Hello,
It is very quiet at work today. Granted, there are not that many people who work here at the best of times, but today is national hangover day, so I am alone in the office. I on the other hand went to sleep early last night and took the morning off because I started work so early yesterday. So I am downright chipper.
frogger: congrats on your last day o the evil job. And on feeling the small one. Lil sis just got pictures of Maggie done by a friend who is a professional photographer. It was done as a gift. Really cute stuff.
arabella - it is nice to have you around even on a flyby basis
wildfire: I hope the crud goes away soon so you can enjoy your days off.
I have not been particularly well behaved lately. Bad food choices that I justify by saying that I am so busy and will make up for it later. But the equinox is nigh and I am not at goal. Again. I know I can do this, but I just keep not quite following through on things. So I am going to have to start another mini goal and try and really hit the mark. Well...at least the weather will be nice.
So, I installed a spell checker for forum windows. We shall see how successful it is in curing my atrocious habits.
Cerise: Well, all that pesky Irish stuff is now packed up for another year. I am a little bit Irish, but a lot bit Latvian and bemoan that there does not seem to be some major Latvian day.
At any rate, howdy to all mentioned and unmentioned.
Still grumpy and off today. Finally figured out it's at least partly the arthritis and weather changes. Expecting a storm again overnight. Managed to stay pretty well within bounds on food today though.
Sorry illness plagues your happy time, Wildfire. Enjoy the beach, Eydie. Think of me. Flybyes are great, Arabella.
I too am really concerned about Punkin. Not like her to be so AWOL.
Sleep in tomorrow, Frogger.
NSV today - Put out petit fours and cookies for some stop in people today and wasn't even tempted. Enough tricks like that and I'll make it someday.
All right, ladies. We're all going crazy, it seems, but HUZZAH for us for dropping in to say hi, right?
I've been hit with a project at work and will be in a proper frenzy today, but I'll stop in for a nice chat when I get home tonight. It's just wonderful to stop in and see your "faces". You're all here for each other and that's what matters.
I really am so very fond of you all...
Oh, yeah, QOD: Easiest way to make me smile is to ask me about Ramon.
Working on a migraine and icing down my forehead as we speak. Looks so cute. Figured out, I think, why I've been going downhill the last couple of days (in addition to weather, arthritis, etc.)
When I saw gyn last week, he said I could use a little surgical repair (which I suspected and which I have not yet decided to do at this time). To facilitate this, he prescribed some vaginal hormone pill. I have not yet filled the scrip but he gave me two samples, the first of which I got around to on Tuesday. Well since Wed, I have not been me. Today, with the migraine, it dawned on me. This old body is no longer used to estrogen - and I used to get terrific migraines on a cyclic basis. So there won't be any second pill until I'm durn sure I feel real good - and then we'll see what happens. Since I have not decided to have the surgery any time soon, I'm not going to be in any hurry to try said second pill. I had somewhat forgotten what fun PMS could be.
fortunately, dh is spending the next two days at state basketball playoffs. This was to be MY TIME and still will be. Am meeting friend for dinner tonight, hoping to browse a mall a bit before and maybe after. So I'm icing my head, hoping for a nap to clear the head and have brewed a strong cup of tea.
Good thing - have not had super craving for food that used to accompany all of this.
Make me smile: talk to the princesses, see their picture, get a hug from them, hear a cute story about them (and they're always coming up with new stuff). You get the idea.
Second best (or tie for first): seeing dh doing a bit better all the time and remembering how it was last year at this time.
And really, there's a long list of things that make me smile. I try to remember those things once in a while.
Sun is out now, snow melted from roads, sidewalks. Had cancelled morning appt with lawyer because of expected snow and am glad I did because I had throbbing head at appointed time.. Should finish that stuff up next week.
Since Punkin hasn't checked in, I'll say it for her this week - I T 'S F R I D A Y !!!!!!!
Background:
After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia continues to revamp its economy for eventual integration into various Western European political and economic institutions and was invited to join NATO and the EU in 2002.
Geography Latvia Top of Page
Location:
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania
Geographic coordinates:
57 00 N, 25 00 E
Map references:
Europe
Area:
total: 64,589 sq km
water: 1,000 sq km
land: 63,589 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly larger than West Virginia
Land boundaries:
total: 1,150 km
border countries: Belarus 141 km, Estonia 339 km, Lithuania 453 km, Russia 217 km
Coastline:
531 km
Maritime claims:
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM
Climate:
maritime; wet, moderate winters
Terrain:
low plain
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m
Natural resources:
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, wood, arable land
Land use:
arable land: 29.01%
permanent crops: 0.48%
other: 70.51% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:
200 sq km
note: land in Latvia is often too wet, and in need of drainage, not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:
NA
Environment - current issues:
Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; the main environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality and sewage system, household and hazardous waste management, and reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Geography - note:
most of the country is composed of fertile, low-lying plains, with some hills in the east
People Latvia Top of Page
Population:
2,348,784 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 15.1% (male 180,976; female 172,988)
15-64 years: 68.9% (male 774,133; female 844,856)
65 years and over: 16% (male 122,850; female 252,981) (2003 est.)
