Support Groups - Queens Sashaying to Solstice in the Summer Palace

Come one and come all Royal Personages (and you KNOW who you are!) Let your spirits be light and your journey pleasant as we saunter, slim and sashay towards the summer palace :cb: :cb:

Come in and make whatever kind of commitment you want. What will float your boat? What will enliven your days and bring you joy? Let's do it!

Avanti!

Ahhhh! Here we are again in the summer palace. So happy to be back!

My commitment is to:


Follow the Core program to the T
Do mind/body every day (meditation plus at least one of: yoga, tai chi, qi qong -- or Pilates if I ever manage to get started on it)
Drink at least 2 liters of water a day
At least 3 high-intensity aerobic sessions per week
3 circuit training sessions
At least 7 fruit/veggie servings a day
Have some FUN every day


Another beautiful day here. Supposed to rain later and I hope it does Everything's pretty dry! :rain: :crossed:

This morning I tossed the sheets in the washer to have that freshness to look forward to tonight. Then I sashayed over to the park and did a set of tai chi looking out over the water toward the east. Walked along the path around the harbour to the woods and ran on the trail. Then back home, hung out the sheets, put soup on, did a little yoga for stretching and showered. So far, so good!

Let's make this a good one!

Sash-ay-in' into the palace....looks great!

Am ready for a change...when is summer solstice...June 21ish? So far goals are:
1. Do something for myself each day.
2. Drink more water.
3. Start walking again.

Will add more when I know the length of time I'm a dealin' with!

Ah, I find ye :queen: s baskin' here in the summer palace ... I am at work so can get on here easily, except I am falling asleep (waiting for a meeting), so again, I can't post much ... wanted to say congrats to Sword Bearer on her champion! Huzzah! :cheer:

Yea, the solstice is on June 21. :)

My commitment is to continue with my daily intentional exercise "streak" ... I'm now journaling it in the diet land far far away. It is my 31st day, I believe ... maybe 32 ... I'd have to look at the journal. This is an unbroken "streak" of doing at least one INTENTIONAL workout (any length, intensity or type of exercise) each day ... I am now focusing on rehabing body after the running fiasco, not going to gym and focusing on a program of powerwalking (building up eventually, I hope, to a place where I can WALK a marathon), recumbent bike, strength training and Pilates, with options to use alternative workouts if I desire for variety, but lifestyle activities do not qualify, even though they are good exercise, this is a streak of INTENTIONAL exercise. I will see how long a streak I can build ... once I did this for a whole year.

I am also doing stealth challenges now and then ... now I really am falling asleep. See ye.

I love the image of we queens enjoying a bright summer Solstice challenge. Makes me feel all festive imagining our banners flying on a light summer breeze!
I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing but with more enthusiasm--that's my plan anyway! I want to stop waiting till all conditions are perfect, I want to enjoy and accept my life no matter what's happening. [In other words, in spite of the extra 10+ pounds that still are on my frame I'm still Queen Eydie!;) ]

We had a little rain here, finally, over night. Clearing up out there now, though, and everything has that freshly washed look. Had a little trouble sleeping last night for no known reason :shrug: and then felt like I could have slept another hour or two this morning, but... here I am.

I feel like I'm starting to get a bit on top of things at work again. Or at least like it might be possible to get on top of things :rolleyes: Ah, well, we soldier on.

Dark mood and stress have lifted a bit, found self thinking yesterday that I felt a bit more like myself.

All challenges were met yesterday, if we count singing around the house as fun. And I guess we do -- it's always a good sign when I start singing again. I've actually got a couple of voice lessons coming up, "sublet" from a friend who's going on vacation. I really want to sing in our art centre's choir in the fall, so I'm trying to learn to read music and do singing exercises.

Ceara, yep -- June 21st is the solstice, five weeks from this very day. I'm down for an 8 pound challenge, but secretly hoping for 10 :)

Eydie, so happy to see you in the palace -- it IS nice, isn't it! You are, for sure, the same :queen:/ goddess (in training or fully fledged) as always. :yes:

Amarantha, at least work's got that going for it -- the ability to get into the Palace. Isn't that the worst, sleepy and having to go to meeting? Ugh.

K, must get some stuff done and get over to the gym. Love to all, mentioned or un- Let's make this a good one!

Yea, :queen: E! I am seein' the image, too. My favorite vision o' the :queen: s was once when we were doin' 21-day challenges 'n I was seein' all o' us marchin' round the royal palace "block" ... dressed in Renaissance clothin' billowin' 'n swirlin' in the breeze, wavin' our royal banners, rollin' hoops down the sidewalk, blowin' bubbles, chattin' 'n sippin' tea from our royal water bottles whilst our royal neighbors on the block' waved to us in friendly greetin' 'n the royal orchestra accompanied us w' the sound o' violins ...

Somethin' like that ... anyhoo, I got in here today by dint o' just clickin' 'n attendin' to Old Dog and dressin' fer a quick shoppin' trip, so's I'd better go. My challenges all went well yesterday ... workin' more o' the workweek from h*ck tonight, so will rest this afternoon. Only a few more seriously difficult days on that work front to contend with.

Details o' my challenges are in the land far far journal ... kind o' borin' so's I won't go into 'em!

Ah, once again the peace and pleasantry of the summer palace. My plan, such as it is, is just to keep plugging away and trying to get it back together. I know I've not been successful much lately but I also KNOW I'd be in worse shape were it not for the Royals and my attempts to clutch onto the Royal Wagon.

A little tired. Yesterday I skipped the mind/body stuff and was stressed and having feed impulses. Coincidence? Will do M/B early today and try to get in a bit more through the day as well.

I've been Shanghaied into driving my mother to Ottawa for her 60th nursing school graduation reunion. 14-18 hours each way, meaning a five day trip with four of those days on the road :dz: Another sister is going -- she volunteered and then volunteered me. Because, of course, working from home -- I can get away any time :rolleyes: My mother can't sit in one position for any length of time so we'll have to stop frequently. She won't fly, though, because she would need wheelchair service and is too proud.

So, for the sake of her pride, I'm coerced into taking five days of my life to spend mostly on the highway (interspersed with a couple of huge reunion celebrations where I know no one).

AND she and my sister will be perpetrating the idea that this is "fun" and a treat for us and I'll be made to feel like a bad daughter and a curmudgeon if I'm not enjoying myself. Goddess help me! I do NOT want to do this. :no:

Nevertheless, since it appears that I am, I'm going to have to adjust my attitude. Feh.

Amarantha, that was my favorite image too! I actually searched back through the threads trying to find it to insert. Maybe I'll add it to our "Welcome" post -- it is lovely! It reminds me of some of the court who wandered, though :cry:

Anagram, "plugging away and trying to get it back together" is a worthy commitment. Where would we be if we didn't try? :shrug:

K -- mind/body and a walk coming up. Let's take this day and do the best we can with it!

Addendum: Did a set of tai chi and feel more chi-full already :)

Good Morning! Was just thinking I must start doing a little of my modest tai chi at home - and then I read your post. So 'twill do it sometime today. Two appointments today - both in the time the heavy downpour is scheduled to appear. Ah, well.

Could NOT shake the bad vibes/anxiety/etc again yesterday. Finally went to the cemetery, saw rainbow on way there, had a little chat w/dh and felt somewhat better. Am determined to shake these willies soon.

Did another Slimfast this a.m. (usually only on Mondays) as I'm calling today yet another "Fresh Start".

Ooh, Wood Nymph, we must think of a plan to make the five days more palatable for you. A sort of exercise plan for each stop, maybe? Meditation time (pretending to be asleep, of course) while you're not driving? But know the royal 'GUILT' you're feeling for not being more into it! Still feeling I SHOULD be going to family wedding in CA in a few weeks just as I felt for not going to f.w. in AR a few months ago. I know it's RIGHT FOR ME not to go but the little naggy thing is still there.

I picture our :queen:ships in the same mode - probably planted in my mind by earlier post. We are a somewhat merry band despite all the moods/downs/whate'ers we endureth.

Time to rolleth!

Saw the sun for a minute this morning...what is that great golden orb in the sky? My eyes!

Am growing mold between my toes...yup that's how much rain we've had. I HAVE to go out and plant some bulbs which have arrived...they are determined to live and are sending up green shoots in their little packages.

So am off...this cold is yucky...my nose and goopy chest sound awful...time for "veetamins". You gotta say that right you know. Did drink more water yesterday...prolly why my nose is running...shock...and walked. Actually might buy some food today...groceries you know. My hunter/gatherer instincts.

:wave: Nice to see you Eydie. Hang in there Anagram and Arabella...Frogger are you wandering over? And Empress A....you're doin' great. No time to visit far and away...mayhaps later.

Hi, Sword Bearer! :wave: Dinna mean ye all had to go to visit me in the land far far, just explainin' that's where I'm journalin' my streak, which is on its 33rd lovely day, with today being Pilates (done) and powerwalk with trainer (soon). :)

It IS hard to visit more than one site since we are all so busy. I'd love to be here with the queenlies each and every day but it takes so much time for me to get on since the server change and then when I get here I don't really give the kind o' support to each that I'd like because there's so much to say ... however, I am always here, in a way, and thinkin' o' ye all and will always return (if no one blows out the candle in the turret window)!

Wood Nymph, when I started to read your description o' the planned trip, I was struck by the word "SHANGAIED!" ... and even before I got to the part 'bout ye takin' yer mom to a reunion, I started picturin' the palace, a gleamin' sunny day in the royal neighborhood, greengrocers pushin' carts o' vegetables and fruit 'round the street, children rollin' hoops in the park, queens at their embroidery (or sumthin') ... faire Queen Wood Nymph readin' a novel in the south garden ... wait, a shadow looms ... 'tis pirates from Pentagonia (wherever that is) ... they sneak up behind our heroine and gently ('cause these are nonviolent pirates, avast) hold a hankerchief soaked with sweet lavender oil up to her faire nostrils, inducing a state o' deep euphoria and renderin' poor Wood Nymph helpless to resist their request to accompany her to their pirate ship, where they show her to a first class cabin and feed her a large and delicious meal, whereupon she falls into a deep sleep and when she wakes up, looks out the porthole and realizes the ship is far out to sea and she discerns that it is on a course for SHANGAI!!!! :yikes: Upon hearin' her loud protests regarding this situation, the Pirate King and his lackeys, the Towel Boys, hasten to her cabin, where they assure her it is very nice in Shangai and she will have a great time visitin' there, whereupon, she requests reading material, a computer and her supper!

Anagram: Hang on to that wagon, Lass! Huzzah! You are doin' great!

K!!!! Hiya!

E!!! Ditto!!!

Froggie: Keep the faith! Good luck on your more-pleasant-job search!

To all, gotta go!

Well today I just sound like a pack-a-day smoker! Things are breaking up!

Planted those poor little bulbs yesterday. Valliant little things. Hope they look cool....supposed to have big yellow and dark purple flowers...have no idea what they are...will have to look at the packages!

Have the usual brekkie with the parentals then I work at 1 pm I think until 6....have to check on that though. Anyhow...off for my walk now...gotta find more clothes. It is chilly out there again.

The Governor came through with a reprieve! In other words, my brother called my mom and said no way was she driving all that way (he knows she's not up to it!). He's using air miles to pay her way and half of my sisters. So, now, as long as they can arrange it, I'm off the hook! Huzzah!!! :carrot:

Actually feeling a little under the weather today, but not too bad. Slept 9.5 hours, which is almost unheard-of for me. I like my eight but virtually never sleep more than that. My mood is pretty good, just feel a little low-energy and feel a bit "off." Walked over to the gym, did the circuits and a set of tai chi facing the harbour. Having a little trouble making self meditate, but will try harder.

Amarantha, your Shanghai scenario made that stress totally worth it! What fun! I keep rereading and enjoying. Thanks! Ahhhh... that lavender-induced euphoria :)

Anagram, I likewise enjoyed your suggestions! 'Tis true, we are a mainly merry bunch, whatever befalls. Because we are Valiant Royals! I'm beginning to think, though, that there is some malaise blanketing the realm. Anyway, it will go away again. :yes: Meantime, we soldier on!

Ceara, wonder what your bulbs are. They sound intriguing! Reminds me, I've still got daffs and tulips in the back of the fridge from last year that I must plunk into the earth... That darn cold seems to have lingered long! Glad to hear it's breaking up. Take very good care of your precious self :hug:

If any others doth lurk :wave:

Avanti!

Hello ladies!

Busy day today. Doing thing for work (co-worker is out today and I am seriously cleaning up the mess she dropped in my lap)

Sister had surgery this week and I was asked if I could bring Sydney and come stay with her for the weekend. So I'm leaving early (if I can help it) and going to pick up the kiddo and roll on down to her house.

We have a baby shower to go to on saturday, so I have to go back up to my house and pick up DH and go to the shower. I'm going to be sooo poooped come monday morning!!!

Eh, scratch that -- DB couldn't get the tickets so we're back on again. Hoping for Amarantha's scenario...

Hi, all - not too bad a day yesterday, went to pool this morning. Seriously trying to get me back into my day - feeling so lazy. As you said, a malaise. Leaving for DDs again in the morning, coming back Sunday. Princess 5 and her class will be doing their ballet "demonstration". They look so cute in their little pink leotards and tights. So Royal, all.

Who says things don't work out well sometimes, Wood Nymph? Hurrah for your brother!

Not planning to accomplish anything major today - just do some little fooling aroundSun playing peekaboo - a shower here and there. Springtime weather but a tad cool here today. Must find a way to bribe me to get going.

Hope things go well for your sister, Frogger. How was brekkie, Ceara? Great news of the streak, Empress.

Aaaaaah, Arabella!

Hello all.....

Interesting Empress how the minute I saw SHANGHAIED I smiled as its so rarely used today but it certainly does conjure vivid images.

And yes, Wood Nymph, I can imagine how you are gritting your teeth. I can easily envision similiar issues w/ some family members.... yet.... and I am sure you have thought of this..... and I promise you this is true, later, you will not be sorry you spent the time......

Anagram, I can well imagine how you might be feeling nervous about things .... in fact, I came home w/ a friend yesterday who is now single and I wondered how well I will do when my turn comes.

But as all royals do, we will go on. And I love the image of the summer palace with the breeze moving gauzy awnings, the light laughter as the queens watch the royal pets frolic, and yes, how nice that the royal subjects feel they can mingle ...... makes this royal feel so benovolent........

hmmmmmmm


and on a very non royal note........

DH realized today when he picked me at work that I smell a lot like iron.... the same odor as when you open a supplement bottle .......
And I wondered why that would be.....

Too much iron in the supplement I'm taking....????? that's a shame as its got some b12 and other b's in it which make me feel zippier when I remember to take more than a couple days in a row....

Hmmmmm

Any one?

TIme for tea...,

Fly-bye as am continuing the workweek from h*ck and it really has been rough! But sashaying through the palace neighborhood still with banner flappin' in the gentle breeze 'n red, green and blue Rennaisance clothin' bobbin' with each determined step.

Thanks be to Sword Bearer, who did me the :queen: ly honor o' a click in me journal this week! I really appreciate it, Ceara! :hug:

WN, I will dispatch a Towel Boy east asap see if a brigadoon be available to leave the Shangai coast (wherever that is) and make suitable arrangements! :dc ... sending lavender sprigs north by Pony Express.

Anagramatic, enjoy your little pink princesses' performance ... I believe we :queen: s are all plannin' on attending (vicariously) ... I will wear my green and silver hoopskirt and gold tiara.

K, iron can be tricky to regulate. You probably should take a supplement with either a smaller amount or no iron until you are sure. You should have a blood test to see where your iron levels really are. You can take the B's by themselves ... they don't accumulate in body as iron does.

Froggie: :wave: Have a great visit with sister!

