Curt Schilling

Curt Schilling came into the store today, I told him I was a fan and shook his hand. Boy...has a strong grip!

Untitled

Curt Schilling came into the store today, I told him I was a fan and shook his hand. Boy...has a strong grip!

There is no economic slowdown ...

There is no economic slowdown at the Apple Store! We are so busy, it is insane!

It's time to Elf Yourself Again!

Merry Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Just posted a fun video Disney...

Just posted a fun video Disney sent me! http://tinyurl.com/4fngu7

Walt Disney World Celebrates...ME!

Disney sent me this video and I only wish it were true!

Mike just got hired as a pictu...

Mike just got hired as a picture framer in Boston! Yay!

School Books

My school books have arrived! 10 books costing over 500 dollars! How does anyone afford to go to school these days? I am anxious to get back to studying and like the fact that so much of nursing is hands on. I still don't know if my clinicals will be on Wednesday or Thursday so I can't tell work what hours I have available yet. Speaking of work, there are still a lot of things that I don't know how to do there and haven't been trained on. I will probably learn everything just when I need to drop my hours! I am really behind in my Christmas shopping and I have so many projects that I would like to finish before school starts. I must admit I feel a little overwhelmed, but doesn't everyone this time of year. If you are reading this and your are a friend of mine... your Christmas card may be late!

posted now blog entry on http:...

posted now blog entry on http://disneybear.com

Just got an email that Pownce is shutting down. I used it only to cross post from Ping.fm

Rosie Live!

I love Rosie and I love variety shows. I did not love Rosie Live! The production values were terrible, the jokes not funny, and a feeling of mediocrity permeated the air. Rosie we love you, but please don't sing! There were so many flat notes coming out of her throat I thought there was something wrong with my TV! I think it could have worked, but she needs a better producer. I really doubt that the powers that be will give her another chance...I wouldn't!

Just watched the show No Heroics from the UK. It is funny... and dirty as hell!
http://ping.fm/LiOA5

Just watched the show No Heroics from the UK. It is funny... and dirty as hell!
http://ping.fm/LiOA5

Just made two pumpkin pies and burnt one!

Liza Minnelli At The Stadium Theatre

What a fantastic night! I just got home from seeing Liza Minnelli at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Now those of you who know me know that I have been attending Liza concerts since the 70's! All I can say tonight is Wow! The show is wonderful and Liza is in tip top shape! I had great seats in the 3rd row with my dear friend Susan.

Liza has had vocal trouble off and on, since she had surgery on her vocal cords . She damaged them after she filled in for Julie Andrews in Victor Victoria on Broadway. Well I am happy to report that her voice is vibrant and is as strong as ever in this current show! The first half of the show is many of Liza's showstoppers, while the second act has a big section of songs from her godmother, Kay Thompson. In Act II, Liza also sang Judy's Palace Medley ... and believe me Mama would be proud!

The audience was mesmerized for the show and didn't want it to end! For an encore Liza gave us a beautiful rendition of her Mom's, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Before she sang it, she mentioned how at the holidays she always thinks of her parents and by the last stanza of the song you could hear the sniffles in the audience... including mine!

This was a tryout of the show that is headed for the Palace Theatre the first week of December in New York! Get your tickets now as this is definitely a show you'll want to see!

Just got my Windows Home Server I built working. The Tivo add-in is awesome for viewing videos from the server to Tivo!

It's official! I am now under 200lbs! I am now 198!

It's Official!

Today I am officially under the 200 pounds mark! I can't believe it... it happened so fast! I now weigh 198 lbs! My goal is 180 and at this rate I will be there in no time. I am still not very hungry and struggle to get all my protein in. I am really addicted to popsicles right now. I can't go down the frozen food section without picking up some new bit of frozen food coloring treat! I had blood work done and my numbers were good with the exception that my reserve iron(ferritin) was low. I am on iron pills to see if that might bring it back up. Overall I feel pretty good. I have had some bouts with extreme tiredness after eating which may mean that I took into too many carbohydrates at that meal. It could be a mild dumping syndrome. I also have had some episodes of feeling lightheaded when I stand up too fast. The doctor thinks I should try drinking fluids that have more electrolytes in them to see if that would help. I haven't been back to the gym since my cellulitis attack, but it is on the list to do! My BMI is now 29.2 which takes me out of the obese category and now makes me just overweight. I would have to lose another 30 lbs to be classified as normal weight, but I am looking pretty slender now. At this point I really have no control of what my weight will end up at as I am eating all that I can.

