Day 3.... Pre-op Diet and Pre-op Appt....

I went to my surgeon's office today for my pre-op appt, blood work, and clearance... It all went well. I am doing okay on my pre-op diet but I could be doing better. I ate a weight watchers' smart one meal today because I was too hungry to stick to liquids but I stayed in my calorie limits and the liquid part was my decision... They only asked for 1000 calories a day or less. I will probably write again after the weekend... I don't want to bore you all since nothing is really happening... I don't have enough energy for anything to happen... LOL

Day Two.... Pre-op Diet!

Well, I did okay on day one, but I am already weak. I have my TOM, A Strep Throat, and aches and pains all over my body. But here I am on Day Two. My husband went out to get me more protein shakes and pick up my anti-biotics. So I hopefully will be feeling better soon. My pre-op appt with the Surgeon's office is tomorrow. So I am hoping my Strep throat won't put a monkey wrench in my schedule.... Fingers Crossed. I am staying under 1000 calories as planned. I am loving soup since I am sick and protein shakes and Greek yogurt cool my throat nicely. I will blog again tomorrow after my appt. Wish me Luck!

Day one of my pre-op diet...

So far so good.... I am attempting all liquids, even though my doctor's pre-op diet is 1000 calories a day... I don't think choices are the best thing for me.... I am in serious detox!

Happy Marriage Playbook... As I see it.

Well, about 12 days ago, My husband and I celebrated 21 years together.... We met in a mall, while shopping for Christmas gifts. We've only been married for 17 years now, but the day we met was the start of something amazing... and I want to share what I've learned these last 2 decades. Every couple is different, but men are somewhat similar... and here is a few tips.

1. Give in.... We like to believe we are always right but sometimes we aren't, we need to play that one in a million time up. Tell him, "You are Right, and I am Wrong". Those 3 little words mean more to them, or at least as much as "I Love You"... They love hearing us say we are wrong... and they love hearing that they are right. Believe me, It is worth it.
2. Compliment Them... If you think they look handsome, Say it... If you think it say it! Tell them they have beautiful eyes, tell them that they turn you on, tell them that smell good... just tell them. We as Women, always complain that they don't compliment us enough but it goes both ways, once the see how good they feel when you shower them with compliments, they will want you to enjoy the feeling too.
3. I Love you... Find different ways to say it, say it often, say it again, say it each time you say goodbye, Make sure you say it first thing in the morning and when you say good night each night.... You can't wear it out.
4. Cheerleader... You are their cheerleader, don't let anyone else take that role from you... Cheer them on in big accomplishments and small ones too. They need the stroking, in more ways than one.
5. Sex...Everyone has a headache once in a while, but you know what cures it.... Orgasm. You will have great sex, good sex and maybe some not so good sex.... but have it! Often!... Enjoy each other! You don't want to be a stranger to your own husband.
6. Date night... Couples that still date, are always more content and happy. Because they are nurturing their love. Make time for each other, consider it an investment... in your future.
7. Support... Be in their corner, Support their dreams, and make them come true together... (Disclaimer: If they want a ridiculous dream like being a movie star, rock star, etc... It will be harder to support and much more expensive, so you might wanna put your cart behind the right horse)
8. Family... His family could be wonderful, but it is more likely that they are from the Bowels of Hell. Endure them... and let them hang themselves. Don't stoop to their levels... Be strong and kill them with kindness. You will always have the upper hand that way! Remember, You come first in his eyes and you don't need to test it.(Disclaimer: If for some reason you don't come first, He may be the cancer that needs to be cut out... not his family)
9. Marriage.... Get Married, make it legal... Don't go around saying it's like you're married, you live together like a married couple, or Who needs a silly piece of paper? You deserve to be his wife, not his kinda wife. I know a girl who spent 20 years with a man that she had 2 kids with, owned a house with, shared everything... except a paper. He cheated on her almost the whole time they were together, married 2 of the women he cheated with and kicked her out of her own house twice, ?Yes, that means she took him back after the first time... She had nothing to show for their relationship except 2 growing boys to feed, hap-hazard child support payments, a man who pretends he never loved her and her sons have an evil stepmother. She would have had alot more rights if they had been married. And Marriage is much more romantic... At least I think so.
10. Life... Live it, don't worry so much... Enjoy each other and if you have children, remember that when the kids leave... Your husband stays. So put him first, always. Even when it is difficult. I don't have kids, so this advice... is more do as I say, and not as I do... LOL

Back from my cruise....

I'm back in Orlando and I was retaining alot of fluid from not drinking as much water and too much sodium in the cruise food. I am looking forward to going home later this week and getting back to my regular routine before starting my pre-op diet on the 26th, I actually should be starting my pre-op diet on the 25 but I thought it would be a less stressful holiday without me in detox.
         My surgeon's office has a pre-op diet of 1000 calories a day.... But I am going to try liquids only for most of it. I think that will prepare me better for this next huge step. I did a 2 week pre-op liquid diet before I was banded and I think my preliminary huge success was that foundation, it made me appreciate each new step... Full liquids 2 weeks after surgery and then regular food after that. Since I was able to do 6 weeks of liquids then, this should be a cake walk minus the cake.

Things I love since....

Well... I never liked Mashed Potatoes much, but when I had a lapband.... I craved them... And now that it was removed a couple months ago, I could take them or leave them. I started loving cole slaw, which I still love even now. Once my band was removed.... I can't get enough bread or pizza neither or which I really ate or missed while banded... Just Weird? I am almost a month before my gastric bypass... And I am on a binger. It has been ridiculous, like I'm awaiting execution. I miss my band like crazy.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Yours!

Happy Thanksgiving to all you Crazy Americans! And to my Non-American Followers.... I am thankful for your Friendship and Support too! You are all a Blessing to me! I look forward to spending the day with my family, laughing, crying, Loving, Hating, And of course.... EATING!

Delayed and Dismayed....

Well, My Surgeon's office called this morning to delay my surgery. It seems a more serious case of a patient who has cancer is the same day that I was scheduled who they believe will need more time leaving not enough for me. I was annoyed at first, I mean... I wanted November 5th or 6th, but those weren't available. They scheduled me for the 12th, but then called Me to reschedule me for the 13th since the Doctor is out of town on the 12th. I was already concerned about how close the surgery was to our next work trip to Orlando which is the beginning of December. So today she said, since thanksgiving is the following week, how about the 27th? Well, My George has already put his schedule in with Disney and our cruise is paid off for December 10-15, so.... I decided to push it off til the new year.... and it is now scheduled for January 7th. It means I will be able to enjoy the holidays and get more prepared but I was almost 2 weeks into my pre-op diet when she called... I wanted to throw a tantrum!

A Week From Tomorrow!

