Hehe, been listening to old dance music again, and it seemed to fit... Well, tomorrow starts a whole new week, I bought all kinds of new and healthy foods when we went shopping, tried one of the new things today, Whole Grain Kamut spiral pasta, YUMMY, I made a sauce with Gimmie lean sausage replacement, which I sauteed in a bit of olive oil, and sspiked with onion, garlic, and italian herbs... and made a small salad for the side... it was great... well, I'm trying not to stress over my "sister" my mother told me today that she is definately my fathers daughter, she promised my kids that she would come get them and take them to see Lilo and Stitch, and never showed... THAT pieces me right the heck off... on a higher note, I called with my best friend of almost 19 years, will be 19 years on my birthday, the 20th... funny, the way I met her, was I was riding my bike around my grandfathers neighborhood, and her and another of our firends were playing with "Get in Shape Girl" toys.... who remembers those? And here we are, still trying to get in shape, girl! LOL... anyways, this year, for our "anniversary" I'm making her a cd of songs that meant something to us through the years, like the song from homecoming, when her huge crush *gasp!* touched her...lol and songs we used to sing in shows... fun stuff like that... I couldn't find an MP3 of the Get in Shape Girl theme, so I settled on Barbie and the Rockers instead...lol And I'm also including a song that I wish I'd been there to sing for her last year when her dad died... "How can I help you to say goodbye"
So, it should be one heck of a journey, from when she pretended to be Madonna, and I pretended to be Sheila E, to Jr High, High School, and for me, college, kids and marriage... she's still single and childless

Well, Johnny has asked me to stop babysitting, said we can try to find me a part time job, but that it's not doing me any good to put up with Shae, who is gettoing increasingly violent, so, I'll do that for 2 more weeks, and then I'll try to actually get like 32 hours a week at the local Raleys, they have the BEST insurance, outside of the mines, and it's danged near free...

My mom in law came through her Breast Reduction really good, I watched my sis in law tonight, so her and her hubby could go out and celebrate, they took 9 POUNDS of breast tissue, and she STILL has a good sized set...lol, as soon as she gets caught up for her back business at the shop, she's gonna take me in and fix me up with a manicure, and probably build me up some nails... mine can't take the heat and dryness, they've been breaking faster than growing

AND finally, Dad in law is going to go to the hardware shop and get the stuff to fix our cooler tomorrow, and let us pay him back in 2 weeks...whoohoo! No more roasting everywhere but in my bedroom...

Oh yeah, does anyone know of a way to get hard water deposits off of a car? our water is awful here, and out car got it from the sprinklers, now it looks REALLY bad... we've tried all kinds of car cleaners and waxes... but no go... we did find that Lime Away works on the glass, but we can't use it on the painted surfaces... I'm open to ALL suggestions...lol

Boy, that was Windy!

good heavens, girl!!! so much on your mind!!! and so many ups and downs. ditching the babysitting terror sounds like the healthiest thing for both you and ravyn... so, good luck.. and you're doing great.

loved the title of the thread. made me feel good and guilty. well, it WOULD have if i hadn't walked a mile already!!!

more later.

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WOW! I've missed alot! I survived the 4 day weekend, but barely. 4 days with no structure. I let go of the control and ate and ate and ate. I feel bloated and fat. SO, back onto my STRICT OP plan. Gotta get this in motion. Tired of bouncing back and forth on the scale. Next time, I will have more of a plan for a holiday weekend.

Besides that, am doing okay. Going through the "what do I want for the rest of my life" roller coaster. My biggest stress factor in my life (no place of my own) is over. Now, I have to adjust and possibly find a part time job. It will be good, extra $ and keep me busy. Maybe even meet some new people. We'll see. My Mother and I are no longer on speaking terms, and I don't see that ending anytime soon. She's a bit mentally ill, no joking around. She has been diagnosed with being a manic depressant, but I believe it goes beyond that. This time it's over her boyfriend. It's always over a man. But I need to accept it and move on. I can't let her to continue to hurt me anymore.
BUT my sister in Cali will be coming home at the end of next month. She'll be home for about 10 days with her hubby and daughter. I can't wait!!

BA..How is your water jug working out?

PNG..That is really cool to have "found" your sister. I am sorry she was a no-show though. Has she contacted you yet to explain?

So many indiv..I have alot of work to do. So..HI to everyone..I've missed you.

Hi all. Jumped on the scale this am and I've gained back 2 lbs. No big surprise there really as I really haven't been following my points plan and certainly not drinking my water even though it has been so hot you would think I'd be guzzling it down.

