End of the year


I mean, 'Should old acquaintance be forgot'? Does that mean that we should forget old acquaintances, or does it mean if we happened to forget them, we should remember them, which is not possible because we already forgot? ~When Harry Met Sally

It's the end of the year. It was a memorable one. Full of changes. Looking forward to a great 2007. I don't make resolutions but if I did I think I would make one about finding inner peace and happiness. 2006 I worked on the outside and now I need to work on the inside.

Things I'm hoping happen in 2007:

* Find inner peace and happiness (so Zen like)
* Continue to get healthier (and cuter :))
* Find my true love (soft spoken, quirky, loyal, smart, funny man are you out there?)

I'm sure there's more but that's a pretty good start.

Boxing Day (belated)

OMG totally took advantage of Boxing Day... I finally went through my book boxes in the garage and literally donated half of them... dropped them off yesterday at the thrift so someone else can begin enjoying them. I could probably purge again but I'll leave that for another day. Plus I don't think the shocks on my little car could have taken another bag of books. When we moved here I had so much to do... think about... I just packed a lot without sorting. Papers, old memories, college years stuff. I finally went through it all. Some I couldn't understand why I kept. Some were totally treasures from my childhood, teen years, college years. I laughed so much looking through everything... yeah cried a bit too. I purged a lot. My trash is exploding this week!!! Oh if anyone wants a scary read of how I spent the 90's I tossed all my diaries... come on down and pic through my trash :) I read through every page before I decided to toss them but... some years are better left to memory. A paper record of a crappy relationship is not something I want to treasure forever. I did save all the concert ticket stubs and pictures... the fun times.

Highlights of what I found in my boxes:

* 3 Journals from the 1st grade... Hilarious. All my animal drawings look the same and wear shoes
* A great picture of my niece Melissa and I when we were little (I've got to make a copy for her)
* A collection of love notes (when love was simple and pure... I don't sound too jaded do I)
* A great picture of Barbara all doll'ed up (make-up and all)
* A heart shaped stone and cool crystal
* A bunch of photos of my cats as kittens and my cat RIP Arthur

There's more but I was jazzed about these the most.

Listening to: "Clarity" John Mayer

Ho Ho Ho!



We just got back from our annual Christmas Day at the beach. Waves were great and I saw the broom guy again... I went online finally and researched it and it's an actual sport "Paddle Surfing" so there you go. Back to our day... it was a great day... we read magazines, listened to 94.1's Christmas music marathon, watched the surfers, walked the sea wall, fed the squirrels and ate chinese cabbage salad. Came home and ate crab legs YUM! Talked to my sister, took another walk, drove around looking at light displays, gave my cats some attention, and now I'm surfing the net and eating more cheese.

Merry Christmas!
Hope yours was great.

Some of my latest favorite recipes




I'm a taste fiend. I was pre-op and I am post-op except now I don't go back for seconds and thirds...

Some of my latest favorite recipes:

Spanakopita Burgers

I eat a half of a burger wrapped in lettuce with a dollop of the tzatziki sauce below and I crumble the leftovers on a salad.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus some for drizzling
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 (10 ounce) box frozen spinach, defrosted
1 tablespoon fresh oregano (dried will work)
1/4 lb feta, crumbles
1 1/3 lbs ground chicken or ground turkey breast, 1 package
1 tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
To one side, add a little extra-virgin olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. When butter melts, add the chopped garlic and chopped red onion and cook 5 minutes. Transfer the onions and garlic to a bowl to cool. Return pan to heat. Squeeze all the water out of the thawed spinach. Separate the spinach as you add it to the bowl with cool onions, garlic and season with 1 teaspoon of oregano. Add in feta crumbles then chicken or turkey, grill seasoning and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Mix and form into 4 patties, 1-inch thick. Raise heat on pan to medium-high. Add patties and cook 6 minutes on each side. Great served wrapped in a lettuce leaf with Tzatziki (Yogurt & Cucumber Sauce) or crumble leftovers on a salad.



Tzatziki

I put this on lots of things the burgers above or chicken or beef shish kabobs to keep everything moist and easy to swallow.

1 pound (1 pint) plain yogurt (whole milk or low fat)
1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled and seeded
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemon)
1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh dill
Pinch freshly ground black pepper

Place the yogurt in a cheesecloth or paper towel-lined sieve and set it over a bowl. Grate the cucumber and toss it with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt; place it in another sieve, and set it over another bowl. Place both bowls in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours so the yogurt and cucumber can drain.
Transfer the thickened yogurt to a large bowl. Squeeze as much liquid from the cucumber as you can and add the cucumber to the yogurt. Mix in the sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. You can serve it immediately, but I prefer to allow the tzatziki to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours for the flavors to blend. Serve chilled or at room temperature.



Parmesan Tilapia

You can use this topping on any white fish. It's so simple and good.