                           Well, The countdown is on... My Gastric Bypass surgery is one week from tomorrow. I am on a pre-op diet that is much least restrictive than my previous one from my LapBand Installation. This one is 1000 calories a day, Which seemed like it could be easier than my all liquid OptiFast pre-op diet that I did before my LapBand was put in 2010. I am thinking of switching it to all liquid for this next week to detox myself... Less options are better for a food addict like myself. 


                              I was getting a bit of the Last Supper syndrome after having my Lap-band removed... Excited about being able to eat bread and pasta and even Chinese food. All of which, I didn't think I missed but it seems I did. I have gotten control of the Night Eating Syndrome with the Lexapro, but I seem to be hungry all day long and I am getting into old habits like not eating all day and then overeating at dinner and snacking afterwards too. I know this new life will make a lot of these issues go away but it's depressing to admit that my issues with food are no better than they were 3 years ago when I started this journey. 


                               I am nervous about tomorrow's election, I was hoping to have my surgery today, but since it wasn't available I have to wait til next Tuesday... Too Bad, because having my surgery today would have distracted me from worrying about the outcome of tomorrow's election(I voted already several weeks ago by Absentee Ballad in Florida since we are still registered and it's still our permanent residence til we are completely settled in here in PA) and I am a huge TwiHard.... and I am missing the Advanced Screening of Breaking Dawn Part 2 next Wednesday which was a hard choice .... LOL My Physical Health or My Mental Health... LOL



                                    This is going to be a huge change for me, my new stomach pouch will be 2 ounces.... which means that those little condiment cups that they give you in restaurants will be my new serving size....Weird, right? Also, They tell me that I will only be able to drink 3-6 ounces of water an hour, which will make it difficult to get all my water in... for a while.

Preparing for Sandy's Wrath....

Well, I escaped Florida with it's Tropical Storms and Hurricanes Galore? And now the 2nd Largest Atlantic Hurricane is headed our way.... Really? God must really have a sense of humor....

• Lucky... That I have about a million things overflowing from my neglected DVR, I came back from Disney to 99% filled up. Let's just hope that the power stays on.
• Unlucky... That I am about to start my pre-op diet in a few days and I wanted to eat out one last time, and I have had problems finding my protein shakes.
• Lucky... I am crazy about my husband and don't mind spending day and night with him for days.
• Unlucky... That Dogs don't use a litterbox, and mine doesn't care for the wetness.
• Lucky...That I still have a lot of fat to live off of if we run out of food or lose power and the fridge takes a hit.
• Unlucky....That the house I live in is over 100 years old, so it loses power every time someone sneezes.
• Lucky.... I have 2 books to read from the library.
• Unlucky... My eyes are not good enough to read by candlelight.
• Lucky... We of the Eastcoast have all your best wishes and prayers... to get us through this.
• Unlucky... We may lose power and not see all your wishes and prayers.
• Lucky... That this whiney, long-winded blog post is ending.

I'm Back... and Bulleting like a Gunslinger.

A lot to catch up on....

• I have been torn lately, wanting to eat things that my band has prevented me from eating for years... but not having the desire. Weird feeling... 
• My Gastric Bypass Surgery is scheduled for November 13... I am scheduled for a day of nutrition classes, blood tests and ultrasounds on November 2nd, and my pre-op diet is much easier than my lapband one. Different surgeons, different rules. 
• I feel like I am in a better place when going into this surgery... I guess the Lexapro is really helping and I am fed up with the pain.     
• Being in Florida was a different experience this time, I wasn't wanting to rush around to all my favorite restaurants and I wasn't shopping like crazy. I just enjoyed time with friends and got my house more in order. 
• I have been taking my journey one day at a time, easing into my new life... I am hoping that I am more equipped to succeed this time. I believe that I am.
• Saw some great movies... Like Sinister, Seven Psychopaths, Wreck-it-Ralph, Lincoln, Alex Cross, and a not so great one... Paranormal Activity 4(I wasn't a fan of any of them actually), and I liked Fun Size too.          
• I had a great time at my Family's Pumpkin Painting/Carving Party yesterday... It was so much fun. I spent time with my baby nieces, and my nephews. I missed them so much while in Orlando. My Aunt had a beautiful spread of food, but I ate less of it, than usual. It was such a strange experience. I couldn't believe it.                                                            

Great Eggface Giveaway!

Eggface has 10000 friends on facebook and she's celebrating by giving away great stuff.... Here's the link http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-eggface-big-1

Week full of Bullets!

Let's get this thing rolling....

• Well, Lexapro is amazing.... I am clear-headed, binge-free, carving-free, depression-free, anxiety-free, and my night eating syndrome is in check... Life is Good! I am only on 5mg a day but I have my full range of emotions, except they are under my control for once. 
• I have been keeping my weight under control without my band which is wonderful.....
• I am excited about seeing Taken 2 tomorrow night... I love Liam Neeson and the first one was amazing...
• We are preparing for one of our Orlando Work trips.... We are heading down to Disney the middle of the week for My George to work for a couple weeks. He works and I play... It works out great for me.... LOL 
• My In-Laws gave me their old car(2004 Chevy Trailblazer) instead of trading it in when they bought their new one...It's a lot newer than mine so that's great. Mine has been a death trap lately so It couldn't come at a better time. I am a happy girl, who may be slightly spoiled but in a cute way.... LOL
• My surgery is not scheduled yet but I am almost through the insurance approval process so it shouldn't be long before it gets scheduled. I am planning on around the 5th of November which means I will have to vote early or absentee ballot since I will still be in the hospital.
• I look forward to seeing my sweet nieces and Nephews dressed in their Halloween costumes and going trick or treating with them so I am deliberately waiting another week to schedule my surgery. 

Lexapro a GoGo....

• Well, The verdict is in.... Lexapro is helping alot with my Night Eating Syndrome and me binge eating. It has also helped clearing my mind and lets me make quality decisions more often. I am really thrilled. Good choices means Success.                                                     
• Unfortunately, my right knee is really bad so I haven't been able to do my walking but I need to make an effort to get to the gym so I can swim.                                                                            
•  I am awaiting Insurance approval for my Gastric Bypass... but I am not worried. I have waited this long... 
• In a little over a week, We head down to Orlando for my George to work some hours at Disney. I look forward to seeing some friends and seeing the theme parks.... I am hoping my knee will get better since walking is necessary. I don't wanna end up back in a wheelchair. I also look forward to going to my old support group, I haven't been able to find one up here that I like as much. 
• I have been seeing alot of movies as usual.... I really Loved Hotel Transylvania(Released September 28th), for all you folks that have kids or those who are kids at heart like me. It was a great story and great fun for people of all ages. Pitch Perfect(Released October 5th) is a great Girls night movie, It is also alot of fun. Here Comes the Boom(Released October 12th) is funny and really heartfelt, It is another great story where a teacher becomes a professional fighter to earn money to keep the music program at his school, These are issues we need to care about expressed in a sweet funny way. While we are talking about important issues, Won't Back Down(Released September 28th) is a amazing true story about 2 mothers(One who is a teacher) who fight to open their own school when they find that their children are falling through the cracks. Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhal are incredible. House at the End of the Street was very disappointing, I didn't enjoy it at all. I wouldn't recommend it at all. But it was a decent story and there were some good twists and turns. Wait for DVD... Trouble with the Curve was a nice story and I liked it since I love Baseball. But it wasn't great so I would wait for DVD. As you know, I see these movies for free so I see pretty much everything. But If I had to pay, I would wanna get my money's worth. So if you want to see something... Ask me and I will be honest.

