[annie175]

Hump Day YEAH! C even had the trash to the curb when I got home last night. What a man.

Still at 10 lbs down. I know what the issue is, walk more and eat less of those d*mn white soda crackers. I have been craving them lately and eat them like they are nothing. Well they do add up, quickly. I will have a loss next week if I have to cut my ears off. lol

Last night C and I went to Longhorn Steakhouse. He had the steak and grilled shrimp. I ordered the grilled shrimp with broccoli and salad. It was VERY tasty, nothing beats good grilled shrimp. We came home and I wrapped the fishing poles for his nephews 4 & 7 years, bundled up some of the homemade goodies, put 10 scratch offs in a card and that was his sister, niece (with the two kiddos) Christmas. C is driving up there today on his day off to deliver and spend some time with them. Me, I am overjoyed that I do not have to go. I have too many other things going on to waste a Sunday afternoon tracking up there. They NEVER come down here, EVER. We always have to make the trip. Anyway......

Tonight I have to meet a friend, who also got booted at Humana, she is now working for another company, selling auto, home, and the like. She has both producer license to sell auto, home, health, double certified. Anyway with changing insurance on home and auto, she will save us over 600 bucks a year. Plus we learned that if you rent a home out, you have to have a different type of insurance coverage for a rental. Meaning, if something were to happen with Cs house we rent out, the policy we currently have probably would not have covered it. And to think, I have had this agent and agency since I was 16 years old. I love my agent, I will probably have anxiety separation from him. As you all know how I cry and emotional I am. Better take two anti-depressants the day I tell him, which is soon. lol. I keep telling do what is right for me and my family, first.

Today after I got to work, I walked over to Starbucks for a treat. (1 & 1/2 city blocks at 22 degrees out) Rarely do I have Starbucks, but today I got me a trenta unsweet black iced tea, a chia tea latte with an extra shot for my boss as yesterday was his birthday, and on my way out I asked the security at the reception desk if she would like something, my treat. Surprised me, she said yes, just a black coffee. I also got me a small/tall eggnog latte with an extra shot to start this busy day off. So I did my Christmas random act of kindness. I should say so, $15 less in my wallet. haha.

Stopped by Sissy's house to pick up Sassy from Sissy's Doggie Care. Her dog was not in the room and I asked her where Bruno was (the boxer, great dane, blue heeler mix that weighs 40 labs at 3 mos). She said in the bedroom in time out. I about fell out laughing. Evidently he would not leave Sassy alone, he likes to play and Sass likes to sleep. So Bruno got time out. Just like the babysitting kiddos.

That is about it for me, personals tomorrow, big day of work ahead. Got a closing, anniversary loan cards to get out, meeting at 10 with the BDOs (salesmen), and a report to finish. Who knows what else will come down the pike.

Make it a great hump day, or hump night for you SHADDIE, oh that sounds like fun for you SHADDIE...hahah.

Hugs.

[Terra1984]

I woke up a little after 5 a.m. this morning cause Clyde started crying so I got up and I took him outside but I was gonna get up at 5 anyway so I went ahead and stayed up for the day even after I bought Clyde back inside. Its now 8:25 a.m. My plans for today are to do my 40 min Chair Exercises at 9 and my 30 min walk dvd at Noon or 1 pm and I'll do my 40 min Chair Exercises again at 7 p.m. tonight. I also still need to clean the bathroom. Those are my only plans for today.

[annie175]

Where ever you are, God put you there for a reason. Bloom whre you are planted!

[diyana]

Good morning ladies,

Going to be a slow couple of days here at work. Pretty much everyone is wrapping things up before the 2 week holiday closure.

I wanted to check my email last night, but it wasn't in webmail, and it wasn't available on my work computer either. Turns out the vacation autoresponder I set up had a setting where it deleted things that came in. Talk about panic. Thankfully, the IT guy said he should be able to retrieve everything from backups. And after speaking with my boss this morning, she didn't send me anything so I'm pretty sure that at least 99% of the mail I would've received would be spam.

This Friday is going to be the company Christmas luncheon, which is at an Indian restaurant, and after lunch people will be leaving for the day. I looked at the menu and there's really nothing I can eat...so I'm going to be off that day, which is fine. I can visit Bob in the hospital and take care of a few things I need to get done.