Ok, I really have to work. I am determined to get the writing done (the writing they pay me for) substantially done this weekend so finishing won't be so hard on Monday.

Rained a good portion of the early morning...and it is as wet as ever out there! At least the sun is up and shining...you need to qualify that these days...it does come up every day, we just don't see it all the time! :lol:

You're welcome Empress A!

Had a good evening last night with friends....2 cute little munchkins running around. Glad mine are grown. I don't have to take these ones home!

We (Dh and self) are off to TO shortly....wedding. So I need to go pack...he's hovering.

See you Monday pm!

Still feeling slightly under the weather, so will just putter and take it easy today. Take a walk, do some tai chi, straighten the house a bit. It was supposed to rain, but it looks like clearing up -- same deal as yesterday.

I just did the big measurement on the body analyzer scale -- drumroll, please! -- I am officially "overfat" rather than obese according to my body fat measurement. That's better! Obese is such an ugly word! I've lost 10% body fat since the fall. I'm very impressed! :) Gained 12 pounds of muscle. Lost 3 pounds of visceral fat. Am no longer dehydrated (which I didn't realize most significantly overweight people were, but there you have it).

Ceara, sounds like a nice social time -- hope you enjoy your wedding! We've got a wedding for the son of good friends coming up in July. And it's the first wedding in years. This generation is rawther letting down the side in that respect. DS and cousins and friends all well into twenties or approaching thirty still not apparently thinking of matrimony.

Our friends will also be the first of our friends to join us in Grandparentland, which I heartily endorse. :yes:

Amarantha, I do thank thee for that wonderful lavender shipment and also for so royally maintaining the palace spirit. You make it so vivid that I can enter into that sacred space just by reading your descriptions. Pure bliss! And, of course, an attentive towel boy or two always help, whatever the circumstance ;)

Anagram, loving the description of your princesses "demonstrating" in their gear -- hmm... what shall I wear? My irridescent blue/green silk, I think, that's laced up, hips to bodice, with the float-y train and multiple lace petticoats...

Kaylets, these family things are so complicated, aren't they? We're so responsible :rolleyes: I don't want to drive to Ottawa, feel coerced, feel like I'm supposed to be happy to do it and excited about it, feel guilty about that, feel guilty about taking the time off work, feel ANGRY at my mother, feel guilty about that. Meanwhile, DH is slightly peeved that I'm going to do this with my mother when I usually won't go on marathon car trips with him. Feel guilty about that. I know I'll have to spend a fair amount of money taking this trip and I feel resentful that I've got to spend so much doing something I don't want to do when I can't spend it to do things I DO want to do.

And, if all goes well, you're right -- I won't be sorry I took the time. But a major part of the reason I don't want to go is that my mom is physically not up to a long car trip. We took her on a 45-minute drive Friday night to a party and she could hardly walk when we got there.

Anyway, I'm pretty much throwing my hands in the air, at this point and trying to adjust my attitude. Sorry for the earful!

I'm with Amarantha on the iron -- I think having excess iron in the body can be harmful. I take a B-complex + C (and a few other things).

Frogger, hope you have/had fun this weekend and aren't TOO pooped when you get home.

K, dovies, I'm off... Love to all!

Huzzah to all :queen: ly personages and towel boys who dwelleth in this sacred space! :wave: This be somewhat a quickie as I'm officially in putterin' mode this afternoon, too, Wood Nymph!

Ceara, hope thou enjoyeth the wedding! :wave:

WN, personally, I don't see any reason for you to feel guilty about anything having to do with this trip. You are not saying you don't love your mom, indeed, you are concerned that the trip is not right for her or for you either. Folks right 'n left seem to be pushin' all sorts of buttons in thy poor :queen: ly head when they might just accept that at this time and point in life, you don't want to do this or (to phrase it better so it won't hurt mom), you don't feel it's the right time for such a venture but are looking forward to the next time you and mom can be together. Maybe your brother would be able to get away soon and bring her to visit you! :)

Truly, if the universe is flashing all this angst and these vibes are swirlin' around you that you don't want to do this, maybe it's time to listen. There's no reason to feel guilty.

And conversely there's no reason for dh to make you feel guilty if you do go. That's not helpin' thee much ...

Sorry, not meanin' to malign thy good royal relatives, but they might wanna back off and let our poor Wood Nymph come up for air. :lol:

See ye guys ... my exercise streak and stealth challenges continue (on journal in land far far) ... lost another .20 pound ... if I have to do the march through Pound 137 in .20s, I will freakin' do so! Avanti!

Good morning, :queen:lies! I think we have, at last, found a reasonably satisfactory compromise to the marathon drive issue -- we're going to take the train. It will cost a bit more but not prohibitively and will be much more comfortable and relaxing than being cooped up in a small car. And we'll save two nights' accomodation and gas money, which would have been substantial, come to think of it. Probably over $400 right there and the train is only $662. for the three of us.

My mom would still prefer to drive and doesn't quite understand why it wouldn't be as much fun for my sister and me but is happy enough to take the train.

Oh! Scale today has me down 2, which is a good start on my 8 pounds for the solstice. Will have to be very diligent while I'm away, of course. I often find on trips that I start off well but that things break down after a few days of stress and fatigue. Will have to guard against same. :yes: I think I'll pack fruit and almonds to help keep me safe.

Amarantha, thank you for listening so attentively to my pitiful complaint! It's such a relief to be able to at least express what's going on and then to be heard and understood makes it all bearable. Indeed, the folks do press the buttons. I need to learn to guard my button panel better, I do!

Congratulations on thine awesome streakin' action! :cb: :cb:

K, I'm trying to get a jump on my work-a-day (would take it off but need to make up for time off for the trip) so I'll take my leave of you now and try to get some stuff done while it's quiet.

Avanti!

Great jump start, Wood Nymph! And the train sounds so much more adventuresome vs. a long drive. Hope both you and the Empress get enough done to make today a mite easier.

Hope the wedding was a joy, Ceara. How's sister recovering, Frogger? And yes, family do know how to press our buttons. Must learn to protect mine too.

Fresh starting once again. Must find a way to deal with food situation when I'm at dds. Must. Also my last thyroid tests show it's down again but still "within range". I've strugled with this issue all my life, I think. I'm going to have to give this wt. issue my darnedest between now and next dr. visit and see if I can convince him that I can't spend my life struggling near the lowest part of the range. I admit my food choices have not been the best but I have put on a good bit of wt in a short time again. Explains my weariness too. Well, I guess, a lot of things explain that.

Looks like a good but cool day. Tai chi this a.m. Massage tomorrow. Must find time for a haircut too. It's just at the "sproing" point.

Good morning, good morning, good morning.

Hmmm, the train ... well, there ye go again, Wood Nymph! Shades o' the ol' Orient Express ... or an ancient "I Love Lucy" episode (d'ye remember when they went to Hollywood on the train and ran afoul o' a jewel thief?) Sounds enjoyable, especially if ye should meet up w' Hercule Poirot! :)

Anagramatic, I am dealin' with weariness, too! I think we should all have a good rest at the royal spa ... floatin' gently in the Magickal Pool amidst the lotus leaves whilst sunshine floateth in through the rainbow-hued oversized glass mosaic showing a diet crone in medieval clothing at her lute whilst being attended by kindly attendant folk in flowing Grecian robes, whilst the towel boys lurk sweetly in the background and :queen: K brews tea at a hob in the far left corner.

Hmmm. Guess I should go to bed. I found a way to get in here more often ... I just open up a solitaire game I have on my hard drive, then open up 3FC, minimize and play a hand or two whilst I wait.

I did get a lot of work done yesterday and today so tomorrow (last day of production cycle) will go well (barring unforseen glitches). Exercise streak is going well, as are the stealth challenges ... journaled in land far far.

Wood Nymph, congratulations on your two pounds released gently into the stratosphere.

I'm back! We had a great time...it was a novel experience staying in a hotel with DH....he is so funny. I stay in them all the time with the dog showing but he rarely does....Mr. Clean I think I'll call him. I wonder if he hung all the towels back up out of the tub?

The wedding was beautiful, but the ceremony was flat (in my opinion). Very new age...no substance. The related reader (family) was either very nervous or the reading meant a lot to her...which I don't quite get...it was rather blah...anyway, she was nearly in tears for the whole reading (a page) and could hardly breathe etc...kinda like a panic attack I guess. Very distracting.

But the reception was fun...

Anyway, a beautiful sunny day in the kingdom, and I've gotta run...will catch up later! :coffee: is calling!

:wave:

Am ready to have a quiet weekend -- too bad it's only Tuesday :lol:

I worked from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. yesterday and then we drove out to a little dinner party in the country. Was great fun -- we played charades. I did great getting "Seven Types of Ambiguity" across but totally bombed on "Ballad of the Lonely Construction Worker." We usually get together with this bunch for games a few times through the winter but this year my SIL was sick all the way through (some mysterious and strange illness that is yet to be diagnosed) and another key member had an injury that kept him down straight through. The injured guy is recovering and my SIL is better than she was but far from healthy yet. She's going to get biopsy report tomorrow -- has been to every kind of specialist you could imagine and none of them have a clue.

I faired reasonably well food-wise although I did have some nacho chips that will have to be counted for points. And wine, of course. After having had wine four nights in a row I'm ready to go on the wagon for at least a few days :rolleyes: Woke up at 3 this morning and just sort-of dozed off and on until 6:30. Visited by 5 hot flash episodes. Both sleep trouble and flashes are related to the wine, I know... And yet, it seems like such a good idea at the time :shrug: Maybe I'll do better this week, with the stress of that long drive removed.

Ceara, that's a funny situation, isn't it -- seeing someone rendered almost incapacitated by platitudes. Or flatitudes. Have seen same thing at both weddings and funerals.

Amarantha, I think thee doth be onto something! I do similar while I'm waiting for some slow applications to boot up. Yea, verily! Let us all drift dreamily in the Magickal pool... :cloud9:

Anagram, that fatigue is so problematic, isn't it. I swear, if I'd been rested and unstressed all these years I'd never have put on this weight. It's incredible to me how swiftly I turn to food if rest is denied. I'll be sitting here working, thinking how tired I am. At which point I should get up and go have a nap -- or at least a rest. Because if I don't, another 10 minutes will have me wondering what I can eat. Guaranteed. Take great and gentle care of your Royal Self! See you at the pool?

K, Lovelies. Back to work I go. Must get in exercise too -- grey and drizzly out there, though. Might be a day for the step tape.

Avanti! :carrot:

Your yesterday sounds long and hard workwise, Wood Nymph, but joyful in the latter part. I totally agree on the food /stress thing. I do the same. And I'm pretty sure it's where my weight gain started. Of course, I do much better when thyroid is in better gear.

Ceara, glad you enjoyed wedding (mostly) and reception. How sad the reading/reader didn't work for the event. Seen it happen too though more at funerals where people just think they HAVE to say something, haven't prepared, or are too nervous and would have done all a favor to have declined. (I'd not do well at any of these myself which is why I would decline if asked.)

Ah, the Magickal pool - minus the towel boys it somewhat describes what I get out of the rehab pool. Not going there today - I have a MASSAGE scheduled again. I am being so very nice to me! May be my last for a while - but then again, maybe not. I'm still stressed enough to deserve it. Depends on how it goes I guess.

Forgot to mention how darling the dozen little ballerinas were as they stoically went through their little performance in pink. So intent! A real talent or two in there and of course the heart rending little klutz who was the only one who also had to put the performance on hold while she went to the bathroom. She's probably the one who'll go on to do great things in the dance world -- --

Nice outside, hoping it will get warmer -- last few days windy and cold despite sunshine. Had a frost warning last night so now must go put baskets, etc. back outside. No frost. Supposed to get in 80s in a day or two. Strange, strange.

Off to make me beautiful. And some other more doable things.

Re the quiet weekend, I'm ready too. I'll be at dds again Wed-Fri and was looking forward to a nice quiet holiday weekend. Then dd mentions she might be up and ds emailed the same. Ah so, could be worse, I guess. And then, I don't expect to see either of them as frequently next month. It's just that I'm tired NOW and expect to be more so by Sat. But it will be first Memorial Day without their Dad and both want to go to cemetery so I should not be thinking so selfishly and just go fill the fridge. Neither has that at home but expect it here. Not so bad for him - he's a healthy eater. And I have enough low fat ice cream - his big vice here. We don't agree on yogurt flavors so i'll need some of his preferences (I eat whatever flavors are left eventually anyway). Ah well, feeding them is surely NOT my biggest problem so I'll slink away to other things and stop kvetching about things that will turn out to be very pleasant in any case.

Yo, methinks a quiet weekend would be nice, too, but not sure it's to be fer me! :) The work assignments just keep piling up. Today was so weird, though, on that career front ... can't talk 'bout it but something may be breakin' for me there ... we'll see. Anyhow, it sent me on a mini binge ... had a churro (caramel) and a hot fudge sundae, together, not at separate times, also earlier had eaten a hot dog on a white bun (no ww available) ... plus lots of healthier choices, all high cal ... oh well ... exercise streak continues and will work out in the park again tomorrow with trainer ... nicer than gym, although it's hot, but I don't mind the heat and she seems not to either.

Anagram, the little ballerinas sound cute. I love to watch kids all dressed up in fro-fros doing ballet recitals ... one of the nicer things in the world ... like kitties and puppies and bougainvilleas and ... churros! :lol:

Ceara, I know people who worry 'bout hangin' the towels up in motels when they are leavin' ... I always think that's a waste o' cosmic time and energy as the cleaning people will just have to work harder reaching up to take 'em down again as they have to be washed. Glad you enjoyed your trip.

WN, I also owe a lot o' my weight angst to fatigue and stress ... I use food to fend off both of these states instead o' dealin' with them at the core!

Must stop doin' that.

:queen: s, have ye ever noticed how many things there are that one should stop doing?

Too many ... it's impossible ... makes me tired just thinkin' on't!

Back to the dreamquest ... aka sleep!

Here we go Wednesday! (Channeling :queen: K)
Sleepy today -- woke up at 4:18 and decided to get up and make tea instead of trying to sleep for another hour. May not have been the right decision, but ... ho well, here I am, post gym and also managed qi qong. Will meditate :yes:

I've got an exciting day lined up. A voice lesson at 1 and then my writing group tonight. I don't know what to expect from the former, but my friend (whose lessons I'm taking over these two weeks) says that the lessons are very worthwhile, even if I only ever do these two. I remember in the fall, when I signed up for the group voice class -- it was very challenging and I wasn't particularly good at it, but it was transformative, nonetheless. As I walked away I felt like the world was transformed, a veil removed, and I heard music in everything. Yes, I want to do this! I am definitely going to join the choir in the fall and would like to be ready. Although my friend who belongs said she wasn't ready when she joined and it turned out just fine.

For my writing group tonight, I'm supposed to prepare a piece on "If I were the queen of the world..." so I'm going to put out my notebook and jot down proclamations as they occur throughout the day.

Ahhhh, Anagram! The look of intent on those little faces! I love to see that complete seriousness, total focus on my DGS' face. It just slays me! He had it last week when I let him help me vacuum :lol: To be so unselfconscious and engaged -- now there's a worthy goal :yes:

Amarantha: "have ye ever noticed how many things there are that one should stop doing?" -- yes and probably at least as many that one should start! And then there's need for balance, the understanding that perfection is unattainable. So we muddle along sometimes hitting on one good thing, sometimes another. Beating the :devil: sometimes and other times ... well, letting a tiny touch of evil in. Whoo-hoo for you and your ongoing exercise streak! :carrot:

Started my royal proclamations and am having fun :D. But, because my proclamation about the new, shorter work week and day is not yet in effect...

Avanti!

