying attention! I will check in tomorrow night! I promise! Love, Meredith

Hello gals! I'm home!!! Actually, I got home late Tuesday night. I loved Cali and it was wonderful spending time with my sister. I will post some pics later. I just wanted to let all of you know that I was alive and well before I go off to school and work for the day. I will post on everyones comments later. I'm running behind this morning! Have a wonderful day! Meredith

Apples~ So sorry about your loss! That is just so sad. Hugs to you! I am in cali now w my sister. I love it here!!!! Huntington Beach is beautiful. The weather is perfect! So unlike Detroit! My band is wide open though, and that is not good. Not that I'm making bad food choices, but I can just eat more than I should be able to. I will be home on Tuesday, so I will be just fine I think. I deserve a vacation! I am going to continue to look at houses when I get home while I still have my offer in on the short sale house. I heard that they extended the first time home buyer tax credit until April, so I have time! Ok, sorry so short, but we are going to go walk around main street! Once again, I am so sorry apples. I will be thinking of you during this difficult time. Love you! ~Meredith

:sad:No go on the 2nd house I put my offer in on. Even though I went 8,000 higher than what they were asking, apparently cash is king. That stinks, but oh well. It wasn't meant to be. Still waiting on the short sale..... Andrew went with me to look at another house today. He acted like I was forcing him! We got into the car, and I was ticked! This is supposed to be fun, not miserable. His excuse was that it didn't matter what he liked about the house anyways since ultimately it only mattered what I thought. Well, golly! At least he could pretend! Sometimes he is such a great guy, and sometimes he is the biggest a$$. We are supposed to go out to dinner with his mother tonight. She didn't bother asking me where I wanted to go, since she is selfish too. I would ask someone who had bariatric surgery where they would prefer to go, instead of just assuming. I got a fill last Monday. I forgot to tell you. Now I have 5cc in a 10cc band. I feel pretty good about my restriction. I think that I may be just one fill away from my sweet spot? I cannot eat bread anymore AT ALL! None. Hey, thats ok by me. I spent about 3 days last week after the fill pb-ing to finally come to terms with this. Now, I'm over it, and have been steadily losing weight! Thank goodness! I'm almost half way. Cannot wait to go see my sister on Thursday! I will write more to all of you later, but 1st, Julie, maybe you should put a cup of epsom salts in your bath? Ok, more later, Meredith

Hello all. I'm here! Once again, busy, busy! Laura~ I'm glad that you are home safely. Your pics of your dad and mom are so cute. Take some time to relax and enjoy your boys. I'll bet that they are thrilled that you are home! Apples~ I love reading your posts! Your kitchen is beautiful! I love the flooring. You did a wonderful job of carrying the pattern all throughout the house. I'll bet it was difficult to find a pattern and style that you liked and felt could live with in ever single room! Also, I too have laundry room envy! Your washer/dryer set is awesome! Do you like them? I need to buy new appliances if I end up getting this house. Great~ WTG on your shopping adventure! So glad that you are doing well. Sorry that you had to put up with some negative attitudes for awhile, but it sounds like you are getting back to your good ole positive self! Julie~ Geez! It always seems like there is something going on! Sorry about your pain. Hopefully that can get figured out asap. Eva~ Your tile work is just fab! I love it! Basements here are really common. It's almost uncommon if you don't have one. While looking for a house one of my criteria was that it MUST have a basement. I plan on building a salon down there so while I go to PA school I can earn some extra money at home. Speaking of house! Well, I looked at some other houses last weekend because I am really leary about this short sale business. I'm so impatient and there is no certainity in the situation. So, Monday I found a house that I liked just as well and put an offer in on it on Tuesday morning. It is a foreclosure, but while speaking with the man that lives next door, he informed me that the people were going through a nasty divorce and they just left. It is a really nice house for a great price. It's smallish, but perfect for a starter home! Anyhow, I submitted my offer Tuesday morning and they came back saying that they had gotten another offer and for me to submit my highest and best terms. So I did, and now its a waiting game. I offered quite a bit more because I really want this house! According to my purchase agreement they are supposed to let me know whether or not they accept it by Tuesday. Please cross your fingers for me! If everything goes according to plan, I will be a homeowner by the end of November! God, I hope this works out! Sorry I'm rambling, I'm just so nervous. Anyhow, I am leaving for California on Thursday morning. I'm excited to see my sister and the doggies! But, I'm really nervous about flying. I haven't flown in about 5 years or so. What is the weather going to be like in Huntington Beach? What the heck do I bring to wear? I have no clue! The closest that I have been to Cali is Las Vegas, and that was in the middle of the summer several years ago! EEEK! So much going on! I"m a little overwhelmed, can you tell? Ok, well, hope everyone else is doing well. Sorry that I didn't respond to everyone, I will post more when I have more time! Night! Meredith

