Getting Back Into the Groove...and a NYC Brunch??

The blog groove, that is. I've been reading blogs again, and it's so nice to catch up with all of my BOOBS. I was going through the list in my dashboard when all of a sudden, I realized that I needed to do more than read, I needed to write. So here I am, at 4:23am.

I think I'm slowly coming out of my funk, now if I could just get my stupid sleep schedule fixed! I'm at my mom's for the night, and I actually did try to go to bed at a decent time (remember, I'm not working at the moment, so yes I considered 2:30 decent). However, since my sleep schedule is all screwy, I could not fall asleep (my body is not timed to do that until it's daylight out). Since I sleep in my mom's room with her when I'm here, I can't lull myself to sleep with P.ink F.loyd like I normally do...so I gave up and am sitting at the kitchen table surfing the web. Sigh.

I do have a decently long to-do list for tomorrow, so I'll sign off in a few and try again - just felt like checking in and saying hello.

One last thing - the fabulous Catherine and I have been talking about another NYC brunch in January. We were looking at Saturday, January 21st. All are welcome, both peeps from NYC and those who aren't but want to make the trek and join us! Shoot me an email (in the sidebar) or leave a comment if you're interested :)

Where Have I Been?!

Yikes. My last blog was October 13. What the hell, Liz?! I'm pretty sure I have actually been in denial that I even have a lap band for the last 2 months, based on how I've been eating and the scale. I know it's there though - it likes to remind me fairly often. Fun.

Anyhoo. I'll have to go back and read my last few blogs to see what was going on right before I went *poof*, but based on the date, it's right before a pretty major bout of depression hit me. I can't remember if I shared this or not, but earlier in the year, I decided to preventatively go on anti-depressants. I was feeling okay about everything that had happened with my dad, but thought they couldn't hurt. Well, with all of the traveling I did in September and October, I got wayyy off schedule, and basically just stopped taking all of my meds. Without the lovely cushion they were providing, along with some other stuff that's been going on, things got pretty dark. When I get depressed, I do a total retreat. I don't leave my house, I don't go to work, I don't talk to anyone, etc. I'm happy to say that I've been back on my meds for well over a month now, and there's a huge difference. Whew!

So let's see - what can I update you all on?

Weight - crappy here. I never made it to my appt with Dr K back in October, and haven't scheduled one since. Which means no fill since Sept. And I'm home all day now (more on that later), so I get bored and snacky. Right now I'm hovering about 7 lbs over my lowest (224.6). Yesterday's weight was 231.8....sigh. I'm going to call today and see if I can get in to see Dr. K sometime next week. I STILL have not started yoga - but now that I have more time, I am just waiting until I can get in for a first timer's class (the location near me only does them on Sunday right now which hasn't worked for me).

Work - my position got eliminated AGAIN. My last day was about 3 weeks ago - Nov 17. I still get paid until mid-January, and have until the end of this month to apply for new positions, but it's not looking good. There have been very few positions in NY, and since I live in Manhattan and don't have a car, I'm kind of limited to the city office. The suburban ones are difficult to get to, and it would have to be a big pay increase to justify getting a car. Soo, that's kind of stressful. I do have some time, and I'm planning as if I won't find something with my current company, but it's not fun.

For the second time in 2 weeks, I woke up to sad news via Facebook. Last week, a comedian who I've known for as long as I've worked at the club, which is a VERY long time, passed away. He was pretty well known, and had been ill for a few weeks, but it's so sad. Last night, a member of a band that I spent quite a bit of time with passed away. I'm still not sure what happened, and the band hasn't been together for several years, but it's still so sad. Just more evidence to support my theory that 2011 sucks.

OK, I'm going to do my best to catch up on what blogs I can. Since I've been MIA for almost 2 months, I'm not sure I'll be able to do that. But I do promise to be a better blogger! <3 to all.

Weekly Weigh In...Getting Back on Track

Well, it's nice to kno that even with me running around the country like a crazy person, I can still manage to lose weight. Or maybe that's the bronchitis talking...

This morning was 229, down from 232 last week. Still have a few pounds to go to get back to my low (and beyond!) but it's all going in the right direction.

I'm still feeling run down and crappy, but definitely better than I did for the past few days. I was supposed to go away this weekend for more tour madness, but decided to cancel (not because I was sick, I actually cancelled before I left for the cruise - but it works out anyway). Hopefully I have a relaxing weekend and get myself recharged and raring to go for next week, when it all starts up again.

As much as I love running around and seeing my friends, and of course, the music....I am so ready for it to be November, where all I have to worry about is finding another job.

Ahh! Hope everyone is well....love to you all!!!

What a Few Weeks...!

This will have to be a fast one, bc I am caught in the middle of a whirlwind...I think I am going to go ahead and do "bullets" here...

*Chicago was amazing and inspirational. I am so so so happy I went. I met some really amazing ladies, and had a blast. The planners did such an amazing job that I am blown away by them! The swag bags were awesome, and I am still enjoying all of the goodies in there. I'm definitely going to pick up some of the protein bars - haven't tried the shakes yet but I am getting there!

*Weigh in last week was 232. Very slightly up from the week before, but since I wasn't actively trying to lose anything, then I'll take it. I did a quick check in weight today, and it was 229.4. Back in the right direction.

*I went away this weekend to see my fave musician kick off his current tour. A lot of the people I saw haven't seen me since long before surgery, and I got some AMAZING reactions. I have to say, I felt super hot all weekend with all of the attention I was getting. (And we don't need to mention that I think my new jeans may have given my bruises on my hip, do we? Looking hot is all that matters...)

*Over the course of the weekend, I danced for about 8 hours total in high heel boots. This would have been an impossibility in any other lifetime. While my toes are still a little numb, and my right calf is a little sore, I am chalking it up to a great leg workout haha.

*Unfortunately, I fell into old habits and didn't take any pics of myself all weekend. Which is a shame, bc as I mentioned, I looked goooooooooooooooood.

Hope everyone is doing great - I'm uber busy right now but I am trying to keep up!

What The...I LOST?!

So after I posted this morning...I weighed myself. Result was 233.8. Considering the last weight I remember seeing before I left was around 237-238 (not really sure becuase it was too depressing), that means not only did I not gain like a crazy person on the cruise, I SOMEHOW LOST WEIGHT. On a 9 day cruise to the Mediterranean where I took every possible opportunity to put food in my mouth. Huh. While I credit the walking, that's still pretty amazing...

I had my esophagram this morning, but won't see Dr. K until October 12 for my official one year follow up (which btw, I didn't even realize when it passed because I was away...nice). I then saw G for a fill...and he left things mostly up to me. If you remember, I was unfilled due to tightness down from 7.7cc to 7.0cc at the end of August. I then cancelled my planned unfill before the cruise because I thought I was loose enough. I decided to get .4 put back in today, and then another .3 or .4 in 2 weeks when I see Dr. K.

