Lyn, Tami, and Stacey in NYC

[PhotoNut]

I know that some of you will be asking, "Where's that thread about our North Carolina b2g celebrities in New York City???" Well... I just got off the phone with Tami who called me to ask that we tuck that thread away for now. It seems that they were sharing information that needs to be kept "under wraps" until the release of the "end product". Sooo... while I have kept the thread, it is no longer visible to all.

Tami said that after the release, we can open the thread again, and then she and Stacey and Lyn will be able to share all of the details with you. They are, however, more than welcome to share all of the details about the fun they are having outside of the professional side of the trip. So, we can continue to get updates on their social activites here on this thread.

So, you'll find pictures and updates here.

[503-250]

So, without mentioning any reasons, here are some of the things I did last night.

I was kissed by two hot chicks at the same time while their husbands not only watched, but took pictures and asked to do it over and over to get a good photo....it was hell, but I endured.

I caught a sexy flying girl who wrapped her legs around me like a flying monkey....and again...her husband took pictures and smiled about it....what a country!

I carried that same sexy flying girl around on my back until gangster rappers driving by in a car asked to be next....not wanting to experience the "new guy in prison" ride...we quickly ran to my car and hid.

I had dinner with the funnest and best looking crowd that NY has ever seen.

I watched as a man tried to pull a bottle of wine from cleavage like Arthur pulling the sword from the stone.

I was hugged, kissed, squeezed and groped...and that was just from Kevin and Greg.

I rubbed ports (and several other things) with Stacey and Tami.

I gave the four of them the ride of their lives as they screamed and cheered and laughed. (oh...this was the drive back to the hotel...where a cabby reminded me my Scion is made of plastic)

I said goodbye...sadly and drove off into the NYC night with the sweet smell of hot girls still lingering in my car.

I was stuck in NYC for another hour working in a dark noisy colocation center by myself...and yet I was happy as a clam.

[PhotoNut]

Kind of a dull night for you then, eh Bear?

[503-250]

a slow monday

[PhotoNut]

Here is Bear's post from the Ultra Top Secret thread of doom that has now been placed in the archives with such info as Who Really Shot JFK and Area 51 Stories (as told by the Aliens).


I posted this in the NC thread, but I think a repost here is a must...sooo here's the recap (a quick one) of the evening.

LOL...I dropped the NC girls back at their hotel at about 11:30pm, I don't think we will be seeing them tonight. I brought my laptop with me for them to get online, but then monopolized their time with tons of chatter.

I can't tell you how much fun we had tonight. I can't imagine more then three at a time now tho, it's going to be insane. I met up with Lyn (and her new friend Duane who is a lapbander from San Antonio TX) at about 6:30pm and headed over to this wonderful Italian restaurant that I've been going to since I was a lil kid. Several hours and several drinks later, 9pm....We got Tami, Greg, Stacey and Kevin.

What a fantastic group of people to spend the night with. We ate and drank and mostly talked. Greg and Kevin are both good sports (having to sit back and watch their wives kiss up on a stranger) not to mention both a lot of fun! There are a ton of photos to be posted and some great stories were shared. I had so much fun that I hated the thought of ending the evening.

Lyn (and her new friend Duane) have a later start in the morning so they get to sleep in, Tami and Stacey will be up and running by about 5am. I will be trying to get back into the city tomorrow night so I can grab them up and run around a little more in NYC. I can't wait to see them again.

These three women are so stunningly beautiful it is amazing.
Stacey looks so much like Amy Pohler in person it's hysterical, she is totally beautiful, a little shy compared to her compatriots, but funny and warm...and hugs like she's never going to let go. She completely exudes this trusting loving friendship vibe and I wanted to take her home with me.

Tami does not look like she was ever overweight, she is tiny and athletic, I had a several "interesting" moments with her and was concerned before the end of the evening I would be catching a nice beating from her husband Greg (who thankfully has a great sense of humor and trusting heart). It never hurts to have a husband so..."OK honey...wrap your legs around Bear so I can take your picture"....I reluctantly agreed to take the photo...LOL

I was worried about Lyn at first, she is very classy and elegant I was sure I would come across like a vulgar jackass, but she has a fantastic sense of humor and wonderful charm that matched with her fantastic looks is a winning combination (I'm sure I still came across as a vulgar jackass, but she seemed to like it). She, like me, clearly chooses very negative self imagery. She described herself (completely incorrectly) as "the geezer" and Zoftig, I looked up Zoftig to make sure I had it right. Had she said Rubenesque, I might have let it go, but Zoftig is partially defined as "an abundance of flesh, overweight or fat". This woman is NONE of the above. She's shapely and beautiful and dresses impeccably well.

My wife is not going to be happy with the descriptions of the evening, beautiful women, legs wrapped around me, getting kissed and hugged, and I smell like women. Not in a bad way, it's like a lingering faint memory of their perfume and shampoo and soap. I feel like a giddy 14 yr old boy.

I can't wait for you all to see the pictures, the evening was sooooo great!

[MoOrLess]

wow - top secret - again, wow --- well it's a good thing we had Mr. Bear there to diffuse the situation - we wouldn't want things to get out of control in NYC now, would we? lol

[ginabobina]

Sounds so boring I don't hate I missed it at ALL :Cry: But I will console myself with thoughts of DC :neener:

Seriously, can't wait to see the pics and I am so glad y'all are having so much FUN!! Bear, your color commentary is the best :wink2:

[PhotoNut]

New York Times
July 15, 2008


Flying Monkey Attacks Bear


Witnesses looked on in disbelief, Monday evening, as a flying monkey swept across a local Italian restaurant and wrapped itself around the body of an unsuspecting bear who was enjoying a quite dinner with friends.


No one is sure what prompted the attack, but onlookers believe the monkey may have been trying to mate with the bear!


Authorities say the flying monkey had escaped the North Carolina zoo several days ago. It managed to elude capture, after being pulled from the dazed bear, and is still at large in NYC.


The bear is reported to be in stable condition, but doctors fear that the bear will never be the same.


If you see this monkey, do not attempt to approach or capture it. When last seen it was armed with a tennis racket and had a wild look in its eyes!


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[chrispygal]

Here is Bear's post from the Ultra Top Secret thread of doom that has now been placed in the archives with such info as Who Really Shot JFK and Area 51 Stories (as told by the Aliens).

Haha I LOVE it! I can't wait to see the pics!

["Just Jess"]

:hahalaff: TOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

bear - where are the pics?!

[Neal R.]

I am very jealous of all the PDA going on! LOL

[PhotoNut]

Live feed has been established.. updates are coming in!

Kevin and Stacey braving the streets of New York City

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Tami just called. They are all in Bear's car. Bear driving. I could hear lots of screaming coming from the passengers in the car and cursing coming from the taxi driver that Bear just took out. Everyone survived, although Tami's DH, Greg, might have sustained bruising on his leg from Tami's death grip.

More updates as they arrive...

[PhotoNut]

Um Stacey? *wolf whistle* That's one hot pink dress, babe!

[ladytonya]

Um, Tami's death grip? I've seen Tami's driving................ She could probably compete with most NYC cab drivers!

[PhotoNut]

Yeah, well she just called again. Bear is scaring the hell out of her. She said she actually screamed, and Kevin was screaming on the inside. *laughs* I reminded her of how she drives, and she said that Bear makes her driving look very tame. I've ridden with Tami too, so yeah.. I'll NOT be riding with Bear! LOL!

[PhotoNut]

Taken 3 minutes ago..

"We did our hair. Not sure why.. the windows are down." - Tami

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[Kim G]

Oh what fun! I so HATE that Bear isn't having much fun w/ our crazy NC girls. Bear there are always others. haha....

Can't wait to have you all back here safe and sound in NC!

Please keep us posted!!!!!

[PhotoNut]

Tami sent a short video from inside the car. I have it up on youtube but its really pixelated. Youre welcome to have a peek at it though...

Bear the Taxi Driver (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtgUrtYf-WQ)

[PhotoNut]

Going to dinner with Dawg. I'll post what they send me from their dinner, when I return.

[Neal R.]

Thanks for the updates Susan.

[Shellster]

Well...I for one and totally jealous! I'm green with envy...it's a good thing that that color works for me.

