BYOC!

1. What’s your first reaction when you get really angry?


I swear like a sailor...I will say it takes me awhile to get angry but when I do...swearing commences and grinding of my teeth....speaking of which, I am getting sick of punk ass kids.  Driving our golf cart back from picking up Johnny last night 2 boys around age 13 were walking and yelled some rude things our way...I literally almost stopped the cart and got out and gave them a piece of my mind...instead I think I said something like "f*cking little sh*ts"...yes with Johnny in the cart....oh my...I blame my Irish ancestory on my moms side!

2. When is the last time you cried in sadness or in joy?

I cried in joy because we were at grandparents day last Friday and they were showing each of the kindergartens telling their  favorite times with their grandparents....it was so dang cute...and when Johnny said he loved camping with them...I know a few tears escaped....I am a sucker for crying..I do it wayyyyy to frequently.  You know I never used to cry at all and since having kids...I cry at the drop of a hat. shoot...I can cry at a commercial.

3. If the stars aligned and everything was perfect from your partner to your job and income and everything – how many kids would you choose to have?

LOL-I would probably have 3.  I don't have anymore right now because KIDS ARE EXPENSIVE! and I would need my hubby to be more stable..sad...don't want to talk about it.

4. If you won the lottery – what is the first purchase you’d make?

Probably a new car. I miss the smell of a new car...and it would be anything I want...not the most convenient for the family...or for gas...or for insurance..then it would be to go on a trip.

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

I will be glad when this easter candy gets put away...damn its hard to turn down!  My eating has been challenged this week.  I really need to commit here and buckle down to get these last 26lbs GONE!  Hubby and I spent wayy to much on Easter toys this year for Johnny....wayyyy too much...but only one chocolate bunny..but he was so cute and perfect for Johnny

Ten Things Thursday

Thanks to the lovely Laura Belle..I have a blog today!

1.) Still haven't done my taxes...yee gawds!
2.) Hubby decided to go off his meds and is driving me bonkers....
3.) Got some flowers for my pots yesterday...I just love flowers...they brighten my mood.
4.) I ate too much yesterday...so shovelling food at my emotions.
5.) Work is picking up so I have more to keep me busy.
6.) I picked up following some new bandsters...I love the excitement they have..it reminds me of where I once was!
7.) I need to pack some eggs to hide for Johnny...trying not to buy much candy so I may use dollar bills...is that bad?
8.) What is with the smell of the candy aisle at a store....it literally calls to me as I walk in a near proximity of it.
9.) I miss MandaPanda..blogging...and a few others...its like I don't know what they are doing and I really do miss them.
10.) I am in 762nd place in the Yahoo bracket ....which I am surprised I am doing so well!

Weigh In Wednesday

Last week 177
This week 176
------------------
total loss 1 lb

Ok I need to really buckle down on eating better and not drinking my calories...had a few bad days this week which is why I did not see a big loss in the last 2 weeks.  Hubby wants us to go with no tv no sugar for the month of April...I thought that was a little drastic and asked for just one week and he scoffed at it.....I am most worried about the TV not the sugar...bahahaha....I have no idea what I am in for.

I am hosting Easter at our house this weekend so I have been getting some cooking ideas on the net.  I love Ham and scalloped potatoes...its just home good food... but oh so bad for you!  I will throw in a salad but that does not make the other food all good..yikes...I will keep on looking at recipes!

mmmm nachos!

I really need to probably take a few days off..I am just in a funk and bored with coming to work..partly because we are on hold from really doing anything and all I have been able to do is training...that gets old after a week for me.
I gave a girlfriend my size 14 jeans last night..it felt great to be giving them away knowing I will not be going back to a 14...I am firmly in my 10's now..even my 12's are baggy which is awesome to have 12's as my "fat" pants for days I am feeling bloated.
Last night I made turkey burgers with cooked onions..boy were they yummy also made a small side salad.  For lunch I had potato soup from the cafeteria so all in all a good eating day.  I am pretty much tight until 11 then I can eat.  I usually try to eat my dinner by 6 so that I am not eating or drinking after 6..that seems to be working well for me.  I will admit I had a few bad days where I got some nachos and I drank a few calories having a pink lemonade freeze, but still managed to stay within my 1000 calorie mark.  I have weened myself off of coffee in the mornings.  It was upsetting my tummy.
I am planning on doing my taxes on Thursday..I actually feel better about it now that I have a plan!  I have been getting in around 12000 steps a day which is pretty good.  I accomplish that with a walk at lunch and a walk in the evening.
Johnny is at the community center this week but has been fighting a cold...hope it does not turn into a full blown cold..I don't want to be sick!
I leave you with a pick of Johnny and his angry birds