Hello gals. Ive have an extremely crappy day. I know it could have been worse, but you know how it goes some times. I just wanted to check in and say hi and let all of you know that I've been reading all of your posts. Also, prepare yourselves...... the dead car battery bandit hit me today as well! It's back! Thats just the tip of the iceberg. More about my issues tomorrow and comments to all of you. Just two real quick.... Happy belated birthday Julie!!!!!!!!!!!!! Laura~ Hang in there. Your family is so lucky to have you. Hugs. Ok, Nite! ~Meredith

Hello girls! Wow! I have been away from this site for almost 4 days!!! Unbelievable! I have been so busy working at getting the bank to move on this house (short sales are nightmares) and accept my offer. I have also been looking at other houses in the meantime just in case this doesn't work out in my favor. I have looked at about 20 other houses this weekend and I am not at all interested in any of them in the least. I LOVE the house that I put my offer in on and want that one ONLY!!!! Also, work has been absolutely crazy busy which is always a good thing! So really, thats about it here on my end. Laura~ I am so sorry to hear about your dad. When I read your posts today, tears were streaming down my face. I just cannot even imagine how you are feeling right now and I am so sorry that you have to go through this. Just know that all of us are here for you no matter what. Apples~ Damn girl!!!! You are beautiful! You look just amazing! Too funny about the maternity clothes. I repeat, I WAS NOT buying them for myself! No kiddies for me, and my stomach has gotten so much flatter now that I've lost this 55 lbs! Thank goodness, because at the rate I was going at before surgery, I would have needed to start wearing them without being pregnant. My belly was getting just HUGE! Sick. Anyhow, I too love your kitchen. Too cute! Also, have we decided on anything for our trip? I know that Laura has her mind on other things, so if you want me to help also I will. One of my clients is going to be renting a house in Orlando for the whole month of February also and she is getting a great deal. She said that she would give me all the info about it if we wanted it. Just let me know what I can do. Janet~ My sister bought me a ticket to go to California for the last weekend of this month. I will be arriving in Orange County on Thursday and flying home on Tuesday. She is going to the Marine Ball on Monday night, so if you want to meet up for dinner that night that would be cool. I know that you are working and I forgot how far away it is from you. Just let me know what works for you. Any day would work really, but I just thought that since she would be out for the evening Monday might work out. Great~ You poor thing. Don't let your mom and sisters make you feel bad about anything. I too am very sensitive and the way that they are behaving and the things that they are saying would make me pretty upset too. Have you just told them "Look, I've just had major surgery and I need to heal and not listen to your opinions right now!" Maybe they need to be knocked into shape and realize that their behavior is just unacceptable. I hope that I am not out of line with saying this, but I think that you are a wonderful person and I hate to see you be treated like this. BUT.... I am really happy that you got to go with your DD to look at dresses and stuff for her wedding. You have such an exciting year ahead! Phyll~ Keep truckin! :thumbup: And, your grandchildren are so lucky to have grandparents like you and DH. My grandparents were like the two of you and I have memories of them from when I was little that I will cherish forever. Oct~ Andrews dad has his "homebase" near Sedona. That is where their house was before they decided to sell everything and become "drifters". Andrew also lived there for several years a few years back. From what I hear, and from what I have seen, that area is just beautiful! Linda~ Was it you that was asking about my exercise classes? Well, if it was, I must say that I just LOVE them !!!!! This week we are doing step aerobics! YAY! Sorry that I didn't type to everyone. I have to wash my hair color off now. I don't know why I just don't do this at work? UGH. What a mess. Night night! ~Meredith

