NYSparklegirl

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

Cheri..you work in the South Side of Chicago??? WOW I have even more respect for you now. Jonathon Kozol talked about the schools there in the book he wrote "savage Inaqualities" or something like that. S, Chcago, St, Louis and New Jersey the most difficult school districts in the US. Things have gotten better but not so much so I dont think. Kudos for you!!!

Im not really up on the programs you are using..as I work with EIP but have heard of them and yes...I think you are right these are the best programs that can help him your GS from how you described some of his concerns.

Hi all.

Julie, nice to see you back! So glad you are enjoying your new apartment and ammenities. Hot tub!! You lucky devil! You deserve it! Enjoy it.

Apples.....glad you enjoyed the weekend. Sounds lovely.

Great....You are going to have a marvelous time..maybe youl even get yourself a strand of pearls from Majorica. I once dated some guy whos was family was something special and so was he...not really sure what he was but was something something...lol His parents sent him a strand of pearls to give me that were pink. They were so beutiful. Until then I didnt know anything about where he was from or what he was.....I found out when he gave them to me...as I was like where in the world did you get these? We were in Israel and they didnt have pearls like this. I still have them...wonder where he is now. More important what was his name?? lol Yikes. Must be getting old. In any case....bring some back! Have a great trip.

Well.......Went to the gym again tonight for a training. Tonight was boot camp! lol It was fun. Yesturday we did reg strenght building. I like the fact that the Trainer...Marty does the exercizes with me to demonstrate..never laughs at the movements I make..as spastic as they might look! He makes me feel comfortable and at ease. I wish I can go everyday with him but dont have that kind of money....am going to try to continue twice weekly....for as long as I can. Maybe ill get some extra money somehow..Bday is coming up...perhaps I can get some sessions from each family member. that will be like 4 sessions...maybe.

I rearanged my room yesturday. I couldnt stand it anymore. I didnt really think about my room when we moved in here last year. Ive been thinking about what to do with it for a long time. After getting the living room furniture I decided it was time to focus on my room. So...I did and it looks great. I even put up the pictures that I never did before.

Havent heard anything about the interview. Im still thinking about the idea of working from home. That sure would be nice, but not forcing things. I have a great job with benefits. Today cant ask for more then that in Early Intervention in NYC.

Well.....I must be off to sleep. Have a great night all.

I couldn't function without NSAIDS. I couldn't wait to get back on them after surgery. I don't remember how long I had to wait but it wasn't long. They fixed my hiatal hernia when they did the band and I have not had more stomach problems, even on the NSAIDS. I am at goal and still can't function without the meds. I have severe osteoarthritis. Some of it was exacerbated by the extra weight, but it actually started when I was a skinny 16 yr old and my knees went out of joint from overly loose tendons and my shoulders started giving me trouble for the same reason. Swimming was the thing that did in my shoulders. I've had double knee replacement and major neck surgery and shoulder surgery all due to arthritis. For me getting a little R&R means going in the hospital for repairs and replacements.

I supplement my NSAIDS with extra-strength, long lasting Tylenol. I am able now to swallow pills. The liquid Tylenol made my stomach burn.

The IEP meeting went very well for my grandson. I like the people, and the special ed teacher and I think they'll try to provide their best for my GS. Didn't have time to question them about their materials and techniques. I know he's going to need a good multisensory phonics program and I know of no better multisensory math program than Touchmath.

The intensive sensory and auditory training of Interactive Metronome and intensive brain and auditory processing brain re-training of Fast Forword are probably not available but, hopefully, I can do that or find a way. I can also provide the phonics and math materials that my daughter can use at home with him. The school David is in is also a Title I school and as a special ed student he will automatically qualify for any supplementary programs provided by Title I. They diagnosed him with autism and Speech and Language Delays (think that was the secondary diagnosis. It was either SDL or SDI.) So he'll get half day kindergarted with two hours of special ed help a week as a minimum. If it becomes apparant that he needs more that time can be increased. He also had to take a kindergarten admission test that will determine if he qualifies for all day kindergarten. The lowest testing kids get the whole day. Not quite sure what to hope for there.

Anyway. Gotta go to bed. Gardened today. Played with grandkids yesterday. Read a couple of books over the weekend. Hopefully, I've recuperated enough to make it through another week of teaching.

Cheri

wow...Cheri. If my child was in your district. I know shed be getting what she needs...as you would be the only teacher that I would have her have! Im surprised that all they gave was two hours of SEIT and half day kindergarten. NY is liberal so we give alot of services. Children with a diagnosis of Autism get two hours a day in a full day kindergarten. We dont have half day any longer. Pre-school special ed is all day as well. There are few half day classes any longer.

Where are you located again? Its sad that children are used as pawns and given what ever the whim of the political administration decides at the moment.

I again have to tell you...from the above you know what your grandson needs and I have no dought that you will get what ever that is for him!

Ive heard of the programs that you mentioned and you are right those sound perfect for children with auditory processing concerns.

Good Luck....and Im sure you are glad that meeting is over! No matter how educated you might be....when its your child or grandchild its still all new and very stressful.

Hi all..

Hi all.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Great...what a great trip.. a cruise! What fun. I hope you enjoy.

Concerts....the last one I was at for me was "Meatloaf" Jones beach on 1992? Since then ...well ive seen some musicals and plays but concerts would Hanna Montanna count? lol. My daughter will remember it forever Im sure. Backstage, my friend got us into that concert in Las Vegas. Went to the pre-concert party and have pictures of my daughter and her together. It was fun seing my daughter so happy and I had a good time as well with my friend as well.

Thats never going to happen again. lol I wont ever go see him or Las Vegas ever again.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Im thinking about Phyl in her camper traveling. We had a camper when we were younger. We went camping every summer. Nova Scotia was the furthest away that we traveled. Had so much fun. The most fun was with my brothers and sisters...in that tiny camper. A Prowler. It slept 8. We were 6.

We had many experiences good and some not so good.

We got caught in some severe weather. A huricane, a flash flood ( that was bad) in the Upper Deleware Campground. We got out just in time but lost the camper....got another one right after..the same one.

One time while the trailer was parked on a hill it rolled down the hill after a rock moved from under the wheel. Unfortunately I was in it while it rolled, thought it was an earthquake. I was playing jacks with my friend Glenn....whom I really liked at the time but I was eleven and well...you know how that was...ewwww. But after we both dived out the trailer together as the trailer rolled.....our parents had the nurve to ask if perhaps we were doing something else that made the trailer roll.?? like what??? geez we hated each other after all and we were only 11 yuch! Fun times. lol

Now for the weekend update with Jodi Lynn......

Spent the weekend at my sisters house babysitting for my nieces while sister and hubby was supposed to go on vacation to Ireland. They were supposed to go to Ireland but..the flight was cancelled Friday night due to mechanical difficulties..the repairs that needed to be done needed parts flown in from somewhere else from Euorpe and could not get to them due to the volcanic ash so cancelled all flights to Ireland as well as Europe. They missed the last flight in the afternoon that flew to Dublin. They came home and cancelled their trip and instead of Ireland they will be going to St. Lucia and are leaving Tuesday instead....so we had a family weekend in the end. That was nice.....unexpected nicities.

The house was a killer for any dieter and for me on mushy even worse!

Every where you looked there was chocolate, treat, cake, junk food. Holy crap...the stuff that was there was just unbelievable! Good I brought my own food otherwise I know id have been eating something not good. Ive been so good this whole month and lost now 30llbs....wasnt about to blow it on some damn chocolate and cheese doodles. I was like what the hell?? Do you want me to stay here?? really??? What were you thinking? Do you leave liquor all over for an alcohlic? Why would you leave all this junk while Im here? They didnt think was the response, uh so annoying. We had a great weekend regardless. I cleansed their kitchen over the weekend. They really didnt mind so much and I felt so good. I thought theyd kill me but they didnt. lol I love my sister but sheesh. Come on.

Glad to have gotten out of there this morning none too soon as I didnt have the heart to throw the giant size Peanut Butter jars that I could eat out of by the spoonfuls and I was thinking well...maybe just one...but no no no I didnt.

I had my third training at the gym this week. I went to the gym three times other to just do cardio. I hope this week I continue. Wednesday I go to the surgeon. Hopefully I will get a fill if not then next week for sure. Im hungry alot now and eating much more....still not alot and watching what I am but am drinking and eating without any restriction. Dont feel like I have a band at all.

well. I must go to sleep,

Hope Apples is having a great time at the lake.....

Thanks for all the good thoughts about the tight sched and the gym..hoping this week will get settled although its Israel Independance day tomorrow and the celebrations have allready begun and there are several parties and carnivals. Dassis class is giving a concert at her school tomorrow night and Tuesday has half day and several activities going on.

It will be another busy week but....I will be going to gym tomorrw early afternoon.

oh...the interview that I had on Friday went really well however they cant pay me what im getting now...but i told her I could be flexible if I dont have to travel to Brooklyn everyday...and can work from home, those would be amazing benefits. Its possible....need to wait and see what they will offer. She was happy and wanted me for sure but the money!!! I make too much lol. (Yea me for making good money at teaching not settling for too much less. If I dont get that position she offered my reg sessions at the same rate that I make now in Bklyn and evals as well.....not a bad deal as I really hate to be in Bklyn...but went due to the high rate per session... Id be happy here in Far Rockaway ....no propblem. We shall see....in the meantime Im good where I am. Ill keep you all posted.

Okay.......must go to sleep/ Have a great week all

Jods

Jodi, You do such wonderful work with the kids. I'll tell you a story. A couple of weeks ago I ran into my DD 1st Consultant. She came to our home to work w/DD as we had just found out she was hearing impaired, DD was only 2 1/2. Worked with her for a yr & 1/2. Any ways I was telling her about DD graduating from college. We chatted for a bit and she told me she was having a moment in church that morning. Feeling down about her DD problems and life in general. She said she was thinking "I wonder if I have touched anyones life". OMG I couldn't get the words out fast enough to tell her my DD wouldn't be where she was today without her early intervention. So the moral of this story is Thank you for all the kids you help.

Laura K

OMG Im so happy to hear that! I never know whether what I do is really helping. When your involved with those babies from the start of program with the kids and families for fulll three years and then they age out....when the connection is strong you keep in touch for several years but then you or the families get busy and "life" happens and they dont need the support any longer. You never really hear about the children you work with many years later. You wonder what ever happened to....(I always wonder). What ever happened to .....that adorable little boy/girl.

So, I really appreciate the thank you. I must tell you however, that it isnt the teachers or the program its the parents of the children that are with the children 24/7 and remember teachers and therapists are only there several times weekly for several hours. You the parent who follows through and work hard to do all the work after that short half hour or so....Yes, we teach you and give you the tools but its you who actually does the hard work day in and out. SO, let me take this oppurtunity to thank you..the parent for helping us do our job helping your children!

Your daughter is so lucky to have you and you must be so proud. Give yourself a hug you deserve it.

Thank you for the kind words.

Jods

Hi all.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Im so glad to see the first fills are going well and so far no difficulties.

Spent the weekend at my sisters house babysitting for my nieces while sister and hubby went on vacation. They were supposed to go to Ireland but..the flight was cancelled Friday night due to mechanical stuff...the repairs needed parts flown in from somewhere in Euorpe and could not due to the volcanic ash so cancelled all flights to Ireland as well. They missed the last flight in the afternoon that flew. They came home and the AM...repacked for St. Lucia and are leaving Tuesday instead....so we had a family weekend in the end.

That house was a killer....every where you look theres some other chocolate, treat, cake, junk food. Holy crap...the stuff that was there was just unbelievable! Good I brought my own food otherwise I know id have been eating something not good for me. Ive been so good this whole month and lost now 30llbs....not about to blow it on some damn chocolate and cheese doodles. I was like what the hell?? Do you want me to stay here really??? What were you thinking? Do you leave liquor all over for an alcohlic? Why would you leave all this junk while Im here? no comment was her response, uh so annoying. We had a great weekend in the end. I cleansed their kitchen over the weekend. They really didnt mind so much and I felt so good. I thought theyd kill me but they didnt. lol I love my sister but sheesh. Come on.