Thanks Keith!

Keith Olbermann had a great speech tonight on Prop 8

Keith Oberman had a great speech tonight on Prop 8

Just went shopping and the food store was so crowded! I think everyone is out early to vote, which I did also! Did you?

Just went shopping and the food store was so crowded! I think everyone is out early to vote, which I did also! Did you?

Just went shopping and the food store was so crowded! I think everyone is out early to vote, which I did also! Did you?

I am trying to piece together missing links of my great great grandmother. The internet is so wonderful for genealogical research!

My Weight History Chart

Happy Halloween!

I am down to 205 lbs! It is so nice to fit into 34 waist jeans and a large T! I am still losing so who knows what size I will end up!

Gastric Bypass 4 Month Update

Current Weight: 205 lbs Weight Loss This Week: 1 lbs Total Weight Loss So Far: 55 lbs

I mean his brother Joe! The 911 caller!

I went to acting school with crazy John McCain! Haven't heard about him until the recent news....He's still crazy!

It Could Be My Fault! Don't Let This Happen To You!

Got the Job!

Today I was informed that I got the job at the Apple store. I am going to be a Concierge, directing visitors to the correct resources of the store.. I was up for either Specialist(sales person), or the Concierge role. I still hope that I get to show and play with the latest Apple products as a Concierge. I won't be writing about my work here on the blog as I am told that Apple has a tight lipped policy, but I am excited to start working outside the home again!

Photo Credit: Cornfedtech.com

Just got hired as a concierge at an Apple Store!

Had second interview with Apple, it seemed to go well, they said they are waiting for my background check to come through.

Maura Tierney's Last E.R. Episode

Okay, I cried. Abby was by far my favorite character on E.R. It was really sad to see her go. This is the last season of the show and cast members are dropping like flies. Thursday nights will never be the same!

Watching Mike bowl in a tournament

Just had second interview with Apple. I think it went well

Getting ready for second interview at Apple Computer store

Just watched the debate. McCain is so cranky! I am sick of Joe the Plummer!

Putting away the summer clothes

last try

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Going to have lunch then maybe hit the gym or at least go shopping!

activating windows vista in bootcap and parallels is a mess!

Having lunch at Subway in the Walpole mall.

Job Interview with Apple

Last night I had a job interview at the local Apple computer store. It was a preliminary interview with about 8 people. We watched a video, had a Q and A, and we each got a chance to try and sell an apple product for about 2 minutes. It seemed to go well, but who knows what they are looking for. The company seems like a great place to work and they have flexible hours which would be a big help for me taking care of Mom and going to school.

Going for a walk with a fellow gastric bypasser

I think I have a sugar hangover from birthday cake!

Just fit in to a size 34 blue jean! Thank you Gastric Bypass!

Home From Disney!

Well we made it home! It was a wonderful time and it was so much fun to have most of the family with us! I did O.K. with eating, but had a couple of times where I ate too big a piece of something and was sick for about an hour. It is hard to eat slowly when you are so excited to be someplace. The weather was beautiful and the parks were not that crowded which made the trip really nice. The weather is so cold back here! I am not ready for Winter.... or Fall for that matter!

See More Photos Here!

packing up to leave Walt Disney World :{

Off to Walt Disney World!

On the way home from
Mike's parents

Just crashed http://disneybear.com! I somehow deleted index.php file. I have been trying out an online genealogy program and got mixed up!

Cellulitis Returns

Well it has been a busy and crazy week. My cellulitis returned and my doctor referred me to a surgeon for possible cyst removal! I get the craziest illnesses. We are gearing up for our Cordeiro family reunion in about a week. It will be such fun to have everyone together. I have been busy with the Fisher family genealogy and have been contacted by three, count em , three distant cousins I never new I had. It really is so much fun making connections. I am down 47 lbs since my operation in June and feeling great!

Off to Mike's folks

Mike's computer was making an annoying clicking sound, got his data off just in time!

