Being the audacious and forward kind of gal that I am, I (a Californian, Oregonian, Texan [Calgoniexan?]) am starting this month's chat thread in the Jersey forum. Ballsy? Maybe so. Get over it. :]

Good Morning Happy Bandsters!! How the heck is everybody? I hope there weren't any tragic chocolate overdoses last night.

Betty - Gracious!! Candy for 300 wasn't enough? That's one heck of a party!

Eileenie - how is the MIL? It's really hard for me right now - because it seems like only yesterday my Parents were - well, my Parents.... authority figures, larger than life. Now, in the last few years I have started to notice that they are old people. It's a hard mental transition, I tell you. Suddenly, the people who could always be counted on in times of need have needs of their own. I guess it's only fair - but it sucks, all the same.

Anyway, I hope that your doc can help you out with the coughing. What, did it never go away?? Or is this a new cold? Oh, and if you WERE feeling restriction with Water, I would be scared for you! You aren't supposed to have any restriction with water... :]

Lisa - you are a better woman than I if you can RELAX in the middle of a 500 acre girl scout camp surrounded by 13 little girls... Yikes!! That just doesn't sound like as much fun as it probably was - at least, not to me.

Ira - Was Zach all pumped up about the Fire Dept demo? Did he have a good time at the parade? What's up with you? How were the Halloween festivities?

JaLynn - Howdy!! Hope you are feeling better. There is not much worse than being sick in a house full of sick people that need you. ((hugs))

Pat - Fun with furniture... Is it comfy? I loved buying new furniture when we moved into our new house in Texas. It was the coolest thing ever. We avoided the Leather, though. It get's so hot here for so much of the year that we decided nice cloth upholstery was the way for us. I hope you enjoy it! Hope your mouth is all healed up and you are feeling energetic.

Cindy - Those little girls grow up sooooo fast. My Granddaughter just turned 11 and it seems like only a minute ago she was a todler.

Well - I have to get back to that thing we lovingly call "work". A little slow today, now that the month-end blitz is over, so I will have time to call and harass the insurance company. Yes, they have 30 days from October 12th to respond to my appeal. I have scheduled my first appt. with the doc for the 8th - ahead of the curve. I just need to get it all together so that I can have my surgery before T-Day. That is my goal... Of course, if the *&^(& don't approve me, I will be back to square one - but I am thinking good thoughts.

Everybody have a great day!!

Hi Everyone,

Big mistake… I was stuck in an all day meeting today and ran to Starbucks during a break. Should have known better to have coffee late in the afternoon! I’m never getting to sleep tonight! Maybe I should have tried the chai tea you all are talking about. I was pretty proud of myself today since they ordered in lunch and there were trays (yes plural!) of fattening sandwiches, Cookies and brownies and I did not have any! I took half of a tuna sandwich and did not eat the bread. Damn those cookies looked good!

Tomorrow is the 1 day a week I defined to step on the scale, which I’m dreading. I can tell this is the week I did not lose anything. But I know I’m a glutton for punishment so I will get on the scale anyway. I just hope I don’t hurt anyone when I throw the scale out my window.

Beanie – great job at the gym. As soon as my doctor gives be clearance I will have my friend drag me to the gym. Sounds like the doctor went well and I will keep my fingers crossed you hear good news from the insurance company.

Eileen – I went to Chuck E cheese with my nieces last week and they loved it! It was my oldest niece’s 3rd birthday and Chuckie came out to sing to her – boy did she go crazy! Especially since Barney had come to her birthday party the day before.

Betty – I know what you mean about presents. By the time the holidays come I will be broke! But my nieces will be spoiled!

Well I hope everyone has a good night (what’s left of it) and a good day tomorrow. Time for me to catch up on my taped shows since I will be up for awhile…

Good Morning

I couldn't sleep so here I am. I made some Cinnabon coffee, hopefully it will taste as good as it sounds.

Nothing much is going on today, DD has school so thats where I'll be for the morning.

I wish the movie theaters were open during the day here, I'd go in the afternoon. They are only open during the day on saturday and sundays and summer when the kids have off.

Beanie good going on the 8 lbs WHOOHOO is right. I have to ask, why did you have mixed emotions when you left the doctors office. Was it b/c of th 8 lbs you just lost? I'm glad you had a good visit with the doc. Hey, can you call the insurance company and ask for a 48 hour expided review? This will get you your answer b/4 Monday... (BTW, why do you need it b/4 monday?).

Zan GOOD GIRL !!! I'm glad you stayed away from the junk at the meeting. Where I work every stinkin day there is some sort of meeting with food or somebody bring in crap. I can only pray I will be as strong as you are.

Whats shakin with you all ?

Good Morning

Looks like rain today, I love rainy days...when I don't have to go out in them. Nothing new here, I had my ekg again so hopefully I will get a date either later today or Thurdsay..I hope.

Beanie ~How do I get the 30 day badge? Today is day 1 of no soda and no eating after 7pm. I know I have 30 days to go, maybe I will just check in with you then.

enjoy your day everyone!

Good morning everyone. Another beautiful day here in VA, although, we're suppose to get rain this afternoon.

I go for my second Red Hatters meeting today. I'll take pictures, should be a good time. This is a picture before my first meeting, ok stop laughing everyone.

redhatlbt.BMP

Pat, you look Gorgeous. I don't expect that anyone is laughing! But we definitely want the newest picture asap...

Lisa - we work on the honor system, here. You just made it public that today is Day One of your Quest. If you want a constant reminder - you can put your start date in your signature line. Once you make 30 days, we will get you hooked up.