While I'm happy that I've lost 40 lbs this year...I know it could be more. I rely on the band way too much...I need to start taking more responsibility for my loss/journey/all that hooey. That's the fancy way of saying I need to DO WORK. So...that's what I plan to do over the next....oh, well, until I am done doing work I guess...then it's just a different type of work.

I am so so so excited about Chicago. I am going to do the majority of my packing tonight, since my suitcases are already out (and will be for the next few weeks!).

I will leave you with some NSV's from the cruise:
- regular size towels now fit around me no problem. Woo!
- I was able to walk miles and miles every day and get normal person tired, not fat person tired.
- I wore my bathing suit on the ship, and was more bothered by the fact that it's too big on my chest than the fact that I was wearing a bahting suit in public.
- While pickins' for cute guys to flirt with on the ship were SLIM, I got more male attention than my tiny athletic friend. Not trying to compete, but it always feels nice to be the one they're looking at and flirting with.

I'm Baaaaaa-accck!

Hello my loveler-ly BOOBa-loobas!

I got back from my cruise yesterday afternoon and my mama was kind enough to pick me up. I decided to take advantage of that, and went to her house to do all of my laundry so I could get all unpacked, since I have another trip to pack for right away, whee!

I went to bed pretty early, since I had been up for the last 24 hours. I'm now wide awake at the un-Godly hour of 5:30am. It's not really jetlag, I am lucky in that regard, just my internal clock is a little off.

I had a wonderful time on the cruise...I did not go get another unfill beforehand, and maybe I should have, but I made it through. I did get stuck a lot, but it was mostly user error. Sometimes it was eating too early, or too much in the day, but nothing ever too bad. And thankfully, there are bathrooms everywhere.

I am going to weigh myself in a little while, to assess the damage, and see how much I need to do to get my butt back on track. Thankfully we walked soooo much every day, miles and miles, which definitely helped counteract the massive amounts of food I ate. I go in for my 1 year esophagram and a fill this morning, and plan to spend the week on liquids until I leave for Chicago.

I'll be back later with more...and hopefully with some pics...and hopefully less rambling...

I Have Not Forsaken You!!!

I know I have been totally MIA for the past few weeks....and I am sooo excited about Chicago...just been dealing with some personal friendship stuff, AND GETTING READY FOR MY CRUISE!

Which, I am sitting in the Toronto airport, enjoying their free wi-fi and very strong bloody marys outside my gate, waiting for my connection to Barcelona.

I was so excited I forgot to weight myself this morning. It's ok, it would have been up anyway. I can eat like a psycho. Which I plan to do for the entire cruise.

Then I come back to a fill immediately after.

Miss you ladies (I don't think I will ever catch up, so I am going to start fresh when I come back), and can't wait to see you all in Chi-town!!!!

B2B Week 9

Sigh. 227 this morning. I know it could be a lot worse, and I'm grateful that I've gained less than a pound in the last week, especially with the way I've been eating at times. I'm finally going food shopping today or tomorrow though, and plan on getting back to my routine (at least for the week and a half before I leave for my cruise).

I'm hoping that all of the walking that we'll be doing in port (and quite frankly on the ship, bad boy is BIG), I can do some damage control (um, while I'm in the midst of doing said damage?)

BYOC!!!

Hello ladies! It's Friday, so it's time for...

BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy….5 little questions we ask to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog and enjoy!

1. If you have a camera and have the time – take the contents of your purse out – and take a picture of said contents and explain them. If you don’t have time or a camera – please describe the contents of your purse.



Clockwise, starting from 12:00 - S's Flip-cam that I carry around so I will remember to give it to him (I've had it for a year), checkbooks, notebook (for my to-do lists, shopping lists, bill lists, etc), nail file, headphones, sunglasses, perfume, anti-depressants, advil, brush, umbrella, ipod case (today with no ipod!), wallet, lip gloss, lip balm, free download card from Starbucks (I collect these every week, usually have 2 or 3 floating around in my purse, never actually download them, I have a stack at home), keys, 2 pens, Splenda minis (brilliant invention), gum and underneath is a printout of some hair pics I like since I am getting a cut today. Not seen in the pic (because these things live in my hidden pocket) - tampons and condoms. Hey, you never know.

2. Repeat question: I’m going to pick a person not knowing if you have a relationship with this person or if the person even exists and you try to describe the person in 5 words or short sentences.


• Your kindergarten teacher

Mrs. Baer, but I always called her Mrs. Bear
Big curly fro
Thought she was so old, but then I saw my kindergarten class pic a few years ago and realized she was really young.
That's all I got...

3. What’s your favorite guilty pleasure / trashy TV show you like to watch?

Trash TV is the best. Real life is stressful enough, my entertainment shouldn't stress me out further. I like some reality shows, but generally only those from MTV, VH1 or Food Network. I love Jersey Shore. Other than that, I watch a ton of Food Network. For regular shows, during the "series year", I have 2 or 3 shows every night. My poor DVR. One would think that working as much as I do, I wouldn't have time for TV. Hmm, maybe that's why Inever get enough sleep...

4. A lot of you told me about your first day of school experiences when I posted about how my 5 year old going to kindergarten wasn’t causing me too much heartache. So now I’m officially asking – tell me about one of your first day of school experiences that sticks out in your mind the most. Who put you on the bus? Did you ride the bus? Did your parents take pics? Did they walk you into school? Drive you there? Cook you breakfast?

You know, I don't really remember anything specific for first day of school traditions. Then again, I am the youngest, so maybe my parents were over it :) I do know that the first few years, my mom would take pictures. After that, I probably wouldn't put up with it. There wasn't a school bus after 2nd grade, so my dad drove me every day on his way to 7-11 to have his coffee. And there were no special outfits, because we went to Catholic school and had uniforms. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there was more fanfare than I remember, but it must have faded in my memory.

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.


Real life has sucked a little. Between the hurricane, and stressing about money/bills/vacation, etc...I had to go have an un-fill. Yes, I feel better, but now I can eat like a cow. I also had some drama with one of my friendships, and I'm really bummed about the way it looks like it's going. I've lost the trust of someone I care about a great deal, and I don't know if I can ever get it back. That's been weighing on my mind a lot.

Blog land has been fun! I am loving seeing all of the posts with the BOOBS survey, and I can't wait to meet all of you ladies.

Thanks, Un-Fill...

Welp, so after I got my unfill the other day, I sure loosened up. No more getting stuck/sliming for this girl! Which of course in my brain gave me a license to eat like total crap. Weight in this morning was 226.8 (up .2 from last week).

Tuesday morning was the un-fill, and since then I've eaten: a burger, pizza, breadstiks, lots of cheese, lots of pudding, etc. Part of it is because I can, part of it is because I NEED to go food shopping. Once I get to the supermarket, then i can buy some of my lunch/dinner staples and get back to eating the way I need to. I need to stay on point more than ever because of the un-fill, not use it as an excuse. Gaining a little bit of weight is ok...but actually trying to do so is not.

So there.

BOOBS Survey 2011!!!

1. How did you pick your blog name?

I was looking for something cute...I really wanted to use "I'm With the Band" becuase it also refers to my real life (see #14), but quite a few people had already started using that by the time I started blogging, so I found something else.