Glad to have gotten out of there this morning none too soon I left the giant size Peanut Butter jars. I could eat that by the spoonfuls.

I had my third training at the gym this week. I went to the gym three times other to just do cardio. I hope this week I continue. Wednesday I go to the surgeon. Hopefully I will get a fill if not then next week for sure. Im hungry alot now and eating much more....still not alot and watching what I am but am drinking and eating without any restriction. Dont feel like I have a band at all.

well. I must make dinner. Have a great week all.

Good luck with everyone on the good food choices and the fills this week.

Jodi

Hello there everyone!

Its been one long week!! I cant even begin to tell you all what kind of week its been because it would be just too long to post. Lets just say...thank god its friday and it will be over.

Ive had three training sessions this week. The other two days I did the funny new cardio machines.

Im sooo tired but not sure if thats from the actual physical exercise or the taking the hour and half time extra each day for something extra to do when not having this extra time each day. Getting this new routine is hard. I just cant seem to figure out how to do this! Exercise in the AM or PM. Should I go in the AM and not waste Dassi time in the PM even though I really dont have time in the AM. So ill start work later which means running into Dassi time anyways?

Started going back to the nutritionist and chiropractor as well this week. pushed that in at about 7 PM.

All this and the preparing lunch and shakes and Water bottles etc etc. Its all so much extra stuff everday to do....I cant even get online till about 10 or 11 at night. Hence, why I havent posted lately...havent even posted a new status on Facebook in two weeks!! Im having withdrawel symptoms.

Im hoping to get it together by next week!

If not something is going to have to give...not sure what. All the above is important.

Ive been reading posts on blackberry....so have sort of kept up to now...but havent had time to post to all the posts that were posted...lol say that ten times!

SO.....I havent weighed in since Sunday but been eating the regular mushys! Getting tired of the mush. I want to chew. I need to chew..and getting a little frustrated not being able to eat normal? Next week I go to surgeon and hopefully Ill get to eat normal foods and maybe a first fill. Ill be happy with that as Im beginning to eat more and can eat more. Drink more, I feel like I dont have a band at all except I am not eating like before lol

Well....let me respond to some posts that Ive been thinking about all week.

Julie....I am so happy for you that you are somewhat better..and have been pain free for your first night!!!! Doing the happy dance for you.

Im so glad that you saw Mimi happy and playing in daycare!! Sometimes....its a good thing to have some socialization with other children and you to have some respite...Im so glad this seems to be working for you and you arent feeling so guilty now. Its so hard to know what the best thing is to do but..you made the right choice. Even nicer you are paying for the program as this would be such a hardship for your daughter now. Im sure she appreciates your help both taking care of Mimi at home and financially helping for the daycare. Your a great mom and grandmother!

I hope that the dinner with your daughter and fiances family goes well this weekend.

Eva...happy belated birthday! Thanks for the update on the whey protein..its been a question that ive had since before the surgery!!

Great...its always nice when you are shown appreciation for the good work we do, so rude..but perhaps they felt badly that you were leaving and didnt know how to tell you and they couldnt face you leaving!

bottom line however, what you do is between you and god. He knows what you do and did here volenteering and your reward will be either in the form that you might not see yet..or when you meet him ....sometime not soon at all.

Thats when the thank you will come and thats where it will count. It still feels badly...when not acknowledged so, Here you go....Im so thankful for all your wonderful help volenteering with hospital patients.....they for sure have appreciated your help!!

Laura...glad your dad had some enjoyment this week. When you feel so bad, even a little happiness like the dip in the Jacuzzi is such a nice thing. Thank you , Thank you. U and Eva both have finially put my mind to rest about the type of Protein ive been using. I had some questions about why everyone recommends "whey protein" as opposed to any other type and you guys finially answered why! Again thanks!

Apples....your pictures are great. thanks for posting them. I hope you enjoy the lake...my favorite time was opening up the bungallow each summer. Enjoy it.....our bungallow was 4 hours away in upstate NY. I wish it was closer like your 45 min. Id have surely been there in winter as well then!

I know there is so much more..I just cant remember all that I want to say..best at this point to say goodnight.

Must go to sleep.< /span>

Tomorrow I have an interview with an Early Intervention Program about ten minutes from my house..which would be so amazing as now I travel about 45 min to an hour everyday back and forth to work and I hate that!

Not really looking for a new job however, if the pay is good and the description matches what my dream job will be..(as Im ready for that who isnt?) Ill seriously think about it. Id feel very bad about leaving my two little ones....not sure if I will be able to in the end anyways! lol

But ya never know. I have to go and check it out. Pretty sure the pay wont match especially now with the states cuts on the reinbursement rates for services provided in the homes of babies 0-3 yrs. So with the cuts....just coming down this month and all the service providers are forced to take a 10% decrease per half hour session rate. Cant imagine thats going to affect the salary going to be offered.....another thing.....the insurance that they will have to offer is a way to decrease the yearly salary..as we the employees will be paying for ourselves regardless. SO, not too anxious....its not the time for getting a job with an EIP program...but as they have a centerbased setting as well....who knows...those reinbursements went up per child who goes centerbased...so who knows.

Will let you know how it goes!

Have a great night all and happy Friday!

Jodi

IEP meeting this Friday on my grandson David who is entering K-garten next fall. His testing put him in the bordeline to mildly mentally impaired category for both ability and performance. However, autistic children are notoriously difficult to test, especially when young because they don't respond well or focus in on oral questions. His preschool thought he would test much higher. To them he appears to know a lot more and be much higher level than what he tested at. The school seems intent on providing him with a minimum of services no matter what his tests show.

Special education has headed in a direction that seems to mean provide as few services as possible and let the kids sink or swim in the regular classroom.

I went for all day training in something called interactive metronome last Saturday. It's supposed to be very effective for autistic children as well as all kinds of other disabilites. The equipment is very expensive and I've been beating my brains out trying to think how I can use it to help David. We have to share the equipment amongst several private schools. Unfortunately, David won't be attending one of these schools, too expensive, so he won't be able to get it free unless I can take it to him, maybe this summer. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to teach summer school the month of June because funding came in for it. I have a number of parents who inquired about private tutoring with me this summer also. Plus I promised my sister that this summer I'd try to work with her daughter who has seizure disorder and accompanying learning problems. The IM training would also help her. She does go to one of our group of schools and would qualify for free training but nobody at her school has yet been trained in it.

Anyway, the logistics of it all kept me awake most of the night last night. I'm going to the IEP meeting with my daughter. My daughter also works for a law firm part time and is not afraid to threaten the school system with a law suit. In addition, the preschool teacher has been secretly working with her to pre-explain the test results and to put together her requests (demands) for maximum support for David. Unfortunately, they're simply unable to provide the kind of intensive intervention that's most effective, especially at David's age. The younger the child, the more plastic the brain, the easier the remediation. If school systems poured more dollars into pre-school and early grammar school remediation, especially brain re-training like IM, followed by intensive multi-sensory phonics and math instruction, the cost later on would be so much less--to the educational system and to society as a whole.

That's why so many parents end up home-schooling these children. Our public school system is broken. It's sad that a collection of private Christian schools, where the teacher's are paid way less and the costs are way less per student than the public schools, is purchasing and providing the most research based proven technology and training currently available and is willing to provide it free of charge to its students, while the public schools spend money to find ways to refuse services to their kids.

Hopefully I'll sleep well tonight. Needed to get this off my chest.

Cheri

Cheri....I hear your frustration loud and clear. I also am frustrated this week with the system. NYS has just lowered the rates of services for homebased Early Intervention services. As of this month all the agencies have cut salaries 10% for all homebased therapists and teachers. Agencies that have centerbased services they got an increase on the rates for services provided there.

It seems that what you are saying about cutting funds for the early years are getting earlier and earlier. Soon intervening early will be a thing of the past and unfortunately we will be back to the old days of providing services after the fact.

Regarding your grandson, when I went to my daughters IEP meetings and any other child I advocated for...I did as much research as possible with wrights law and talking to advocates about the maximum possible services that can be given in the state in which you live and then justify that for your grandson.

Functional level as opposed to IQ and test scores are what should be the focus as this is an advantage to your Quest to recieve as much services as possible. Dont let the school tell them he really can test higher...bottom line he didnt and therefore the tests that are in front of them should determine placement and services. Unless it doesnt benefit him. Then you use the schools reports and what they say is important.

In your case....you do have an edge...you and your daughter!!! Who can ask for a better team a lawyer whos the mom and the grandmother who is a special educator but dont let them know that...if they do....and I I was the the Ed administrator that will be leading your IEP meeting..Id be so prepared and when you both entered that id allready have what the plan would be and make sure that all the other administrators knew the plan to make sure that ever detail was set in place so there wouldnt be a chance for either of you to oppose or to ask for other services.....so you should be as well...and sounds like you are from your post!

Dont let them scare you...like you said...you could file a suit. That is if you think they arent providing the services that you want and know you should get but they arent providing it because of money or the school that he goes to now doesnt provide it...you can file....no questions ask...if district cannot provide services then you are entitled to have the BOE provide you those services at a private school of your choice and have them pay for it.

To prove that they cant provide is easy.....you just need to find one service that is provided at another school....such as the one you mentioned above that cost too much that does and the one where he goes now doesnt because of cost.

hmm sounds to me as an advocate...id say youve allready got a case.....so maybe this knowledge can be used to your advantage at this meeting.

Its a little late..for researching now...but If you get this post before morning...and you need some information or have some questions that you have..,id be happy to brainstorm with you before the meeting about the best approach etc etc....of course as I stated above....you seem ready...nurvous but ready!! I dont think I can help and give you more then what you have but.....hey you never know.

you can e-mail me at NYSparklegirl@aol.com.

otherwise good luck..and dont sign anything unless you agree and are happy with the services they are going to provide...you dont have to. Let them know at the end of the meeting if this is the case, you dont agree with the plan and you plan on consulting your advocate/lawyer to discuss your options. Dont feel bad if the meeting lasts more then an hour....ive been to some that have lasted about two hours..arguing back and forth.

Check out "Wrights Law" regarding the services that could be provided to children who are on the spectrum and those services that should be payed for by the BOE.

Again...good luck.

Jodi

Hi all....hope you are all having a good week.

Well.....this week has been really busy and all with taxes due tomorrow. Got my in today and glad I did...as I will be getting a return on both fed and state....thats a first!

So, food is getting a bit boring now. Mushy foods are well mushy and I want to start chewing? Tired of the grinding and blending. The foods are basic. A poached egg for Breakfast, Protein shake for lunch, ground something for lunch and a dairy cheese something for snack...water, Water water...and dinner about 5 forkfuls of fish. Then its Water water water.

This week...I thought I need something else...im going bonkers. So, I added steel cut oats, chumus with white Beans, and chili. These are also mushy foods.

Next week I will go to reg foods and maybe get a fill the following...maybe ill get one next week..not sure.

I have some restriction, its not to bad. I just wish I was at my sweet spot already. I am very active even though I hate to work out. I do a lot of at home exercises and it all gets to be the same routine. I would like to get out and join the gym, but financially right now I can not afford a gym membership. I will update again tomorrow on my first fill and how it goes also my weightloss/gain progress since one week after surgery. I hope its not bad.:thumbup:

How about a Y? or a Community center? The parks dept runs several different activity centers around NY one or two in different boros. Do they have any where you are? I know that they have one here in Far Rockaway that I visited that cost 50 dollars a year. The place was a dump but the exercise room was brand new! There are several others in other boros that were brand new and gorgeous. However If this site was closer to home and had a car park I would have joined, regardless of the dumpy building.

I ended up joining the gym and am paying $68 monthly. I dont have this money but I cannot and do not do exercise so must must have help.