Eileen - I had mixed emotions because Dr. Fox indicated that it was likely the insurance company would jerk me around some more.... Several Appeals and all that. That was kind of a bummer. The scale-thing was wonderful and I was pumped about that - hence the mixed emotions. So, how was the coffee?

Zan - loved your food list for the island. I guess Pierce Brosnan could replace the Beef on my list... Oh Yeah. So, what was the verdict? Did you gain or lose?

Well, last night at the gym I went straight to the evil eliptical machine and made it for 10 minutes before my heart rate got too high. Yippee. Plus, we worked up to 50 minutes of cardio last night. So far, I can't complain about the results of the small changes I have made. Of course, if I continue to lose 8 lbs every 90 days, (I only weigh at the docs office) I will be like 95 years old before I lose all the weight... but I am keeping my fingers crossed for my insurance company to be rational.

So far, things are slow here this morning. It's a cloudy humid day in Addison and I will probably spend most of the day studying for a test I have to take (and pass) before the end of the year. It's all about statistical analysis. Lovin' that.

Anyway hope everyone is having a fabulous day!

Pat your beautiful in that picture... just beautiful. Laughing NOT! Have a wonderful meeting today. BTW, what do you all do at these meetings?

Beanie good work at the gym, you keep it up girl. As far as the insurance company goes, you got my prayers that everything goes well. I remember that feeling of dissapointment when I left my dr's office too. When he said "you might just skim by" I felt my heart sink.

Lisa, hope you get your date ASAP !!!! Its so nerve racking.

I'm gonna go clean the computer room, its driving me NUTS !!

TTYL

Pat, you are a very beautiful woman! And I love the red hat/purple dress crew! Y'all make quite a formidable gang!

Beanie, it's one more day closer to Friday. I am so impressed with your dedication to the gym. It is very inspiring!

Zan, coffee keeps me up if I drink it late in the day, too...but Starbucks is often worth it! Hope you got some sleep.

Lisa, good luck with your goal...it is so hard to give up soda, AND to quit eating at night! You can do it!

Eileeeeeeen, can you come help me with my computer room...and the rest of the house! Why is it more fun to clean at other people's homes, than it is to clean our own mess? Just wondering....

Beautiful day, tomorrow is 2nd fill (ya'll are probably sick of hearing about it, but it was a big decision for me...) Life is good.

Cindy

Cindy, good luck tomorrow. What time is your appt? and NO I don't get sick of hearing about it. I'm a knuckle head and can't remember anything so I need to be constantly reminded. I'm glad your going, its gonna give your WL a boost.

Rene, I don't know how you do it. I have tried that eliptical machine a few times, and I get to about 30 seconds before I am in pain. Statistically speaking, the odds of me getting back on any time soon are about 3% with a +/- 5% of accuracy.

All this coffee talk going on. Has anyone ever had Green Mountain Coffee? They have all sorts of flavors if you like that, but thier orignial "Our Blend" is just great.

Anyone have any good tactics for dealing with all the upcoming Holiday Parties? I am just picturing this scene with all sorts of great food and drink, and I am walking around with my Water bottle and South Beach Diet bar.

Hi everyone, I just realized this was broken down to states, thanks to Ivan for informing me. I was banded on June 15, 2005 At the valley hospital by Dr. Gritsus, I just love him. So far I'm down 38 pounds. I live in Lodi, Bergen Co. and work at hackensack Univ Med Ctr. where some of you had your surgery. Its good to know there are bandsters around me...

and work at hackensack Univ Med Ctr

HEY, ME TOO!

Its a small world..,where do you work if you don't mind me asking?

I work in the Paramedic dispatch center, which is actually off site right now.

Good Morning

I'm off to PA to go shopping....the outlets are calling meeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Ira, we have green mtn coffee at work, yes its pretty good.

I have thought about the holiday parties. Since I won't be going to to many of them b/c I have 3 weeks off of work in december, vacation I'll be at home pretty much. I have decided to enjoy them without going over board. My goal is to maintain during those weeks (thanksgiving and christmas) and not gain. If I can do that I'll be happy.

Usually I gain so this will be a challenge. I want to enjoy a bit of this and that.

Respitatorygirl, nice to meet you. I also had my surgery done at Hackensack. I really like that hospital. I also had my DD there. Congratulation on your WL. We'll have to have Jersey meet one of these days.

Okay kids, I'm out of here.....my credit card is making me itch, gotta go swipe it a few times

Have a dandy day

Good Morning Y'all!

I was so busy yesterday I didn't even get to post! I had a lot of billing to do, then had some running to do, then I was having company for dinner so I spent a lot of time cooking. By the time everyone left, I was ready to get some R&R!

Beanie you are doing so good with your exercising. I am very proud of you!

Cindy - Good luck with your fill today! I hope you get a good one!

Eileen - Sounds like a fun day to me, love that shopping!

Respitatory Girl - Nice to meet you! Sounds like you are doing great with your band.

Ivan - I remember my doctors office telling me it is only one day, it won't hurt to try a little bit of something as long as you make it one day. So, for the main days during the holidays I will probably do that. As far as all the other parties, maybe you can eat something before you go to make them a little easier. I also find that if I put a piece of gum in my mouth and always have something to drink in my hand it does make it easier. I also find that if I don't take that first bite, I can handle it better! Good Luck!

Pat - I love your picture! You are one hot mama! You look beautiful!

Lisa - You can send some rain this way! We need some!

Gotta run, catch you all later! Have a great day!