[ginabobina]

Well...I for one and totally jealous! I'm green with envy...it's a good thing that that color works for me.

me too - matches my eyes!

["Just Jess"]

Stacey --- HOT HOT HOT pink dress, girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow!!!

and Tami --- I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE your highlights!!!!!!!!!!

[brwneyedbeauty]

I'm super jealous too! ;-(

[SpookyJulz]

Sounds like an Absolutely fantastic time!!! Congrats ladies on your Celebrity Status and for capturing the heart of the infamous BEAR!!

Can't wait to see more pics....the video was fun but, all I could make out were sunglasses, beards, and Great Big Toothy Grins!!! LOL

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Great pictures you guys!!! Every one of you soooooooo deserves to be there... you're all A M A Z I N G !!

Bear.. you should be a reporter.. I felt like I was right there with you all.. :)

[PhotoNut]

Here's the latest picture sent by Tami, along with her text caption:

"Bear with our free calamari! The waiter made a mistake & gave it to us!"

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[bgrand]

Oh Looks like soooo much fun. Can't wait to hear the rest!

[ladytonya]

Okay, Bear is looking seriously hot! I have to stare at the calamari. I LOVE that stuff! The pics in the car are great. Glad ya'll are having fun! Can't wait to see more pictures.

[pageturner]

Hey Bear, I want to hang out with you!
Andrea

["Just Jess"]

oooooooo... bear, you're so cute!!! :)

[PhotoNut]

Just received this stunning picture from Tami....

"Tami & DH hiked the last 6 floors to the top of the Empire!"

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[ladytonya]

Wow! That's a beautiful picture! They keep showing live shots of the NYC skyline on the All-Star Game and every time I think of all ya'll running around up there. So much fun! Of course, if I were there, I would so be in Yankee Stadium right now! As of last night, there were still single tickets available. Some day I will be at an All Star Game!

[ginabobina]

ok that's it - we need a NYC g2g! Let's g2g it all over the country, descending upon city after city - mooo wahhh ha ha!

[PhotoNut]

I'm game!! Band Camp starts here next Wednesday. We'll start here in Boise! See you all here!! weeeee!

[MoOrLess]

Bear you are definitely one hot man! No more excuse-making anymore -- you're hot and you know it! and your picture proves it!

Love the picture of the Empire State Building - beautiful! and the ladies and their men look like they are having a blast!!!

[DebbieChoos]

I can't imagine more then three at a time now tho

amen brother, amen. Now you have gotten a taste of just what these girls are capable of.

I loved the car photo of Stacey, Tami and lots of laughter and hair. I had to laugh at the street picture of Stacey and Kevin, I've still never seen Kevin with pants on....

Poor Ralph, having to "put-up" with all this.... I can only imagine what the rest of his t-shirt says, i vote for "I see small people..."

Love you guys and like the rest I am just freaking jealous!! And green is NOT my color!

[503-250]

OK...so I posted a few other places, but here's the update (the it's 5am short version).

So, it's been a crazy week already and it's only Tuesday (going into Wednesday morning).

I have the NC chicas here (for a secret mission which P'Nut has informed us we mustn't talk about) and we have been having a blast. Monday we didn't do much moving around, I picked up Lyn (and her new friend Duane, I hope he joins, we need more good guys and he definitely is one) and headed over to a favorite little italian place for dinner. When Stacey and Tami (and their spouses....spousen? spousie? spice? I dunno...I was never good with plurals) arrived we had a fantastic dinner and learned that I used to work for Lyn husband's partner...so it's like we're related. Pictures were taken, wine was drank, food was eaten and we laughed like there was no tomorrow.

Tonight Lyn abandoned me (apparently the very Diva like Lyn was scared off by the big ol Bear) for Broadway, so I had the foursome for fun...Tami, Stacey, Kevin and Greg. We started off with a fun ride to the south street seaport, the screaming and screeching was unbearable...even the ladies got tired of poor Kevin's fears....I mean c'mon...I wasn't that close to those cars...sheesh. We arrived at the seaport for dinner, ate, drank, laughed and took about a million pictures. We left our waterfront table for the safety of my vehicle, Kevin continued screaming like he was on fire as we drove until we arrived safely at the Empire State Building. Our crazy flying monkey girl decided to grab Greg and run up the last six stories (132 steps for those of you wondering). Sites were seen, pictures were taken and we were once again off. We let the girls change (high heel shoes not meant for climbing stairs apparently) and off to Time Square. They tossed me away like the handouts we collected while trying to get into the building. They can't live long without me however....Tami left secret packages in my car to lure me back...oldest trick in the book.

I finally bid them a second farewell at about 12:30am and headed back off to work. A quick stop in NYC for some minor repairs on a server and off to Brooklyn to change IP addresses on 20 or so phones.

(this is a repost from the 888 challenge where I posted my insane weight loss totals!)

And now...for the pictures.

First Tami and Greg on the empire state building, then Stacey and Kevin on the empire state building...last but not least...this is the view we had of Kevin most of the night (when he wasn't SCREAMING because he's scared of cabs).

[503-250]

btw...the shirt does say I see small people, it was purchased a million years ago (9yrs according to Kevin) when the movie came out...I wore it in honor of my tiny guests. My delightful wife actually washed it and dried it so I could wear it today, I had worn in yesterday and it got a nasty dust smear on it so I changed. It didn't fit nine years ago when I got it, now it's too big (or that's what Tami and Stacey tell me anyway).

[chrispygal]

Beautiful pictures bear!!! Sounds like you all had so much fun, and I have to say that you sould like a GREAT host! And geez - doesn't Kevin know that part of the experience of being in NYC is the driving? The last time I was there I seriously asked the cab driver if he practiced by playing video games because literally there was no breaking, just turning. lol. Can't wait for more pics - keep 'em coming! :)

["Just Jess"]

fantastic story, bear!!! and great pics!!!!!!!!!!!

i just love these 2 girls and it sounds like they're having a BLAST!!!!!!!!!!! so sad i could be there to hang out! KEEP US UPDATED! i love it!

[Neal R.]

great pics and stories. Sounds so fun! Thanks Bear

[PhotoNut]

Some time in the wee hours of the morning.. it was still pitch black dark outside.. my phone rang. Dawg grumbled, 'Who the hell is that?" I picked up the phone and saw "Incoming call: Tami - b2g" I rolled my eyes and thought, "They're STILL out partying?" and that's all I remember.

This morning I picked up the phone and checked to see if I had been dreaming. Nope, there it was.. new voice-mail. "Hey!! I'm going to be on the Today show! Turn it on! And record it if you can!! Bye!!" A quick glance at the clock confirmed my suspicions. It wasn't in the middle of the night that Tami called, it was like 6am! She's nuts! LOL!

We did turn it on, and tried to watch for her. I had no way of recording. I even tried my cell phone which wouldn't let me turn on the camera because the memory was low. *grumble grumble* And now we have to get ready to take Dawg to the eye doc, so I cant keep watching for her. BIG BUMMER!

If anyone on the west coast sees this, watch for her on the Today Show (NBC).

I'm not sure I've ever met anyone with as much energy as Tami has! Does she ever wear down? lol

[chattykathywlc]

well I just saw this post...I am on the West Coast so I just turned it on, I hope I didnt miss her though. The show is on 7am-10am and its 8:45 now
I will let you know!
Woohooo Tami.
Kat

[Neal R.]

Wow, as in ON the Today show, or in the crowd at the Today show?

[MoOrLess]

Tami probably is ON the Today Show -- they do that quite a bit - wild as this seems to have come out of nowhere lol - but if anyone can land on the show it would be our energizer bunny Tami! (my sister was on there for weight loss a few months ago - so hip hip hooray if one of our bandster gals is on there now too)

did anyone catch it? can you get it up on youtube for all of us to watch if you did?

["Just Jess"]

oooooooooooooo - i SO hope someone taped it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Stitchy]

Wonderful reports. I'm a little late reading this as I am dry camping and can only get online when we run the generator.

[PhotoNut]

I think she was just planning on standing outside in the crowd.

