ReNew... My Word for 2012

RENEW...

• RENEW... My WillPower~I have not struggled with willpower in a long while, Why? You ask... because i haven't needed to struggle since giving in has become the new Thing... for me. I have reverted back to my start the diet monday, and feast until then mentality. We all know how well that process works.
• RENEW... My Strength~This is part of the first section since Strength is what it takes to win the war. Even though, I've lost a few battles, I will win the War.
  
• RENEW... My World~It's boring me these days, I need to get out more and enjoy this city that I love so much, Enjoy my Man that I love so much, and enjoy my family that I love so much.
  
• RENEW... My Exercise plan~I have moved my Wii to a more convienent TV and I will Just Dance every day, Start back at the Gym 3 times a week and work up to 4 or 5 times a week, and walk my Dog twice a day or more.
  
• RENEW.... My Meal plan~I have to CUT out the Fat by cutting out the Carbs, again. I have come to the acception that If i cannot eat just one of something, I cannot eat even one... I don't know if that's just for now or for a lifetime.
  
• RENEW... My Life~Similar to my World... My Life is not as full as I would like it to be... I wanted to move back here to be closer to my family but I didn't want to give up so much for so long. We need to get back our travels and reconnect with old friends to RENEW old friendships. I miss my O-Town friends but Here is where my life began, here is where I met the love of my life, here is where my family flourishes, and here is where my heart lives. Here is Home..
  
• RENEW... My Routine~I need to shake off the lazy and get back to crazy. I need to multi-task and get it done.
  
• RENEW... My Reward system~I have never rewarded myself for my weight loss, and most of it has to do with lack of funds, but I need to work towards something... or I'm not going to bring my best self to the game. And as you know...You have to Bring it, to Be it!
  
• RENEW.... My Band~This is more complex. Tomorrow, I start the New Year with liquids...
  I am flushing out my system and getting the CARB Monkey off my back. The 5 day pouch test begins tomorrow.... After, 1 month... If I am continuing to not see the results, I desire... I will RENEW my band to a Gastric Sleeve. I am proud of what my band has taught me and what it has done for my health... but my journey is only like 1/2 over, I may need more help to get to where I need to be.

RENEW.... I have been successful at most diets for at least 3 months, if I can continue that rate of success without gaining back on my breaks... I will get there, even in utter Failure. But who wants to wait a decade to get the weight off.... LOL. Let's get there together in 2012. We will continue to support each other, pick each other up when we each fall, and SUCCESS will be ours. It takes Teamwork to make the Dream Work! Happy New Year to all my BOOBS! I love you all! XOXO *M*

Christmas comes in like a Bullet!

Christmas thoughts... Bullet-Style!

• I am not afraid of making bad food choices on Christmas Eve and Day... mainly because I haven't been making the best choices on the rest of the days. But my choices have been better this week than last... so we'll call that progress.
  
• I love all the Christmas Shows and music... It doesn't annoy me like many other Scrooge type folks. I love to sing and Christmas welcomes it more. People don't stare at you as much when you sing along to Christmas Carols as they do when you ask them to look at you body because you work out... like LMFAO.... LOL
• I love seeing people wear their faith on their sleeves this time of year... You believe in God and you are proud of it... Yay! It is wonderful to see people full of the light of the Lord at a time when you are much more likely to find 3 Hos, then 3 wise men. I don't believe in using the term X-Mas even though Jesus wasn't born this time of year since this is when Christians celebrate his birth.
• I love hats as you know and i have many Christmas Hats for that reason...My favorite is one of my favorite colors... Sequins.
  
• I can't wait to spend my first Christmas in over a decade with my family... I love them all so much.
  
• Next year, There will be 2 more little girls in this family, My Niece Niki is having a Girl and so is my Sister-in-Law Tobi. My nephews are having a baby sister... Yay! I am going to be a Great-Aunt when my sister's daughter gives birth in May... Making me a Surrogate Grandma... Since my sister passed away several years ago and we helped raise her teenage daughter since then. Niki is 22 now... but she is in an abusive/unhealthy relationship so please pray for her...
  
• Money is really tight this year so this will be the first year in over 20 years that we don't send out Christmas cards.... It's hard to swallow but at least we are surrounded with love.
• Tomorrow... Christmas Eve, We spend at my Aunt's house with all my family and Sunday... Christmas Day, we spend the afternoon at my Uncle's house and the evening at my other Aunt's house. It is going be action packed. My father's sister keeps alot of the German traditions(I am like 65% German decent).
• Have a Wonderful Christmas Weekend to you all! XOXO
  

The road to recovery has alot of scenic routes and forks...

When they say.... You must be taking the Scenic Route, I usually am. I am a Traveler not a Tourist. I enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Well, I'm getting tired of the Scenic Route to LessVille. LessVille is where I have been heading for over 18 months... Less Weight, Less Health issues, Less Back and Knee Pain, Less restrictions.... The problem is that the fastest way to get there is LESS too... Less Carbs and Less Sugar, and Less Loafing in front of the TV. The trip takes me through MoreTown, More exercise, more calorie counting, more dieting... if i take the route through MoreTown... it also means MORE SUCCESS. Here are the issues...

• I need to give up the drugs... SUGAR is my drug of choice. I need to go cold turkey since Moderation is like the impossible dream. I can't keep being a dreamer, Reality is not just for TV.
• I have to deal with the pain and work out harder and more.... No Pain, Means U Gain. And I want to Lose, not gain.
  
• So far, I have been maintaining and even losing a little... so I don't get the fire under me that I need, but I need to work harder. Much Harder!
• These Depression filled months have been killing my Food Choices, and I have to shake it off. But my husband being out of work and my first Christmas back home being financially unsparkly... is difficult. I know I will be surrounded with my family and that's all that should matter, the few gifts i got here and there will have to do.
• I am reading Kendra Wilkinson's(Playboy Playmate who was one of the Girls Next Door) second book and surprisingly the skinny sexy bitch got me back in the Here and Now. She gained 57 pounds in her pregnancy and struggled to get it off. She said that it made her more aware of the people who struggle with their weight and how tough it is for them. If she who has tons of money, personal trainers, a Professional Athlete husband, could hire a chef, and makes her money based on her desirability and her looks struggled to lose the weight... What hope is there for the rest of us? Well, She has a tyroid problem... but have a Procrastination problem, Get it Together Maria! You will never be in Playboy but you can get from Chub to Chunk to just plain Thick.
  
• 2012 is gonna kick 2011's ASS.... Big time!
• I haven't been blogging enough... at all.
  
• I am going to try harder, and be better... overall.
  
• XOXO.... I love you guys! Thanx for your incredible support.
  

Worldwind Week....

Well.... Bullets, anyone?

• We have been traveling alot these last 2 months... Even Too Much, I think.
• I enjoyed Disneyland, alot.... but it is always busy, too busy and it's been really cold.
  
• We are now staying in Pasadena, which is a first for us and it is a cute little area which fairly good access to the Studios we've been hitting these last few days.
  
