It is so hot here. Could y'all trade me some of your cold weather for some of this heat? I sure hope this is not an indication of what our summer is going to be like this year. It has been over three years since we have had a normal summer with rain. I have forgotten what an actual thunderstorm is like.
Marlana~How is your back and hip feeling? I sure hope it gets better soon. You must have gone fishing today since we haven't heard form you. I was going to talk Griff into going down to the river with me to fish but it has just been too hot. I talked with a tech from my ISP and there is not way for me to hide my email address. I guess I will just have to quit sending out jokes to the ones that just forward them on without cleaning them up. I have now gone for two whole days without getting an email with a virus in it. Survivor was not a surprise this week although the editing was trying to make us think differently. I have decided that I would like to see Kathy win and Paschal get runner up.
Tobey~What a shame to wait that long and not get an autograph. He looks even younger that 26 and definitely looks too young to know how to cook very well. I am without any energy today and trying to get myself started on something. I went out and moved a couple of plants this morning and watered a little and just got so hot and sweaty. I don't want to move now. I just promised the boys a bath though which also means changing the bed. I guess I'll get started on that as soon as I finish here. Have you posted any more pictures on your website?
JoJo~I'm sure glad to hear that your dh found another job. I know that you were really worried about that. I remember when he worked second shift before and you did your taebo almost every night. I have also been given different advice about my computer and shut down. The last few times have all been in agreement that shutting down at night is best. I have been shutting mine off because I no longer have it on a surge protector. The one that I finally got back was a replacement and it doesn't work. I would be using my computer and it would suddenly just shut off. After that happened a few times, I took it off the surge protector and it hasn't happened since. We don't seem to have stormy weather anymore so it hasn't been a problem. We always hid treats the same way with our dogs when they were puppies. Of course, my purse was always the handiest place to hide treats and it was so cute watching them nose around for them.
Jen~Thanks for the info. My dh and I were taking an aspirin a day until we started with the donations. It just got to be a hassle trying to remember not to take aspirin before a donation and we just quit with the aspirins. I think that I will pick up the St Josephs the next time that I grocery shop. I was also planning on cleaning my carpets next week. I used my new steam cleaner once in the dining room and really liked the results. I then got so tied up in other stuff that I haven't had time to finish the job.
I have now talked myself into getting a few chores done, all of which are inside. Y'all have a good weekend.
Sunday Afternoon~~Not too much going on here today. We went fishing this morning. Was very nice on the water this morning but the fishing was no good. Come home and put out some more of my flowers. My back and hip are still giving me fits. My Platy(fish) had more babies yesterday. I saved about 15 of the little buggers. They are very hard to catch. There is still one I've seen out in the big tank. I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for his life, but he is fast. The two babies I've had is one month old. Those fish have babies once a month. How would you like that??????
Jo Jo~~So glad to hear your hubby got another job. I hope it is the best one he ever had and last a long time. I know that must take a load off both of your minds. My hubby worked the second shift for many years, and I can tell you I hate it. You'll find your self a lone a lot, and going to bed by yourself. But you can watch what ever you want to on TV. I will send you a email to work in the morning.
Jen~~I don't need to clean carpets but I need to clean my couch really bad. I'm just like you, I can't have anything with sugar it just sets me off on a binge. I like starches pretty bad too. OH...****....I like everything I can get my hands on. OK...I'm in tomorrow is the 6th day of May and I'll just see if I can have a great big loss on the 13th...I'll post what I'm going for at the end of this post. Maybe we can get a roll on. My hubby takes a baby aspirin a day. I've been thanking about taking one too. BUT.....we are both on anitinflammatories...Is the aspirin a no no???? Skeeter~~Sorry to hear it's so hot there already. Today is just so perfect as for as temp goes. I expect it to turn hot any day now. Back and hip are still hurting me...it's a slow thing to get them to stop. I'm not going to put out as many flowers this year because it hurts me so bad to bend over and lift things. To put my pants on I have to get my left leg in and then drop the pants on the floor and work my foot in the right leg of my pants. Now what the dickens can lifting my right let while bent over just a bit have to do with my left leg???? BUT IT DOES, BELIEVE ME!!!! That's the hip spur that is hurting me. Kathy has worked hard trying to pull her weight on survivor, Lord she wet on John's hand. I wouldn't have done that, he could have took care of that himself.
OK, I'M STICKING MY NECT OUT....STARTING ON THE 6TH OF MAY...I'M SHOOTING TO LOSE 6 POUNDS BY THE NEXT MONDAY...THE 13TH. Maybe it can't hurt to make a pledge. Hope everyone is having a good week end.