The Today Show does have the first full hour online at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25703041#25704113

I -think- I saw her in the crowd, but it's like playing Where's Waldo, only it's Where's Tami? I think I spotted Tami at 26:19 of the video. Anyone concur??

[PhotoNut]

Here's what I could capture. Doesn't that look like her standing just to the right of the guy with the red t-shirt??

Watch Tami tell us it's not even her! *laughs* If it IS her, the poor thing didn't even get a full 30 seconds of fame! More like 3 seconds.

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[Neal R.]

It does resemble her. Good catch Susan. Can't wait to see if your right.

["Just Jess"]

omg - that is SO her!!!!!!!!! if not, it's her evil twin! hahaha

[ginabobina]

yeah i'd say that's our Tami or a real doppleganger!

[chattykathywlc]

That sure looks like her!
I watched the rest of it (after 8:45am) and didn't see her, but I bet thats her!
Way to go Tami!!
Kat

[503-250]

The hair looks really dark to be her, she has lighter hair and highlights...but the giant smile is right.

[brwneyedbeauty]

I cant wait to see if it was her??????? hmmmm??

[Kim G]

WOW go to bed and look at all of this. BEAR how cute are you! I knew the girls were cute because I see them all the time. How sad am I!

Ya'll send Kevin good/happy/healthy vibes. I talked to Stacey and they had to stay an extra night. Kevin isn't feeling well. Hopefully he is on the mend and all will be good for their flight tomorrow morning.

Now as for that being Tami....maybe....I am w/ Bear her hair looks kinda dark BUT the face does kinda look like it. Tami will have to tell us when she gets home and gets on here.

I can't wait to meet up w/ our girls and hear all about it. I think this calls for a special NC night out!!!!

[chrispygal]

OMG that is so hysterical! Tami in the crowd! I think it looks like her too.

[Shellster]

Somebody start planning...we need to do a welcome home dinner somewhere!

[bgrand]

The first picture kinda of looks like her but the last picture rules it out!!!

[PhotoNut]

The first picture kinda of looks like her but the last picture rules it out!!!
That was my thought too, Betty. It was hard to get good still shots from the video. If you look at the video though, and see her mannerism, I think it's even more convincing -- however, I'm not totally sold yet.

Tami, where are you??

So sorry to hear that Kevin isn't feeling well. I'm betting it was the car ride that did him in. Poor Kevin. Bear -- ya big meanie head! Scaring Kevin like that!

[little t]

First of all, that girl is my evil twin. I think Greg and I got to The Today show sometime after 8am. Did anyone else record it? My family was all at work when I finally got there. My only hope is that one of my west coast bandsters saw it!

[little t]

My two nights with the Bear were absolutely wonderful. Everything I could have dreamed them to be! He met all my expectations and more! Monday night, we did get to the restaurant quite late. Every single person that worked for the restaurant had a thick Italian accent or could not speak a single word of English! It was fabulous! It is true that I flew at Bear the moment I saw him and when we left the restaurant he gave me a piggyback ride to his car. There were some gangster looking guys in the car we walked past and they thought they would get their chance next, but there was no chance in H-E double hockey sticks!

Night two started earlier, so we had a chance to do a whole lot more! Stacey and I wanted to dress up, so we got in our dresses and heels. We went to dinner to a fishmarket place. I really wanted lobster, but I knew I would not be able to eat it all. The waiter was so nice and offered a half lobster! They cut it right down the middle! Pictures to follow. Kevin, Stacey's DH, has them all on his camera.

On Wednesday, Stacey, Kevin, Greg and I were supposed to leave the city for NC, but Kevin got very ill. The driver took the two of them back to the hotel for a good nights sleep. I have not heard from Stacey yet, so I am hoping they were able to get on a flight out today.

My trip was more than I could have hoped for! We had a lot of fun and we are starting to plan our reveal party! We are supposed to get a video and photos of what we created by the end of August. I am hoping that we get a copy before it comes out on the web so we can have a martini party and watch it all together!

[bgrand]

It sounds like a fabulous time, but what happened to Lyn???

[little t]

Lyn got to NYC on Sunday. Stacey and I did not see her until Monday. Monday night she went out with all of us and was hitting the wine bottle (pictures to follow)! After dinner, she caught a cab with her new friend Duane. On Tuesday, Lyn made plans from dusk to dawn with her NYC friends, so we did not see her all day. I got to our last "assignment" on Wednesday around noon and saw her very briefly. Her driver got there and she flew back to NC!

[Neal R.]

SOunds like an awesome time. THanks for the update and can't wait for the pics.

[PhotoNut]

Welcome home, Tami! So you have an evil twin.. thats funny! :)

Stacey? Are you and Kevin home again? How's Kevin feeling?

Lyn? How was shopping in NYC? How was the show? Are you home again, or did you choose to stay there?

[little t]

I'll bet Lyn is super busy! She met four random people whil in NYC that want to buy a house in her town! It just so happens that she is a realtor! And a good one at that!

[ginabobina]

Tami ROFL at your new avatar!! Stac - hope Kevin is well and you're home by now - so sorry he got sick!

[little t]

Just wait till the Bear sees it! I will have to remaina flying monkey for a bit till he sees it at least!

[stac1982]

We did get to fly out today. Kevin is much better. I got off the plane at 12:20 and I was at work at 1:30!!!! ARGHHHH! I will post more soon. It was such a great time. Kevin took a ton of pictures.

[little t]

I am so glad to hear you guys made it home safe!

[Neal R.]

Glad everyone is home safe and sound :)

[diva girl]

I'm back!

OMG...we had the BEST time. And will you all stop saying "Lyn's new friend, Duane"? My husband's going to get suspicious. Not to mention his wife. He and I filmed together, and one thing led to another...same old story...strange town...two strangers...OK...JUST KIDDING. (he's definitely going to join us here on the site -he's a great guy)

I have so many things to tell you and tons of pictures to share. I'm sending the pix on to Susan, who can post which ones she thinks are good, ok?

I'm in love with Ralph. I just wanted to go on record with that.

Lyn

[PhotoNut]

Lyn had posted an update on the other thread while she was still in NYC. I moved Bear's post over here to this thread, and forgot to do the same for Lyn. Sorry Lyn! Here are those posts (edited only a tiny bit).

Tuesday morning, July 15, 2008


(I'm in the "Club" of this hotel and using their internet - It's my day off - lucky me!)

Oh Bear, you sly dog. You are the MAN! He treated us to dinner last night! Can you believe it? So...now we owe him big time. I wonder how he'll collect?

You can't believe how good looking this guy is. Deep dark huge brown eyes to get lost in. A warm laugh and hysterical sense of humor. I was in love at the first moment.

"My new friend Duane" is a sweetie from Texas, who's lost 105 pounds. Unless we lost him last night, I think he'll be a new band2gether guy. We also met Arlene on the shoot. She's the most bubbly beautiful dimpled Californian you'd ever want to meet. You'll see her on the film and fall in love as we did.

Well, yesterday was the most amazing experience. When I return I'll post pix, of course. What a production. Tami and Stacey arrived yesterday afternoon and proceeded to spend HOURS sitting around and waiting for wardrobe approval. They finally arrived at Bear's Italian restaurant (where I'm sure he and Debbie met at some point - a kind of badabing place), where we had an utterly fantastic meal. Bear and I split some Veal Scallopine which was simply marvelous. The poor waiter couldn't get over all of these adults splitting these tiny portions. Not your typical patrons, that's for sure. And Bear had such connections there, that the owner of the place sent over two bottles of wine! (this after my once a year martini - whew - glad I got to sleep in this morning). What a delightful evening. "I could have danced all night"

But I'm going on and on, when I should be out and enjoying the city. Today I've decided to go to Museum of Modern Art and find a gift for Bear and DW. Then I'm going to do some serious shopping. I'm meeting my old college roommate this afternoon and I get to watch her audition for a Broadway show! Isn't that the coolest? We're then going to have some drinks and dinner and then I'm going to my own Broadway show (Toni award winning "August Osage County" Can't wait). Sounds pretty much like the perfect day.

Wow.

[ginabobina]

I'm back!