Median age:
total: 39 years
male: 35.5 years
female: 42.1 years (2002)
Population growth rate:
-0.73% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:
8.55 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:
14.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:
-1.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female
total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 14.59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 12.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)
male: 16.74 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 69.31 years
male: 63.46 years
female: 75.45 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.2 children born/woman (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.4% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
5,000 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
less than 100 (2001 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Latvian(s)
adjective: Latvian
Ethnic groups:
Latvian 57.7%, Russian 29.6%, Belarusian 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.7%, Polish 2.5%, Lithuanian 1.4%, other 2%
Religions:
Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox
Languages:
Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.8% (2003 est.)
Government Latvia Top of Page
Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Latvia
conventional short form: Latvia
local short form: Latvija
former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic
local long form: Latvijas Republika
Government type:
parliamentary democracy
Capital:
Riga
Administrative divisions:
26 counties (singular - rajons) and 7 municipalities*: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils*, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgava*, Jelgavas Rajons, Jurmala*, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepaja*, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons, Rezekne*, Rezeknes Rajons, Riga*, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils*, Ventspils Rajons
Independence:
21 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 is the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 21 August 1991 is the date of independence from the Soviet Union
Constitution:
the 1991 Constitutional Law, which supplements the 1922 constitution, provides for basic rights and freedoms
Legal system:
based on civil law system
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA (since 8 July 1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Einars REPSE (since 7 November 2002)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the Parliament
elections: president reelected by Parliament for a four-year term; election last held 20 June 2003 (next to be held by June 2007); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA reelected president; parliamentary vote - Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA 88 of 94 votes cast
***
Anagram: I know many folks who also noticed STRONG personality changes with the hormone patches, pills, etc.... Very angry, very short fused, very combative, etc.....
I don't know why they don't start out w/ low dosages of things anymore...it seems as though we get too much too soon and then we're told its time to cut back....
Yo!!! Thanks for the Latvian info, Kayeletsi, I'm impressed thou put all that together for us ... that was nice.
Dunno if anyone else posted a quiche recipe but I posted mine on the food and exercise thread ... it's for healthy quichelike squares that I can carry with me in the cooler ... will take some tomorrow as I'll be working a fiesta all day.
Anagram, I think thou hast hit the estrogen nail on the head ... or rather it hit thee on the head with a migraine. Hope you feel better for your time with your friend.
Cerise ... I'm feeling kinda frenzied as well (as frenzied as I can get after tai chi) but am glad to see thy friendly "face!" Have a good rest o' the day!
Ok, Punkin, we're all getting worried here (see posties above) ... really hope you're ok and are just taking a posting holiday!!!! Report when thou canst and in the meantime, hi!!!!
Wsw, be thou ok? Que pasa?
Dollar?
Everyone?
Ok, bye. Gotta eat and work!!!
Oh, the best way to make me smile is to be my Old Dog!
Kayeletsi: yep. Latvia. actually my family left in the early 1900s because of the pogroms, but I think there may be some distant family there. I guess I would have to go there to find out.
Got my latest email from the marathon folks. Registration is at the end of April and the race is the beginning of October. Although for me it is not a race because that implies trying to compete against other people, while I am trying to finish.
Amamrantha: oooo quiche. sounds really good.
anagram: well, I guess it is good to know these things rather than wonder why you feel yucky. hope all goes well.
cerise: hope it is starting to calm down over there. I can definitely relate to the whole work frenzy thing.
QOD: well it is 53 degrees out and sunny, so I am smiling now Actually I am pretty quick to smile. especially at acts of kindness.
Storm's finished, temps warming up, you have to really search for the snow now ... its mostly mud here!
But....
there are a few yard sales advertised so you know where I'm headed!
Just had a tofu scrambler for breakfast...
w/ 1 slice of homemade wheat bread...
4pts ...yum
****
Thought of the day :
" Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways."
Question of the day :
"Do you have a Saturday 'routine'?"
****
I just did a fast google search and copied and pasted the Latvia info...
DH's family has Lithuanian connections... I noticed Lithuania is a neighbor of Lativa... Interesting how again and again, we prove we really are neighbors!
Guess where I'm headed!
But I promise, only going to buy things that I know for sure will sell ... nothing for me unless its something to wear !
Nice sun shiny morning and I'm shining a bit more today myself as compared to the last three days.
Finishing a marathon is a worthy goal - entering one and training for one are victories in themselves, Zadie.
Dosage on this hormone thingie was only twice a week but I doubt I'll use the second one ever. Am feeling a big difference today though not quite back yet. Am heading for a craft show today hoping the doll clothes lady will be there and I can get the princesses some clothes and accessories instead of candy for Easter. The Easter Bunny is already so overly lavish in their directions. Will also try to pick up my lunch there today. Well,lunch, but it may be my big meal of day.
