Tigger, you're the sweetest ol' thing there ever was. What a lovely thing to say, "... you were the best parent that you could be at the time..." Thank you. :) That means a lot to me.
And Mauvais, thank you, too! I was just having a little cry in my bed (after telling Shel not to cry in her bed!), and you darlings have cheered me right up.
Now could someone come and massage my shoulders? I'm a little stiff. :lol: Ruth? You should know how to do that stuff by now. You're surrounded by hot men, aren't you? Raoul the hairdresser, whatisname with the special hands, the post diggers with no shirts...
Hey, remember back in January... you were gardening! I have three tomatoes on my vines. And the strawberry plants that looked dead when I planted them upside down and then turned them around and then they looked dead for 5 weeks afterwards... I'm pretty damned sure they're sprouting!

I'm glad you're feeling better, Mauvais. Don't let anyone criticize your life... you've got a great lifestyle!!! There's no set equation for happiness... no one has to have kids or a car or a man or a woman or a house... all we need is to love ourselves for who we are. (sounds good in theory)

Jeepers, how many times have I posted today!?

cheer up everyone... we all love each other. :wave:

Whoa...you are a pretty amazing group of women. wow.
Ellis and Mauvais and Tigger what great feedback you gave to each other and Christina and Shel. You're some real smart chicks.
Tigger-Kat...don't even fret about the comment about mental health providers, it made me smile.
hope to get to the gym on Friday, tomorrow my work schedule is crazy, no way I'll get there, then we'll be at the shore on Saturday and Sunday and I'll try to walk both days. That would be four days of exercise instead of my goal of three...if it happens cool...I'll be back tomorrow but may miss you then over the weekend until Monday.

If you want to know about my eating you'll have to check out "lesbian mom" but I'll just tell ya, it ain't weight watchers baby...gotta make some changes there. and Mauvais, thanks for confessing about the chocolate bar, though I never heard of the brand, is that a Canadian thing?? Not that I'm interested in researching sweets mind you :lol:

I did stock up my desk at work with mini V-8 juices. I love them. And I bought some power bars for emergencies. I also bought some bagged salad and a bottle of fat free salad dressing and stuck it in the fridge. I do so much better when I have some healthy options at work to snack on...

Alright ladies time for bed...sweet dreams all...Soozie

Good morning Ladies, you are all so compelling that I couldn't resist sneaking in to peak quick this morning before I leave!

Soozie, have a great time at the beach! I am sooooo jealous, I love the beach, could just walk for hours! Hubby hates the beach so I only ever get 1 long weekend a year. We joke about it, I teill him that as soon as he dies I am selling all his stuff to buy a house on the ocean, he tells me that when I die, he is selling all of my stuff to move to the bush in Canada. (sounds harsh I know, but it is all in fun!)

BYW, if you do get into researching new sweets from Canada ask Mauvis to send you some MacIntosh's Toffee, and MMMMM Nanaimo Bars! They are my favorite! Thank God we can't get them here or I would be the fat lady stuck inbed being featured on Jerry Springer! Oh my mouth is watering just thiking about them!

Ellis, if it eases your mind at all, my Father was not the ideal father figure. Never around much, and very critical when he was. He has changed, & I love & respect him very much! We rae very close now too. It took about 25 years for him to be a real Dad, but better late than never. At times I watch him be so loving & kind to my kids & think it would have been nice if he could have been like that for me. But I am so glad to see him & how he has changed, for if he hadn't I would have written him out of my life, with my mother when I had children! I decided when I was pregnant that I would never let either one of them hurt or disappoint my children they way they did me. The result was I got a wonderful father & haven't seen or spoke to my mother in 7 years. Too bad I couldn't be as strong for myself, I could have saved a lot of years of agony! Anyway, it is never too late to heal & have the relationship that you want!

Well I really have to get moving! Have a good couple of days! Drink your water everyone!

Good morning ladies!

Well I have have just discovered that I have a problem with carbs.
I thought I wouldn't have a problem cutting them out but so far this week I have had both potatoes and white rice (minute rice to boot:o ) And I have been craving macaroni salad since the weather is so humid. Arrrg! I have given up counting points and I am just trying to eat sensibly and cut down on the carbs, sugar and caffeine.

Today I start taking the stairs at the office since I really need to work on my legs and butt, which is where my weight sits (no pun intended) I am starting with 2 flights this week then take the elevator the rest of the way ( I work on the 14th floor) and will try to add a flight per week. Wish me luck:D

I shouldn't be telling you this but the Aero bars are made by Nestle. I don't know if you have that company in the US. but they come in a thick format, a regular, mint flavor and orange flavor and they are delish. Christina is right about the MacIntosh toffee and Nanaimo bars. :T

Well, must dash to work. Be good to yourselves and drink your water (nag, nag, nag, :lol: )

Mauvaisroux

aaaaaaaaaargh!!! My refridgerator is busted!! It's one of those massive things with the double freezer down the side and everything is defrosting!!!!!!! And we're going to the cottage tonight!
curses!!!
There's a little wire sticking out that's obviously come undone. Do I have to unplug the fridge to fix it myself? I just walked in the door with a friend and discovered my DS wailing because he'd just spilled an entire melted carton of ice cream all over the fridge and kitchen floor. waaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

You know, I was pretty excited about going to the cottage. I'd decided to completely clean the house before leaving so that I'd feel really good when I walked back in the door on Sunday. curses.

ah well... life is still good, right? Except I just picked all of the Rolos out of the melted Rolo ice cream and ate them. They were damned good, and I think I deserved them.

Christina, thank you for your story about you and your dad. It was a good reminder for me. My dad was very similar, and now we're really much closer than we ever were. You're right, I have to put the past behind me and work with today.
You must be a very strong person to have been able to "let things go" and get on with your life... good for you!
I'm like you... I LOVE the ocean. It's sheer heaven. The smell, the sound of the waves, the fog... god it's wonderful...

As is obvious, Mauvais is right up on chocolate of every size and type. Mauvais, your butt is going to be so tight from taking those stairs!!

Soozie... have a wonderful time at the shore!! (shore? what shore? where are you?) Is little DD taking her pail and shovel? Are you wearing a bathing suit? I haven't worn one for ummm, about 10 years.

Ruth, is this weekend your reunion? If so, have a great time sweetie!!

Okay, gotta go and empty the fridge, throw everything in the garbage and pack for the weekend.
talk to all of you when I get back...
have a great weekend everyone!!
xo

Hi Fab Femmes!:D

Ellis-poor you! Your refrigerator has gone into meltdown mode:eek:

If I had been closer at the time I would have been more than happy to snarf (love this word!) your ice cream before it all wasted:devil:
BTW I just noted that they have a dark chocolate Aero bar and a coffee flavored one, Oh-Oh!:s:

Soozie and Ellis, I hope you both have great weekends, it sounds like both of you are headed someplace nice. Sigh...:( wish I was goin somewhere...Oh well I will be with all my friends this weekend, Canada Day is on Monday and my Birthday is on Tuesday so I guess I'll be having fun too:D

Hope everyone is having a good day today!