OMG...we had the BEST time. And will you all stop saying "Lyn's new friend, Duane"? My husband's going to get suspicious. Not to mention his wife. He and I filmed together, and one thing led to another...same old story...strange town...two strangers...OK...JUST KIDDING. (he's definitely going to join us here on the site -he's a great guy)

I have so many things to tell you and tons of pictures to share. I'm sending the pix on to Susan, who can post which ones she thinks are good, ok?

I'm in love with Ralph. I just wanted to go on record with that.

Lyn

thanks for the clarification... I kept thinking, huh... thought she was married! :eyerub:ah the power of the written word - have to be careful what we type around here - lol!

So glad you are all home safe and sound and that Kevin is feeling better - that is awful to get sick while traveling - bummer.

Can't wait to see pics and Tami, I love the idea of a reveal party - sign me up! I have an idea about it I'll PM you about:wink2:

[diva girl]

Thanks, Gina....I kept wondering what they were referring to! I mean if I were going to have an affair in NYC, it would be with one of the shirtless guys standing in front of Abercrombie and Finch (but more on that later)

Here are some pix to show you!

#1 Four lapbandits

#2 Ralph getting smooched

#3 Ralph and Lyn (with incredibly flat hair, which she was had been rained on extensively that day - but never mind)

[diva girl]

Here are 3 more! (things seem to be getting a little rowdy)

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

All the pics on this thread are awesome !!! Thanks to all for sharing your marvelous time with us. And thanks to P'Nut for getting them posted.

[diva girl]

Stacey and I had a good laugh which we can talk about later. And the girls had a great time with their Darling Husbands (who also stole my heart - they were SUCH fun and were unbelievably great sports)

[PhotoNut]

Now that's what I've been waiting for! What wonderful pictures of wonderful people! Thanks for sharing them with us, Lyn!

[diva girl]

Ok...so I got a day off and it was amazing. I really lucked out on the scheduling of things!

The Museum of Modern Art AND the Frick were closed, so....what's a girl to do? GO SHOPPING! And off I went to Fifth Avenue. When I arrived at 57th and 5th, within the first block, I saw the following stores: Tiffany's, Harry Winston's, Armani, Prada, Versace, Cartier, Fendi and I can't remember what all. I was in heaven.

I wandered down the street and casually strolled into Henri Bendel's. I saw some colorful and cute hair accessories. I had read where headbands were making a comeback....SO....I pick one up. It was EIGHTY TWO dollars. Just a head band. No diamonds or rubies, that I could see.

So.....I strolled further down the street and what do I see? Two gorgeous men stripped to the waist, standing out in front of Abercromies. And then I look in the door, and there were two more hunks standing in there with smoke blowing all over them! I almost fainted dead away. So....I came out of that store an hour or two later. La de dah de dah de dah.

I was determined to buy one article of something in NYC. So I went into Saks, which had a huge sign in it's window "Seventy Five Percent Off". Now we're talking. I wandered through rack after rack of designer clothing, which even with 75% off were INCREDIBLY expensive. (like $150 for a flimsy little t-shirt). I thought to myself...."there must be a floor upstairs for regular people like me". Off I went to the fourth floor. The sign that greeted me at the top of the escalator? "Haute Couture/Designer Floor". REALLY? What was the floor below? K-Mart? I just kept walking, found the down escalator and headed to Bloomingdales.

Once there, I finally found a cute Calvin Klein sweater - $36.50. Ahhhhhhhhhh. Got my NYC article of clothing and headed back to the safety of my hotel. So much for shopping in NY.

NY is intense. The noise level is incredible. I just loved it.

Walking is a sport. There seemed to be about 250 people milling about at every single cross walk. It was astounding. The idea in NYC is to keep moving without ever having to stop. People completely and totally ignore crosswalk signs and scoff at you if you stop. I got right into that rhythm of that and felt like an expert by the time I left.

Driving (as Ralph mentioned above) is death defying. As you bullet across town in a taxi, you're thrown around in the back seat like a bee bee in a bowling alley. But cab drivers are incredibly chatty and interesting. I loved talking with them.

Ok...I've gone on and on long enough.

[diva girl]

Ask Ralph about "dirty water dogs" and the "Karen Horney Institute for Female Sexual Dysfunction"

[PhotoNut]

Ok...I've gone on and on long enough.
No you haven't! I'm loving it! More details, more details! Back up to um.. oh, say... Abercromies? Yeah, that will do. :sun_smiley:

[PhotoNut]

Ask Ralph about "dirty water dogs" and the "Karen Horney Institute for Female Sexual Dysfunction"
Ralph.... ?

[Neal R.]

Great pictures and stories. Keep them coming :)

[redgrldj]

No you haven't! I'm loving it! More details, more details! Back up to um.. oh, say... Abercromies? Yeah, that will do. :sun_smiley:


Abercrombies hires only a certain body type for their "boys".. i will be in one tomorrow and will take some pics to share LOL...

[bgrand]

Everyone looks wonderful. Can't wait to see more and hear more.

[ginabobina]

love the pics!!! what fun!

[little t]

So I only have one picture to share right now since I have to run back to the airport to pick up my cousin. This has got to be my favorite:
6183
I am a flying monkey after all!

[ginabobina]

that picture is PRICELESS!! lol!

[bgrand]

Bear is smiling but looks scared Tami.!!!!

["Just Jess"]

FANTASTIC PICTURES!!!!!!!!!! thanks for sharing. you made me smile!! :)

[TwinMom]

I just have to tell you all that I stopped at Bed, Bath & Beyond today on my way home from work (had to use the coupon, you know) and up at the check out was this display of what ???

FLYING MONKEYS !!! I just couldn't believe it.

Then I thought , I should get one of these each for Tami & Bear. Then, i thought , this is crazy ! You really don't even know these people! You can't send it to them -- you don't even know their names /addresses.

Isn't it funny how we come to really connect with these online buddies -so much so that they pop into your daily events - and for me, after only a month of reading the posts ! That just proves how great this website is -- and how great the people are !!!

Thanks so much to Tami, Lyn, Stacey & Bear for sharing the NYC adventure. It is just great you can celebrate your success with the world.

And no....no on is rambling on too much . I am with Susan... Tell us more ! And post more fun pics !!

And...where are the pictures of the 1/2 naked guys at Ambercrombie ?? We need pics of that too, don't we??

[MoOrLess]

ROFL....on that last pic especially! I loved loved loved reading everyone's posts and seeing all of the pictures -- I "almost" felt like I was there....

[chrispygal]

The pics are so great, and I can't wait to see more! I may be sappy today or something, but I'm getting all emotional seeing you all together. We are so lucky to have such wonderful people here at b2g!

[little t]

I was talking to someone while in NYC that meets a lot of bandsters. She kept saying how nice and funny we all are! I thought about it, and told her that when we were big, we had to overcompensate with our humor and be super nice to be accepted by the world. Now that we have all lost weight, we are still playing the same old game of niceness and hillarity! I am personally thankful that I spent 10 years being so heavy! It sounds odd, but it made me who I am today!

[PhotoNut]

Wow, Tami. I've been thinking the same thing. I started to mention it a couple of times, but I wasn't sure how others would take it. It's true tho! It's not without reason that overweight people have been stereotyped as being "jolly" and you hit the nail on the head. Bring together a few thousand happy, funny, "jolly" people and you're bound to have a good time! :)

Chris, I got emotional too. I always do when I see friends who have met on b2g getting together like this. What is so amazing is that when we do get a chance to meet in "real life" it's like we have been best friends for years. And, I guess we have!

TwinMom, you'd be surprised at how many of us do exactly what you did! Think of a friend on line and want to send them something special. Joyce has organized many gift exchanges over the last couple of years, and through sharing special gifts with one another many of us have been so blessed - on the giving and receiving ends!

So... where are Kevin's pictures? Surely he has them up on line by now! (Glad you're feeling better Kevin! *hugs* )

[DebbieChoos]

Like everyone else I am nothing but jealous. You guys look like you had a ball, can't wait to see more pictures.

[diva girl]

And Debbie....I owe it all to you. Thanks for putting in the good word with your NJ "contacts" (bada-bing).