2. When did you start blogging?

July 2010-ish.

3. Theme of blog (weight loss, family, circus clowns, sci-fi, erotica, fly fishing, doll collecting, star wars, etc)

I so want to say circus clowns, but that would be a bald-faced lie. I'd say just life with the band....which encompasses a lot of other stuff other than weight loss.

4. Did you go to BOOBs 2010?

I did not. That was the weekend I was banded, so I was not up for travel at that point yet.

5. When were you banded?

Sept 23, 2010.

6. How much have you lost?

I a hovering around 50 lbs down. I am sure my un-fuill earlier today will mess with that.

7. What are you most looking forward to at BOOBs?

Meeting so many other banded people and having a blast! (And trying not to get arrested with Dawnya!)

8. What/who do you hope to find/see/accomplish at BOOBs 2011?

I just want to have a great time! And um, that whole NOT getting arrested thing would be good...I have a busy month after BOOBs.

9. Children? Pets?

None and none. Although I technically have 5 cats that live with my mommy, 2 cats around 2 years old, and 3 kittens than are just under 9 weeks.

10. Who is your roomie?

Amanda and Ronnie! I cannot wait to meet these ladies :)

11. What day do you arrive?

Not 'til Friday afternoon.

12. What airport/flight/time?

I'm coming into O'Hare on United 683 at 3:29pm.

13. What events are you signed up for?

The improv show on Friday night, and the Sears Tower outing on Satirday morning. I wanted to try Jazzercise, but let's be honest...that is just way too early for this girl on a weekend, lol!

14. Hobbies?

My major hobby is being a music fan. My favorite human on the planet is a musician named B.u.t.c.h W.a.l.k.e.r (spaces for privacy, I am a well known member of his fan community, and would prefer to not be found in a Google search). When he tours, so do I. Over the years, we've become friends, and I am very well taken care of by his entire crew. I've seen him over a hundred times, in something like 23 states and 4 countries. If he is playing, there is a very good chance I am getting on a plane to see him. Seeing him perform live fills a hole in my heart somehow. And then it's always a good time hanging out afterward.

And NO, I am not a groupie.

15. Career?

I like Dawnya's answer...no career yet. Job #1 is an administrative specialist in Supply Chain Management at the biggest pharmaceutical company in the world. Job #2 is "Utility Player" (that's my made up title) at a comedy club. I mostly waitress, but I also answer phones, seat customers and on occasion bartend. I've been at job #1 on and off for 10 years, and job #2 on and off for over 12.

I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

16. Single? Married? In a relationship?

Very, very, very single. I don't really have a lifestyle that can support a relationship, unless it is with someone with a similar lifestyle. If I am not working doubles 5 days a week, then I'm flying off to go hang out with bands, often backstage or on the bus. It's usually quite harmless, but hard for someone not on the inside of it to understand, and I don't have a whole lot of time to devote to another person. Sometimes I wish I was in a relationship, but I don't think I am ready, anyway. I am "doing me" right now.

17. Your birthday month?

March. I'm a Pisces baby.

18. What do you want other BOOBs to know about you?

I'm a tough broad with a heart of gold. I have a potty mouth. I have an incredible raunchy sense of humor, but will keep it under control until I feel like you won't look at me like I have 8 heads. Hmmm....drawing a blank for now...

Have You Seen Me??

No, no you haven't. Because I have been one MIA chica. Between job #1, job #2, earthquakes, hurricanes, trying to get ready for one hell of a vacay...oh and trying to fit sleep in there...I've been a blog slacker.

OK, so I'm gonna do a quick sum up post...then I have a few more posts planned over the next few days. I am all caught up on blogs...I didn't get a chance to comment on anything, but now that I'm current, I should be able to :)

So, where to begin...weight has been pretty steady over the last few weeks, last Thursday's official weigh-in was 226.6, and my (late) challenge weigh in was 226.4. Mostly because while I am eating like total crap, I am also getting stuck/sliming pretty much every day. I don't know if it's the stress of prepping for my cruise or what...but my band has basically slammed shut and eating is not usually an option. Fun times. I went in today for an unfill, and Dr. F took .7 out, leaving me with 7.0cc. I was so hungry when I left that I got a F.ive Guys burger for lunch...and no, not a little one, haha. It was good and I have no regrets. I AM going to try to keep myself under control for the next few weeks, but I have accepted gracefully that I am going to gain some weight back, and I also want to fully enjoy my cruise. I'd rather do this slowly, with some small gains than lose it in a miserable way. And let me tell you...throwing up from your lower stomach is officially miserable.

I'm going to stay at the 7.0cc until the 13th, then I go in for my previously scheduled un-fill pre-cruise...and we'll talk about if I want to take some more out. After the cruise, I fly somewhere for the next 5 weekends out of 6, and while I don't really get tighter from air travel, it might be better to back off a bit for a while til things settle down.

It's been an exciting week here in NYC (not). We had an earthquake, then a hurricane. I was supposed to go to Los Angeles this weekend, and fly home on the red eye Sunday night. Since that was going to be right in the middle of the storm, the airline told me it would probably be 3-5 days before they could get me back...and while I would be quite happy with that concept...somehow I didn't think my boss would agree. So I cancelled the trip, and rode out the hurricane at my mom's house, with her, my sister and the 5 cats. One of my best friends, her hubby and daughter were evacuated, so they came over too, along with their dog. We were super lucky, and didn't lose any power, cable, water, etc...had no flooding. The only damage was the emotional kind of too many people and animals stuffed into one small house. I spent all day Sunday getting sick, and finally snapped when the 8 year old almost pushed me into the open oven as I was checking on something in it because she was dancing behind me (after I had asked her repeatedly to give me space in the kitchen). I walked out, and went to lay down in my mom's room. Thankfully, when I woke up, the only person there was my mom. I have never been so happy to get home to my little studio apartment as I was last night.

Work's been kinda crazy...job #1 is in a time of transition (well, it always is, but my group/dept is back up for cuts). There's a definite chance I could be laid off. Again. Joy. Hopefully I will get lucky, and if not, I'll just figure it out like I did last time (is it wrong to hope for another 2 months off, paid?). I've been working a ton at job #2 to try to make some extra $$ for all of my fun times coming up. I'm grateful to have the option, but man, I just wanna veg out on my couch. I leave for the cruise in just over 2 weeks. I get back on a Monday, and that Friday is BOOBS. Then my fave musician goes on tour (more about that in my BOOBS 2011 post, coming up next) right after that, so I am all over the place in October. I am going to have a blast doing all of this stuff, but I am also looking forward to November in a big way.

Oy. That wasn't so short. Sorry for the novel, I guess I had more to catch you guys up on than I thought I did!!!

xoxo

Back to Basics Week 8

Hola!

So this morning I was up to 227.4. Originally it was 228, but after some bathroom time, it dropped a teeny bit. I am sort of mad at myself, but really, I know why. First of all, the break up with Gouda was semi-temporary, had a bit of backsliding Friday night. I've been eating like crap, a ton of carbs, not enough protein, not enough water etc etc etc BLAH BLAH BLAH! I've been getting stuck/sliming a lot the past few days, so I don't know if I am resorting to comfort foods. Anyhoo.