Working on the family Genealogy, It is tought to find a good program for the MAC Platform

Going to bed, My cellulitis came back and I'm off to the doctor tomorrow.

Genealogy

I recently was contacted by a distant cousin who has filled in some of the missing links in the Fisher genealogy. I decided to publish what I have found out so far so that he can see what I have accomplished. I have a lot more work to do on it, but I did a lot of research in the past. I lost interest when my father passed away, but that is probably all the more reason I should document what I have found out. Take a look!

Down For The Count!

I haven't written, because I haven't been feeling very well lately. It all started with what I though was an ingrown hair on my upper arm. Within a day, the redness it grew to much larger proportions. Over the weekend my lymph nodes in my armpit became swollen, my shoulder went into spasm, and I developed a fever. I was off to the emergency room. They diagnosed it as cellulitis and put my on two antibiotics. If I don't respond after a few days I have to contact them. It is possible that the bacteria causing it is the deadly MRSA virus, and I will have to take a special antibiotic. It is so weird. I always seem to get the most uncommon of illnesses, just when I was doing so well after my weight loss surgery.

Kellogg's Danish Go-Rounds

Recently, Mike and my sister-in-law, Mary Beth, were sitting around the table remembering a favorite breakfast toaster pastry. We remembered what they looked like, but could not for the life of us remember what they were called. Well, thanks to the internet, we were able to identify them as Kellogg’s Danish Go-Rounds! I really loved these! They must have had the same ingredients as Pop-Tarts, but the shape was so much fun to eat! I remember eating my way around this “braided rug” to the center! My favorite flavor was frosted strawberry!

Here is the commercial!

Gastric Bypass Update 7 Weeks

Current Weight: 224 lbs Weight Loss This Week: 3 lbs Total Weight Loss So Far: 36 lbs

Talking to my brother-in-law in St. Thomas!

Gastric Bypass 6 Week Update

Current Weight: 227 lbs Weight Loss This Week: 2lbs Total Weight Loss So Far: 33 lbs

Off to grocery shop!

Listening to George Michael

Stupid Anti-Gay Law to be Repealed

The bill to repeal the 1913 law is on its way to Governor Deval Patrick, who will sign it into law.

The bill cleared a final hurdle this afternoon, when the House of Representatives passed the bill on a roll call vote after about 45 minutes of debate. The vote was 118-35, with five members not voting.

The 1913 law prohibits out-of-state couples from marrying in Massachusetts if their marriage would be considered void in their home state, and it has prevented most same-sex couples from out of state from marrying in Massachusetts. LGBT advocates and their allies in the legislature have argued that the law was passed in 1913 in part to prevent interracial couples from skirting anti-miscegenationlaws in their home states. Full Story

Kudos: Bay Windows

Riding home from Mike's parents

Gastric Bypass Update 3/12 Weeks

On the way to dinner with Mike's parents

29 lbs in Three Weeks!

I feel like an ad for the weight loss you see posted on telephone poles! It has been three weeks since my gastric bypass surgery and I seem to be doing well. I am not hungry at all and I am eating small meals throughout the day. I am on the soft food stage and it seems that I can tolerate most foods fairly well as long as I eat slowly and chew them thoroughly. I am finding it hard that I really can only fit in the protein at a meal. I know how important after gastric bypass surgery it is to get in 60 to 70 grams of protein, but protein does get boring after a while. I know that I will fit more in later in the diet, but I have no delay of gratification! I admit that I have tried a few crackers now and then and a bit of toasted tortilla and that really satisfied me. I made sure to chew, chew, chew and they went down fine. My energy seems to come and go but I guess that is normal considering the limited amount of calories that I am consuming. I haven't been on a scheduled exercise plan yet, but I am increasing my distance while walking whenever I can. I would like to go to the gym this week and get back to the arc trainer. I am interested to see how long I can last. I was up to 45 minutes before the surgery and I think I will have to build up to that again. I am in no pain and my incisions are healing well. I had a meeting with Dr. Lautz's office for my first post surgical follow up and was given the go ahead to take my medications in pill form as long as they were no bigger than my pinkie fingernail. This was great news as I hated crushing pills and chewing chaulky ones! They also let me switch from chewable Pepcid back to my Prilosec in pill form. Pepcid never really worked for me before surgery with heartburn, but Prilosec always did the trick! I didn't meet with Dr. Lautz at the appointment, but did see him in the hallway and shook his hand. He asked how I was doing and I told him great!