I wish I'd taken pix of those half-naked boys - but, alas - I didn't want to be the biggest goober in NYC. I acted as if I saw them every day. *sigh*

[ginabobina]

Bring together a few thousand happy, funny, "jolly" people and you're bound to have a good time! :)

.... What is so amazing is that when we do get a chance to meet in "real life" it's like we have been best friends for years. And, I guess we have!

Ya know, I've thought about this too because it really does feel like such an INSTANT connection forms between some of us. I know it's a very different journey for everyone and some of us are heavier and for longer when we get our Band to begin the journey. BUT, for the most part, if we have a Band, that means we have been through the pain of being obese (or super morbidly obese, which to me sounds like "you're going to die any second obese!")

It is painful, literally and figuratively. We have been laughed at, pointed at, touched by strangers' children, cried in the closet because nothing would fit, gotten happy over ugly clothes because they did fit, spent years doing the same two things upon entering any restaurant... check for booth/chairs with arms and avoid & make an exit strategy for getting ourselves back out of there, enjoyed the short term success of a diet, suffered the heartbreak of rebound weight gain, questioned our sanity, our worth, our purpose, wondered how long we would live, tried not to see the shock in the eyes of friends or family who had not seen us for a while, noting how much we had gained again, been stereotyped, .... the list could go on and on. Read that one more time. No, it's not the same as literally being in a WWII foxhole but we HAVE been through a deep suffering that has bonded us before we even meet... when we come together, connections happen fast and as I sit back and watch, it is interesting to see that process... not everyone feels a pull towards everyone else but we all fit in here somewhere and I think a lot has to do with the commonality of our individual experiences. The bonds formed through shared suffering are STRONG! And when we get to meet in person... we already know each other like long-lost friends... so cool!!

["Just Jess"]

wow ---- gina. that was PROFOUND to me!!!!!!!!!!!!! girl, i am choked up!

you hit the nail on the head... perfect! just perfect!

[PhotoNut]

Hm.. well I thought it was just because we're all such cool people. :wink2:

Seriously tho... I agree, Jess. That was profound. I read it, re-read it, went away to something else, came back and re-read it again, and I was still too touched for words. Wonderful job of putting what we all feel into words, Gina.

Awwww.... group hug! :grouphug:

[little t]

See, I knew Gina would be able to put it much better! I agree whole-heartedly!

[Stitchy]

Gina, what incredible insight. And to be able not only to think it, but to be able to put it down into words.,

Kudos to you.

[SpookyJulz]

Ladies you all look absolutely stunning, happy, and full of lots of fun!!
Ralph you are adorable!! It has been a real pleasure looking at the pics and reading the stories. Thanks for sharing your visit with all of us!

[Liberty]

Thank you all for sharing this trip to NYC with us! See you all having such a great time together is such fun.

Gina you said so well. Thank you.

[Tricia K.]

I'm so glad that you all had such a great time in NYC!!

Gina, I agree...very thought-provoking!

[MoOrLess]

AMEN Gina.

[DebbieChoos]

Gina, this is why I love you and am so glad that we are friends.

[SheryBery]

Perfectly said Gina....thank you.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Gina.. I read your post over and over again.. I read it to Max .. his eyes said everything.. you have such a way with words.. you're amazing!!

I totally agree with everyone.. this trip was more than a 'lap band' trip.. it was about connecting with people on a level that only obese people would understand. Thank you to Tami, Lyn, Stacy and Ralph (and the spouses too) for getting together and also for spreading the word about B2G. This truly is a bond that can not be broken.

[diva girl]

Amen, sister. You said it perfectly. We are so lucky to have found eachother. We have an instant bond - we can honestly say to eachother "I've been there" and believe it.

I showed some friends the pictures today and one gal said of Ralph..."He's cute! In a 'bear' kind of way". I swear...she said that.

[brwneyedbeauty]

"wow" Gina I don't think I could of said it any better. Amazing Thank you!

[Dr.A]

So I only have one picture to share right now since I have to run back to the airport to pick up my cousin. This has got to be my favorite:
6183
I am a flying monkey after all!
What an adorable picture!! And what an awesome trip for all of you!
It took me a while to read this thread and it is WONDERFUL!!!

Bear you look as handsome and as sweet as I had imagined!!

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks for sharing guys, I love visiting this thread!!

[Dr.A]

Everyone here is SOOOOOOOOOOOO AMAZING!!!

I am so glad to be part of b2g!!!


OXOXOXO

[Kim G]

Wow I missed so much. The pictures are great!!! What fun!!!!! Lyn you look great as always. Ralph just handsome! Tami and Stacey you know how I feel about the two of you. You both look great!

Gina OMG girl....you know it's funny because I have some very close connections from the this place. Ones that will never go away....You couldn't have said it better. Love ya girl!

[newlifeat57]

....I think a lot has to do with the commonality of our individual experiences. The bonds formed through shared suffering are STRONG! And when we get to meet in person... we already know each other like long-lost friends... so cool!!

Gina girl, you said it all!! You are profoundly accurate in your description of what many have experienced. Though I have never met any of you, you are all in my thoughts. I love the time I spend on this site. I hope to meet you all someday.


Ladies you all look absolutely stunning, happy, and full of lots of fun!!
Ralph you are adorable!! It has been a real pleasure looking at the pics and reading the stories. Thanks for sharing your visit with all of us!

Julz, :iagree: with you. They all look as if they are having a grand time. Ralph (aka bear) you are a cutie!!! Ladies you all look absotively, posolutely gorgeous!!!

Thank you all for sharing your wonderful experince with us. Keep it coming!!! This is fun.

[PhotoNut]

Tami, I adore that picture of you and Bear!! Im thinking of framing it! :)

[ginabobina]

OK now I'M tearing up!! for a wannabe writer, to hear that something I write is well-written and touching is the best compliment ever!! Thanks - you guys are just the BEST!!

[MoOrLess]

wannabe writer - ha! you ARE a writer, my dear - and a heck of a good one, at that!!!

[503-250]

I am truly speechless, I loved every minute I spent with these girls...I can't tell you how much fun they are, how beautiful and warm and wonderful they are...I sincerely get emotional seeing the picture of me and Tami...we were having a great time, she was hysterical laughing...slipping off my back and holding on as tight as she could.

Now to show you the mix of emotions, she and I were laughing hysterically, her husband was taking pictures and I was sad because I am still too wide for this poor little girl to hang on to.....That was one wide horse for such a little girl.

It was weird enough the first night, it felt like we had so little time to spend together, I felt like I was missing out on a party. They got to go inside together and I went back to work alone...it was very isolating. I never even got the chance to say goodbye to Lyn, she and Duane disappeared into the night (and hotel) before I even had the chance to say goodbye.

The next night was sooo much fun, we ran around and joked around. I felt weird letting them go at the end of the night, like I wouldn't see them for a long time. I hugged all of them (yes Kevin and Greg too!) and I didn't want to let go (of the girls...the guys were great and all, but it would have gotten weird).

I kissed poor Stacey's ear. She's so wonderful, loving and sincere....you look into her eyes and you are sure she would take care of you and make sure you are safe. Too bad that rat Kevin has removed her from the pool of available ladies. He's a lucky man and should really lock himself to her to make sure she doesn't get away. (even if she walks barefoot in the empire state building).

Every time I hugged Tami I picked her up, it's a very strange thought to pick up and carry around someone who needed a lapband. She is sooo small and so energetic (she climbed the last six flights of stairs to the top of the empire state bldg) when you hug her it's almost like getting an electric jolt. Her energy and joy are infectious, you can feel yourself being recharged when you squeeze her. She smiles all the time and she makes you want to steal her and run off with her. Why did Greg have to be so nice and funny, if he was a bastard she would be tied up in my trunk right now.....I mean...not tied up...that's just weird...but you know...she would be willingly kidnapped and held happily hostage.

I've read this back a few times, and it's a little...you know...sappy...but that's ok, it's sincere and I mean every bit of it. I miss them all dearly and I feel like my best friends have moved away.

[Neal R.]

Bear. It is sappy and thats a great side to see from you. You can tell it is very genuine. Make me need to met everyone. Thanks for your story.

[brwneyedbeauty]

Bear your writing makes us feel like we are there with you...I love it! Thanks for sharing.