Loverly day in the palace. I'm off very shortly to walk, and then have a bunch of pesky things to do before I go to work. Am trying to come to grips with DS and his exit of the household before the funeral, and subsequent possible re-emergence into the house shortly. Not quite sure on the conditions you see....I'm very close to washing my hands and mind of the whole thing because I'm feeling terribly unsupported by DH and I'm tired of batting my head against a wall...need a really big donut. I don't like donuts...does this tell you something?

Anyway...I'm off for a walk. :wave: to all.....keep me in your Royal Thoughts and send lots of healing vibs....I'm ready to pull out my hair.

Yo, I'm up early also, WN! Did some of the pile of work (work, work, the paying kind) whilst waiting for this page to load. I am making the decision today to continue the exercise streak journaling on this thread and not spending so much time posting all over the place ... I think I am madly seeking support in too many places and it's not working, sort of, if that makes sense.

Anyhow, the problem is I don't know without looking at the other journal exactly which day I'm on with the exercise streak but will get back to ye on that!

Have to go meet trainer in park to do that exercise stuff! See ye!

Posted at same time as thee, Sword Bearer. Crossin' fingers for the ds situation. Stay strong!

Ceara, don't pull out the hair -- bad for the royal coiffure! Re: donut -- mmmm... donuts -- carbs, baby, the soothing power of carbs. I certainly know their lure. I know I've had days where I thought cozying into bed with a good novel and a box of donuts would be just the thing. It IS annoying when the consorts won't get onside, isn't it. Hope your walk helps! Sending good thoughts and healing vibes... :goodvibes:

Here's the streak thingie so far, I seem to have gotten the days mixed up on the journal but here t'is, I think ... anyhow, whatever day it is, I haven't missed a day for a long time ... this is an "INTENTIONAL" excercise streak ... just workouts, lifestyle activity, good as it is, doesn't count.

Tuesday, May 23, Day 39: 20 min rb/powerwalk duathalon, 20 min pilates!

Wednesday, May 24, Day 40: Powerwalk with weights in park with trainer 120 minutes!

Cloudy and dampish here again. At least some of the mold is gone from my toes! Eventhough it rained all that time, the plants needed water...

Have a couple of classes this morning, normal shift this pm, and then a meeting tonight. Have some tomato plants to get in and want to work more of the weeds out of the veggie patch...that'll be tomorrow now. Today got full!

I've been doing some walking and definitely drinking more water. Gotta cut out the glasses of wine bfore bed, but they're a coping mechanism right now.

Arabella we are simulposting...I see your egg lit!

:wave: Take care all!

Fly-by report: Feeling way off this morning -- slept in 2 hours and woke up with blinding headache and an iffy tummy. Will try to take it easy today. Tylenol mostly took care of the headache, but I still don't feel up to par.

The voice lesson went very well yesterday. The teacher was really encouraging and seemed to think I have some ability. I'd been thinking that maybe I was deluding myself that I could sort-of sing but she seemed to think that I had something worth developing. Surprisingly, I was able to hit very high notes -- she actually said, at one point: "The sound is there and it's gorgeous!" I've got a new hobby! :) And some of my old ones REALLY needed replacing :rolleyes:

And writing group went nicely, too, although I was getting tired (I think because of whatever this little bug or whatever). We took a silent walk through the historic part of town around the waterfront and then sat to write a bit at the docks. I read my Royal Proclamations, which were very well received.

K, off to do a little work, rest a little. Keep on keepin' on...

Drizzley out there. DS moved home last night. I am studiously not saying anything this morning about getting on the bus or asking what he is doing. Not my affair. I have plans myself...have a :coffee: in the microwave and am going to finish Mary Higgins Clark's new book Two little girls in blue. It is OK....but I'm finding her writing style a little stilted. The I'm off for breakfast. I want to do some gardening and a little shopping too...dig up more vinca at the parentals too...lots to do.

How's the bug Arabella? And Empress, you're doing great on your streak...wow 40 days! ??? Frogger, Kaylets, Anagram, Punkin, (it is Friday), Aria, Wildfire, et al where ye'd be?????

:wave:

Flying by again. My bug seems mostly past today -- I feel more-or-less normal, happily.

Ceara, it is a mite rattle-y in the Palace, is it not. Sooooo... DS returned, did he? Quite right, you are, too. Not your issue, his getting on the bus, now that he's proclaimed independence. Hope that the drizzle doesn't encourage the toe-mould! :lol:

K, I'm off. Have DS and DGS here for a couple of hours and want to get some stuff done so I can relax later and relax or get MORE stuff done tomorrow.

Avast and Avanti!

The sun is coming out a bit now after making me drive home 2 hours in the rain/gloom/sort of fog. However, I'm here now, unpacked, working on the long grocery list but holding off a bit until I know how many/if any are coming.

Hope everyone's feeling a bit better - had a tiny tummy thing (no, my tummy's not tiny, the thing was) the other night too. Fortunately gone but fatigue is not.

Glad DS is back and it is hard keeping one's mouth shut (I've just come back from a couple of days practice as recently DD decided I'm trying to come between her and Princess Nine - sigh - I really don't want to raise more children).

Anyway it's time DS gets the bus on his own and if not, pays the consequences. However, as a Mom, I know that if he misses the bus, he'll ask for a ride and you'll probably drop what you're doing and go. Try to negotiate a tad though - like what helpful thing will he do in return. The best thing I can say is that USUALLY they/we grow up.

Wood Nymph, Congratulations on your new hobby and your newfound gorgeous voice. And I'm optimistic for you on the job front, Empress.

Well this last two days I went to 1. a jazz demonstration (Princess 10), 2. a chorus performance (ditto) and 3. a band concert (ditto). Refereed twenty zillion squabbles between Five and Ten under Mommy's new rules. And have just about bitten my tongue in two and swallowed it. Miss Five is a little charmer when she wants to be but a little Fireball when she decides to throw a tantrum. I was not on her A list this visit and I don't think she was on mine either.

But sun is out for sure now and I must get some clothes out of washer and into dryer and do another small load. Just a few things I've worn the last day or two but like everything ready to go. Have a more socially (grown up) week coming up and never know what mood might strike me clotheswise.

Must check on incident being reported in DC near where DDIL works = probably nothing but want to be sure she's ok.

Sing, sing, dance, dance, glad to be back in the palace.

Hello all.....

Royal Proclamations are a very grand idea.... very very royal and makes me wonder ,"why didnt I think of that?"

Week went by nonstop....still trying to make the best royal decision regarding the royal coach vs the royal budget. DH had some long late nights at work and meetings which made the week go by even faster.

We did make significant progress w/ the vegetable garden which I am hoping to finish by the weekend.
'
Looks like I may have to end my streak of no heat/no a/c as we have 75-80 degree weather w/ high humidity which turns the 2nd floor here into a sauna.
Luckily, a brisk breeze came up about 7:30 pm last night or it would have been very difficult to sleep w/o the a/c.
Ordinarily, I wouldnt be so tightfisted about it but here in this state, the legislature decided 8 yrs ago to make this the year the electric company can deregulate. Thus, as of May 1, we saw a 69% increase in electricity costs.
Makes you think twice.
Right this minute I have all the windows open but its only 9:15....

Ah, the joys of family..... when you are away from them, we miss them....together too long and we start to wish we were away.... hmmmmmmm



Let me too get some dishes into the dishwasher ....

and think about Royal Proclamations.....

And Empress.... I am so curious.... good luck w/ the breaking events....

MOrning, :queen: Kaylets et al.

Nice earlier, cloudy now but nice and warm. I too fear the dereg, K. I think we have a few months more to go for some reason. Doesn't 69% seem so overwhelming? I think I'm going to have to break down too. Not so much for me but for the guestlies coming over the weekend.

Really ready for a nap already. So will go blow off the patio instead. If I start sitting this early, I'll be done for.

Did a 35-40 min. run with walks either end and 40 mins. yoga. :carrot:

Feeling pretty well again -- not 100% but seemed to have the energy when I went out so... I just went. And the yoga felt extremely good :cloud9:

DH is working -- got a load of laundry ready to shift to dryer and another to go in. Off to do the grocery shop after that. Then I want to come home and practice singing (teacher tapes the lessons) whilst house is empty (although I could consider it payback time for years of listening to saxaphone practice ;) )

Also happened upon a haunted house show on TV whilst looking for Antiques Psychic -- love those -- and am taping both to watch while DH naps later (where is the smiling but very slightly embarrassed smiley? Oh well :D )

Anagram, so happy to have you back in the Palace! Also singing, dancing, etc. Careful with that tongue-biting -- those DDs and DSs can be touchy, can't they? That spectre seems to raise its head whenever there's a discrepancy in parenting/grandparenting practices. DGS' mom was talking to me in the kitchen yesterday and went to see DGS skipping up the front walk towards the street. And seemed to think he was allowed to do such like under my watch. No way -- he's not allowed to even be in the front of the house by himself. If I'm not out there, I make him go out to the fenced-in back yard.

Kaylets, our second floor is sauna/steam roomesque in warm weather, too. No AC, though, so I can't be tempted to use it, which is a good/bad thing. I can mitigate a bit against the heat by pulling the shades down when the sun travels round the side of the house late afternoon. And we do have window fans, which are a help once the air cools off in the evening. But some nights I'd give my eye teeth to be able to cool the room off -- enjoy!

Amarantha, sending good vibes for whatever mysterious breaking events! :goodvibes:

K -- best be off to shop so I'll be all set to watch those shows later. DH will mock me if he catches me, but :shrug: I guess I don't care :carrot:

Love to all! Let's make this a good one.

Yo, :queen: s! :wave: Sorry to go 'way again for a day ... been havin' problems 'n stuff goin' on 'n all the usual yadda!

Exercise streakie is still goin' on but I keep forgettin' which day it is ... I started a new journal on it in the land far far 'cause it's so easy for me to get in there.

I'm havin' a major stress fest over something going on having to do with someone trying to ruin my reputation ... just someone personalizing something that shouldn't be personal. I need to quit obsessing 'bout it and hope it'll abate on its own ... then there is the major mysterioso other thing that I can't talk 'bout 'cause it'll jinx it ... that would also solve the other problem.

If I sound overly sensitive and way weirded out, it's 'cause I am.

Sorry for lack of responses. Brain is not working.

The good news is diet/exercise going great.

I'll just say good-night, Gracie, now.

Good-night, Gracie!

Actually, I think all ye :queen: s may be too young to have heard that old joke ... maybe not ... it's from the old (before my time, really) George Burns and Gracie Allen TV program back in the early 1950s ... maybe before? Anyhow, at the end, George always said, "Say good-night, Gracie."

And Gracie always said, "Good-night, Gracie." :)

I always feel good 'bout life when I think of that. :)

Yo Queenlies! I tackled the number one dreaded task on my to-do list today: recaulking the bath/shower in the downstairs bathroom. The last two times it was done, the persons who shall remain nameless used the wrong stuff -- which does not inhibit mold/mildew. Ugh! Took about 2 hours just to remove the old, yicky stuff. And then I ran out of the stuff before I finished but tomorrow the task will be completed and I will no longer be disgusted every time I take a shower. 'Twill be v. good -- I keep going in and looking at the pristine finished section. :lol:

Amarantha, I definitely remember "Say good-night, Gracie" and have the same nice feeling you describe. Thanks for mentioning!

Me too on the obsessing as well. Guessing I may tend a little towards the obsessive :rolleyes: Always a good thing to fight, though, in any case. Keeping fingers crossed on your mysterious job event :crossed:

K -- haven't even bathed today (because was going to recaulk said tub) -- off to the jacuzzi I go...

Thanks fer the crossed fingers, WN! :) I'm tryin' to be philosophical 'bout it, but as usual, that's just not me!

After a killer exercise week and really good calorie adherence, I find myself UP 1.8 pounds! That Demon Scale is on notice that this had better reverse itself pretty dang quick or ... grrr.

Crazy recipe du jour: take sugar free caramel pudding cup (I've been allowing myself these now and again, even though still opposed to using Splenda, but it actually has very little of said offensive sweetener, mostly uses Ace-K, which is already on my approved non-lethal chemical list), crumble three orginal salty Triscuits in cup ... instant restaurant quality fancy sweet-salty dessert reminiscent of bars made with pretzels, nuts and caramel that my mom used to make.

I know my weight is up because of all the salt I ate this week ... I don't know what it is with me and the salt. I also ate a lot of convenience store hot dogs with white bun (swallowed fiber tabs before eating the white bun ... a trick, converts it into an acceptible lower glycemic meal).

Mostly, it's because of the heavy exercise I've been doing, I think.

Oh well ... time to rest now as I'm working tomorrow!

Ah....Monday. Had a pleasant week-end but now back to reality. Dh and I started some outdoor work on the front steps...actually near the front steps. I 've wanted to have a walkway there from the drive to the front door for some time. We've had the means (forms etc) to do this just not the inclination. Well inclination struck this week-end. We have an half walk formed and a lot of grass removed for the shade garden. Plus I sprayed more grass with round-up. So it looks horrid now but give me some time!

The mosquitoes are awful...we fogged on Saturday am and lowered the population a lot, but Geesh. Probably all that rain.

So the vet is coming today...heartworm checks and I'm going to work on some work work. May shave a dog too...so gotta go!

Hope you have a great Memorial Day south of the border! Us sods are workin' up here...(of course we weren't last Monday :s: :queen: Vic's Day)

How frustrating Empress A! I just have a hate campaign with the beastie scale these days. Anagram...looks like rain in your neck of the woods...nice out on the east coast though! :wave: to all!

Good morning, good morning! (No, it's not Viagra-related :lol: ) I lost 2.5 pounds this week and am half-way to my Solstice goal. :) Yay!

Amarantha, me too on the salt -- it was all I could do not to salt my popcorn yesterday because I knew today was the day of reckoning. For me, I think it's because I know that salt isn't actually fattening and it seems a little cruel to have to limit it as well as all the things that will lead to real weight gain. :rolleyes: There's a really good popcorn topping that I get that's about 20 cals. for enough to put on a big bowl of blameless popcorn. And the popcorn is really tasty and doesn't taste overly salty. And yet... when I dip my finger into the stuff on the bottom of the bowl, it seems saltier than salt.

Ceara, there's something about the nice weather that makes one feel ready to take on tasks, isn't there. Everything seems more do-able. And shall be done! :yes: I'm looking forward to having my house really clean. Just taking on one task at a time, whittling down the list. For me, it's all connected -- if I'm into the weight-loss thing I'm also up to getting everything else in order -- sure feels good!

Well, I did work last Monday but since my virtual office-mates are out today I can be more leisurely. Just going to do my voice practice, have another jacuzzi. Putter in between accomplishing work-related tasks.

Avanti! Let's make this a good one!

Oh, shoot. Mis-stroke of key lost early part of post.

DS/DDIL just left for cemetery and then on home. I chose to go alone a bit later. DD etc came Sat, left yesterday, ds came yesterday - had a few manageable hours of alltogether and lots more cooking than I'm used to. But now it's back to me. So will off to shower and just do basic tidying today. Think I'll head off to cemetery myself soon as it's to be ungodly hot/humid today.

Wood Nymph, I'm so proud of your loss. Almost feel like I did it myself when you (or any of our fair :queen:s) accomplish some good thing. 'Tis the only way I seem to manage a "feelgood".

No specific plans for the rest of the day - a nice feeling in a way. So we'll see what I come up with. Yard could use a little work but that won't be until dusk or so as I don't fare well in heat/humidity. Maybe a good day to rethink the rest of my life and see what answers I may be able to come up with.

Hello all....

don't know for sure but it seems like I actually was afffected by the heat/sun yesterday early. Or .... was going thru some touch of flu, no energy. Too bad it didnt kill my appetite. Have to admit, I ate way, way too much, nearly an entire box of shredded wheat. w/o milk... makes you wonder doesnt it.


Congrats Wood Nymph...

Ceara... what type of caulk is that? I need to do exactly the same thing....

Empres... recipe sounds yummy...