Am too abashed to post yesterday's menu. Lovely dinner w/friend at a place specializing in crab cakes. So of course, we had a single one. Chose cream of crab soup instead of a salad (as I can make a salad but never make coc soup). Had it only last week - both were excellent and worth every calorie. I probably won't have any again for eons. But then made a few wrong choices (like two small slices of the fresh baked bread - but w/butter which I usually eschew) and some mashed potatoes. Crab cake was excellent too. Slimfast for breakfast today.
En route I went to mall (coupons in hand) more to browse than buy. HOWEVER, that's when lightening usually strikes. Bought a powder blue linen (look) blazer that I can wear w/lots of stuff and another white top. Then (be still, my heart) decided to pick up a red wool blazer that was 80% off plus then my 20% additional coupon. Final price - $11. I know I'll get a few good wears out of it yet this spring (if it warms up really fast here, hope the locals will appreciate that I caused it by buying this blazer). I had actually been looking at red wool blazers in the resale shop where I sometimes take some of my too-bigs and this was a much better price brand new.
DS reports that his friend is doing well after the surgery, considering. Am waiting for more news (DS not the most reliable at reporting).
Since we're both stay-at-homes, our Saturdays are pretty much the same as other days of the week except no doctors' appointments. Today a bit different as dh will go to basketball playoffs again. As he says, retirement tends to ruin weekends. You don't look forward to them in the same way as when you're working.
I feel a song in me waiting to burst out now that it's spring! Officially! Next challenge? Not that I did great on this one though I feel maintaining during the long eating out period was a worthwhile goal too. But always hopeful - so ready for next one.
Anagram, GOOD FOR YOU tracking down a real bona fide bargain!
And just think, when the blazer is too big by next winter, you'll run to the resale shop and they will mark it up triple what you paid!!
YAY!
now, tell us please, that's one place I've never sold, and only once in awhile shopped...
How much do they generally charge? Is it a sliding scale?
I have one or two brand new pieces that should have been returned...never worn... am wondering if consignment shop is the way to go...
one is a dressy dress bought to wear to a wedding but then found something nicer...
had fun this am... found some bargains... in fact, need to take photos to get them up on Ebay...
This has been my first experience with the resale shop. When I first went, it was a 50-50 split on whatever they get for the item. Now I think it's 60-40 (their favor, of course) although I think there's another that's still 50-50. They do the pricing and also refuse a lot of stuff depending on what they have in stock. Sometimes I've gone back several times till they took something. I've only taken the very best of my outgrowns there - usually stuff I hated to part with. And believe me I've hardly made any money, but still a bit. The way this place operates is that after a certain amount of time, they reduce their asking price and then keep reducing it. After 60 days (I think) if it hasn't sold and you haven't come back to claim it they give it to a charity.
So they'd probably get more than I paid for the blazer but I'd only get 40% of that. But I'm sure they could sell it for more than I paid.
I would much have preferred to have given the stuff to someone directly but came up with no one. Most I've just given to Salvation Army. I have several nice spring items (size 22s) that I'll probably take up next week; then I'll see what I took in from the last bunch. I've also been reluctant to part w/some things (like winter coat and a long lined raincoat) simply because I think they deserve better. But come fall, assuming I stay at or below present, they will have to find a new home.
I am at that closet cleaning time again and I so hate the job. But more will be going shortly, for sure. I had considered advertising some of the stuff but then the cost often runs up too much. I have usually just closed my eyes and donated but this place was so close to the house and my first experience so good (not necessarily moneywise) with them that I've gone back a few more times. At least this way, I feel someone else gets a good bargain. So they're happy, I feel less guilt about not wearing the clothes more (even though they're too big) and the store provides jobs for a few people. They are always busy. I have yet to buy anything there myself - the red blazer would have been a first but I've followed the prices on a couple of things waiting for them to drop enough. Even at a bargain place, I want a bargain. Some of their things I do think are still overpriced a bit.
Didn't mean to write a book. Walked an hour or so at craft fair, found doll clothes, enjoyed. Then went to my favorite paperback exchange place and was disappointed they took so few of mine. I only bought two books and had to add a $1.33 so I brought my bag of books back home for next time. Raked 15 minutes or so just so I could say I did some. Now I think I'm going to go make another loaf of soda bread for dh. Love the way the house smells too.
Food wise, it's not been my best day but I think I'll end up ok caloriewise if I don't go bananas between now and bedtime.
Back home from the beach! Walked the boaedwalk and beach alot. I think in 2 1/2 days we did 23 miles---not bad at all. And it was cold too! Had a great time, even though I'm sure I had too many treats there. Oh well, I'm remedy all that this week for I have a cunning plan, mainly just getting back on track with a vengeance--no fritzing around at all!
Seeing the big marathon was interesting and inspiring. I think that I could WALK it, I really do. It'd be a neat thing to do some day.
I missed you all--I missed my dogs, and it's great to be home, but I'm really tired. Till tomorrow, my friends!
Walked the boaedwalk and beach alot. I think in 2 1/2 days we did 23 miles---not bad at all. And it was cold too! Had a great time, even though I'm sure I had too many treats there. Oh well, I'm remedy all that this week for I have a cunning plan, 
mainly just getting back on track with a vengeance--no fritzing around at all!