The Game of Life....

I am a Loser Gainer in the Game of Life... I gain all kinds of weight. And I can't lose it permanently. This is true on my weight loss journey, most of the time... but it is also true with my friends. I find that there are very few people whom I consider Close to me, friend-wise. And I have a few friends who are mostly needy and suck the life out of me... It would be nice if They sucked the fat out of me... You know Two Birds One Stone, and all. Well, every time I think of writing about one of them I think... What if they find this and read it?(Probably i should start writing a journal that isn't on the World Wide Web and all). I think one or two may follow me from when I first started this blog. So I guess that means I value their friendship... since I don't wanna lose it, but one of them is being even more needy than usual and I am there for them as much as possible but 3 and 4 in the morning are for emergency calls, not "I had an idea" calls. How can I put boundaries on my friends? Unconditional love is hard....

Quick Update....

                  Well, I am struggling to not gain any weight between my surgeries... So since I have Night Eating Syndrome, which basically means I eat fine all day but after dinner.... I can't stop eating and never feel full. I am also a Binge Eater.... So The Doctor who did my Psych Eval for surgery who wrote the book "Overcoming Night Eating Syndrome" and is expert in the field, She has done studies with the drugs Zoloft and Lexapro which are prescribed for depression and anxiety usually... and they helped alot with Night Eating Syndrome and Binge Eating in over 80% of the cases, and it will be a bonus if they help with my depression and anxiety... So my PCP prescribed Lexapro and we will see what that does... 

                  Today I went to the "Uncomfortable" Doctor for my annual Pap Smear and exam... It has been a couple of years since I went and I want to get back on track so I am doing the circuit... It was uncomfortable as usual... and it got worse when she stuck a finger in my ass, which came as a surprise. I guess after 40 they do rectal exams too. I can understand why men don't care for that... I mean, How about buying me a drink first?

Seriously? Bandfree but imprisoned by hunger and cravings....

Seriously? I am not sure what this part of my journey is all about.....

• Seriously... I am still very aware of my body just like I was with my band, but I get headaches from hunger and that is a new and annoying thing... Physical Hunger is a new and annoying thing.
• I ate a turkey burger the other day.... with the bun. Seriously?
• I ate 2 1/2 pancakes for breakfast yesterday.... I mean. Seriously?
• I just ate a whole Roll last week.... Really? With Butter... Seriously? If I keep that up and I will have more Rolls, and not the Edible kind, either.
• I have my psych appt today which is the last loop I have to jump though... to move on to the next part of my journey.
• I don't crave sweets as much... That's a Good thing! A Really Good Thing...
• I get Full now.... which sucks, since I forgot how uncomfortable that can be.... So I am trying to eat less but that leaves me hungry, I am not sure what to do but I'll figure it out.
• My regular routine doesn't work as well, as it used to.... but I will get through the next 2 months somehow.
• I have been walking alot these days.... since I am not allowed to get in the pool for a few more weeks.
• I am trying not to slip back into all the bad habits that got me in this mess, but it is a constant fight.
• I still didn't go to my PCP to speak to her about Appetite Suppressants, I hate taking drugs even if It might help me for the next couple months.

Lean Cuisine – Roasted Garlic Chicken

Lean Cuisine – Roasted Garlic Chicken

Bandless Bandit!.... A Life in Pause!

I am LapBand free and Binging like a Bandit.... I only started eating normal food less than a week ago. I was on liquid before that and didn't even notice that my band was gone... Well, It is GONE.... Big Time! 

• I haven't had real bread in 2 1/2 years, and i didn't really miss it until my band was removed... I have eaten bread 3 times in the last week.... It is good! but I don't wanna fall into old habits.
• I went to the Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta Bowl and ate a bowl and a half of pasta.... I loved it, which is weird since I didn't really like Pasta after i was banded. I will stay away from Olive Garden for a long while.... 
• I am trying to eat the same size servings but I find I am still hungry afterwards..... It's gonna be a long 2 months unbanded and fighting off the binge. I am keeping crap out of the house and trying to get by on smaller meals. I don't want to gain alot of weight between surgeries, because even though losing weight is amazing, relosing is not as fun.
• I asked my surgeon to prescribe an appetite suppressant.... but he won't do that, so I am planning on asking my PCP this week. I know I should be able to have some control over myself but I need to be realistic, I am an addict and my less than thrilling restriction is now gone completely. I am fine during the day, but when the clock strikes 9pm or so.... I am ravenous... like Cinderella coach turning into a pumpkin, mine would turn into a Pumpkin Pie. A Good Friend suggested getting an appetite suppressant that I could take after dinner... and it sounds like something I should try. I have never taken an appetite suppressant before and I don't really like to take drugs at all. Does anyone have a suggestion?
• I feel better without my band though... No Acid Reflux, No stomach issues, no vomiting, etc.
• On a happier note, We finished paying off our cruise in December with my winnings from the Casino the other day.... I figured, Why Not? Something to look forward to... and One less thing to worry about!
• About the Casino trip, It was a day trip to a casino in our area.... I won a radio station prize which consisted of $100 free slot play, $100 horse racing vouchers, $200 Restaurant voucher, I got to name one of the horse races which i named Georgie's Girl's Classic after me, and I got to get my photo with the winning jockey... and I got a rhinestone Parx Casino tote bag full of other prizes. I used the free play and brought home $312... Which doesn't sound like alot but I am an addictive personality so I was extremely proud that I walked away and didn't lose my winnings. I walked away... I kept my winnings.

EggFace has Another Great Giveaway!!!

She is always giving away great stuff but this one takes the cake.... Check it out! http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2012/09/eggface-back-to-bariatric-basics.html

I Wonder Wednesday.....

All the Other Kids with their Pumped up Kicks, You Better Run, Better Run, Faster than my Gun,  All the Other Kids with their Pumped up Kicks, You better Run, better Run.... Faster than my BULLET.