Found out something not great yesterday. Since I'm on maternity leave I'm not really hooked into what is going on in the hospital where I work. I just found out that they were hiring all kind of RN's for the OR and they were going to do all the teaching etc, you didn't have to have the OR certificate which is what I was working on before I got pregnant. So that was a major opportunity that I missed. I am so bummed about it. I called this OR nurse that I know who also teaches the college course and left a message. I'm hoping that if maybe somebody drops out before the classes start I could get in. That would be the best but I'm not holding my breath. I'm going back to the course in the fall if this doesn't work out. But still it would have been great to have the hospital pay for all the courses plus pay my regular wage. It would have meant coming back from maternity a little early but that wouldn't be a big deal. I'd much rather work in the OR as I would at least be coming home from work not being too burned out to play with my baby.

Has anyone seen BA around? I don't think she has posted in a few days. I sent her an e-mail but haven't heard back. Hope all is well BA!

Jenniffer - I think you are very wise to deal with relationship with your mother. If she has mental problems especially manic depressive she must be very hard to deal with. Has she been formally diagnosed and on medication?

PNG - I love listening to music that I grew up with, it makes you feel so young, like there isn't anything that you can't accomplish. Good news about the babysitting, I think you'll be a lot happier.

Well take care all, Drake should be waking up from his nap any time now. Bye

Hi All
I am actually glad it's Monday time to once again get serious. I didnt' do too bad - I journalled and was 10 points over for the week.
Money wise I spent way too much!! Hubby and I had booked a sitter for last night. We went to Chi-chi's and to see "bourne identy" - both were very good.
I had the low fat chicken enchiladas (12.5 points) - really filling I ate about 5 chips with salsa - and then said - WHAT AM I DOING and stopped

Tonight is weigh-in I know I didn't make my mini goal (to be at my 10% by today) I am really dissappointed with myself.. but I must face the music

Dana

I am cleansing with fruit right now as it seems I have so much toxin built up in my system. My whole system is wacked. Everything becomes infected. months and months long boils. So fruit it is and ...yes water!!!!!! We have a lot of water melon in the garden, oh so sweet and wonderful, musk melon, cantalopes
and so on so the time is right. Water in and out! Yes my pool is open and I did a 1 1/2 hour workout with breaks of course and enjoyed it so much. Today it rained really hard so I couldn't use my pool but hopefully I shall tomorrow. I tried to keep most of me out of the direct sun( apaches don't really need tans) but you would have laughed at what I went through to wedge myself in the right position to tan my leg and keep the rest of me in the shaded corner of the pool. I am so very boyant in the water that I drift away like a rubber ball! The water crunches with the water resistance is oh so hard but I managed 40 front and back. You can only do them one way on the floor! Hubby was lounging I was working hard! and loving it! I have had a really bad spell for some unknown reason lasted nearly five days and just now getting back to "normal". I was severely sick to my stomach, had dreadful headaches in my temples of all places, dizzy in a major way, weight on my chest and even irregular heart rythums. Thank God that's over and done with. Still a bit weak around the edges but nearly back to myself. I hope that never happens again! We are just rolling along now and life is so much more peaceful inside me. I shall thankfully accept the serenity of daily life with gratitude and pray I can maintain this to a large degree no matter what. A time to regroup and make hay while the sunshines. That is my motto. Mom is doing ok and I have been warned to prepare. I have accepted that warning as well and am taking all steps needed to be prepared for whatever may come, may it be years from now but I know to heed the warnings. I am very happy to have the time to see to everything and to me. I shall take everyday possible to enjoy and work out in my pool. Making hay you know!!!LOL.
Pam

Well, I'm creeping up on that TOM again, fought myself to not send hubby out for one of everything, including Fridays chicken wings...soda, and a malt... rar! BUT instead, I played a game of Monopoly, kicked his behind, and went to sleep. We found out a week ago that we can drop our option on our house, so that makes moving to AZ a bit easier, we're looking to move sometime in February now. NOW, we're moving out of here,(hopefully, going to look at a rental house and 2 apartments today...I'm pulling for the first apartment, it has a gym!) to free up the insurance money, and maintenence money, and we have people who are wanting to move in here...sooo We were thinking, it sucks to have paid into this place for a year, just to leave, BUT, it's about the same we would have paid for an apartment, so, it's no huge thing, and we'll have so much to look forward to in AZ, including a job waiting for hubby when we get there.

it looks like everyone has at least a LITTLE bit going on...


Jenniffer, we all have those periods of letting go... I did great for the holiday, then Sunday cut loose on some candy bar flavored cheesecake but I'm back, and fighting the ole cravings now... hehe, maybe I'll give in to one small one, and throw the rest out the window. Sorry to hear about your mom... my mom and I have had to live apart since I was 15, because we butted heads constantly... she got me my own place, and paid my rent until I was of age, and able to pay it myself... I also have a young friend whose mom is very mentally ill, and she puts her through all kinds of ****...poor girl is in college, and trying to support her mom, and 2 brothers... good kid, she is

Jen, Sorry about your (possibly?) missed opportunity, hopefully there will be some sap like me that just can't take it, and you can get in

Dana, hehe, I would have skipped the enchilada and had the chips, myself...lol but if it had been a chimi... oh boy...lol I'm telling hubby I'm saving as many free days so I can go to my favorite mexican restaraunt, and go all out, they have the best chimi's and they don't come in veggie! Now you're SO close to your mini, having to take an extra week is no biggie...