I signed up for their spring training deal which is 6 sessions for 50 bucks. Im onto my second session and I know there would be no way in hell I would do any of what this trainer gets me to with him. So, this is where I think I will be spending my money for the next year. Money I dont have but I hope will be well worth it. I was supposed to be going to do the cardio equipment on the days I dont train with him privately as of yet...that um hasnt happened.

Im hoping for tomorrow. Im just so busy and I have my daughter that im not sure about how to schedule time.

No it was weird though. I had to do a crunch and the Dr found the port. Then drew a circle around the port and got the needle ready. THe dr didnt get it on the first try but I ended up with 4cc's Im happy. liquids today softs tomorrow and then regular on friday. Not to bad I go back may 10th to get another one! It is a little sore now.

Cool. So glad you got it though....I allready know exactly what it feels like as in the hospital they took out some that first day....so im not nurvous at all, now im just nurvous about how im going to be afterwards, if ill start to throw up again like the first night and have to have them take out the solution. Just take it slow...if you feel its too much when you start eating again go back to liquids for a day or so. Take it slow, let us know how you do. Hope all goes well.

I am a month post op also. My first fill is May 6. But I too have some restriction. But i don't understand how you can eat mcdonalds. If i eat three or four fries, i feel it get stuck half way down and i end up barfing it back up. Even meat gives me problems, even if I chew chew chew. So i avoid most meats and fries i certainly don't need. If i eat at mealtime, i can eat about 1 cup of food total and that's about it. Any more and i feel it flowing back up. But again, after i eat that i'm not hungry. my eyes might think i want something else, but it's no use even trying to eat it, because it wouldn't go down anyway. So i guess that's what it's all about. the good part, i'm getting use to not having bread, sweets, a lot meat etc. And it doesn't bother me.

I've lost 22 lbs since March 16 and feel inches creeping off also. I'm happy and don't regret the banding.

Thats great. 22llbs is great!! Good going!! I agree, the thought of eating a fry?? Im afraid just thinking about the possible after affects. I did have a small chili from Wendys they are only 170 cal. and are only meat and Beans. Thats as far as any fast food I hope to go.

Its interesting....I hear what you are saying about the eating. I dont feel like I have the band in at all any more. I can drink about 8 oz now at a time well not at one time but over a few minuets. Two weeks ago I couldnt drink two oz so fast.....I can eat, just like you said but after a few bites of whatever it is I stop but I think I can keep eating....Im not really sure when ive had enough? or when I should have had enough? when I should stop? am I not eating enough?

I asked this at the support group. They said are you feeling full? if so your good. Are you eating when you are hungry? if so good. The thing about the band is...they said.....is its not a switch....its not going to shut off when youve had enough and not allow you to eat more after. Its your brain that needs to say..stop youve had enough thats it.

This is the hard part...this is retraining your brain...the same brain..that needs to learn to say noooo Im not going to have this food or that food etc etc, Its all about changing the way we think about food...and the way we eat...if we dont do that then no diet, no band, nothing is going to help, the band is a tool only. We have to do the work ourselves in changing the foods and how we eat them.

I have gone out to eat with friends and family and I will have fish. Its good that I like fish otherwise id be a very unhappy camper. I did have steamed fish for the first time last night and um that didnt go over well. Had no taste but it was a chinese restaurant so no special orders was allowed. Grilled or baked would have been fine.

Live and learn I guess. Ive limited my total carb to 8% per meal and sugar intake to no more then 5-7 grams of sugar, not really concerned with calories or fat as the numbers above wont be anything to worry about with fat or too many calories.

I also havent had any of the "whites" and I really dont miss them...hope that will continue! Its been two months and im not going to anytime soon. (I hope).

Wow Jodi Great for you! I wish I could say No to some foods :Dancing_wub: . Losing weight during PASSOVER! Great job!

Yes,,,,I laugh thinking about that one!

Now, i dont know what its like to hate working out, but Just remember every time you workout (exercise) you are taking one more step to reaching your goal ( baby steps wins the race!) :thumbs_down: I love working out and use the time as me time and Thinking time.

okay.....I will remember that thanks....baby steps!!

I am having problems with drinking with meals :thumbup: I know i am not supposed to but its been so hard! So i have been trying to drink smaller and smaller amount after time. I told the doctor too, he said i will learn to be able to not drink with meals with time.

OMG..me too..cant get enough liquids throughout the day for sure....getting about maybe 40oz and thats maybe. I havent had trouble as of yet with drinking with meals but when something is hard to go down....I want a little to help it but only done that a few times...keep thinking how my stomach will expand if I do...oh the nightmares! that keeps me on tract most days. I try not to have any glass near me when I eat so im not tempted to drink at the same time.

My problem is the waiting either before of after...that 30 minute. I hate that....how do I know when i will eat??

Means I have to do some planning and I dont like to plan.. I just want to eat when im hungry and eat when thirsty.

I guess its all about changing the way we think about food and eating.

As for you....take your advice.....slow, baby steps....lol its good advice!

When I first decided to have this surgery i thought I would keep it a secret but I havent. I have told people and alot of the people i work with comment on my weight loss every day! I personally know this wasnt the easy way out and i know i am working hard to lose what i am , so i am not ashamed to tell people i had the surgery. I am hoping that i can encourage others that want to lose weight to get this lives together and lose the weight too.. Dont get me wrong i am not broadcasting it everyone, but when people ask i tell them.

I tell people right away.....they say wow you look great...what is it?? you lost weight.. have you? and I tell them. Yes, I have ive gotten the lap band and they ask questions and thats it. Most people are supportive....havent as of yet had any negative feedback...im sure that will come soon enough.

Encouragement and education is really important, keep up the great work!! well must go to sleep. Long day ahead tomorrow.

Have a great night all and keep up the great work all!!! Its olmost a month for everyone pretty much.....and we are olmost up to getting our first fills. Let us know how that goes for everone.....Good luck for all those who are getting their fills this week!!!

Jodi

Apples, I will do that (eat slowly this week with eraser-sized bites) and see if I'm just too tight. Good advice! I definitely don't want to risk anything bad happening. I sort of always have erosion and slippage in the back of my mind.

I forgot to tell you all that I had a funny sewing day yesterday. I decided to make a scarf and ended up sewing through my finger twice! Just the tip, so it wasn't anything terrible, but the worst part was having to cut the threads that went through my finger so I could detach myself from the scarf!! Yikes. I also started making a cool wrap top from a pretty lilac knit. It's the sort of thing that'll be good for cool spring and summer nights.

I don't know if I told you already, but I'm going to see my daughter in NYC for my birthday in early May. I'm very excited about going---we're going to go to this cool Korean spa and take in the Met (my favorite museum), and go specialty bra shopping in this little store that has expert bra ladies to fit you. How exciting is that?! hee I always love going to see her, and NYC is a lot of fun. Mucho walking, so I'm glad that I'm in better shape than the last time I was there. One of the reasons I'm making some clothes is for this trip. I don't want to buy a lot of new stuff, and I have the fabric already, so I just need to sew it up. I'll have to post a pic of the scarf.

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

In any case...where is your daughter?? If you will have time id love to get together with you for sure!

Jodi

Hi all....

well.....Passover and Easter is over. Its back to regular schedule programming. Im sorry ive been incognito for the last two weeks but see im observant so most of passover I couldnt post at all and getting ready with all the cleaning and cooking and getting ready...I didnt have a moment to spare when I could post. I havent disapeared, Im here....and back.....so get ready for those long posts consisting of updates and rants and raves!!! lol

quick update....Its been a month since surgery and wieghing in yesturday....I lost 28 pds!!! I cannot believe it. Passover was really hard,.....I cooked and cooked but didnt taste anything....nada nothing....chicken Soup, fish, pot roast, meat balls, chicken, side dishes of all sorts and tons of passover rolls and rolls and more rolls..lol I didnt taste one taste not even a pinky taste. I made everything like I always do...didnt dare make anything new without tasting.

I sat and watched everyone eat at the Passover seder. I did not have a smidgen of matzah the whole passover.

We didnt go to anyones house for any meals...I had them all here because....going somewhere meant having to explain why I cant eat anything except something mushy......or drink but not at the same time...or the mushy needs to be only Proteins. lol talk about an ungrateful guest. lol

So it was just easier to have meals here at my house, no one ever asks or insists you eat your own food they dont really ask as you are buisy serving and no one notices so much.

The only thing that I wanted the whole week?? A Passover roll why???? Why??? Nothing of the real food but I wanted a roll more then anything else, not the deserts and chocolates or macaroons but I didnt have one....nope not even one.

I was sooo proud of myself. My mother could not believe it. I couldnt...the only year or person Ive ever known to have lost weight on passover!!!

I joined a gym and had two training sessions so far but oh how I hate to exersize. I just hate it but know I must. I spoke to the surgeon last week and he said...I could now do what ever I want...lift more then the 8 pounds excersize whatever! So, it was time to take that next step.

baby steps here....even bought new sneakers for that occassion.

So, im feeling really good.

Ive pretty much developed a regular routine, in the morning around 7 I have a Protein Shake, then at around 9 I have a poached egg. I try to drink Water in between.. at around eleven I have a piece of sliced cheese or two tablespoons of rigatta or greek yoghurt or cottage cheese. At around 1 I have a few tablespoons of ground chicken or meat. I keep drinking my water, in the afternoon I have a Protein shake....and then at about 9 I get hungry somewhat or at least I think I am and eat a piece of fish...like maybe three tablespoons and then I take my Vitamins and pills...crushed and thats it!!!

So its goes..since after the first post op while starting mushy foods.

Ive been really careful about the juices.... I have them watered down and make sure I only am eating proteins. I havent eaten any vegetables or starches....caffeine and limit the sugars. I wont eat anything that has a more then total carbs of 7-10 percent in any one food and or more then 5-7g of sugar. This doesnt leave alot of room for food. lol

I really want to try to not eat anything that is white that turns into sugar. No wheat, No more white potatoes, No white rice and vegetables that are considered starches and try to eat as little as white sugar as possible.

We will see how long I last. lol Right now im eating only proteins. I also have one "REDS" and one "GREENS" drink a day....this is powder vegetables and fruit mixed with water. So I am getting all my veggies and fruits for the day as Im not eating any now.

I need some variation this week though getting really bored with the current repertior. lol Help.

Ive bought, some chumus and white Beans. Some Protein Bars that have little carbs, etc etc. and steel cut oat meal, and I tomorrow I will be making home made chilli with chopped meat and beans for dinner and I will eat fish for lunch. The oatmeal has a little more carbs then I would like but the nutrtionsist has said this is important for Fiber so a little more carbs is okay as long as sugar and fat is very low. Any ideas for more friendly foods??

I also, am having a problem with BMs. I am soooo constipated. Since the surgery Ive gone only 3 times?? Is that possible?? but true. I spoke to a nurse who I work with and she made me...a concoction...of get this.....prunes, apples, honey and olive oil. blended them all up in the bullet. and she gave me about three tablespoons...and said now jodi....dont be going anywhere for the next few hours....well guess what??? nothing happened. So when I called her in the AM she said....now take olive oil and honey and take a tablspoon a day till you go.

Hmmm finially went some but nothing reg...

any ideas?? Id hate to take over the counter...would prefer natural remedies first. Not sure how long this will last!!!

How is everyone else feeling? What is everyone else eating? Drinking? exercizing?? etc etc. I feel like i can eat anything now..and drink alot at once. I dont dare tempt the fate....so am being very careful and wont eat anything other then mushies and drinking slow but steady. Im not hungry most times....but sometimes I get what I called hunger pangs! They actually hurt and make so much noise then I know I need to eat something...but that doesnt happen often thank god. I do feel like I need to eat more often so I eat a little something every four hours and drink in between; anyone else feel like they dont have a band anymore? It doesnt feel like it did three weeks ago thats for sure!