• I am healed.... pretty much! Incisions look good, the largest one is so light... That I can hardly see it already, that's impressive! 
• I loved Lawless... Tom Hardy is one of my new favorites, he was amazing in Lawless... Great in This Means War... and Fantastic in The Dark Knight Rises.
• I have my Psych thingy scheduled for a week from tomorrow, and that will complete my insurance regulations for my revision surgery. The Cardiologist was today and he told me that I am extremely low risk for a cardiac event during surgery, so that's good. 
• I won a Parx Casino Prize Pack from a radio station that includes $100 in free slot play, $100 in Horse racing vouchers, $200 in their signature restaurant, I got to name a horse race(I chose Georgie's Girl), and I get my photo taken with the winning jockey and horse... which leaves me with a moral dilemma of sorts since I don't support horse or dog racing... Why couldn't I have just won all the money for the slots? But it is a new experience.... and I usually embrace new experiences.
• We are also going down to Atlantic City overnight on Tuesday so I guess it's gonna be a Gamblin' kind of Week.... i got a comp night with Harrahs so I figured a night at Bally's on the Boardwalk at Park Place... Monopoly might bring me luck....Fingers Crossed!
• I am going to the pre-season Eagles vs. Jets game tomorrow night with my brother and his family.... Yes, That means my sweet nephews and niece will be there.... Yay! Go Eagles! 
• I really love Dark Comedy.... My sense of humor is incredibly wide... and some of it is just Wrong.... I love It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia even though it makes our people look like complete morally corrupted imbeciles....I promise you we aren't, well most of us aren't. I saw Killer Joe(Matthew McConaughey) and it was violent, bloody, and just all kinds of wrong... I liked it more than a little bit. I loved that weird Dark Comedy with Cameron Diaz called The Last Supper where they invited all kinds of racist, bigoted, sexist republican types over for a dinner party and killed them... Hysterical! And Heathers with Christian Slater and Wynona Ryder was one of my favorites. I adore The Family Guy show too.... PYP Funny!

Lean Cuisine – Ranchero Braised Beef

Lean Cuisine – Ranchero Braised Beef

 Yum! It was flavorful and had a slight kick. i loved the Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes so much too. It is definitely going to be thrown into my routine again sometime....

back to product

Ranchero Braised Beef

Download nutritional information (pdf)

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 (0.0 ounces)

Servings Per Package: 1

 

Amount Per Serving:

 

Calories 240

Calories From Fat 40

 

%Daily Value*

Total Fat (g)	4	7 %		Cholesterol (mg)	30	10 %
Saturated Fat (g)	2	0		Sodium (mg)	540	22 %
Trans Fat (g)	0			Potassium (mg)	800	23 %
Polyunsaturated Fat (g)	2			Total Carbohydrate (g)	34	11 %
Monounsaturated Fat (g)	1			Dietary Fiber (g)	3	11 %
Protein (g)	17			Sugars (g)	23
Diet Exchanges 1 1/2 Lean Meat, 2 Starch, 1/2 Fat
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

	Calories:	2,000	2,500
Total Fat	Less Than	65g	80g
Sat Fat	Less Than	20g	25g
Cholesterol	Less Than	300mg	300mg
Sodium	Less Than	2,400mg	2,400mg
Potassium	Less Than	3,500mg	3,500mg
Total Carbohydrate		300g	375g
Dietary Fiber		25g	30g

Vegetable Servings** 2

**The USDA Food Guide Pyramid suggest 3-5 one-half cup servings of vegtables a day.

Weight Watchers® PointsPlus™ *** 6

***Not endorsed by Weight Watchers®. PointsPlus™ calculated by Nestlé.

Nutritional information is subject to change. Please see label of product on store shelves for the most current information.

Ingredients:

SWEET POTATOES, SEASONED COOKED PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK AND MODIFIED CORN STARCH PRODUCT CARAMEL COLOR ADDED (BEEF, BEEF BROTH, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SALT, SODIUM PHOSPHATES, DEXTROSE, CARAMEL COLOR, NATURAL FLAVOR), WATER, SKIM MILK, TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), GREEN CHILES (WITH CITRIC ACID, SALT, CALCIUM CHLORIDE), SUGAR, ONIONS, 2% OR LESS OF BROWN SUGAR, BROWN SUGAR SYRUP, SOYBEAN OIL, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, SPICES, SEA SALT, ORANGE JUICE CONCENTRATE, JALAPENO PUREE (JALAPENO PEPPERS, VINEGAR, SALT), POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, PAPRIKA, DEHYDRATED GARLIC, DEHYDRATED ONIONS, VANILLA FLAVOR AND INVERT SUGAR, CARRAGEENAN WITH DEXTROSE.

Contains: MILK INGREDIENTS

 

Last Day!!!! Day 30.... What will I be remembered for?

List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for ....

1. My Fiery Red Hair with the Passion to match.
2. My Quick Wit
3. That I was an Incredible Hands On... SuperAunt.
4. My Amazing Lifetime Love Affair with My George
5. I was Well-traveled and Cruised the World.
6. That I lost 300 pounds and was on Ellen to tell her about it... LOL
7. Philly Girl... Heart and Soul
8. Winning millions in the Lottery... Fingers Crossed.
9. I have a Smile that lights up the Room... My eyes sparkle and even though my teeth aren't perfect... I have a Beautiful Smile.
10. Gives Random Compliments to brighten people's days....
    

Day 29....I'm Misunderstood!

 What do you think people misunderstand most about you?

                    I am artistically Sarcastic and it used to be misunderstood as meanness... I used to use it as a defense mechanism because i was teased as a child because of my red hair and after puberty when i started gaining weight, then i was insecure because I thought I was fat.... i would kill for that body these days... Fat my Ass! I am still sarcastic.... but i am no longer mean about it. I like to tease folks, but only if I really like them. I try to be kind and complimentary with others.... I believe in giving at least one random compliment a day. I have turned over a new leaf... but I am still honest to a fault, at times. What you see is what you get!

Update and Day 28.... The Language of Love

I am still on the Mend.... I almost wrote Mead, which may have made this recovery easier... but I digress. I am sick and tired of liquids and even though I am more irritable than hungry... This sucks. I am bandless and drinking my meals like a lush. And I have no energy... at all. I am weak... which is because of the low calories level... which should lead to weight loss, but I am retaining fluids still so I am frustratingly seeing high numbers on the scale. Well, My follow up is next Wednesday, so hopefully I will lose a little in the next few days. It's not like I am drinking milkshakes and mudslides people! Soup(Mostly broth-based), protein shakes, Greek yogurt, sugar-free jello, and pudding.... Not even an ICEE at the movies. My Metabolism SUX! On with Day 28...

 What is your love language? 