Anagram... was thinking how the holiday must be so strange for you....
sending you a big hug....

I need to start getting ready for the morning.

Hoping I feel more energetic!

Hello all,

Here we go Tuesday!....

Maybe I need to say that again.... I am really dragging this am....
and we are needing to leave extra early....

HERE WE GO TUESDAY!!!

Well, sometimes, its the idea of movement....can't always be enthusiastic, as long as we move is the point right????

Anyway....

enough about me!

/********************

Thought of the day :

"There are many paths to the top of the mountain but the view is always the
same."
Chinese Proverb

"Do you enjoy Chinese food?"

************************


Here's to getting thru the day!

And this heat and humidity won't help you feel better, Kaylets, so it's up to US - OK, :queen:s, let's vibe out to Kaylets.......

How's the entry walk coming along, Ceara? Sounds so nice. WN, I can hear you singing.....in your newly caulked shower. Empress, caramel is my second fave taste (after the royal pb) so the recipe sounds yummy to me. Hope your stressfest has abated a tad.

Managed a decent day yesterday. Just a small walk and a little yard work for exercise though but it was our first 90 degree day and that was a lot, considering. Hotter (94) , more humid today.

Off to pool, then for haircut. This evening is retirement party for sister. So it's dinner out!

Won't be Chinese - seldom eat it. And yay, verily, Kaylets, yesterday was indeed a holiday with a different focus for me.

I have a whine - I'm really missing our absent Royals. Come back, come back, wherever you are.

So, I repeat - HERE WE GO, TUESDAY, HERE WE GO!

Couldn't get to sleep last night -- upcoming trip plus work plus other little stressors. I eventually left my restless -- although sound asleep -- bedmate and went out to sleep on the hall futon and dropped off within a few minutes. Slept in a bit, but still tired. On coffee #5 :coffee: and will go for a very brief run in woods.

The shower looks completely pristine now and will be ready for water tomorrow. Today it's another jacuzzi for me. Of course now I'd far prefer a shower :dz:

Kaylets, I think you were asking about the caulk? The stuff I got is called DAP Kwik-Seal for tubs and tile. What the boys put on before was: The first time -- DH used that stuff for putting around windows that dries hard and is SO not intended for a damp, bathroom environment. I nagged to have the job done and was a total disaster, coming off in ugly chunks almost immediately. The second time -- DS used the silicone stuff for sealing around windows and doors, etc. which was better but not, either, up to the bathroom requirements. Both applications started to get ugly crud on them within a couple of months. The stuff I used is guaranteed not to mold or mildew for a year. Good luck!

Anagram, I'm really missing the missing, as well! At one point or another, I think I've e-mailed or PM'ed all of them. I begin to think we're going to have to start a recruitment campaign :cry: And I KNOW it wouldn't be the same as having the :queen:s that we already love back in the Palace. But it's sad to be such a diminished group and sometimes I'm afraid that we'll peter out altogether...

Oh, I hate to end on such a downer.

And if any missing Royals lurketh, please pop in to say :wave: Likewise if any lurkers wouldst join us on our quest...

Avanti!

Mornin' all...here we GO TUESDAY!!!!! Heh.

DH is on vacation...he went to work yesterday and was told that he'd applied for this week and next. Next week he is going fishing and he knew he'd taken 2 off in a row, just thought the second was the week after the fishing. He can't even keep track of himself! No wonder I can't! Don't even try anymore. He's out fogging again...the mosquitoes will carry you off here... We went for a walk this am...part of my campaign to keep him from nagging DS to get ready for school...can't seem to help himself...keeps giving reminders...which I don't. The kid wants to be independent, so let him. I expect that when DH moved to T.O. to go to school, his mother called him and reminded him to do things...like pay bills... I'm not gonna do it! No one did for me...life has to knock you about a bit in order to learn!

Off the soapbox now... :o Anyway. Yesterday was good...more water, and better food, and no booze. Sorry that you didn't sleep well Arabella, but I did! First time since before my grandmother died. Did not wake up once until 5:34. So I feel good about that.

Plans for today...finish up the activies I need to have for tomorrow am... (stupid, useless training session, and a wasted morning)....work and staff meeting at 8pm...weird schedule eh? Goals....drink more water, eat more salads, and NO BOOZE. I do like that wine though. My intestines have felt odd...or at least that region has...parentals report similar oddities...mine are centered around my incision line...it has been a year!...Mom thinks we are passing around a bug...I do know that DH's system was doing odd things on the week-end too. Wonder if it was something we all picked up at the wedding???? Anyway, am feeling more normal...:shrug: he-he.

So, am off....to make felt mice. Don't ask. Walkway is stalled due to 41 degree weather...that is with the humidex...only 31 C actual...just feels hotter. However, we were just examining the area...need to have another step out there...either are going to pour one, or get a new pre-fab set with 4 steps...the debate rages on!

:wave: to all....lurkers please feel free to chime in...we all became Royals by just joining in....Nice to see you Kaylets...I like Chinese...it makes me hungrier though! Have fun tonight at the dinner Anagram! This is a year of firsts for you. :grouphug:

:wave: finally.

I'm missin' the missin' also, :queen: s ... and I can't get in here as much and enjoy the palace with as much enthusiasm as I once had because of the issue my computers always seem to have with this site ... I had solved that when I bought a new system and everything was great and I was postin' up a 3FC storm, but the sisters then changed the server again and wham I was back where I started. Everyone else seems to get in here with no problem, but it's just such a hassle for me. I have to click my way through in stages ... go do other things between pages opening. I don't have this problem with any other site. Suzanne did try to help me resolve the issue shortly after the server change, but it doesn't seem to have helped much.

So I journal elsewhere and think o' the :queen: s and wish I could be on here more to help stir the bubblin' cauldron in the Great Hall, walk in the palace neighborhood, rollin' hoops with banners flyin' in the breeze under the beautiful blue sky and receiving (and hopefully giving, though I haven't been good about that lately) the supportive vibes o' my long-time :queen: ly comrades, some of which I've noted here 'n there on other sites on the web, but it's hard to keep up w' everyone ... so, actually, barrin' a miracle or a move to a new site or forum somewhere (which I know no one wants to do and that's cool), well, I'm destined to continue to pine for the lost glory day! :) Sigh ...

But I'm still sorta around. This is a very complex week for me ... mysterioso career thingie ... day 45 of exercise streak complete.

AHHH....Hump Day! Off to training this am. Seem to be on a pissy streak these days...I have to stop dwelling on negative things. I don't seem to be able to slough them off like usual. Geesh that looks funny :lol: Is it right?

Anyway, slept OK...did wake up at 12:30 'cause I had to use the facilities, but that was it....another streak!

Goals for the day...stay calm. Do my presentation well. Eat properly, drink at least 1 liter of water (made that yesterday!), NO BOOZE.

Avanti! Eydie? Lurkest thou?

Binged a little yesterday afternoon. It felt semi-on purpose, which was kind of weird. Didn't eat any banned substances, so I'm not fearful of the slippery slope, which is a good thing. Feeling stressed and pressured but simultaneously understanding that most of this is stuff I take upon myself and I should either stop doing that or find a way to live more comfortably with it. Hmmm... :chin:

Ceara, I admire your strength! I have incredible struggles, STILL, overmothering DS (and he's 28 now) -- NOT good for any concerned :no: Let me see if I can try to learn from your stance...

Ditto on the weird intestinal (or thereabouts) feeling. I'm often surprised by the way things seem to strike a number of us at once.

So glad you managed to get a good night's sleep! That really makes life so much easier. I tend to sleep pretty well but have the occasional troublesome night or so.

Ugh on the useless training session -- how many times have I had to do things like that, spending frustrating hours when I'd have been better off taking a half-hour and poking around by myself?

Anagram, how'd the haircut go? As I recall, last week you said your hair was getting to the "sproing" point? :lol:

Kaylets, good point -- we don't have to be enthusiastic about what we're doing every day. Some days we just have to do it. Get through it. Then, eventually, we get reinvigorated. Hoping for that tomorrow, if not today!

Amarantha, it's so great to see you in here on a more regular basis, even if daily seems too difficult. You're such a large presence in the palace!

K, now to finish some work that must be done by EOM (hey, that's today :dz: ) I got a good start on it last night, which might also have contributed to my sleeplessness. Want to go for a little run in the woods and also practice voice because I have my second (of two) lesson today.

Avanti!

Late checkin today for me! Can't even think howcum except I'm off on another planet today mentally. Have been working my way back.

Went to tai chi this a.m. Only 3 of us instead of the usual 14-16. Plus no instructor. Seems suspiciously like 3 of us didn't get a message but "person in charge at the moment" says she has no idea why ins. wasn't there. Find it hard to assume a dozen other people suddenly decided to be elsewhere on the same day.

Haircut (finally done yesterday) seems like one of the best I've had for a while. At least today I'm satisfied with it.

Enjoyed dinner for sis last night. Only non coworker there but I'd met 6 or 7 of those present throughout the years.

DS is 40 and I still have to work on the tendency to overmother. Had independence struggles when he was in high school too, to some degree. However, I've had to learn to be SO subtle when I want to get something across (I suspect he's on to me there too). But when he got engaged (at 24 or so) he said I could stop nagging him then because SHE nagged him about all the same things and she had more influence. I thought it was nice he had such a nice intelligent female who valued the same things I did and took the hint. She HAS done a good job with him (but I take credit too).

I think I had the strange, nebulous tummy thing the end of last week. All fine now.

Did a bit of cleaning out (never enough) and sorting through of paperwork and other stuff. Need to do some actual stuff or at least thinking. Will blow stuff off patio first. I think the patio of peace and contentment will retain that aura for me even without dh to share it. It has saved my sanity so many times through the years. Today's a toughie as it's a year today since dh had the surgery which led to .......all the rest. I suspect I'm going to have a few rough days coming up as we pass certain milestones. Really could have used that tai chi today! Sigh....pool tomorrow and later a picnic that we always enjoyed. I THINK I'm going despite the fact that there will be so many people who will be saying things that are kind but that will just remind me that I'm not as far on my journey as I want to be. Have to go search the cupboards and decide what I want to take. I'm thinking of one of Kaylets' angel food cake recipes. Did that once before and it disappeared quickly.

So - hang on, Queenlies, who are in the midst of doing so much and being alternately stressed and refreshed. I second the call to the missing and the lurking.

Goin' home now to crash. Really long day, but I managed to walk, drink water...still a bit more to go, and otherwise behave myself. Apparently my presentation went well...so life is good.
'night.

Cloudy here...maybe it'll rain :?:

I know that binge feeling Arabella...it is almost like "you're doing too well, you can't do that" Did it last night too...should have just come home and gone to bed. Had nothing terrible, just too salty and too late and so.....I slept not so well. No booze though...probably what I wanted.

Off to the vet's this am to take one of the girls to get her teeth scaled....I didn't keep up with them and now I can't. Anyhow...want to squeeze in a walk if I can.

:wave:

Fly-by -- just frantically getting ready for trip -- leaving in about 45 mins. I'll try to check in tomorrow.

xo

Had some white wine last night...it was good. Grey and cloudy out there today, gonna move some plants before the parental brekkie...so best hoof it!

Arabella are you off to Ottawa now?...mayhaps you'll be able to get online and let us know how it is going.....

A patron came by with a vanload of plants yesterday...now we have a young shade garden at work...looks really nice!

Gotta go dig...:wave: to all!

Had a good time at picnic yesterday. Wasn't even sure if I wanted to go but it worked out pretty well. And I did not overeat. Not the best of choices food wise but not bad considering.

Hanging around this a.m. doing little things and waiting for rain. Lunch buddy-to-be "forgot" so I'll head out to the pool and get in some more exercise. It'll will be the first time in a year I'll make it for 3 times a week.

Have much to do but no get up and go. Maybe if i look around, I'll find some.

Punkin - HERE WE GO FRIDAY, HERE WE GO.

Grey day again...good for the transplants though...I put in a flat of annuals, and the tomatoes and peppers yesterday. Now hopefully we'll get a little rain...and no blistering sun.

Am working today....so am off upstairs for my coffee...I came down to empty the dehumidifier and got sidetracked!

Later 'gator :wave:

Hello all....

The "heatwave" is officially over, we had crazy tstorms yesterday. Its cooler but actually not better as its so muggy the windows are wet w/ condensation.
Ah well....


Can brag that I was in the gym yesterday...only about 20 minutes but I did use the bike and the treadmill.....and got the treadmill moving quickly too....
It got very close and warm in the gym and I needed to make sure I showered w/ time to get to my desk. I am bragging as the last thing I wanted to do was go in the gym but naturally, I felt better long afterward.

Finally have gotten to a place on the job where I can evaluate quickly how long tasks will take and I'm able to make the right judgement calls to meet each deadline. Accidentally found out that the "office" I handle is the busiest,( at least right this minute) and I am doing great if I must say so myself.
Naturally, experience is a great help here but on the other side, I can see my improvements learning the specific policies and procedures of this division.
In looking back, although it was a transfer w/in t he same company, it was more like going to completely different company. Which I didnt expect. Just thought I was old and having trouble learning.
Nope. Just overwhelmed.


And speaking of learning.... read an article in an older Prevention magazine ( about 2 yrs old).... that claims studies have been done showing the higher the amount of hydrogenated oil in your diet, the more difficult it is for you to learn.
Interesting.

So. How is the food going you say?

Well, let's put it this way. The Peanutbutter I bought for the mousetraps was only eaten by humans. Good thing I bought a small jar. Not economically sound but for sure was sound for the diet......

But I am still in there for the fight.

Let me try to get a few things done.

Managed a decent day yesterday despite being completely slothful. All in what you decide to do "instead" maybe. That kind of day today too.
Friend "forgot" lunch date yesterday so I went to pool instead. Was going to fertilize today so am working on my "instead" for the day. Might treat me to the used paperback store. Some to return for credit so would at least clean a little up on one shelf.

Needed to find some old business papers of dh so ended up spending some unscheduled hours going though that stuff. Ended up making a dent as well (of course, not nearly enough).

Ceara, glad you got all that gardening done. I didn't put much in this year - now am going through my usual temptation to do just a little more.

Kaylets, glad the job is working out - yes,it would take a while to learn all that code, etc. But even though really busy it seems you are more content there.

I don't need much from grocery store but do need enough to warrant a leisurely stroll through - two, I think, because of what's on sale where. Don't often do that but it's that kind of day. Need to walk anyway so just might do it through two stores, maybe even add the farmers market.

All this time and quiet come by virtue of having first "alone" weekend in a good while. Rested a lot yesterday so no need to do too much of that today ;)

So - come on, weekend!

Yoo Hoo - sure is quiet in the palace. Hope your trip is going well, WN, and that you're able to find some intersting things about it.

Wishing I had felt up to going to family wedding in CA today. Unfortunately most of those who went encountered lots of delays etc due to weather.

Expecting rain on parts of every day this week. Lots of sun eventually yesterday though and looks like it will be more sun than rain most days.

can't even begin to discuss food. Horrible.

Yo Queenies! Just flying in for a :wave: The trip has gone very well and I'm very glad I came. It's really a gift, to have this kind of time with my mom and my sister and get in a visit with my brother. We had fun coming up on the train, although I don't think I got an hour's sleep, total, overnight. Ah well, I coped and have slept well the last couple of nights. Went out to restaurant with the members of my mom's graduating class last night and enjoyed the people we sat with very much. :queen: K, you were very right -- I wouldn't have missed this for the world, even thought it's been "inconvenient."

Picked up a pair of Nike Frees yesterday, which was one of the things I said I'd do for me on this trip. They are very different and I'll be looking forward to giving them their trail test on Tuesday. We've got a birthday party with my brother and his girlfriend and her adopted children (adopted from her sister who has serious addiction issues/prostitution, etc. -- they really saved these lovely children, who would have almost undoubtedly had serious problems, if they even survived their childhoods. And they're really so sweet! I'm so glad that it wasn't too late for them.)