• We watched Rules of Engagement, & Mike & Molly be filmed and met the casts... it was nice and we enjoyed it. Tomorrow we are seeing Hot in Cleveland before catching the Red eye back to Philly.
• I rode alot of Roller Coasters and Thrill rides both at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood...
• SoCal Folk must love Churros....
• Young Asian Girls seem to warm up their Daisy Duke shorts with black tights and winter boots... Interesting look?
• Traffic sucks in LA!
• We saw the Flyers beat the Ducks last Friday, that's Hockey for you Sports Challenged Girls... It was a great game!
• We went to a Dinner Show called Battle of the Dance which was Hella Fun! Food was banquet style but edible and the dancers were great.
• I miss my Nephews so much I could Die.... Drama Queen, much?
• I look forward to Christmas so much.... It's great to be home.
  

BOOBS' Blessings brought home from Chicago

Well, I met alot of BOOBS in Chicago and I learned a little from all of them.... but this is one thing I brought home to try out. Influenced by a Eating too Fast, Getting Stuck, and our Little Becky from Prudence Rising... She pulled out a pair of Chopsticks at a Tattoo Parlor in Wicker Park and started eating Gourmet Popcorn with them... I immediately asked how that came to be since i am so forward and pushy and my quest for knowledge is never-ending. She says that it forces her to slow down. I figured... Why not give it a try for myself. Check out her blog if you haven't yet... She's an amazing inspiration...I got these Chopsticks in DisneyWorld at the Animal Kingdom in Asia. They are held together with a cute little Fortune Cookie and have the saying "Eat to Live, Don't Live to Eat" written on them. Perfect for a food addict like me, right?

I should tell you, most of the time... I may not live to eat but I don't only eat to live either. It's a work in progress. In Other News, We are headed to LA on Thursday morning to spend a week or so doing theme parks and TV Shows. I look forward to it... Any SoCal BOOBS interested in a get-together?

Coming Home.... Just in time for a Big Fat Turkey and Hopefully some PIE!

Today, We are heading home.... Yay! I love Disney but I miss my Nephews so much.

• Have you ever had your maxipad get all twisted and give you an involuntary Brazilian wax? No.... Me Neither.
  
• I went to the Disney Theme Parks only 2 days since I got here 3 weeks ago.... LOL
• I got to see alot of my friends including Amy(Babbles of a Bandster)
  
• I went to Amy's house and met her beautiful kids and then we went to support group together. I really missed her.
  
• Some NSVs.... I fit on every roller coaster that I tried to go on, Everyone has told me that I look thinner even though I really haven't lost much weight in the last 7 months(I may be redistributing the weight or they're just trying to be nice...LOL), & I walked all over the parks without pain and suffering or hyperventilation.
• In other news, my eating hasn't been great... but I will get back into my routine when I get home.
• I still love my husband, even after a stressful work trip like this full of seedy motels, crap eating, hardly seeing each other, clearing out our old house, goodwilling, & 4 days of sleeping on a friend's couch and loveseat like we're teenagers.
• I can't wait to sleep in my own bed tonight... and cuddle my husband and our furry son(I really missed Mr. Q)...
• I look forward to thanksgiving but it's mostly about seeing my family and spending time with them all... and less about the PIE.
  
• I am sorry I haven't written that much lately... but I will have some more stories to tell so stayed tuned.
  

Roller Coasters.... A Fat Girl's Enemy?

I have always loved Roller Coasters... For as long as I can remember. I convinced myself when I became too large to ride them, that I had outgrown them... but that was a lie. Today I went on 2 roller coasters at Disney and not only fit but was comfortable. I remember going on Expedition Everest for my first time with a bunch of BOOBS. I was afraid that I would be turned away or not fit... but I rode it like the wind... Twice in a row. I rode Rockin' Roller Coaster twice today and Everest once...I can't wait to go to Disneyland next month and see where the thrill takes me!

The Sunshine State,,, Bullets over Disney

• I really did miss the weather, It's not hot here but it's comfortable. I like throwing on a lite jacket once in a while, but not having to bundle up.
  
• I hate the tourists, they're annoying... They are in their own world, don't know where they're going and make driving here incredibly dangerous. I know HATE is a strong word... but for dramatic effect, It works. Pull over to the side, and figure it out people... Who reads a map while driving? Being a tourist is the most self-centered thing you can be, it's similar to being a Kardasian... I love to travel, but I am a traveler. I enjoy the journey as much as the designation, and try to step lightly on the locals' lives.... maybe even enhance them.
• The WiFi at this motel is spotty at best, I am blogging ay 5am to be able to use it freely... I need to use the internet during the day when folks are at the theme parks, but I have been running around too much.
  
• My George has been enjoying being back at Disney for a couple weeks, he missed it...He loves the people he works with and the extra money has been a godsend. He has been working alot though and I hardly ever see him... but in a few weeks we'll be back home and enjoying our first thanksgiving with our families.
• I had lunch yesterday with one of my lapband support group friends, she works with George and we used to go to group every month together. She is not a blogger but is doing well, She just had to have her Gallbladder removed, which I hear is common.
• I have gotten to spend time with alot of my O-Town friends which is great, but I also have been eating out alot... since I am limited to what I can do at the Motel. I stocked the Mini-fridge with greek yogurt, protein shakes, and bottled water... and I am trying to make good choices when I am out, it's hard to keep track of my calories though...
  
• I brought my Wii and have been keeping up with my Just Dancing each day. I played with friends for the first time the other day... It sure was fun, Fitness and fun usually don't go together for me... Maybe someday.
• I miss my Nephews, this weekend that just past was my first weekend I missed seeing them in 6 months. They are the Sunshine in my other State.
• Overall, Life is Good... I am going through some things we are putting in storage down here until we drive down next(We flew this time), goodwilling, and tossing... Our house is a huge mess but it's getting there. Unloading that burden will be a huge blessing.

PS... Did I mention that the Tourists suck?
PPS... I miss you too Beth, I am singing the KISS song in my head to you? Just a few more hours and I'll be back home to you... Did this just get creepy? LOL... Anyone, if anyone hasn't checked out Beth's blog... Head over there. She's amazing, and she's friends with me... So that means she's patient, understanding, not easily embarrassed and has lots of bail money.

Headed to find the Sun....

A Week... It's been a whole week since I posted. I have been busy though, not that I am excusing myself. My George and I are leaving in an hour for our first WORK trip to Disney, well... He's working and I am playing. I look forward to seeing my friends and all, but I especially look forward to warming up. This past weekend's snow put a damper on Halloween but I really enjoyed going trick or treating with my nephews. I couldn't have done that 2 years ago, or even last year. I walked and walked and walked... It was wonderful! I will write again soon, and when I do... my fingers won't be too cold to type.

Life gets in the Way....

I know everyone struggles from time to time, but when they tell you you have too much on your plate to a Food Addict, it has a double meaning. I guess maybe I have too much time on my hands, usually.... at least. I spend most weekends with my Sister-in-Law and my adorable nephews which keeps me very busy but other than that. I have to get off my ass and exercise again. I walk a good amount but not enough. And as it gets colder, I am "Choosing" to walk less and less, so starting next week, I'll be back in Orlando for most of November... which means even less walking. I am hoping to be able to go back to my old gym though... fingers crossed. If not, I was planning on joining Planet Fitness as a secondary... so I guess I would be able to use the ones there, is that how it works?