So now that weve lost some weight and Im sure people have started noticing somewhat....what are your feelings about this? Are people surprised? not....asking questions?? what are your responses to them? Are you telling them that you had surgery? what have been their responses? Interested in all of your experiences so far. Lets talk about this.

Anyone ever make a decision about going into the chat room at the same time each week to meet up and chat at the same time? I thought this was a really good idea, anyone want to set a time for that each week?? Id like after 9 if possible. Anytime after is good for me. Any day except wekends.

I decided to stop back here. I feel sometimes as if our little gourp has drifted apart because we all have our bands now as it is April. BTW Happy Easter to everyone who follows the holiday. And Hope you had a great Passover Jodi!

I hope not....I think that the holidays have gotten in the way as they were at the end of the March...people were on vacation and celebrating all week with Passover and Easter.

People will join and leave...and join and leave again,,,,,but support is here and I for one.,.need it, all our experiences are essential to each of our journey.

I still have not seen my numbers, but a friend of mine gave me a pair of new jeans that didnt fit her because my jeans are a size 15 and fall off!! The jeans she gave me were the brand Sevens, and are a size 12!!! I couldnt believe it I have not been in a size smaller then a 15 in 2 years! Im working on some of my smaller capri's for the summer. This year I do not want to be wearing goucho's nd my ugly old lady FAT clothes.

Sevens are exact so if you are seing a change in fit.,,,,you can know you are deff loosing!! I am also seeing the difference in fit. Some things are looser and I cant wait till they will be falling off! lol

Well I am still here. I still check in at least a couple of times a week....ok well at least once a week. Way to go on gettingin a size 12!!! I would love to see a size 12 but would be happy to get back to an 16 or 18. Seems like a long way away from my size 26.

Come visit more often.....lol

I love your posts, I hear you...Id like to fit a size 12 as well......I was a 20 now down to 18 maybe 16, youl get there.....keep up the work. Its not easy but it will be rewarding!

Hi March Bandsters,

I liked Stevie's update, so decided to do one too. I am doing great, and SO happy that I had the band placed.

Had surgery 3/5. First week lost 15 pounds on liquids. Second week on mushies lost another 5 - totalling 20. Then went onto soft food - and gained 4 pounds even though I was eating between 500-600cals/day! Two weeks, and didn't loose a pound. Then at week 4 (last Thursday) went onto a more regular diet (cals increased to about 100cal/day) and in the last few days not only lost the 4 pounds I gained but an additional 3.

I had joined a gym, but unfortunately with the problematic weather in NJ, the roof blew off the gym after week 1! Didn't like the other options in the area, so was not doing anything for 2 weeks. Finally the weather has been nice, so I bought an ipod and have been enjoying walking outside. FYI - I found a bunch of podcasts abount living with the band on itunes. They are great to listen to while walking.

How is everyone else doing? My size 32 winter clothing is not going to go into storage this year, but rather to charity :thumbup:

First Fill 4/15 - I cannot wait!

BTW - this was the easiest Passover ever, since I cannot eat bread anyway! Happy Easter and Passover to all.

Cynthia

Banded 3/5 - 350

Current Weight 4/4 - 327

Goal 180

HI Cynthia..welcome..yes, I agree easiest passover ever!!! I was banded on 3/9. Sorry to hear about your gym. Was your area affected by the floods as well? There are no other gyms that you can join anywhere else? Maybe one where you work so you can go before or after work? I know its a pain when not close to home.

I was lucky and have several in the neighborhood to choose from. I chose Hollywood. I seem to like it.

Where in Jersey are you?? Where did you have surgery? Please feel free to post any suggestions, experiences and ideas for eating. Welcome again.

Happy Monday!!

I hope everyone survived the weekend. This is the start of my fourth week on Clear Liquids. Next week I start the mushie stage, then the following week my first fill. I think that i'm at the stage where I'm not feeling very restricted. I am getting hungry, but still sticking to the liquid program. I know i've said it before, but if i never see broth again it will be too soon!!!!!!!

Have a great day.

;

I cant believe that you are still on liqiuids "clear" is this usual? Ive never heard clear liquids. I was on clear liquid two weeks after surgery then mushy for four and afterwhich reg for two weeks and then they do the first fill. Or so it will be with me if everything goes well. I would go out my mind with another two weeks of "clear" liquids if I had to. How are you doing now??? Hope all is well and you are good

Hiya Everyone :cool2:

Had my 2 week post of visit today.. Down -12 lbs, He was very happy with my progress, I told him i was worried i didnt lose enough and he said if i had lost anymore he would be concerned so I feel great

He told me I wont get a fill until my weight loss slowes down or stops. Which i think is a good thing.. My band is working good right now with nothing in it, if its working dont mess with it

He said i am going to be one of his "Star" Clients,, Already back in the gym and working out.. I know my hard work is going to pay off.

im so glad to hear your doing well!!! yes, 12 pounds is great!! Good for you!! Thats terrific.

I am doing well. No more gas pains, the clothes are fitting better, and the weight seems to be coming off nicely. However, the last few days I seem to come home from work and want to eat everything I can get my hands on. I do fine between breakfast and lunch but then about 3 I am starting to get hungry. So I have a handful of peanuts and that seems to hold me over til about 5. Tonight for dinner I had mashed potatoes and cottage cheese. Which was satisfying but I think I ate to much. How are you doing?

Glad to hear the gas pains went away!!! See....we told you they would eventually. It did for us as well although you think they will last forever.

I also a little hungry between three and five...so I eat a Protein Bar or have a protein shake. If you are coming home and are starving maybe the handful of peanuts isnt enough, What time are you eating lunch? Maybe you need to eat a little more smaller things,,,,,over the day. Maybe something every two hours or so. Nothing big but a handful of peanuts is a good snack but its not a meal. maybe a shake before leaving work or protein bar before leaving work or that time would help starve of wanting to eat right awaymwhen you get home.

Are you eating mainly proteins? This will keep you full longer and keep up energy,. Carbs I was told will make you want to eat more pften as they are called sliders....they go down easy and dont stay for long and turn to sugars more quickly. You might want to try only proteins during the day and see what happens.

Would love to hear from everyone who was banded towards the end of the March...how are you are doing??? I missed alot of posts then because of Passover so ,,, hope you all had an easy time and are recouping nicely!!!

well.....its late and gotta get up early once again!

Have a great night everyone and a great week!!!

Jodi

Hi all. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Well....its been an interesting week,

As I previously had posted about joining a gym,,,,I had my first intro on Friday...and when being weighed I found I lost another ten pounds! All together since surgery March 9th I lost 28 pounds!!! Is that crazy????? i cant believe that!! I lost 16 the first week and then another 11 since then.

so.....tomorrow I go for my first real training session at the gym....where we will figure out my a program for me. Sitting on the side watching everyone would be the one I would chose but I think the trainer has a different plan in mind, lol Back at work after two weeks, joined a gym its been a good week!

Yesturday I went to the mall near where I live....and bought a pair of cross training sneakers two pairs of workout pants and six t-shirts, (and a partridge in a pair tree ) Im now set for working out or at least look like it.

In additon to the above I bought a new hair straightener that seemed really good. Mine broke and havent found one since. While on the way out the mall a woman stopped me and convinced me to see this new straightener and demonstrated. It really did work!! Even better then my old one that I loved and used to death. literally...it died. In addition to the additon ....I also bought a watch at Macys..which ive need for the last 6 months.

So....did a little shopping, not a good thing for someone whithout money to go shopping...especially since I also bought Dassi some dress shirts to wear with some beutiful skirts that we recieved at the childrens clothing gmach...(organization that collects clothing and if you need..you just go and take) before even getting to the mall! Talk about over spending...this was it.

However....since we volenteer to collect the clothing and organize all and take it to where its housed and hang it all....we get first choice of everything that comes in first dibs that is. Which is one of the reasons we volenteer for this organization. Its so expensive to buy clothing now and here in this neighborhood everyone dressed to kill even on weekdays. Going to synaguage is like going to a wedding. I cant afford that kind of clothing and the kids are dressed the same. So we got involved when asking if there was any clothes in my daughters size and sure enough there was plenty....and was asked if wanting to help out...and said of course...now I help run it. lol

Last year someone donated some gorgeous designer skirts that were perfect on Dassi that she loved but had no tops to go...so I figure hey, if the skirts for free I could splurge a little and get some nice tops to match and she can have several outfits to wear it was worth it.

I cant wait to get to the womans clothing one this week...ive had someone else take over since the surgery as I couldnt life anything for a while...however the doctor said this week I can start again doing regular and all exercize so am back. So I will go and check out the clothes and get me a new wardrobe woo hoo. I cant wait to see what will fit as I never am able to take anything as the clothing always were too small. (people who give away clothing in the five towns in NY too small lol!) But.,soon enough I will have choice picks of the gorgeos clothes that Ive been drooling over since starting to volenteer.

I had my eye on a whole bunch of skirts that came in, in size 12. I want them all, lol. I dont want to be greedy but the woman whos in charge; (she is just a doll) has insisted if I buy a stich of clothing and do not take everything that fits shel fire me from volenteering lol.

So im real happy!! Every time I loose weight I can take and switch.

The clothes are all designer and practically new. People donate alot in this community and there is just more clothes then for people who need. If there isnt enough we post a message in the community bulletin and wallah in pour the clothing. So if Im going to need a size that is not available....I was told to post a message. lol Its a community of people that do many different things for charity and giving and doing for people in need so the clothing Gmach....which the word "Gmach" actually in yiddish meaning "to give". Now even happier knowing I dont have to buy new clothes every few months. lol yea. Ill only take if I can give as well...so glad to volenteer and exchange so other people will be able to take as well. Dont want to take and have others needing. So, will only take what I need and no more.

One day at a time....

Sometimes..we need to purge ourselves of our deepest feelings especially to those whom have hurt us. Psychologists would say this is very beneficial in terms of healing and moving on. You needed to do this...and that a good thing. You finially felt confident enough to do it and thats great!!!! Good for you! It doesnt always make you feel better right after but in time..all that pent up feeling that you had will start to disipate because you got it all out and now you can put it aside...Yes, having never say a bad word about your ex to your child is a smart thing....because if you do..it will come back one day and bite you in the butt. I agree. and of course....you never want what happened to me....we got divorced and then he passed away three months later so....if I had spoken bad about him to my daughter boy would that have not been a good thing then....so you never know whats going to happen and its best to not talk badly....its also not good for the child to ever do this the psychologist say,,,,so I dont.. now....he is an angel and is with god because he was a good man the best...this is what I say now to her and she really loves me for it. Even if I know he wasnt! She doesnt need to know that I think this. She deserves to think this about him so its a white lie...but her psyche is so much more important then me telling her the truth now. Who cares? Hes not here to hurt me or her any longer,,,,,let her put him on a pedastal she doesnt have a father any longer, Its okay with me. so...remember Karma can be a bitch, must be careful what we do, say and think!

That poem by the way had me ROTF! Thanks for the laugh~

I'm a cryer, too, Jodi. I had to step down as a lead with our local National Guard Family Readiness Group because I was crying with everything I was doing...in meetings, talking to families that were sending loved ones, etc. I handled things perfectly when my son was over in Iraq and I was in this group but not the second time around. I think it just brought back too much. I tried to stay SO strong when he was there and then the flood gates opened.

Karen,

well, its always so much harder to do a job like that when it is close to you before your son left it wasnt about you...but then the year after it was it hit home. I dont know how you did this....it must be so emotional in general, You have to be a very special person to be able to handle the emotions of parents who are sending their children off not knowing if they will be coming home. Of course,,,,that must be very painful but im sure they were gratefull to have someone like you helping them sort all of it out with them.

Btw,.,,I loved those recipes you posted Thank you, thank you thank you!!!

I am making your Spicy CrockPot Thai chicken tomorrow night! T

White Bean & Ground Turkey Chipotle Chili tomorrow night for the next week.

The first few months of banded life tend to consume us so it does change the whole dynamics of the household. But, I feel it SHOULD consume you in order for a person to get it right and make it work. And, if your spouse or family understands and works with you on this, a person (IMHO) has a better chance of being successful.