Good afternoon. It's an absolutely beautiful day out today, although it's supposed to storm tonight. But I love that too. I got the yard mowed, watered what needs to be, and cleaned off the lawn chairs and picnic table for the season. I'm so excited, I could jump out of my skin. Yesterday I went out with dear bf. We had mexican, Carlos O'Kellys. I guess an early "Cinco de Mayo" celebration. I went for the grilled chicken sante fe salad. It was pretty good, but I could have made one better. But at least I behaved myself.
Marlana- Man, you are ready to go tomorrow aren't you. Ok, tomorrow's the day. I'm not sure what I'd like to lose the first week, just anything would make me happy at this point. I'm really bad with the starches too, no fancy breads, cakes, cookies, are allowed in the house. Same with ice cream. I'm better off going to the ice cream shoppe and getting just one scoop rather than a 1/2 gallen of anything fat free. Oh, the aspirin/anitiinflammatory drug interaction (from my nurses drug handbook) "decreased effects of antiinflammatory due to decreased blood levels and increased risk of adverse GI effects," the bleeding ulcers and heartburn type side effects. I say take them all with food, but at separate meals.
Skeeter- Too hot? I'm jumping its up to 80 today. Sure we can trade. Of course I got all the carpets cleaned, and so far there has been 2 more hairballs on the floor. Guess that is part of the joy of cats. I'm on 6 days of vacation next week, and I am looking forward to getting a good start on the yard "projects". I also have to remember to try to call my "builder guy" to have the rest of my windows and a new deck built this year. Then I can really enjoy the yard!
I guess that is about it. I'll have to check in tomorrow morning to "officially" start the week!
I'm struggling to stay awake right now. I've got to get supper started in a few minutes but thought I'd come in and say hi to ya'll. I got up this morning and went over for the annual vigil at the memorial they have for the IL soldiers who died in Vietnam. Another name was added to it just recently and his family was there. It probably felt alot like a funeral to the family tho. It was really nice and I'm glad I got myself up to go to it. I've not been to it for several years. The one thing that really gets me is when a bagpiper plays Amazing Grace. My mil was there to watch to.
Jen, I had to quit having a cup of coffee when I get home from work except on Friday nights or I have a really hard time sleeping. I have a hard time getting to sleep normally and if I've had a late cup of coffee, it takes me a lot longer plus I don't feel as if I sleep really soundly. Its going to take me some time getting used to dh working in the evening. I'll have trouble going to sleep till I know he's home till I get used to this. He could end up on midnight shift if someone wants to bump him. My dog should be happy tho as someone will be home with her most all the time. You know, this is the perfect time for me to get myself going on a food plan since I'll only be cooking for myself.
Marlana, I'm glad you spent some time fishing this weekend. That has to be more restful to you hip and back that planting flowers. I'm kinda getting the itch to go look for some flowers to plant. But I kinda want to plan the colors I want to use. Since I'll have my evenings alone now, I won't have to worry about an audience and can start back working out again. (gag) Oh man, I know I should and I have to but I just don't feel motivated to do it. Once I get going I'll be fine. Well, I don't thing I'll get in the challenge to actually lose weight but I am going to challenge myself to try and get a little motivated. I've just been in a rut for to dang long and I'm tired of it. Good luck on trying to get 6 lbs off this week. If anyone can, you can.
Skeeter, Oh, your the one who mentioned about me doing my taebo now that dh will be working in the evening. Guess I won't have much of an excuse now huh? Its going to kill me the first time I try it. I'll just have to do as much as I can and work my way up. I always feel so good afterwards. And I do better than I think I will. Don't you have just a regular surge protector you can use for now? I've got one that I paid around $10 or $12 for and its fine. I've still got to get some memory for my puter so it will run better. I still wish I could buy a memory chip for myself. Wouldn't that be nice?
Tobey must be out running this weekend. I hope your having a good weekend.
Well, I've got to get busy and get supper going plus I've got to run the vaccume to. Someone mentioned carpet cleaning and thats something I really need to do to, but not tonight. Take care everyone.
Good Morning~~I come in to write a note and discovered that two of you had wrote. I didn't receive a email telling me. Today is the day that the pledge starts. I'm going to do it!!!! It's pretty warm here this morning after having almost a week so really cool mornings. That means I have to get outside early and set out some more flowers.