• I look forward to seeing my O-Town and Disney Friends...
  
• I can't wait to spend some time at DisneyWorld, I do miss it alot.
  
• I'm excited to go to my old support group in November, It was always a great group.
  
• I am dreading going through our house down there and preparing it for short sale, We are definitely not moving back down there so, we'll cut our losses... and continue with the next phase of our life.
  
• I am making a scrapbook for my Little Sis(SIL) for her birthday next month at my favorite scrapbook shop with my favorite scrapbook friends in my downtime in O-Town.
  
• This is a new kind of travel for us, sort of a closure work/play trip, work for my George and Play for me...LOL, I will find out how easy or difficult keeping his seasonal status at Disney will be though... Who knows, this might be part of our travel itinerary from now on.
  
• As for Weight Loss, It's up and down ... still kinda maintaining. I have been thinking about having revision surgery like my new surgeon suggests but I want to know I am doing everything right and still not losing weight before jumping to something that serious. Truth is... I was doing everything right and the longer I went with no results, the more I started making more bad choices and not exercising enough or at all. So, I am pretty sure the next few months will be tough, between traveling for over a month of it and the holidays... but I am going to try to limit bad choices to get-togethers or parties and make good choices the rest of the time. A little exercise couldn't hurt either...
  

*****My Friend Beth... The Blogging Bandster.******

Hello Followers and Leaders,
We are both of those, aren't we? We follow and lead each other through this incredibly difficult and rewarding journey of ours. I think I mentioned in a previous blog that a friend of mine from High School was being banded, since I moved back home 6 months ago, we've been going to the support groups together enjoying a renewed and much deeper friendship than we ever did in HS. Her name is Beth and she had her lapband installed a little over a week ago. She has been doing well so far and is excited about her fitter future(Is fitter a word? It should be.)

So, Now comes your part in this saga... She is a new blogger and a new bandster. Lets support her by clicking this link and checking out her blog. I know how much your support has meant to me, Like Kevin Spacey says.... Pay it Forward. Beth is funny, or at least she laughs at all my witty banter which means she has the best sense of humor... She is a huge Eagles fan, even though they are in last place... Not a Frontrunner. She is hard-working, which is a great match for my Hardly working. She is a great addition to the sisterhood, since she's already offered me everything from Protein shakes to Iced Tea sticks... Who doesn't love a giver? She also puts up with my sarcastic, overly honest, pushy, overbearing, personality... which is an acquired taste, as many of you are aware. She isn't embarrassed being seen with me even though I talk like a truck driver with Tourettes, flirt shamelessly, and overshare always. I love Beth! and you will too. Check out Beth's BellyBusting Blog... at http://bethsbellybustingblog.blogspot.com/ You won't regret it! Tell her the Biggest Bitch in the blogosphere sent you... she'll know who you mean... LOL

Sweet Sixteen-Always Been Kissed!

We Love Each Other.... LOL
George and I on our Wedding Day October 14, 1995...
Awwww, I miss my SodaPop... Just being goofy!
Christmas Time 1992
Christmas Time at DisneyWorld 1995
Pecking through our wedding Cake... October 14, 1995
Just dating 1991...
At a friend's wedding 1992

On our Honeymoon October 1995


At the Movies... Our favorite place. Around 2004
DisneyLand Christmastime 2005/ Disneyland's 50th Anniversary... and yes we are wearing matching Dork Shirts.
Climbing Dunn's River Falls-Jamaica February 2011
On our Royal Caribbean Cruise...February 2011
At Chichen Itza, Mexico-November 2010... (Below)At a Phillies Game, August 2011
Petting a Dolphin in Cozumel... October 2010

• George and I met at a Mall at Christmastime in 1991.
  
• We love to travel and see the world.
  
• We love to go to the movies at least once a week.
  
• We love kids, but are Blissfully Child-Free just like Lynda...Lol.
• We love our Niece and Nephews, and moved back home to Philly to be near them.
• We love Disney... alot.
  
• He has been very supportive of my weight loss journey but can be a bit of an enabler...
• He has such beautiful eyes that I can't wait to spend the rest of my life staring into them.
• I am the messy creative type... and he is the organized thoughtful type.
• He cooks, clean, does laundry... and I never have to ask him to do anything, he just does it.
• I adore his Mom, she is like my second mother.
• I dislike his sister, she's like the anti-christ without the charisma.
• He love my family, but he's not my Mom's biggest fan.
• I am n0t my mom's biggest fan either.
• I am George's Biggest Fan though...
• I am my Beloved, and my Beloved is mine.
  

Do you like Key Lime Pie?

KEY LIME

I am not a huge Key Lime Pie fan but Dannon Oikos Key Lime is YUMMY... I always put some Original Fiber One cereal in my Greek Yogurt in the morning and in the key lime, It tastes like Delicious Crust, nutty and crispy. Really Good! Give it a try, a nutritious protein packed Dessert.

Recuperation... My Kind of Town?

I love Chicago, I have been t0 alot of cities...but Chicago is gorgeous. The Skyline is untouchable, it's absolutely stunning. Of course, that Cow starting the great fire was a tragedy but WOW! The Rebuilding, amazing! and now for the bullet points...

• I am worn out, tired, and sick... It seems 4 days of less than: Sleep, nutrition, and relaxation? may not be my friend. I did walk a ton though.
• I spent time with my wonderful old friends, and met some incredible new ones.
• Barb's boobs were pimped out for rewards of Chocolate; as well as: attention, gawks, drool, free drinks, and a Drag Queen's Piggy Bank.
• There was a whole lotta tattooing going on in Wicker Park, I supervised while eating Chocolate Custard with a Peanut butter swirl.
• I just ate a delicious crab cake from the Seafood place down the street from where I live.
• I got some amazing clothes from the sisterhood, in fact our hotel room looked like an episode of hoarders, it was crazy how generous and thoughtful you all are.
• Most of us spent some of the weekend between Marilyn Monroe's legs...and the rest thinking about Motorboating Barb's Boobs.
  
• I feel renewed about my diet and exercise, even though I just ate a crab cake...
  
• I couldn't believe how skinny everyone was... you are all such a success story.
• Is is just me or is "Athletic" a nicer way of saying... No Fatties?
• I am an abrasive bitch sometimes, but I don't care for talking shit behind someone's back. I like to be up front with people, and it's USUALLY not a blessing... more of a curse. Meeting people from all over the country, and even the world... shows me a different way to be. I think I can learn from it, sort of combine a little cutsy pleasantries with my what you see is what you get thing? Maybe, I'll think on it.
• I think we should end this on a high note, like Barb's Boobs... They are high and noteable!
  

I'm so excited, And I just can't hide it....

I'm about to lose control and I think I like it....

• I am finalizing my suitcase which is seriously overpacked... as usual.
• I have brought enough clothes for a week, and I am staying 4 nights in Chicago.
• I am afraid of being cold... so I have layers and layers...
• I am relieved that the regular baseball season is officially over and my team broke their record of wins in a season... and is headed into the playoffs in first place. GO PHILLIES!
  