["Just Jess"]

awwwwwwwwwww.. very sweet, bear. and i agree - you are sincere and genuine and that is why we all love you.

i've had the wonderful opportunity to spend the weekend with stacey, tami, and lyn - and can affirm - they truly are such special women! i even had the extra special opportunity to hang with stacey and kevin before all the G2G craziness began bc she was kind enough to pick me up from the airport!! so, i understand what you mean when you say you feel sad that your best friends have moved away - that's how i felt saying good bye and leaving the G2G :sad: when we did............

so glad that you all had a chance to meet and hang out though!!! :) thanks for sharing!

["Just Jess"]

OK now I'M tearing up!! for a wannabe writer, to hear that something I write is well-written and touching is the best compliment ever!! Thanks - you guys are just the BEST!!

honey, you're not "wannabe" anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you ARE a writer, girl! and a GOOD one, at that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[little t]

Bear, thanks a lot. I am at work on a God forbidden Saturday, laughing and tearing up all at the same time! You know how much I adore you! If your wife was a cruel hag that was not incredibly beautiful and hillarious and my husband was a wife beater, I would gladly run away with you! I also felt like our time together was cut to short. But I focused on the fact that I will see you in a very short time!

You are so sweet to say such kind words about me! So you thought it was odd to pick up a girl that needed a lapband? Get in my shoes! It is SOOOO strange for me to have people pick me up! I never would have thought anyone could pick me up and if someone had to pick me up, I would be concerned for their ability to balance and the strength of their back! Now, I have my sweet Bear to pick me up and I got on the back of a motorcycle the other day and the guy told me I was a little bird on the back of the bike! Now that is an NSV! WOO HOO!

Ya know, we really need each other on this site on so many levels. We boost each others confidence, support in times of trial and understand COMPLETELY when you are just starting out on your journey. Thank you so much to our beloved P'Nut for starting this community!

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

Thanks to all for the insite into some of the emotions of your incredible 2g2 ,,, I've totally enjoyed your experience vicariously. Makes me so proud to be a part of this wonderful family ,,,

[diva girl]

Awwww, Bear. You are the BEST. And sappy? That's a good thing, you know? Sappy is good.

"They got to go inside together and I went back to work alone...it was very isolating. I never even got the chance to say goodbye to Lyn, she and Duane disappeared into the night (and hotel) before I even had the chance to say goodbye."

I'd like to go on record here and say that "my new friend Duane" and I had NOTHING going on. In fact, my darling husband looks like an older version of BEAR! So if I were going to have a fling, it would be with Bear, not Duane. (so beware, Bear). Seriously, DH and I will be in NYC this coming year to see our friend in "Wicked" (he's doing the part of The Wizard for the next year), so this time we will treat YOU to dinner - sound like a good plan? Maybe we'll meet the mysterious and wonderful DW of Bear?

It was amazing working with Stacey and Tami (although I didn't get to film with them). And their DH's are beyond the cutest. These girls are SO MUCH FUN. What is it about us lap banders? We seem to want to seize the moment, you know? Anyway, it's an experience I will NEVER forget, due in large part to Tami, Stacey and Ralph.

Uh Oh...I'm getting sappy too.

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

Sappy works !!

[stac1982]

Hey everyone! I am so sorry to have not posted too much on here. It is not that I don't want to share with y'all (in fact quite the opposite! I want to tell everything, but unfortunately we have to keep quiet about some stuff)!

First and foremost . .. thank you so much Ralph for those sweet words! No problem about kissing my ear! I loved it!!! NEENER NEENER NEENER I got a kiss from Ralph. (Sorry had to go back to 1st grade on that!) It is amazing that you could tell all that about me. I am such a nurturer. Kevin is lucky to have me, but I am just as lucky to have him. He is a great guy. He was so focused on me having a good time in NYC (until he got sick and I had to take care of him!) And yes I did take my shoes off and walk around while waiting at the Empire States building. The floor looked really clean at that point. So I was giving my piggies a rest. A little later I looked at my feet and they were nasty!!! Lucky for me, Ralph had wipes in his bag and saved me from tape worm!!!

It was so much fun getting to meet you Ralph! You are everything I thought you were and more! (even though I saw my life flash in front of my eyes more than once while ridding in your car)

Kevin is working on the pictures. He took a lot! Being gone all week he is trying to catch up and recover from being ill, but I think by the end of the weekend he will get them up for everyone.

[Dr.A]

Sappy is good!!!! tears rolling down cheek.... Have not met anyone but Terri and Neal and they are wonderful!! It's amazing how much we can grow to like and care for one another on this board... we really are a family!!!

Love you all!

[PhotoNut]

Damn it, you all have me crying again.

Silly sappy fools.

I love you guys.

[Dr.A]

Sappy is good!!!! tears rolling down cheek.... Have not met anyone but Terri and Neal and they are wonderful!! It's amazing how much we can grow to like and care for one another on this board... we really are a family!!!
HAd met Vikki but I don't think she is around...

Love you all!

[MoOrLess]

I agree with everyone else -- "sappy" is GOOD!!!! at least when it comes to our family of bandsters!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

I just loved reading about the NY adventure you all had together. It really proves that even tho some of us have met in person from being online.. there are trustworthy and very genuine people out there. I truly loved meeting Tami when she was here in June. It's just too bad we couldn't do more than breakfast.. I tend to be a little shy when I first meet someone, but after I have some time around them.. WATCH OUT.. lol My personality can and has gotten me in trouble (just a tad) lol

Anyway... I can't wait to meet with Mo and Judy in August.. and hopefully someday.. I'd love to meet other people too.. I'm so glad I found this amazing supportive site.

Thanks again to Susan and Dawg for creating a safe haven for us.

[afisher4band]

Gina... I knew that you were very supportive but your words have blessed me today! Maybe you need to be a motiv. speaker with Dr. V's staff or just for the band. You will bw next to go to NYC!!!!

[stac1982]

So, Kevin got some of the pictures uploaded. Here is the flicker link http://flickr.com/photos/kevinold/collections/72157606276289061/

Some of the pictures of us on the set, we are not posting yet because of the request to keep some of the details low key for the time being. Once everything is produced, hopefully we can post those too.

I have chosen a few pics to post on here from flicker in case people don't want to go there.

[stac1982]

Here are a few of us meeting Ralph for the first time. Can you tell we were just a little excited?

[stac1982]

Here is one our favorites! Ralph getting smooches from both me and Tami. And yes our DHs were there. They knew they couldn't compete with Bear at that point!

[stac1982]

Here are a couple of group shots from dinner

[stac1982]

Tami and I sharing one of the best deserts ever and Ralph for that matter! Bless his heart, he had to set in between us all through dinner! And Lyn trying to take the bottle of wine home!

[stac1982]

I will post some more later.

["Just Jess"]

thanks for sharing, stacey and kevin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I can't wait to go through all your flickr photos!!!!

[chrispygal]

What great pics Stacey! I love NYC, and just love Times Square! I'm so glad you guys had this opportunity and I can't wait to hear more about the shoot. :)

[bgrand]

I love these pics!!!!!!!

[brwneyedbeauty]

ditto that!

[MoOrLess]

So, Kevin got some of the pictures uploaded. Here is the flicker link http://flickr.com/photos/kevinold/collections/72157606276289061/

Some of the pictures of us on the set, we are not posting yet because of the request to keep some of the details low key for the time being. Once everything is produced, hopefully we can post those too.

I have chosen a few pics to post on here from flicker in case people don't want to go there.

Stacey and Kevin - THANK YOU for all the awesome pictures on flickr -- imagine when we can see them ALL!!! I felt like I was there - watching Tami jump on Bear's back, and Stacey loving all the sites! and of course Lyn trying to steal that bottle of wine lol.....oh how I wish I could have been there with all of you - it was a blast, for sure!

[newlifeat57]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures. It was great to see everyone having so much fun. Thanks a bunch.

[little t]

Give Kevin a big ol hug from me! The pictures turned out great!

[little t]

This has got to be one of my favorite pictures! One moment before I catapult myself onto Ralph! Look at the expression on my face!

[A1ikou]

WOW! great pics and can I just say bear...looking good in all the pics but in this one in particular boy do you look skinny!

[JoyceGA]

I can't believe I have just found this thread today!!