Current Weight: 231 lbs Weight Loss This Week: 2lbs Total Weight Loss So Far: 29 lbs

Playing cards

Back to SSSchool!

Last night was my first in classroom experience at Quincy College. I have been so lucky to have been able to take most of my prerequisites for their nursing program online. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to transfer any more classes in, so I had to take this last course, microbiology, at the college. I haven't been in a physical classroom since my last attempt at nursing in 1993 so I was a little apprehensive. The class meets Mondays and Wednesdays, with a lab portion on Thursdays. Each class is four hours long, and after last night feels like eight! When I first saw the professor I was relieved to find that he spoke english quite clearly. I have had to drop classes in the past because english was their second language, and they hadn't quite mastered it yet! Well my joy was short lived, because as soon as we got settled, my english speaking professor began to stt.. stt... stutter! Oh my God! Every other sentence takes forever for him to get out! He is really nice, but the stuttering gets unbearable after about an hour. I am also finding that I have trouble sitting that long. My bad back starts to ache, and I get really uncomfortable. There will only be a midterm and a final, and the professor bases everything on his notes that you can download in class to a zip drive, so it seem ridiculous that I have to sit there when I could be at home reading the book and his notes. I really have adapted to online learning and very much prefer it. Thank God it is only for 5 weeks! Well, I better go stt... stt... study!

Just saw Wall-E at the movies. It was very enjoyable!

Happy 4th of July!

Another 4th! They seem to come closer and closer together now. We went to the Walpole Fireworks Spectacular last night. We almost didn't go due to a strong thunderstorm a few hours before, but it cleared up. Walpole puts on an amazing show and we always have a good time when we link up with our friends, Karen and Ron, who always save us a place with the best viewing. Mike's Mom and Dad also joined us, so it was even more special. I am coming along after my surgery. I am so sick of protein drinks, but only have to drink them for a few more days. I can't wait till I am on full solid food, even if it won't be the amounts I used to eat! I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday

Surgical pain is gone!

Gastric Bypass Post Op

I just haven't felt like writing much so I thought I would give a video blog update instead!

Home from the Hospital

Well I made it home! Finally! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. I will write more of the experience after I get my strength up. 13 pounds are already gone!

Home from hospital and resting. I have lost 13 lbs!

Feeling so much better! Down to 1 i.v., catheter is out, and I am wearing my own shorts! Woohoo!

Just saw the Doc, we are gonna start liquids If all goes well home on Saturday!

Had a run in with a useless nurses aid..she was assigned to me yet refused to help

Feeling better looks like they won't have to reoperate I probably will start clear liquids today!

Just had my 3rd transfusion if my blood count doesn't rise I will have surgery later today

It has been a tough few days not feeling well after surgery and I am now bleeding from someplace and if it doesn't stop it's back to the or !

Just had my last bit of solid food for at least 2 weeks!

Gastric Bypass Surgery on Monday!

Mom Has The Shingles

Unfortunately my mother has come down with a bad touch of the shingles! It started with shooting pains on the left side of her neck, and now she has red blotches on the side of her face and neck. Her doctor should have recommended the vaccine and she wouldn't be in this predicament. I urge all of you who have had chicken pox as a child to get the vaccine now, before you have an outbreak.

Doomsday is Tomorrow

As many of you know I loved The Bionic Woman as a kid. Lindsay Wagner brought so much to the role of Jaime Sommers. I was cruising the web and I found this great fan tribute to one of my favorite episodes. Now if we can ever get them to release the series on DVD I will be really happy!

"Doomsday Is Tomorrow" Fan Trailer

Charlie Bit Me

I just love this!

Charlie bit my finger - again !

Happy Boston Gay Pride!

Today was Gay Pride in Boston. Mike and I hadn't been in the last two years because the weather hadn't seemed to inviting. Today was a beautiful day and we had a nice time. It was really fun to link up with friends that we hadn't seen in a long time, as well as make some new ones! For years I have always headed to Bennigan's after the parade and had their Monte Cristo sandwich. This year was no exception. Although the sandwich is exceptionally greasy and unhealthy, it is definitely a tradition I wanted to follow for another year. I doubt I will be able to stomach it ever again after my gastric bypass next week. It was a sad farewell, but I am sure that I can find much more healthier things in the future!!