BYOC on monday

Yes, I missed BYOC on Friday but I am doing it today--so there!

1-What was your favorite cartoon as a kid? Is it still on today?

• I am a little embarrassed to say the Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles...and my son loves it and watches it...

• I used to love the music and dance to it...and yes..I still do..but now its me and my son dancing to it!

2-Describe your favorite piece of clothing.

• I have this jean jacket from high school that I can not seem to get rid of.  I know its not the style right now but I just love it.  I used to have a favorite sweatshirt but it literally fell apart at the seems and disintegrated before my eyes.

3-In the hopes of convincing Summer to arrive – I’m asking this question. Name a summer tradition you currently have or a tradition you want to start for every summer.

• I started a tradition a couple years ago to take Johnny back to North Dakota to visit my relatives.  We stay at my uncles house on the lake in the guest/boat house.  We have a blast doing what I did every summer..playing from dusk to dawn outside never once turning on the tv.  Go fishing, boating, tubing, jet skiing, shooting off fireworks..playing all sorts of games with the cousins.  Good ole fun that my city boy son does not get a chance to do.


4-For all of the newbie bloggers out there getting to know everyone – let’s answer this one. How long have you been blogging, what is your theme and how did you pick your name? Why did you start blogging? What kind of blogs are your favorite to read and follow?

• I started blogging back in 2011 before I got my lapband in 2012.  I did it to be accountable to my weight loss journey but it has grown to so much more.  I love the therapy I get from it.

• I am not creative which is why I went with the generic background and I am just and AZ bander for living in Arizona.  One day I hope to have a design done on my sight but I literally do not know what I would choose as a theme?

• My fave blogs are all kinds..I have my bander blogs..I have my non bander blogs.  I find that I love a good laugh and any great blogger can entertain me more than you know!
5-Repeat question: Summarize your week in blogland and in real life for us:

• My week was busy with birthday parties and gearing up to keep Johnny busy during spring break.  I also had a blast volunteering at my sons school.  I think I also cried once or twice about how happy I am to have lost the weight that has held me back from doing things...even the little things like dancing with Johnny and playing at the park with him!

Ten Things Thursday

1.)  I am volunteering at my sons school tomorrow for Grandparents day!  Should be fun.  I am looking forward to it.
2.) My dogs ears are 10 times better today after a day of medecine
3.) I made these lime refried beans last night that were really yummy  I added some red sauce and mexican cheese

4.) It was a mexican theme yesterday eating.  I had pazole which was yummy..the cafeteria over here makes it fresh every once in awhile

5.) I really need to do my taxes!

6.) I was cleaning out my desk at work and found these old pics of me trying on my wedding dress...oh boy..quite fluffy here.

7.)  Going to see the Croods this weekend with my girlfriend and her little boy.
8.)  Got another birthday party to go to on Sunday
9.) We overseeded and spread manure over the grass last night...lets just say that the backyard is oh so sweet smelling.
10.)  March madness..yeah  I have my bracket done--go Indiana!

Weigh In Wednesday--Loss!