I agree with you....its so darn all consuming! I hate things that are like this...as I dont have tine to think about taking a shower or even going to the bathroom sometimes! lol

If I didnt have my families support of my daughter being so wonderfully encouraging and so proud of me. She tells everyone about what ive done and how well im doing and how healthy im getting! I could never do this right if she was feeling slighted because time is being taken away or attention is being divided etc etc. and or with whining and complaining, I could do it but certainly not with the commitment and energy that im putting into this whole process. Its not just the surgery...its the change in mindset and if anyone isnt open to the enormous calibra of change this entails well somehthing would have to give somewhere,,,of course it wouldnt be my daughter and that would make my like miserable, Anyone else..well they wouldnt be such an issue unless they live with you. So, I owe my success so far to the people who support my decision to have embarked on this journey and they are doing it together with me....its not just us,....as you said,,,who ever you live with is part of this journey their support and help is imperative in order to be successful.

Laura....yes, the gym I joined does have zumba for beginners They also have pilates, yoga and dance. all for beginners. I will the zumba...and let you know...thanks for the recommendation!

[

Great,

Glad you are back safe and sound. Glad you had a restful vacation, After all the work for wedding it was a nice rest im sure!

Julie, Im so glad the surgery with Mimi went well. You should be able to sleep a little easier now Im sure..and after you hopefully will get your cortisone you should feel even better!! Good luck! Hope it helps!.

Yes, a child of 30 punds is pretty hard to lift when needing to....you should really be careful im sure it doesnt do you shoulder any good to be lifting her and carrying her....this must be extremely painful,,,and a child who is perhaps squirming andtrying to not have you handle them..dead weight can pull someones back shoulder and neck out! Please be careful.Ive done this several times dealing with the children I work with, IT HURTS. Dont want you to hurt any more then you do. Hopefully you will begin to see better communication and responses to requests as well as overall better behavior in the are of listening and following basic directives after about a month or so after tubes are in.,,until then try not to lift her so much. Teacher mode again,....tell me to shut up if ive overstepped.

Janet,

Perfume?....I love perfume. My favorite is Tresor. I like several others like Eternity, White diamonds, Gerlaine, Poison, D'amarige, and Opium... "these are a few of my favorite things"!!! I like these all but Tresor is my favorite and I always seem to come back to it, I have alot of the newer perfumes...but its the oldies but goodies.......I awitch off between, Tresor and Eternity and Gerlaine now....

You said you like perfume with Roses???

My mother loves her Rose perfume......When ever I smell someone wearing that perfume..I think of ,my ,mother!! The house smelled of it when she put that on for hours.....I loved that smell.....but would never wear it myself. Way to strong! lol

but loved it on her.

well......I must go to sleep....got to go to gym at 12. lol

Have a great day all tomorrow..enjoy your Sunday!

Jodi

Hi all.....yes its over! Vacation is as well and not too happy...its been two weeks and well...I could use another week to recoup!

First....let me wish Mimmy a successful surgery Julie...I hope all turns out well. I have her on my list of names that I recite every day during a prayer that is said for people who are sick or are having surgery. Im sorry your daughter and you have to deal with all this in addition to your shoulder troubles right now..I hope tomorrow you will feel good and not have too much pain.

Im not sure what your dads name is Laura but I have him in mind everyday as well for a speedy recovery and that he should feel better soon.

Well passover has passed over...and now its back to the same ole same ole? NOOOO never doing that again.

This morning joined a gym. Yea. Its been a long time coming.

Turns out, this is a really nice gym! A friend recommended it and well..I was looking at several different gyms in the area and this was the nicest..and the closest to boot.

SO...I joined and in addition took a 6 private training session. The membership was not that expensive..I thought it would be much more. I was told that my daughter can also join if I really wanted even though she wasnt 13 yet. Its cheaper then the childrens gym she goes to now...that she isnt crazy about. I dont know why..I love it lol however, if she comes with me....we can share this experience..I dont have to have a babysitter and its cheaper then her gym...I think thats three good reasons for me...and the one big one for her that she doesnt want to go to hers anymore but rather prefers to come with me. hmm thinking about this. Must have her try it for a bit to see.

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day in NY!!! April?? no couldnt be....89 degrees?? Unbelievable! so....much so that I figured might as well head to the beach as this is really August not April. lol

Today was the last day of vacation for the kids and also me...so I figure we should do something fun. After taking Dassi and two friends to eat pizza....after all for a week they didnt have any....they were dying for it. Shame....not to have pizza for a whole week! lol So I took them to the pizza shop where there wasnt much I could have...so settled on red snapper.

Paid a fortune for a little piece of fish in a pizza shop; it um tasted like it was made in a pizza shop but it did its job. Four bites and I was good then threw the rest out..as we were headed to the BEACH! Couldnt exactly save it in the crazy heat today...no loss there....as stated; not so good.

Im proud of myself....I made it the whole passover with eating just one passover roll. I didnt eat the choc dipped macaroons, and all the candy and junk food around...in my house for everyone and in everyone elses whereever we visited. Didnt eat or even taste any of the food I made for the 13 people....for the Seder of shabbat and the last two days of passover. It wasnt easy seeing all that great food going around and around.

It was kind of strange.....usually after passover; its a big rush to eat something that is made from bread of not Kosher for passover...a starch or even ice cream....usually its bread with Peanut Butter and something...lol this year??? nothing doing...im eating the same thing I ate before passover and during passover...its a slight let down feeling....but see??? this is a trigger to what we call eat eat in yiddish......"FRESS". Just hearing people get all excited and talking about what they are going to eat after passover is a topic that can be made into several books! But..not me...not ever again will I be talking like that!!! NO NO NO.

and that makes me very happy....a little let down.....but thats okay....but on the upside..I know that for the first time in 10 yrs I didnt gain any weight this passover I lost.

Tomorrow I go back to work and Dassi goes back to school. I feel like Ive been away forever. I miss my little kiddies Cant wait to see them. Especially my guy who I spend five hours a day with!

I hope you all had a great Easter.

Hey! My goodness they should pay you! I am 6 days down the line, with gas pains, and restriction. I am feeling really down, and ALMOST wish I hadnt had this done. What scares me is that my belly is going to be this swollen, and the gas is going to be this bad for ever. I hear lots of people talk about gas on here, and it sounds grim. SO, if you can link me up to a buddy, I would be very grateful. I am in the UK, if that makes any difference.....

Jodi...Hi im Jodi as well. Nice to have you...Ive also just been banded...and I have to tell you.....the stomach does go down....it will not stay swollen forever. It takes about a month. As for the first week....it was bad...bad bad but I got through it...with walking walking and walking....and gas x and gas x and more gas x. After a week the gas pains or pain went away...and after two weeks..I felt so mich better....now...a month later I dont feel like I had surgery at all! It gets better....I promise. I also felt the same way.....what the heck did I do?? Im gonna kill myself lol but you will see it will be worth it..after that first post op visit and they weigh you and it shows....about 10-18pds or so. I lost 16 in the first week. Ive lost about 20 or so now not sure exactly. The other thing...besides walking and gas x?? This site, This thread!!! The people are wonderful and supportive and encouraging.....all my questions...fears and daily happenings are adressed and responded to...and that was the best help of all. So good luck and stick around....we will try and do our best to help you through the first weeks!

Good Morning Gang...

Janet.....OMG you look absolutely amazing...you are gorgeous and that guy....well he is so right and dont you forget it!! Like so many others have said..you deserve it, you worked hard and made it to goal....you take that compliment and hold it close. Closer!!

The pictures of you and your GS is great you look stunning and that dress really looks like you are on the runway!! and the dogs..they are just too cute!

You and your family including the dogs are all just too cute!!!

Enjoy them all.

I make cream cheese type cheese balls, or depending on the occasion other thing....the first picture is a cheese egg from a previous Easter...then there is the cheese "cake" it was a birthday cake made completely of different flavored cream cheese, then this years Easter "egg" (it has a curried flavored center to make it look like an egg) and then last Halloween I made "eyeballs". No real cakes for me.

Eve.....your so creative! How do you ever think of these things? They are terrific...you should enter them in some contest in some magazine or something!

Julie...im sorry you have to go to a funeral tomorrow. You have worked so hard over the this holiday...you sure need a regular day.....everyone Im sure appreciated what you did...especially with the generators and all. What a difficult job to do...under the circumstances....but from what you described it all worked out in the end and your Breakfast and after meal was successful. Im glad to hear....hope you enjoyed the breakfast as well.

Laura, Cheri could not have explained it to you any better about your dads behavior. Infortunately when we feel our worst we lash out at the people we love the most. Whom else could we be ourselves with especially at the most trying of times.

Let it go and think of the nice time you had for a lasting memory...he also was btw upset that maybe you were leaving and he couldnt express it.

Who knows...bottom line...think happy thoughts about the past week....and how nice it was together.

oh and the crying?? hah my daughter will tell you..my mom cries at the drop of a hat. Tell me a sad story...or have me watch a hallmark commercial or those animal rescue...feed the children...movies about animals etc etc.....im a gonner. Or best....seeing my daughter in a play.....or some thing in school special.....at parent school night praising my daughter...I cry....sad its true. lol at good and bad. Im a basket case. My daughter is always....MOOOM your embarrassing me.

my ex use to say "zoloft could help", (achum) its who we are thats all....and its good for our children to see we have feelings...that we are not disensitized like the world around us.

I used to go to the movies.when divorcing my ex while being so mad all the time then at him and everything pretty much...just to cry and make sure Im still feeling! Kids need to see that we have feelings and its okay for them as well...they are going to be god willing fathers one day....you want them to be able to show their feelings instead of internalizing all the time. Dads should be sensitive as well.

This is why we suggest boys to go and play in the house area in nursery and kindergarten ...its a good thing....go ahead and cry!! Its a sad situation...and you are sad and angry and frustrated and its okay to show your feelings!

Apples......dont you love us kids?? We can drive you moms crazy with worry about us....I know my mom worries like crazy for me......and I in turn worry like crazy for my daughter. Im so glad your son is feeling better and out the hospital. He should have a speedy recovery....I still have him in mind as well everyday!

I just had to come back here and post this. Was reading an email from a friend and came across this saying..."Family is like fudge...sweet but with a few nuts"....says it all!

oh, this is just so true!!

Jewel...this is such awful news is right! How terrible for everyone. Pools and young children are so risky...you have to watch them 24/7 around them. Was there a fence around the pool or was it enclosed? Is your dad responsible even though he isnt living there?? I hope this will not affect you in any way.....you have so much on your plate allready to deal with. You certainly dont need some other complcation.

Im so sorry to hear....never nice to hear anyone dying..but a child is such a horror...you are so right to have never left your son ever at the house....esp if the conditions werent safe with your step-mother and her family.

Im glad you are having a great time with your brother and niece!! Sounds like you are!! Enjoy the rest of the vacation.

Phyl. I hear you about leaving after a season is over....I used to go to a bungallow colony each summer ...the same one and at the end of the season....omg the tears that used to flow....it was just unbearable for me. It was like camp for adults. You ever see kids at the end of a season at camp??? so upset to leave their friends? well, picture adults but worse! Another season will come soon enough. Enjoy the time in between.

Cherri.....you can get as weird as you like....your posts are informative and entertaining.....they are funny and you are so knowlegable about so many things....I have learnt so much from you in the few months ive been reading and posting so please dont hold back lol keep em coming!

Joyce....im so glad the first fill went okay...I am starting to get nurvous as well. Thanks for letting us know..it wasnt bad! Hope you are feeling good.

well.......its taken so long to read all these posts since the weekend and equally longer to respond...I hope I didnt forget anyone! Its been a while so forgive me. I know "great" is in Hawaii; hope she is enjoying. To all the new posts..welcome!

Have a good night all. Jodi

Hey....everyone.,

Wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter!