• I am going to give and get about 100 hugs tomorrow, that's 2 per BOOB... so keep them coming.
• I will save another 100 hugs for the Friday arrivals and the celebration of the Friday arrivals.
• I am thinking of engaging in some shopping for exercise this weekend....
• I will be eating something decadent... or maybe 3 things... LOL
• I love my Roomies...Jen, Amey, and Julie.... and my adopted roomie Jessica who is taking me in when I am abandoned and alone.
  
• I plan on looking up Marilyn's skirt... and probably some others. Ponder that!
• I will miss my George, he's the Ying to my Yang.

The Facts of Life.... DiZneDiva Style!

• Fact 1~ Chocolate is the nectar of the Gods...it's the nectar of the Gods, the food of the Gods and The Spawn of the Devil....
• Fact 2~ My Husband is a piece of meat, sexy Man Candy... and I find him Irresistible, and can't keep my hands off him...still after 2 decades.
• Fact 3~ Fall is colder than I remember...
  
• Fact 4~ I am over the moon excited that in a few short days... I'll be in Chicago with my Hanging Boobs, hanging with my beautiful BOOBS...
  
• Fact 5~I'm thrilled that the Phillies finally dumped their slump... and pray they sweep the Braves so they can beat their record of 101 wins.... Fingers Crossed.
  
• Fact 6~Have I mentioned that Chocolate makes everything better and worse at the same time?
• Fact 7~I love pretzels of all kinds but Soft Pretzels are delicious... even when they clog my band like a unruly hairball and cause me to lie to myself that I will never eat even a bite again....
• Fact 8~All of you who expect a fashion plate skinny bitch when I arrive in Chi-Town haven't been paying attention.... (I apologize to all you Fashion Plate Skinny Bitches, you know who you are, for taking your name in vain...Actually, you modest model type don't know you are any of the above so I take my apology back, I may need it when I put my foot deep into my mouth later...)
• Fact 9~All this weight loss has made me look more my age, I am starting to look 40ish so I think I need to make sure I'm doing all I can to get my beautiful skin back, eating low-fat hasn't been the most important thing to me but it seems to end up that way... which has made my skin dry and flaky, and I hate it. I am looking into new skin regiments and upping my dose of flax seed oil and fish oil. I hear that a tablespoon of olive oil can help too, but it sounded a little witchdoctory to me. Any suggestions?
• Fact 10~I am putting together a wardrobe for the weekend and I can see that I am between sizes... It is frumpy at best BUT It will revolve it around my favorite color.... Glitter.
• Fact 11~Is it just me, or do you notice our Bloggers dropping off the face of the blogosphere? I miss you guys... where are you?
  
• Fact 12~I just thought about how awesome chocolate covered pretzels are.... Chocolate makes everything better, even something as close to perfect as a pretzel.
  
• Fact 13~There are no words for how excited I am to see you... in a few days, Yes...I am talking to you... and if you're not able to go this year... I hope to meet you next year.
  
• Fact 14~I will be in Orlando, Florida in November from the 1st through the 18 or so... It is a working vacation for my George since he works for Disney still seasonally, but I will be able to play so let me know if you're gonna be around... I would love to see you.
• Fact 15~My nephews are so magical... they sometimes make me wonder why we didn't want to have kids of our own, and after a couple days "playing" with them in the active lifestyle of a mother's helper... I remember why. It's fulfilling, but exhausting. I love them so much, but I also love sleep, spontaneous sexcapades, traveling and cruising, and coming&Going as we please... Which does not make for a devoted mother. Too selfish a lifestyle, I guess! But it sure is fun!
  
• Fact 16~We will be celebrating our SWEET SIXTEEN wedding anniversary in a few weeks, although we have been kissed. I am not sure what we are doing to celebrate since my George works that night, but I'm sure we'll find something romantic to do. Maybe some of those Spontaneous Sexcapades I spoke of earlier, although speaking of it now, sorta takes some of the Spontaneity out of it...
• Fact 17~I will be in the Disneyland/LA area in December from the 1st through the 9th, if anyone lives around there and wants to get together email me and let me know... I would love to see/meet some of you west coasters. You can also meet my George... off the blog post into reality.
  
• Fact 18~ I really thought I would have more facts but I am mentality and physically drained.... but one last Fact, I am a Philly Girl... I am crude, using the F-word is like an artform to me, We use it as a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, and sometimes even a proposition. We made up new F-words, so we wouldn't bore of the main one... Even when we say FUDGE, it sounds street. I am proud of where I am from. See, I just ended the sentence with a proposition because I live outside the rules... LOL. I am honest and I don't like Fake people who pretend to be someone they're not. I am Sarcastic... I love to laugh and make others laugh, which means I am told that I don't take anything serious, but that's not it, I think humor can get you through your darkest moments. I am perfectly imperfect, and I am a work in progress... I try to learn something new everyday and I am bored by know-it-alls. I am a food addict, whose stress and depression, cause binges... even with a lapband. This is alot of facts, I guess, but I will be myself around you... I want you to know me.
  
• Fact 19~The Fun begins in 4 days.... and we will never forget next weekend. I know that for sure, because I still remember Chicago... as seen through the eyes of a BOOB. My kind of Town, Chicago is... because of YOU.
  
• Fact 20~ I am still not losing weight... after Chicago, I am throwing down big time... I have been eating well and staying active but not exercising. My Metabolism sucks! and the Doctor thinks I should have a revision surgery since the band probably wasn't the best choice for me... at my incredibly high original BMI and since I was more of a grazer than a big eater. I really need to get off this plateau, there will definitely be more time for plateaus in the 200's.

SEE YOU THURSDAY OR FRIDAY, as the case may be... BTW, I am a hugger...LOL

Does anyone have a winter coat for me?

I am cold... already and since I moved back home to Philly, my Florida Jackets are just not cutting it. We are struggling with money right now so I was hoping that one of you skinny minis shrunk out of your winter coats... I would really appreciate it. I am short on winter clothes of all kinds... hint, hint! If you are going to Chicago and you can bring it with you, I would really appreciate it.*********** I should have mentioned... It has to be 2x or bigger to fit this curvy butt...

In Other news.... Our Phillies Clinched the National League East Championship last night and We were at the game to see it. They have won the National League East Championship...for 5 years in a row now. The Playoffs are coming soon and I can't wait to see how far they can go! I am so happy to be home... Go Phils!

Big Sexy!

I have a new Reality show obsession.... Big Sexy. At first I was unsure, since I am really tired of these shows making Big Girls feel bad about themselves and/or mock them. It turns out, that the show shows 5 "Curvy" Girls of various sizes living in New York, like the Big Girls' version of Sex in the City. The Girls are sexy, confident and single... looking for men and acceptance in the "Overly Thin" fashion industry. There are 3 plus sized models, a makeup artist, a fashion designer, and a stylist. They are amazing... You should check it out!

Food... A Love-Hate Relationship.