Jo Jo~~ I know what you mean about staying awake, I've caught myself at 7:00 pm wanting to go to bed. I've started painting on the wall border again. Nope I'm not through with that bedroom yet. Stopped working on it to work on the cabinets in the garage. I got a laugh out of your comment on working out. Gag and get with it girlfriend.:sheep: We are going to get this bunch started on a losing streak. I'm so tired of myself and all this blubber. Motivation is a really good thing to work on, got to have it before you can go anywhere. I put my neck on the chopping block hoping that will motivate me. Maybe is some of the rest of us gets going it will help motivate you. But don't forget for one min. that motivated or not you are a part of this group and we need you here.
Jen~~Girl you weather is just like ours. We had such a pleasant day yesterday and then last night it was stormy. It rained but I don't know how much. You was a good girl when you went out to eat. Isn't that the hardest thing to do when you go out to eat. I love to let someone else do the cooking and something in me says enjoy everything you can. But you know what is the mind is in the right place a salad can really be good too. Sugar is off my list starting today, it'll be diet Mt. Dew for me. Got to watch the starches and the fat. Last but not least is to stay busy, keep that mind working. We can do this Jen, we can do it. You know what that is a really good idea about eating any ice cream you might eat out. You can get sugar free yogurt and it's good. I might use that idea myself. Like when I go shopping I could have a yogurt and not that 12 oz Mt. Dew. THANKS.
My week has started and I'm feeling real good about it. I've attached my paper clips and next Monday I'll either add or take away. I'M GOING TO ADD. Have a great day!!!!
Good morning. It's the first day of the rest of my life, so to speak. I'm feeling pretty good about it this time. Maybe because it's my favorite time of year, the weather is finally straightening out, and I'm taking my finals this week! Not that I've studied yet, but I'm taking them!!!
I was thinking about going in to work early today, but since I have to study yet, and buy grandma a mothers day gift, and visit her since I work next weekend, I'm just going to take a short day. I'm gonna work the 12 hr day again on Thursday so I get incentive pay plus time and a half.
The lilacs are in full bloom here. I cut some and put them in my bedroom with the door shut so that the cats can't get at them. What a way to wake up! I have a ton of blooms in my strawberry patch too. They are so sweet that I don't even need anything on them. Next week on vacation is garden and flower week. I sure hope it doesn't freeze again.
Marlana- Looks like we are off and running! No excuses now. Yesterday I had a couple sugar slip-ups. My bf bought be some flavored fudge and then my neighbor gave me some chocolate cake. I've got to get away from such "sweet" people. I think today may be a fruit and vegetable day to jump start the plan. I didn't weigh myself today, I'm afraid to. I think that I did too much damage last week. If I am at my new low point again next week I'll be very happy. Yeah, if I decide I want some ice cream this summer, I'll just go out and get a small cone. A whole carton is not safe in my fridge. Maybe I'll have to get the paper clip chain started. I like the idea of a visual reminder like that!
Jojo- Would a cup of decaf work for you in the evening? Or maybe some decaf herbal tea? Old habits are very hard to change. I've switched to "lite" coffee in the morning, but I still drink about a pot every day. This is the perfect time for you to concentrate on cooking just for you and exercise with all of your time alone! If he gets bumped to the night shift, you could be together in the evening again. You'd be home from work all day and he'd be up from sleeping all day. But it's hard to sleep during the day in the summer, it's so nice out, kids are out playing, lawn mowers are running, etc, etc.
Well, I guess that is about it for today. It's time for me to start getting busy.
We are finally getting back to some nice weather here. Although, we are supposed to get a thunder storm this afternoon – but at least it is warm. I went for a 10-mile run yesterday and it was just perfect, warm enough for shorts and a bit cloudy so the sun wasn’t beating down on me. It felt good! Nothing else really to report from the weekend. It was busy but can’t what got accomplished. Oh well.
Marlana: Your dirt story reminds me of something I would. What a pain in the butt! I would never have thought I would have extra time to take on all of my activities but I have decided to do it as a commitment to myself. Which sometimes means getting up at 5:00 to get in a run or sometimes having to leave a pile of dishes in the sink. But it is worth it. This is the first time that I have really taken time out for myself. I LOVE it. That would drive me nuts, if dh brought stuff in for me to wash and put away. I trained him young (and I am still working on him) so I don’t think he would dare. Did he mow the lawn this weekend? Sorry to hear that your back and hip are still giving you problems. Congratulations on becoming a fishie granma (again and again and again and again…..) Good luck on your weekly goal. However, (and I don’t mean to come across preachy) 6 pounds is a lot for one week. You should be happy with about 2# per week. Enough said – I’ll shut up now!