Talk to you later...
Mauvaisroux

Hi ladies :D

How are you today? I just got a gret deal on sandals-- 2 pairs for $12! I have gained so much weight that I hate shopping for clothes anymore, but I still gotta have my shoes!

I, too, am getting out of here for the weekend. :cool: I still have those 7 papers looming over me, but I have to get out! It's supposed to be beautiful, so I hope that I'll get to do all the fun stuff-canoeing, hiking, swimming!!!

Ellis: Thank you so much for *your* sweet words. You make me feel warm inside, and I can't tell you how much that means to me. You're incredible! I hope you're feeling happier, and damn your fridge for stressing you out! I'm sending warm hugs your way

Soozie: Glad that the mental health provider comment didn't get to you! Those of us that have our heads on straight need to stick together! What area of social work do you practice? BIG CONGRATS on your workout goals! You rock! Have a great trip!

Christina: I'm glad to hear that you and your dad are closer. In the end, it's better that way. Even though it was rough when you were younger, it's easier to let go of it when you have made some kind of ammends. Good for you for taking that step to protect your childrens' feelings. It must be fantastic to see them connecting with their grandfather. As for your mom--she's just not ready to come around. There will come a day when you both find your peace with each other, but until then, don't let it bother you. You are a great mom, and it's obvious that you're trying to follow your own path instead of hers.

Mauvaisroux: Good luck with your stair plan! That's a great, great idea to work up to a new flight every week or so. You should be proud of yourself because your kicking butt!

Everyone else: Have a great weekend, and I hope you're all fantastic :wave:

I probably won't post until Sunday night because of my vacation, so I'll talk to you all then!

Kat

you all are, without a doubt, the most wonderful, caring, supportive group of women i've ever known. your words helped so much... thank you for letting me just get that all out. i did, and know what? i feel better. :) i should have tried that years ago...

Ellis - my god.... *hugs* i didn't really read the back posts... what a time you're going through, yet you took the time to be so encouraging for me. you're such a strong woman. please never forget that, even when it would be easy to.

just a quick drive by, really.... keeping my promise to all of us that i would check in. hello to my old friends, as well as my new. more tomorrow, including the posibility of witty commentary. love to you all.

S.

HI ALL!!!

Shel-Sorry to hear things have been so rough. I'm glad you came here to tell us about it though. Sometimes reaching out is the hardest when you are feeling bad, but that is when you need the support the most, and it is GOOD to ask for what you need!! I second what everyone else here has been saying. There is no timetable for life, and Almost everyone I know has ended up in a different place than they originally planned to be. And that "perfect" sister is going to have her own issues to deal with. like Ellis I went in for treatment for depression in my 30's, and I'm on meds too (probably mentioned that before.) At one point Hubby's Aunt said to me, "I like myself, I just hate my life." I replied, "That's funny, I like my life but i hate myself." My husband is my best friend, I love my kids, but I felt like something was fundamentally missing inside me. So you really have to have that basic self acceptance before you can even appreciate those good things in your life. I didn't figure out "what I wanted to be when I grew up" until I turned forty, and I really fell into it almost by mistake. I felt like some kind of fake who was going to be discovered as a fraud any second. I felt like an insecure child, even in my thirties. With medication and therapy I have been chipping away at all of that, but it wasn't until my forties (just turned 44) that I really started to feel good about myself. We are still struggling financially, mostly because of career choices we have made, but we are the happiest we have been in a long time. So, NO, you shouldn't have everything settled by now!! And think about it, even though it would be nice not to struggle all the time, wouldn't it be BORING to be totally SETTLED? Part of the adventure is learning new things, and keeping things moving forward. Give yourself crdeit for what you HAVE done too!! You got through a depression in college, you dumped an abusive *******, you make soap, and write. You are a gaming fiend and a reader and a good friend. This is just a partial list too!!! Also ( sorry for the cliches) as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. You are a work in progress and you are beautiful!!!

Kat-Hope you have a great time on your vacation!! I think you were right to leave that position too (one of the things lost in my post a few days ago!!) People will take advantage of yousometimes, and it is better for you to walk away. My therapist once said that some places are so toxic that they can't be fixed. You have to just extricate yourself. To which I say, "YES!!!"

Mauvairoux-How old will you be on Tuesday? Good deal on those sandals!!! I like shoes too, but I mostly wear Birkenstocks or running shoes these days!! I used to sell shoes, and I'd buy them with my discount after they had been marked way down. I had to get rid of them after having kids. My feet got bigger and wider. AT least it is easier to find 'em to fit now. (Used to wear size 5, kinda. Now I'm a 6.) Your plan with the stairs sounds great!! I had been walking almost every day, but since the humidity went up I haven't done ANYTHING. I need to get at it too!!

Ellis-BUMMER about the refrigerator!!! I HATE that. Something like that always has to happen when you are stressed out or on your way out the door too, doesn't it? Hope you have a wonderful time at the cottage!!You
deserve a rest!!!

Soozie-Hope you have a good time on your vacation too!! I bet your daughter will love going to the beach. My Mom and I took the kids to Grand Bend when they were little, and they had a blast!!! I'm like Ellis though, too chicken to wear a suit myself!!!

Christina-Congratulations on getting rid of the fat clothes. I did the opposite a few years back. Got sick of those size 3's from college staring back at me, and realized that if I ever got that small again I would want new clothes anyway!! No more self-torture!!

I have been eating non-stop, and feeling stressed. I'm trying to work more, since I have orders to get out, and everything else is going nuts here. Waiting for returned phone calls, so I'm afraid to go on-line until late, and then I screw up on the computer and delete the message. Did it on an e-mail yesterday. Spent 40 minutes writing it, forgot to save it (OKAY, I was drinking a Margarita!!) hit send, and was taken to the sign in for our e-mail. AARRGGHH!!!! No message left at all. I will save this just before I submit it though!!!!

Have a great weekend
 

Can't write much so I'll just address everyone!!! Lots to do before the weekend. Tho' no broken fridge to complain about. We have Nestle in the states in fact, I don't know if any of you are old enough to remember this, (I'm 41) but, Nestle was an American company that was making baby formula in addition to chocolate. They had some formula that wasn't good enough by US standards and when they couldn't sell it here they were selling it to poor women in 3rd world countries telling them it was better for their babies than their own breast milk..Anyway there was a big Nestle boycott for many years....but, heck, its chocolate.....so forget political correctness:)

So yeah, we have Nestle but not Aero.