Gina and Ralph, both of you are writers and very talented with the voice you give our emotions.

The pictures are a hoot. I love NYC and wish I could have been there with y'all. Ralph, one day soon, I'm coming to visit.

One question: Where was Ralph's wife???

[brwneyedbeauty]

woohoo ride um cowboy (bear) yee haw! ;-) getty up bear!

[Dr.A]

Wonderful pictures...thanks!!!

[little t]

Ralph's wife had a sinus infection, so she didn't think she would be able to take all three of us at once! That is Stacey, Lyn and myself!

[JoyceGA]

{COUGH}

Why isn't this thread under the regional B2G G2Gers???

[diva girl]

Stacey, tell Kevin how GREAT those pictures are! The one of you two in front of the Brooklyn Bridge is Christmas card material, if I ever saw it. Fabulous. You look absolutely amazing. And the pix of Tami launching herself onto Ralph is just priceless.

Gosh...I miss you guys.

[503-250]

I like that we chose to test the flying monkey at the top of the stairs...I am also clipping some interesting sites from the images I stole from Kevin's flickr site.

[503-250]

OK...here we go.

1. Check out the look in that girls eyes just before she launched the flying monkey!
2. No one noticed me grabbing Stacey's ass just prior to the impact...not even her husband who took the picture.
3. I love this picture.

[JDru]

Ugh...I don't think I could be more jealous. :( I love all of these pictures!! Wish I could have been there...

[chrispygal]

Bear you crack me up! lol

[stac1982]

Oh the details I didn't even notice!

[little t]

I like that we chose to test the flying monkey at the top of the stairs...
Good point! I guess I was just a wee bit excited to see you! I guess you can tell that from the look on my face!

I too love that picture!

[Txblue_eyedqt]

That is AWESOME you guys!!
You all are so lucky get to meet Bear, visit NYC, and be in a video....How wonderful is that.

[ladytonya]

Wow! What amazing pictures! I looks like you guys had an awesome time. I love the pics from the Empire State Building! Beautiful photography as usual, Kevin!

In addition to the fact that it looks like ya'll had a great time, you all LOOK AMAXING! Stacey, that pink dress is hot! WTG! Can't wait to hear more details of the shoot when ya'll can share.

[Rini]

Ok...so I got a day off and it was amazing. I really lucked out on the scheduling of things!

The Museum of Modern Art AND the Frick were closed, so....what's a girl to do? GO SHOPPING! And off I went to Fifth Avenue. When I arrived at 57th and 5th, within the first block, I saw the following stores: Tiffany's, Harry Winston's, Armani, Prada, Versace, Cartier, Fendi and I can't remember what all. I was in heaven.

I wandered down the street and casually strolled into Henri Bendel's. I saw some colorful and cute hair accessories. I had read where headbands were making a comeback....SO....I pick one up. It was EIGHTY TWO dollars. Just a head band. No diamonds or rubies, that I could see.

So.....I strolled further down the street and what do I see? Two gorgeous men stripped to the waist, standing out in front of Abercromies. And then I look in the door, and there were two more hunks standing in there with smoke blowing all over them! I almost fainted dead away. So....I came out of that store an hour or two later. La de dah de dah de dah.

I was determined to buy one article of something in NYC. So I went into Saks, which had a huge sign in it's window "Seventy Five Percent Off". Now we're talking. I wandered through rack after rack of designer clothing, which even with 75% off were INCREDIBLY expensive. (like $150 for a flimsy little t-shirt). I thought to myself...."there must be a floor upstairs for regular people like me". Off I went to the fourth floor. The sign that greeted me at the top of the escalator? "Haute Couture/Designer Floor". REALLY? What was the floor below? K-Mart? I just kept walking, found the down escalator and headed to Bloomingdales.

Once there, I finally found a cute Calvin Klein sweater - $36.50. Ahhhhhhhhhh. Got my NYC article of clothing and headed back to the safety of my hotel. So much for shopping in NY.

NY is intense. The noise level is incredible. I just loved it.

Walking is a sport. There seemed to be about 250 people milling about at every single cross walk. It was astounding. The idea in NYC is to keep moving without ever having to stop. People completely and totally ignore crosswalk signs and scoff at you if you stop. I got right into that rhythm of that and felt like an expert by the time I left.

Driving (as Ralph mentioned above) is death defying. As you bullet across town in a taxi, you're thrown around in the back seat like a bee bee in a bowling alley. But cab drivers are incredibly chatty and interesting. I loved talking with them.

Ok...I've gone on and on long enough.

Just caught this and wanted to comment that as a "native" New Yorker I'm astounded by how out of towners describe the hustle and bustle of our city. NYC is truly a remarkable city. I especially love the part about the crosswalks. Yeah jaywalking is against the law but no one can enforce it so we just keep moving. My husband is particulary adept at zig zagging around people. :crazy:

[Rini]

OK...here we go.

1. Check out the look in that girls eyes just before she launched the flying monkey!
2. No one noticed me grabbing Stacey's ass just prior to the impact...not even her husband who took the picture.
3. I love this picture.

You guys are soooooooo cute!!!

[newlifeat57]

That is AWESOME you guys!!
You all are so lucky get to meet Bear, visit NYC, and be in a video....How wonderful is that.

:iagree: with you Txblue_eye. You NC and NYC people are a hoot!! Wish I could have been there, too! Thanks for sharing your fun time in NYC.

[diva girl]

Ralph...you crack me up.

Here's a pix of two gifts I received from my fellow Divas (Tami and Stacey). Aren't they the best?

[MoOrLess]

Aw - I love your presents -- they are so YOU! :)

[stac1982]

Tami and I were so excited when we saw those ornaments. We got one for ourselves too! I love that we will remember our fun trip every year when we see those ornaments. I always make sure to get one when I go some where and then every Christmas I think about those memories. I can't wait to hang mine on my tree this year!

[chrispygal]

That is great!! Stacey i do the same thing with ornaments, and it is a great way to relive some fun times. :)

[little t]

I just got the pictures off my camera and onto my computer. Here are some of the highlights!

My sister wrote on my car 4 days before I left for NYC. She thought it was really cool. I thought it was embarassing! I had to drive my car to work like this! If I would have washed it off, she would have been disappointed.
6314

This is just after the DH and I climbed the last 6 flights of stairs at the Empire State Building. I had to call Bear, Kevin and Stacey to find out how much longer they were going to be! They had to wait in a huge line to get to elevator #2!
6315

If any of you are familiar with the Today Show, you will know that this is Lenny!
6316

This is as close to Matt as I was able to get!
6317

This is my favorite NSV in NYC! I went to a designer boutique and tried on a size 6! It was not the right color and the pleats did nothing for me, so I did not buy it. But it is a size 6! WOO HOO!
6318

[Dr.A]

I just got the pictures off my camera and onto my computer. Here are some of the highlights!

My sister wrote on my car 4 days before I left for NYC. She thought it was really cool. I thought it was embarassing! I had to drive my car to work like this! If I would have washed it off, she would have been disappointed.
6314

This is just after the DH and I climbed the last 6 flights of stairs at the Empire State Building. I had to call Bear, Kevin and Stacey to find out how much longer they were going to be! They had to wait in a huge line to get to elevator #2!
6315

If any of you are familiar with the Today Show, you will know that this is Lenny!
6316

This is as close to Matt as I was able to get!
6317

This is my favorite NSV in NYC! I went to a designer boutique and tried on a size 6! It was not the right color and the pleats did nothing for me, so I did not buy it. But it is a size 6! WOO HOO!
6318

WOW Tami...you are so tiny!!!! Maybe you need to change again from Little T to Tiny T :wink2:

[Patrick]

She might be smaller in size, but she is still larger than life in person. Just ask Bear!!

[little t]

I might be small (that is weird to say), but I do tend to be a bit overwhelming!

[MoOrLess]

lol Tami -- I'd have to agree - you ARE tiny! and at least your sis wrote on the BACK car window lol -- kudos girl - you look like a size 6!

[diva girl]

Tami, my sweetie...you are too cute for words. Thanks for sharing those great pix.