                    I never read the book but I think the concept is interesting.... Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. I think a healthy, loving marriage needs all of these... And my marriage is chock full of them. 

                  Words of Affirmation~ I truly believe that a compliment can change someone's whole outlook... Saying I Love You is important every day, and in different ways. You mean the world to me... I can't imagine a day without you... etc.

                  Quality Time~ We spend alot of time together but Quality time is different than sitting next to each other on the subway. Talking and listening... Letting the Outside world drop away. 

                  Receiving Gifts~ Thinking of the other person... always. You don't have to buy gifts but the thoughtfulness of seeing something and thinking of your love, is invaluable. Love is a Gift... Giving it can be done over and over, not just once. 

                  Acts of Service~ Helping each other with simple chores, can make your partnership stronger... in a We're in this together kind of way. 

                  Physical Touch~ Sex is extremely important but touch is even more important. Holding Hands, caressing your back or shoulders, putting your fingers through my hand... is Loving.

If I understand this thing... The dealbreaker one is your love language. The one you can't live without... I believe strongly in all of these, but I think the most painful to live would be Physical Touch, When I saw Hope Springs... with Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones, It seemed so sad that they hadn't touched at all in years... So my Love Language would be Physical Touch.

Day 27... Favorite part of the body?

What is your favorite part of your body and why?

             For someone who has tried to hide her body for most of her lifetime, this is a hard question. I love being a redhead, so I would say my hair but it feels like cheating to say that. I could write a list of things I hate about my body but that seems dangerously counterproductive. I do think that I can see my real body beneath all this fat. I have a pretty nice shape and hope to one day... see it without squinting. Here's the list....

1. I Love my fingers... They are long and lean and look like they belong on a skinny bitch, so the rest of me has to catch up.
2. I love my eyes... They smolder, seduce, and sparkle when I laugh... Which is often. They are dark brown, with flecks of gold and green. I have bedroom eyes, and I know how to use them...LOL
3. I kinda like my butt.... It is huge, but the shape is nice. It is pretty firm too. It is probably gonna end up all saggy and weird... but it's a apple-bottom now.
4. I like my boobs... They are big and not too saggy, but they do cause back pain.. I was hoping to lose a little bit in my chest and haven't yet.... I may have them reduced a little when I get close to goal. 
5. I promised myself that I would pick 5 things... but I am reaching on this one. My George told me that I have sexy earlobes once, I thought they were saggy and old manish. So I am gonna say I love my ear lobes, because if they are cute enough to get a random compliment from my Man.... Then they are Cute Enough!

Update and Day 26....

Well, You would think I hadn't been through this before... Why didn't I pick up Gas-X when I was at Walmart on the way home from the hospital yesterday? The Gas pains.... really suck. But other than being sore and tender, I feel okay. I am trying to keep as unsexy as possible... damn unconditional love, since my husband really missed me for those 1 1/2 days.... and i can't endure too much affection with these war wounds. He is all huggy and kissy... and I am all smuggy and pissy. Is a Fart or two too much to ask for?                                                                                                                           

What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong? 

             This is a tough one, I am annoyed by people's deliberate overlooking of  living more green but I think looking around where I live, i would have to say... (I live in a very well of area, where the main problem is which private school to choose for your kids and how to fit 4 or 5 cars in your garage.) We need to think of others when we make our choices. There are many people out there who are much worse off than you and me... and We need to help where we can. Give to the GoodWill, don't put things out on the curb for trash that others could use... It is part of recycling too. Donate time if you don't have money, and if you do have money... Donate time and money. It will make you a better person and build character. Use Less... Energy, Gas, money... Do more, use less. You will be happier if you help others, and teach your children to help others, so they don't turn into those children... the ones we all cringe at. Spoiled rotten, always get their way children... Success is not about how much money and power you have, it is about what you do with what you have! Kim Kardasian's million dollar wedding to a man she was married to for like a month.... Irresponsible! A nation could have been turned around with that money... Be smart, People! Our Paradise is not here, it is in the afterlife... in Heaven. If we keep trying to make this a paradise... We won't end up there. Did this come off Judgy? I am in alot of pain and suffering.... Will you give me a pass on the judgy part?

Train Meet and Greet... And I'm Alive and almost well.

Here I am with My George and Jimmy Strafford, Pat Monahan, and Scott Underwood from Train, one of my favorite bands. My George arranged for me to get to meet them when we went to see them in concert last Saturday night which was a great distraction for my surgery yesterday. It was an amazing concert, Andy Grammer and Matt Kearney opened up for Train. They were incredible as always. I even got a 8x10 photo autographed for my collection... And here it is!

Well, My surgery went well... I stayed overnight in the hospital last night. My heartbeat was too low at one point and they did an EKG and continually monitored it. It was fine. I am still very sore in my stomach, I have 2 bigger incisions(2-3 inches) and 3 small incisions an inch or less. One of the small ones hurts more than the others, I am hoping it is not infected... I am keeping an eye on it. The spots where they had my IVs, Are all bruised and still hurt a lot... My right hand and my right wrist. They said my potassium was low(Actually in the Low normal range) so they gave me potassium in my IV and it burned like a bitch going in... When the regular IV ran out and only the Potassium was going in, It felt like they were cutting my arm off... So I was like a baby, crying and calling for any nurse to help me... Talk about embarrassing! Anyway, I am recuperating and My George is taking much better care of me than the nurses did so I am in a good place. 

                   I wanted to thank you all for all your prayers, well wishes, and happy thoughts.... You are wonderful friends and I am blessed to have you.

Taking a couple days break from my 30 days....

In a few hours, I won't be a bandster anymore... My band is being removed today as the first surgical step to my revision.... I have had alot of distractions~Concerts, movies, and the like but I have started mourning early. You see, My LapBand is a part of me now... And it has helped me combined with hard work and denial, to lose 133 pounds but it has done it's job and I am not done mine yet. I have a long way to go still. My relationship with this surgeon (who is world renown at University of Penn Hospital) is very serious about keeping me safe and complication free... so I am happy for that fact but this is the first time I am seeing him in a surgical light, and he will be doing the most involved surgery I ever had... So I am hoping I am completely comfortable with that after today... I feel a little nervous, and sad, but I will feel content afterwards to be on my way on my new journey. Please pray for me and my body's speedy recovery and a safe surgery with no complications.... And if you don't pray, send me your happy thoughts and wishes, positive thoughts and prayer can do miraculous things. I will remember your continued support today... and know my cheerleaders are shaking their pom poms wherever they are... XOXO *M*

Day 25.... Dinner anyone?

