Layoffs at Work

So today was just a super crappy day for numerous reasons some of which I won't go into, but walking to work in the cold sideways rain this morning wasn't a good sign of how things would go.

Our division had some pretty sweeping layoffs at work. We have a new director and she came in and reorganized us all a few weeks back and today all the layoffs came. I think there will be more very significant changes in job duties in editorial in the next week or so. The job changes for marketing (where I work) came right before our wedding, so that I think is done. Who knows if they'll reorganize our sales force more in the future however.

The crappiest part is who was let go. Close friends, people I hang out with, several of the key people in our book club at work. All people that I'm friends with or who have been with the company for ages. Some senior level people as well as mid-level.

As Alex says, that just suxors.

Not much else I can say except that I will seriously miss having them all around!

Having brunch with the lap-band ladies this weekend!

A couple of NYC bandsters, Jen and Catherine, have arranged a brunch at a local restaurant called Dos Caminos this Sunday. There will be perhaps 8 or so of us? I think it'll be awesome to meet people in person since I've been following their blogs all this time.

I'll let you all know how it goes Sunday. Then I'm planning on going to a couple of the other holiday markets I didn't get to last weekend, including the Bryant Park one to visit Nora and then maaaybbbe if I have any money, the Brooklyn Flea one. That might have to wait though.

(Can you tell it's already the weekend in my mind?!?!)

The decorating appeals to me, just not the cleaning up part

So I've been totally into Christmas this year. I think being a newly wed really helps. I just want to be utterly domestic.

We shlepped over to our storage unit and got all of our Christmas stuff (a lot of it) and then wheeled it all back to our apartment which is about 3/4 of a mile away. Had to put some serious effort into getting it to fit into the cart and two other rolling bags.

These are definitely the times I wish that I had a car instead of just a cart! A grandma cart, like this one above. Sure makes life difficult sometimes.

I've got the tree put up, got out the Christmas albums last night, have been baking up a storm (oh no) and am writing our Christmas cards. The only thing I haven't done is actually decorate the tree as that will involve rearranging the furniture and cleaning up a bit and that part of this process, I'm just not feeling.

Hence the reason I'm doing our Christmas cards!

Feeling a bit of a sore throat though, so I'm hoping that won't lead to anything bad. I'm trying to ignore it and just be festive instead. Usually if I wake up with one it might go away, but it just came on this evening, so that might not be good.

Slimfast Recall

Don't go drinking SlimFast! News just in that's 10 million cans have been recalled due to bacterial contamination!

Read the full story here.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703558004574580040211489548.html

Definitely the time to try another brand!

Today's a bummer day

So I got some bad news today and am feeling pretty bummed and on top of that I had a realization about my money situation yesterday and am totally depressed about that.

So you know those things we dont talk about in society, money and weight. So we've all opened up and talked about weight on these band blogs, but not about money.

Seems as though whenever I have any money in my pocket, I seem compelled to spend it. Food of course being a major area but I manage to spend it all in lots of places.

Is there anyone else out there just as dysfunctional with their money as with their weight? Or am I the only one?

I figure the two issues have to be related, at least for me.

Time for a fill

So i called to get an appointment for a fill, and they said that they had nothing until the end of Dec. Oh no!

I cancelled last month's appointment so I haven't had a fill since mid Oct. So that'll be about two and a half months apart.

I'm just so caught up in the holidays (check out my other blog Dabble to see some of what I've been up to) that I've been indulging and baking.

So for a baby step, I'm going to at least make myself count calories and see where I go with that. It's always up and down with me in terms of motivation, but the good thing with the band is that you can't quit it!

In fact, a couple of times this weekend I've surprised myself getting super full and have felt glad to have the band! I just need to make wiser choices about the foods i do eat and I'm not really feeling that at the moment.

Back in the right direction

I'm exhausted. Today was a long day, mostly in a good way. I've just been walking a ton and just now got home at 10pm, so I'm wiped out.

However, today's good news is that the scale went back down a pound. I hope it keeps heading in that direction, and that there are no more yo yo's in store for me in my near future.

Almost PB'd at work today

On of all things chips and a glass of milk. So yes, I was eating chips, and drinking at the same time!

Problem was I wasn't at all paying attention, I was eating in a hurry, and after just a couple of chips, I was like "What the!?!?"... and it started coming back up, and I was feeling some pressure, and I felt like I was going to gag, but then it just passed. Thank goodness.

I was in my cube, which is relatively private, but you never know. And i was just thinking up excuses in case someone came into my "office" and saw me bent over the trash can.

Oy! Up one more pound today.

Which makes three pounds up since last week. Which is more like what I was expecting!

Fingers crossed the scale doesn't keep moving up!

I read on another band blog (forgive me for not remembering which one) that it can sometimes take 4 fills to really see the difference. I've had two (but am at like 6-something CC's) and while I can tell the difference from before, I can also eat more than expected.

It's definitely time for another fill appointment!