I don't think that I'll don a bathing suit this weekend. Just don't feel like stuffing into one. If I do I'll cover up with a large t-shirt and never take it off.
I adore the ocean and the beach and the smell of the salt air...yum...its so devine and relaxing. We are going to Seaside. My partner's cousin has a place there. The cousin is also my DD's godmother. They just adore each other those two.

Look I said I didn't have much time to write and here I am not getting ready for the weekend and babbling on and on....
Tigger, I do clinical social work, I'm in a private group practice, do alot of family work, individuals, I have Gestalt training, see alot of folks with eating disorders:^: , depression,etc. Really enjoy my clients.

talk to you Monday or Sunday night you awesome women!!!!!!!!!
Soozie

Hello everyone! :wave:

Well it is a beautiful day here and a good start to the holiday weekend for us Canucks!:)

Busy weekend ahead:

Seeing DH's band play tonight, hanging out with friends on Saturday, a friend's birthday on Sunday, Canada Day on Monday and my birthday on Tuesday ( I am turning 35 :eek: )

Sounds like all of you have big weekend plans too! Hope everyone has a great time!

Soozie- Did not know about that Nestle thing, they are still big in Canada.

Dentrassi-Iwas not the shoe shopper, this time anyway. :lol: I think it was Kat-although if I had the cash I would rival Emelda Marcos in the shoe department :devil: Do not talk to me about your petite feet! Size 6, hmmph! I am a gargantuan size 9 and can never find shoes when they go on sale.

I am busy this weekend but I am still in town so I will post as usual if anyone else is around.

Mauvaisroux
:devil:

HI!!!

Mauvairoux-OOPS!!! Sorry about the shoe thing! Hey, SOMETHING of mine has to be small, since I am the fattest one on this thread!!! Unfortunately, my feet have gotten so wide that they are almost as wide as they are long!! Okay, here is the scary thing for me: MY KIDS FEET ARE BIGGER THAN MINE!! I told them I have to build up my strength so that I can wield a cast iron skillet with a three foot handle! They think I am funny. At least when they aren't mad 'cause I said no to something!!! I'm here this weekend. I'll mostly be driving my kids around, since they have a better social life than I do right now!! Actually I am very happy for them. The 12 year old had such a tough year with bullies that I just want him to relax and have some fun. The older one is sometimes too serious, and I am happy to see him starting a band with friends and going to some parties!! He just bought a book with the sheet music and tabs for a bunch of Ramones songs, so he will be practicing a lot at home as well as getting together with the band. He says they aren't too good, but whether they are or not, they are having a good time. I think you have said in the past, but I can't remember right now. What kind of music does your DH's band play? Do you always go when he plays? Sometimes when my DH has a poetry reading I beg off, although in the past that was more to watch the kids. We could really leave them for a while now, except that DS #2 has been so anxious that I don't push that too much.

Soozie-It was me who talked about taking my son to the Psychiatrist. He has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and between the creeps at his school and the events of 9/11 and subsequent "war on terrorism" he has been pretty shakey. He actually had a couple of mild anxiety attacks at school last fall. He is talking about things with us more now, and he has a great therapist, so we are seeing improvement. I remember the Nestle boycott!! Hey, the boycott NOW is on South African chocolate. Apparently children are being kidnapped and used as slaves, so we aren't supposed to buy any chocolate that originates there. Which probably means all the British chocolates (SORRY MAUVAIROUX AND ELLIS!!!) Brazillian chocolates are supposed to be okay though!!!

WOWW!! Christina, Soozie, Squeak, Kat, and Ellis are all on vacation!!! Is Ruthxx too? So that means that Shel, Mauvairoux and I have to write a ton of stuff so that they have REAMS of back messages to catch up on when they get back!!! :lol:

Morning ladies!

:yawn: I got home at 3 am last night after seing DH play and was rudely awakened at 8:30 am by someone hammering on something outside. Needless to say I am very tired and will be consuming mass quantities of caffeine throughout the day.

:cool: this is a picture of me with my shades on, slightly hung over, I had a whopping 3 whole drinks last night, 2 is my limit usually so I guess I was living on the edge last night:lol: can't party like I used to in my 20's.

Den, I guess you could say that his band plays alternative technorock, guitar-oriented, keyboards, but you can actually dance to it too. I don't know if you or your son know these bands but think along the lines of Nine Inch Nails, Stabbing Westward, Econoline Crush. DH is the singer/songwriter and plays crunchy guitar. The band is releasing a cd in the fall, they have shot a video for the first single and are planning to shoot another soon. One of the songs is also featured in the soundtrack for a soon to be released independant film that has been picked up for national distribution. So they are doing very well. I go to every show and either collect the money at the door if the club doesn't provide someone, they sometimes only have a bouncer, or I am inside the club at the t-shirt table selling their merchandise, ie: CDs, T's, keychains, pins ect., etc. Fun but I can't get up to the dance floor with my friends as I am working.

I am glad your son has an interest in music and that you are encouraging it. This may give him a confidence boost.
If he thinks they are not very good tell him that they just started and with more practice it they will all get better, hey the Ramones had to start somewhere and they coasted on the same song for more than 20 years and are punk icons so there you go!:) (and yes I actually like the Ramones to anyone I may have offended by that last comment! :lol: ) And you can tell him that my husband took up guitar 2 years ago and he actually plays on stage now so there is some hope for him and his friends:D

About the chocolate, didn't know about the South African boycott, hey, I didn't even know they exported cocoa, guess I better read my labels before purchasing products then.

Speaking of boycotts and protest we just went throught the whole G-8 protest thing here. Demonstrator's were mostly peaceful so that was good. Only a small bunch of hooligans who apparently left the march when they realized that they would not have an opportunity to incite any aggressiveness. The building where I work went into high security mode, you couldn't get in without a security pass, had to notify security if you were expecting clients in and you had to go downstairs to sign for courier packaging. It was also a bit unnerving to see so many police out on patrol.

Well I must run as we are taking my parent's out shopping in the burbs today.

Hope you all have a great day!:)

Mauvaisroux

*crawls out from under all the work*

I am still here. I don't leave until Wed. Just have been busy or tired. Work is getting more and more, uh, interesting. :p

First - Happy (early) Canada Day you Canadian girls. :) I hope you all are out enjoying the weather this long weekend.

And to the rest of us US chicks, Happy early 4th! (since I know I won't be around then). I am leaving at 11am on Wed & I can't wait!!!! *happy dance* I am trying to completely clean my house before I go. Hopefully I won't have the same fridge problems as ellis. :p

soozie - Areo bars are great - but the BEST chocolate from Canda is probably Caramilk bars. They are like a caramelo but taste way better.

shel - the rest of the girls have said it already but hang in there. most people aren't where they thought they would be. I have been single for all but 3 months of my 24 1/2 years. and that was 2 1/2 yrs ago. The only good thing that came out of the time is he is my best friend, though that took some time to work out. Unfortunately we met right as I was heading straight into one of my worst depressions. I ended up hurting him quite a bit. But things worked out. If it is meant to work out, it will.