I've also been stressed the past few days, my mom had surgery (minor) on Friday and while it went well, it made my sister freak out a bit, and take out all of her shit on me. So the entire weekend has been me trying desperately to not bitch-slap her upside the head. No promises on that - I still have to see her tonight at work.

AND my period showed up on Friday (like I needed more???)

This is all leading to....the pouch test. Time for a reset. Even if I don't follow it to a tee (I am going to try, but we all know how that goes..), hopefully it'll break this awful little cycle I've fallen into of Gouda, cheese crisps, and flagels (flat bagels PERFECT for a bandster, once toasted they are so crispy and perfect - lemme stop...I think I am drooling on my computer).

Oh, and an NSV from the other night - a few friends have a theater company and I went to see their latest play. N.M., the guy from a few months ago (see this post for reference) is part of this group, and I saw him after the play. It was kind of odd, he was staring at me all strangely (I was wearing one of my new dresses - size L, natch)...and he mentioned that he didn't even know I was there. Now, this particular play is what is called site-specific theater, and without going into too much boring detail, the audience is basically sitting 3 feet from the actors for the entire time. We made eye contact several times. So I started laughing, and said "really? I thought you looked right at me?" And he said "I did, but I didn't know it was you...you look so different...have you always been this hot?" And I smiled and said "I've always been hot...I'm just getting hotter.." Too bad he still has a girlfriend. He wouldn't let go of my arm though...nice feeling :)

Re-Post: From My Closet to Yous!

Just putting this back up again - in case anyone missed it the first time around - some of the items have been claimed, as indicated below (if you did claim something, it's all been sent, so please let me know when it arrives!!!)

If I have any of this stuff left in about a week or so, it'll go into the GoodWill bag so I can reclaim my table :)

Original Post:
I'm on a big organization kick lately, and decided to clean out my closet. Finally got around to taking pics of about half the stuff (the warmer weather clothing). Please excuse the terrible pics, I had to take w/ my BlackBerry bc I just figured out that my camera must have been stolen from my suitcase when I went to London a few weeks ago. Lame!!

If you want anything, leave a comment with the #, and then email me at talesfromtheband at gmail with your address. I'll try to get everything out in the next week or so, so you can still wear it in the warm weather!

I'll try to update the post as things are taken.

#1 - Old Navy black top with double v (front and back), banded bottom, split cap sleeves, size XL.



TAKEN! - #2 - Torrid burgundy print empire waist cami, VERY SHEER, size 2.



#3 - Lane Bryant burgundy sheer swiss dot wrap top with attached cami, banded bottom, size 18/20.


#4 - Eci (never heard of brand before, bought from Macy's) teal lace top with smocked neckline, sleeves and waist, attached cami underneath, size 18.


#5 - Old Navy brown and turquoise print skirt, knee length, drawstring to make shorter, size XXL.


TAKEN! - #6 - Avenue black sheath dress with empire waist and front seaming, knee length, pullover (pretty stretchy), size 14/16.


TAKEN! - #7 - Torrid black top, deep wrap V-neck, smocked waist, subtle tonal animal print, size 1.


TAKEN! - #8 - Old Navy black eyelet embroidered dress, mock wrap bust, empire waist, knee length, back zip, size 20.


#9 - Merona light grey sleeveless sweater with ruffled neckline, size 2.


TAKEN! - #10 - INC dark denim trouser jeans, size 16W.


TAKEN! - #12 - Old Navy fuschia top (hard to see color from pic, sorry!), ruffled V-neckline, cap sleeves, size XXL.


(left to right)
TAKEN! - #13 - Old Navy beige capris, size 20

#14 - Old Navy beige linen capris, cuffed hem, side zip, low rise, tags still on, size 18.

#15 - Old Navy heather grey essential slacks, classic rise, size 18 long.

#16 - Old Navy heather grey essential slacks, high rise, size 18 long.

Note, for #15 & 16, as the pants got too big for me, the hems started to drag on the ground, so the hems are a little stained/black. This might be great for someone who needs to take up the hems anyway.


#17 - Lane Bryant Cacique dark brown deep plunge convertible strap bra, size 44DDD.


#18 - Lane Bryant Cacique nude full coverage bra, size 42DDD.


#19 - Flexees black firm control body briefer, style #5356, size 42DD.


TAKEN! - #20 - Gap beige capris, embroidered cuffs, side zip, size 18.


TAKEN! - #21 - Ralph Lauren black slacks, size 16W (didn't take a pic, they're just regular black slacks).

Checking In! (long)

I know I've been quiet this past week - I am still here reading, but have been both busy and kind of overwhelmed by life, so haven't had much to say.

Let's start with the weekly weigh in - 226.6 this morning, .2 from last week, and up 1.8 from the low. It's the cheese. Stupid , wonderful, crunchy aged Gouda. More on that in a minute.

I've been down in the dumps a little bit this week and last - I think I am trying to do too much, and then blammo, I don't want to do ANYTHING. I haven't been tracking, I haven't been getting in my water or my vitamins/meds (the meds were only missed a few days but even still...), I haven't been going to physical therapy, etc etc etc. Not sure exactly what caused the little slump, but I've officially annoyed myself, and so enough is enough. Besides, I am going to be CRAZY busy for the next two and half months, I don't have time to be depressed. My cruise is in less than a month, and then BOOOBS!!!!, and then my fave musician goes on tour for a month (which means I do too in a manner of speaking). Between all the time away, and the picking up extra shifts at the club to pay for all of it, and oh yeah, working my day job AND the daily tasks of normal life...I just do not have the time for slumps and being down in the dumps.

One bright spot of the last week was getting to spend some time with my friend who is on tour with Train & Maroon 5. And by spend time with him, I mean running off backstage while he was working and trying not to drool on Adam Levine's sleeve (I may or may not have been successful with that). Unfortunately, it was a big break in my routine, and only contributed to my off-track-ness. I guess it's part of life, and I need to be flexible and able to adjust my routine, especially for fun stuff that is so worth it like this.

SO. Here we are today. For me, Thursday is always a new start, since it's my weigh in day. (OK, sometimes it's a license to eat like shit, since I don't have to weigh again until Sunday for the challenge..) Today, I am back to tracking. The entire day is planned out, and while it's not 100% great choices, it's only slightly over my calories, and 84g of protein. I'm 1L of water in. I made an appt with the PT for next week.

I'm also taking a look at some goals. Clearly the whole "Onederland by the cruise" thing isn't going to happen, since I leave in 28 days, and would have to lose 27 lb to make it happen. So that's getting scrapped. I was briefly considering a "lose 20 more lb by tour", but that's only 7 weeks, and for 2 of those I will be in Europe with a slight de-fill and unlimited food. Also not realistic. So no more goals related to dates. I'm also revising my final goal weight to 175. While it's not a "normal BMI", it's only 27. That's pretty damn good, and is still a loss of 100 lbs. I really do think that 164 would be too small for me anyway...and if I am not happy at 175, I can always keep pushing. It may even go up to 185, depending on what Dr. K thinks, especially because I am planning on plastics that make take it down a bit afterwards.