1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
2 lbs tilapia fillets
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease baking pan. In small bowl, mix together the cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice, basil, onion powder, salt and pepper. Arrange fillets in a single layer in prepared pan. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes until done and flaky.
Remove fillets from oven and cover them with the cheese mixture on top side. Place under broiler for 2 minutes or until the topping is browned. Be careful not to overcook the fish. 8 servings.



Roasted Eggplant Spread

I was a dipper and needed a healthy alternative for holiday parties. I take this to potlucks and it disappears. I have it with soy crisps or veggies but non-ops like it with crispy pita chips.

1 medium eggplant, peeled
2 red bell peppers, seeded
1 red onion, peeled
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons good olive oil
11/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Cut the eggplant, bell pepper, and onion into 1-inch cubes. Toss them in a large bowl with the garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned and soft, tossing once during cooking. Cool slightly. Place the vegetables in a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add the tomato paste, and pulse 3 or 4 times to blend. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve with veggies, soy crisps, toasted pita triangles or crackers. Serves 6 to 8.



Canellini Bean and Tuna Salad

This was so refreshing in the summer and full of protein.

1 can of canelli beans, drained & rinsed
1 can of tuna
1/4 onion, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1/4 cup sliced olives
1 t capers
1 small lemon, juiced
1 t dried oregano
salt & pepper

In a small bowl, add the rinsed beans and the can of tuna. Mix in the chopped vegetables, capers, oregano, salt and pepper and lemon juice. Mix.



Chicken Roulades

So good... I won a cooking contest with this. Try it... it's high in protein for us and your family with still love it. I serve it with veggies for me and angel hair pasta for the non-ops.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 (3-ounce) log goat cheese, softened
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
16 large fresh spinach leaves
1 (7-ounce) jar roasted sweet red peppers, drained
marinara sauce (jarred is fine I use Rao's)
1 Tbs. butter
oil for frying


Place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap & flatten to 1/4" thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Stir together goat cheese, cream cheese, and basil; spread evenly over each chicken breast. Top each with 4 spinach leaves and roasted red peppers. Roll up, jellyroll fashion, starting with a short side. Secure rolls with wooden picks. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil. When hot, brown roulades on all sides. Remove to baking dish. Cover with marinara sauce. Place in a 11x7-inch baking dish. Bake, covered, at 350 for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes or until chicken is done.



Salmon Gremolata

This topping is great... makes ordinary grilled salmon special.

3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1-1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
3 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leafed parsley
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
6 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) skin left on

In a medium-size skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium high heat. Add the breadcrumbs and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are toasted. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the parsley, garlic, lemon zest, orange zest, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper. Set aside.
Preheat the grill till very hot and carefully brush with oil. Brush the salmon with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Place the salmon skin side down on the grill. Grill it for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until just cooked through. Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle with gremolata, and serve. Serves 6



Fish Tacos

This is our unofficial food of San Diego.

3 lbs. tilapia (or other mild, white fish)
1 Tbsp. oil for frying fish
1-2 cups of flour for dredging
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 head cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup sour cream or mexican crema
Taco/Hot sauce (Cholula is my favorite, or a smoky chipotle sauce)
1-2 limes, cut into small wedges
1 pkg. white corn tortillas

Rinse fish and blot with paper towels. Heat oil in large skillet. In separate bowl, combine flour and seasonings. Season according to your taste. Dredge fish in flour (light coating) and fry; drain on paper towels.

Heat tortillas: on grill, in pan with olive oil or in microwave under a damp paper towels.

To serve, put 2-3 pieces of fish in a tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, sour cream, hot sauce, then a squeeze of lime. Roll up and enjoy. I eat the insides only and leave the tortillas for everyone else.



Bacon Wrapped Scallops

I have these with cole slaw as a meal or I make them for parties and they get gobbled up. Scallops are a great protein source.

2 lbs bacon (regular sliced, not thick)
2 lbs sea scallops (if very large, cut in half)

Wrap a piece of bacon around each scallop; secure with water soaked toothpick or skewer (or better yet invest in a metal set of skewers I love mine) Arrange the wrapped scallops on a baking sheet. Broil 5 inches from heat for 3 minutes per side, or until bacon is crisp. I usually just throw these on the BBQ a few minutes per side.


White Bean Hummus with tomato and fresh basil

Yummy dip for soy crisps.

2-3 cloves garlic
½ cup vegetable broth
3 cups cooked white beans
juice of 1 lemon
1 slice whole wheat bread, crumbled
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped (including juice)
1 T. minced fresh basil
pinch of sea salt
fresh ground black pepper

In a small saucepan, combine garlic & broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until garlic is tender (about 8 minutes). Place broth and garlic in a processor or blender along with beans, lemon juice, bread, tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth. Great with soy crisps or veggies.