Pam, Oddly enough I was just thinking of a good cleansing run, after my birthday... glad to know I'm not the only one that relies on those... I want to come to your house and collect some melons! Sounds so good, maybe I'll have hubby grab a few melons instead of anything evil I might crave... And I've also had a few of those spells you're talking about... I usually get them when I'm overdoing it on caffiene, or when my anxiety is creeping back up on me... they seem to be fading away though Such a hard place to be with your mom, it's pretty much the same place we're at with Johnny's grandma... we just...wait, and try to make sure everything is as it should be...


Well, Tiff just came and got the kids early, since we have to do things, she decided to work from home, so I guess she just went to work and got her things for the day, it's a nice suprise, Ravyn has to go to the cardiologist today, and Johnny was just going to take her, rather than trying to drag all the kids there, and I was upset, because I wanted to go too... now I can... now, I'm gonna go get myself all ready and cute, So I can suprise JOhnny when he gets up...hehe, his days off are split this week, because of the docs appt., so he's sleeping WAY in today, if I have to go in and slip him a dose of NyQuil...poor guy works too much...

Hi all. I hope everyone is well today. I can't believe that I am about to say this but I have a huge reason to celebrate today. I'm getting my first period today from the last 2 years without one. I never thought I would welcome it but I'm very happy.

I have had more problems with my repro system than I can remember and Last month I started on a diabetic drug to trick my body into Ovulating and apparently its working. All hopes of conception may not be lost afterall it would seem.

I know its going to be a rough couple of days. I have years worth of endometrium to shed but I dont even care(of course the pain hasnt started yet..I'm sure I will in a few hours).

Its funny, I have cursed my periods pretty much my whole life but today I am as happy to see it as seeing and old friend.

Have a wonderful day all.

Sarah

SARAH....*BIG BIG TIGHT HUGS!!!!!* I know exactly what your feeling right now, believe me. I was in your place not too long ago. And to get TOM to come "on his own".....it's a ray of light. It will be painful, and you will be exhausted. But it's normal. And you will survive it. Just keep smiling that it's working, and it's here. Not everyone has luck with those meds. Take it easy, drink alot of fluids and try to stay off your feet while it's bad. I am so happy for you. I remember when I first got my "own" after I started the meds awhile ago. I was at work, and I started crying like a little girl. I was just sitting in the bathroom, smiling and crying. I finally felt "normal" and hopeful again. My thoughts are with you and please know...I really do understand what your feeling right now. And you go girlie!!

GBO..Sounds like your doing really well. All that fruit and swimming. I wanna a pool too!! heheehee

PNG..My Mother and I lived apart on and off, pretty much my whole life. I don't know if she's gotten worse or I am just growing up and seeing things as they really are, not what I dream of them being.

Jen..My Mother was diagnosed many times with being Manic over years. She would seek therapy and then stop when the therapist "told her like it was". She lives in delusions, and tries to make herself believe that things are okay. She was seeing someone last year and was on medication, first time for that. She refused it every other time and went running. her therapist left practice and she has not seen anyone else. BUT her stupid family doctor continues to prescribe her meds without sending her to see someone. So, she is on meds, but she is not a faithful taker, and she drinks, and basically takes them when she feels like it. So, I don't believe that they are helping her. She has gotten worse, and I believe that her boyfriend has a roll in it. She has basically lost all relationships within our close family. Both of my sisters have been "shoved" (22 yrs and 15 yrs) to the side too. I truly believe there is something much deeper than just being Manic. I don't think she's Manic, I think she suffers from Chronic Depression. I don't know, but for once in my life, everyone sees it, not just her daughters.

Oooh, I babbled on.



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Jennifer.. it must be so hard to deal with a mother like that. You must have so many mixed emotions. Sometimes all you can do is what's best for you... and hope your mom can do the same for herself.

My mother is a case all by herself too.. I am at the point now when I had to ask myself how much do I want her in my life. Sometimes she is just not healthy for me. It's a slow process but I am learning that being selfish is actually good for me. How has the PCOS board been going for you?

Not much going on here.. just enjoying the weather

Dana

Thanks for the kind words Jennifer. I know I'm not alone in this and it helps to know there are people who understand. Though I wouldnt wish this on anyone. Still waiting for the full blown period. Ughh...I feel so bloated I cant stand it. I am literally 5 pounds heavier this morning from yesterday morning. I am drinking like a fish but it just wont budge. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get rid of this water??