Oh, and the Gouda thing? I think I gouda'ed myself out...I've eaten a LOT of it over the past few weeks (thank you new gourmet supermarket that opened downstairs from my apt...) I actually threw a piece of it out last night. Granted, it was a small piece. But I THREW IT OUT.

And finally, I will leave you with a pic from the Train/Maroon 5 show. This is right before I met my new love, haha. Don't mind the skinny biatch in the pic next to me - I only hate her when she eats an entire cake and loses a pound. Which is often.

Damn Cheese...

Well, last night's Gouda episode has reared its ugly head. This morning's weight was up to 226.8. Pfffffft. Clearly not worth it, but it felt like it at the time. Mmmmm Gouda. I'm back.

So I'm back to tracking today. Back to making good choices.

If you haven't seen my "From My Closet to Yours" post, check out the one right before this! Lotsa summer-y clothes up for grabs.

From My Closet to Yours!!!

I'm on a big organization kick lately, and decided to clean out my closet. Finally got around to taking pics of about half the stuff (the warmer weather clothing). Please excuse the terrible pics, I had to take w/ my BlackBerry bc I just figured out that my camera must have been stolen from my suitcase when I went to London a few weeks ago. Lame!!

If you want anything, leave a comment with the #, and then email me at talesfromtheband at gmail with your address. I'll try to get everything out in the next week or so, so you can still wear it in the warm weather!

I'll try to update the post as things are taken.

#1 - Old Navy black top with double v (front and back), banded bottom, split cap sleeves, size XL.



TAKEN! - #2 - Torrid burgundy print empire waist cami, VERY SHEER, size 2.



#3 - Lane Bryant burgundy sheer swiss dot wrap top with attached cami, banded bottom, size 18/20.


#4 - Eci (never heard of brand before, bought from Macy's) teal lace top with smocked neckline, sleeves and waist, attached cami underneath, size 18.


#5 - Old Navy brown and turquoise print skirt, knee length, drawstring to make shorter, size XXL.


TAKEN! - #6 - Avenue black sheath dress with empire waist and front seaming, knee length, pullover (pretty stretchy), size 14/16.


TAKEN! - #7 - Torrid black top, deep wrap V-neck, smocked waist, subtle tonal animal print, size 1.


TAKEN! - #8 - Old Navy black eyelet embroidered dress, mock wrap bust, empire waist, knee length, back zip, size 20.


#9 - Merona light grey sleeveless sweater with ruffled neckline, size 2.


TAKEN! - #10 - INC dark denim trouser jeans, size 16W.


TAKEN! - #12 - Old Navy fuschia top (hard to see color from pic, sorry!), ruffled V-neckline, cap sleeves, size XXL.


(left to right)
TAKEN! - #13 - Old Navy beige capris, size 20

#14 - Old Navy beige linen capris, cuffed hem, side zip, low rise, tags still on, size 18.

#15 - Old Navy heather grey essential slacks, classic rise, size 18 long.

#16 - Old Navy heather grey essential slacks, high rise, size 18 long.

Note, for #15 & 16, as the pants got too big for me, the hems started to drag on the ground, so the hems are a little stained/black. This might be great for someone who needs to take up the hems anyway.


#17 - Lane Bryant Cacique dark brown deep plunge convertible strap bra, size 44DDD.


#18 - Lane Bryant Cacique nude full coverage bra, size 42DDD.


#19 - Flexees black firm control body briefer, style #5356, size 42DD.


TAKEN! - #20 - Gap beige capris, embroidered cuffs, side zip, size 18.


TAKEN! - #21 - Ralph Lauren black slacks, size 16W (didn't take a pic, they're just regular black slacks).

No Fill for Me

At my appointment with Dr K today, we talked about another fill - she did somewhat leave the decision up to me, but since I was unsure if I actually needed one or not, I deferred to her professional opinion. Since I'm losing about a pound a week, we decided to stay at 7.7cc for now. When I have my un-fill before the cruise, she said I should go down to 7.3, and then I'll make an esophagram appt for right before my re-fill appt, and we'll see what's what.

We also had a goal discussion, since I don't think we ever did. As many of you did, I chose my goal weight based on the highest weight that would give me a "normal" BMI (for my height, 164 = 24.9). I was starting to think that might be too low. For starters, I've never been remotely near that as an adult - as a teenager, I would say I was around 180-190 and looking back, it was a good weight on me. At 225, I am already down to a size L. My sister is a few inches taller than me, and she looks great at 180.

I posted this pic a few months ago - I would guess I am around 185 here? Not sure. I don't think I hit 200 until a few years later. I could live with this weight, especially since I am planning on having plastics.


In their computer, they have 181.something listed as a goal weight for me. Dr. K wants me to get to between 210-215 and we will re-evaluate. Overall, she was really happy with my progress, and said I looked great. So that went well.

What didn't go so well was after the appt - instead of going back to work, I just came home. On the way, I stopped and bought cheese. And cheese crisps. I proceeded to eat the entire box of cheese crisps, and a LOT of Gouda (4 year aged Gouda - Borenkaas.....it's like crack). Then, even though my tummy hurt a LOT, I ate a big bowl of pudding. I think I had set my brain up for liquids tonight, and went a little nuts. After that I took a nap, and didn't eat when I woke up. I'm sure I wrecked weigh in for tomorrow, but I'll get my butt back on track.

B2B Week Week 6

So my challenge weigh in this week was up to 226.4 (Lame!). I tracked all week so it was a little unexpected - who knows.

I haven't really been tracking the last 2 days but I also know I haven't eaten very much. Yesterday was a hectic day, I got up fairly early (for me, for a Sunday) to head to my mom's house to spend some time there before driving up to Foxwoods for Train/Maroon 5. I stopped and got some McD's on the drive up (about 2 hours), and had 6 McNuggets and half of a cheeseburger. The show was a blast, and I had fun with my friend on the tour. We hung out for a bit after they finished loading out, and then I started the drive home at about 1. For some reason I thought it would be a fantastic idea to eat the other half of the cheeseburger. Bad idea which led to me sliming a little bit on the side of I-95. Thankfully it was a quick episode, and I was able to eat some cheese when I got back to my mom's house.

I was exhausted this morning, so I decided to work from home. I had some tea, and then my Kashi hot cereal...all fine. I didn't have much in my apartment (I really need to go food shopping) so I didn't eat lunch (had 2 string cheese instead). For dinner I ordered an omelette, and stuck city. I think it's because I've drank very little water today. I'll give it another attempt in a little while, after some more tea, and if that doesn't work, I'll give up on the omelette and make some soup.

It's so strange how every time I am about to go in for a fill (or the possibility of one, anyway) my band tightens right up! I'm hoping it's just the lack of fluids (I WILL try to get some in tonight, I swear) and that tomorrow I am back to normal. Well, whatever normal is for us bandsters anyway.