Anagram, I can't believe your friend "forgot" lunch -- have had friends do the same or come 45 mins. late while I had driven 45 mins to get there and was waiting in the restaurant. Does not feel good. :no:

Sooo... anyway we're back on the train after the party and then home late tomorrow afternoon. I'll see you on Tuesday!

Addendum: Have been coping pretty well, diet-wise. Had pasta for dinner Friday night but there was no better choice. Had wine every night and a bite of cheesecake last night, but doing pretty well. Did a half-hour on the elliptical trainer this a.m. and a set of tai chi. Carrot, please! :carrot:

Well, I did a nice walk this morning and some yard work. Going to shower. Food ok so far. TRYING to drink more water. I know that's my answer.

Hi, :queen: s ... very long, hot day, just the usual, first real heat o' the season ... no small thing in Arizona when one only has AC in two rooms ... not so bad as that sounds, though, since that's the way I've lived for years! :) The AC rooms are mostly for the computer and pets.

Got in here again by dint o' playin' a game whilst it loaded, still slow.

Lost 2.4 pounds this week ... almost to my original 135 goal (am at 136.8) ... going for 125 now, though.

Truncated, disjointed thoughts as usual, still exercising every single day but abjurin' gym. Doing powerwalks with heavyhands weights, lifting, pilates and recumbent bike, mostly. Mysterioso job thing is a no-go, pretty much.

Glad thou art enjoyin' thy trip after all, Wood Nymph. Hope it is cool there.

Anagram, how rude of thy friend to "forget" a lunch date. That is so disappointing when someone does that.

Kaylets! :wave:

To all mentioned or unmentioned ... :)

G'morning! Congrats, Empress, that sounds like a GORGEOUS WEIGHT. And I'm optimistically still crossing my fingers on le mysterioso.

Re forgetful friend - I called her night before as we had not set time or place. She IS a good friend of 40 plus years and I more or less expect she makes it only 25% of times she plans to. Has medical concerns w/daughter right now and has been in the middle of it all. Even when she suggested Friday, my mind said "no way", so not too upset or disappointed. Just a little. I also know a lot she's forgetful. (This is not age - she's always been this way.) So why's she still my friend, you say? Well, because she knows my history and has ALWAYS been so supportive. And I need that more than lunch. When we do make it, it's like a long stop on a counselling couch for both of us.

I'm upset about something else though. Went to cemetery yesterday to remove cut flowers and bring home the vase that's part of the marker. Well, someone else had the same idea, I guess, because the vase was GONE. It was there less than two months. And others were nearby that had nothing in them (not that I'd wish this on anyone else but they would not have had to dump the soggy, wet, dead flowers). Again, I'm not as upset as you might think. Upset, yes. But it doesn't seem worth getting upset to the point where it devastates me.

Question of the morning: trying to decide whether to chuck plans and head south for an overnighter. Princess Ten was an Honorable Mention in a contest regarding being being Mayor of Day and gets to go to a Council Mtg (or something). Wants me there. It will be televised and, ergo, taped so I'd get to see it but that's not sharing the "moment". Also a little thingie at school tomorrow for Princess Five I could attend. I do not really feel like upsetting my plans (such as they are - taichi, pool, phone calls but nothing else but routine stuff) but won't otherwise be seeing them for close to three more weeks. Would have to leave in six more hours at latest. I guess I'm not as spontaneous as I'd like to think. Because of constraints, it would be pretty much a non exercise day if I go. But then, nothing brightens my life like the princesses........

Gray here again this morning. Did get beautiful later in the day yesterday so I hope for the same today.

Gardening fiend here...seems like that is all I did all yesterday. My friend came over and we potted up some more pots, bought some more plants and puttered in the gardens most of the time she was here...we did eat supper...DS BQ'ed. We did the salad and potatoes and the nibblies. It was quite nice. Her BF came over...I got him to hang the high pot in the tree...since I'm not that tall and he is. So this morning, back to the grind...shovelling that is....

Glad you are having fun Arabella, :cp: for the on-trackness of your trip.....and Anagram...you're off too? Nice to see you Empress....:carrot: for the loss!

Gotta go! :wave: to all MIA's and lurkers

I'm still around--I've been remiss about checking in so I need to catch up.
My big news is that THIS IS IT: Tonight's the night that I start my 12-week program at work. I don't know if you remember, but I was going to do 'Body-For-Life For Women' as a summer program. Now it's upon me, and I believe it has great potential to be fun, but I'm fighting the feeling that I'm just a big ol' fraud since I weigh about 13 pounds more than I did last year at this time! Dang it! So keep me in your thoughts and I'll check in tomorrow and let you know how it went. I PROMISE!!!!

SO GOOD to hear from you, Eydie! Looking forward to hearing LOTS about your progress and hoping it will help me develop some discipline too.

The princesses won - not that I'm wrapped around anyone's little fingers or anything. So I'm off.

So relieved - and so embarassed. Just heard from cemetery manager. Vase not missing - just hiding in a little feature I was not made aware of. Feel better it was not stolen.

Eydie! Great to hear from you! Hope the programme goes well!

I'm a shovellin' fool these days. Got one huge blue hosta planted this morning, plus removed some grass and moved some dirt...got DS to 'barrow some dirt in for me...think I'll go down to the Feed Store tomorrow and look at mulch....I want this bed different. Have 4 varieties of hosta so far...and a pulmonaria and some little pink perennials to put in...I'll provide names later... I'll remember the bulb ones too. They are just breaking ground by-the-bye. Also did up a couple of pots again....my DH is going to flip out when he gets home! Teach him to go fishing and leave me with watering the front step - curing concrete - ...anyway...anybody seen those little monkey face things...mayhaps I'll provide those names too...I had blue ones last year...and this year I have blue, lilac, pale yellow and varigated whites with different shades of pink through to burgundy. They are an annual vine. Anyway, they really look gorgeous in a pot...also planted a variation of snapdragons out back...they are monkeyface (? theme ?) snaps I think...the flowers are on the main stems, right at each leaf...kind of cool. So, I've been out shovelling most of the day..exception was when I was at work...so I'm tired. Another cooler...Smirnoff Ice...Canadian kind... and off to bed...see you in the morning!

:wave:

Sunny day....off to the store and then dig, dig, dig!

Oh, good morning Queenlies! I am home again, a bit exhausted but mostly okay. The trip could hardly have been more successful but for the two sleepless nights on the train. That was torture, although I did have fun playing Canasta with my sister which makes up for a lot. About 3:30 yesterday morning we took a fit of the giggles (giggling quietly, mind you, so as not to wake the neighbours) and could NOT stop. We did have fun and it was such an opportunity to get in some real quality time with my mom and my sister. Wouldn't have missed it for the world, as :queen: K predicted.

I slept like a log last night (as I did both nights in the hotel) and have hopes for a full recovery. Working, and will go for a little run as soon as I get enough caffeine into me for energizing.

DH is off to the Yukon on Friday morning for a couple of weeks, so I'm looking forward to having a bit of time and getting some stuff done around the house (which is, of course, suffering from a few days of husband-care :rolleyes: ) Wouldn't they be smarter to do their share so we missed them when they went away? I know the answer, of course, I need to tell him he needs to do more. :yes: Instead of continuing to do it and resent it.

Eydie! So glad to see you back again. You'll have those 13 fluffies off in no time! V. good spot to catch self, as opposed to -- say -- 50 more. Which I did in the past six years :shrug: I've got 23 of them off again and swear never to let it get away from me again! :nono:

I'm pretty much where I was when I joined 3FC now, which would be discouraging if I let it. But I won't. Onward and downward!

Ceara, sounds like you're having a lot of fun in your garden. I'm hoping to get some landscaping done while my cat is away. ;)

Anagram, so glad to hear the vase turned up! These "little" things can really strike to one's core, can't they. Great symbolic weight to them and on some level, symbolic weight is as heavy as anything else. :hug:

Re: forgetful friend -- we do take the bitter with the sweet, don't we. Occasionally the balance gets too out of whack and we have to get rid of a toxic relationship but most relationships are mixed. Also glad to hear that you weren't exactly counting on friend to show up :dz:

Amarantha, I would love to live in Arizona for a bit. Hot and all as it is! I really hope to visit the Southwest some day. DH's family reunions sometimes take me to the midwest which I sense is not the same thing at all :lol:

Kudos on the big fluffy release!!! Have a banana! :cb:

K, Dovies! So nice to be home and catch up again. Love to all and AVANTI!

LOL -- six minutes between us and the same colour today, Ceara :lol:

Yes and what is that saying about great minds and fools....hmmmm. Guess I'm best linked with you! :grouphug:

Last night I had 8 women come to the workshop and truthfully it's all kind of a blur but I had an agenda and stuck to it pretty well. There's a sweet woman there who's comes to lots of different pograms where I work and she's notorious for talking non-stop and going off on tangents. I knew that I was going to have to just jump in, interrupt and redirect her and get the group back on track. It was hard, but I did it! [Had to do it several times actually.:o ] That was the most difficult thing.
This morning it hit me that I DID IT! It's truly a big deal for me to step so far out of my comfort zone, and I'm feeling rather proud!:D

Hello all!
Anagram! What a shock and how good the way things turned out! I don't think I would've been able to sleep!
So glad things are just as they should be.

WoodNymph....I am SO glad I was right about the trip. I admit I did have my fingers crossed. Tell us more about the reunion! I wouldnt have slept on the train either. Just how I am. I would want to sleep but just wouldnt be able.

Eydie--I HEAR YOU.... in fact, was thinking of you as I ate a sweet potato tonight at dinner.
I'm aprx exactly the same amt over goal and its been a year since I met my goal so we are traveling very same road....
And even more parallel.... I have two days in a row in the gym......
And believe it or not.... have become one of those who say " I hate going but love the feeling I get once I'm there."....

Ceara... your garden sounds so lovely. Any vegetables??? Our very first grape tomatoes were picked tonight. Just 2 but they've really only been in the ground 2=3 weeks....

Empress... Tell us more about the weather there. I saw on the news some big , big fires... yikes! Sorry the mysterioso is a no go....Making room for something better???

Frogger?? How goes the south beach??


I'm off to pop old fashioned popcorn kernels in the microwave w/ no oil....

I really am...

Sunny again, but 40% chance of rain...must boogey. I have peas, tomatoes and peppers in the ground. Should put some beans in shortly now that it is warm...they don't like cold dirt and will just mould. Want to plant the lilac bush, and continue with the front....did put in more plants yesterday, and mulched as I went...need to get more mulch! Everything was so dry last night....did some spot watering...hope that rain is slow and long. Of course me, myself and I, plus the whole neighbourhood are listening to Harry Potter #5 as I do all this....quite relaxing.

Kaylets...good to see you. I love pop corn but I don't like the intense flossing later....

Garden calls....have to make hay whilst the sun shines :lol:

Am away this week end and have a family BQ coming up in June....another reason for all the intense gardening activities. Have a great day ladies....may check in around lunch.

Recovering a bit, still pretty tired and busy. Trying to putter the house into shape in between things. On third coffee now -- maybe this one will do it? :coffee: Back from the gym and have done first part of yoga. That may be it for yoga for today -- it's a good enough stretch. And trying not to overdo because this would be a classic time to get sick. Will maybe try to squeeze in a set of tai chi later... Solidly back OP now after the few little off-P things I had on trip (mostly because more acceptable fare was not available). I'm going to hit my solstice goal or surpass it, yes I am. :yes:

Kaylets, oh yeah -- the train was torture for trying to sleep. My mom did great sitting up in her seat but I don't seem to be able to do that. And even when DSis and I took turns trying to lie across two adjacent seats there was a hump in the center and poky things on the wall to try to arrange oneself around, plus the space was not large enough. If ever I take the train again, sleeper class will have to be somehow affordable.

But the reunion and visit with brother, as well as hanging with mom and sis was wonderful. We were silly and serious and everything in between. I feel like I got in touch with my deeper self and am more grounded, more centered, more happily my own self than I have been in a long, long time. Had a dream last night that seemed to be about integration...

Ceara, I wish you could come garden with me! We'd have a blast and then my yard would be fabulous when we were ready for deck and festive beverages. :)

Eydie, WTG!!! That's fantastic -- you set the stage for the rest of the 12 weeks already and it'll be so much better and easier because of that. It's interesting, stepping out of our comfort zones. We had a discussion about that at our last writing group meeting about feeling disinclined (well, duh -- we like comfort) but have to push selves to grow. Kudos to you! :cb: :cb:

Must go woik -- love ya, Goils! (tee-hee!)

I'm proud of you too Eydie - and don't you just love the non stop talkers who keep veering from the reason everyone else is there? Good job on letting her know who's boss.

Ceara, you do sound like a gardening fool. If you and WN get together to garden, can I sit on the deck and sit and supervise?

Went to tai chi today, just about a 20 minute walk last night. Pool tomorrow, I guess. Have been feeling somewhat better the last couple of days, hope it lasts.

Yo, sneakin' in fer a moment ... been ill and am headin' to couch as can barely stay awake! :) SO these responses are a bit short ... the bod is not cooperatin' right now ...

E, how great that ye are doin' the BFL workshop. Sounds like ye handled the chatty lady just fine ... congrats!!!!

K, there's a thunderstorm brewin' ... it's been somewhat hot and the problem I had stemmed with havin' a certain stomach ailment whilst bein' in heat too long and too suddenly ... spent last night in ER with dehydration ...

Yea, there have been some fires ... not so bad as last year, so far.

WN, how great that ye got to hang with family. such a valuable time.

Ceara, thanks fer the congrats ... I fear I'll have a loss this week due to illness but then it'll be right back ... but that'll mean I feel better, so that's good, I guess! :)

To all, mentioned 'n un ... I have to go to bed! See ye!

Hope you're feeling better today, Empress.

Gray, showery, etc. Pool this a.m. Only paperwork on the agenda otherwise. Maybe a minute or two on yardwork. And the usual load of laundry.

Need something to spark my day. Let's get posting, :queen:s!

Good morning! I'm going to go look for a spark and will return!

I ordered the IMO unfortunately named 'Yoga Booty Ballet" from the infomercial and received it a few days ago. I've tried it twice and it really is fun! Good sweat!
I soooo want to lose 10 pounds overnight. Somebody get the wand.:wizard:

A little better, thanks, Anagramatic! :)

Been better ... just when I was sorta takin' notice o' the world again, I saw that Old Dog's face was all swollen. Rushed her to vet and sort of had meltdown, which considerin' what's been goin' on with ER visits, etc., was predictible. Anyhow, she's ok, had an erupted tooth and is on antibiotics ... will have oral surgery in two weeks.

Sorry, that's not too sparkly, I guess. :lol: But she's so dear to me ... anyhow, she's comfy now and that's all I care about.

Gotta go ... not able to think much these past few days ... I click in here whilst playing solitaire on the hard drive ... better get back to it!

K, that'll do to spark me. ;) I took it easy today, other than working. Didn't work out, didn't vacuum or clean bathrooms. Slept 10 hours last night (unHEARD of). And I believe I'm going to recover from my trip.

Mood-wise, I feel great. Have various plans for things to do while DH is away. DGS comes on the weekend and my sister and her daughter will be coming to hang with us. Much easier :s: and more fun, too. Oh, I love my boy but he's high-energy, for sure.

Just had a call from a tai chi acquaintance, about the end of season dinner. This year it's in honour of a tai chi friend who died recently. I didn't realize, because I haven't been attending. She was retired, flaming red hair and very sparky herself. Took great trips to China, South America, etc. I guess she's been battling cancer all along. I'll return to class next week and go to the dinner.