Well, I've been realizing that Food is a nuisance to me. What I want to eat, Is not what I should eat, and what I need to eat, doesn't interest me. I am burned out. It has been almost 18 months and I hate thinking so much about what I can do to get off this plateau or what I should do to jumpstart a half dead metabolism. What I am doing... Isn't working. I usually eat right... but I am bored with all that gets me by and I get annoyed with not being able to afford to try the recipes that I think will awake my bored sleeping appetite. I still want sweets... anything made with sugar will do. Even Sugar-free stuff can engulf me in a binge. So I am staying away, which fills me with regret since my weight won't budge. Why am I staying away from all the treats, if I am not losing weight? I went to my new Lapband Doctor who was thrilled with my progress, but I told him... This progress is stalled. I had this same progress almost 6 months ago and something is wrong, besides the occasional giving in to sweets. He told me that at my high original BMI, I should have been encouraged to have the bypass or the sleeve. I explained that I originally went in for the Gastric Bypass because that's all I knew but when the Surgeon suggested the Lapband and I did some research, I thought since it is helpful with maintenance it would be great for me. The Sleeve was never mentioned because it wasn't that widely used here in the US almost 2 years ago. I really have been thinking that I should have trusted myself to have gastric bypass, but I thought I would fail and gain back the weight like alot of people do... and I may even do that with my lapband. Anyway, the Doctor is going to do some tests... basically, an Upper GI and some blood tests. And we'll take it from there. I am concerned that I get stuck on all kinds of things, except everything unhealthy. Twice last week, I felt stuck on a greek yogurt. I haven't had a fill in like a year.... why do I feel like I keep getting tighter instead of looser? Anyway, in summary... I workout and have severe pain in both knees, hips and back. So I just try to be more active and workout only in the water... which limits my gym options since this is the great White north and outdoor pools are closed half the year. I eat right most of the time but am struggling with Stuck incidents and boredom with my regular menu options. I have to watch my finances which keeps me from trying alot of different menu options at one time. And I wonder when I will get over my obsession with Sweets, or if I will ever get over it. I am concerned that this incredibly high weight is what my body likes since I spent most of my adult life around this weight. Should I be happy that I lost over 130 pounds and my health has done a complete turnaround? Because this weight is now wearing on me? I felt better for a long while and now I am feeling worn out and tired all the time... These and other random whinings will be answered on the next Episode of Stuck in the Middle with Food.

New Product... Flatout's Fold-its. Yum!

Delicious, really good! I use them when I eat tuna, or chicken salad. I also eat lunch meat on them. And I even had a turkey burger the other day on them. 90 calories, 7 grams of dietary fiber and 7 grams of protein. They have all different kinds but I always choose bread products with at least 5 grams of dietary fiber per serving. So There was only a couple that I tried. This one and the whole wheat with flax. They also have slider size. If you're missing bread, this may be a great swap for you.

5 Grain Flax

« View All Foldit^tm Artisan Flatbread Products

90 Calories
Excellent Source of ALA Omega 3
Excellent Source of Fiber
43% Less Net Carbs than sliced bread
Tasty!

INGREDIENTS: WATER, WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, VITAL WHEAT GLUTEN, OAT FIBER, GRAIN BLEND (CUT WHEAT, WHEAT BRAN, CUT RYE, CORN MEAL, BARLEY GRITS, BULGAR WHEAT, STEEL CUT OATS, OAT FLAKES, YELLOW CORN GRITS, BARLEY FLAKES, RYE CHOPS, HULLED MILLET, WHEAT FLAKES), FLAX SEED MEAL, SOYBEAN OIL, YEAST, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING: MALTITOL, SUGAR, MOLASSES, SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, BAKING SODA, WHEAT PROTEIN ISOLATE, FUMARIC ACID, PRESERVATIVES (POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM PROPIONATE), CELLULOSE GUM, GUAR GUM, CALCIUM SULFATE, XANTHAN GUM, SALT, L-CYSTEINE, CALCIUM PEROXIDE, ENZYMES. CONTAINS: WHEAT AND SOYBEANS. MANUFACTURED IN A FACILITY THAT ALSO PROCESSES PRODUCTS CONTAINING MILK AND CHEESE.

BOOBS Survey... My Life's an Open Book!

• How did you pick your blog name? ....I came up with my blog name because I love American Pie and Michelle was always my favorite scene stealing character... the rest of the name is basically me playing a game show with my journey. I had 300 pounds to lose to get to my surgeon's goal. My goal is not that much but it sounds more dramatic when I say 1 vs 300 instead of 1 vs 225.
• When did you start Blogging? ... I started 6 weeks after I was banded, in May of 2010. I was following several blogs, that I had found on lapbandtalk.com. I had always wanted to journal and never could get started even though I have about a hundred blank journals sitting around my house. I am journaling for myself but I found myself journaling for you too, I mean, I learned more from youse than I did from all the seminars, doctors, and nurses along the way... maybe I had something to teach too.
• Theme of Blog? Really, I guess I would say it's a random mussings blog with a Lapband basic theme, Weight Loss Friendly and Unfriendly alike... I accept all followers, I am an equal opportunity blogger. I am willing to bore anyone who'll listen with the details and ramblings of my life.
• Did you go to BOOBS 2010? Hell Yeah, I did. I came, I saw, I walked, I sang, I laughed, I giggled, I met greatness... and made lifetime friends. I can't wait to redo it all in a few short weeks... I will miss my sweet Amy Sunshine though. XOXO
• When were you banded? March 23rd, 2010
• How much have you lost so far? I have lost about 127 pounds... and have gained and lost a few here and there over an unending these mast 6 months but I am getting some tests and a fill soon so I make sure my band is doing it's job.
• What are you most looking forward to at BOOBs? I look forward to meeting all you newbies and seeing all you oldbies... but most of all I look forward to hanging with my roomies.
• What/who do you hope to find/see/accomplish at BOOBs 2011? I can't wait to see how much easier I get around than last year, and I look forward to all the great activities that the committee and other BOOBS have lined up for us.
• Children? Pets? We didn't want children of our own but we have a furry son... Mr Q. And we love our Nephews and nieces like crazy!
• Who is your roomie? My Roomies are Jen(It IS all about Me!), Amey(Donut Butt), and Julie(Ms M)
• What day do you arrive? I arrive on Thursday... Yay!
• What airport/flight/time? Midway, around 12:30 noon... Weren't we supposed to keep the details to a minimum? Wanna know my blood type and political party too?
• What events are you signed up for? I am going to the Drag show thursday, The get-together and Second City on Friday, The Dinner on Saturday, and filling in some shopping in Chinatown, the Marilyn Monroe statue, and other sightseeing in between and all day sunday.... I am actually coming home on Monday.(Who else will still be there til monday?)
• Hobbies? Reading, Scrapbooking, Travelling, Movies, and our amazing Sports' Teams especially the Phillies.
• Career? I am a Lady of Leisure these days, I will probably have to go back to work eventually but for now, I am just concentrating on my health and weight loss, or lack there of...
• Single? Married? In a relationship? I am married to my best friend, the man of my dreams, my ideal mate, Soul Mate if you will... and I shall call his name, My George.
• Your birthday month? June... I am a Cancer on the Cusp of Gemini... and I am a good mix of both. Even though I am a Cancer, I am mostly Gemini in nature.
• What do you want other BOOBs to know about you? Ummmm, I am an open book, I think you pretty much know all there is to know about me. But, I am a Cafe World nut on Facebook... That's my replacement addiction for food, if I can't eat food, I can certainly make it virtually.