Dumping (or Beware of corn bread stuffing)


Thanksgiving was nice... I enjoyed the day but I shouldn't have had any cornbread stuffing... I ate about 4 tablespoons and had a dumping episode (heart trying to break out of my chest for about an hour). After I was beat like someone had kicked the living shit out of me. Cornbread Stuffing = Bad idea. For pre-ops reading or those that just want to be in the know. Check out this great article on dumping syndrome.

Nothing much else happening... watched romance movies most of the day. I'm obsessing about things I have no control of again. I think I need to start watching action movies.

On a happy note my hair loss seems to have stopped it's been about a week and nada. I itch like crazy... I have spikes of new hair growing all over and it's driving me insane. But hell I'm not complaining.

Thankful



Here's my Turkey Day menu which I will be having a couple of tablespoons of each:

Turkey, Spinach Gratin, Fried Cauliflower, Cornbread Stuffing (I've saved up my carbs for days) only sadly missing is Cabbaliata (Italian Rice Stuffing) a thing of the past... I don't do white rice (my choice) So seriously yummy and still very healthy. Life is good post wls.

I'm thankful for so much this year... my family of course, my health and new body, finding Dr. A. Good stuff.

I went to the beach yesterday, Ahhhh. My zen zone. It was beautiful! The weather was awesome... that strange broomstick surfer was back. I saw him last year around this time. We had a picnic with yummy chinese cabbage salad and chicken salad and caught up on magazines. I was surrounded by sea gulls and their babies... sea gull babies are super cute. Too bad they grow up. I listened to meaningful music and stared out at the ocean contemplating life. I came to no conclusions. :)

Currently obsessing on...

Jared Leto & 30 Seconds to Mars
Jane Austen's "Persuasion"
Wee Brie
Mat Kearney
Lucky Magazine (fashions I can finally fit in)
Silk "Nog" (4 oz. nog, 4 oz. water, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder. Blend. Dash of nutmeg on top)
Peanut Butter and Genisoy Apple Cinnamon Soy Crisps (OMG!?! so good)
The color brown
Belkin Tune Cast II FM Transmitter (yeah I can play my Ipod in the car)

Caption Contest


So I go to this Grey's Anatomy fan site pretty regularly and each week they hold a caption contest. Guess who won this week... LOL.

Here was my winning caption to the above screen shot...

George: "You know, I heard the McRib is back."
Meredith: "Seriously? I love those."

Ruined songs

Everyone has a song, album, artist, or band that’s been ruined by an ex (or, more accurately, by memories of an ex). Perhaps the worst thing about the breakup is the fact that music gets caught in the fallout. Ruined songs are the songs you can’t stand to hear ever again, that record she/he always played when she was over at your house, the band you went to see together a week before he called it quits, That Song that was on that mix tape, the record that was playing the night you (fill in the blank), the album you got for a Valentine’s Day gift.

List your top 5 ruined songs.

Here's mine:

1. What About Love? Heart
2. So Far Away - Dire Straits
3. Wonderwall - Oasis
4. I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
5. Losing a Whole Year - Third Eye Blind

Best song

Best song to...

Wake up: "Sunrise" Norah Jones
Fall in love: "You're Body is a Wonderland" John Mayer
Fight to: "Mama Said Knock You Out" LL Cool J
Break up: "The Oldest Story in the World" Plimsouls
Make up: "Fix You" Coldplay
Secret Love: "Secret Lovers" Atlantic Starr
Heartbreak: "I Can't Make You Love Me" Bonnie Raitt
Mental Breakdown: "Miss World" Hole
Life's OK: "Three Little Birds" Bob Marley
Hug a tree: "One Sweet World" DMB
Drive: "Heaven" Los Lonely Boys
Flashback: "Boys of Summer" Don Henley
Regret: "So Far Away" Dire Straits
Dream: "Satellite" DMB
Be Alone: "Alone" Heart
Do the Happy Dance: "I'm Just a Girl" No Doubt
Dance Naked: "The Mating Game" Bittersweet
Die: "Not Now" Blink 182

50 Things to do instead of snacking


50 Things to do instead of snacking

1. Imagine the new healthier you
2. Walk around the block
3. Call a friend
4. Make a list of your Top Ten Reasons to Lose Weight
5. Make a To Do List
6. Turn on music and dance
7. Jot a thank you note to someone
8. Go to bed early or take a nap
9. Read a book
10. Blog or journal
11. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
12. Plan a healthy meal for your family
13. Surf the Internet
14. Finish an unfinished project
15. Walk your dog, pet your cat, feed your fish
16. Brush your teeth
17. Balance your checkbook
18. Say a prayer
19. Chop veggies to keep on hand
20. Give a massage
21. Clean out a junk drawer
22. Play a game with your kids
23. Try a new route on your walk
24. Drink a glass of water
25. Kiss someone
26. Try on some of your clothes
27. Look at old pictures
28. Rent a movie
29. Wash your car
30. Take a hot, soothing bath
31. Update your calendar
32. Work in your yard
33. Start your holiday shopping list
34. Count your blessings
35. Write a letter
36. Fold some laundry
37. Check your e-mail
38. Give your dog a bath
39. Send a birthday card
40. Meditate
41. Hug someone
42. Rearrange some furniture
43. Light a fire or some candles
44. Put your pictures in an album
45. Plan a trip (real or imaginary)
46. Straighten a closet
47. Clean out files
48. Visit a friend
49. Clean out your trunk
50. Do something nice for someone

Transfer Addiction?