Up two pounds, it's official now

So I knew it was coming, but I was very hesitant to get on the scale this morning. I weighed myself late last week and the scale was up two pounds, but as of Monday morning, that makes it official. I'm actually okay with that and just wondering when the rest of what I ate over Thanksgiving will show itself on the scale!

I definitely won't be achieving my next mini-goal by Dec 1st however. But I very much enjoyed the holiday weekend and all the cooking.

Afraid to look at the scale tomorrow

Can't I just ignore the scale? Oh wait, this is what got me into this problem in the first place!

I'm sure I did some damage with all the holiday eating, cooking and baking this weekend.

Last i looked a few days ago, I was two pounds up. Anything like 5 pounds, and I'll freak. And that is totally possible!

I guess that's what happens when you forget healthy eating and just go for it!

Union Square Holiday Market

Before I forget, I thought I'd share some photos from the Union Square Holiday Market. Alex and I went this weekend. I love all the different holiday markets that pop up before Christmas. A friend is working the one at Bryant Park so I definitely need to make my way over there as well.

In fact, I want to do this entire city walk featured here. That way I can go to the Brooklyn Flea's new holiday market in Manhattan as well. (I can't tell you how excited I am about that last part!)

I love NYC all done up for the holidays, and this year I'm really feeling the holiday spirit. I have a lot to be happy about.

But first things first, below are my pics from Union Sq this weekend.

I was digging through my dresser this weekend and found the pants I'm wearing above. I know the sizing is off, but they are an 18W and are HUGE! I can actually take them on and off without unzipping them. It's good to have a pair I can just throw on for doing laundry or whatnot. Too bad I didn't dig them out sooner and get more proper wear out of them.

This last photo was a fun display from a booth selling ties. Love it!

Cooking and baking up a storm!

I don't know what's gotten into me, but I've been cooking and baking up a storm and very much enjoying it! The only problem is the calories involved (and of course cleaning up the kitchen after!)

We had an elaborate breakfast this morning, not terrible with the exception of the biscuits. I made more of the leftover dough from Thanksgiving's Angel biscuits. I tried a different approach this time and it worked but having the bread was just too much. So i had a bite or two. I only baked three total so I didn't feel so bad about the waste. I can eat the bread, it goes down, and I LOVE DOUGHY BREAD, but something about this lap-band process has made me pick it out of much of what I eat. Usually absent mindedly. There are some exceptions, but even with a slice of pizza or even a quesadilla or sandwhich, I find myself picking out the bready parts.

I've allowed myself some indulgence this weekend; however, tomorrow, I need to figure out how to get back on track. I'll have to think about my specific strategy however. For the rest of today, I'll be cleaning and organizing. I'll likely have some clothes to share with the sisterhood in the near future as well.

A different perspective

We had this awesome party at work last week.  Our production department decided to have a "dessert hour" and all of their staff made these elaborate baked goods.  I can't say I was very good.  Honestly, I was a little too excited about all of the craft that went into the exquisite desserts they had on display.  

However, someone just sent me this photo from the party (that's me in black with my hand to my face), and it was interesting to see this photo which wasn't at all posed.  I loved seeing it because I look so NORMAL and on the thinner side than usual.  I'm not so much bigger than everyone else around me!

I got lots of compliments that day as I recall, but it's nice to see myself from that objective perspective, not sucking it in or showing my "good side" to the camera.

Of course, since then, the scale has gone up two pounds (at least!!), but that'll work it's way back off.

New You Tattoos

Mom will freak at this, but Alex and I have a notion of getting tattoos to represent our weight loss through this process. Mine would be a collection of small tattoos, one for every mini goal met. Originally, I was thinking small colorful stars, but after seeing this collection of birds, I may just change my mind about that.

I'm completely smitten, though I'd never do them on my wrist. Somewhere that I could hide them if I wanted or alternately, show them off when I felt like it. I still don't know where that would be.

I suggested stars on the top of my foot, but Alex seemed to think that would make me look like a heroin addict trying to cover my injection site. ew...

Has anyone else heard of other people marking their weight loss in a similar way?

Out and about today

Alex and I were out and about today. It was a nice brisk Fall day here in New York. More on our day in another post soon, but I thought I'd share this lovely photo I came across that just screams Fall to me. Reminds me of a tree that's in bloom in our back yard, and it just seemed an appropriate marker of the day.

The pie did me in

So the pie was the thing that put me over. Feeling a bit yuck now, but I stopped and only hate half a piece. But wow it was good! Not really a pie, actually a pumpkin cheesecake. Paula Dean. Utter decadence!

All that work and it's over already!?!

So I've been cooking up a storm since last night. This was my first year cooking Thanksgiving dinner by myself. Alex helped of course too (with his roast and the dishes(yay!)), but normally I'm with family and they do the cooking.