Worst Week... Reality, It's not just for TV.

What can I say about a week that kept getting worse? You know the phrase... "At least It couldn't get any worse..." I stopped saying it, because it can get worse and will, sometimes!

• Monday~I started the week gazing at a $200 water bill... It can only get better, right?
• Tuesday~My husband was cleaning the family room and moved the chaise lounge to vacuum under it, and after a series of mishaps... Our 50" Flat Screen got cracked...At least, your husband cleans... Ummm, ok there's that and At least It can't get any worse. That afternoon, I was alone in the house when I experienced my first Earthquake. My husband rushed home thinking a tree fell over and hit the house, and left again thinking I was losing it, big time. But, no... Earthquake. What's gonna happen next?
• Wednesday, I wake up and look out the window to see my car is gone... Reprocessed, after getting behind in payments when my husband was out of work for 3 months... we were paying double payments for a couple months now trying to get caught up. They promised us to defer the past due to the end of our loan, but must have been leading us on to get as much money as they could from us. And they took our car back, with all our stuff inside it... in the middle of the night. Who did we screw over in our past lives?
• Thursday, We find out that we have to go to Kensington in Philadelphia to pick up our items from our car... Kensington is the working class neighborhood where my Mother grew up, but now it is not a nice blue collar family neighborhood anymore... It's more of a drive-by ganghood these days. I was given the run around all day by the Repo guy... and didn't get my stuff back. I can't believe how these people treat those of us who are struggling in this bad economy... but my Fellow BOOBs brightened my day with a wonderful BOOB of the day post about me where my good friends said wonderful glowing things about me and I didn't feel like such a loser deadbeat anymore. The sun will come out tomorrow.
• Friday, We went to the ghetto to get our stuff and even a worse part of town then planned... North Philly. Wow! but after a horrible experience... We had our stuff and we have each other. We were hardly using that car anyway, because this is the big city and we like the subway... it's cheaper than GAS. Like One Republic sings... This Could really be a Good Life, a Good, Good Life!
• Saturday~ One Disaster a week... That's for WIMPS. How about a Hurricane? or some Tornadoes for good measure? As it rains and rains outside, I am thankful to be safe and to have friends and family who love me. Like a Postman, neither rain, nor sleet, nor Gloom of night will keep me from my Appointed Blog Post for I am a Postman too... LOL
• Sunday~Full Circle, all week I have been saying, "I just need to get through this week" since my Great Aunt's 80th birthday party is Sunday where I will spend the day surrounded by my loving family swimming in my Uncle's pool. Well, due to Hurricanes and heavy rain... The Party is cancelled. But on the Bright Side, We all have puddles deep enough to swim in and our basement is flooding as we speak, Who doesn't like an indoor pool? Should I ask Marnie to remove the curse on me? (That is a True Blood reference for you Basic Cablers...)

In Summary, My Week was bad... but My Life is Good. "Sometimes there's Airplanes I can't jump out, Sometimes there's bullshit that don't work now, We are God of Stories, but please tell me... What there is to complain about? When you're Happy like a Fool, Let it Take you over... When Everything is Out, You got to Take it In.... Oh, This has Gotta be the Good Life" Two other things come to mind... From the book of Mark in the Bible "It is Easier for a Camel to pass through the Eye of a Needle, than a Rich Man to enter the Kingdom of God" I guess, better to suffer here, than for Eternity.... Let's end on a more positive note, From It's a Wonderful Life... "No man is a failure who has Friends! I may not be rich in funds but I am rich in FUNs. I love you all!

You are the Wind beneath my batwings!

Me and Jen on the EL from the airport.... Yay! Chicago!

Me and last year's roomies.... 3 of us are back together this year with a new roomie.

You are the wind beneath my Batwings.... I told a very good friend of mine that on facebook.... the other day. Her name is Jen and here is our story.

• Jen-Whoever of you hasn't met my roomie Jen yet... hopefully will get to meet her next month in Chicago. Jen who you may know about from "It is all about me..." ... But she is sweet, loving, funny, and so friggin' supportive... It's hard to believe there is that good a friend out there waiting for you, at this age. It is easier to meet new friends when you're in school or even at work but for me... not so much. I hang on to friends who I probably should have let go of because replacing even the worst candidates is difficult as you get older. When I found you all.... I didn't expect to get as much out of this friendship as I have, but I am so happy to be wrong. Jen is a caregiver, she is a guidance counseler who loves kids and animals. She has her own little farm with a Donkey, and a goat...

Jen and I had wrote back and forth on facebook a few times before Chicago last year. We found out that we were getting into Midway airport at the same time, which meant we could meet at the airport and ride the EL together. That was gonna be great, since like everyone else... I was nervous about meeting 50 or so women most of whom I had never met before. A few weeks later, after her roommate was struggling to find the money to go and was considering cancelling... My roommate and I combined into their double room. It saved us all money and we had a great time. So good a time, that we are sharing a room this year too.

I found a friend... a really GOOD one. And it's all because of Chicago. I think whoever is thinking of going still but isn't sure... You will meet alot of new friends and come home a different person... It's like 40 days away, I can't wait to see my old friends and meet some new ones.

Pity Party... Table for ONE.

I am hanging tough... on this plateau still. but...

• I haven't been exercising at all.
• I have been eating things I don't usually.
• I have been pretty depressed lately.
• I haven't been feeling great(See above where I told you I haven't been eating very well)
• I have been getting in my protein and fiber daily.
• I have been getting my water in daily.
• I have been getting most of the vitamins in daily.
• I have been healthy food binging... again.

I am wondering why my metabolism has to be this bad. I have to bust my ass to lose 1 pound, and I hate it. I wish I had been smart and had the Gastric bypass. If I had, and I was eating mostly healthy like I am... I would have lost about 200 pounds by now. I wasn't afraid of the major surgery... I was more afraid of not eating right and gaining the weight back since you don't have to work as hard to lose it because of the malabsorption. It may be the LAZINESS talking... since the depression makes me not feel like doing anything at all. I need to cut all the crap and start DIETING. I wanted to do it by eating healthy and exercising but the truth is... It's taking too long. I need to lower my calories to 1000 and get to the gym. If I cut the carbs to less than 50g a day... That definitely would help. I feel like having a pity party... but party's without carbs suck!

BYOC... I have been busy but I keep missing them each week... Here it is.

BYOC... Sunday Edition.

1) I am going to pick a person in your life-Not knowing if you have a Good/Bad, Existent or Non-Existent relationship with them-And your Mission is to pick 5 words or traits or thoughts to describe them...

Your Paternal Grandmother...