Mauvais - Your husbands band sounds like fun. Take it easy today. :) Security is fun isn't it. Our building has been like that since Sept.

Den - it is evil to make a bunch of us feel like we are way far behind if there are REAMs of posts :devil: I can't believe your feet are that small!!! No fair. I have huge feet (9 1/2) for being very short. (5'1"). *pout* ;)

I hope the rest of you girls are having fun!!!

:spin:

HI!!!

Sorry Squeak, I thought you had already left!! I can't seem to keep anything straight lately. I've been kinda stressed, and it seems like everything just vanishes before it even hits my brain. Hopefully it will improve soon, since a few things are starting to get straightened out. DH has been exhausted lately, and I made him go to the doctor. Most of his lab results came back GREAT, and the few that are a bit off the doctor said not to worry about. I know it is evil to make them read a ton of stuff to catch up, but I have no choice!! First of all, I am trying to get in touch with my inner brat, and secondly, I'm a *****!!! My sister in law gave me a t-shirt that says, "I'm Evil, THAT'S Why" and I am trying to live up to it!!! (DS #2 is reading this over my shoulder and said,"That's my Mom!!"

Mauvairoux-Sounds like your DH is doing really well, that is fantastic!! It is great that they are writing their own music!! Did your husband play another instrument before guitar? I've heard of NIN, but not the other bands. I have to ask DS if he knows them. So far they are practicing songs by: Nirvana, Social Distortion, System of a Down, (Can't remember the others...) The four of them have slightly differing musical tastes, so they all suggest songs and then decide if everyone wants to do them or not. DS wants to suggest a Ramones tune (Cretin Hop) and a Doors tune (can't remember which). He has only been playing guitar for a year and a half, but has been playing piano (electronic keyboard at our house!!) for quite a while now. He has a really good ear, and has worked out the keyboard passages from some of the Doors songs. Thanks for encouraging him, I'll pass it on, and I know he'll appreciate it!! I think he's pretty good, but then I'm slightly biased!!:lol: My other son plays Viola, and likes Ashleigh MacIsaac (did I spell that right? Hey, what is he up to these days?) Hope you manage to catch up on some of that sleep!!

Hello Ladies, Everyone certainly worked their fingers typing posts while I was out! I had a great 2 days! First was all work, but fun work! Second was just my oldest girlfriend & I shopping all day! All that I wanted to get was a swim suit & a new outfit to wear to this family picnic in 2 weeks! I found tons of great sales for stuff for the kids! I think that my son will have all the new school clothes that he will need! I was getting discouraged though looking for me! Finally at 8pm, after starting at 9am, I found a great suit! And a size 8 to boot! Course even if it looked like h*ll, just the fact that I could get my rear into a size would have convinced me to buy it! Very flattering & for the first time in 9 years...it isn't black! A great Amethysist Purple! Then the very last store & found these cute black shorts. I wasn't even going to try them, they only had a 10, which I had been trying all day & none fit, but my girlfriend talked me into it. They also looked too short, but I tried them & they fit perfect, along with a cute little bright red tshirt! No way that the nasty little MIL can avoid seeing me now! I was so pleased! Only downside is I ate really well. Wise choices the entire time! Walked for at least 8 hours both days. I really expected to come home & be down at least 1/2 a pound! I WAS UP 2! I could have cried! Oh well, hopefully it will come off REALLY fast!

Hubby left with the kids for the week. I may be a bad Mommy, but boy has it been a fun day! Had to go to work for a few hours this morning, but came home, napped & sat on the deck reading trashy romance novels! I don't even think I am going to get dressed tomorrow! Just hang out in my pjs all day!

Well I better get back out & enjoy the last few hours of sun! (Yes, I am a child of the 80's, from the days where we oiled ourselves to go in the sun! I try to moisturize & be somewhat sensible, but I do like a tan!)

Oh BTW, our Nestle chocolate is different than your Aero. Not the same at all! (yours is better!) I also remembered something else...BUTTER TARTS! We don't have those in my neck of the woods either!

hello ladies!

this will be in two posts, as the site is being EVIL and telling me that i've used too many smilies. the nerve!!

well, things seem to be back on an even keel, which means that i'm inspired to be my fabulously witty self again! :D

first of all, we welcomed HAYLEY MARIE into the world at 9:22 am Friday morning!! she is the most beautiful, precious thing... they took her C-section, as she was 9lbs, 14 oz. :eek: oh, and 19 1/2 inches long. a little tub. just like her aunt!! *LMAO* see? wit! i've a pic at http://www.geocities.com/shelmn/hayley.jpg , as i'm the aunt and insanely proud!

my sister was tired, but doing fairly well. i love her so much. :spin:

anyhoo.... i weighed yesterday... 263. been eating like a :ink: for two weeks, and i've actually LOST two pounds. i think i'm going about this wrong.... *ponders* perhaps i should graze nonstop all day, and drop weight like mad, so i'll have LOTS of extra, easily tanning skin to share with everyone. :)

Christina - bathing suit? oh, you brave, brave soul..... ;)

*Steals Dent's EVIL tshirt, giggles madly, and skips off to hide it, especially from Mauv.*

Squeak - thank you! happy 4th! hope you, and all of you other luckies who are gonna be vacationing, have a fabulous time. actually, my BEST guy friend is someone that i dated for about 2 minutes, years ago. we realized early on that a relationship would be DOOM for us, and have been fabulous friends ever since. if i could always be that wise about who i ~shouldn't~ date. ;)

Mauv - remember that first, horrible morning when it occured to you that you're not a young party girl anymore?? *shivers* what a horrible lesson. ****, i have a good party night now, and i need a week to recover! how did we do it? :dizzy:

Soozie - i agree!! i'm all for standing up for what you believe in, just as long as you're not standing between me and my chocolate!! :s:

Ellis - how are you sweetheart? doing better? or not.... we love you either way. *hugs*

:spin: :spin: :spin: i love this one.

aren't manics the best??? plus, i've the urge to clean with this one. that's top on my list.

i'm reading the sequel to Bridget Jones' Diary. The Edge of Reason. highly recommended!!!!!

:spin:

okay. enough of that. 'else i might urp on the rug. eew.

hugs to everyone. i'm feeling so much better about things now that i've gotten them down and had a few days to digest everything. OH! and a quote!! not sure if i did this one before, but it seems quite timely for me right now...

TODAY, I WILL PERSUE MY OWN TRUTHS, AND ALLOW OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.

:spin:

Shel, dizzy now.

Hi, everyone must be busy this weekend, not many posts!