Eydie, "Yoga Booty Ballet?" :lol: That's priceless -- I love it! Can hardly imagine what it's like, though. Hmmmm... if you can knock off 10 pounds overnight, let me know how -- I'll gladly invest a week :dz:

Amarantha, glad to hear that thee and Ye Olde Dogge are feeling a little better.

K, Anagram, that's about the best I can do for now. Will check in again in the A.M.

Still here, :queen: s ... fadin' in 'n out between the solitaire. Olde Dog restin' ...

E, I've heard that Yoga Booty Ballet is a really fun workout ... weird name, though! :lol: Glad ye are enjoyin' it ... doubt if 10 pounds overnight be a feasible possibility but ye never know ...

I forgot to mention that even during this illness, my exercise streak is continuing ... I was down to 136.8 (maybe I posted that already ... I'm in la la land this week) but will either be falsely down due to illness at next weigh-in or falsely up as I had two days of IVs pumped in for dehydration and these are pretty much bags of salt. :) Also eating a lot today to compensate for Tuesday and Wednesday, in which I hardly ate at all.

Ok, bye! :wave:

Sounds like it was really a rough time, Empress. Glad you have Olde Dog to comfort you.

Must have been spark enough, WN, as I had the best day yesterday in a long time. Diet, exercise, mental stimulation, all the good stuff. Now if I can repeat.....feeling sluggish again this morning. Nice outside now, supposed to be less so later. So I think I'll get right on it (about an hour late) and start meandering around. Heading to pool again today.

Amarantha, Glad to hear that Old Dog is resting comfortably at hom. At least I hope she's comfortable--is she able to eat?
Big congrats to you for being at 136!!!!:carrot: That's fantastic! I hope to see the 130's again. I'm still hanging around 148 pounds.

Anyone hear from wsw lately?

I got DH safely off to the Yukon yesterday. Had a relapse of travel fatigue yesterday, probably because I had to get up at 4:30. Then ate about 8 cookies that I didn't need in the afternoon as a result. Spelt and maple syrup sweetened but still... not a good idea. Ah well. Onward. Had a good night's sleep and feel better able to cope today. I've got my best pal, DGS, snuggled up to me watching Max the bunny on TV, as I type and we've got a nice day planned: a trip to the bookstore to buy some Dr. Seuss books -- he loves those rhyming things because he can "read" along. Then we're going to hop on the bus and go around town and to the malls. We've got a new transit system in town and I've been promising a "bus tour" for a while.

We plan to connect with my sister and her little girl at some point, although right now Noah says he wants to spend the day with just me.

K. Noah wants to type now, so I'd better hit post before he types over this. Let's make it a good one!

Sounds like a fun, cuddly day, WN. And how exciting the bus trip with be for your little adventurer!

Added at least an hour of yard work to the pool workout yesterday. And over an hour's worth of same this morning. I'm tired already. Wasn't it just a few short weeks ago I thought my yard was looking good? Not finished trimming and weeding and all that stuff yet but done for the day.

My reward is to shower, go to Farmers Market and used bookstore again this morning. Have two decent food days behind me and some good food waiting in fridge for today. Seem to always have to have that naughty thing or two though.

I seem to be feeling better from all the exercise though. Or I'm exercising more because I'm feeling better.

Off to a good weekend.

Hello all....

well....

after a week of politely waiting and then politely asking for status, the employment verification form which asked for my start date and a signature was finally confirmed by phone late on day 6. DH's was confirmed 2 hrs after the fax was recvd....for some reason my employer was so backed up, it took a few of us to get the verfication done.
Then, the next night, DH and I signed dozens of docs and hopefully, we will have finalized all by next midweek and then we can seriously begin car shopping. Because, yes, I have be w/o a car nearly a month now. For the most part, I'm ok as DH's job is fairly close to mine but many days he needs to stay late, and then that's an issue. Bus is complicated now involving transfers and at night, to get close enough to home would involve aprx 2 hr trip....

So although I'd be more than glad to do without the expense of a car I see no other option at this time.

So two of the things I despise, discussing finances w/ strangers and car shopping have been number one subjects here lately.

Guess that explains why one night I had popcorn for supper while DH was at a meeting and then had him bring me chocolate dove bar icecream for a nightcap.
And yes, I ate it.

ah well.....

FORWARD.

Bought more hot peppers for the garden. Some prices are starting to drop for plants so its worth it. We have had soaking rain the past few nights and its exciting to see how the squash plants have taken off. Instant gratification.

I just need to get out there. And will. Going to rotate 15 minutes of garden, kitchen and office while trying to keep machines running the whole while till things look and smell better. One thing about summer weather..... that extra motivation to tidy things up.


Empress-- Poor Ol Dog.... and she didnt complain? I was wondering myself if dogs feel tooth pain as we do....Guess Ceara would be our expert on these matters.....And congrats on 136.8 and did I mention, don't forget to drink something.... hope you're feeling better

Anagram--- Is the Patio of Peace a little breezy this morning? Downright gusty here today. I feel like I'm right on the ocean or up in ME... Even wearining a fishermen's sweater right now.

WSW??? I miss you!

Eydie--- So, is the BFL class the whole package or just the weight training or...???

Ceara--- So I'm not too late for beans? YAY!

WoodNymph..... It takes me a long time to recover from trips too... Seems like almost a month... don't understand but I think that I am discovering I am
not anyhwhere as flexible mentally as I always thought I was.... and that is an ephiphany that came to me just this minute.


hMMMM

time to set the timer again.....

Good Morning Queenies!

Well, I really need a fresh start today, myself. I ate just about non-stop yesterday afternoon. Lunch morphed into dinner. I never made it out to do the grocery shopping while DGS was here (which, it turned out, was from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon). And, after I dropped him off was just ravenous. Ugh. Anyway, Onward.

I need to look after my own needs. Have I noticed that before? Yes I have. So here we have Monday WI coming up with 3 pounds-worth of salt and water-induced weight added. I'm going to take advantage of a WI later in the week rather than go this morning. Game plan for today: Core, totally. Tons of water, healthful food. Some "me" time through the day. Meditation. Off to the gym in a few mins. and will do yoga on return. AND I'm going to make a list and shop. :yes:

Had a very nice time with DGS, but he is very high-energy and leaves a trail of distruction in his wake. I did, post-binge, clean the house a bit so I don't have to face the mess this morning.

I was reading the other day that people (not just dieters) tend to eat significantly more around the full moon. I'd never noticed that -- anyone?

:queen: K, that's very comforting to hear that I'm not the only one that takes a while to recover from a trip! I remember after our exhausting vacation last year I came home and promptly got sick. I was exhausted before we went, exhausted throughout and exhausted when we returned. I think I'm very smart insisting on a cottage on the shore vacation -- at least for me! -- this year. :yes:

Oh, I hear you on the car! When we lived in the country and DH worked 45 mins. from home it was hard to maintain a second car. But I would have gone totally mad without... At least, once you've got one, you'll have so much more freedom -- life's hard enough, n'est-ce pas?

Anagram, sounds like you're doing great! I wouldn't worry about a naughty thing or two -- maybe you should just consider that part of the plan? Our days on Saturday were pretty parallel. DGS and I, my sister and her daughter walked to the used bookstore and I bought five Dr. Seuss books. We read a few of them in bed that night (incl. 3 renderings of the deathless prose in "Green Eggs and Ham" :lol: ).

Amarantha, hope you're feeling better!

Ceara, I'm thinking I beat you to it this morning? ;)

Eydie, I'm going to try PMing WSW. I hope she's okay!

Okay, Royal Ones! We've got a fresh new week here with no mistakes in it (yet) -- let's make this a good one.

Avanti!

Yup, ya beat me ;) Am just stirring...got in quite late last night and found the house in an uproar...or rather I found everything topsy turvy and then I made an uproar...no windows open, no fans, the crates moved and DH had shampooed the carpet....not complaining about the carpet, but the lack of air movement. And the fan, which I couldn't find was out on the deck? Men. I would have rather he'd made more stone for the front....Men...sigh.

We are supposed to have a BQ this Saturday here...I guess that is why he shampooed....or maybe just because he got a new shop vac....men and their toys!

Had a great time away...saw a lot of people I haven't seen for a while and my girl looked good. She is a little cutie...

So gotta find some clothes and hit the road...still more gardening to do too...more mulch and more grass to strip.

:wave:

I'm in a rush this morning, but I wanted to check in. Had the second BFL session last night and it went so well---I think I may have a gift for this kind of thing! I'll post later to tell more!:carrot:

Sunny day again. Gotta strip off some more grass and start cleaning in the house....class tonight too...dog to groom.

DS missed the bus this morning...mouth zipped. He took the bike. So...

Got some more gardening accomplished yesterday....think I will pamper meself and walk the road first before I start anything...I am very stiff.

:wave:

Mornin' Royals. Nice here this a.m. Taking a "free" day, sort of. Very few "must dos". And I'm going to keep it that way.

Tomorrow dhs bro and sil are coming so I can take them to cemetery (unable to attend funeral). I am NOT looking forward to this so am "prerewarding" myself with leisure in an attempt NOT to turn to food. Spent a good sit on the patio this a.m. and will again several times today, I'm sure. That's the plan anyway. Yes, Kaylets, it sure was cold and windy out there, even called it quits one morning. Must get out the blower and clean it up too. That wind sure was wild some days.

Probably go to pool (did tai chi yesterday). They've added another time for the summer - in late afternoon - and I think I'll give that one a try today.
Tai chi group changing too - I'll be missing tomorrow because of visitors and then by the next class there's uncertainty about where/how we'll meet over summer - last year apparently they met on the patio and then an hour earlier in July and August. Keeping my options open as can always go to pool five days a week and do tai chi at home. Part of all this though is also that it gets me out. I could stay in with a/c and books all summer.

Re earlier comments on not knowing how to care for selves - I'm constantly surprised at how I still don't do that now that I have no good excuses for not. I'm constantly reminding me that I should do what is in my interest and it is happening more but still not what it could be. Long ingrained habit, I guess. A perfect example for me is my nails. I go through spells where I take good care of them and then all of a sudden they look bad and I realize it's been a long time since they had any attention. I even have an emery board and some nail cream sitting here by the computer but I'll sit and stare at blank screen while it's loading instead of working on nails.

Eydie, so happy you've given your latent talent a chance to emerge.

Loved your uproar description, Ceara. Bet dh expected a nice pat on back for cleaning carpet and didn't understand what all the rest was about. 'SOK, we :queen:s do.

So it's off to the shower and something cheerful from the closet and then a leisurely meander through the day. Also celebrating a paperwork milestone accomplished yesterday and refusing to consider more paperwork until Thursday. One hill at a time is my motto.

Feeling better, Empress? And Olde Dog?

Pamper away, Ceara! and congrats on the zip!!

Thanks Anagram...no walk yet but have fertilized and watered a lot of plants...hand hauled in watering can thingy...more cals that way. Think I'll get in those beans first then strip grass...just came in for brekkie...no courage yet to try that :devil: scale

I feel a little "funny." I'm having a good day, actually, but just feeling maybe a teeny bit unsettled? Think it may be one of those "opening up" things, feelings feeling the teeniest bit scary...

I went for a nice little run through the woods this morning and did the first part of my yoga. Intending to return to tai chi for the first time in many months tonight. I practiced vocal exercises with the tape from my lessons and then sang a lot whilst doing this and that. The teacher really did say what I thought she said -- she seems to think that I've got something worth cultivating. Yikes!

Enough about moi-meme. Will keep you posted on any thrills and chills to come...

I contacted WSW and she's been having computer problems. She's sworn to swing by the Summer Palace sometime soon :)

Eydie, congrats on that talent -- how cool is that! :cool: I knew you had the situation well in hand after your description of the first meeting...

Anagram, you are so wise to pre-treat! These situations really tend to blindside one o/w, do they not. I know, I know, I know that I've got to fortify self but time and again I wait until the damage is done and then look for the license number of the truck that hit me :dz:

Re: self care -- me too, oh yeah. I tend to be either getting it all together or letting it all go to heck in a handbasket. :shrug: Working on getting up to speed now, babysteppin' my way...

Ceara, thanks for the :lol: re: zipped lip -- how I admire your forebearance! Not to mention your gardening habit. Thinking I might hire a friend of my son's for some garden help here. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day, ever. Oh, that carpet cleaning scene was hilarious too -- and had a real familiar ring to it. Reminds me of DH's culinary experiments. Nice to have dinner cooked but often takes a lot more time to clean up the kitchen afterwards than it'd have taken to cook myself in the first place :rolleyes:

K, Queenies -- must get some more work done. Intend to knock off a bit early to get to the store before tai chi. Love to all and AVANTI!!!

hello to the royal kingdom, one and all! i have missed you all so much. i had computer problems, and for a long while, wasn't able to get on this site at all, unfortunately. on saturday, i got an amazing surprise gift of a new computer from my good (and obviously, wonderful!) friend!! he had told me he was coming over to look at my old computer because he thought he could fix it, when instead, he and his girlfriend came over and brought me this new computer. i was so touched by his kindness and generosity, and such a marvelous surprise! so----i am happy to be able to get back on this website, and am looking forward to catching up on how everyone is doing.

i have been op now for a pretty good stretch, and keeping up with my regular exercise. i have had quite a few "ms technical difficulties" for a while now, and over the last few months, have had to start on blood pressure medication (well, the doc has been trying to find the right one for me through trial and error over the past few months+). hopefully, my next appt. with her in another month will show that this latest one is the winner.

well, it is certainly great to be back in the summer palace once again. take good care, all.

wsw

Hi, :queen: s! :wave: I am on a work computer so can visit more handily in the palace ... and here I find our beloved :queen: Wsw is back with us just as I am here! It be good to see, thee, friend! What a nice surprise the gift of the new compute must have been. :)

I am feelin' better, Anagramatic, thanks, still not 100 percent ... Old Dog will be havin' surgery next week but is feelin' ok right now. :)

How I do miss the old days in the royal neighborhood... I've been lookin' for different places to post these days as I try to get back that ol' zip 'n zing re the weight loss journey.

Dost thou recall the 21-day challenges we :queen: s initiated here? I am not sure but I think we were the first to do this on 3FC and it was Wood Nymph who brought it here. It would be fun to have a royals 21-day challenge thread, but likely it would not fly.

I am on a new initiative to regain aforementioned zip 'n zing and reach my 125 pound goal before the end o' the year.

Actually, :queen: s ... I have to go as I seem to be fallin' asleep at the computer even as I type!

See ye!

If this postie maketh no sense, well, there ye are!

Hello all....

Have myself in a gut wrenching tizzy.... more delays beyond my control for the refinance.... and I am seeing that I am making stupid mistakes in other areas of my life that are quickly causing issues.....


So... I am asking for good thoughts and calming vibes....

WSW! So glad you stopped by. Congrats on the new computer! You do have wonderful friends. I know I would be very, very lost if my computer was permanently down too.

Sorry so short but as I am still riding w/ DH, I am gone.


Love to all....

What a bright morning of posts from the palace! So glad to see you, wsw, and again to learn of your kind friend. He is a treasure!

Hope you're feeling better, Nymphie. Those"funnies" can be disarming. Calming vibes, Kaylets. Those "mistakes' creep up on us when we are distressed (an expert here).

I didn't go to pool, after all yesterday. Good thing I had taken a short walk in the a.m. "just in case". I did pretreat a lot on Patio of P&C and it helped. Spent much time sorting out emotions I was feeling and I think I've gotten to the root of it. Managed not to go hog wild on food in the process. I plan to behave as a :queen: today and get through this day, dreading it as I am. I'm glad I spent the time yesterday in getting to know me a little better, understanding me a bit better. Actually I think I always understood, it was in actually putting the feelings into words to myself and then validating those feelings that I feel I've gained strength.

At least it means I won't be gardening today ;) Gives the weeds a chance to regain control.