Hello everyone. I'm sorry that I have been so scarce on here lately. I've been reading every night, but I just haven't had the energy to post. So, just a little bit tonight before I go to bed. I'm finally feeling better from the cold/flu business. I think that what really helped was me trying on a pair of size 16 calvin klein jeans that I haven't worn in 4 years. They fit!!! So, yesterday I decided that I needed a break from school, so I skipped and also (like apples) went to the 2nd hand stores. I bought a pair of nine west size 16 jeans and some maternity clothes for my best friend. Then I went to another store and got pajama pants (so soft!) and a wild purple bedside style table for 14 dollars! Then off to the antique store, got something for my mom. She collects scottie dogs. And I got this weird glass head thing for myself. I then went to my other besties work and chatted with her for awhile. It was ice to do whatever I wanted! Anyhow, Laura..... wow! i'm so sorry that you are going through all of this. I am so sad for you. It is true what all of the gals are saying, we all love you so much and we are all here for you. Apples~ yay for our shopping! You talked about my schedule?!?!? Girlfriend, your schedule is bonkers ALL of the time! I just still don't know how you do it! Also, go ahead and post some pics! I would love to see ya! Janet~ Poor kitties. I hope that they will be adopted. I am one that gets quite attached too! Oct~ I love black labs! My sister has one, and he is beautiful! Well, he is a mutt, but he is mostly black lab, and he is such a lover. I miss him so much since she has taken him to cali! I think that she is flying them back for thanksgiving and leaving them here until december. i sure hope so! he has his troubles too, epileptic. he has to be drugged for the rest of his life too. Great~ you are doing awesome! hopefully that pain is just what phyl said that it was. it totally makes sense. Phyll~ Safe travels to you!!! I so wish that I could travel all around like that! My boyfriends dad and his "lady friend" sold their home and most of their replaceable posessions and bought a fifth wheel. They have been traveling all over the country for the last 2 years and have made arizona their home base. They even came here last summer! the stories and photos from their travels are amazing. Hopefully when andrew and I retire we can do the same thing! Ok, sorry if i missed anyone. it wasn't on purpose. i am just so tired and am now going to bed. I have class really early in the morning, and then have work from 12 until 8. Then I am supposed to be taking my friend who just got home from his Pacific Coast Trail hike from Mexico to canada along the ocean and through the mountains, to dinner. Thats about it. Love you all! Meredith

Im here girls. I've been pretty sick with some cold/flu business. Not cute. So, today I just decided to stay home and relax. I'm getting pretty stressed out with school and everything that is going on... house, sister gone, school, busy work. But, these are not the worst things to deal with. I know that many of you are dealing with much more serious stressors in life, so, sorry that I've just complained. I just had to vent a little bit. Janet~ Holy crap! I would be totally freaked out about the intruder! You sound like you are taking care of matters though. Phyl and Great~ You two with your new knees are going to be able to run circles around everyone else pretty soon! Geez! Keep up the good work! Laura~ Still praying for your fam and esp your daddy. How is the SIL and nephew visit going? Apples~ Will you come over and do my laundry? I have so much of it and don't feel like doing it at all. Ick. Dishes and laundry. The two worst chores! Ok, i'm gonna take a nap now. More later. ~Meredith