I will see Dr. K on Wed and we'll see what she says. It's been a while since I've seen her so I'm hoping she is pleased with the recent loss...I know I am!

Weekly Weigh-In, 50 Gone FOREVER!, and Survey!!!

Today is Thursday, and so that means it's weigh in day for me! I am SO SO SO incredibly happy to report that my weight this morning was 224.6, down 2.6 from last week's weight of 227, and down FIFTY POUNDS OVERALL!!!! In case you didn't catch that - I FINALLY HIT 50 GONE FOREVER!

Can you tell I'm just a little bit excited...? I've been waiting (weighting? snicker! sorry, I'm back now) for this for a few weeks (ok, longer than that), and am so so so happy! Not only because, well, hey...50 pounds! But also because it's a symbol of the greater thing at work here - I've never managed to lose more than 25 or 30 pounds in any attempt. I truly feel this is going to work, even if it takes me 2 years (which seems to be the timeline I am on, based on the journey thusfar).

So, ummm, WOOOOO!

I've been meaning to do this survey for a few days now, but time keeps getting away from me!

1. What is your occupation right now ?
By day, I am an Administrative Specialist in Supply Chain Management for a pharmaceutical company (I can only sort of explain what supply chain management is, haha). By night and weekend, I waitress at a comedy club (it sounds more fun than it is, truly). When I'm not doing one of those, I'm probably hopping on a plane and running off to hang out with a band somewhere :)

2.What color are your socks right now?
No socks for me! Since it's summer, I only wear them for waitressing (sneakers) and gym. Then they are ankle cut white socks.

3. What are you listening to right now?
Episode 10 of Season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

4. What was the last thing that you ate?
A salted caramel square from Starbucks. Yum.

5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Nope! The concept of shifting gears seems quite complex to me. Plus, I learned how to drive in NYC, so it isn't quite the right environment anyway...

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My sister last night.

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
I love all my bloggers!!!

8. How old are you today?
32.

9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
I am not really into sports that much. I am a Yankees fan strictly by way of being born and raised in the Bronx (plus my mom would disown me if I pledged my loyalty anywhere else). I'll watch a baseball game in a bar with friends, but not at home.

10. What is your favorite drink?
Alcoholic - Stoli Raz with Sprite and a splash of cranberry (this is also great with Absolut Peach and Three Cherries Grape). Non-alcoholic - room temperature Poland Spring water (yes, I am oddly specific) or chai lattes from Starbucks (my crack).

11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
My hair was dyed red for around 10 years on and off (I was just going through pictures the other night and it was making me laugh). I loved it, and I have the right skin tone for it to look natural, but it's so much damn work. Now I dye it my natural color every year or so for some extra shine boost.

12. Favorite food?
My dad's cooking. I'm so glad he taught me how to cook so that I can make those dishes now that he is no longer with me.

13. What is the last movie you watched?
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King a few weeks ago.

14. Favorite day of the year?
It used to be my birthday - but now, I don't know anymore..

15. How do you vent anger?
Usually yelling. When I'm REALLY angry, I get all quiet and scary. People have learned to stay away until I calm down.

16. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I had eye surgery at 5, and my grandma gave me a stuffed raccoon named Randy. 27 years later, I still have him (although he now has a place of honor living in my mother's sun room, where the kitties can't get at him. I didn't want him to have to go in the attic, but I thought it was time for him to not be in my bedroom anymore..)

17. What is your favorite season?
Fall!!!

18. Cherries or Blueberries?
Neither. Don't really like cherries, and I violently dislike blueberries.

19. Do you want your friends to blog this survey?
I think a lot of people already have, and I am loving the answers. Everyone else should do it too!!!

20. Where is you favorite place to escape?
My apartment (living alone is wonderful), my parents' house, or the front rock of my fave musician's show.

21. Favorite Tv Show?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel (see a theme?), My So-Called Life.

22. Living arrangements?
I live alone in a studio apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan (not as glamorous as it sounds!) I moved in here about 9 months ago, and just the other day got the bug to "finish" the apartment. It looked good before, but it looks great already - I hope to be done by the beginning of September.

23. When was the last time you cried?
The other night while I was trying to fall asleep - maybe Sunday. I started thinking about my dad and all of the moments in my life he'll miss, and how my kids (if I ever have them) will never get the chance to know what a wonderful man he was, they'll only "hear" about it. I haven't been crying too much lately - thank you, Le.xa.pro!

24. What is on the floor of your closet?
Shoes, shoes and shoes. A file box.

25. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
My cousin and I are 27 days apart, and grew up 9 blocks from each other. She moved away when we were 14, but then moved back when we were 21. We now live 14 blocks apart, and work at the same company. Suffice to say, she is my built in best friend.

26. What did you do last night?
Bailed on working the night job because I screwed up my sleep the night before, and I was exhausted. Came home, went through some more boxes and organized my closet a bit more (there will DEFINITELY be a "From My Closet to Yours" post coming soon, as soon as I find my camera!), watched Buffy until I deemed it safe to go to bed, and then passed out.

27. What are you most afraid of?
Never finding the right person to build a life with.

28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Cheeseburgers! With grilled onions and well done bacon. Nommmm.

29. Favorite dog breed?
I am more of a cat person. If I had to have a dog it would either be a pug, or a giant breed, like a mastiff or Newfoundland or something. I don't have any pets in my apartment because my lifetyle doesn't really allow for it, so I get quality time with my mom's kitties once a week. She has 2, and as of next week, we are getting 3 more kittens.

30. Favorite day of the week?
Sundays. It's my only full day/night off in a typical week, and while I usually spend it doing household stuff (cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping), I find it very relaxing.

31. How many states have you lived in?
Just one, New York. Not only have I only lived in one state, I've only lived in one city my entire life (New York City).

32. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds. Not that I actually have any of those...

33. What is your favorite flower?
Tulips!!! Love love love tulips.

That made me feel like it was 2006 and MySpace was still cool!!

Back to Basics Week 5

Hi all!

I was very pleasantly surprised this morning to see 226.2 (down from my gain to 228.4 last week). Another new low. I had a great eating day yesterday - sooooooo strange how when I eat well, I lose!!! Who woulda thunk it?!

I finally have a day off today, my first in 11 days, woo! I am spending it doing exciting things like laundry and grocery shopping. Not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I have a LOT of friends who tour with bands for a living, so they're regularly passing thru NYC. One of my very good friends is just outside the city with the artist she's currently working with for the next few days, so she may come in later to see my apartment and to have dinner. That would make me a happy girl.

I did some shopping last week from Old Navy, and FINALLY got some new pants for work, in a size 16. They're just right, which means hopefully they won't last very long :) I also bought a new dress in a size L, and liked the way it looked so much I ordered it in 2 more colors! I tried to take some pics, but my phone was not cooperating and they all came out crappy. I'm planning on wearing the dress next weekend, so I will get someone to take pics! I also got some cute new shoes that I will have to post pics of for Draz!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

BYOC!