Ahhhhhhh... Just had to post this. Went to the beach yesterday and walked along the sea wall and then I walked again at the lake. I really enjoy walking. The beach was beautiful as usual and the surf was up.

Well... I picked up a few more things for my NY trip but I have been conservative because they probably will be huge on me in a month or so. I got a cute faux fur lined jean jacket. I bought some sweat sets to sleep in and a sweater. Skechers and some killer pumps. I also bought a another coach purse... I know I'm addicted to purses and shoes. Is this my transfer addiction... do transfer addictions count if you had them pre-op too... cause that's not technically transferring?!? Anyone? Bueller?

Yesterday was Barbara's birthday. Happy Birthday Hoke! She said she had a great day, went to the zoo and her parents came up with another van load. She's got a lot of stuff too. If I ever moved out I'd need a huge moving van...for my purses & shoes alone.



Highlights of the day:

Bull riding finals this weekend and next (I'll need to tape em next weekend... I so need TIVO)
Dinner of roast chicken and roasted butternut squash (very Fall)
Amazing Race tonight


Listening to: "Far Away" Nickleback

Currently Obsessing on...

Currently Obsessing on...

My hair falling out (I know it's normal but enough already)
Electra bikes (a Townie 24 to be exact) I want one!!
My Pilates Body Circles
My new grill I'm a shish kabob fanatic
Sadaf Ceylon Tea with Silk Vanilla Soy Milk
Grey's Anatomy Mmmm my 80's Patrick Dempsey obsession reprised
Pumpkin Spice Yankee Candles
Yummy Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil with balsamic drizzle for lunch
"It Ends Tonight" All-American Rejects


Tuna = high protein and pain

Hmmm what's been going on lately... well I sliced my finger tip on a can of tuna. I'm recovering but it was pretty gnarly... lots of blood. Ewww. I think it's messed up the nerves too. My sunburn is just now feeling better but still peeling and looking hideous. That was truly the worst. sunburn. EVER.

On the weight loss front I'm down 65 pounds but weigh-in day is tomorrow so it's probably more. I only weigh once a week on Tuesday's otherwise I think I would get to hung up on the #'s and freak at little daily fluctuations. So 65 is my last Tuesday total. I don't know whether it's a good thing or bad but my clothes are falling off of me, again. I bought a few new tops and pants a few weeks ago and they are almost to big now. It's crazy! I did squeeze into a get this... size 18 pair of pants. Woo hoo. This reminds me of something one of my cyberpals and I were discussing yesterday... the discussion was bad things about having WLS. Here's one I came up with: No longer being able to tackle a skinny gunman to the ground. I used to think... oh yeah I could take him and now hmmmm maybe not.

On a serious note, I started taking Biotin because I've been losing hair for the past couple of weeks and it's starting to make me nervous. I knew this was going to happen but it's not easy... :(

Highlights of the day:

Downloaded a bunch of new music.
The weather is changing... yeah Fall!
Cheese

Listening to: Rob Thomas "Streetcorner Symphony" It's so damn happy and positive. LOL. I'm trying osmosis.

Burnt toast


Went to the beach Friday it was great until I fell asleep in the sun and got a bad and bizarre burn (feet and 1 arm) It looks and feels like shit. The rest of the day was great when we finally found an area where the water wouldn't reach... the waves were crazy and coming up really far. I sat listening to the waves crash and eating sunflower seeds. Later, I decided to listen to my iPod I remember a few songs then I fell asleep... woke up toasty. Yesterday I spent slathered in aloe vera and soaking in this awesome stuff. I did walk yesterday even though I was in pain every step... I'm very committed to walking everyday I rarely take off even when I'm burnt to a crisp. That's dedication, baby :)

What else is new... hmmm oh yeah Barb got the house. In fact she is up there getting the inspection done this weekend. I hope everything goes well. She thinks it will. Apparently Chris stopped by on Saturday and she told him she got it and he freaked a bit. I do have to say it will be different when Barb doesn't live on LI anymore. There are just some places you always associate with people. Long Island is just Barb & Chris and now it won't be. It's the end of an era.