Strict and Practical

Extremely Hard Life... She was wrinkled like a prune when I was born, She died when I was only 13, It was the first death I really remember, and I really struggled with it since I adored her so much. I learned to speak German to speak to her, and never spoke it again after she died.

Juicyfruit Gum & Hard Candy in a Dish

Pulling and Rolling Strudel... My brother poked his head through the middle of it once and she was so mad.

German... Strong, and Extraordinary.

2)What's your all-time favorite color to paint your nails? and your toes?

Blue, all shades.... and it glitter a color?

3)Do you get along with your parents well?

I was always a Daddy's Girl, my Mom and I were also very close. They gave us everything we wished for growing up even though we were quite poor. They went without so we could be spoiled. They had a great love affair, my Dad spoiled my Mom something awful and I always remember them being very loving toward each other. My Dad died in 2003, after a 46 day fight with Pancreatic Cancer and I miss him alot everyday. When he died, a part of my Mother died with him and she's never been the same since, We are not as close now... but I still see her often and talk to her on the phone almost everyday.

4)Speaking of Rainbows-Rank the colors in the order you prefer...

Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Purple, Green, Pink

5)Repeat Question... How was your life in real life and in blogland this week?

It was a busy week, we went to NYC for the day, Spent a day hanging around downtown Philly, planned a cruise for November, Went to the Maroon 5/Train concert, and saw my nephews several times since they were in Ocean City, MD the week before so we had to catch up. In Blogland, I complained, bitched and moaned. I summarized, I theorized, I wrapped up... and I got alot of support and love from my best girlfriends.

A Whirlwind Week.... In a Long-Winded Nutshell!

Well, I am exhausted... and sore. Since my friend from Orlando was visiting this week I have been running around all week(Actually Walking... but running seems more dramatic.).

We were supposed to go to NYC for the day on Wednesday. Since it is only about 1 1/2 hours from here we go often, but we usually do it at a relaxing pace. Wednesday was a rainy day and my friend has never been to NYC before so I encouraged him to switch days and go on Thursday. So Wednesday, we met my Mom for lunch( He loves my Mom and says she's the Mother he never had... And I sometimes wish she was the Mother I never had... LOL)

Thursday, we headed to Jersey City, where we park and take the train into the City. We got off the train at the WTC. And by then I was starving... but it seems regular folks want to get a snack to hold them over. I rarely eat snacks... but into the Rite Aid I go looking for a "Healthy" option. I saw some Beef Jerky but no Turkey Jerky... and they had greek yogurt but it is hard to eat on the go, and I usually only eat one a day to keep the carbs down, luckily I had a Atkins Daybreak bar in my purse but I grabbed a big bottle of water and a bag of almonds that I could munch on throughout the day and share with my friends and my George. We took the subway to Times Square and did some shopping. Then they wanted to stop for another snack. I am not a grazer anymore... Hello! My husband was eating a very tempting Cupcake which I ate a few bites of and I got another water.... Hydrate! Hydrate! We walked to Rockafeller Center so they could check out the fountain and I showed them the tiny area where the ice rink is in winter... We walked to Central Park. I was hungry again by then, and we hadn't really eaten all day. I munched on some Almonds... We were pretty much done our day by then... So we took the Subway to the Village and were going to get the Path(Train) to Jersey City. My Friend saw a Pizza Parlor and he so wanted to try NY Pizza.(Over-rated, and it's the same foldable stuff we have in Philly, You really have to know a good place not just randomly hit a Parlor you walk by... LOL) I was standing staring at the Pizza(Which I don't have alot of luck with Post-Band, but if I do try to eat any pizza, it has to be thin and crispy) I got a slice of the Chicken and Broccoli, since I could eat the toppings off of it. I ate 2 bites and felt full, My George ate the rest. When we got back to the car, I was thrilled that my Friend was driving back home... and I just enjoyed the ride, I always drive.... It was nice to have someone else take the wheel.

That night, I was so sore and in so much pain, that i hoped it would subside after a good night's sleep... It wasn't. When I woke up yesterday morning, I was still sore and hurting all over. I picked my friend up at the airport, he returned his rental car... I took them on a driving tour of Philly. I showed them alot. Then we parked the car at my house and picked up George. We took the train downtown and over to Camden, NJ for an awesome Concert... It was Train(My Favorite) and Maroon 5, and Gavin DeGraw opened up for them. It was a great concert. Pat Monahan clasped my hand when he walked around the audience during Marry Me... He was incredibly sweaty and I was on Cloud 9. You all know my weakness for the Black Haired Blue Eyed Irishmen(See... My George)... After the Concert, we walked by Gavin DeGraw's RV and he came out eating a sandwich so we got to meet him and I took a photo of my George with him. It was a great end to a great night.

In Other News, My scale is definitely broken... I am not sure where I am with my weight and I need to find out. My calories have been pretty low(Yesterday was 840, weird?) But even though I've been walking alot, I haven't been to the gym in a week. So, I need to find out where I am with my Weight.

Fill 'er up! And see the Sights!

I NEED A FILL.... BIG TIME! I am hungry almost all day. I wake up and I am not really hungry but I definitely could eat(That means I am sorta hungry, which feels strange since even before I was banded, I wasn't a breakfast person... and never have I felt like eating when I wake up since my band was installed, I am a protein shake, greek yogurt kind of gal) Well, I got my insurance switched over last month... but I have been playing phone tag with my new bariatric doctor(Hopefully) and I am starting to think that it's not worth all the effort.(Dr. Noel Williams is a big cheese in Bariatrics and I did alot of research and decided that since the Penn Bariatric Center is huge and has amazing reviews, including that I've been going to their support groups and you don't have to wait to get a fill with the surgeon, the PA does it. I really hope I get a call back tomorrow. I need to get in there and have them accept me, since I had my surgery elsewhere.

It is 2:51am and I am struggling to sleep because I am hungry again... especially because of how close I have been watching what I eat lately... to keep my calories down still since I am eating more than usual. My calories have been landing closer to 1500 instead of my normal 1200. I don't want to start gaining weight but I hate the hunger feeling...It sucks. Once you feel what it is without it for so long. Hunger... Why must you haunt me? I thought I felt it coming back, but I blamed it on my TOM... but I was right. I really need a fill. I have no energy from cutting the carbs. I have been thinking of doing some diet like Dukan or Atkins or whatever to get myself back together but I think that the fill is most important. If I don't use my tool right, the deprivation will cause serious cravings.

My friend from Orlando, who I worked with at DisneyWorld is visiting the area this week. I look forward to seeing him and dragging him all over Downtown Philly and NYC. I am going to show off my Roots. Let him ring my Liberty Bell(They actually don't let you touch it, although I have sneaked a couple times), Watch him run up the Art Museum steps like Rocky, take him to Chinatown, South Street, Boathouse Row, the Reading Terminal Market, and I hope he'll want to see some of where our Nation got it's start.(Why aren't people more interested in our History?) He's never been to NYC, and I haven't done any of the touristy things there in over a decade so we'll see what trouble we can get into there too.

20 questions... and answers?

I decided to cheat and steal this survey from Steph who stole from Banded Bella who stole from Sam. So hopefully, we'll get to know each other better... Or at least I will look like I posted more often.