Fluid, glad that you are feeling like your old...whoops mean....young, delightful witty self again! Congratulations on the newest little one! I bet that she is just a doll! My SIL is trying to get pregnant, since she is my only chance to provide neices & nephews, I can't wait till she has little ones! (Plus it will be nice to see her not show up picture perfect & realxed anymore! :s:

So much for sitting around in PJs all day! Girlfriend called to invite me over for veggie burgers & a friendly game of rugby for lunch. I can use the exercise & lunch sounds great, I just hope that they don't hurt me! Lee said that they wouldn't tackle me, but since they are all lesbians, I think that I might feel rejected if they don't! :lol: Hubby always jokes when I go over there to have fun....but not too much fun! I just love going over & for once not worrying about how I look, they could care less!

Oh well have a good day everyone!

holy mother!!! you girls are long-winded!!! Den, you little "*****"... making us read all your back-wash!! :lol:
Listen girls, I just got home from the cottage, I'm absolutely filthy, and I will be back later to respond to your lengthy messages.
Shel, that is the cutest little ball of baby!!! Congratulations, Auntie Shel!!
later darlings...

Hi everyone! :wave:

Sounds like everyone is having a good weekend.

We went to see Minority Report last night, it was awesome!
Today DH and I went out walking in the hot sun putting up posters for his next show, yup, being the wife of a rock star is glamourous :lol:
We are having people over to watch movies tonight so it will be pretty low key. Tomorrow is Canada day, Yeah! We are having several friends over for a BBQ.

Shel-congratulations on becoming an Auntie! Glad you are feeling more positive about things now. :)

Den-great shirt, I may have to steal that slogan! DH and I both listen to Korn, System of a Down, Static X, Sevendust, Rob Zombie, etc. etc, your DS probably knows some of these bands.

Christina-yay! You found a bathing suit:) I have been looking for one for about two weeks but can't find anything I feel comfortable in or one that's affordable. I may stick with my old one and buy one towards the end of the season when they go on sale. Don't worry about the 2 lbs, it could be any number of things from pms, eating salty foods or just water retention, it will probably dissapear soon.

Ruthxxx, Ellis, Tiggerdiva, and Soozie-hey girls, hope you had a great weekend hope to hear from you all soon.

Happy Canada Day to all you Canuck Chicks and a Happy 4th to all you Yankee Chicks! :D

Mauvaisroux

I'm back!

I just got home today, and I really am not too happy about leaving the sun and fun. The good news, though, is that I'm going back up north next week, so I can't pout too much.

I had a GREAT time :D We didn't do much on Friday, just had some drinks at the local bar and relaxed by the campfire. Saturday, we kicked butt! We canoed, swam, walked on the beach, hiked, and fished! I even ate pretty good that day--it was too hot to really enjoy anything other than fruit and salads.

There was one major, eye-opening down side--the dreaded bathing suit. And not only did I have to wear one, I had to buy one (GASP!). I went into a store on Friday, and they had nothing but bikinis and sizes under 6. My boyfriend leaned over and told me that I should be so down on myself because I have a smile that lights up the room, and that is the reason that people like me--because my smile warms everyone's heart. That made me feel better, and I tried again the next day. Before we walked into the store, he whispered, "I wish you could see just how beautiful you are, and I love every inch of your sexy body, no matter how much you can't stand it". He's a doll! In any case, I feel so horrible and unhealthy. I really have to get myself into gear. If I could just control my eating...

Congrats to Shel! I'm so happy for you! It sounds like the rest of you had great weekends, and I'm glad to hear it, you all deserve it. I hate to leave it at this, but I feel a little gross from having camped and sweated all weekend. (Plus, I was at a baby shower today in a hall with no air conditioning :( ) I want a nice, cold shower! I'll talk to you more tomorrow!

Kat

hey girls!!

Oh my gosh, have you seen Shel's niece? She's such a doll! I see she's been favoured with that beautiful dark skin of yours, Shel. You should see me right now... white, fat, dimply and covered in freckles. BLAH!! I want your skin!!!
Hey, I'm really glad you're feeling a little better, sweetie. Remember to be strong... you're a beautiful, intelligent, witty, interesting woman. (with lovely dark skin, too!) You don't have to beat yourself into the ground, okay? And make sure when you DO feel that way that you post, because we love to love you. :)
And thank you for saying such nice things about me. You're an absolute darling.

Kat, good exercising!! Don't you just love canoeing? We went out in the canoe and rowboat this weekend. (no motorboats allowed on our lake... it's great... very peaceful) I let my DH and DD paddle the rowboat. I took a big umbrella and my book with me. It was friggin' hilarious! We spent most of the time going around and around in circles... they just couldn't get it going straight. I almost split a gut, I was laughing so hard.
I feel for you on the bathing suit situation. What I'd really like is one of those one-piece jobbies with "shorts". You know... they look sort of like an exercise suit. Black. But with a built-in girdle around the middle. Because I can fit into one, but I look like I'm wearing a life-jacket underneath it. I remember when I was around 20 wearing a skin-coloured bathing suit with a plunging neckline and high cut legs. I looked like a babe, but I thought I was fat. Go figure. Of course, I'm an intelligent woman now, and wouldn't be seen dead in such a skimpy outfit, but you know what I mean.
I'm glad you had such a great time!!

Mauvais, I've got to get out and see your DH's band some night. Maybe Ruth can come for a sleepover and we'll meet you there. I know what you mean about the drinks. I've never been a drinker (NEVER been drunk), and it's amazing how I can sometimes pack it away with ease and other times one beer will put me right out.
Did I tell you that we were at a neighbour's "teacher" party one night and everyone was passing around joints?! I couldn't believe it!! Am I naive or what? (no, I did not smoke one... I have enough problems.)
Hey, it's my mom's birthday on Tuesday, too!

Christina, don't fret...that weight will come off with you exercising so much... you're doing great!! And we all envy you buying those tiny little clothes. Have a wonderful week without the hubby and kids, you lucky girl!

Den, I'm so glad that DH's test results were good. I know how worrying that is.
Listen honey, you are NOT the fattest one here, so stop that talk!! But I do believe you have the smallest feet. :lol: I know what you mean about width, though. Mine are soooo wide. I used to love getting those bargain shoes, but they just don't fit me anymore and my feet hurt unless I've got my Birkenstocks or my Docs on.
Size 3's? YOU WORE size 3's?!?! Good grief! Maybe when I was 12 I wore a size 3!
Isn't aging wonderful? I mean, like you, I like myself so much more as I get older. (Ruth, I don't want to hear any wise-cracks about 37 year-olds.) I LOVE seeing commercials with older women in them... they're very empowering. And I think that the lines around my eyes are kind of cool. An indicator of a happy life. :)

Squeaker, you're leaving on Wednesday!! I bet you can't wait! Don't you love coming home to a clean house? You appreciate home so much more. Until you dump all the camping/vacation stuff on the floor and it sits there for six days before you maybe feel like putting it away.
I'm glad that things are better now for you and your best friend. I hope that life is good for you. We're all wonderful women, and love will be there for all of us... whether it's forever or only for a day. Whether it's at the age of 21 or 55. I think we have to be grateful for the times we have now and for the times we've had. And know that life is not over just because we've lost in love. It's not a loss... it's a gain, because we've learned from it, and we can be better women for having gone through the experience. And maybe we'll love again and maybe we won't, but regardless, we are wonderful women!!
Are you packed yet?