View Photos from Boston Pride

Home From Disney

Well we had a great time at Walt Disney World and Gay Days this past weekend. It was a lot of fun and we made some new friends as well as connected with some old ones. The highlight of the trip was Country Bear Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom. when all the bears attend the 1 P.M. show. The attraction is jam packed with bears and cubs of all sizes! We did get a call that my mother was having trouble breathing on the day we were leaving. She was rushed to the hospital and I couldn't wait to get home to see her. My mother suffers from congestive heart failure and she was retaining fluid which was causing her to have trouble breathing. She is home now and is doing well.

Disney Pics!

Carrie and Mr. Big

SPOILER**** Am I the only one on the planet who didn't want Carrie and Mr. Big to marry finally in the Sex and the City movie? He is always so off and on again and I just think he will be off on her in the future. I am all about forgiveness but leaving her at the alter was just too much for me to take and I don't think I could ever forgive him. I really think she could do much better, but I guess we always need a predictable happy ending. Oh well, write me hate mail.

Final Preop Meeting

Today I had my final preop meeting with Dr. Lautz. I had to wait an
hour and a half before being seen, but it went well. Basically they
went over my records and I signed a consent form.  As I was leaving
the receptionist told me that she was moving my surgery to the 23rd
instead of the 16th. This gives me only two weeks to recover before I
go to take my summer microbiology class. It bums me out a bit, but at
least I won't have to be on the preop diet while I am in Walt Disney
World next week. After the meeting with the Doctor I had preop blood
work and met with a nurse and the anesthesiologist. My appointment was
at 12, but I didn't get in till about 2 PM. Now there is nothing more
to do but wait.

Manny and Rita Cordeiro Biography

This is a video I made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mike's parents. They truly are special people and we love them very much!

American Idol Is Clearly Not A Vocal Competition!

David Cook wins? The man does not really sing at all. It is clearly a popularity contest and not a vocal competition. David Archuletta completely out sung Cook on Tuesday nites performance. Cook is probably the weakest rocker AI has ever had, although it is tough to beat Constantine Maroulis who has had that title for many years. I look forward to Archuletta's collection of balads that I am sure will be produced within the year. I predict Cook will fade into obscurity like so many.

Congratulations to Gays and Lesbians of California!

Only 48 more states to go before equality is truly all over the United States. Whether gays marry is no one else's business other than the couple involved!

Why Do So Many Chefs Smoke?

I can't believe that I watch Hell's Kitchen. I really think that Gordon Ramsay is an obnoxious jerk... with the people skills of a grapenut. I really love to watch it because of that fact I guess. He really is a person I love to hate, and I don't care how much money would be involved, but I would never work for the man. What I find really interesting is how all of the chefs that are competing... all smoke like chimneys! Season after season, all the contestants light up after work. I wonder why this is. With less than 30% of the population smoking I am wondering if all 30% work in kitchens!

Another Class... Done!

Well, another class is finally completed. I just finished up with Anatomy and Physiology II and I am glad to say that it is over. I know more about the vagina than I ever cared to know! I have run out of classes that I can take online, so my next class will be at the college. I am taking microbiology 3 nights a week in July. It will be weird to actually be back in the classroom... and probably be the oldest person in the room! I am really trying to do some housecleaning before my surgery, so I have reopened my eBay store. Everything must go! Operators are standing by!

Happy 50th Anniversary Rita and Manny!

Mike's Parents have been married 50 years today! Happy Anniversary!

See more photos here!

American Idol

Is it me or is American Idol now kinda boring? There is no one this year that I am that excited about lately. Perhaps I just don't care anymore. I got that way with Survivor. Maybe it is time for the next big show.

Gastric Bypass on 60 Minutes

This is an excellent piece on gastric bypass that was on 60 Minutes.