Highlights of the day:

Awesome Crab Salad for dinner
Celebrity Fit Club
My sunburn (feet) feels slightly better (arm still hurts like a son-of-a-bitch)

Listening to: Amos Lee "Colors"

Rambling about my day

Went to BFE yesterday literally and I almost died it was so damn hot. I was surfing the net and came across something that mentioned Lane Bryant Outlets (previosly I only knew of the one in SF yeah figures after I'm almost out of fattie stores) so I got on LB's site and sure enough they have opened a ton of LB outlets unfortunately the closest to me is the Lake Elsinore Outlets. Now, I hate Lake Elsinore with a passion but I desperately need some clothes. On the map during our weather forcast LE is always like 10 degrees hotter than here and we were pushing 100 yesterday. Anyway... we went. It was nasty hot and we parked about the farthest you could from the store. But I did get two cute outfits... a pair of black pants with a green blouse, a pair of brown pants with a pink blouse and a brown long sleeved top. Would have been $187 at regular store was only $97 at the outlet. I'm happy. It was worth nearly melting to death. It's suppose to get cooler tomorrow. I am going to the beach. Ahhhh. I'm going to take a long nap in the sea air... Just got back from Costco (or should I say the Costco buffet) I swear three or so of those little samples is a meal for me now LOL. I'm full. I needed gas for tomorrow. Oh yeah.

Barb, just sent me a quiz...

1. FIRST NAME: Michelle
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My brother's ex-girlfriend
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday I kicked a flippin basket and hurt my toe
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Proscuitto
6. KIDS? Nope
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOURSELF? Maybe except when I'm PMSing then watch out
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yep
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? I'm not sarcastic
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Oh yeah! I so want to cliff dive
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Kashi Autumn Wheat (pre-op I don't do cereal now)
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope... I'm rarely not in flip flops/sandals
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Used to be coffee or Ben & Jerry's Oatmeal Cinnamon
16. SHOE SIZE? 8 1/2
17. RED OR PINK? pink
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I guess now it's my scar the size of tahiti... sharpei stomach... drippy candle thighs... take your pick LOL
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Grandpa
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yep
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW? pink shorts and barefoot
22. LAST THING YOU ATE? Samples at Costco
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The Plimsouls "Oldest Story in the World" Best. Break-up Song. Ever.
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Periwinkle or Burnt Sienna
25. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SMELL? Double Delight Roses, Coffee or Eternity for Men on a man
26. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? The lady at Bath and Body Works calling to tell me my soap is in
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes & Forearms
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? My BFF
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Ceylon Tea with Vanilla Silk Soy Milk
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Bull riding
31. HAIR COLOR? Light Brown and Blonde
32. EYE COLOR? Blue
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope
34. FAVORITE FOOD? Persian
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy Ending
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? 13 Going on 30
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Rose Pink with black writing
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? :( Creme Brulee
41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Shannon
42. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ?
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember
44. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? The map of North & South America
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Laguna Beach and Project Runway
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Ocean waves crashing on the rocks
47. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Paint it Black baby
48. TALENT? I can pick up almost anything with my feet (paper clip, coins, bits of paper, remote controls)
49. ARE YOU CURRENTLY IN LOVE? Always
50. WHAT MEMORY GOOD OR BAD STICKS OUT THE MOST FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD? Bike riding to Montauk Point

Highlights of the day:

Listening to music is the car... nice breeze... don't you love when a ton of good songs come on in a row
Costco buffet, I'm a cheap date
Playing with the cats this morning
Awesome day. Went to the beach. Ahhhh. Walked the Carlsbad Sea Wall from Tamarack to Pine and back. Then we just hung out for a few hours in the sea breeze. My best days are at the beach.

Here's a WOW: On the way home I stopped in Lane Bryant and tried on a few things... I almost freaked when I fit perfectly in a 18/20 (-2 sizes) top and 22 jeans. (-3 sizes) That's amazing in only 9 1/2 weeks.

Went to Soupplantation for lunch at a super small salad with chicken, hard boiled egg, and cheese and about 1/4 cup of cream of chicken soup. I was full and to think only 9 1/2 weeks ago I would have eaten a huge salad, 2 bowls of soup, pasta, bread, muffins, ice cream... I love this surgery!

I'm beat though... got a little color.

Highlights of the day:

My Zen Zone
Squirrels at the beach
Celebrity Fit Club in 1/2 hour

Salad


I'm so flipping excited... over what you ask? I can eat SALAD! Hard to explain to someone who hasn't had this surgery but salad is like the Holy Grail and I have it! Yesterday I tested the waters with a sample of salad at Costco and I've had three since. I had an El Pollo Loco $1 salad with chicken from an El Carbon Taco also $1 so for $2 I had a freakin' feast. Loved it. Tonight it's another salad Mmmm with Smoked Salmon on it. Gotta get the protein in. OK I've gushed enough. I know I never thought I'd gush over salad... it's just many, many dining choices have just opened up to me.