Last Week 177.5
This Week 177
================
Total Loss 0.5

Its only a half a pound but I will take it!  A loss is a loss.  So not much going on here..work is constantly changing but I keep rolling with it..never sure what I am going to be doing from day to day.
Weather has been fantastic. We have been babying our lawn..I let it go dormant here this winter..which means I did not overseed with Rye and I am dying for some nice lush green grass to go roll around in.
Johnny has decided he wants birthday party at home this year so he can invite everyone he wants..I told him if we go out he is limited to 10(it just gets way to spendy with more) so looks like I have to get the house in shape for visitors...I am not one to invite people over much because I just don't keep my house as clean as I used to and feel that the house needs to be spotless if guests are to arrive.
My dog has an ear infection he has been shaking his ear all night and laying by my side wanting loving, poor thing he gets a ear infections so easily.
Yesterday I went and got my depo shot and the nurse said I look great...which is kind of funny because I don't recognize her and she didn't weigh me but she said the weight is recorded in my chart and she can tell that I weigh a lot less than my last recorded weight in July in the 240's...I guess so thats about 60-70lbs ago.
Happy hump day people!

Is it worth it to be right?

Its weather like this in Phoenix that is just to die for.  It was beautiful this weekend.  I got my hair cut and colored on Saturday..thoroughly relaxed and enjoyed myself

Sunday was a great day with church and Johnny had a birthday party at the park.  I went to my Coda meeting(codependents anonymous) and two points hit home.  One lady said how she hates teasing(sounds like my hubby), I have found that I grew up with a mom that teased me a lot..and the teasing actually got a little barbed, I think she used it to get her points across but it was almost mean..I find that I do that as well.  Hubby tells me this and actually I have had another person say that as well.  I am going to try to really work on thinking about what I am saying prior to saying it.
Point 2, its ok to be right and not say it...maybe I should phrase that another way...being right all the time is not always good.  I find that I need to validate my worth by showing others I know what I am talking about..sometimes it comes across as bragging and then other times why can't I just listen without giving my two cents.  So this week those are two items I am going to work on myself with.  Listening more and not trying to always be right and limit the teasing.
Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Weigh in Thursday

Weigh in last week 182.5
Weigh in this week 177.5
--------------------------
total loss 5 lbs

Woot Woot!  I am in the 170's  Which feels great!  Well maybe not great...The chaffing has started.  I have rashes folks!  Not pretty.  I went out and bought new bras and underwear in hopes to stop the red rashes I have developed.  It was nice to now be buying size 5/6 in underwear from 8/9 and size 36C in bra instead of 38D.  It is amazing how great you feel when your unders fit!  My mom said to try monkeybutt so I may stop at the store tonight and pick some up.  Powder works for a couple of hours but then it hurts again.  I was using my GLIDE running stick but it is rather expensive so I am looking for alternatives.

I took my glass class yesterday and had a blast assembling the lamp shade here are a few pics

I still have about 4 hours of soldering..all I did was tack it together so that I got the general shape secured.  I love the green glass..it really shows the light pretty cool.  I hung it just to see if it was level..but it will go on a post not hanging.  There is a crown also on the top that is not shown here
Yesterday was beautiful...went home and sat out on the porch reading a magazine and sipping iced tea...great day off.
Johnny fell asleep..with captain rex costume on..thought it was cute

Those jeans are WAY too tight!

So I got some good news.  My weight loss clinic told me they wanted to spotlight me in the newsletter next month and there online website.  They spotlight someone every month who is at goal or close to it.  Its always fun to read about them and see how inspiring they can be....I am a little dumbfounded that is me...I mean I know I have done well losing weight but I don't feel like inspiration to others....very weird feeling.
I also wasn't sure I wanted to be "out"  being on there website and newsletter is pretty public and anyone can read it..in fact I will give you all the link when it comes out.
And on a disappointing note.....
I showed my mom my before and after pic(of me in my size 10 jeans) and the first thing out of her mouth  "oh..those jeans are way too tight"  I guess I keep hoping my mom will become a great supporter..but she just hasn't been.  She is quick to point out my flaws and not quick to give a compliment.  She always has to tell me how she would never do the lapband, she enjoys food too much.  I just shake my head because that is exactly when you know you have a food addiction...your overweight and don't want to give up eating.  It makes me a little sad..no it makes me a lot sad because she is carrying a lot of weight and that is not good for a 62 year old woman.  Still love her though.
I am excited for weigh in I have dropped into the 170's and that is spectacular!