This is a hard one...If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

•  I would love to have dinner with my Dad again... I miss him so much. 
• I would love to dine with Bill Clinton, He is my favorite president, and he's extremely witty.
• I would love to eat with Gene Simmons and family, I admire his great business mind, He's a great conversationalist and he can still rock out.
• I would love for Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien to cook for me... or Paula Dean, talk about opposites.
• Who wouldn't wanna be a fly on the wall at the last supper with Jesus?
• I love to grub out at the diner with my mom and her boyfriend.
• I enjoy dinner with my brother, and his wife and kids....I always end up covered in boogers, spit-up, & food, but my heart almost bursts with love.
• I will like to take my Sister to lunch one last time. 
• I would love to help my MomMom to make strudel one last time...
• I would love to eat the crispy skin off the Thanksgiving turkey my Grandmom was making one more time...(Do you still wonder why I'm fat?)
• I wouldn't mind breaking bread with Walt Disney.... 
• I would enjoy eating out of Alexander Skarsgard hand, well as character Eric Northman... 
• I would like to chew and chat with Brangelina, I really love Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is still good eye candy.
• i would love to chow down with the cast of Steel Magnolias, my favorite movie... Dolly Parton, Sally Fields, Shirley Macclaine, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts, and Darrah Hannah.                                                                                                                                                           ****Lets be honest... This list could go on forever, since Eating is one of my favorite things, and I am a social butterfly. I love desserts but I would probably be too nervous and distracted to eat with anyone on that list.

Family Dynamic.... Day 24.

Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now...

Childhood~  I had a great childhood... We were poor but happy and healthy, until my sister got sick. She was 13 when she was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. When that happened it really changed our family dynamic, My Mom was always the caregiver(A bit of a Co-Dependent if you ask me) but Lisa getting sick put her into overdrive, I was about 15 so I enjoyed the little bit of freedom that the distraction gave me. My brother was 11 and since he was the baby he still got a lot of attention... until my sister got pregnant at 17, then 15 year old David lost out to the sickly pregnant girl and then the first(And still favorite) grandbaby. 

Adulthood~ My Mom and Dad raised my Niece Nicole most of the time, since her mother(My Sister) was sick, and young. She liked to come and go, and was mostly Self-sabotaging her health since being diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes/Type 1... She tried drugs and drank alot during her teenage years too which forced me into a caregiver role but my role from the chart would be the Lost Child ...I lived in a fantasy world where my family was amazing and if it wasn't I would be able to make it into one by ignoring, forcing, and smiling through the pain. My father was a real life hero, who put up with more shit then any man should have to...Which makes him the Family Hero. My Sister was the Scapegoat alot of the time, but mostly she was the Chemically Dependent person... Usually. My brother was mostly the Scapegoat and my niece was the Mascot but they switched roles frequently. Well, You probably guessed that my Mom was the Chief Enabler.... It is hard to believe that we were so usual, that they chart fits us perfectly... i assumed we were unique.

Now~ Well, You can imagine how the last decade has been... My Dad was diagnosed and died of Pancreatic Cancer in 2003, which took away our Hero and my Sister died in her sleep in 2005, which gave my mom back most of her freedom since my niece was already 15. My Mom opened her eyes and found her Lost Child.... and I was thrilled to have a Mom again. I was smothered, she had no one else... My husband was very understanding, for a long time. She moved in with us, and brought my teenaged niece with her... She couldn't afford the house without my Dad's income. She took over our house, and literally made it her own. We started to struggle financially, my brother didn't offer to help financially. i started getting resentful, I had lost my house to her control... and I had lost my job because of my advanced size and disability. I was in prison. I stayed in my room, watched TV and ate... My husband was still understanding but once he saw my health declining... He started getting angry. He told me we were moving home and she would have to find her own place. My niece had grown up  and moved back to Philly already. I was excited... The future seemed bleak, my mother couldn't live on her own, and the situation could never change. But once I had my surgery, I started to believe that I mattered again, and my happiness/our happiness mattered again. I wanted to move back home, I begged... and he had finally given in. My Mom found an apartment in Trenton, NJ right over the bridge from Philly. The rent is income based and it included all utilities. She was excited about moving back home too. She had been long distance dating her high school sweetheart and my brother had his 2 boys now, her grandsons. They live 15 minutes from her now. My relationship with my mom is bent but not broken and it is now in repair.... And someday it will be good again, I know it. But She is as obsessed with my niece and now her baby... My Mom's first Great-Grandchild. And she almost ignores my brother's 3 kids. It is sad, and I feel sorry for my brother... It seems over time he has become the Lost Child.


****I figured that I should finish this somewhat depressing post by saying... I love my family. They are quirky and weird... so I fit right in. My mom is living with her High School Sweetheart giving them a second chance at a live that my incredible Dad broke with his entrance. She had the love of a lifetime, but who says she has to live the rest of her life lonely and in mourning. Plus I am not smothered anymore, I love spending time with her and don't dread it out of obligation. I spend tons of time with my brother, his amazing wife(My Newest Sister) and their fabulous kids. We put the FUN in DisFUNctional. Life is Good, and getting Better.

Ten Things Thursday.... Quickly.

Ten Random Things...

1. I am going to see Kelly Clarkson and The Fray tonight... I am excited. I love The Fray and Kelly Clarkson is a huge bonus. 
2. I am having my LapBand removed Monday, I am nervous but hopeful, since this is the beginning of the end.
3. The scale has been up and down lately, I am not worried about it right now....
4. I saw Sparkle, last night... It was good. I loved The Odd Life of Timothy Green, It was such a heartfelt story and I cried and laughed.
5. I really need to get to the gym... busy days.
6. I am seeing Train on Saturday night... They are my favorite and a big wig from the Arena arranged for me to have a meet and greet... I am getting to meet them, Pat Monahan and all... I am over the moon excited about this...
7. I miss my nephews and nieces... I need to see them before my surgery monday...
8. I love Turkey Bacon, and it seems that I could eat breakfast for all meals... since I am on a cereal kick these days too. Eggbeaters has a new flavor, it's 3 cheese and I love it. I also love Southwest style... Yum!
9. I have been down lately, I think I might be starting to mourn my LapBand in advance... So I am hoping all these distractions will Distract me.
10. I am still not sure about Overeaters Anonymous... but I have met a woman there who i can definitely relate too...and her name is Maria too... I am not very Anonymous, am I ?

BTW... Some Random Stuff.

Well, Let me get random with you for a minute....