Bring Your Own Crazy!

A little ditty where we answer a few questions on Friday to get to know each other better and get to give our blogging brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog if you desire! Enjoy!

Sun or rain? Roses or tulips? Romantic movie or comedy?

Rain, for sure. I am super pale and see through, and burn within 10-15 minutes of being in the sun unless I am wearing at least SPF 70. I know they say there's no difference in anything above 50, but 50 doesn't work...70 and up does. So, by default, rain it is. Altho I do love snuggling up in sweats, watching TV, and eating chili or drinking tea, and listening to the rain hit the windows.

Tulips! Growing up, we had tulips in our front and back yards. They only lasted for a few weeks every spring, but I love them so much. We also had roses, and I like them too...but tulips make me very happy.

I'll steal Draz's answer and say, romantic comedy. Real life is serious enough, I don't need it in my entertainment.

I've been sick lately, and haven't eaten in two days...except for ice cream...which leads me to ask - what's your favorite ice cream flavor?

I like plain old chocolate. Last year I discovered Haagen Dasz Five vanilla bean - holy crap is that good. Here in NYC, where food trucks are all the rage, there's an ice cream truck called the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck that I go to sometimes - they have a cone called the Salty Pimp - wafer cone, vanilla soft serve, dulce de leche, sea salt and chocolate dip. OMFG.

Are you a door locker? In your house and car?

Well, I live in NYC, so....yes. On my apartment door I have a lock on the handle, a deadbolt, and a chain. I generally only use the chain when I am going to bed, but the others are most of the time. I don't have a car right now, but if I did, it would also always be locked, as well as anything valuable (EZ Pass, GPS, etc) being put away in glove compartment.

In the spirit of my being sick and wanting to die, tell me your "go-to" remedies for when you are sick?

I just sleep a LOT. Don't go to work, hole up in my apartment, whine on the phone to my mommy...it eventually gets better.

Repeat question: summarize your week in blog land and in real life.

Blogland is still great! BOOBS love is flowing freely and it's wonderful. I've been blogging a bit myself too and it makes me feel so much more connected. I love it.

Real life is fine - just working working working. I will get to see one of my fave bands next week, and then also see Train/Maroon 5 a few times in the next few weeks too. None of my clothes fit right now, which is a good thing, because they're all too big, but also a bad thing, because I don't want to spend money on new ones! I am making do, and I am also making a few essential purchases.

Flight Booked!!!

Woo! Just came back from hand holding (see previous post) for a quick minuto to shout from the rooftops that I booked my flight for BOOBS!

I get into O'Hare at around 3:30pm on Friday, and back out at 5pm on Sunday. If anyone is coming in/leaving around that time, let me know and maybe we can get to the hotel together.

Yay!

(Now my airline account looks insane - I booked a flight to LA for a weekend at the end of August yesterday, my flight to Barcelona for the cruise is mid-Sept, and now this - at least I will earn lots of miles haha!)

Weekly Weigh In

This will have to be a quickie - as everyone here at work seems to have lost their damn minds - and somehow I have to be the one to fix it all.

This morning was 227 on the nose, down .8 from last week and 48 overall. Woo! I did see 226.8 at one point, but I only got it once, and my rule is that I have to see it twice to count. Never mind that my scale is clearly schizophrenic. I am hoping for 225 next week.

That's all I have time for now - have to go hold the hands of the people who make 6 times what I do, and pat them soothingly on the head, telling them it'll all be ok (it will, because I am going to take care of it...sigh).

I will be back later to catch up, hope everyone has a great day!

Clarity...and Blogger Help!

So my insane biscuit binge now makes sense (well, other than the fact that they're delish!) - along with my mini-binge today - cheese, ice cream and a bowl of Golden Grahams? Granted, it wasn't that much but still odd. However, this evening I was greeted with my lovely TOM. A-ha!!! That might also explain the small gain for challenge weigh in this week. Hopefully I continue the downward trend!

So I am thrilled that I have lots of new followers - but for some reason, I can't find a lot of people's blog links in their profiles. Am I just a spaz? How can I find people's links so I can read their blogs and follow them back? Please please help!!! (And if you are a follower of mine who I am not following back, that is probably why!! Duh Liz.)

You Asked For It...

I refuse to take responsibility for anything that happens as a result of this post. A few people have asked for the recipe for the evil evil garlic gruyere biscuits I mentioned in yesterday's post.

This is the recipe I used...with a few tweaks that I'll add as notes at the end.

http://www.food.com/recipe/garlic-cheddar-biscuits-191777

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

12 12

Servings Size

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup melted butter or 3/4 cup margarine
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2-1 teaspoon garlic salt, depends on your taste

Directions:

Prep Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 42 mins

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Stir in milk and 1/2 cup butter just until moistened. Add Cheese.
4. Drop batter by tablespoon on lightly greased cookie sheet.
5. Meanwhile, add garlic salt to remaining melted butter.
6. Bake buscuits for 6 minutes.
7. Remove biscuits, drizzle with garlic butter and return to oven for another 6-7 minutes, or edges are golden.
8. After removing from oven but while still warm drizzle with garlic butter again.
9. Serve and enjoy!

I used (obviously) gruyere instead of cheddar, because I am on a gruyere kick. You can use any cheese you like, though. Instead of garlic salt, I used garlic powder, and I also threw some into the dough. The first time I tried the recipe, I used garlic salt & pepper blend, and it was way too salty (and I like salty stuff!) I greased my cookie sheets with non stick spray, and also used a spring loaded cookie scoop (also sprayed). Took no time at all to dish them out.

Here's the finished product. I made these Saturday. Gave 8 or so to my mom and sister. There are none left in my apartment. Do THAT math...

Back to Basics Week 4

Well, I had a tiny gain this week - this AM showed up as 228.4 (up 1.2 from last week). Oh well. It's not as if I don't know why - note to self: do not make garlic gruyere drop biscuits EVER again. I ate a lot of them yesterday - they are small but COME ON. haha.

I've had a very productive day and now have to start getting ready for work tonight. Thankfully I am doing phones and not waitressing, last night was brutal and I felt clammy all night. Ugh.

Tomorrow night a few friends are having a fundraiser party for their theater company, so while I am excited to go and wear a dress and look cute, I know I'll definitely have a few drinks, so I'll have to be extra good for the rest of the week. On Tuesday, we are getting new baby kittens!!! Well, my mom and sister are, but I will consider them mine too :) They're only 3 weeks old, but their mama is having trouble nursing, so we will take them now and bottle feed. I can't wait!!!

BYOC!

4 posts in 1 week from me?! What the hay?!

1. Alright – forgive me – we’re gonna get a little personal here. I was flipping through my organizer and saw in big bright letters “ANNUAL PHYSICAL DUE” coming up soon. Then I remembered that last year my lady bits doc said that since I haven’t had a bad pap in so many years – that I don’t have to come back for another 3 years if I don’t want to. What the what? Did you guys know that?

No speculum in the vaginulum?