Hey, Empress, any type of thread works for me since I'm just hanging onto the wagon.

Off to shower and get beautiful and composed and do the finishing touches on lunch. Biggest chore - cleaning my stuff off the dining room table. There'll only be 3 of us and I could do kitchen table, I suppose, but that's way more intimate than I choose to be today.

SMILE - IT'S WEDNESDAY!

hi amarantha-i'm sorry you've been sick, and are still not back to 100% yet. hope you will be feeling much better a.s.a.p! glad to hear old dog is ok for now, at least. i will think good thoughts too for her surgery next week. congrats on being down in royal poundage, and almost at thy original goal!! that is great!!! and i admire your ambition of setting a new one too. as always, empress, you inspire me. i sure have missed you.

hello kaylets- i hope the refinancing will work out smoothly, and that there will be no more nasty delays. i am sending you waves and waves of good thoughts and calming vibes. so good to see your post this morning!

and salutations to anagram, ceara, arabella, eydie, wildfire, and to all our royals, mentioned and -un. have a good morning/day!!

there is a big storm here, which started overnight, so wasn't surprising to me i couldn't sleep much last night. ah well. i have lots to get to today, so no sneaking back to bed for me. trying to break a lousy plateau i have been on the last couple of weeks, so hoping that it will end soon, if i keep hanging in there, and i will hang in. well, i am thinking of you. take care, all.

anagram-good luck with today. i am sending soothing thoughts your way.

Having a pretty good day here, despite still feeling a little disoriented or whatever. But hanging with the "funnies" rather than smothering them in foooood. Sure this is a necessary stage.

Went to the gym, did a full set of yoga, practiced vocal exercises, which I'm really starting to get into. Interesting, the way it was an impulse to do them yesterday. And as soon as I thought of it, it felt right. :)

I did actually go back to tai chi last night and it felt good, although with "niggles" -- for example, one of the members seemed mad at me for not having been there, as if it was my duty to the group. Whatever. :shrug: Other things, like: they stop in the middle for a tea break and I'd much prefer to carry on through and then do tea afterwards (or leave!). And there are members who should really still be in the beginners' group that kind-of throw the group off. (Because there's no real Center here, these things are not regulated) Nevertheless, it was beneficial and I'll continue to go, I think. I definitely work harder in the group than on my own :yes: And some of the issue was just the particular group that showed up last night, I believe.

Anagram, thinking of you today :hug: I admire the way you've approached this. It seems like you're taking control of this as best possible. WTG!

Oh, self-care is an interesting issue isn't it. On some level I always think that I'm just too busy to do things for myself. Truth told, though, sometimes when I have extra time I don't use it to any good effect AT ALL.

Kaylets, hope your refinancing goes hitch-free! :crossed: Don't these things just tie us in knots sometimes!

WSW, we were supposed to get a storm last night too. It really poured when I was out but if there was any big flashin' and crashin' I must have slept right through it. :cry: I love storms! Oh, it's so nice to see you here in the Summer Palace!

Amarantha, wanna start up a 21-day challenge within this thread? I feel like it's hard enough to keep up with a single one :rolleyes: 'Twas not I who brought the concept to 3FC but Katrinabgood, a terrific gal that I've been thinking of trying to recruit to the palace.

K, must heigh-ho heigh-ho. Oof oof and away. I've got DS, DM, DN and DGS coming for dinner and DGS for a "shleep-over" :) More Seuss to read...

Love to all and AVANTI!

arabella-thanks, so good to be back here! i was listening to some music earlier (opera) and i could picture you doing your vocal exercises. it's great that you're taking voice lessons. sadly, i can only appreciate music, but not sing one note (well, that is.)

Ok, it's over. It went well. I just didn't want to do it. Thanks for all the support vibes.

Just got an inch and a half of rain in a VERY short time, some thunder/lightning but not a BIG storm.

Had HORRIBLE news last night. Sister's niece and family were in an auto accident and sister's 3 and a half year old grand nephew was killed. Both parents hospitalized with lots of problems. Little girl and my BILs sis are ok. They were on vacation!

But Sis is to become a grandma again tomorrow so I'm anxious to find out what Baby X will be. Good news always welcome.

I had thought to go to pool assuming guests left early enough. They left 15 minutes before start time and I was too drained to change and rush out plus it started to rain just about that time. Sigh.......

Just remembered I must go out and check on vacationing neighbor's mail. Fresh, brisk, after rain air will probably be good for me.

Hello....

Saga continues. The latest form we must have witnessed by notary has not even been sent to us as the request hasnt been answered. DH and I spoke w/ the loan processor 3 times today, as well as our original "salesman" w/ the idea our processor needed some muscle to get the vault opened for this last bit of legal pw.
AND meanwhile, a horrible issue at work that literally has an agent w/o a license in a state and the responsible party is yours truly.
Not entirely my fault but mostly. Which turned into a snicker and m&m binge.
Does premeditated comfort food count as a binge?
I decided that everything considered, chocolate really was the only answer.


SO, yes, a 21 day challenge would be the perfect timing for me Empress...
I need to get back into a better mindset so when things happen I am not so completely overwhelemed that I have to empty a vending machine.

WSW... how nice to see 2 posts in a two days...! Glad you are back on line!!

Anagram... glad you got thru it. and yes, that is awful news about the grand nephew.

Woodnymph...I didnt know you were singing. I am jealous as I cannot hold a note either. ....
Time to figure out what I should wear in the morning.

Take care all

Kaylets, so sorry re thy sister's family tragedy ... very horrible news indeed.

Sorry also re the work snafu ... don't worry, ye will weather it.

:queen: s, I always feel I just whine when comin' on here and don't give the support on all fronts as before. I am just havin' a run o' bad luck and seem to not be handlin' stuff well anymore ... had a meltdown in dentist office today ... actually I am soooooo major league sick of havin' personnel in the dental office pressure me to have work done I am not ready to have done and I am tired of the gloom and doom regarding it all ... I just want to go in, have the work done I am scheduled for and make my own decisions re my own health, since, well, it's my body ... is that not reasonable?

Yes, it is. :)

Re a 21-day challenge ... personally, I would love to have a thread for one here that is separate from the palace itself ... mainly because it would help me focus on the challenge ... but that's just me. I don't think I would do a 21-dayer on this thread but if ye all do it, I would cheer ye on ... I've developed a way to play games while I load into here so I can come more often. :)

K, dinna feel like the lone ranger re the comfort food binge ... it's the new story o' my life ... or the old one!

My Old Dog is still hangin' in and feeling pretty good.

What a run of "black cloud" we are having!! My preplanning only partially paid off as I had way more to eat yesterday than I should have.

Am still gloomy/upset this a.m. Usually I shake it fairly easily. Fortunately have breakfast date with friend who "forgot" last time. And she's my good therapist so maybe that will help. I think this past year of constant stress is catching up with me. Want to go to a cave for a few days. Do we have a Royal cave?

Yes, Empress, some decisions should be our very own. Although there are many I'd like others to make for me and those nobody is willing to take on. Well, maybe my kids on some but I don't want that either. A little hard to please, eh?

morning, royal ones!

anagram-glad you made it through yesterday. hope your breakfast date with friend proves to be "just what the doctor ordered." sure understandable if your past year of constant stress is catching up with you. so sorry to hear
sad news regarding your sister's niece and family and the loss of their little boy. so tragic!

kaylets-what a pain in the neck for you with all the continuing saga of the refinancing. really do hope it will change course to smooth sailing soon-on all fronts.

amarantha-sorry that the dentist appointment was such a crummy experience. i hate that kind of pressure they give for having additional work done. i think that it is all too common a practice, unfortunately. it is bad enough to have dental work done period, and then to be pressured to have additional is just the pitts-financially, emotionally, etc! i am so sympathetic to thy plight, empress, believe me.

my plateau is still not breaking, and it is frustrating me. under a lot of stress, so probably not all that surprising that my poor old bod doesn't get the idea it is supposed to keep going down in weight, not up, or staying the same. this is about the time i tend to want to throw in the 'ole diet towel, so i need to declare my vigilance to hang in there no matter what. well, need to get a move on and get to things on my "absolutely needs to get done" list. hello to everyone mentioned, and -un. have a good day, and take care.

Hiya! I am still dealin' with the black cloud and thanks be to those with words o' support ... wsw, I am feelin' like throwin' in that diet towel meself ... somebody call the towel boys! :)

In fact, I had yet another eatin' binge today and am now headed to couch to get a nap before work tonight.

Old Dog is better, but I am still worried about her.

Flyin' by whilst slumping on couch (have wireless connection for laptop now). I'm soooo tired. I overextended again, having DGS overnight again and having too many people for dinner last night when I was really only up to a quiet dinner with mom and sis (which was what I planned). And couldn't sleep last night until about 2. The worst part? I've got to do my taxes and file tonight. Ah well, hope tomorrow will be a better day.

Anagram, I was so sorry to hear about your sister's grand-nephew. Oh, the passing of these sweet little ones really strikes to the core, doesn't it. :hug:

Amarantha, why don't we start a 21-day challenge thread? Maybe we can move over to that thread after the solstice? Or maybe we can maintain 2...

Kaylets, hope the stress is lessening! :queen: Amarantha beith right -- we all turn to that familiar "friend" :devil: when stress hits.

WSW, when you're imagining me doing my vocal exercises, could you please imagine that my voice doesn't make a squeeky noise when I'm switching between high and low? Maybe that will help make it happen ;)

K -- really must start to look at taxes now. Ugh. Hope all have a good evening and see you in the palace in the A.M.?

Oy, taxes! You've made my day seem better, Wood Nymph. At least I didn't have to do that last night. And the overextended wearies too. Why do we do that?

So good to have wsw back with us on a continuing basis (I hope). You're motivating me to hang in.

I've discussed the matter with the towels boys and they are willing to catch and return any towels we choose to throw in. They understand this would be only a temporary aberration on our parts and we REALLY DO want the towels returned.

Thanks for the understanding re the dear little one. Sis is feeling more elated right now as dear little granddaughter born yesterday and all's well.

Tied new summertime session at pool yesterday. It runs in late afternoon and may be most helpful on days like yesterday when it might be the only time I'd go. Want to go lots at that time if i can since it's a temporary "trial" of the additional class and will be continued only if enough interest is shown. I might go mostly mornings eventurally but want the option of another time.

The glooms still want to be with me. I plan on a weekend of reorganizing thinking again. For today though, I'm kicking all unwanted and/or unpleasant/stressful thoughts into the shed, turning the key and tucking it away until I feel strong enough to deal.

IT'S FRIDAY AND I STILL MISS THAT PUNKIN EVEN AFTER ALL THAT TIME. Mornin' Ceara, Eydie, Wildfire, Firefly, aria, and all unmentioned and lurkers.

Hi-Bye! :wave: Gotta move it this am...will check in later....hope the clouds lift!

Reorganizing thoughts sounds like a very good plan, Anagram. Taxes were brutal as always. I'm going to have to go into the tax office for guidance because I can't find where/if I can deduct a payment of nearly $2000.

Still, managed to get through all-evening taxathon without a binge. But my weight is up 4-5 pounds (mostly from salt, I'm thinking and maybe a few more carbs -- puffy round eyes, etc) which I must have gone again by Monday. Absolutely.

Off to the gym now. Let's make this a good one...

Hi all!! I's still around!

Still holding at a 10lb loss. Trying so hard, but I don't know...

To the beach in about 2 months and I wanted to look good. I will look better than last year though....

Check in more when I have the time.

Still thinking about everyone.

More later!

Hello all.....

Well, yes, things that are dark do seem lighter on the weekend.
Supposedly, we are "funded" .... or at least, in that phase...
When the cash will be hand is now the question. We were given a time frame... now to aprx 72 hrs .... and since NOW has become the weekend we know that nothing will arrive b/4 Monday.

But... supposedly the worst is over. Its just now reorganizing other finances and hopefully finding things easier. Yes, I can relate to tax issues too.

Empress... Isnt it interesting how at the worst possible time they try to badger us into more $$ and procedures. Same thing happened when I had to do my emergency eye visit when I thought my glasses were lost.
You feel like you need to carry a stun gun with you to quiet the sales pitch.

Speaking of finances, I need to make a call.

Will see you all soon.

Happy Saturday! Did pool again yesterday. Really need to work on drinking water, esp as is to get hotter/humid.

All else is quiet. Still gloomy-ish. But DS coming by for an overnighter and he's always a joy. Great sense of humor and will probably josh me out of someof it. Plus daughter is to be godmother to new baby so I think that makes me a grandgodmother which might be a cousin to a fairy godmother. So if I get magical powers, I'll make sure that all goes well for those who visit the palace.

Hi, Frogger, nice to hear from you. How's Miss S?

And happy Saturday! I'm still in taxland, although I've got issues that have to be on the back burner until Monday. I'll have to go over to the tax office and maybe seek expert advice to make sure my taxes are okay. And I swear, once again, to figure all this sort of stuff out before it's tax time again. Ugh. At least I've been paying in installments so I won't have to shell out (read: go further into debt) $5 or $6k. Anyhoo. Can't do anything about it until Monday so I'll try not to give it too much of that precious weekend energy. Although I am going to have to do a little work, too, will try to putter and please self as much as poss. Have a tai chi benefit dinner tonight which I'd skip to suit myself and just consider the ticket a donation. Dinners can be such a minefield. :crossed:

I think I AM going to go fill our wine bottles. A glass of wine in the evening can sometimes take the place of unneeded food at a reduced calorie rate. And drinking is not my problem... This is a nice time of the year to sit out on the deck with a glass of wine as day turns to night.

Thinking I really need a 21-Day Challenge. How do the royals feel about that? Up for making a commitment (any commitment) to health and happiness? I'll post thread if I get any takers. I feel like my trip knocked me slightly off-course and I need to regain my hocuspocusFOCUS! :wizard:

Kaylets, congrats on getting over the major financing hurdle -- won't be long now and all the stress over this will be in the past and life will be easier!

Anagram, enjoy your time with DS! Mine is a source of joy for me as well (for the most part, of course). Heard from DH yesterday that he's going to be in the Yukon for an extra week. Which would have filled me with glee a week or so ago. Hmmm. Suffering a bout of the gloomies, too, I guess. Of course, dratted taxes don't help much. :dz:

Frogger, good for you holding onto the 10 pound loss!

Hope all :queen:lies be in a Royal frame of mind and body this weekend. AVANTI!

Hello all....

well, been up since 5... went to two grocery stores w. dear girlfriend and got myself fresh blueberries which became breakfast and snack w/ ff sf yogurt and splenda. Yes, I wonder if Splenda sets me up for sugar cravings but right now, its the better of choices.

Garden report... Tomatoes and squash are celebrating being alive.... Traditional eggplant being eaten to death by bugs... I don't think I can save it...
A few other things were forgotten in their starter pots but are now being nursed back ( hopefully)... I have them soaking in water filled containers and in the shade.... The geraniums look like they'll be back but I wonder about the bush beans and the other I can't even remember what it is....

Dh is sending me emails from work about leasing a vehicle. Leasing worries me yet he is so excited that " You'll be driving your first new car"....well, would it really be mine? All I want is a small payment ( and I mean less than $200) and good gas mileage. I know. Dreaming.
but a Royal should dream right?

So...
so far, 2 loads of laundry done, one load of dishes, and I think I can run the vacuum fast and mop two floors too while I'm running on motivation.....

Do I know why I'm so motivated? No. But if I stop to think about it, the mood might pass so let me take advantage b/4 it's too late....

:dizzy: :dizzy:

Kaylets, I love it when stress drives me to clean. Talk about your healthy choices -- kudos!