Jojo: So how was hubby’s first day at his new job? I imagine that it would lonely in the evenings after awhile. Do you still have weekends together though? That’s nice that you made it to the annual vigil. It sounds like it was quite moving.
Jen: Two day of shampooing carpets on top of your regular work. I’m pooped just thinking about it. I’m sure that you are going to have a beautiful yard once school is done (just 2 more days?!). And some OT can help you pay for it. Did you get your storm? If so, you must have sent the weather this way. I love storms at night. I’m so excited about the coming summer as well. Ahhh fresh lilacs … reminds me of being a kid. I don’t seem much here in Toronto. There is nothing quite like that smell. And strawberry blossoms! Okay I’m totally green with envy right now!!!
Skeeter: I would gladly take some of your heat!!! At least it is getting nicer outside. However, our apartment is still cold. I am always walking around in extra sweaters. We live in a basement apartment and don’t have control over our own heat. I’m such a baby when I’m cold. I haven’t posted any more pictures yet. I haven’t had a chance. I have some black and white ones that I want to scan and get up.
Well I guess that’s all for now. I’m going to spend my evening cutting. I am running a charity casino at work on Thursday and I have to cut out several hundred Funny Money bills. Anyone want to help? Guess I’ll just use it as an excuse to sit in front of the TV for the night – don’t remember when I did that last.
I thought this was a good rule to live by. I had seen this quiet some time ago, but maybe some of you hasn't seen it.
A great moral to this story!!
One day a farmer's donkey fell into an abandoned well. The animal cried
piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.
Finally,
he
decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway;
so
it
just wasn't worth it to him to try to
retrieve the donkey. Being older and not as healthy as he used to be, the
farmer invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They each
grabbed
a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.
Realizing what was happening, the donkey at first cried and wailed
horribly.
Then, a few shovelfuls later, he quieted down completely. The farmer
peered
down into the well, and was astounded by what he saw. With every
shovelful
of
dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would
shake it off and take a step up on the new layer of dirt. As the farmer's
neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake
it
off and take a step up.
Pretty soon, the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and
trotted off, to the shock and astonishment of all the neighbors!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to
getting
out of the well is to not let it bury you, but to shake it off and take a
step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get
out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up!
Shake it off and take a step up!
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
Free your heart from hatred.
Free your mind from worries.
Live simply.
Give more.
Expect less.
Good Morning~~The birds are singing and all is well here at my place this morning. I had a good day with food yesterday, except for part of a pork chop that hubby left on his plate. Yes I have been known to eat off his plate....many times!!! Even with the pork chop it was a good day food wise. It's pretty warm here this morning and is suppose to rain. Don't know if I will ever get those flowers out.
Jen~~Thank you so much for bringing up a pledge, it has helped me get started, and I hope it sticks for a while. You better get some studying in girlfriend, I'd hate for you to flunk at this late date. I love lilacs, they smell so good and can be smelled at quite a distance. I don't have any because of the shade. They are also very pretty. My slip up yesterday is that part of a pork chop. Making another pledge now.....Not to have a slip up today....I'll report in the morning.
Tobey~~You know Tobey I wish I was able to take a 10 mile run, heck I'd settle for a 1/2 mile walk right now. A commitment to myself if hard for me to keep. I'll keep a commitment to you much better. Thats why I made the pledge. Tobey 6 pounds is not much weight for a person of my size for the first week of laying off the grub. I wouldn't lose like that the second. A person holds so much extra water for the amount of food they have eaten. I thank I can make 6 pounds if I'm just pretty good. I'm shooten for it anyway. Train them early is the best way. I spoiled mine rotten early on and he still thanks I should spoil him. I don't do for him all I used to do. Poor Baby!!!! OH...If I lose 6 pounds next week it will be on the food plan I've posted before, it's not like I'm not eating at all.
Good morning gals. Today isn't quite as beautiful as yesterday. The sun isn't out, and it's a little cooler, but still, not bad. I'll have to go to the tanning bed instead of the backyard today!
Yesterday my food was pretty good. I stuck with the fruits and veggies all day until after work. Then I had a crab salad sandwich, on light wheat bread, made with ff mayo, etc, so it wasn't anything terrible.