Hope you all have a fun, meaningful Easter...nice weather and a beutiful day!

Ive been really buisy with passover....and all the eating and cooking and eating everyone has been doing...im finding myself in the kitchen non stop....as everyone wants to eat at different times and different things....its been umm interesting!! Im doing all the cooking and none of the eating....not even tasting. lol

Well......its been fun! Im not gaining any weight and everyone else is hehehe.

Hi All,

I hope everyone had a good April 1st. I had a small victory today in that I was able to return my CPAP machine today. I have been sleeping through the night, and have enough energy during the day that I'm not taking naps like in the past. My sleep apenea was very mild in the first place, and loosing weight has helped me sleep better. Yea Me!!!! I so hated that machine, I could never get it to fit my face properly, and it was noisy, noisy, noisy!!!!

Well thats all I have for now........ Have a wonderful Friday!!!!!

Hugs,

Monica

Monica thats great!! I hate that stupid machine..but use it every night. Cant wait to get rid of mine but suspect it wont be for a while as my case was pretty severe.

Did you say you were on "Clear liqiuds for 4 weeks???? OMG....after one week thought I was going to go bananas!

Then I went to mushies...Im on mushies till April 20th.

Congrats on the NSV natrlblonde!!!

I went in this morning for my one week post op. From the day I scheduled my surgery to today I have lost 25 pounds!!! I am very excited but of course wish it was more...lol. I was told that I could move on to softer whole foods such as fish, soft boiled eggs and tofu. That will be nice. Hope every one had a good week and have a great Easter!!!

Thats great!! 25llbs. thats amazing, You must be so happy!!

Hope you are feeling good. yes soft mushies.

Well....Happy Easter and a great rest of Passover to all!

Hi all.......

Wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter....May you all have a peaceful, meaningful and enjoyable one!

Enjoy the day..I hope its sunny and nice out and all the easter egg hunts can be done outside!

I was banded on 3/29/10 and have not been able to get in the amount of liquid I am supposed to. I am supposed to get in 2 ounces every 15 minutes. I got in 6 ounces in about 45 mins this morning, and another 4 ounces this afternoon. I am also sipping on Water, the gas pains are awful, and I am not really hungry. Is this normal?

I was banded on March 9th and I know how you feel about those liquids!!! I also cant get enough even now. In the beginning I was only on "clear" liquids the first week. I tried to sip grape juice and apple juice watered. sugar free Ice pops, Sugar Free Jello, more Soup more juice more water etc etc. Besides the Protein Drinks. Not easy but I tried...never got to 64oz even now...but after several weeks...I was able to drink at least 3oz in a half hour....now I can drink more which helps.....chin up, try to drink as much as possible....I also wasnt hungry until maybe last week/.....I was like hmmm I think I might be hungry!

Good luck

OK...crooked bunny cake is made. One ear is larger than the other. I didn't want him to feel bad so I told him the story of my one boob being bigger than the other. Now he has the smile back on his face. See?

OMG he/she is so cute!!! I love this bunny cake!!! Hope you all enjoy it!!!

[

Julie...OMG im so happy for you all!!!

Im glad you thought about all the questions but seems like all is good!! Its good that they are waiting till after summer...this will give you all enough time to get to know each other and spend time before the planning...which we who have been married know can sometimes be so trying at times!!! Oh, Enjoy this time....

OK Friends..got a call from youngest in Atlanta. He just got out of surgery. Called his dad when we were having lunch. Was loud in the restaurant so DH stepped outside. He has been having a difficult time with kidney stones the last few months. Anyway...yesterday he was at his bank and went down. Ambulance trip to hospital and they had to go into the kidney to remove a mega-sized stone and they found infection in the kidney. Doc stated he would need to do kidney removal if anti-biotic does not kick it.

This just sounds so drastic. And, DH did not THINK to ask what hospital he is in. Gotta see in the next couple of hours if I can track him down through friends. I have tried and tried his phone in the last hour but no answer. I imagine he is out of it if he just got our of surgery. I DETEST that I have passed this on to my boys.

Anyway, those who say prayers, please pray that he does not lose that kidney. Thanks for listening. Love you guys

Im so sorry to hear this..I hope your son has a speedy recovery!! Im glad you will be with him soon.

Its scary no matter what age...to be in the hospital. Nothing like mom to be with. Have an easy flight.

Okay, must go now...big day of cooking again tomorrow for the last two days of passover. I hope you all have a great day.....and enjoy Easter Sunday!

Jodi

Hi all.

Passover rolls?? Passover rolls??? This is what I had to have a bite of???? Why, Why. Why???? I was so good!! I cooked and cooked and cooked...and wasnt tempted.. for the pot roast, the chicken Soup, the zuchini pie, the tzimis, the chicken, the meatballs and all the deserts I made...why why why was it the passover rolls??? All they consisted of was matzah meal, eggs, and oil!!!! I was soo good until today...after the big feasts were over and all the food was consumed by everyone while I watched.,,,,I really really didnt want or need anything but I made these stupid passover rolls and Bagels for Breakfast for mom and Dassi and well....I just couldnt stand that bag of rolls sitting on the counter! I needed to to have a bite. They were really good!!! SO a bite turned into two bites. I was afraid to eat any more then that!

Passover rolls??? what the heck is wrong with me?? lol

So, I know I havent been online as the holiday was like the sabbath for two days,,,so couldnt post.

We had a really nice passover so far. The seder we had here at my house was different and special. The theme that I decided to have was "Woman and the exodus and how they were instrumental in the freedom of the slaves". Since I have two nieces and my sister and sister in law...besides my mom, my daughter and myself was at this seder....it went over well.., we discussed this topic and different woman and their roles. It was fun and different.

The food apparently was good....I wouldnt know except for the damn passover rolls.

The two days went fast and it was nice being all together...the nicest thing of all. The sleeping sofa> for mom. That really was a great help. Glad to have bought that set it was the perfect time. Setting up an air mattress for my daughter every night would have been a real pain in the butt.

Today was the first day that wasnt like a shabbat and it is called the interim holiday,,which is between the shabbat type holiday..but nobody works and the kids are off so its called trip days. This year we have three such days only...and tomorrow and sunday is short as we have to prepare for the shabbat and shabbat type holiday again for two days that will end the holiday on Wednesday evening.

Sooo....today we took a trip to the CT Marritime Aquarium with my dad and his wife. They live in Westchester and they didnt come to the Seder.

SO....we met them there and had a great time...up till the time when it was time to eat.

Ahh this was fun ....not. I took out our passover food...and yes, those passover rolls. My dad and his wife took out their ham and cheese sandwiches on bread.

hmmm, what I thought is wrong with this picture??

My daughter was like grandpa??? dont you know its passover and we dont eat bread on passover? His response was "I tried to make a sandwhich on Matzah but it just crumbled!" I just had to laugh.....he got an "A" for trying..but Dassi wasnt too happy...as she said..after the day was out..."I really wanted that sandwich mom" Why couldnt they have just gotten a salad or something else??

I agreed that it was rude however, perhaps we also were rude in expecting them to do what they werent used to or didnt want to do. And of course then we discussed "Freedom of Choice" and that is what I said it boils down too period. We all have a choice and we shouldnt judge anyone else about their choices because we really do not know which choices we choose are the ones that will be rewarded or not.

In any case....it was a lovely day....nice weather and a great trip overall.

Thank you all for the suggestions about how to get those liquids in...I am going to try them all!!

Just wanted to take this time to wish everyone a Happy Easter as im not sure when ill be able to post again in between the holidays...that I cant post. Sat night only......SO., I hope everyone has a joyuous Easter............and is with family and friends for the holidays!

Jodi, you poor thing.. just when you get yourself pyched up to do all this cooking and such you have kitchen maintenance problems.. Hope they get solved soon.... Even though your traditions sound harse to me I think it is so wonderful the way you described why you do it... It is you and what you are.... Good for you for sticking to your beliefs...... Too many are content to be Sunday worshipers and then do whatever the rest of the week.... I hope this is a wonderful time for you and you accomplish all the is necessary.... Have a blessed Holiday...

Thank you honey. Thats so sweet. I do really love it. I love hearing about your goings on with the church and the way you are involved with your church and all that you do for it! How lucky they are to have you! I would love to watch you and try to emulate the way you give all the time!!

for example:

Also have to get things in line for Easter breakfast at church.. We have sunrise services with a pancake and sausage breakfast cooked by the men afterwards.. However, they can't make breakfast until I get all the supplies and such ready for them... Must get on that tomorrow... Small church os only have to plan for 50 or so... Not a big deal.. Will shop on Wed when DH is with me.....

small?? 50 members?? shopping and cooking?? and doing!

llkb4me;

Minted Lemon....Sounds so calming! I like it, Hope it comes out fab, sounds like it will.

ocotillo;

Jodi....hope you are having a good passover. My boss went to a passover celebration last night....said he was lucky it wan't one of the long ones where everyone is up until 2am. He wouldn't have been too pleasant if that had happened.

I could understand that for sure....No. My motto for my seder...is come and leave as you please, otherwise no body in my family would come and theyd all be cranky too including me! lol

With them I do an abreviated version. With a theme base to it that keeps everyone interested.

This year I prepared beforehand by researching some topics. My daughter came from school with several questions for me and one of them spurred a topic.

She asked,,,,,why isnt there woman named in the story of passover that we tell at the seder,

This.,....bothered me. I began researching about a week ago and found so many interesting things about "woman and the exodus of Egypt". So for our theme..."Woman and their role in freeing the slaves and leaving egypt".

At the end of the seder we discussed several different woman and what their actions did to ensure the freedom...to Moses mother and sister to the daughter of pharoah. It was an eye opener for me and everyone else. It was fun and different.

So nobody fell asleep and it didnt last long!

I love the invites!! What a great idea.

BTW what if I might ask is valley fever? I never heard of that. Is it something that is inclement to the west? Like...feline aids? Im sorry if she is sick. so sad when our best friends have these diseases or diagnosis....Hope she checks out okay.

Laura;

Im so glad to hear you are feeling good again.

Im so sorry your dad is having a hard time. I hope your visit goes well and that helps him.

Julie;

Hi. I hear your frustration about your concern about your Daughter. I agree that marriage counceling with the church paster/psychologist/social worker would be a good idea as past experiences often repeat themselves sometimes....not always but sometimes. As woman I know..that I look for the same type of "man" so to say over and over....so for me...I am really careful to check out the guy I date...even once...because maybe im not such a great judge of charachter. I call it my checks and balances.....Ill list some of what I do...perhaps it will help you suggest some of these for your daughter..or none at all...and you can say mind your own damn buisness....but as a divorced woman with a child who has some special needs....I need to be extra careful as we both are easy targets..,, not saying that your daughters new boyfriend is not a great guy he might be and that would be amazing...but second marriages are hard to start with....and having a child with any special need no matter how severe or not is stressful. We need to be on guard. I know it would be so easy to have someone else come on board and take over because im tired of doing it all alone, but I know I need to be aware......so I hear your concerns and they are rightfully so...

here is what I do...I hope it can help

First....I call my rabbi...see if he is known..explain the situation and ask him if I can speak to anyone who knows him well.

Secondly, I know this is really obnoxious...but I want to know why he was divorced and what was the situation.,..and how he behaved towards his ex...I also want to know about how he treats his ex wife now. Does he treat her with some respect as she is the mother of his child. Is he amicable to her at least, How does he talk about her? He doesnt have to love or like her but does he talk bad about her? With disdain? with cursing? with anger?? How does he treat his son? How does he interact with him? whats their relationship and whats the agreement to see him? Once a week? joint? 50/50 or does he have supervised visitation? full custody? Does he support this child and ex wife? Does he have enough for your daughter as well? These are all questions that she should be asking. Id even be so bold as to see their seperation agreement. Not to be nosey..but this is going to affect me...and my family and future family...I need to know what Im getting in to.