I still have a headache... I don't know what is up with that. I figured when the sleep apnea was resolved I would lose those. I'm still hoping. I really don't want to go back on Topomax. It's so damn expensive. I'm also still debating about my Cobra insurance.


Name your three favorite TV shows from your childhood:

1. Little House on the Prairie
2. The Brady Bunch (favorite episode is the 3 part Hawaiian vacation... Beware the Tiki)
3. The Magic Garden (I loved the storybox)


Highlights of the day:

a really good nap
Salad... oh yeah!
Did I mention salad?

Listening to: The Hooters "And we danced" I'm on an 80's kick.

Random

The instructions
Step 1: Open your MP3 [CD] player.
Step 2: Put all of your music on random.
Step 3: Write down the first 20 songs it plays, no matter how embarrassing.

Here's mine:
1. Not Now - Blink 182
2. Semi Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind
3. I Believe - Steve Perry
4. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da - The Police
5. Catch my Disease - Ben Lee
6. Exodus - Bob Marley
7. Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard
8. So Sad to Say - Might Mighty Bosstones
9. Fear - Sarah McLachlan
10. Bubble Toes - Jack Johnson
11. Closing Time - Semisonic
12. Santa Monica - Everclear
13. Hotel California - The Eagles
14. A Little Less Sixteen Candles - Fall Out Boy
15. Satellite - Dave Matthews
16. Let's Get Together - The Youngbloods
17. Running - No Doubt
18. Union of the Snake - Duran Duran
19. Every Day is a Winding Road - Sheryl Crow
20. Malibu - Hole

Good Karma

So I went through my closet for the first time since surgery today... I am donating 6 huge bags of clothes. I didn't do the whole closet and I never touched the hallway closet so maybe next week I'll do that. I can't believe how much stuff I had... and now I don't :( I need to win a shopping spree or soon I'll be stealing fig leaves off the tree. Scary! Anyway... this afternoon we are off to drop off my donations. I feel good that someone will benefit from my loss (literally LOL). I'm donating all my work stuff (suits, blouses, dress slacks) to a neat organization called Dress for Success the rest is going to the Salvation Army Thrift.

But now I'm found

I have a headache. I don't get as many anymore thankfully but I have one this morning. I think it was because I was cold last night if you can believe it?!? After all those 100+ degree days.

Still trying to think of a different place to walk at night... I mean I love the lake but you know after about 100 walks around it... I need a change of scenary. I did the mall once but no. I spend too much money. Hmmm.

Made an awesome zucchini soup last night. Here's the recipe:

Zucchini Soup

4 cups sliced zucchini
2 shallots, finely chopped
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup half & half
1 tablespoon chopped basil
salt & pepper to taste

Sauté shallots & zucchini in butter for several minutes. Add the stock. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool slightly. Blend in blender or purée using a stick blender. Return to saucepan. Add the rest of the ingredients and heat to simmering. Top with dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese. Serves four.


Listening to: "Running" No Doubt

I go out walking

Just got back from my nightly walk. I do it in record time now. In fact, I need to think of something else to spice up my regime. As of Tuesday I was 46 pounds down. Mom bought me a scale. We had just been going in Linens & "Thigs" (inside joke) every two weeks to weigh but I fell in love with one scale. It's an LCD read-out one that looks like my dining room tile so she bought me one :) I have the best Mom! I didn't own a scale... what fat girl owns a scale... I only used to weigh when I was forced to. Soooooo I think I'll just weigh every Tuesday. This past Tuesday was my six week anniversary. I'm about 90%. Still tired although that is getting better and still trying to figure out what foods my body likes best... I'm doing pretty well with my eating. So far I've only thrown up twice once on a jumbo cold shrimp and the other time was from that kidney stone medicine in the ER.

Here's a favorite recipe of late:

Lemon Garlic Chicken

1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, parsley, basil and/or oregano (I use thyme, parsley and greek seasoning)
S & P to taste
12 chicken drummettes
10 garlic cloves
¾ cup chicken broth

In a small bowl, stir to combine, the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, ¼ cup of the herbs, and salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange the chicken pieces in a roasting pan, and pour the lemon-herb mixture over. Arrange the garlic cloves all around the chicken, stirring them to coat with the mixture. Roast for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are golden brown.Remove the chicken from the pan. Add the broth to the pan and place on top of the stove over medium-high heat. Stir to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, while mashing the roasted garlic to thicken the sauce slightly. I like to transfer the chicken to a platter, pour the sauce over the chicken and then, garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons herbs and lemon wedges.

I'm Melting...