First Chess Tournament Down!

Oh boy...nobody warned me that at chess tournaments the parents wait outside while the kids play chess in the gym...I wasn't allowed in the gym but to walk him over to his spot.  It was cold and rainy here and I didn't dress prepared to be sitting outside for 6 hours.  He won his first game..which he was so excited to win and then lost his second and third...on his third game loss...he came out with tears running down his face...poor guy..he really wanted to win.  I kept telling him it was his first tournament and at least he won one game...he can improve on it for the next tournament(don't think it helped much).  It was a great family time though..we all went mom and dad and then we went out for lunch (which we rarely do) and had a good time all around.
Here he is playing

His lip is still swollen from the dentist..looks much better today!

Then I volunteered for the egg hunt up here and that was so much fun..it was 4 hours of hiding eggs and helping the kids..I loved it!  We then hung out and played at Anthem Days on the bounce houses and toys for the kids.  It was gorgeous out on Sunday.
Johnny then drew me a picture of the cake he wants me to make for his birthday(not until May 1st mind you).

If you can't tell its an angry bird cake.....
I had a couple NSV's this weekend, we ran into some friends briefly at Anthem Days and the wife didn't recognize me...like I could see a blank look in her face when I said Hi and gave her a hug...I didn't bother explaining ...she probably thinks my hubby got a new wife.
I also had another friend who I hadn't see in awhile give me a big hug and said I looked great...I never get tired of hearing that!
Hope you all had a great weekend! A big Cheer to losing some weight this week!

Size 10

So I got the jeans from Terrie in the mail last night and all but tore open the package to look at the beautiful size 10 jeans...beautiful..she even sent me some with bling on them..I have never worn fancy jeans before and these were all Really Nice.  She even thru in a size 8.  Well I went to try them on not really thinking they would fit and 3 pair of the 10's fit......No fooling.

here I am trying them on!  I swear that grin on my face lasted all night long and still this morning.
Not sure if I posted here but I had lost my jacket a few weeks ago and was super bummed because it was my only jacket in my new smaller size, well I found it....in the lost and found at Johnnys school.....not sure how it ended up there...just glad I found it!
I am taking Johnny to his first chess tournament this weekend..try to stay awake!
Hope you all have a great weekend!

Ten Things Thursday

Ten Things Thursday!!!!
Thanks Prego--Laura Belle!

1.)  Johnny did great at the dentist..but his lip and cheek were numb and it bothered him so he pulled on it until it swelled...now his lip is huge.

2.) I picked up weeds yesterday for over an hour.......so many weeds.  I know its going to rain tomorrow so I am hoping the weeds don't all come back!
3.)  I went to my stained glass class yesterday.  Here is a lamp similar to one I am making.

4.)  All we did was cut the glass yesterday using the mortons glass cutting tool below..it helped me cut the pieces exactly to match.. I have had one of these tools for years and never taken it out of the box because I wasn't sure how to use it.

5.)  Entered Johnny in a chess tournament this weekend...oh boy that ought to keep me on the edge of my seat...bahhahahahah
6.)  I forgot to post yesterday but my weight is still 182.5....I haven't lost any this week.  I am cool with that as I am coming off losing almost 14lbs in two weeks
7.) I am sick of my protein shakes.  I used to get the ones at costco and have one every morning....I am sick of them..they just don't taste good anymore....need to find a new one I like.
8.) Got an oil change yesterday...I hate going and sitting while I wait for them to change my oil...and then try to sneak an extra charge in.....
9.) Got some new PJ bottoms at walmart only $3 each..they were on clearance...a little childlike but oh well they are soft and warm...they are hello kitty and spongebob...
10.) My mom wants my ringsize because her work is giving her a ring and she doesn't want it so she is going to give it to.  I have not been wearing any of my rings because my fingers shrunk..I used to be a size 10.5 in my ring finger...12 on my middle finger..but none of them fit..I will need to go get sized.

Why is there two of everyone....