• I tried Pepsi Next... It's good, and 60% less sugar and much less calories. I like it. I hardly ever drink soda and I know we aren't supposed to but I do like a sip here and there. And I am a Pepsi Girl. 
• I am having my LapBand removed in 4 days, Monday to be exact...I am excited to be taking a step on this new journey of mine. But I am freaked out to be going under the knife again. I do look forward to leaving the sickness(PB and occasional vomiting), acid reflux, and Stuck incidents behind though... and It should only be a few months before I have my Gastric Bypass. 
• I am doing alot of research to be very prepared for the changes I can expect with Gastric Bypass, and I am following some new blogs that are about Gastric Bypasses ups and downs. If anyone has a good one to suggest... please comment and let me know what i am missing. 
• Many things won't change so I am thrilled to have you guys' support, recipes, and to continue to learn from your success... We are all on the same journeys, but we all don't take the same transportation to get there... We can all do this Together!
• I have been on a cereal obsession lately, I eat it a couple times a week. It is pretty healthy stuff but I still feel like I'm being naughty. I am amazed that a "SERVING" is enough to satisfy me.
• I am really gonna miss being able to swim, since after surgery I have to stay out of chlorine for a month... and I am having 2 surgeries, a couple months apart. 

Day 23....Get a Hobby!

 List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them....

1. Scrapbooking... I love it, but it is not a cheap hobby so I have taken a bit of a break while money is tight round these parts. I have made scrapbooks of many trips we've been on and family events. I have even made some gift scrapbooks for my Niece and Sister-in-Law.
2. Photography... Actually alot of my hobbies go hand-in-hand, you take photos on vacation or of your family, and then you scrapbook those photos. i love taking photos of my nieces and nephews and pride myself on being a great candid child photographer and I got my husband is really into nature photography, he loves taking photos of animals in the wild and beautiful landscapes now.
3. Movie Screenings... We see alot of movies in the theater, most of them. And we go to see them ahead of time in Advanced Screenings. Tonight I saw Sparkle, and I also saw The Odd Life of Timothy Green & Hit and Run this week. We know all the regulars and the critics and it is like a social event... We all love movies, so it is like being in a exclusive club. 
4. Travel... I love to see the World, and experience other cultures. We have been around a lot but we look forward to seeing much more... I especially love to Cruise, it is the most relaxing vacation you could ask for. 
5. Collecting Autographs...I have been collecting autographs for the last 20 years, and even though I am not into it as much lately, I have a huge amazing collection. Some Celebrities i have met and some I have written to over the years. Once I got into scrapbooking, I lost interest in this hobby but I still love to look at my books. I have Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Bette Midler, Arnold Schwarznegger, Liam Neeson, Robert Deniro, Jack Lemmon, Clint Eastwood, and many more....I got to meet alot of celebs too... When I was younger, I met Mario Lopez, John Stamos, Pamela Anderson, The Cast of Big Bang Theory, The Cast of That 70's Show, And a ton more. It was a fun lifestyle that My Groupie George got me into....

Day 22... The Future's so bright, I gotta wear Shades.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

          5 Years~ I hope that I will be healthy, It would be nice to be just curvy instead of  Obese, I would like to be Phat only, not Fat... I could be more active, and maybe even go back to work. I would like to travel more, and keep falling deeper in love with My George.

          10 Years~ I will be in my 50's, I can't imagine that. Of course, I couldn't imagine being in my Forty's not long ago, and It is turning into a better decade than my thirty's. I will be maintaining, My health, My weight, and my sanity. I will be rocking my marriage and my social life. I will be in a better place than I am now. Still traveling, and still head over heels in love. 

          15 Years~ It is hard to imagine all the changes that will take place in 15 years... My Nieces and Nephews will be teenagers, I will remain the Cool Aunt. I am afraid I will have lost the mothers by then, and It scares the crap out of me... I love both of our Mothers very much. My MIL is already 77 so... I am hoping she lives far into her 100's.  I will still be crazy about My Sweet Prince... and we hope to be planning for our Golden Years with a beat up RV and a well worn map of the US.

Day 21.... SuperPowers anyone?

 If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first? 

                Well, I would love to read minds or See the Future(Can you say PowerBall?)... but I think I would want to have the same SuperPowers as Julie Benz's Character on No Ordinary Family, Stephanie Powell... She is very fast and can finish amazing projects in a day but the best part about her Powers is her lightening fast metabolism... She has to eat tons of food for energy every day. I know it seems like I have a one track mind, but that sounds like a dream come true.

Day 20... Time Flies.

Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood...

1. I was teased because of my red hair and I hated the color of my hair because of it. They called me Carrot top, Cherry head, and the worst which was Red-haired Orangutan. It seems silly now, but then it was soul crushing. Thank God, I wasn't fat yet....BTW, I love being a redhead... These days. 
2. We were poor, but we always had a lot of fun. We played kick the can & hide and seek outside... And when it rained we went out in the back alley in our swimsuits and ran under the gutters and rain spouts. Probably not the smartest or most healthy thing to do but we were never sick. We enjoyed every little thing then... It was a simpler life.
3. I went to DisneyWorld for the first time when I was around 12, it was a magical experience... and I have been a Disney Buff ever since.... Even worked there for 5 years, and my George still works there. I remember riding Space Mountain with my whole family, and how my Mom and Dad were annoyed after getting off the ride... I might not have told them it was a roller coaster.

Day 19... Where would you live and why?.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
 

           Two years ago, I would tell you Philadelphia... but now I can tell you, I am living where I would live and here's the Why...

            My whole family lives within an hour's radius of Philly. I am watching my nieces and nephews grow up.... I am with them for all holidays, birthdays, and milestones. I see them in their school plays and see them learning new things. I am an active part of their daily life. My mother is up here, she isn't elderly by any means but she is older than my Dad was when he died so, I spend as much time with her as I want... Philadelphia is an incredibly diverse, historical city and I have always been proud of where I come from... but coming home has brought a renewed joy for all that Philly has to offer. I am a huge Philly Sports Fan, and it's just more fun going through the ups and downs of Philly Sports with my own people. There's so much to see and do with a short drive... it's less than 150 miles from Washington, DC, NYC, The Jersey Shore, Atlantic City, The Poconos mountains... and not much farther to New England points like Boston.  I like the changes in the seasons and temperatures too. Gorgeous vibrant fall leaves, Humid Summers, White Christmases, and Spring flowers... I like Pumpkin Patches than are an actual pumpkin patch and not a church lawn. I feel at home here... With people who known where I've been because they've been there with me. And this is where I met, fell in love with and married My George. I am Content amongst my family and Philly Folk. It took more than a decade and 1000 miles to figure that out. 

              I do love Hawaii though....

Day 18.... Forgiving.

What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

            Forgiving.... The thing that brings us closest to God. It is not an easy game to win, but I forgive mostly with my family... I have had a few friends who are like family, and forgiving them was not as easy. But you don't get to chose your family. 

           My sister and I were never really close... She was sickly alot, and she was mean spirited alot. My George and I had a miscarriage like 19 years ago, We never really wanted kids but it was extremely difficult for me emotionally... The Possibility of getting what I didn't think I wanted. To make matters worse, it was a tubal pregnancy so my fallopian tube burst and I almost bled to death. I was and still am like a second mother to my sister's daughter, my niece Niki, my Goddaughter... 