Hello everyone. I am so sorry that I haven't checked in to say anything lately. I have been reading all of your posts, but I have been so tired to even think about typing. So, finally tonight I have a little time to check in. Laura~ I am soooo sorry to hear about your daddy. I don't really know what to say at a time like this. I have never been good at those kind of comforting words, but I can tell you that I can give a pretty bad ass hug, so heres one to you! Hang in there and thanks for keeping us posted. You poor dear. You have so much on your plate right now. Apples~ Yes, I too think that you are nuts for wanting to go back to work, especially because of that super long drive! Great~ You are doing so well! I'm glad that everything went well for you! I knew you would do wonderfully! I know that you think that you can do the crutches or cane now, and you probably can, but I would wait to ok it with your PT first. I just don't want anything to happen to you. Janet~ I too had one of those wild eating days the other day and felt so guilty about it. Oh well, it is a new day! Oct~ What kind of cement blocks or tiles are you making for your garden? Sounds interesting. Mrs. B~ Where in Ohio are you going? I'm not far from there! Well, I dont feel very well today at all. I woke up with a terrible sore throat and it has just gotten worse through out the work day. The house thing is going. I put an offer in on the house on Saturday, but since it is a short sale, God only knows how long this one is going to take? I have heard horror stories about how people wait months and months to get approved for the short sale. I have all of my mortgage stuff secured, but now it is up to the sellers bank. UGH! The banks could really care less. If the November deadline for the first time home buyer tax credit was not coming up so quickly, I could easily wait the 4 months for this whole process. I really want to be able to cash in on that one! I guess that in order for me to be able to I will have to close by Nov 30th. Hmmm. Hopefully this goes well! BUT..... there is rumor that the government is planning on extending the credit until june 30th 2010, so lets hope that all of this goes through! I keep praying! Ok, prayers to Laura and your family. I will be thinking of all of you. Goodnight. Love, Meredith

Hello everyone! Sorry I have been such a stranger, but you know how it goes some weeks! So busy! There is lots of good news though, 1) Found a great house with a new realtor that is andrews bro-in-laws mom and put an offer in on it yesterday! It is in "quick sale" with the bank who the owners now had their mortgage through so hopefully they can get it through before the Nov 30th deadline that the government has for the first time homebuyer program! Pray. Please. 2) Lost 4 more pounds this week! :smile: 3) I went over to my parents house last night and took my sweatshirt off. My mom, who is not very emotional started crying! And said that she is just so proud of me and happy for me. I laid on the couch with her and cried for a minute. It was nice to have that moment with just the two of us.:thumbup: But, there is some bad news: my best friend is in the process of having a miscarriage and it is just so sad and devastating for all of us. I have to eat something now, so I will check back tonight. Sorry I've been such a stranger. More later on everyone else, I promise! Love, Meredith

Oh my! I now totally understand what restriction is!!!! I could use a little more, but I am really happy with the restriction that I am feeling so far. I've had some pain today though because I'm having a hard time getting used to it. Good though!!! Laura~ This realtor is making me mad kinda. She never e-mailed me back and I had to call her this morning to set up a time to see the house! What the heck? And, she was rude to me at first on the phone. I don't think that she realizes that I REALLY want this house!!!! Ok, so its super late again. I have to get to bed. I just finshed homework. UGH. Talk to you all tomorrow, Meredith

