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!!