Anywhoozle – it sounds all good but really – do any of you follow this medical rule? Do you go every three years if you’ve never had a bad pap?

I would probably still go every year just to be on the safe side. With all of the health issues my family has had in the past few years, it seems silly to not be proactive and on top of things. My doc is a woman and I am very comfortable with her, and it's usually over pretty quickly.

I do have to agree with Draz though, if the speculum was shaped like a penis, I'd have NO trouble making that appointment! :)

2. If you read, what are you reading right now? Or how about what is your fave music right now?

I read like a crazy lady. I literally cannot keep up with the amount I read, financially and space wise. So I am always re-reading books. I did just read the books that HBO's "Games of Thrones" was based on - the A Song of Ice Fire series by George RR Martin. So good, I blasted through all 5 books in about a week. I was dismayed to discover at the end of the 5th book that there are 2 more planned, and not even written yet. I hate waiting.

As far as music, I am obsessed with the new songs from my fave artist, who I flew to London to see this week. If we are friends on FB, you prob know his name (I won't post it here, bc people do google his name and mine together, would rather they not find this blog). If we're not friends on FB, what are you waiting for?? Click on my badge! If you're curious, email me and I'll tell you! :)

3. Name some of your favorite smells.

Mmmm. Clean laundry. A man who I'm attracted to (or used to be haha). The smell of my dad's fingers (he was a smoker, so his fingers always smelled tobacco-ey...reminds me of childhood and knowing that I always had him to fix things for me).

4. Showers or baths? Shampoo only or shampoo & conditioner? Shave daily or just when you start feeling and looking like an ape?

I'm a shower girl. I like the idea of baths, but I am too tall to fit into standard bathtubs and have everything submerged. So something is always sticking out of the water, getting cold. I like showers with a strong water pressure, and I'll stand under them for far too long.

I use shampoo and conditioner, and then sometimes a light spray conditioner as well to detangle. I don't heat style my hair, so I can take or leave the spray depending on my mood.

Shaving is very hit or miss. Obvi when I am going to be wearing a dress or something sleeveless...or I think someone may see what I usually keep covered up...other than that, (especially in the winter) when I started getting annoyed by it I will shave. One of these days I am going to do full body laser treatments so I never have to think about it again.

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blogland.

In blogland, there is so much BOOBS love going on! It's fantastic. The amount of support flying around there here interwebs is mid-boggling. I love it!

In real life...I had a GREAT week. I went to London earlier in the week for a quickie trip to see my fave artist play a show. It's very hard to explain if you are not a live music junkie, but something about seeing him perform fills my soul. I hadn't seen him since Oct, and a LOT has happened in my life since then. I am so very glad I went. One of the folks who works with him regularly happened to be in London ramdomly with another band, so I got to see him as well. We're pretty good friends as well, and may or may not have a "special" relationship ;-) We all went out after the show, had a great time, then I got to spend some one on one time with my guy. Fun times.

Since I got back, I have been pouting that I am back, haha...and just chugging along. Working, working, working. I started PT last night for my shoulder which has been screwed up for years due to waitressing, big boobs and bad posture. Hopefully they'll get it resolved. I also strained my sacrum (2 vertebrae above the tailbone) a few weeks ago, and THAT is finally feeling better.

Weight is still going down! Slowly but surely. This morning's peek was 227.2. Hoping that comes down a little bit by Sunday's challenge weigh in.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!!!

<3 <3 <3

Caught Up!

I finally caught up with all the posts I missed over the past few days, you have all been a busy bunch!!! You may carry on with your regular posting, heehee.

Now I am off to start reading the blogs of my new followers (whoa, when the number hit over 100?! <3) and the featured BOOBS who I'm not already following!

I Can't Catch Up!!!

You guys are blogging at a crazy rate of speed....I am trying to catch up but they just keep coming, hahaha! Slow down! ;-)

Since today is Thursday, it's official weigh in day! Today's weight was 227.8 (up .6 from Sunday's challenge weigh in, but still down .8 from last week's official weigh in). Considering that this was kind of an insane week for me, I'll take it! While I didn't overeat by any stretch of the imagination in London (kind of the opposite, I prob did not eat enough), I definitely drank enough to make up for it.

I think the fill I got last week may have.....(I am scared to say it...) put me in the green zone! After eating a very small amount, I am full and satisfied. I am able to eat actual food, and the only time I have a problem is if I eat too quickly, don't chew enough etc. My mom and sister were in the city yesterday, so they called me to see if I wanted to have lunch with them. We went to a fancy restaurant near my job that was participating in Restaurant Week (3 courses, prix fixe). I ordered the salad to start, burger for my main, and creme brulee for dessert. I ate about 1/4 of the lettuce (sticking mostly with the crisper greens), about 1/8 of the burger (it was damn good, wish I could have fit more, haha) and about 1/2 of the creme brulee. I was completely satisfied.

Anyway, that's all I have for right now - I am only on day 2 of working 11 straight...blah. Hope everyone is having a great week, and I'll do my best to catch up!!!

<3

Just a Quickie!!

Just got back from London so I can't do a very long post. I had a fabulous time, and got to have lunch with the lovely Nora (Traveling Bandita!) I really need to learn how to do links... Anyway, Nora and fantastic and fun...and I hope some of you NYC area ladies get to meet her the next time she is in town.

Sunday's weigh in for the challenge was down to 227.2! That is a new low, and I am pretty excited about it. Something clicked a few weeks ago, and the weight started coming off again. I will not complain!

Lastly, I was the BOOBS blogger of the Day! OMG, you guys are the bestest. Your comments are so sweet. I <3 you all, and can't WAIT to meet everyone in Chicago. I have a ton of blogs to catch up on, but I will definitely be checking out my new followers. Yay!

FINALLY! Out of the 230's!

Man, I have been waiting for this day for months now! This morning's weigh in was 228.6!!!!!! That's 2.6 down from last week. My technical lowest low was 228.2, but that came on the heels of being way too tight for a few months, so I actually got an unfill the day I saw that. This one is legitimate loss :) I am officially claiming the 220's! I hope I don't become very good friends with the, though. I'm also only 3.6 lbs away from being 50 lb down!

I went in on Monday to see Gaspar for a small fill. He gave me an additional .2cc, to bring me to 7.7cc. We're treading lightly here, as this seems to be a good zone for me to be in. I go in on Aug. 10th to see Dr. K, and then I also made appts to have an unfill before the cruise (don't want to run into any issues when I am overseas for 11 days!), and then an appt the day after I come back to have it put right back in, haha. So far this fill is interesting - after eating a small amount, I'm no longer hungry, and satisfied for a few hours. I haven't quite gotten to solids yet (although I did have some turkey yesterday, which counts I suppose). I am making sure to chew chew chew, and take little bites :)

I'm off to the orthopedist to have my shoulder checked, finally. I've had a serious knot in this shoulder for the last 10 years or so, and it's becoming really unbearable. I see a chiro every week, and we decided that we need to take this to the next level. While I'm there, I am going to see if he can help me with the tailbone that is sore all of a sudden!