Well, after all of that complaining about food and everything, I got on the scale this morning and great news!!! I have officially lost 50 pounds!!!!! About 10 more pounds and I will be at the half way mark! I thought that I was going to lay around all day today and chill out and do laundry, but that did not turn out to be the case. I slept in, weighed, at something, went to get my mom and dad some gatorade and juice (they are still so sick), then went to a co-workers house to pick up a couch that he was getting rid of because he is moving. We got there around 5 and didn't get home until around 9:30. We didn't come home with the couch though, instead we got a christmas tree (fully trimmed with fabulous ornaments. No one can trim a tree like a gay hairstylist!), a brand new glass and metal tv stand, and a bunch of shoes. This man is super tiny (5 foot, 110 pounds) and has a ton of boots that I LOVE and can pass as womens shoes. SO, I took about 7 pairs! I have never seen a human being own so many pairs of shoes! I swear to God he had about 3 or 4 of the same pairs and didn't even know it! Anyhow, time for bed now. I have to call the mortgage center in the morning as well as the realtor. I e-mailed her this morning saying that I would like to see the house today or tomorrow when I'm done with class, but she didn't get back to me yet. Kinda strange considering times are so tough here still in the real estate market. So, I will call her tomorrow letting her know I would like to see it. Maybe she just didn't check her e-mail today? She did e-mail me back promptly yesterday after I told her I was interested in the house. Good night all. Sorry I didn't respond to everyone. Will do that tomorrow. ~Meredith

So, it's super late here. Almost 3 am. I just got home from the hospital because my grandma was taken there in an ambulance because she thought she was having another stroke. My mom and dad are both super sick with double ear infections, sinus infections, and both have a fever. They needed to stay far away from grandma, so I went to be with her. I don't think that she had a stroke, but something is definately not right with her. We'll see, they took a CT scan and blah blah blah, so much to remember. I'm sure you all understand this! Also, I've been super busy (as usual) with school and work, but on top of all of that, I have decided to buy a house. I found a super cute one and hopefully the real estate agent can show it to Andrew and I tomorrow. It is a great deal and in perfect condition. Although it is not Andrew's idea of an ideal house (he wants 3 bedroom brick), I don't care. I love it and I am going to be the one on the Mortgage and on the Deed, so ultimately it's up to me. When we get married I will include him on both of those documents. I have heard so many horror stories about crazy things happening when people buy homes together before they are married. Although I don't see any of these circumstances occuring in our lives, one never knows what is in store for the future. Janet~ I am so so so sorry about your Aunt. I hope that you can find a reasonable flight to get there. And, you are totally right about the death really effecting everyone that is left behind by their loved one. Sad. <HUGS> Eva~ I loved the turtle pics!!!!! Exactly what kind of tortises are they? I am totally obsessed with all things turtle! I bought the coolest hand carved turtle box at the antique store the other day. It is about the size of a telephone book and is just too cool. I'm telling you, totally obsessed! I should take a pic and post it on here along with the pic of the house I want to buy. Troll beads are a brand of bracelet and bead. They are very similar to Pandora Beads/Bracelets. Google "Troll Beads" and you will see what I'm talking about. They're pretty cool. Laura~ You just keep trucking along huh? You go girl! Good luck with the SIL. I am not really high maintenece either so I find it so difficult to deal with someone else that is. You will do just fine I'm sure. Great~ EEK! Sorry about your ribs. I think that you should still go to the doc on mon even if you feel better. I would rather be safe than sorry. Phyl~ You sound like you are doing just great with all of your rehab! Once again, I'm totally impressed. Cheri~ DS sounds like he really gave you a run for your money!!!! Holy Moley! Julie~ Girlfriend, I am totally sleeping:sleep: the day away tomorrow and I'm not going to feel bad about it for one minute! I think that I deserve some good quality rest at least one day a week. I'm also glad to hear that you did so well health wise at the casino! FUN! Sharon~ I am sure you are totally impressed with DD's actions since she has been out of rehab. It takes a lot to stand up for yourself to the people that brought you (her) down so much for so long. I am really proud of her and I don't even know her! She is totally right about not having to apologize to anyone for anything. Just as long as she keeps this spirit she will have a successful recovery I think. Well, I suppose thats about all. I had a TERRIBLE food day today! :seeya::cursing::blushing: I am embarassed:blushing:. However, it was not nearly as bad as it would have been if I didn't have my band. Thank God for my band! Tomorrow I am going back to being super strict with all of my caloric allotments as well as documenting everything that I am eating. I haven't done that in awhile and I'm sure that is the reason why my weight loss has stalled recently. The scale is not my friend anymore. I have restriction (kinda), but it is not enough! I ate like a mad woman today. Perhaps it is all of the stress of the day? But, that is a terrible excuse. I'm not even getting on the scale tomorrow night. It is so late! I'm off to bed to sleep:sleep: and sleep:sleep: and sleep:sleep:! Good night (morning really) all! ~ Meredith