         When I would question my sister's bad decisions with Nicole(Niki)... She always told me, She's not your daughter... she's mine. I would think in my head, then act like it. One time she told me if I wanted to mother something to go lay by my child's grave. It was both the stupidest and the cruelest thing... anyone had ever said to me. I forgave her for her nastiness... but I never forgot. It seems dumb now, since she's gone and I miss having a sister.

Day 17.... What do I wish I was great at?

What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

My first impulse is to say being thin.... because I haven't been able to get and stay there since I was a child. It makes me seem like I have a one track mind really.... but I am good at most things I try except burning calories. I have failed keeping lost weight off... over and over again. I wish I had a great metabolism like my husband... but I am working on becoming great at burning calories... Working hard at it! 

Day 16.... My 5 Greatest Accomplishments

What are your 5 greatest accomplishments? This oughta be fun, I am not much of an accomplisher.

1.  It's not really an accomplishment but I have been brave enough to admit that i need help not once but twice... i lost 127 pounds with my lapband and I admitted that I needed help to get the rest of the way to goal, so I am revising to Gastric Bypass. This is a journey full of  accomplishments... and I can't wait to see what's next.
2. I've never asked a man out until I met my husband, I always let them approach me and dated men who were cute but not keepers. My George approached me and chatted me up but he was too shy to close the deal and ask for my number, so I pushed him by saying goodbye and it was nice to meet you... thinking he would follow through. Big Fat Backfire on that... As I was walking away, I started beating myself up... I knew he was special, and though he could be the one. I saw him walking across the mall to a record shop when I was filled with regret... So I stalked him, acting like I just coincidentally went there to shop, and he saw me and asked for my number.... So I accomplished, getting the man of my dreams in 100 easy steps.
3. Making my family proud.... At one time or another I have made my family proud by standing my ground, making a stand or helping someone in need... My family is very hard to get approval from so I declare this an accomplishment. 
4. Traveling... I am not done on my travel quest but I have seen 23 states I think, including Alaska and Hawaii. And 13 countries, mostly in the Caribbean, Cruise Countries you might call them, but I dream of going farther one day. It is not an impressive list but for someone with my previous mobility issues... It is pretty impressive. 
5. My last accomplishment is a work in progress.... I am beating my food addiction into remission, it will never be cured but I am hoping to have it more under control every day. 

Day 15.... Animalistic Tendencies.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

                       Well, I have always had a soft spot for Dolphins... They're beautiful and graceful and they are smart and playful. They have been known to save human lives and have a healing affect on on humans as well. They fight when they are in danger and they are tough. I have always loved the ocean and swimming is my favorite form of exercise. So Dolphin would be the perfect choice for me.

Awesome Giveaway!

http://kalenuggets.blogspot.com/2012/08/giveaway-bubblewrappd.html

Days 13 and 14... Strengths and weaknesses.

 Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
      

1. My George~ He talks me into all kind of things that we really can't afford, and he is irresistible, plus I wanna see and do things too but I am the logical one in the relationship, i wish I didn't have to always have that role. I used to be a dreamer, but 2 dreamers in an adult relationship is bad news. But since I love making him happy, and my dreamer side fights me when I say NO. I end up at all kinds of concerts, sporting events, and even a much needed cruise this December. I love every minute of it, but Savings is a foreign word to us.
2. Sugar~I am Sugar's Bitch... It gets me, even when I do everything to block it out of my life completely. It sneaks in.... somehow. It will be my greatest accomplishment to make Sugar my bitch. I will be in control of it... someday.
3. My Weight~ It makes me weak, physically and mentally. It beats me down whenever I try anything new or overly active... I struggle through it and then the next day I can't even get out of bed. It will not always be this way, but it is unbearable sometimes that I have lost 127 pounds and I am still this heavy. That is why I am having the revision, I don't mind the slow weight loss, As long as there is there is weight loss... This year long plateau is too long.
4. Laziness~I like to relax... alot. I like to watch TV, and sleep late.... I miss out on too much because of it. I have an almost stress-free existence, but I don't get much done and I procrastinate constantly.
5. I'm Delusional~ I don't care for reality much, I like to pretend that everything will be ok, and when it's not....I am shocked. Even though, All the signs were there.                                              

Describe 5 strengths you have....

1. Compassionate~ I truly feel for others, and I will fight their fight with them. I will be there voice, when they are mute. I will hold their hand when they need support... I will be there shoulder to cry on... and most of the time, I will cry with them. Some people would consider this a weakness, but it is God's strength at work through me.
2. Cherishing the Little Things~ I stop and smell the roses, I love to people watch, I smile and laugh constantly, I gaze into the eyes of my loved ones, I can never collect enough smiles or laughs from others... especially my nieces and nephews, Every memory is valuable to me, I scrapbook random minutes of my life, I enjoy... every moment life offers me.
3. Math Mind~ I can do math really quickly in my head.... Bistro Math, Discount math, I am a whiz kid of sorts.
4. Sense of Humor~ I can look at anything in a humorous way, I laugh at anything life sends my way, I do think laughter is the best medicine, I have a quick wit and I love to make people laugh, I really believe that all the world's a stage and we are all under-rehearsed...
5. I am a Survivor~ I will get through this Weight Loss Journey too, Just like I got through the attempted date rape when I was 13, which started me on the weight gain journey, Just like I got through the sudden death of my little sister, and the quick death of my father... I come from a long like of survivors. My Dad and his family were imprisoned in Displaced Persons Camp during the war in Germany... His father was in a work camp, And they found each other again, after the war... the survived things we couldn't even imagine.

Day 12: A Day in the Life

Describe a typical day in your current life....

           Well, I am a lady of leisure so I sleep late every day. I am a night owl so I am up very late at night and sleep til 11am or even noon. When I get up, I eat immediately within 1/2 hour or so... If I am not hungry yet, I will drink a protein shake... If I am hungry, I eat a Greek yogurt with fiber one cereal in it. I walk my dog for the 2nd time soon after that. My MIL or my hubby walk him first thing in the morning. 

            I usually like to run errands in the afternoon, some days I go to visit my Mom or my SIL and the kids. I go to the playground with the kids or play baseball. I walk the mall with my MIL sometimes. Or I go swimming at the gym with Beth or alone. 

             Several nights during the week, My George and I go to Advance Screenings to see upcoming movies... It's a social thing, and we know most of the regulars and alot of the film critics. I really enjoy it, I like not hearing things about the movie before seeing it, and going in with an open mind. Because they are free, I go to see movies that I probably wouldn't pay to see too, and I have been pleasantly surprised by how good some of them are... 

           On the weekend, I spend time with my family...