Soozie, I hope you're having a great weekend at the shore! There was no way I could stay at the cottage for longer than 3 nights. Outhouse, no running water, mosquitoes.... blah!! And there had been a huge storm the day before we got there and the road was washed out in spots and we had to drive through water and the car kept stalling because the engine got wet... but we DID have a good time. :dizzy:
Are you serious? You're going to see a new shrink? And get meds? You sound so together! Are you faking it!? Because you know, you DO NOT have to fake it with us! Right Shel? ;) Let us know how it goes, okay? We're thinking about you.

Okay Ruth, we want to hear all about the reunion, even if you have to cut and paste from low-carb. We want to know what you wore, what you drank, who slept with whom, and especially, WHAT YOU ATE!! We live a vicarious life.

Gee, I hope I haven't missed anyone.

Damn. I thought my fridge was healed, but it's not. It's not just the freezer... the fridge is warm, too. Looks like we'll be spending Canada day trying to fix it. DH just went to the verandah to see if any new sale flyers had been delivered. Funny how, when you don't need one you get 50 flyers with sales on fridges (Don't Pay a cent for 2 Years!!), but when you really need one... WHERE THE **** ARE THE SALES!?! Thank god we've got another fridge in our extra apartment. There's a heat wave hitting us tomorrow.

talk soon...
take care all...

HA!

ha what?!

HI!!

Ellis-Welcome back!!!! Hope you aren't TOO bitten up!!! Sorry to hear about the refrigerator. I HATE cars and appliances. They always break down when you don't have the money to replace or fix them!!! Good thing you have the spare in the apartment, it'll buy you some time. When we moved here (3 years ago) I was pleased to find a spare stove in the basement (they used to rent it out), but now it is a REALLY good thing, because the oven in the kitchen no longer works, and the burners are going too. (we were down to 2 burners for a while, but got one of them working again.) The up side is that we no longer heat up the whole house when we use the oven. The downside will be when I have to cook the turkey in the basement and struggle up the stairs with it on Thanksgiving. As long as I don't drop it...... have you ever seen a pack of dogs going after the same piece of meat?

Tigger-I can't believe how many of you bought bathing suits this weekend!!! I haven't owned one since I was in my twenties (OH YEAH!! YOU ARE IN YOUR TWENTIES!!!) Seriously though, i don't know WHAT I'm afraid of. You know, like maybe someone will notice I'm fat if I wear a bathing suit? Your BF sounds like a great guy. I hope you believe in your heart that he is telling you the truth. It took me 10 or 15 years to believe DH when he said things like that to me. I thought he was just "being nice". (RIGHT, like THAT ever happens!!) Seriously though, it is wonderful to have that kind of loving acceptance, isn't it?

Mauvairoux-DS #1 appreciated the support, and so do I!! They are having a lot of fun, and getting their parents to buy pizza for them, so even if nothing else comes of this, that is enough!! Right now he says he either wants to be a rock star or a diplomat when he grows up. But he says he doesn't like US policy and wonders if he can move to Norway and be a Norwegian diplomat!! Wow! The glamorous life of a rock star wife....do you get to be a groupie too? There should be some kind of reward for all the hard work you do!!!

Shel-Glad you are feeling better!! I tried to see the picture of your niece, and it said the page was unavailable. What am I doing wrong? By the way, CONGRATULATIONS!!! No wonder she needed a c-section!! And I thought mine were big!!

Christina-CONGRATULATIONS on the bathing suit!! Even more importantly though, it sounds like you have been having a BLAST!!!

Ruthxxx, Squeak, Soozie-Hope you are all out having fun!!!!!

HA!

my eyes hurt
 

Hey you all. My eyes hurt from all that reading. No, seriously it was fun to catch up....no, now I'm faking, honestly, you all suck. Kidding. Kidding
Ellis, I'm all real. Just a really together wacko.



Shel, congrats on your niece. As soon as I post this I'm going to check her out! Having a cuddly little niece can really make life seem devine !!! It's trite but I have to say it, babies are such miracles.

Den, you say "no" to your kids sometimes, you are evil!!!! Did you know we're also supposed to boycott diamonds!?!? Because of abuses in the diamond industry in South Africa (of children). not sure of the details on this one.

Mauvaisroux. I feel so ignorant, what is G-8 ??? Who does loud work early in the morning on a weekend ?? How incredibly rude. Cool that your husband is a musician. I love music as does my kid. We sing constantly. Life feels like a musical around here sometimes. I've been playing guitar for years but just chords. haven't played recently though because of the manicure obsession...can't play and risk messing up these gorgeous nails.

Squeak, I've always thought about going to Canada for a vacation. Your description of those caramilk bars did it for me. I'll plan a trip really soon. Can I get banned from this site for saying things like that ???

Ellis, I know what you mean...I live in my birks. My feet adore them.

Ruth, how does your garden grow ?? hope you had a great weekend.

Christina, size 8, wow girl. But, tanning...tsk,tsk, get some sun screen on ...those rays aren't the same ones you had in the 80's. With all the pollution and the ozone depletion you're sitting there in a radioactive sauna !!! Cover up quick....or just visit a dermatologist for a yearly screening. ;)

Personally, I'm like an old wuss at the beach. Sun screen, t-shirt (hides the fat body, too), umbrella, hat, shades, then when I've been out there awhile I drape a towel over my legs just to be sure...now this isn't about anxiety, in case you're wondering just how nuts I am, it's really vanity, I want my skin to stay young looking, cancer schmancer, I just don't want wrinkles !!!!

Tigger, your boyfriend sounds like a total love. What a mensch, as we say in yiddish. Sorry you had to do the bathing suit thing. I smooshed myself into an old one and then donned a jumbo t-shirt and kept the t-shirt on the whole time that I was at the beach. No one saw a thing...they thought that underneath that shirt I was a foxy mama.

okay girlies, gotta go its really late and I have a long day tomorrow.
Happy Canada Day and Happy Fourth !!!!
Soozie.

Tigger, if you ever have a moment of insanity & kick that boyfriend to the curb, let me know, he sounds like a real catch! Seriously though think about what he said & remember your weight is not who you really are, only what you look like...huge difference!

OK I know that I should feel guilty, but how do I get hubby to take kids on vacation alone next year?:^: I have been having a great time, just doing whatever I want! For about 20 minutes last night I was feeling a bit lonely, then I picked up a book & at 10:00 I realized that I have been on the couch reading for 3 hours without a single interuption! I know that I will be ready to see them Sunday, & will really start to miss them in a day or so...but right now I will just enjoy the peace, quiet, & time alone!