Ok, I'm back. Eva~ I thought that I might fall asleep for the rest of the night too! I woke up and had some chicken kebob with a fattoush salad. Delish. After my fill that I had on Monday, I feel as though I have some more restriction, but I know its not nearly as much as where I know that I need to be. I have 3 cc's in there now. I go back in a month or so to get another fill. Arlene~ That test sounds like it could be beneficial for everyone! I should check it out. Thanks for the info. Julie~ Good luck sleeping tonight! Laura~ Hope dad can find some help with his situation. Hopefully this 3rd (opinion) time is the charm! Phyll~ So impressed with all of your progress! Amazing! Ok. I think that is all I have in me for now. I don't have an early day at work tomorrow, so thats good. I do need to still weigh myself yet tonight also. I really really really want to put that -50 pound bead on my bracelet! I have been buying Troll Beads for my bracelet every 10 pounds I lose. I have had this one sitting in my purse ready to go for some time now! Good night! Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday! ~Meredith

Hello all. I didn't forget about you girls, I've just been so busy with everything going on. I just wanted to check in and say "hello" and let all of you know that I have been reading. I will post more later on tonight, but I need to lay down and close my eyes for a few minutes right now. Janet~ Sorry about the bad day. :mad: TTYL~ Meredith

Hello all. Just a quick check in. Once again, I am exhausted! Phew! I need to take a shower and go to bed really soon. I have aerobics at 1 and weight training tomorrow at 3. I got my fill yesterday. I have been doing liquids, so I have no idea how much restriction I have. At lunch today I had about 1.5 cups of crushed lentil soup and I was really full, so hopefully that feeling will continue once I am eating foods tomorrow. Ok, I read everything, but this has to be a fly by post. I watched biggest loser tonight so i didn't get everything done as early as I wanted to, and I didn't even get home from school until 5 minutes til 8. Ok, will check in tomorrow and respond to everyone. Sorry, I just need to "hit the hay" as my mother says. Good night, Meredith P.S. I am in the 220's!!!!!!! One more pound til -50!!!

Hello all. I have a terrible headache today and was so sleepy that all I've done is lay around and relaxed. My weeks are so insane that I don't even feel guilty about not doing anything. Sharon~ I finished the Shack last night. It was awesome! I'm so glad that you recommended it! Thanks. I think that I might listen to a few of the chapters over again because they had so much dialouge that I kind of spaced out and got sleepy listening. I always listen to my books on tape in bed before I sleep. Well, I get my fill tomorrow. Good thing because I need a bit more restriction. Hopefully this will bring me close to my sweet spot. Also, last night I had a dream that I was eating donuts and all kinds of other "no no's". I hate those dreams because I wake up thinking that they are so real. Oh well, this is just a quick one. I will CBL after dinner. My head hurts so I'm going to close my eyes for a few also. TTYL, Meredith