Lyn

[Kim G]

Oh Tami how much fun! I am a Today show watcher and I have seen that Lenny guy on there everyday.....but don't know the story behind him. Just know I see him everyday! haha

[little t]

Lenny was homeless and showed up everyday. That was at least 5 years ago. Everyday, rain or shine he is there. If he is MIA, the hosts usually say something about it and do a little shout out to Lenny because he is home sick or something. Now he dresses to the 9's and is definetely not homeless! He was a great sport when we took that picture. There was another lady that came up to me afterward and said, "Is that Lenny? Do you think he will take a picture with me?" It was funny how excited the two of us got about seeing Lenny!

[diva girl]

I had no idea. Now I'll be looking for him.

[Kim G]

Very interesting....I never knew that but I did see him everyday. Now I know. He is just as famous as the host. :)

[JoyceGA]

I love standing outside for the Today Show. Tami, you did great getting a picture with Lenny. I'm partial to Alfonso -- I love all that white hair.

I did it the Monday before Christmas once, and was shown on TV with the Rockefeller Tree behind me as the panned the camera up at the 1/2 hour intro. Also, they were taking the Toys for Tots, so I got to meet Liza Minelli, who I had flown up to see at the Palace.

I didn't get a picture, but my sister video taped that show -- so, it is now part of my Christmas tradition.

[PhotoNut]

Awww! Loved the pictures, Monkey!!

You're so stinkin' cute! :)

[SpookyJulz]

What a cute bunch of people!!! The pics are fantastic!
Tami the Lobster girl just cracked me up!! Bear.... adorable as usual!! Stacie....Pink is definately your color!!!! Lynn.....Absolutely beautiful!!!

[rkincaid]

Wow, it looked like you guys had such an awesome time up there! I CANNOT WAIT to find out what you guys were doing to promote the lap band! Even more than that, I can't wait to be a lap band success story myself!

[brwneyedbeauty]

Tami you are so adorable!

[little t]

Rebecca - You will be there! Just keep fighting for it!
Cheri - Thank you so much! Coming from a hottie, that means a lot!

[brwneyedbeauty]

lol a hottie????????????????? too funny!

[little t]

lol a hottie????????????????? too funny!
Huh? I don't get it. Why are you laughing? You seriously are hot! Do we need to take a poll to convince you?
:hubba_hubba:

[chattykathywlc]

Tami,
I went to see the play Wicked yesterday and alls I could do is think of you when the flying monkeys were on stage LOL You're much cuter though!
BTW Wicked is amazing if anyone has a chance...GO!
Kat

[503-250]

Huh? I don't get it. Why are you laughing? You seriously are hot! Do we need to take a poll to convince you?
:hubba_hubba:

You are both definitely HOT!
need for a poll.

[brwneyedbeauty]

I just feel like I'm in the ugly stage.....I need to lose more weight my skin is getting saggy and my one year (band) is this week. Not sure If I should cry or be happy????

[MoOrLess]

ok Cheri -- time for reflection -- go to the "where were you a year ago?" thread that I started a while back....and find a picture from a year ago and one from recently --- I KNOW you'll realize how much you have accomplished in such a short time!!! You look fantastic -- now you just to remind yourself of that. Saggy skin is just one of the many reminders of where we were and where we will NEVER be again!!!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Tami,
I went to see the play Wicked yesterday and alls I could do is think of you when the flying monkeys were on stage LOL You're much cuter though!
BTW Wicked is amazing if anyone has a chance...GO!
Kat

I worked on the play here in Michigan..it's playing at MSU at the Wharton Center right now too.. lol I changed wigs on some of the actors, it was quite amazing to be behind the scene to see how much work goes into putting on a play that big.

I'm going to see the whole play closing night.. can't wait!!

[MarkB]

When I went to my bariatric doctor's office yesterday the nurse there said that she had a DVD with a bunch of new commercials about the Lap Band. Since I had told her about our B2G girls doing something like that she was wondering which one was Tami the woman who came to Michigan to meet with Donna and I. I did not get a chance to see it so I do not know if it is the right DVD or not, but I would guess that it is. So maybe we can all get a chance to see this soon.

[Stitchy]

I saw what I thought was an Inamed commercial last night. I got all excited, studying closely. Then saw it was for the Realize band. Oh, well. Will those NCY girls tell us if the commercials are for private (doctor office) use or will be on TV? They promised us some info in September. WELL ..... ????? It's September girls!

[503-250]

Yeah, isn't it time for you ladies to break the silence?

[chrispygal]

Yeah! *tapping foot*

[little t]

The last I heard, it won't be until October...the way things are going, probably November! Patience people!

[PhotoNut]

Patience people!
Spoken by the queen of patience. :wink2:

:wave: Hiya Monkey :sun_smiley:

[little t]

Here is a hint...October 16

[503-250]

WOOHOOOOOO
finally

[MarkB]

Here is a hint...October 16

Tapping my foot waiting. It is already October 18th!!!

[little t]

I know! Me to! I emailed my contact and I haven't heard back from her yet. I will let you know when and if I hear anything!

[PhotoNut]

*drumming fingers*

*tapping foot*

*searching websites*

*waiting.....................................

[kristina]

how exciting!!!!

[stac1982]

I know! Me to! I emailed my contact and I haven't heard back from her yet. I will let you know when and if I hear anything!

What contract??? I must be out of the loop. I have been so busy with life that I haven't thought too much about this. I am looking for everything though!

[little t]

Not contract...contact. The assistant at Allergan. You know who she is and I am sure you have emailed her before. BTW...I have not gotten my "package" yet. :(

[Stitchy]

Tami, you are so bad teasing us like this!!!!

[stac1982]

Ha, I am so ditsy!!! My mind is a thousand place right now. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[diva girl]

Starting to get scared.......

[little t]

I would liek to think that the three of us are the stars of the video and they used every moment of taping. But, I think there will be 10 seconds (maybe) of me. I won't even get my 15 minutes of fame!

[little t]

I got the video and brochures! She sent me an early copy since I was a pest and asked her about it on a weekly basis. It is fabulous! I was on the phone with Susan (photonut) when I opened the package and we both were balling our eyes out! Before I got the package, I expected for there to be one picture of me in the brochure. When I opened the package, the first thing I see is me! I was on the cover and on the inside! I was so excited I was crying and so was Susan! I watched the video and it turned out so nice! Lyn and Stacey are all over the video! There are so many pieces that did not make the video that I wish were in there! Stacey, our joint interview was not in the video at all! I was so disappointed! My family is coming over tonight to view the video. I am so excited!

[MarkB]

Wow, that is great news. You three have done a great service not only for all of us Bandsters, but for those who might need the same type of help. Seeing what you have accomplished makes it a reality for many people.

So, when can we see it? Is it going to be on TV as a commercial? Or is it just for the doctors to use at seminars?

Can you tell I am anxious to see the video?


Wow, I know a movie star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bgrand]

Tami, that is great!! when do we get to see it????

[Patrick]

C'mon now, set up the date when we can all get a look at this wild event. Please let your adoring public have a peek at the scenes to be believed. When? When??? When??????

[diva girl]

OMGosh....I'm so excited I can't stand it! Tami called me tonight and said the video is wonderful and it will be released "officially" (trust her to get the only pirated copy on the planet) really soon.

I'm thinking of driving to Charlotte and hijacking her copy. I just can't wait to see us.

["Just Jess"]

I wanna see!!! I wanna see!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PhotoNut]

When I opened the package, the first thing I see is me! I was on the cover and on the inside! I was so excited I was crying and so was Susan!

Tis true, we laughed and cried like fools. It was so exciting!! Thanks for sharing the moment with me, Tami! It's one I'll never forget! Now get busy scanning, Monkey! LOL!

I should be in touch with Allergan within the next day or so. They want to discuss putting the video on b2g. Hopefully, I'll have a copy soon too!

Remember the original thread that was started when our girls went to NYC? It was loaded with pictures and info that Allergan didn't want made public until the production was complete. Well, they have given us the OK for opening that thread again, so here it is... If anyone has more pics from the filming, feel free to post it on there now! Yay!

http://band2gether.net/images/misc/trashcan_small.gif http://band2gether.net/images/misc/subscribed.gif Do you want to tell your LB success story via brochures and video? (http://band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=6589)