After all these questions are asked of numerous respected people then I would just take time.....and that means....time....with me...without my child...this means more then three times. and then time with me and my child.....and then with me and his child and then everyone together....First marriages are chick chock....fast and thats okay....second marriages are a whole different ballgame.

Okay...enough said. I hope some of this will help. othewise please throw this post out with the bathwater.

I hope I didnt intrude too much ....

Jewel,

I hope you have a great time visiting your brother.

Great2BThin'

I dont know how you looked before but you look great now...You should be very proud and proud to be happy and enjoy the compliments..Im sure you have worked hard to get to where you are today!! Why not feel great!! You deserve it! I hope you have a great trip to Hawaii. Enjoy!! by the way...Im going to get one of those measuring scoops for my dog...she is getting so big...and I called the Vet and told them about what youve done...and he said yes you can get one..Ill order one. Dont know why I havent done this before. Thanks.

QUOTE=IndioGirl55;1441847]Jodi - Happy Passover !!!!

Thank you! Happy Easter to you and your family!

To everyone else as well.

I took your suggestions about the liquids. I love the ice tea/lemonade from starbucks. Decaf of course...I ask for a vente....and sip all day. I like it better then Water and sick of watered juice...this helped...today got more then before.

And thats all folks!! Good night.....

Hi everyone..good evening,

Hope Everyone is doing well. Its been a rough week. Its passover...ive had the seders here and company all week. Ive been cooking and cooking and cooking. I havent tasted anything which is really hard however time tested recipes have always pursued so....I didnt deviate and even so everything was yummy....heresay of course. I have to say the only thing that really got me...was the pot roast made with brisket. That tempted me...maybe the chicken Soup which after skimming I did taste. I could of had some of that but Im so sick of broth after the first two weeks post surgery!

UGHHH!!! I am so frustrated!!! Today was the first day that I had to get dressed, other than just lounging clothes, and my jeans are tighter on me than before surgery!!!! I have been told that is due to the swelling from surgery still but come on I have to go back to work on Wednesday. And the bloated feeling is really old to. How can something as simple as Water make you bloated? I still do not regret the choice I made to have this done but I am ready to move on. I am still really tired and get hot flashes. I made a lasagna for dinner tonight for my hubby that has just been great through the whole thing and now I am ready for bed. I wish I had the energy that some of you seem to have.

Hi..yes it is frsutrating but be patient....youl start to feel better soon...probably by this post allready!

The bloating is not water its gas. When you have surgery in the stomach they blow air in it to be able to get done what they done which is why we feel the gas pains all over for about a week or so after. It took me about a week to feel like I lost the bloating but still was swollen for a long time...until this past week. Good luck...it will come soon enough.

GingerJane:

I dont have a scale in the house because I know id be checking every day but the surgeon said not to check everyday...once a week is fine..and even then no need if I come to see him every month. I prefer weekly. scales are also different yours might be not showing the same as the doctors which probably is exact and yours may not be. If you are following the diet and the doctors instructions you should be lossing just fine. Give it at least a week. Because of all the gas and bloating you might not see it on the scale...also well if you havent gone to the bathroom yet a BM....this may also cause the scale not to move.

At your post op apt. which should have been a week or so I bet you will see that you lost a lot!!!

Stevie and Monica,

Glad you are both doing so well. I read in both your posts that you are excersizing allready?? I was told not to do any exercise or lifting anything over 8 pds. for a month just to walk and walk and walk and walk! Why do feel like the only one who is concerned for no reason as to ripping the stiches or hemoraging?

Yes. Everyone isnt it great that the clothes are starting to fit better and we allready in need of a slightely smaller size??

Yes, thrift stores are deff in order. I am lucky enough to have been involved with an organization that collects clothing in my area. I bring all the clothing that is collected to the houses that house them and organize them before people come and look at them and take what they want.

The clothes are all amazing!! From the richest of the rich and I get to take what I want whenever I see something I like.

I get first choice, sooooo at the end of this month Ill start getting rid of what I have now..and take what I want and there is plenty and then every month Ill bring back what I took and take new stuff each month. Sometimes it pays to do volenteer!!

Feeling really good. Havent weighed myself since last week so dont know if I lost any more weight but certainly my clothes have gotten looser.

Have a great night everyone.

Happy Passover and easter

Hi. Just taking a break from cooking.....trying to at least. lol

so far...the sink decided this was the right time to clog...and when calling the super he said..yes, I know..the woman in the downstairs apt she...had a clogged sink but when calling him she told him she wouldnt be home till about 11 AM tomorrow morning as she is on call as a doctor at the hospital. Hmmm what to do what to do??

well, I cooked what I could without using too much water...washing the veggies and food and leaving all the pots and pans to wash tomorrow morning....turns out the Water is going down but very slowly so I can at least wash the dishes used...so we are using them sparingly.

What a time?? figures!! Im cooking for 13 and and my sink clogs.....bad karma???

well... so far the pot roast, the kifilta fish, the tzimis, the meatballs, the bitter hurbs and the charoset and roasted eggs done! Yea

Tonight maybe Ill bake a cake or two.

Tomorrow....Ill make the chickens, the Soup, zuchini kugel and Quinao, in between.....I made an apt to get nails done...need to go to the market and get a few more items that I could not find before..kosher for passover...I need to get these items for my zuchini kugel!! Ive looked all over...and ill try one more place but if they dont have what is needed...Ill have to try another recipe but really would like this one.

Im happy to say with all this cooking and good smells, Im not at all tempted to even taste something!! Not hungry at all...and maybe Ill have a little meatball since that is mushy....but not really needing it.

I pretty much have settled on a reg diet....

In the AM I have a poached egg..and yes even the yolk.

For snack my Protein drink...

lunch is about 2-3 oz of cottage cheese...or greek yoghurt or rigatta

afternoon snack is a Protein Drink

dinner is about 2 tablespoons of some baked fish,,,sea bass, halibut, flounder or talapia.

During all this....im sipping the water and sipping and sipping

and not sipping enough!!!

I have not gotten up to 64oz as of yet per day.

I just cant seem to do it???

any suggestions?

well...must go now have a great night all.....

Jodi

Julie, so glad things are improving for you. You deserve it.

Sparkle, thanks so much for helping me put things in perspective. I guess I am getting overwhelmed at aiming for perfection.

No problem!!! Anytime. .Sometimes I can sometimes I cant.

I fell down the stairs again this morning. Thankfully I am not hurt too bad. Just rug burnt on my ankle and foot. Hubby did end up with the day off today and MIL canceled her request that we move her stuff today because she thought it was going to rain. We did get a little shopping done but we gotta wait til his bonus comes in to get the big ticket items we need. We still need a recliner and mattresses. I may end up buying an air matresses til we can get a regular one. Right now we are sleeping on my MIL mattresses.

Gotta get in some studying tonite. I have an exam in anatomy in the morning.

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

Hi every one, I hope you are all having a great weekend. Its spring...even though it was supposed to snow yesturday....lol

This was a really quiet weekend....considering its a break from all the cleaning and getting ready for the big holiday.

My daughter had two friends sleepover...and being that I wasnt cooking..I got a big sushi platter for them and thats what they ate last night and lunch...hope they werent expecting anything special the weekend before the holiday. lol

Im glad she had company as that left me to close the door after returning from synaguage and feeding them lunch to turn over the clothes from winter to spring. That took all day but its done!! Yea, Usually I dont get to do this until after the spring! Im ahead of the game....could it be cause I didnt have to do all the cleaning this week myself??? lol

absolutely!!

Julie, Im so sorry you are feeling bad. After all you go through now....and a cold on top of it??? Oy My thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery are with you!

I am so happy you are finially going to get something done now that you know what is going on..I am sure this is a relief for you!! Good luck and what ever you do...go to Neuro Surgeon for a second opinon and a third if possible before engaging in any treatment plan.

Mimi....oh sweet Mimi...I hope everything will be good.. There are so many great treatment plans for children who have blocked ear drums...Tubes are a godsend for some, Ive worked with many a babys that have had them and they began talking shortly thereafter. I have also had babies that did not go that route and went to the chiropractor for weekly adjustments for about 6 months with the same results. It really depends on the severity of the Fluid in the canal. Coccelar (spelling?) inplants have come a long way and for children who have had fluid and whos hearing is affected by it have done amazing and they also have started talking about 3 months after inplants.

More importantly is Mimi getting therapy now?? I know in NY she would be getting at least 3 times a week speech and language therapy and at least 3-5 times special instruction. This would be because...of difficulty with hearing and so on...she is at risk for delays in development later on. You really want to ensure that she is getting all the help she can get so this wont happen. I know you and your daughter from what you post are doing everything possible to help her now...but Early Intervention could mean so much....I know you said she does get some therapy...but getting as much as you can would be best. Due to the fact that you are allready working with doctors...will make it easy to get all the therapy she needs. I have to tell you....most parents wait till their children are way older to start getting treatments so...its great that you are interving so early!!! Good for you..and with all your pain..I dont know how you are doing it!!!!

Im so glad you are getting it taken care of...your pain and frustrations are so easy to read..and oh how that makes me so upset for you!!!

Good luck.......

As far as why I have to Kosher the kitchen for passover?? hmm well,, apparently we are to be made feel like we are leaving our homes just like the jews did in egypt. When they left they didnt have time to have the bread they made rise..so they grabbed it and ran so to say...this is how Matzah is made....and since then....the practice is to get rif of anything in your house made with wheat that has risen. Basically you need to get rid of any foods that might contain wheat or wheat products and therefore you must kosher your house to the best of your ability so there should not be a crumb of anything that may be considered...CHAMETZ...not allowed to eat on passover..that contains the above. (wheat, grains, rice, yeast, and certain foods with seeds) So, you have to kosher your kitchen as Janet has so thouroughly explained!!! That was really great..dont know where she got that information but there were a couple of things that Ive forgottent to do that Ive left for last minute and well...I would have probably forgotten them by tomorrow night and been all in a tiff if I remembered to late!! SO I must thank her for that list and tips....for passover you have to do whats on that list and then you have to cover everything because koshering is not enough......you have to cover everything you use normally like the counters, stove, table and refridgerator (i use tin foil) you need to change your dishes glasswear, cookwear and serving utensils etc etc. Basically you are turning over your whole house..and kitchen with everything that you use for the time of the eight days of passover then we can change everything back.

As Ive said its the holiday from hell. lol and Why I ask do I feel like a slave every year when its the holiday to Celebrate freedom?? Because Im not rich and I cant just pick up and go to one of those gorgeous resorts that people run for the week where you can go...close up your house and just go to a hotel for the whole week and everything is done for you. But, that would cost oh about 5,000 dollars easy for my daughter and me....so we are staying put because I have spent only about 1,000 dollars.....and thats cheaper lol

But the honest truth?? With the cleaning girls this week?? I dont really feel that worked!! lol

Of course tomorrow starts the cooking..and Ill be cooking for another two days...but I enjoy that so Im happy...problem is..come next year when I dont have the excuse of having had surgery.....having two cleaning girls for the whole week costing about 400 dollars! How the heck will I be able to justify that one?? Oh and heck if I wont have them again though.....Ive seen the light!! They are staying. Im never doing it by myself again. lol This was way too easy!! Ill start saving now..for that luxery!

Laura K - ahh "Tzimis" lol is a traditional dish usually served on holidays..depending on where you come from its served differently. It usually consists of meat...that is cooked a very long time along with sweet potatoes and prunes. It has a sweet sauce usually made from brown sugar, lemon juice, margerine and cinamin. I will not be eating this dish lol. In fact I wont be eating anything of what I am making this passover....nor will I be eating any Matzah..for sure...ill be starving. lol

Mornin' All,

Sun is shining but still only 21 degrees and windy once again. The high yesterday was a measly 27. Just the sun shining makes a person a little more chipper though.