Marlana- Maybe your next goal shouldn't be so much not to have any slip-ups but not to eat off of hubby's plate! A pork chop actually sounds pretty good. I wonder if there are some lean ones at the store? I have to go later today. Don't worry. I won't flunk. The exams are only like 10-15% of our grade and I'm high enough I might not even need to take them. Or at least only half! I enjoyed your story about the donkey. I had not seen it before. Oh yeah, Congrats on having a good day yesterday!
Tobey- We never did get a storm, unless I didn't hear it in my sleep. A 10 mile run! WOW! I went for a short walk with the dog yesterday. But it was alot longer than any other walk for the past month. I have gotten really lazy. But not anymore! Yes, just finals tomorrow and then the graduation ceremony on the 18th. But who's counting?!
I guess that is all for today. I need to get busy, to the store, and study, study, study. Well, maybe not that much!
I can't believe that it has been three days since I posted. I need to make some changes so that I can have some free time again. I honestly can't figure out why I am staying so busy all the time. I hardly read anymore and don't watch much TV either. Something has to change though.
Marlana~I had to go to the pet shop yesterday for some bird seed and shampoo for my dogs. They have a really good selection of fish and I took the time just to check out each of their tanks and was surprised at the pretty colors of the fresh water tanks. There didn't seem to be as many pretty colored fish when I had my tank about 20 some years ago. My dh was acting like such a grump but I told him if he would relax and enjoy the fish, I would promise not to buy one. I forgot to weigh this morning but will try to remember to do that tomorrow. I will pledge 2# off by next Monday.
Jen~Our temps have cooled off a little here, thank goodness. It's only supposed to be in the low 90's or high 80's today. Now if we could just get some rain we would be in good shape. I sure hope this isn't the 4th year in a row of no rain. The fires have already started around here and we could smell smoke all weekend from the Georgia/Florida border area. This is not a good start of summer for us. We don't have lilacs here but the honeysuckle is smelling great. I have a several shrubbery bushes that bloom this time of year and it smells very similar to lilacs. Today it is smelling good out there instead of smoky.
JoJo~Yeah, I have everything on one of those little surge protector strips but I don't really trust them. It is better than nothing I guess. It hasn't really been a problem with us not having any stormy weather. I would gladly stay off this thing of God would send us some rain.
Tobey~I'm glad that you are getting some nicer weather up there. I did take the time to smell some of the blooms a little while ago when I went out to turn a couple of the extra sprinklers off. We are running the sprinkler system every other day now and add a couple of portable ones to try to keep everything looking good. I just found at least 4 blooms growing on my Lily of the Nile(Agapanthus). I think that I posted a picture last year but can't really remember. I am so anxious to see these blooms as I only had one of them last year. It has spread into 5 plants since then.
I need to go get started on my fish tanks. That will take care of the rest of the afternoon. Y'all have a good day.
I sure hope this is not an indication of what our summer is going to be like this year. It has been over three years since we have had a normal summer with rain. I have forgotten what an actual thunderstorm is like. 
Survivor was not a surprise this week although the editing was trying to make us think differently. I have decided that I would like to see Kathy win and Paschal get runner up. 
I am without any energy today and trying to get myself started on something. I went out and moved a couple of plants this morning and watered a little and just got so hot and sweaty. I don't want to move now. I just promised the boys a bath though which also means changing the bed. I guess I'll get started on that as soon as I finish here. Have you posted any more pictures on your website? 
I have also been given different advice about my computer and shut down. The last few times have all been in agreement that shutting down at night is best. I have been shutting mine off because I no longer have it on a surge protector. The one that I finally got back was a replacement and it doesn't work. I would be using my computer and it would suddenly just shut off. After that happened a few times, I took it off the surge protector and it hasn't happened since. We don't seem to have stormy weather anymore so it hasn't been a problem. We always hid treats the same way with our dogs when they were puppies. Of course, my purse was always the handiest place to hide treats and it was so cute watching them nose around for them. 
Motivation is a really good thing to work on, got to have it before you can go anywhere. I put my neck on the chopping block hoping that will motivate me. Maybe is some of the rest of us gets going it will help motivate you. But don't forget for one min. that motivated or not you are a part of this group and we need you here. 
Congratulations on becoming a fishie granma (again and again and again and again…..) Good luck on your weekly goal. However, (and I don’t mean to come across preachy) 6 pounds is a lot for one week. You should be happy with about 2# per week. Enough said – I’ll shut up now! 
Even with the pork chop it was a good day food wise. It's pretty warm here this morning and is suppose to rain. Don't know if I will ever get those flowers out. 