I was really psyched to try some new recipes, and dinner was wonderful. I must admit I was very proud; however, since both Alex and I have the band, after eating for just a few minutes we were both like, whew, we're full! It was a carb heavy meal with potatoes and rolls and stuffing and more, so I'm sure that played a big part. I barely even managed half a roll, but it was good. Mostly I'm fine with bread; it just fills me up.

I'm kind've glad I didn't overdo it. I got to try everything, was super excited about the really fancy potato dish, and was satisfied. The mushrooms weren't great and I burnt the almonds to go with the lemon parm asparagus (again no trouble eating asparagus), so it wasn't perfect. But for a first time, I was very happy. Especially since a couple of dishes were die to for. No overeating which is unusual for Thanksgiving! Of course, pie is still yet to come but I'm taking a break for now.

I'm working on uploading details of the potato dish as well as the pumpkin cheesecake over on my other blog dabble. They should be up shortly for anyone who is interested.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

That's me below with our spread -- or some of it anyway. Too bad so many biscuits will go to waste! Alex declined to be in any of these pictures, so it seems to be just me, me, me!


P.S. That's the table I refinished a couple of months ago. This was also our first holiday with a proper dining room table. Kind've a big deal to me since we've been living in NYC.

Melting Mama Contest

I just signed up to win the following elaborate gift basket on Melting Mama, another WLS blog. It includes all kinds of diet-friendly goodies!

If you aren't familiar with the site, it's a good one. Check it out!

Good thing I skipped dinner

So I'm cooking up a storm tonight, trying to cut down on the amount of stuff I'll have to do tomorrow for Thanksgiving. Good thing I skipped dinner because I certainly have nibbled more than enough of what I'm cooking to make up for FIVE dinners! Mostly because some of it was a pumpkin cheesecake.

I'm going to blog about some of what I'm cooking and baking on my other blog, a little dabble. I've been pretty inspired to get creative in the kitchen, but I don't want to tempt anyone who is trying to be good!

Where do/did you all shop?

Now that I'm losing weight, I find myself putting more energy into into getting ready and what I wear. However, I'm tired of looking for plus-sized clothing at the same old shops.

Where do you all shop for clothes? My go-to stores are the usual...Lane Bryant and The Avenue. But also Macy's, Nordstroms, Old Navy, Talbots and Target.

Do you guys have any other suggestions for where to shop here in the US? I'm specifically looking for stores online.

Thanks in advance!

Should I just give in for the holidays?!?

I enjoyed myself WAY TOO MUCH this past weekend. I indulged greatly, the scale went back up, and now I'm considering taking a break from the "diet" for the entire holiday season!

Say what, you say!?!?

Okay, not for the entire holiday season, what about just the days I'm off work???

I'm behind on posting; I have lots of updates, but it sounds like perhaps I could use a fill for December, otherwise, I'll really be done in!

Someone else's wedding this time

Alex and I had such a blast last night. A close friend of Alex's got married at the Housingworks Bookstore Cafe in Soho last night. They both work in publishing (as do Alex and I), so the venue was a perfect choice for them. It was beautifully lit up and decorated, and what's even better is that Housingworks is a non-profit with mostly a volunteer staff, so by choosing that venue, 100% of the profits went to AIDS-related charities.

It was fun to get all dolled up, and to admire all the fancy dresses the other women were wearing. We forgot our camera, so we only got this one photo above with Alex's iphone, which is why it's a bit grainy. I haven't worn this dress in a long while, but it has an eventful history for me. The first time was for a Lincoln Center New York Film Festival Gala and the second was for a charity fundraiser at Sotheby's. These are the kinds of events that remind me why I love living in New York!

After a month-long plateau, it's finally coming off!

So I lost one more pound this morning. After not losing any weight for more than a month, this past week, I have lost 6 pounds! WOW!

This exercise thing is REALLY paying off. I went to the gym again after work last night, then decided to take the express train all the way home. That stop is further away, so I had to walk half a mile to get home. But i felt great about it.

So at this point, I have lost more than 15% of my body weight. I'm also 1/3 of the way to goal!

3 pounds to my next mini goal. That seems so doable now!

Boobs Ahoy!

So I sucked all my business into some spanx today that have always been WAY too small - the leggings-looking kind. At that point, I happily fit into my new sharp-looking Ralph Lauren pants that have been in my closet for a couple of years waiting to be worn. (I could've sworn they were an 18, but unfortunately only a 20).

I put on some high-heel boots and was feeling sharp. All day I was getting compliments, so I had a friend at work snap a pic of me to post here.

The first pic above I like. However, this second pic below shocked me!


Talk about boobs ahoy. All boobs all the time! I can't believe they look like that! I'm going to be on a mission soon to buy minimizer bras. And certainly another visit to Intimacy, the bra store, is in store.

Beyond the fact that I'm normally bigger on top anyway, when I lose weight, I lose it on the bottom faster, much faster. Then when I suck it all in on the bottom with a spanx, that reaallly shows how off-proportion I am! So now I need spanx on top too!

I actually tried a slimmer tank on top and looked like a smashed sausage. So instead, a minimizer bra will have to do!