The extra weight did drop off already, so I guess it was just water retention. Back to work today, so that usually means I drop a pound or so by wednesday. Very weird, will lose nothing last half of week & all weekend, but head back to work monday & drop a pound or close to it a day through wednesday.

I feel for you on your fridge problems! Ours went out this past fall. We went to get one, wanted black, & I fell in love with this one in particular. It had an 8-12 week order wait! A fridge lasts for years, so I wanted to get what I really wanted, not just what I could get that day. The store was great though! They gave us a loaner to use until ours came in! It was one that they had picked up for disposal when someone got a new one. It was just a lovely Harvest Gold, with about 30 bumper stickers all over it. Of course the kids thought that it was cool, I think that Hubby made all visitors wait in the hall so they wouldn't see it! Good Luck though, that can be a real mess!

I know that I should avoid the sun, My daughter & I just have that skin tone that starts to tan in May without a single burn all summer. I am anal & check ever spot careful to make sure there are no changes. MY poor son though lathers up in sunscreen starting in April & doesn't stop until October, he still gets pink if he doesn't remember to reapply after a few hours. My face is so oily though I can't imagine ever getting wrinkles there....& well after childbirth the rest of my body from the neck down is pretty much 1 big stretch mark & flaps of losse skin! The weight loss has really made my stomach disgusting! Any suggestions of tightening up that area? I do crunches every night, but I swear some day I will lift that skin up & find a family of 4 housed under there!
Well Iguess that I should go get ready for work! See you girls later! All you lucky Canadians, enjoy your holiday!

Okay, did I boob? Kat, he's not your "boyfriend", right? He's your best friend. Yes? Which; if that's the case, is even better, because sex can make a good relationship VERY messy!
My sister lived platonically with her best friend for 10 years. He always dated other women and she was always waiting for the right one to come along. About a year ago they decided to become a couple. It's very funny. I hope it works out.
One of my best friends is gay, and it makes for a great relationship because my husband is not in the least jealous of my going out with him.

Chris, don't feel guilty... you deserve time to yourself! Just tell your hubby that you really appreciated the time to yourself and that you'd like to book it again for next year.
Harvest gold fridge. Uh huh, that's what colour OURS is! I hate it!! But it came with the house and I loved the style (freezer down one side) so we kept it along with the harvest gold stove. :rolleyes: But I did something very clever. I found the perfect shade of yellow paint for the walls. The cupboards and mouldings are an antique blue, and with the yellow walls the fridge and stove blend right in. No one even notices the horrible colour!
I just hope we don't have to get a new one. We're going to pull it out and look at it today. I've always wanted a stainless steel one, but it's just not in the budget right now.

Soozie, you thought I was older? That's such a compliment... thank you. :) Did you hear that, Ruth? Soozie thought I was older. I think I AM together. I am so together that having a busted fridge on the hottest day of the year is not stressing me out. Fortunately tomorrow is garbage day, and I'll be able to dispose of my 300 bucks worth of spoiled food.
Oh, crap!!! It's Canada day!! The grocery stores are closed!! What are we going to eat?!?! STRESS!!!!
Are you serious? You don't know what the G-8 is? heh heh. That's very cute, Soozie. Mauvais, I'll let you handle that one.
I'm like you with the sun. I used to tan when I was a teenager, but no more! I'm one of those freaks with very white skin and a lot of moles. I think it costs about 10 bucks each to get them removed, and I figure I'd be up in the thousands to pay for them all. But I definitely keep well covered up now. I keep forgetting my hands, though. And they've totally lost their elasticity. It doesn't matter how much cream I put on them... their life is over.
Hey, I'm glad you like the new psychiatrist! You're very positive... you've got a great attitude considering the crap you've gone through... let us know how the new drugs work out, and stay positive!

Den, I can just see you struggling up the stairs with a hot turkey. :lol:
You haven't been in a bathing suit since your 20's either, huh? I thought I was the only one. I really envy these overweight women at the beach who prance around comfortably in a bathing suit. I always think, "if they can do it, why can't I?" But I just can't. I still see myself as that slender and strong woman of my youth. Not quite sure where she went...

Okay, now that I'm back, I expect everyone else to be back, too!! Shel, Kat, Ruth, Mauvais, Squeak?

I'm sitting here in exercise pants and a black sports bra. Pretty damned unsightly, I tell you. And I've got my glasses on. My contacts keep fogging up in this heat. I HATE WEARING MY GLASSES!! I feel like I'm wearing safety goggles.

Okay, it's 11:15 and DH is still in bed. Either he's dead or he's avoiding the fridge problem.
have a great day, darlings!

Ellis, Hey I grew up with Harvest Gold Appliances, in fact my Dad still has everyone of them. They just didn't fit into our kitchen that is all grey & black. Our Stove is Stainless Steel, I really wanted that in our new fridge too...just couldn't afford it either! I ended up with the Wide by Side from Maytag, I love it, but that pretty much broke the bank, I knew better than to ask hubby to invest another $800 just for stainless. Good luck, I was very overwhelmed looking for a new fridge, too many choices! Where in Canada do you live? Our cottage is new Kingston, I do love it there, if only it weren't so darn cold in the winter!


You know I used to wish that in my next life I would be thin, & not battle this whole weight thing every day! But when I rethink that, maybe I should just wish that I don't really care. I had an old co-worker that was a little heavy in the bum, but she didn't care. When we used to talk about dieting in the office, she would chime in that her goal was 350 pounds. (she was about 150-160)

Well I guess that I will go figure out what I am doing for exercise tonight! Have a good evening everyone!

Hello ladies!

I can't talk long--I have four papers due tomorrow! I have to admit, I'm so disappointed with my master's program. I don't get anything out of my classes--I get more out of the papers, readings, and the work I do at my job. Unfortunately, I have professors that think we students are blessed by their presence, and they take points off our grade for missing class! My thing is--if I'm getting an A without attending, then why should I get deductions???

Anywho...

HAPPY CANADA DAY to the neighbors to the north!

Ellis: Sorry to hear about the ongoing struggle with your fridge. We can't wait to buy a house, but it's things like that that make us appreciate our apartment! You are right, I live with my boyfriend, but he is also my best friend. We've been together for over 7 years, and we've been engaged for 4. We are holding off the wedding until we're both done with school.

Den: I do believe him when he tells me things like that, but it hard to make myself believe it. In other words, I know he means it from his heart, but I just can't make that same leap. Your rock star son sounds very motivated, and I agree with Mauvaisroux--as long as he's having fun, that's the most important part!

Shel: Congrats again! I just saw the picture, and she is adorable. Lucky you, and lucky her for having an aunt like you.

Soozie: Wow! Anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and ADD! You are so positive and seem to have adjusted wonderful despite any setbacks. It must also help your clients when you have such first hand experience with some of the same issues that they are facing. It probably helps you understand them better.