Hey girlfriends! Sorry I haven't really written lately. I've been reading every night, but really haven't had much time to sit down and write. Between school, work, and exercise, I don't have very much extra time. Anyhow, things are going well. I lost another pound, FINALLY!!! But I will adjust my ticker when I know that its for good. You know. I was so nervous about being stuck at -46. Actually, I was starting to get really pissed. I've been exercising my rear end off, and eating really really well and was so surprised to not have lost in so long. About two weeks really. Good thing, because I get my second fill on Monday and then go right to my aerobics and weight training classes. I really hope that I get some good restriction this time. Also, does anyone notice that when you exercise the band gets a little tighter? I think that mine does. Anyhow, I went to the chiropractor yesterday. I haven't been since before my surgery. She said "hi" to me and walked right past me! I was like "hello"! She turned around and looked at me for a second and then said "Oh my gosh! Meredith! Is that you? I didn't recognize you at first." She said that my face looks so much thinner. It was nice to hear, but I don't think that I look THAT different. But, my face and boobs are the first places I lose my weight. Anyhow, got home from work late today (8ish) and then Andrew and I went for a walk/jog this evening for about an hour. Lake St. Clair is right at the end of our street so we walked up there and then to the Coast Guard station and beach area where we saw 2 foxes. We are really close to Detroit, so we were so pleasantly surprised to see them so close up (about 10 feet away)! Anyhow, I am pleased with our exercise and it was nice to spend so much quality time together with out cell phones or tv's to bother us. We should do this together more often. Since I've lost this weight, I am just amazed at how much energy I have!!! Usually I would come home from work and lay around and eat and be super lazy because my feet would be killing me. I never would have thought that I would be JOGGING!!! Not far, but I will get there! Laura~ Nelson is the cutest thing! What a sweetie pie! He looks like he is a lot of fun. Sorry about your dad. What a bummer. I will continue to pray for him. Also, sorry about all your "girlie" problems. Ick. Janet~ I cannot believe that wake up that early!!! OMW! Julie~ Get some sleep girlfriend! Great~ I just cannot wait to see your MOB dress when you pick it. This is just such an exciting time for you and your daughter. Plus, you will get to spend such wonderful time together! Apples~ Enjoy your time at the lake while it lasts for the season. See you back Tuesday! Phyll~ You are hilarious! I loved that sign! HEHE! Linda~ Hope that your new schedule is going well for you. Oct~ Girl, you sure do a ton of traveling! I wish that I liked to travel, I just am such a homebody. Don't get me wrong, I like going places, I just like staying at home and relaxing just as much. It always seems like going anywhere is such a chore and ends up being a ton of work. Maybe just thinking about it is worse than it really is though? Nawz~ I felt HUGE when they were wheeling me out of the hospital! I think that my belly was really swollen like that for almost a month. Then, when you start losing, you see it disappear before you know it! Such an amazing feeling! You will look back and know that this is the best thing that you have ever done for yourself. When people ask me if I would ever do this again, I tell them that I would do it over again 100 times! I just wanted to say YAY FOR ALL OF US!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, love you all! Meredith

Sorry i forgot to attach the pic of Mr. Marley Marbles. Here he is!

Good evening girls. I just finished laundry too. Ick. I hate doing laundry. Especially now since we are living on the 3rd floor of our apartment building. All the way down to the basement with the heavy clothes and then back up. It helped tonight that Andrew was home. He carried the laundry up. My calves hurt so bad from all of the exercise I got in yesterday. It's a good kind of hurt though, you know the one Also, I was such a dummy today...... I printed my paper at our local library and then headed down to school. On purpose I parked in the parking structure all the way across campus from where my class is so I could get my exercise in walking to and from class. Once I parked and walked about 3/4 of a mile to class I realized that I left my paper in my car!!! I turned around, walked back to the car, got my paper and then returned to class. Good thing I got to school early today or else I would have been in big trouble. Dummy me. Oct~ What kind of Tortises? I love all things turtle. I collect turtle trinkets and stuff and have a three toed box turtle. I may have told you about him before, his name is Mr. Marley Marbles. I will attach a picture of him. I love the little guy and he has such a cool personality. If~ Sorry about your crappy day. Tomorrow will be better. Ok, thats about all for tonight. I have to pack my duffle bag and back pack for tomorrow. I'm going to have to take a shower at school after my aerobics and weight training because I have another class two hours after. Ick. I don't like taking showers in locker rooms or whatever, but it sure does beat going to class all stinky and sweaty. I don't really know where I'm going to find all of the room to put all of this stuff, but I will have to get creative. Ok, good night all. Love, Meredith