We're having lots of rain here today, which has been the case for most of the past week. We really need the rain, but sadly some people are experiencing flooding and mudslides.

I'm wishing the pounds would come off as quickly as the sizes. I've dropped 20 lbs in the 4 weeks since surgery...and I know so many other post-ops drop weight much faster. On the positive side, I'm down from a Womens 3X in tops to a Misses L/XL. And I'm now in Misses Size 14 pants, down from a 18/20. I can't believe how fast the inches are coming off.

====================================
Shad - That does sound like a scary plane ride. I hate flying through storms. Have you decided what to get for Miss S in addition to the gold chain? I love giving kids books to encourage reading. 5 minutes of plank!! That's crazy!! Even at my fittest I couldn't do more than 90 seconds. I was amazed I could do 45 second planks yesterday. As for kooks, yes all countries have them. Sadly, it is (in my opinion) too easy for crazies to get guns in this country. They aren't always flagged in the background check, and some buy them illegally.

Happy - Good for you for doing so well with the radio auction! The relish/salsa dip sounds really delicious...I love Tostitos Scoops when the dip/salsa is especially yummy! Sounds like the Humane Society president's party was fun. Bummer about the lack of chairs. My back can now tolerate about 1/2 hour of standing (as opposed to 5 minutes a couple months ago), but after that, I have to lean against a wall or sit on the floor. I don't mind the food porn. The relish/salsa sounds like something I could definitely eat once I graduate to "regular" food. And I'd like the garlic chicken recipe if you have time to post it. You're right, I should've been picking up clothes in smaller sizes...I just didn't know how fast I'd drop sizes. I will check the thrift stores. Interesting question you had about whether I have interest in food. I see the commercials and photos on FB, and I hear people talk about food, right now...I know that I haven't received the ok from the doc to eat regular food...and since I can still only eat at most 1/2 cup of food at a sitting, most of which has to be protein, I don't have much interest in food. I'm just eating because I need to. I was around plenty of food temptations this past weekend (homemade scones, homemade chocolate biscotti, homemade chocolate torte). Down the road in a year or two, I might be able to have a very small bite of some of that stuff...but not right now. Some post-op people don't "dump" when they eat sweets. I keep telling myself that I will and I have no desire to "test it out". Dumping happens when someone who has had gastric bypass eats sweets (and maybe alcohol - not sure). Essentially you can feel light-headed, dizzy, cold sweats, nauseous, and like you HAVE to lie down for awhile. It happens because the sugar hits the intestines way too fast. It's not pleasant at all. Alcohol may also cause dumping...but I know for sure that it hits bariatric patients faster...like 2 sips can get a post-op person drunk. Like you, I tend to listen to Pandora or the cable TV music stations for holiday music. I'm glad M finally gave you a good training session. Bummer about the machine pinching your boobs. What a fiasco about getting your access card.

Annie - Thanks for the continued suggestions, support, encouragement and words of wisdom! I've only felt nauseous once, but haven't vomited. I'm a little nervous about graduating to "real" "regular" food, but I'll just take it as it comes. Some people at my support groups say that they can eat 1 to 1.5 cups of food at a meal. Right now, I'm at 1/3 to 1/2 cup of food. And since I'm not hungry, I don't mind eating so little. I got a great laugh at Curtis' honey buns calamity! Your Christmas cookie and candy making with your DD, Chris and the kids sounds like so much fun! That's great that your friend can save you money on insurance. Want to hear something crazy? The office of my insurance agent from Wisconsin keeps calling me to see if I want to keep the homeowner's insurance policy. Every time they call, I explain...I'm no longer married to my ex-husband, and I no longer own or live in the house...not even in the same state, and they need to contact him to see if he still needs homeowner's insurance. Wow! Your daughter's dog is 40 lbs at 3 months?! That's twice as big as Santa!

Ceejay - I hope your diverticulitis is doign better. Bummer that the cookie dough you bought is causing it to flare up so bad. I'm so proud of you and Terra doing the chair exercises! I agree with Donna, keep up the workout at the level you're doing for a week or so, and then add either intensity or time.