1)What is your occupation right now?

I am a Trophy Wife mainly concentrating on getting my health back in check. I am also the Family Travel Agent...

2)What color are your socks right now?

White socks earlier for the gym but I get them off as quickly as I can... I am not a socks person which was fine in Orlando these past 10+ years... but now that I am back home in Philly, I am going to have to get used to wearing shoes and socks again. To be honest, there was a long time when slip on shoes(flip flops, etc) were my only option without involving my husband in putting my socks and shoes on and off... but I can put my own socks and shoes on nowadays and I am loving every minute of it.

3)What are you listening to right now? Rain and thunder(A little too close for comfort)... It is relaxing me, but I am glad I am not out in it. I am going through my clothes and getting stuff together for good will and storage for later. As I do that, I am listening to Christina Perri's new album(Another Philly Girl).

4)What was the last thing you ate?

I had grilled chicken and a salad mix of Arugala and Baby Spinach with Raspberry Vinagrette dressing(I found a delicious one that's only 35 calories for 2 tbsp. It was a yummy lunch.

5)Can you drive Stick Shift?

I was given a brief tutoral by my Dad like 100 years ago but I have never driven one... and don't plan on starting now.

6)Last Person you spoke to on the phone...

My husband calls me every day on his lunch break... but I am more of a texter so mostly, I text. I do love hearing his voice though, He's the Bees' Knees!(I am not sure what that old timers' phrase means but It's fun and It is a positive saying for sure!

7)Do you like the person you stole this blog from?

Of course, why would I be reading people's blogs that annoy me? I don't have that much free time. I read alot of blogs even though I don't comment every time and I adore you all... I mean, anyone who can put up with all my whining and drama deserves a comment but I need more than 24 hours in a day.

8)How old are you today?

Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to ask a lady her age? Luckily, I'm not usually a lady... so I am 42 years old in my body and 22 in my mind.

9)What's your favorite sport to watch on TV?

I am a HUGE Phillies Phan.... So I watch almost every game on TV and go to see as many as I can live.... Baseball, which Steph says is like watching paint dry... which is it To Me too, like watching paint drying on the nude bodies of True Blood's men... LOL. I also love Hockey and Football but only my teams...Flyers and Eagles respectfully.

10)What is your favorite drink?

It used to be sweet tea, but I don't drink anything with more than 5 calories unless it's a protein shake... but I really love Root Beer. I just take a sip every once in a while.

11)Have you ever dyed your hair?

I love my hair and I am glad I never really dyed it but when I was a teenager I wanted to try some other color and my Mom always told me that I wouldn't get my natural color back the same again... and It's gotten darker every year since... but I do highlight it once in a decade or so.

12)Favorite Food?

I think my favorite food are all Desserts, hence the robust curves.... but I really love Peanut Butter, It is a trigger food, but I really love it!

13)What is the last movie that you watched?

I haven't watched any movies at home recently, but we did see Friends with Benefits in the theater last week.

14)Favorite Day of the Year?

I guess I would have to say Christmas but I am not sure if I like Christmas Day or Christmas Eve more... they are both great.

15)How do you vent Anger?

I am a Philly Girl at Heart so I use alot of 4 letter words... and think of new ways to use the F word. I don't get angry alot, but I do sometimes struggle with Road Rage, I am not sure how some of these folks passed their driving test...LOL

16)What was your favorite Toy as a Child?

I know it's shocking, coming from a Fatty, but I loved my Easy Bake Oven... which is strange since I don't like to cook much.

17)What is your favorite season?

I can't wait for Autumn because It has always been my favorite and It's the one I missed most in Florida. I love seeing the leaves change colors, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, halloween, and the nice mild breezy weather that goes with it.

18)Cherries or Blueberries?

I am not a huge fan of either. I like Wild Black cherry and those maracino cherries that go on the top of a sundae or in a Shirley Temple drink...LOL I also love Blueberry muffins but not blueberries themselves. I do love Blackberries, raspberries, and Strawberries though.

19)Do you want your friends to blog this survey?

Yes, I'd love to learn new things about you all. Fun!

20)Where is your favorite place to escape?

I love Cruising, It is the best vacation since you don't have to worry about where to eat, how to get here or there, where to stay... It is a great escape, but my everyday escape is in my George's arms. I feel safe there and more relaxed than anywhere else. I could lie there listening to his heart for hours.

21)Favorite TV Show?

I love TV... I can't pick just one but these are my top 10. True Blood, Dexter, Modern Family, Hot in Cleveland, GLEE, The Big Bang Theory, Criminal Minds, Marriage Ref, Dancing With the Stars, and Gene Simmons Family Jewels(I think Gene Simmons is amazing, He's one of the people I would most like to meet).... I love repeats of some of my favorites from the past like That 70's Show, Family Guy, and Ghostwhisperer.

22)Living Arrangements?

My George and I have regressed and moved back home with my Mother-in-Law. I thought it was temporary but I really like it here and we are able to travel more and help her make ends meet.

23)When was the last time you cried?

I watched the Gene Simmons Family Jewels season finale the other night and when he finally asked Shannon(his live-in girlfriend of 28 years that he has and raised 2 awesome kids together with) to marry him. I was so moved by his proposal, that I cried. I actually get emotionally involved with movies, TV Shows, and even commericals sometimes.

24)What is on the floor of your closet?

Baskets with purses and hats in them....

25)Who is the friend you have had the longest?

My Friend Lisa who I met in 10th grade is the one I've had the longest. We still spend alot of time together. One of my closest friends is also my Aunt who is a little over 4 years older than me, we were basically raised together and we talk all the time and spend alot of time together(We are more like sisters, my Mom is the oldest and she is the youngest, they were born 18 years apart)...

26)What did you do last night?

After George got off of work, we went to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner. It was great. I love it there. I order off the kids' menu, sirloin tips and broccoli or grilled chicken and broccoli. But we always share the fried pickles appetizer. They are yummy and probably the lowest calorie friend food ever...LOL

27)What are you most afraid of?

Losing George, when my Mom lost my Dad, a part of her died with him and she's struggled to find herself ever since. I can't imagine life without my George.

28)Plain, Cheese, or Spicy hamburger?

Well, Turkey burger with alot of spices... I eat my burgers without a roll so they have to be good.

29)Favorite Dog Breed?

I don't care as long as It's a rescue dog. I don't believe in buying bred dogs but I do like them smaller. My dog is a jack russell mix of some sort, just an adorable rescue mutt.

30)Favorite Day of the Week?

Any day that George is off work is special, I love when he's off during the week and we go downtown and shop, hit Reading Terminal Market and Chinatown or even South Street. Weekend days off are not as good but more relaxing. Just vegging out.

31)How many states have you lived in?

Only a Few... Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Florida.

32)Diamonds or Pearls?

Well, I think Pearls are sexy but I love sparkle so I am leaning toward diamonds. I prefer CZs since the fake man made stuff sparkles more and is more affordable....LOL

33)What is your favorite Flower?

I like the tropical look of the Hibiscus, the smell of roses, and the fun of gerber daisies.

Well, What are your answers?