I'm 35 or 36 pounds down depending on which scale you believe. I'm still having peeing issues but I heard that's normal after a surgery... damn catheters. I had a kidney stone and ended up in the ER. I figured I would. I had them before surgery and I know I haven't been getting in enough H20. Must. do. Better. After antibiotics and some really good pain drugs I'm starting to feel a lot better. I'm about 85% but I think I would be even better if it wasn't so damn HOT! It's been over 100 for days and today it's supposed to be 108 degrees... maybe its not the surgery at all making me lose weight... maybe I'm really melting from the heat. I hate the summer. I need to move where its cold. Alaska is looking good right now. Plus it has the added bonus of having 3 men for every 1 woman. My clothes are all baggy which is fine for now because its HOTTER than you-know-where. I'm still wearing a binder so that's an extra layer of clothing I don't usually have to deal with. Some things really amaze me post surgery... how little I eat and am completely full on, I can walk! I sleep 100% better, a lot fewer headaches, no acid reflux, and great blood pressure. Wows already!

Aren't you supposed to be cold after surgery when is that gonna start???

On another note: I put in my notice at work. I know this is the right thing. I'll miss some of the staff and the children of course but I need a change.

Highlights of the day:
I'm sure it's cooler here than the fiery pits of hell. Well maybe.
The ice trays are full.
I could be in Palm Springs or Phoenix or Death Valley.
I ate zucchini for breakfast and it tasted great (my first veggies)

Listening to: the fan. Thank God for electricity!
QOTD: How do the Amish stay cool???

SOTB Surgery List


A pic of Dr. A's Apartment, Bambi (Dr. A's driver) and Rosella (Dr. A's daughter and assistant)




SOTB What to bring list

This is a list of several items I found useful/necessary when I was SOTB (South of the Border) having my RNY. Hope those of you that are headed south find the list helpful.


Lip Balm
Liquid Body Soap (easier than bars)
Shampoo & Conditioner
Feminine Products (even if you just had your cycle most get a repeat performance shock of surgery I guess)
Bath robe (for walking the halls)
Slip on slippers or flip flops
Tank tops for under your binder/T-shirts for over
Loose fitting soft elastic waist pants
Passport (1/2007 required only if you fly in, after 1/2008 it will be required even for land travel) otherwise it's Driver's License and a copy of your Birth Certificate
Plenty of $1, $5, and $10 US bills (no need to change money)
Calling card that works in Mexico or add a plan to your cellphone for making calls inside Mexico.
Plastic garbage bag for dirty clothes.
Digital camera for taking pics of your scar (you know we all do it LOL)
Ipod passed the time.

Dr. A specific: If you are staying in Dr. A's designated apartment you will have internet access. A pay phone is only steps from the front door of the apartment. A Gigante supermarket is just a few blocks away. So is a laundromat. There's a park a block away which is a great place to get your walking in.

Dr. A's apartment kitchen is stocked with a bunch of packaged and canned goods but I found I used: Decaf Tea Bags, Chicken Broth and
Water bottles (I brought a few and then bought some @ Gigante)


For additional pics of Dr. A's apartment feel free to email me.

Ensenada

Ensenada and Dr. Aguirre was an absolutely great experience. Dr. A was wonderful and thoroughly explained everything. He made me feel very at ease. He is an excellent surgeon and a warm and caring doctor. His staff is wonderful. His assistant Rosella is the sweetest girl! She is Dr. A's middle daughter and she makes all the arrangments. She was so nice and came to visit me everyday! The nurses at the hospital were fabulous, caring, and attentive. I had Alejandra and Sonia and they were the best! I also had Alejandra for 4 days of private nursing visits (around $45 a day). Cardiomed is spotless. My private room (with marble floors) was HUGE. I was truly treated like a princess. I also can't say enough good things about Bambi (Dr. A's driver). He is a wonderful person and definitely the way to go. Please feel free to email me I would be happy to share my experience or answer ANY Q's...

Here are a few FAQ's:

How much was it? The cost was $10,200 plus I paid $800 to stay in the doctor's designated apartment with private nursing visits for 4 days.

How does payment/choosing a date work? I contacted Dr. A's office (you email or speak with his daughter Rosella who sets everything up) She will give you the available dates the Dr. has open and if you stay at his designated apartment whether that is available (I highly recommend this) and books your date. You send a $500 deposit to a San Diego bank and bring the rest down (cashier's checks) when you go for your surgery. I chose a date based on my availability so it was about a month or so (from contact to surgery) but I could have had the surgery as early as two weeks from contacting him.

What pre-op testing is required? The first night you are in Ensenada you visit the hospital and have a physical exam, urine, blood, etc. done. I brought down my past labs for a comparison but it's not required.

How long did you stay? You need to stay 9 days total in order to have your drain and sutures removed.

How are you? Any regrets? I'm off all medications (I was on 8) My high blood pressure, acid reflux & sleep apnea are gone. I feel great! Only regrets are not doing it sooner and if I had to do it again I would bring someone. I went alone and was BORED!! I would have liked some company.