Have a great day all.

Sarah

Boy... it has been HOT...was 102 yesterday... not a cloud to hide under... we spent a lot of the day in the car, to this place, to this realtors... the cardiologist, for Ravyn... she's fine, her ped. just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything serious behind her murmur... Well, I got a good bit of exercise, up and down stairs, all around every place ten times...lol we found our place I think, and it IS the place with the on-site gym... it's nothing super special, but it has more stuff than I have here, a stepper, a recumbent bike, treadmill, a regular bike, and a full weight machine...whooohoo, and the cool thing is, it's the same as we pay here, without the maintenence, and full on insurance, renters is WAY cheaper than homeowners. anyways, my cooler SHOULD be fixed tomorrow, as soon as it starts to get warm in here, I'm gone to the bedroom, take all the kids in there with me... not dealing with the heat today, no way, no how...it's supposed to be just as hot, if not hotter... so I may not post a lot...I won't even sit out here for my trusty puter

Well I am in stress city.
Our finances are in a shambles, and I'm just going to have to be patient and let everything get sorted out. But until it is all sorted out, I'm giving myself an ulcer worrying about it. Greg's bonuses should start soon, and then I am still waiting for my second raise, but they have at least promised me that it too will be backdated.. so now I just have to pray that I get it SOON.

Work has been awful these last few days... No one doing their job, and blaming everyone else when something doesn't work because they didn't do their job... It's a nightmare. The fiscal year is almost over and done with though, and then hopefully we can go back to breathing again.

I ate like a cow last week. And this week for that matter. They have these ENORMOUS whoopie pies in the cafeteria (canteen?) and I can hear them calling my name from all the way across the building. It's bad. I had one Monday and one Tuesday... The things have got to be at least 30 points a piece. So, I gained. Am I surprised? Not really. I was also REALLY bloated due to the half a pizza I ate monday night.. I exercised for the first time in a while Monday night, so I was STARVING! How do you all deal with that?? I find that the more I exercise the hungrier I get... which is kind of a catch-22. I also grazed at a cookout on Saturday... too much food lying around. Luckily there WAS a lot of fruits and veggies, but I definately did enough damage for about 3 people. I don't know why I have been so hungry lately!!!! Probably because I wasn't eating "Correctly"

So, that's life on my side of the planet... Just to give you a glimpse, I will share my last night with you.

Got to the Weight Watchers Meeting, Gained 3.8 lbs. Had a pretty good meeting though.
Went to AT&T to sign the Wireless phone contract they "Forgot" to send me to sign. Told the kid at the counter (who first ignored me for 5 minutes while surfing the net) that I needed to sign a 2 yr contract. He said "Why? You have a phone". Told him to look up in the computer, because they were supposed to put a note in telling him what to do. He takes 5 minutes to look it up and hem and haw over it, and then says "I can't help you." "Why?" "Because we don't have any 2 year contracts. We ran out." I made my best angry face and stalked out. I called Greg to complain, and when I was done ranting and raving, he told me I'd need to stop at my mom's house AFTER stopping at the OTHER at&t to pick up the carpet steamer. I asked why, and he told me that Oreo (doggie) had some bowel troubles all over the living room carpet and kitchen floor. AUGH! So I went to AT&T, signed the contract, and then went home and sweat my butt off for 2 hours scrubbing the kitchen floor and the living room carpet. That carpet is now cleaner than when we moved in! In the middle of it, I discovered that we had the wrong sized vaccuum cleaner bags, so the vacuum started spewing dust everywhere... Then the stove started making a wierd ticking noise...

It was a nightmare to say the least. I hope that things will get more normal soon.

Confession of a Lurker-

Admit I've been popping in for quick reads of posts. Just been too busy to do more. trying to catch up on all sorts of things neglected in our heat wave last week. Things are really nice out tonight.

Am closing out the third day of trying to undo weekend damage. For me, that's a streak. Was "happy" to see I was not alone.

BA, I'll say that's stress! But just read the last line of your signature and draw a few million deep breaths.

Sorry to learn so many of you chicks have Mom problems. Must be incredibly hard to deal with. There are indeed "poison people" and we must learn to deal with them; and most will never change despite our wishes. We can't change them so we must change how we respond to them and in many cases this would mean cutting down on contact.

As a Mom myself (and an admittedly imperfect one), I hope that you would be able to keep at least minimal contact - say, Mother's Day (hard to find the right card, though), birthdays (yours and hers), and Christmas (Chanuka) so as to leave the door open in case there is change. It's just important not to be dragged into/down whatever their problems might be or into manipulative situations. Good luck and prayers!

PNG, glad you got good news on your little darling. One load lightened. It sounds like you have a lot more going on to deal with but as long as she's alright, the rest seems so much less.

Gayle, hope things are going better with your Mom. How old is she?