Laura - The storm last week (and the ones happening this week) are causing minor flooding of roads in a few areas...so some lanes are closed, but the rest of the lanes are open. I've heard of Dulera. I hope it's helping you. I keep forgetting to upload the photos of me and Santa. I'll get them posted in the next few days. You had me drooling at the crock pot meatballs. I just love those. I'd love to see a photo of your decorations! Speaking of walking the dog in the rain, Santa just despises the rain (and baths too for that matter). Yesterday evening, I knew that Santa was about due for a #2, so unlike when he just has to pee which is an especially short and quick walk when it's raining, this walk was all the way around the block. Poor little guy got drenched, but he did his business, so I guess that was good. I had a jacket and hat on so it didn't bother me too much.

Terra - Too bad you can't return the shoes that bother your feet. Good suggestions from the others for next time. I hadn't thought of wearing new shoes only around the house. I can't even imagine getting up as early as you do. I consider myself a morning person...but by that I mean I do my best thinking and brain work before noon...whereas in the late afternoon and in the evening, I do things that don't require a lot of thought.

Susie - It's a busy time for all of us! Heck, I don't even want to think about what I wouldn't have been able to accomplish if I'd had to work these past few weeks. I just have a few more gifts to wrap (the ones that don't need to be shipped). To answer your question...I'm feeling better than ever. I still get tired by 5 or 6 pm, but overall I feel fantastic! As for exercise...your 20 minute walk is enough during this hectic time...good for you for being consistent about it.

Dee - So nice that you and your dress got so many compliments at the party! Your friend C does sound like someone who could bring people down. I'm glad you were finally able to get away from her and visit with your other friends.


Now that I've written a novel and probably bored you all to tears...

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

With much love and many hugs,

[ceejay52]

Annie
I hear you on the soda crackers. To cute about Bruno being put in time out.I need to put that verse to heart.

Michelle
I'm ready for this stuff to subside. I've decided that I'm going to the doctor tomorrow if things don't clear up completely over night. I would love to lose inches. That means the fat is turning into muscle. I'd like to be a size 14 when my nephew gets married in March. Our Christmas meal at work is Monday.

Terra
I have a bad habit of throwing my receipts away. I need to do like my aunt and keep them in a shoe box.

-----
Not a lot going on. The weather men are predicting sleet for tonight. UGH.

[MyChoice2bfit]

Hello! The week is flying by. I have been busy at work (as usual) but not working in the evening at home..it's such a nice break!

I have been working on a Russia visa request for my AD and finally got it completed and sent to the Consulate in Washington DC. Fingers crossed the grant it. Usually they do but one time she was denied a multiple entry visa into China and they gave her only a double entry one. We couldn't figure out why as we did it the exact same way we always do them. (She usually goes every year at least once and has gone as many times as 6 times in a year). We were told that the reason could be that someone at the consulate was just not in a good mood and you don't question them.....that sure is frustrating to me!

Last night my friends twin girls (they have 4 and we call them our nieces) had a belt test for karate and they are now to their yellow belt. Their dad is their instructor and all the girls have been in karate since they were two yrs old. The two older girls (13 & 11) both have their black belts.

The twins wanted us to come to the "test" and so we did--it was cute to watch them and they were so excited.

Laura: Sounds like you have been busy with workouts, shopping and baking. I have no idea where you get your energy from and I wish I could bottle it!

Happy: I was sitting here giggling over the ab machine workout. I know you will learn the machines in no time but maybe your trainer can write the names of the machines down (and what body party it works on) and how many reps you do on each with the amount of weight you put on it.

That front desk at the gym sounds like they could use some good training!

Shad: Did you get your Christmas letter written?

Annie: What a nice thing you did for the security person!

Terra: You are so faithful in your workouts--I am proud of you! How is your foot?

Michelle: YIKES about those emails! at least you figured it out that none were from your boss and the IT guy was able to help.

I think that you are doing so well with eating your protein and working out that you are gaining muscle and losing fat and that makes it so you loose inches which is a good thing! How is your friend Bob doing?