The other side

So I never did post the night before... had I it would have been more ramblings about fearing death so blah blah blah. It's over. I did it.

Ok... so Bad points first... when I woke up from surgery my shoulder blade felt horrible like it was out of position but that lasted a few hours and the morphine drip made me forget soon enough. I was very lonely I mean... beyond lonely. This should never be attempted alone JMHO. I did get my period but it only lasted 4 days and it was once I got back to the apartment. My incision itches like crazy (I guess a sign of healing) but its driving me nuts!!! That first sip of water was a doozy... foamies blah!

Good points: I'm home!! I've lost some weight already although I don't know how much. I see it in my face a bit and Mom said I looked thinner when she came to pick me up. I'm sleeping through the night. No acid reflux and stellar blood pressure I'm eating ok...crazy small portions LOL my birthday lunch was 8 sporksful of Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese.

Would I do it again??? Yes, but with someone. I didn't need any physical help but I never realized how I would need that emotional connection. I'll post a review of my whole Mexico experience soon.


Highlights of the past week:

Waking up from surgery (always a good thing)
Feeling pretty darn good to say I just had my chitlins rearranged
I turned 35 yesterday and there is a new life in my future

T-minus 6 days

T-minus 6 days

Time is really flying... I think because I've been so busy at work with field trips, projects, graduations. I had a few rough days but I'm a daredevil at heart so I feel like I'm just walking up to the edge and going for it. I can't wait for the day I wake up and feel healthy. I'm so tired I keep reading on OH how you have so much energy after this I'm sooooooo looking forward to that. This sleep apnea is kicking my ass. I feel old (I'm turning 35 in 14 days) and I'm not old.

Well... that's it for now. I'll try and post the night before I leave.

Wiki your birthday

Go to Wikipedia and look up your birth day (excluding the year). List three or four neat facts, two births and one death in your journal, including the year. Mine: June 28th

1838 - The coronation of Victoria of the United Kingdom
1894 - Labor Day becomes an official US holiday
1938 - A 450 metric ton meteorite struck the earth in an empty field near Chicora, Pennsylvania
1997 - Boxer Mike Tyson is disqualified from WBA title re-match, for biting off part of the ear of his opponent Evander Holyfield

Births:
1577 - Peter Paul Rubens, Belgian painter (painted fat chicks like me!!)
1966 - John Cusack, American actor (ahhh, lust lust!)

Deaths:
2004 - Mattie Stepanek, American poet (b. 1990)

Hmmm...


I'm really trying not to obsess... the greatest troubles are those that never happen. I keep saying it. How about listening?!?

Latest worries... lifting stuff, follow-up care, dying, sleeping on my back, getting my period after surgery (most do), stressing my Mom out, drinking enough water, did I mention dying... :) It does help to write these fears. I fear dying from being to fat too so it is a crap shoot.

I probably have had too much time before my date... I should have picked one closer... that way I had less time to think. I'm a snowball thinker... that is I start with this little snowball size thought and roll it over and over in my mind until I have a freaking avalanche o' crap. I know this yet I really have little control over it. I try to let go of it and give it to God but I am weak. I need to work on this.

So I had a nice long weekend... well still am having it as we have Monday off. Woo Hooo! BBQ'd today and watched old Laguna Beach episodes... they are doing a marathon leading up to the premier of "The Hills" yes I'll be watching I'm a sucker for shit like that. I also watched my taped Finale of "Top Chef" and hooray Harold won!

Changes

Wow as my surgery date gets closer and closer I'm starting to get a little scared I must admit. I keep thinking stupid what if scenarios and I need to stop (power of positive thought) I think that is because I have never had surgery before (well that I remember... I had plastic surgery to re-attach my upper lip at 3 years old... a long gross story) and this is so drastic (being fileted like a fish) plus I have been worrying about stupid shit like not being able to use a straw when I drink and gulping Hello!?! I need to get over this. Make peace now. Plus I don't even know how things will be... just because someone can't do something doesn't mean I won't be able to everyone is different. OK... working through it. Breath.

Health wise I'm feeling crappy right now. I'm completely exhausted (a combination of a lot of extra at work and my apnea), terrible aches and pains, headaches, reflux. I just hope that one day soon that will change. I'm too young to feel like this. I truly believe this surgery is the only option for me. So many profiles I've read on OH have given me inspiration. They all say how great they feel now, how it's the best thing they ever did. I hope to be one of them soon.

So work is interesting... can you say DSM-IV?! This surgery can't come to soon. Change is good.

Amazing Race ended (I love that show) my favorite team won! The Hippies! I think it was the best race so far. Sicily was my favorite. "Thatsa bigga fish" Sicily- It's on my list of gotta do before I kick the big bucket.

Listening to: my yawning... time for bed.