Calpernia Addams

OK, I admit it. I am fascinated by Logo's Transamerican Love Story and Calpernia Addams! I first heard of Calpernia when I saw the excellent movie, Soldier's Girl. Soldier's Girl is the tragic true story of Private Barry Winchell who was murdered by his fellow soldiers when they found out he was dating a transgendered woman. Now, the real Calpernia is starring in her own dating show reminiscent of The Bachelor. Eight suitors vie for her affection, including a female to male transgender! The men are ruthless to one another in their competition for Calpernia's attention. I found myself not liking any of them, and not one of them worthy. I truly hope that Ms. Addams finds a true love one day. She really comes across no different than any of us, and deserves the happiness we all seek.

Upper GI and The Nutritionist

Today I had to have and upper gi and also meet with the nutritionist
for the first time. Dr. Lautz wanted to rule out whether I have a
hiatal hernia since I have gastric reflux. I had one back in the
90's and it was negative, but he wanted to make sure.  The Upper Gi was
much easier than I remembered. I drank a lot more barium when I had
this first done. This time it was only 1 bottle and I think I had 3
last time! It isn't the greatest tasting stuff, but it is a painless
procedure.



Next I met with the nutritionist, Linda Antoniro. She wanted to know
what a typical day of eating was like for me. The majority of the
meeting was about what my preop diet should be, and what it will be
after the surgery. Since was on a liquid diet in 1996, I kind of know
what to expect. I will only be on all liquids for two weeks after the
surgery which seems doable. I don't have any other meetings until I
meet with Dr Lautz and the anesthesiologist on May 29th. The journey
continues.

Mikey Wins NEBA Tournament!

Congratulations to Mike Cordeiro for winning the New England Bowling Association Singles Tournament! I am so proud of you!

Gym Rat

Well I am back at the gym 3 times a week trying to get back in shape. I do the elliptical for 45 minutes and then head to the weight room for about a half hour and pump, pump, pump! I have my records from when I was lifting before and it is amazing how quickly my muscles return and allow me to lift more and more each week. I really would like to be in great shape for the surgery in June. I am watching what I eat, but the pounds just don't want to leave, I hope the reason is that I have been building some muscle.

It's My Mother's Fault

Yesterday I met with the Psychiatrist, Dr. Florina Haimovici. It was a
short meeting about 15 minutes. She wanted to know about my family
history, if I heard voices, and if I was familiar with what to expect
from gastric bypass. She asked me who was President of the United
States, to subtract 7 from 100, and tell her the months of the year
backwards. Gosh, I hope I pass! I was actually hoping for more from my
25 dollar copay, but it really is just a quick meeting to see if I was
certifiable!

The Decision

I am scheduled for gastric bypass surgery for Jun 16th. I have done much research and have talked to some of the best doctors at Brigham and Women's hospital in Boston. All of them think I would be a great candidate and said they would do it themselves if they had the health problems that I am now facing. I don't think I would even consider this if I did not have the diabetes, but the chance to eliminate it through surgery has sealed the deal. I would like to lose 20 lbs before the surgery and I have begun exercising every day. The better shape I am in before the quicker recovery I should have. If you would like more information on the procedure itself I strongly recommend reading Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity at the National Institutes of Health.

Why Can't I Keep The Weight Off?