Ceejay: I hope you don't have sleet....that is scary to drive in. Are you feeling better? I think if you are not, that maybe you should see the doctor and get some meds. Have you had the diverticulitis checked out lately? You can't do it if it is acting up but maybe after it settles down...just to see what is going on.

Hi Dee--I hope to see you post soon..I miss you and wonder what you are up to! Love ya!

My dinner is ready so I must go. I need to wrap a few presents tonight. I can only do it for about an hour and then my shoulders kill me!

[Shad]

Just flying through. Next time you hear from me, I will be in Brisbane. The airline called to say they had cancelled my flight and to ring the hotline, so I did. My flight plane had engine problems. Yes thankyou I would rather not fly on that one. I'll take an earlier one. So there we are, now leaving at 4.05 and not 5.05. Bonus - home early she said hopefully.

So I will catch up with your doings tonight along with a stack of other things that must be done. It appears that the gutters have been fixed. This I have to see.

[annie175]

Good Morning/evening all............

Well, I started off my morning in the loo. Thankfully I got it under control to get to work on time. I tell you it is never ending. C was in the other loo that same time I was so I guess that is togetherness. lol.

Met with my new insurance agent. We were at Starbucks for 3 hours just catching up on things, oh and also getting the paper work done on the new insurance. It was nice, then stopped by my brother's house on the way home and stayed there for 1.5 hours. DIdn't get home until almost 9 pm. Got to bed around 11 so now I am dragging. Woke up at 5 and thought I was running late, thank goodness for the extra time since I had loo probs.

CHELLE...you are doing great. NEVER compare yourself (WL) to the other people. You don't know what kind of troubles they are having which may answer why they are losing faster. FYI...sometimes dumping involves vomiting. I tell you, you do not want to do it, it is very ugly and will wear you out. All you want to do after is lay down and sleep. Bleh.

SHADDIE...I agree, no engine problems on my plane either. Hopefully you gained some time and got in earlier.

SUSIE...I remember working on visas when I worked at RCE/GE/Thomson. Mostly Mexican visas, but what a PIA. Some upper management had to get other visas, which was just as fun. NOT. Little kiddos are great especially when they are not your own, hence..grandbabies. YEAH!!

CEEG...we had flurries which ended up in light blowing snow last night on the way home from my brother's house. Nothing to write home about, which I am thankful.

HELLO to all ya'll. Make is a terrific Thursday!

Hugs

[Laura705]

Morning all.
*
Terra – Are you asking if I think you have odd sleep hours, or are you asking me why your sleep hours are odd?* Guess I’ll answer both – yeh, think your hrs are odd – you seem to wake up in the middle of the night or REALLY early on a regular basis.* I would be like a zombie if that happened to me all the time, LOL.* As to why your sleep hours are strange – do you have a regular bedtime and wake-up time? The range you mentioned to Shad is rather wide... Do you take naps during the day?** I think those can cause an interruption to your regular sleep routine.* Sleep’s important – make sure you get yours!!* Too bad your new shoes can’t be returned.* I agree with Happy’s suggestion – maybe a new insole will help.*

Happy – I guess it would be quicker with one person serving up bowls of chili and plates of salad rather than 50 individual people trying to do it!* I enjoy cooking to a point, but I agree with you – I’d never want to be a caterer!* Yeh, the website for the gift exchange is a good idea, but there are definitely some improvements to be made on this one we’re using, which was among the most popular and highly rated.* For instance, it really doesn’t work right when I try to do anything with it through my cell phone (Android).* And not the most intuitive, if you ask me.* But it was better than whatever the alternative would have been – a lot of e-mails, phone calls and texts.* Did you decide to do any decorating?* It is a good reason to clean!* Wow, you want some large Christmas gifts on your list this year!* Glad you got a good session with the gym guy, but they sure need to work on the organization as to clerical stuff.

Ceejay – I meant to buy a poinsettia or two for our hearth this year, but I never got around to it.* I’ll have to see if Home Depot or Lowes still have any.* Another chilly time with your bff – brrrr.* And then she wants you to do all kinds of work for her!* I dunno, that’s not the way I’d want to spend my precious time off work!* I think it also highlights being able to be strong and healthy and independent.* And by independent, I mean financially and physically and mentally – i.e., having the smarts and motivation to be able do things on your own.* Having help is great, but if you can’t get it, you’re in a bad spot.* I like to think I’m independent, but my bf does a lot of the stuff I hate – dealing with the utilities, cell phone, cable tv, and the computer – both the bills/customer service and the techy stuff.* And he does all the handyman stuff.* What would I do without him?? Definitely see your doc if you're not feeling better.