Jodi....you make me want to convert. I sure wish I was Jewish and I could get someone to kosher up my kitchen. I would have no problem with the cooking for everyone. But, to get that kitchen totally spit shined must feel so good. And, good for you not feeling like you had to do it all yourself. Way to take care of yourself! So interesting listening to your traditions. Do you find that most kosher the kitchen the way you do? Good luck with all your preparations and enjoy your time with family.

I get you on the taste of Protein Drinks. I can pick up that smell no matter what. Next time I am out shopping, I'm going to look for the pre-made that Janet talked about. I have never been a Protein Drink person, but do like smoothies in the summer.

lol no..no no.....you wouldnt.

Its funny when people tell me Im converting or converted...I just look at them and stare and ask ..why???? why??? why??? if you werent born jewish and you dont have to adhere to all the stringent laws and observance why??? lol I just dont understand why someone would take all this upon them by choice? I have to as I was born this way..so therefore I do....im not sure if god would give us a choice would I have chosen this for myself??

Really though..I do believe that I did choose this. Somehow I feel this is the right thing for me. I do it because I love it....but there are times like this that I think....does it really make a difference as to how well I cleaned my house?? Or if I really keep kosher the way the orthodox say to?? Am I really sure alot of it is just what the rabbis say or the people who stamp this food kosher and deem something else not? In the end I question what really matters and what doesnt??

Isnt being a good person, someone who gives charity, helps people in need more important then worrying so much about what food is okay?? I also think...about all the time spent..on observance and practice....isnt visiting the sick and cooking for people who dont have enought food more important then cleaning my whole house for two weeks??

Im just not sure...so I try to do all of the above...but I just cannot do everything so I pick and choose from both...and hope that god is happy and if he/she isnt then..well send me back in the next life to have a do over with instructions this time. Until then.....ill be cleaning. lol A little rant here hope you dont mind!!

FemmeOne;

What exactly is a crafty group?? What sort of things do you make? Would love to hear some of these things!?

Janet,

OMG. you are good!!

I hope you dont mind but Ive used your list here to help me make a checklist of all that needed to be done and make sure Ive done them!!!

Where ever did you get this..its great!!!

Turns out.....I forgot to kasher the Microwave as I was saving that for last, but totally forgot...this last task as I wanted to use the microwave till tomorrow but in the end decided to kasher the oven and stove and finish with everthing! SO thank you , thank you!!

and thanks for explaining all.....i could not have done it nearly half a good explanation.

SO, you have to take off without pay....well that really bites unless you are happy about it.

Id be so livid..to be forced to however after all if someone is working its more often then not someone is working because they need the money not just for enjoyment.

I myself would not be happy to take a pay cut...as teachers dont make enough as is..and I work one job and I see an extra child on the side for extra money 3-4 times weekly for half hour. Im sorry if this is an extra burden for you.

Do people find other work to do on that day with another company or independant something?? Or is this not acceptable when you are working full time..to make up the difference?

I wonder if that would ever go over well in NY.

Thanks again for the explanation and checklist for me!

Laura, Im glad you are feeling a little better.

its...horrid to be sick.....but you must of had one dosey of a flu or something. Hopefully by next week youl be feeling better. good thoughts are going out to you.

Cherri , Im sorry your neck hurts so much....I hope you find releaf soon. I hear you about not finding a new job. If you are getting the right support and your assistant is there to help and your principal is okay with how you run your classroom....heck that sounds good to me, Keep the day job lol. You cant get better then that. I know Im a teacher as well and like I said above ..I hear you!!!!

Jewel.....you are doing so amazing!!

I look at you and think god...how does she do all this???? She has a husband and child and she goes to school full time and shes moving......and she lives with in laws at the same time????? Youve got an anormous amount of stuff going on..give yourself a break..girl.

The food issues will calm down when you are settled in your apt... im sure now everything is up in the air and you dont know whats up or down. Being unsettled is so stressful give yourself hugs for keeping it all together. The important thing is to not get sick and keep your energery and strenght up so you can deal with everything together now..

Just try to relax and enjoy the thought that you will be soon in your own place with your family....meaning your husband and son and thats when you will be able to get it all under control including the food because you Jessica will be in charge!!! Yea!!

Well the celebrations are done and I am exhausted! The brunch went super well this morning as well. She got lots of nice things and over $1000 cash already and isn't done opening yet, they had to leave for the airport. My niece did bring over a few pics so I am attaching a couple. The first is of DD before the ceremony, note her veil she remade that from my veil of many years ago. The 2nd is me and DH. The 3rd is my DS toasting DD and her new DH and sortta cut off is her new DBIL. The last photo is DH toasting them, it's a horrible pic of me (I was a little teary eyed) but it better shows my MOB dress, there was no good photo of that in the pics she brought but it gives you an idea.

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Great.....These are lovely pictures. Your daughter looks beutiful and so are you!!! Thanks for sharing...Weddings are so special especially when they are your own daughters!!

Im so glad you enjoyed the wedding and all went well....is it a normal occurance to have animals getting stuck in the road??? That really doesnt happen in NY too much...no matter where that will im sure be remembered as part of the wedding day....memories!!

well, must go to sleep as the cooking fest will be starting tomorrow AM....Mom is coming over and I just hope she remembers how to make the pot roast....lol

I hope you all have a great week.

Jodi

Hi, hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Its Sat night and I just finished changing over the winter to spring clothes....happy to think that comes summer ill have to get all new clothes!!! Hope all you past week bandsters are recouping. Give it a week and I know...its uncomfortable....take the pain killers they really help even with the gas pains. Remember to sip and walk, sip and walk. I sipped so much the first night....that I was getting up to pee more then just to get up to walk lol.

I hope everyone else is doing good post op who have had surgery at the beg of the month and everyone is feeling good now!!!

Im having a problem drinking 640z of liqiud still. I just cant sip that much all day...I try and try but to no avail. I get to about 24-30 at most. Doing okay with Protein Drinks and all the Vitamins etc etc but still cant get enough liquid. Anyone else having this problem?

(Stevie)

Jodi, I do like not having a scale at home, but sometimes I would like to know how I am doing. I would be afraid to have one at home for the fact that i would probably be on it everyday as well. I would just like to know my progress so far. I can tell I am slimming out, I just dont believe it. I have been stuck here for so long...

Stevie...

thats exactly why I wont have one here....I know ill be on it night and day!! I actually went to my primary doctors this past week ...as he wanted to see how I was doing..so he weighed me and I lost another 4 pds or so....yea...he was so excited I lost 20pds since March 9th he hugged me...a little inapropriate but I suppose he feels responsible as he was the one who pushed me to have the surgery in the first place...lol But he also agreed not to have the scale until I hit goal.

I am however starting to feel like I lost weight. I actually fit into some clothes that my mother bought for me in size 18 and before surgert they did not fit...and now not even a month later they fit!!!! Yea.

Hoping next month Ill go down to a 14 and then I can start getting rid of my big clothes!! cant wait for that.

Hope your feeling good!

Finding me;

Yea you did it!!! I hope you are feeling good. I know the first three days are the hardest but you will start to feel better soon.....I began driving and shopping on day three. Day two not...so good..but day three and on I was okay so you should be able to go...esp when you will be sitting.

just take Water with and sip sip sip.

Liftingchic;

I hope you are feeling okay..I know the doctors did say if you develop a fever to call ASAP as maybe this could be you have an infection...I hope all is well and you did call. Im worried for you now....Please post and let us know your okay....

I didnt go back to work for a week and half. I really could have after a week but I just started to feel better on Sunday which was just 6 days after surgery...If I pushed it I could have but decided to wait another 2 days and ended going back on Thursday a week and two days after surgery. The extra two days...I kind of just shopped and got my house back on order. Im glad I waited....I felt really good when I went back later like I never had surgery by that time.

Please let us know how you are....will be thinking about you and hoping everything is okay!!!

Hi. How do I join the group? I'm still not sure how to work this site!!!! Had my surgery yesterday. Doing great except my abdomin feels twice as big (gas pain stuff?). Here is a little abou tme....

Someone responded to me about us meeting up once a month or something to discuss issues, etc. And I have no clue how to find that to respond to. So if you are out there, Laurie, I think if there is a way to meet up in a chat room at a certain time on certain day, that would be great. But I think weekly would be good. I have questions come up regularly. Like maybe we can meet in a chat room every Tuesday at 6pm PST (8pm CST). That way we can go if we can or need to and ask questions or discuss stuff. Just a thought.

Can we make up our own chat room on this site?

You just joined!!

What a great idea about going into the chat room at the same time each week to get a support group going.

I think this would be as you said a great time to ask all those questions we all have and forget to post ask or dont get responses fast enough lol.

I would love to come in and chat,,,,the only thing is is 6PM is really early as I am a single parent and that is a really hard time, Im on the East coast and that would make it afternoon for the west coast. Is it possible to make it later so that all the people who have kids can sit and chat maybe after the kids are closer to going to sleep or after dinner for the east coasters??

Ill take any time of course that the consensus chooses but my choice is for as late as possible. 8 and later...for me...what do you think?? Not sure about how to make your own chat room on this thread...but maybe someone will know.

perhaps we can make a pole about the timing to go into the chat room on site.

Dont know how to do that lol but if someone does...I know Bob he made a pole before so maybe he can help here....

Let me know,,,again great idea. I love it.

and welcome to the thread!!

Hope you are feeling well. Keep us posted.

Well...must run Have a great night all...feel good.

Jodi

WOW that was some long post....I hope I didnt bore anyone to death...sorry about that...Ill try to make my posts shorter in the future....

Hi all...hope everyone is having a great week. I wanted to wish you a great day tomorrow and

A wonderful wedding celebration!!! Its a wonderful time for a wedding.....just turning spring!! Enjoy it all the wedding the wedding brunch and all the celebrations..it should go without a hitch!!

Ive had an enormously buisy week but.....the real fun starts tomorrow. I need to Kosher the kitchen.....god I hate this part....I have to turn the gas stove on the highest....for two hours!! The stove top needs to be turned on each one for 15 minutes with a pot of Water on it...hmmm why i dont know!!

but that is what the rabbi says so that is what I shall do. Every surface is cleaned and covered...all the appliances have been put away. The apt has been cleaned top to bottom...that only took three days and two cleaning people at about 12 hours a day. Yes three days and two people! Glad I wasnt the one doing it! lol

This being banded at the most inoppertune (spelling?) time March 9th...really worked out to my benefit...no one looked at me crossly when I said Im having two cleaning people come for a week to clean and prepare the house...because after all Ive just had surgery and I cant lift anything over 8llbs and that included a spray bottle and paper towel role. lol. Not really but it is hard work...and getting ready the way it should...does take a long time and its heavy work...moving the furniture....and cabinets, fridge..changing dishes and pots and pans etc etc its hard work. Its costing me a fortune...but oh so worth it!!!

There is a joke about passover that really has truth to it.....

"If this is truly the holiday for freedom and we are celebrating that freedom how is it tht we work like slaves again to get ready right before it"?

Well as I said, tomorrow I am going to do kashering, shopping and starting to cook. We are going out for the first night seder across the street....and the second night...my sister and brother and all their families are coming over....and a boyfriend of someone and my sisters husbands sister...oh and well...who knows the dogs might come again as well!!! So there will be 12 in all....and to tell the truth...I dont have space for 12 but 12 is coming so we will figure it out!!! lol

Im going to make...the traditional seder....chicken Soup, kefilta fish, pot roast, roast chicken, sweet and sour meetballs, juliene vegetables, sweet potato and prune tzimis and fruit compote and kiwi ices for desert. Way too much but after cooking all this I figure...ill have food for the full eight days.

Julie, I hope that all goes well tomorrow. Fingers crossed...and sending prayers and good thoughts.

Janet, Ive got to try these premaid pt drimks cause well....I just hate these powder pts that you make your own shakes. I hate them hate them!!

I tried Muscle milk....I saw it at gas station while getting gas and said...oh someone said they like this..not sure who.....I wasnt too happy about all the artificial stuff and the total carbs adding to 10g however....Im willing to try anything else that has Protein.< /em>