So I just got back from taking my son to the dentist and getting his back molar filled.  It was hilarious(probably not the best words to say) When they gave him the meds I could tell they were working because he asked why the robot on tv had four legs and then why was there two of everyone...too funny.
Right now he is watching cartoons and wondering why his lip is swollen and swearing it won't go away.
I left to go get him a happy meal and leave dad with firm instructions to stay with him because I don't want him walking incase he falls over or falls into something.   I come home......and Johnny is walking around with a walkie talkie(because thats what dad gave him before he went outside to work)....REALLY!  ugghhh I did laugh a little.....
So today it looks like I play nurse maid today....I tried to get good sleep last night because I know I will be hopping today - LOL!
I am a little disappointed the scale has not moved..ok just a little disappointed because I know I just came off two week big losses...but its almost like you come to expect it(funny how quickly I think that should be the norm!)
My skinny minnie blogfriend Terrie is sending me some 10's  and she said she found a pair of 8's(I busted a gut laughing about that one considering I am still amazed to even be trying on a 10!)  So sweet of her to send them to me!
Well his majesty is  beckoning me for more juice...see you all later!

Is the band working?.......

What a weekend!  I went out Friday and had a few drinks...surprising how two margaritas can now knock me on my ass...so much so..I lost my debit card(kind of think the bartender did not give it back to me).  Saturday I took Johnny to a birthday party.  The mom made a typical comment..she is suisse and skinny a stay at home mom and no tac.  She knows I had lapband...comes up to me at party..I haven't seen her in awhile..."How is your tummy...is it healed"  me..."um yeah surgery was almost a year ago..."  her...."So is it working?"
Here is where I almost lost it...is it working...um well lets see...I did lose 85lbs..you can't tell..or you can't see over your fake t&****  ooops...sorry...got a little angry there. I literally wanted to grab her by her blonde pony tail and drop kick her.  Later her best little bud came over and said she didn't recognize me and I look great...that was nice to hear.  Sunday I went and saw silver linings playbook...great movie...I really liked it.  Then we went to the country club to go swimming ..it was pretty warm out Sunday about 77 and the pool is heated.  Dilemma....I had to put on a suit.....I got out an old pair of swim trunks of Johns and an old swim top...mind you I couldn't even put them on at my top weight,   now, the shorts wouldn't stay up and my tata's kept falling out...Need to get a suit....

What makes you accountable?

I was a little disappointed in myself that I didn't tell LapBandGirl how much she influenced my journey.  When I first started thinking about the lapband I started reading blogs of lapbanders and hers was the first one.  I remember seeing her post(as she does to us newbies) that we need to be accountable and what will make us accountable.  That really sunk in to me.  It is the reason I started blogging.  By blogging about this journey I reflect on each day of my successes and failures and I reflect on the failures and try to figure out a way not to let them happen again.  I also started my food journal and go to as my support group meetings as I can.
Amy, who I really didn't follow(but will now!) but  got to know this Wednesday at our meeting said something to me that is really sticking with me.  She asked if I was "out" with my band.  I said OH NO of course not.  She asked me why and without hesitating I said it was in case I failed.  She laughed and said "Don't you think it would make you more accountable if everyone knew"    That was like a slap in the face...she was right.  By people knowing I was doing something to loose weight it was then up to me to prove them wrong that this was an easy out.   Now, I am not going and telling everyone what I had done..yet....but I am starting to realize that I think its about time to start preparing myself for that "Out".  I mean really I don't want to give that false hope that I did this all with diet and exercise...in fact I don't really think of it as a diet as more of me changing the way I eat and what I eat...its a new lifestyle.
I have to add that both of these ladies are truly beautiful on the outside and inside and seeing and talking to them was awesome.

So its Friday.  My hubby is going out of town to California to watch the Dada concert with his buddy, coming back Saturday night...My mom is watching Johnny tonight and I am going to go out!  I can't wait..hopefully I can stay awake!  Saturday Johnny and I have swim class and then a twins birthday party.  On Sunday I am going to the movie with a girlfriend(one of Johnnys buddies moms) where we put the kids in the playzone at the movie theater and then her and I are going to see silverlinings playbook.  Can't Wait!
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!