Shad – How’s the Melbourne job going?* It’ll be nice to have 2 weeks off over Christmas – or will that just put you further behind?* Terrible thing about that hostage situation in Sydney.* And 140 dead in the attack on the school in Pakistan.* These extremists are something else.*That plank challenge sounds like the one i did. I made it to maybe one or two days of the finish at Day 30 - so i was doing 4.5 minute planks. That was quite the challenge!!

Susie – I won’t be doing many cards this year – I’m just behind on everything, and the amount I send each year is dwindling anyhow.* I'll try to write a letter to one friend with whom I go way back (summer camp!).* We corresponded by snail mail for years and years!* Re the jeans fundraiser – during the fundraiser period itself, jeans days were sold as one type of raising money, along with raffles, etc.* Now that the fundraiser period is over, they compared the overall results with the goal (which was to raise 20% more than the previous year!).* We actually achieved that, so as a reward, our CEO granted us jeans days all the way through August!* (Usually he rewards us with jeans through the first calendar quarter of the year.)* I like jeans, so I’ll probably be wearing them a lot.* Especially since my wardrobe of dress pants is getting old and ratty and needs to be purged and replacements purchased.* It’s wonderful that you’ll be able to work from home between Christmas and New Year’s!!* That’ll make it easier for you to get your exercise in, won’t it? . My exercise has actually been minimal beyond that one Jazzercise class per week. I've even been stuck in long meetings at work that keep me from the short stair climb sessions. Let's try to make a point of getting ourselves out of our chairs & getting some movement! Unless we're doing a chair workout, lol.

Posting before this goes poof! Be back later.

[Laura705]

Back again.

Annie – The shrimp you had the other night sounded so tasty! The cookie baking afternoon you did this past Sunday sounded so fun! Good idea to put down the plastic tablecloth – I do that when I dye Easter eggs at the table. The FB photo looks like you have a nice big counter/island in your kitchen – nice. I don’t want or need a bigger house, but more counter space would sure be handy!! LOL re Sassy under that tablecloth, being a little troublemaker for C. Difficult thing to “fire” your insurance agent after all this time, but change is good, and you need to be protected from your potential liabilities as a landlord. And you’re saving a lot of money!!! How nice of you to treat some peeps at work to Starbucks!! I’ll have a chai non-fat latte please, easy on the syrup.

Happy – Sounds like the pig you ordered is not enough “separation” in terms of the “where my food comes from” topic.

Dee – Sounds like the big Christmas party was mostly fun, except for your downer friend. You two need to agree to leave each other alone about your life choices (though I do agree with you – I’ve never NOT worked). I bet you looked great in your dress. Oh, and of course we want you to keep coming back to post.

Michelle – Loved those photos with Santa you posted on FB. Sooo cute! You sound like you’re doing great these days. Don’t worry so much about the pounds – your back pain has lessened, you’re working out, and you’re wearing smaller sizes. Sounds like you’re not having too many problems with the food plan either. Awesome. I was wondering – in your support group, how many years post-op are some of the other members?? Glad work is slow for you this week – this is actually your last day in the office, isn’t it? I’m glad your IT group could sort out the e-mail situation and I hope most of them end up being spam and nothing urgent. Poor Santa’s not liking this rain, huh? Coal is just fine with it, though it’s too funny when he’s actually tried to dry himself off by rolling around in the grass – lol, like the grass isn’t wet too! As long as I’m dressed for the rain and the wind isn’t blowing it sideways at me, I’m okay with it.

Terra – Bummer you lost the bus passes. I have a monthly pass for the train and I always keep it in the same spot in my purse so I can keep track of it. Same for the key card I use to get into my employer’s offices.

Susie – Must have been cute to see your nieces taking their belt tests.

Shad – Hope the gutters are as they should be.

