Lobster Wine and the White Mountains

Well I have been a very bad little blogger. I have recieved a few complaints about my lack of postings and I digress. I have returned to the work force on a more permanent basis, so that is definitely contributing to my blog slacking. I promise to try and step it up!

Things have been going really well...overall. I hit 80 pounds today- just shy of 4 months post op. I will have to check my measurements on my 4 month anniversary in a few weeks. The weight loss has slowed down quite a bit though, so I am trying not to worry about it too much. My addiction to Oh Yeah peanutbutter cup protein bars could have something to do with this- but I hope not. I only have 1 a day but I feel like I am cheating every time. They are better than a twix bar! Seriously- pick one up at your nearest GNC or Vitamin Shop- you wont regret it! Loaded with protein and very low sugar.

As I was trying to think of a headline for this post, 3 things came to mind. We'll start with the lobster. Had Dan and family over for a pool party bbq and lobsters last weekend. We had so much fun. It was a beautiful day and so relaxing. I was so excited to try lobster and it was soooooo good. I thought I was ok but about an hour later I started getting that feeling. It wasn't pretty. It was a rough 4 hours- until I finally got rid of the 4 small bites that I had. It still boggles my mind.
It was a rough weekend because the night before I had a piece of cooked broccoli and got really sick from that too. Come to find out- broccoli is very hard to digest and one of the things to stay away from post-op. Who knew? I wish I had.

So I was very frustrated going into last week. Back to my scaredy cat basics. Everytime I have a set back like this I just go to yogurt, soup and protein icecream until I get the courage to try something again. Luckily I was feeling good by the time we left for the White Mountains for Labor Day weekend.

What an amazing time we had...we stay at the Mt View Grand and it is our absolute favorite family place. Nick had the time of his life and so did we. They have so much for kids to do. Nick loved visiting the baby animals in the petting barn, swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools, playing at the playground, watching Cars and Madagascar in the hotel movie theatre, and having afternoon apps and drinks on the porch. Every night they had a big campfire and we toasted marshmallows and made smores. It was just great.

We went to Santa's Village and Nick loved it- he went on all the rides and loved the rollercoaster so much he wouldnt get off! We had to take turns going on it over and over again with him! My inlaws were troopers- -even they went on it! It was pretty fast I must say!

Lew and I went mountain biking and ended up doing an 8 mile ride with major hills- I was dying at the end but feeling great that I was able to accomplish it. I would not have even gotten on a bike 80 pound ago that's for sure.

Instead of getting a spa treatment I worked out with the personal trainer there and got some great tips for doing toning at home with a resistance band. I also did a few water aerobics classes in the outdoor pool early morning and it was a glorious way to start the day.

Ran into some friends from highschool up there, Scot and Trisha Poitras. That was kind of funny. It was great to see them, but unfortunately they told us to go to the Lancaster Fair and that was a big waste of time and money! What a dump that was- $50 for all of us to get in and it was red neck city let me tell you. I think we lasted 20 minutes....it was creepy carni city.

Anyway overall it was a very good food weekend. It was my first experience away so I definitely learned that I should have been more prepared for next time. But I also intentionally did not overdo it with my bars and snacks because I wanted to challenge myself to try some new things while I was up there. The first night was the best, I had a few bites of my mother in laws eggplant rollatini which was amazing. I have to make that. It was sans pasta so perfect for me. I also had a cup of carrot ginger soup that was to die for. I had 1 bite of a loaded potato skin but that was a bit heavy. The next night was a big tough, I was starving for dinner because we had a tough time getting Nick to bed so Lew and I finally went to eat around 9pm. I made the very bad choice to eat a few bites of bread while waiting for my soup and then I couldnt eat the soup because I wasn't feeling good from the bread.
I ended up feeling lousy that night and had the foamies bad but I didnt throw up so that was good.

The big news is I tried my first drink since April and it was fine! I am glad I got it out of my system though because it didnt really do much for me. So I dont think I am missing much but it's nice to know I can have a glass if I want to.

On the way home we stopped in Littleton to take Nick to Chutters- his favorite huge candy store. I was so happy my favorite jewelry store was open- it was closed last time after a car plowed into the front of it. They renovated and it is better than ever. So I treated myself to 2 necklaces and they are gorgeous. Check out Sterling Works on Main st if you are up there- you will love it!

So overall I am feeling great and starting to exercise more although it's been tough with my new work schedule. Nick starts school next week so 2 mornings a week I will be able to hit it hard. I am still nervous about eating too many things and I wish I could have more variety especially fruits and veggies but I haven't been too brave about trying. Now that I work M-W-F I cant afford to try anything crazy on those days because I cant get sick at work. Maybe this weekend I will try a salad with these morningstar farms fake chicken strips I bought. I might get crazy who knows!?

It was tough a few times this weekend seeing all the amazing food and I really wanted stuff- like the pasta dishes and this turkey cranberry stuffing wrap. The cheeseburgers looked good too. But i survived and had some good stuff too. I really liked the cheese crackers and fruit platter so that was nice and the soups were good too. Speaking of which I have to go home and eat my Thai Butternut soup from the NE Soup Factory. So that's it for now. Did I mention my 2 friends at work Leslie and Beth got me a $50 gift certif there and it was soooo nice of them. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging, it really helps alot.

Ok I've had enough of the RNC for tonite- but of course I have to tune in for Sarah Palin's speech later- what a drama! I have dubbed Bristol and Levi the "first couple" and everyone at work it getting a kick out of it. Seriously- only in America does a moose hunting, moose eating, former tv sportscaster called the Barracuda become the VP nominee. What a story. I say good for her...McCain needs all the help he can get!