Re: leasing -- we lease our car and really enjoy how trouble-free it is. There was a radio show about it at one point that said it was a good choice, financially, if you used up most of the mileage. We won't, since we've moved in town, but will probably buy the car at the end of the lease and it'll be a bargain.

kaylets-i understand about seizing on that motivation to clean, wherever it comes from. i woke up way too early this morning, but used it to my advantage, and got some dreaded cleaning out of the way, so was pleased about that. i also took care of some paperwork, so i guess my added morning hours were put to good use after all.

arabella-i hate tax stuff, so i'm very sympathetic. good luck with all of that.

hi frogger-nice to see you!

--and hello to amarantha, ceara, wildfire, eydie, anagram, and to all our lovely royal residents, mentioned or -un. hope everyone has a good saturday. take care.

Me again.

Woods Nymph... I read a little about leasing and they kept referring to different regulations in Canada about leasing. Don't know specifically but from what I saw here in the states, the monthly fee vs what the purchase price would be later are based partly on depreciation. Also, I am confused and worried about what exactly they mean "normal wear and tear".... I have no intention of taking any car "off roading" but as my mother pointed out.... what about the dings and dents from a stone bounced off a truck.....

And how does it affect your insurance?


:^:

Kaylets, we asked the salesman about "normal wear and tear" and it sounded as if small things like that are expected. I'd ask, if I were you. I expect that eventual cost is related to depreciation here, too. Insurance seems to be exactly the same, at least here in Canada. I found some sites that mull over the issues:

http://www.leaseguide.com/lease03.htm
http://www.automotive.com/auto-loans/36/loan-tips/car-leasing-vs-car-buying.html

WSW, thanks for the sympathy on the taxes! I find it very comforting to know I'm not the only one that finds doing them not only unpleasant but downright disturbing. Ugh. Kudos for you on using your time wisely, too... I love it when I do that. Had to push myself to vacuum and tidy today but now I've done it and things look and feel better. Of course, the house still really needs a deep clean but it seems more manageable now, in any case.

4 p.m. and I'm just headed to the shower. Doing a few things before tai chi dinner and then will come home and relax. (chatty today, aren't I)

Thanks WoodsNymph, in fact, that one site is the one I was referring.

And don't think for a moment that taxes are on my list of fun things....
For too long, I pretty much only tried to think about them once a year.
Now, I realize that's probably exactly what those politicians are hoping we'd all do.... not pay any attention. I am now feeling sheepish and like a sheep.... led .... but maybe I shouldn't get myself all fired up about politics when I am just now out of the shower ( Again, our paths are running neck and neck Woods Nymph)....

DH is watching the US Golf Open while dinner cooks... figures I'd manage to only have a frozen 5 vegetable lasagna in the house. Takes aprx 1.5 hrs to cook. And we have 90 degree temps outside. So you can imagine what the 2nd floor of my house feels like w/ me pumping even more heat up the stairs!

Go figure. I have no idea why I didnt think about dinner.....

Ah well.....

And happy Father's Day. 'Twill be a bittersweet one for me. I'm making a trip to the cemetery with my mom to put flowers on my dad's grave. I haven't usually gone -- one of my sisters has -- but I decided it would be a good thing to do this year. And my sister's not feeling up to par, so 'tis well that I'm going.

I was, in the final analysis, glad I went to the tai chi dinner last night. There was a nice tribute to my friend who died. I still feel badly that I didn't know she was ill. I didn't see her outside of tai chi but she really was a bright and lively spirit. In her seventies, with flaming red hair, took yoga as well as tai chi. Yvonne was always game to try and would work very hard at getting the moves. She took fabulous trips: China, South America, etc. Took a boat up the Amazon. She had planned to go to Tibet next but grew too ill. She was always studying something: Buddhism, a language, or some new discipline. Cryptography was one of her current fascinations.

I hope to increasingly follow her model as I age. :crossed:

Woke up at 5 this morning and slumped and read papers and drank coffee. Headed down to the harbour and did qi qong morning exercises looking out at the water. Then I ran through the paths in the woods and came back out for a set of tai chi.

I came home and started pulling gone-to-seed forget-me-nots and weeds out of the flowerbeds. The lawn really needs mowing, so I hauled out the mower and gamely tugged the starter cord. No go. I remembered we've also got an electric mower in the shed and hauled it out. Plugged it in and -- wonder of wonders -- it worked! The cord needed unravelling though, and I was hungry so I went in to get brekkie. Went back out, unravelled the cord, plugged 'er back in and ... no go. :dz:

I hope that DS will be able to come over and start one of them before he goes to work.

Oh, I am long-winded this a.m. am I not. Will take pity on you now and go do some stuff.

Avanti!

Hi! :wave:

Did I hear my name? Someone must have been calling rather intently because it led me here.

I see a 21 day challenge is in the works....sign me up, please!!! It is just what I need. I'm not quite in the "I've fallen and I can't get up" mode...more like "I've fallen, and you know...it's pretty comfortable down here" mode. ;) Am maintaining, with half-hearted attempts at staying OP, and need to find my mojo again. Been journalling over here (http://www.diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54909), which will fill you in on my life lately, but summer in the palace with such wonderful gals as yourselves would be lovely.

Right now I have an important date with a magnolia tree that desperately needs a new 'do (before the neighbors declare it a natural disaster). I'll be back later!

ah, so good to see you, wildfire!

arabella-you often seem to remind me to do the things that are good for me, such as dusting off my tai chi videotape, which i finally did this morning. i also woke up woefully early again, and put on a meditation cd and it quickly soothed the overly-tired savage beast in me.

i,too, would be up for a 21 day challenge! plateauing as i am, it would help give me a little motivational boost.

well, this morning i got some errands done, and this afternoon, i am treating myself to watching a couple movies i rented. i also found myself in a bookstore earlier, and got a little poetry book, which i plan to enjoy later. my father died a long time ago, when i was very young, but i remember father's days fondly because my dad always gave my mother and me "me too" gifts, and they were always little things which would mean a lot to us . i was thinking about my dad today, and the little poetry book i got for myself was something very reminiscent of what he might have given me. well, i hope everyone has a good afternoon/evening. take care, royals, one and all.

Sorry for not checking in a while---time skitters away from me!:o Today I'm starting one of those jump-start kinda diets. [Don't worry, I'll be smart about it!] I'm feeling kind of scared about it, but it MUST be done. I feel like I have to do something drastic to get some weight loss started. And here's the truly insane part: We're having children's art camp this week and I get to make snacks for them and so I'll have my hands on junky kid food all week. This'll be a real trial by fire for me. If I can pull this one off I can do anything! :carrot:

If no one objects, may I post my food journal here for the week. Accountability, you know!

Another workshop session tonight! Tonight's subject: dining out and making good [or better] choices and SABOTAGE by self and others. Should be interesting!

Morning Queenies! :wave: Day from heck to start off another working week: Final conniptions of taxes involving dreaded trip to tax office. Another foray to seek expert advice before final sending, which I may put off until tomorrow as a means of spreading the joy out :dz: And I've got tons of work to do -- urgent updates, a load of stuff to get up to speed and online.

But -- mom and I decided to wait until today for the trip to the cemetary because she wants to take me to a lobster supper afterwards and I didn't want to go the night before WI. So I've got that to look forward to and have sworn to leave work by 5:30, which will be good. Mmmm... lobster and salads and mussels, a glass of wine. I can happily forego the rolls and desserts, have a wonderful dinner and not destroy my diet. :)

Today's at home WI has me down, but not an entire pound from ticker. Those 4-5 false pounds are gone but still feel as if I'm retaining some fluid. We shall see. :crossed:

Wildfire, how great to see you back! I'm going to post a 21-day challenge thread as soon as I get a chance. Thanks for posting the link to your journal -- and my sympathies for the passing of your beloved grandmother :hug:

WSW, I'm really glad to be back at tai chi class. It's so beneficial. Why it's sometimes so hard to do those things, I just don't know :rolleyes: Here's to health and wholeness! :cheers:

Eydie, I know what you mean about needing a jump-start! I did a low-carb, minimal salt thing yesterday and thought, well, I could probably extend this for a while and be all the better for it. Then, come the end of day, I succumbed to a couple of glasses of wine :shrug: Ah well, better than cake or potato chips, huh.

K, guess I should be working instead of complaining about it. Avanti!

Coffee w/ ff 1/2 and 1/2
2 scrambled egg sub w/ ff cheese
1 sm. sprouted grain tortilla
1 clementine

6 oz. soy milk, strawberries, whey pro, 1 tbsp. flax seeds

Kale soup
soy 'riblets'
1/2 cup grapes

Big salad [spring mix, lots of vegs, 1 lite string cheese, soy, 'Chicken', 2 tbsp. lite Italian]

apple

Water: 8 glasses
exercise: 40 min. Pilates
starting weight: 148.8

Tuesday Morning: weighed myself again this AM and I'm down a pound! I know it's a trick, but it's encouraging!:^:

Congrats on a pound, Eydie. Wish I could do same.

Got a decent day in yesterday wherein I met all my basic goals. All could stand improvement but at least I got all in. A string of one day - but we start at one day.

Wildfire, my condolences re your dear grandmother. Be kind to yourself during your grieving and take as long about it as you need. I'm so glad you went back for the funeral and that you "found" your nearby kin.

Still fighting the glooms. Not as bad. DS always takes some of that away. He's missing his Dad a lot. Said he thought about bringing flowers "but dad wasn't a flower kind of guy" and he heard him say "clean out the gutters instead" so he did that and said "there's your father's day present, Dad".

Sympathizing on the paperwork, Kaylets and Wood Nymph. Discovered something yesterday that I had not yet taken care of. Called - automated of course, and was overwhelmed by what I need to do to take care of one little piece of business. Back burner. And I messed up on one item on state tax return which has lead me to complications. Sigh! Considering everything, I've accomplished a lot (paperworkwise) the last five months but there has been SO much. And I thought I was sharp as a tack and making decisions wisely, etc. I'm beginning to realize I'm still in a fog and I'm lucky (so far) I didn't make even more mistakes and that I've put off some decisions that were not absolutely necessary to be made then. According to the grief groups I went to, all of this/that is perfectly normal but I'd like to be out of my fog and have a little more "progress". It will come - I've always been a tad impatient.

So, ready or not, here comes Tuesday!

I had SUCH a lovely evening with my mom last night. We picked flowers and took them out to the cemetary, which felt meaningful to do. Decorated both my dad's grave and maternal grandparents' with bouquets of lilac, bluey-purple lupins and pale pink peonies -- they looked lovely.

Then we took a different route to North Rustico to the lobster supper to avoid roadwork. And we didn't exactly know the way and didn't find any really helpful signs, which meant that for about two hours we dipsy-doodled uphill and down and around harbours and rivers, past fields full of multicolored lupins, picturesque little villages and along shore roads. If we'd been able to videotape it, it would have made a pretty compelling film for the tourism deparment. Mom's famous last words, as we took the first unknown turn, was "How lost can we get on PEI?" Well, we gave finding out a good shot! But had a lot of fun and eventually made it to dinner.

Which was FABULOUS! 60-ft salad bar with lots of great choices, mussels, lobster. At the front I saw fish-shaped wine bottles. When I was young and babysitting I saw one of those and thought it was so neat. Hadn't seen another, although I looked from time to time. Anyway, they serve house wine in them and then you can keep the bottle. We bought an extra one so we'd each have a momento. AND my mom and I pretty much split the bottle! I've never seen her even have a second glass. Oh, we had fun! My mom has a talent for having fun, I must say.

According to WI yesterday, I was down 1.6 from last WI (which was 3 wks. ago -- ah well, I could easily have been up) for a total of 16.4 since March 20. Scale discrepancy, though, between that and home. Which means I don't get to change my ticker yet. But -- hey! I'm on the edge of the next "decade" and closing in on 20 pounds at WW. Shall award self banana: :cb:

Anagram, me too -- the smallest detail with that kind of stuff feels overwhelming to me for some reason. Here's to getting that pesky "paperwork" out of our lives again for a while :cheers: I'm hoping to wind things up on my end today. Ugh. (Can't seem to talk about it without using "Ugh" as punctuation :rolleyes: And rolling my eyes :dz: -- oh, I could go on...)

WSW, I enjoyed your recollections of your dad and the gifts -- sweet! I remember our dad giving us pennies for each potato bug we gathered up from his gardens as we trailed along behind him.

Eydie, WTG on the pound down! A pound down is a pound down, I say! :carrot:

K, dovies. I must away. Work, and I haven't gotten in my exercise yet. Think I'll go over to the gym.

AVANTI!

eydie-congrats on your pound down! seeing you journaling your food reminds me i have become a bit lax with my journaling the past few days, and need to be more diligent about writing down every morsel, since that is what works best for me.

anagram-taking care of all the paperwork you have done in these past many months must indeed have been daunting, and enervating, let alone dealing with all the emotion connected with it. it takes a lot of energy to deal with all of that, and it sounds like you have, and are continuing to, deal with it with your usual grace, courage, and tenacity.

wildfire-sorry to hear of the loss of your grandmother. my thoughts are with you.

arabella-congrats on your 1.6 pound down! sounds like your envening with your mom was lovely-i'm glad.

i am going to high tea on friday with a friend at a local inn, which sounds like so much fun. i had heard about this place, but have never attended, so am really looking forward to it. another friend of mine who knows how much i love tea, and the whole ceremony of serving it, said this will be right up my alley. (i have been to high tea before, but not for many, many years!) i have even picked out what i am going to wear, and for me to decide several days in advance means i must be looking forward to it.! :) well, royals, hope it is a good day for everyone. i'm thinking of you amarantha, kaylets, frogger, ceara, and all our royals, mentioned or -un. take care.

Hi, :queen: s ... wonderful to see all o' ye here. I am not much fun these days ... lots o' stuff goin' wrong, seemingly all at once. Icing on the cake tonight was getting a $1788 bill the insurance denied for some reason ... I will call them tomorrow and find out but they never change their minds ... oh well ... it will get paid someday ... I think I should cancel medical insurance as what good is it?

Sorry for the negativity ... very bummed but would like ot add a woo-hoo to E for the pound down and to all :queen: s who are doin' well. I don't seem to be .. except I did lose .60 and am back in the 130s.

E, great to see your food journal ... always enjoy you doin' that!

I keep fallin' asleep ... Arabella, please post the 21-day challenge ... if you post it,they will come! I'll check back! Woo-hoo to all![/b]

Had a "pleasant surprise" weigh in this morning to end the "sashay". Now, I'm only UP 10 pounds from my lowest since joining 3C.

I see Arabella has posted the new thread so I'll think about my goals for the first block and post later.

Me too! I'm stuck at a four pound loss for the solstice challenge. Could have been worse, I guess.

I'm totally swamped (and dealing with getting crap moved out of our very cellaresque basement makes me think of swamp creatures and etc. Ugh -- why does that word seem appropriate so often lately?). Got to get a lot of work done ahead because have to drive 3.5 hours to niece's wedding on Friday and then those same 3.5 hours back afterwards.

And absolutely need to get tax issues finished this week. :stress:

Feel like I need a week at a spa to make up for having to do everything I'm doing this week. And for someone to come in and clean my house top-to-bottom while I'm gone...

Hope to be back in a better frame of mind later....

Still at a 10 lb loss!!! I can't believe it!

HI ALL!!!! Long time no talkie...

Looking for a new job (still here same place) I continue to feel very unwelcome and my doctor has even suggested that I am showing signs of depression. She was like, whatever it is, NIP IT IN THE BUD!!! :o All I want to do is sleep, and I cry at the drop of a hat. I'm all kinds of things all at once, and I'm starting to stay physically sick. (Cold/flu symptoms)

I have a phone interview on tuesday so :carrot: I'm looking for 2 things. $$ and anything other than crap work. :D I'd take less $$ for my sanity...

I'm trying to catch up on everyone. How are you girls?

You should see my little tadpole. She'll be 2 in two months. Daddy has already taught her to count to 3. Then she says 5. 1-2-3-5

Love to you all!