--
Yesterday was another busy day at work. A couple meetings ate up my entire afternoon. No meetings today. Good, I can catch up on everything that accumulates during all those meetings.

I did some Christmas cards last night – did that with the tv on in the background. Still so much to do! Gonna run some errands at lunch today. I’ve only got part of a gift for my mom. I'd asked her what she wanted and she proceeded to tell me what she was going to buy for herself, and then strayed off the topic and that was that. Since the idea is for her to get rid of a bunch of stuff and get her house ready to sell, I’m not sending anything material. So consumables and gift cards it is.

This afternoon is our office holiday party. It starts at 3 and is at a nearby restaurant. I’ll go, but won’t stay for very long. Not my thing.

Okay, off I go. TTFN!

[annie175]

LAURA...weird but good thing here at WF. They do not celebrate anything around here. I am used to places with pitch ins, birthday treats and holiday parties. None of that here. Nobody recognizes anyone for anything and no parties. Just as well, one less thing to hassle with at this busy time of year. Good idea on the gift cards etc for momma. In the past of cleaning out houses of my aunts, grandmas, and dad's house for selling, it is not fun, and what to do with all the C R A P!! I think I have gotten all my cards out for now and if I missed some people, well so be it, not going to worry the small stuff. Yes the cooking baking with the kiddos was a lot of fun. Jacob seemed to rub his nose between cookies, so I am sure not to eat those. lol. I went on amazon and got the movie ELF for all the adult kiddos. Good price too! It is hard to think of gifts for my big kids (Sam, Chris, Jacob, Kristin), so the ELF movie it was, plus a cash settlement..lol. Have a great afternoon.

[Laura705]

Okay, so I realized that MS Office 2013 does not come with the Picture Manager. Bah, humbug! (I'm currently reading Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, LOL)

I ended up using MS Powerpoint to resize a photo of our outdoor Christmas decorations. It's attached, but it's small. (I didn't want to insert it full size and bog down our thread.)

Anyway, this is part of the front of our house, and we have a lighted "Merry Christmas" and a lighted snowflake (only see partial in this photo) hung on the house; three colored spotlights throwing red and green onto the house; Santa and a penguin on the ground; and not in the photo is a reindeer on the other side of the door. Oh, we also put colored bulbs in our carriage light post and the light by the door. Speaking of the door, looks who's there - my guy Coal.

[Terra1984]

Michelle ~ Yeah next time I buy something expensive I'll be sure to save the receipt. It sure is a bummer that I cant return my shoes but oh well I guess.

Ceejay ~ Yeah I'm usually good at saving my receipts when I buy something expensive.

Susie ~ Thanks for being proud of me for getting my works out in. My foot is all healed now.

Laura ~ Yeah I didnt know taking naps during the day can throw off your sleep routine or whatever you called it so I'll try not to naps anymore during the day. I try to get at least 8 hours a night but with Clyde sleeping in my room now because of the Christmas Tree, He wakes me up several times during the night and I know its not his fault cause He cant help he has to go to the bathroom but it does disturb my sleep. Yeah I think I'm gonna try to get those insole's and see how they are.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up at 6 a.m. Its now 10:36 a.m. and I'm about to do my morning Chair Exercises. I'm gonna do my walking dvd at 1 p.m. and then I'll do my evening Chair Exercises at 7 p.m. tonight. I need to clean the bathroom as well, I've been putting it off for too many days.

[happy2bme]

Hello, hello

Should be a witch on a broom with all the flying around I feel I've been doing lately. Yoga was good yesterday - we have a month's break now until the next session. Will have to rely on my DVDs. Got a new gym bag where you are supposed to be able to attach your yoga mat underneath but it's very flimsy and not big enough. Shame on you Gaiam Got my blue leather boots - they are a weird greenish color with jeans so I exchanged them for standard brown ones (at a better price too). Check out the Cobb Hill line of shoes and boots - made by New Balance. Really comfy boots. Everyone who has tried them really likes them. Meadow is sleeping on the bed in the next room and snoring. They are talking about another winter storm hitting next week - sure will mess up travel plans for everyone. Sort of glad we didn't plan on driving back to Chicago although I do miss being with family on the holidays.

Terra - good to hear your foot healed up and that you are taking your time getting back into walking again. Don't want to reinjure it.