This has been a very soul searching week for me. Since diagnosis with diabetes last October, I have maintained a weight loss of only about 5 pounds. It is really time for me to evaluate why I can't seem to take my health seriously and get this weight off. I feel that one of my main problems is my ability to inhale food. I just don't give my body enough time to let me know that I have had enough. I eat a varied diet and don't have much of a sweet tooth, but my portion sizes are huge. I am discouraged by diets and weight-loss plans and have been on many all my life. I am even considering surgical solutions. I have always thought that they are a bad choice. However, recent studies suggest that surgical solutions can send diabetes into remission in over 80 percent of cases. It has also been noted that bariatric surgery is the most effective tool for losing and keeping weight off. It is becoming obvious to me and apparently backed by most statistics that telling an obese person to just eat less and exercise more is not effective. From what I can research 90% of those who lose weight with traditional attempts regain their weight. I know from my diet classes that most of us in there are still fat! I look at all the people in my life that are fat and although some lose weight, all of them have gained it back. I know from psychology that "past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior", and that is why we stay fat. Yes we can change, and some people do, but most of us will not and that is the reality. Almost all the gurus, and friends that mean well seem to have never been 100 lbs over their ideal weight. I have tried weight watchers, nutra-system, atkins, and have been going to HMR for over ten years and I think I have yet to meet an educator that is keeping 100lbs off permanently. It seems my doctor's can't seem to lose weight or have never been seriously overweight either. Obese people like myself started our problems early in life. We really should have been more worried then. If we never got this heavy the first time, I think we probably would have had a better chance. My understanding is that once we gain additional fat cells they remain with us even if we lose weight. This gives us a tendency to gain weight more easily than someone who never has been overweight to begin with. Doctors and people who have never been really overweight seem to forget this. Our bodies are different than yours. It really is different for you than us. Yes, we can lose weight just as you might have, but it is harder for us to keep it off. Our extra fat cells are hungry! I am really beginning to believe this. I know I can lose weight...and have done so many times. I just find it impossible to keep it off without making it a total obsession. I know when I lost 100 lbs 9 years ago that I was working far harder than someone who was my weight at the time who had never been seriously overweight. I don't think telling people that diet and exercise is the only key to weight maintenance in  someone who was obese is the end of the equation. It is an important part, but I think more research must be done. I really think something is missing here. It could be the fat cells I spoke of, a metabolic deficiency, or something we haven't found yet. There is too much focus today on losing weight when the real problem is keeping it off permanently. At this point, I am going to use the best available evidence to find a permanent weight maintenance solution.

Butter Keepers

I found this great article about the history of the French butter keeper. We use them all the time at our house. It really is a great way to store your butter. I used to hate spreading butter on toast when when we used to keep it in the refrigerator. It was impossible to spread! Get a butter bell today! They are wonderful!

Kudos: Interesting Thing of the Day

Elmo the Killer

Apparently someone has hacked Sesame Street's Elmo Toy! You can read the full story here. What's next? Suicide bomber Barbie?

Kudos: Endgadget

Whoopi Goldberg is an honorary "Bear"

Today I was watching The View with Whoopie Goldberg and the name of Actor Ed Harris came up. At hearing his name, Whoop let out a quite audible, "Woof"! I nominate Whoopie as an honorary bear!

Welcome Mary Jane Fisher to the World!

I am a Great Uncle Again!

Back to school

Today I am back to school. I am taking only one course this semester, the second half of Anatomy and Physiology. I am taking it online through Seward Community College in Kansas! I took the first part of the course there last summer and it was a great experience. I have a different teacher this time and from looking at the syllabus it appears to be a little more demanding... Lots of busywork. I prefer to just read the book, do a virtual dissection, and take  the chapter test. I also have to do some real dissections for this course also. This week I am on the lookout for a pig or steer eye at a local butcher. I can't wait to see the looks(pun intended) when I am in the store asking for one! Where do you find a butcher today anyway?

Mitt Romney OUT!

This is the best news that I have heard in a long time! He reminds me of several actors I worked with over the years. They would say anything to get the part and overall they were a big phonies! BYE, BYE... YOU JERK!

Mitt Romney is my Loser of the Week!

The Moment of Truth

This is the 3rd time I watched this show on FOX. It is getting tired fast. It moves at a snail's pace!

911

Apparently the massage therapist that found Heath Ledger called Mary Kate Olsen before calling 911. If any of my friends find me not breathing one day would you please call 911, then Mary Kate?

The South Carolina Debate Logo

What was the horrible graphic on the bottom of the screen tonight? It looked like scaffolding or something. It was very distracting and quite ugly! I guess my attention to that shows you how interesting I thought the candidates were!

Recycling Can Be A Waste!

It seems like I waste a ton of water when I rinse out the plastic for the recycle bin. How can that be good for the environment or conserving resources?

New Year

The Gays are Coming! The Gays are Coming!

Can you believe this trash being sold by the American Family Association? What a complete load of bullshit. Substitute the word jew, black, or muslim for the word homosexual and you will truly see what a bunch of intolerant bigots these people are. I still haven't received the memo from gay headquarters to take over my town.

P.S. Don't tell the American Family Association that we have already taken over!

2008!

Where does the time go? It really does go by faster as you get older. Everything seems like yesterday. I wish time would slow down a bit. I plan on 2008 being a year of change for me. I hope to finally lose the weight, manage money better, and sell more stuff or donate it this year. Happy New Year!