Laura - Picture manager? I'm not familiar with that. How pretty and festive your house looks - I really like Coal looking through the front door. It just really adds to the picture I agree with your comment - don't need a bigger house BUT I wouldn't say no to a kitchen twice as big as I have now (I do miss my TN kitchen) or a big spa bathroom. I smiled at your discussion of getting a gift for your Mom. I talked to my sister today and she is going to run out and get a slow close toilet seat for my Mom All kidding aside, Mom was impressed with the ones at Sis' house and we are at such a loss of gift ideas for things for her that she'd ACTUALLY USE, Sis said she'd jump on the toilet seat if that's what it would take.

Annie- kind of a bummer they don't do anything in the way of office festivities - even a pot luck lunch but like you said - I suppose it makes one less hassle but I always enjoyed trying other people's recipes. Loved your term "cash settlement" good one! Regarding the insurance thing - I was loyal to State Farm for most of my married life and with a house, motorcycle, various cars and extra stuff they got a heck of a lot of money out of me. Seems in the last few years tho that service is not what it once was and we are reconsidering our loyalty. What have you don't for us lately? So I applaud you for finding an agent that has your interests at hand.

Dee - feel free to rant, we are here with soft shoulders and good ears Glad you had a nice time at your holiday party. Too bad DH didn't win anything but there are many people (like me) with no luck at all. At least DS won something. I totally get you wanting to keep busy at home - some people are happy being Donna Reed, some people are Mary Tyler Moore, some Martha Stewart and some of us are in between.

Michelle - sounds like you are doing very well post surgery. I know it would be wonderful if you dropped 10 pounds each time you got on the scale but patience grasshopper. Better slow and steady so there isn't too much stress on the body and I would think that a slower loss gives your body a chance to adjust nicely. Some people who lose too fast look deflated. Being healthy is the primary goal. Congrats on planking for such a long period - I am impressed! Enjoy your time off for the next 2 weeks. How is your friend doing in his recovery?

To all you still working office people - they keep talking about sitting being a bad thing and the trend is stand up desks (which I would totally hate). Anybody moving towards that or is that a 20 something thing?

Shad - living the busy life in airports. Nice that you'll have a bit of time off to catch up although as they said - time off always comes with a price.

Ceejay - I agree that poinsettias make it festive but I have 2 cats who like to chew and they are poisonous so I have to take a pass on that. They had 2 really pretty baskets of fake ones that someone donated to the thrift shop. I have been eyeing them for 2 weeks now - they are really pretty and only 4 bucks.

Susie - yes they have a sheet at the gym with each machine number, the weights to be used and the adjustment settings. I like to take some extra notes on how to position the body or the way you place yourself to work all the extra muscles. Like yoga, I agree that over time you will pick up on stuff. How fun to watch the "nieces" take their test and cheer them on! Glad you were able to take some time away from the job to be involved. You sound very supportive of your friends children.

DH went off on a field trip up north to check out a bog. I hope he gets some really good wildlife shots. He is on the hunt for an owl. I was going to go too but I have so much to do here and I can get it done 4 times as fast if I am home alone. I started a few things in between computer sessions but now it's time to put the pedal to the metal and get going before he gets back and things look just like they did when he left (and he will think I just didn't want to go with him... ) Anyway. Have a good one!

[annie175]

HAPPY....I guess we all just need to be loyal to ourselves and take care of ourselves first rather than to someone else (ins. agent) and besides that the gal that found us such a great deal was my salesgal at Humana that I worked one on one with, she too got canned when I did. So not only did she find us a deal but also with a reputable company and I know she will take care of us. We found out Humana laid off another 800 people across the US back in October. What a bummer of a place to work. I still say they did me a favor. At least I don't dread getting up or coming to work anymore nor do I get the Sunday afternoon blues anymore. Your hubby sure finds the greatest wild life to take pictures of, almost like they are not real, they are so good. Love that you post them on FB. What kind of meat is the cheapest right now?? Dear balls, they are just under a buck. HILARIOUS GIRL!! I need to get up and take a walk around the floor to wake up, didn't sleep well and I am not very motivated at the moment. Bleh