Christina: I know what you mean about enjoying time alone. I tell everyone that there is nothing better! I'm glad you got to lose yourself, and don't feel bad about it--we all need that space!

I have to put my nose to the grindstone. Time to write some papers! Talk to you more tomorrow!

Kat

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!

Hope everyone is doing okay!!

Tigger-You sound BUSY!!! Hope things calm down a bit for you. Imagine how exhausted you'd be right now if you had kept that other position too!!! I'm glad you have an understanding and loving BF. Having a partner who is your best friend is fantastic!!

Christina-I love that stainless steel look too. My boss/friend had her kitchen redone with granite counters, a professional 6 burner stove, double oven and stainless refrigerator and dishwasher. The backsplash is tile. It is GORGEOUS!!! Having worked in food service though, I tell people my IDEAL kitchen would be stainless and tile, with a drain in the middle of the floor so I could hose the kitchen down when I'm done cooking!

Ellis-I agree with you about the beach. I see heavy women in bathing suits and I think, "Good for her!" but I just can't get past that block and do it myself. Hope you have managed to get the refrigerator working. I always wear my glasses, and it is a good thing too. They ARE my safety goggles! I have had bleach splash on them (I guess because I'm so close to whatever I'm doing because of my height.), and I have had little pieces of silver and copper fly up and bounce off them. I really should wear safety goggles, but they make me sweat. Without my glasses though I think I would have had at least one eye injury.

Soozie-Didn't know about the diamond boycott, but that is not a problem for me because, 1) I can't afford them, and 2) I don't like them. Glad to hear you had fun at the beach! I just wear shorts and a t-shirt and wade out a little. I have to keep putting on the lotion because I burn first, then peel and go back to pasty. My son has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. How was it for you to be anxious as a child? Was there anything that particularly helped or made things worse for you? We are really lucky in that he usually talks with us about how he is feeling, so we can usually help him reason through whatever is bothering him. (At least the IRRATIONAL fears!)
By the way, NO you can't be banned for talking about chocolate bars!! Otherwise I'd be banned for eating a vanilla bar hand-dipped in chocolate and rolled in chopped almonds for dinner!! My stomach is killing me now, so I won't be doing THAT again anytime soon!!

Mauvairoux and Ruthxxx-Hope you are both having fun today!! Mauv, how did your barbecue go?

Squeak and Shel-Hope you are both doing well!! Come say HI!!

Hey girlies. Hope you had a good Canada Day up there in the North. It was a hot one in New Jersey!! Made my exercise goal last week. Shooting for three more this week !!

Mauvais, still waiting to learn about G-8......

Shel, couldn't get on to see the little one yesterday, will try again today.

Ellis, hope your hubby was just avoidant and not deceased!!

Den, that chocolate sounded devine where did you get it ??? I had a good food day today. Nothing too crazy. Exercised by taking out paddle boat. That was fun.

As a kid I was very quiet about my fears, I felt alot of shame and embarrassment about them. I never talked about them which made things worse. I carried everything inside and tried to handle everything myself. The fact that your son talks to you is wonderful and productive. Knowing that the people around me could stay calm and wouldn't get scared by my anxiety helped...ie, if I was fearful they could stay calm and help me feel safe and comforted. (as opposed to my anxiety triggering their anxiety and them getting angry or impatient or pooh-poohing my fears because they couldn't face their own...)

I guess as I got older, as a teen and early twenties, understanding some of the physiology of anxiety helped me feel normal, you know that there is a physical component to anxiety, its not something you can just wish away, it real, not just in your head.
Hypnosis has helped me alot, and good smart therapists, and medication, and knowing that their are other people who have the same fears/problems that I do.
Cognitive therapy and desensitization are great for anxiety, too. I didn't start with therapy until I was nineteen. It took me a long time to learn how to be genuine and vulnerable with a therapist and not just be charming and funny. Your son is way ahead of the game. (and he has you, lucky boy :) )

Kat, My experiences certainly inform my work. I don't always self-disclose to my clients but I sometimes do...if I think it would be helpful to them. I had so many great teachers too...in grad school and in clinical training. I did a three year post-grad training at the Gestalt Institute of Philadelphia...that was amazing. sorry your master's program sucks so much, but there are great opportunities for post-grad clinical training. And of course, don't tell anyone about this, but we all learn by doing...just getting out there, seeing clients, and having solid supervision.

Ruth, Christina,and Squeak, Hi ladies and sweet dreams !!! I'm off to hit the sack !!! Good night, Soozie

Post Bash Post
 

That was on heck of a weekend - a ton of work but I had a ball!

Fri - Aunt and 6 cousins for dinner - BBQ skewers
Sat - Lunch/Brunch on The Island (1940 cottage- Upper Lake)
- buffet dinner here for 27 - cold meats, salads, bread, etc. Sun - spent morning setting up Fair Hall
- 2 pm - renewal of vows at the Church for Martha and Alan
- 3-9:30 - major bash at the Hall - nice to see my 2 1/2 year
old grand daughter dancing with Aunt Rose (90)
- 9:30 - ? - more beer and fun at the cottages on the Lower
Lake with skinny dipping for some
Mon - up early to make strawberry shortcake for 20 and
devilled eggs - boiled 3 dozen!
- noon - lunch as sister's Farm with 20 plus kids who ate
watermelon and blew bubbles and rowed the boat around
the pond.
- 9:30 - watched fireworks on the Lake - just great!

So ... a great weekend. I learned that I can still party as well as the younger generations, that even the dysfunctional parts of the family tree can function after enough beer, that guys wear nada under their kilts (don't ask how I know), that you can forget about watching what you eat once in a while and lose 1.5 pounds in 3 days, that beer still makes me pee a lot, that single malt served by a handsome man in a kilt is even better, peonies make fabulous floral arrangements and drop a lot of petals after three days of heat, that it doesn't matter what you wear - everyone is hot and wrinkled.

Back to real life today.

• phone dealer re car - my window shattered when I closed the door
• go for allergy shot # 2
• do Fair Board banking
• start work on prize envelopes for the Fair

I lead such a "normal" life, I'm ashamed to post in Alternachicks.
I do try to read everything though.

Have a good week, chickies.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAUVAIS!!!!!!!


Hi girls! :wave:

Just a quick drive by post. I will probably stop in again later today. After reading all that I have missed in the last few days - You are all amazing women. (Not that I didn't think that already - it just confirmed it ;) )

Just a little over 24 hrs until I am off. Finally got ahold of the boy yesterday after trying for a few days. I still needed directions and to make sure he would be there when I showed up. I have a feeling I will be getting a ton of excersie. He wants to take me hiking. :eek: I told him only if I get a full body massage after. He said ok.... :D (I am a city girl - I can do the same amount of walking wandering around downtown and be fine. Stick me in the middle of no where and I don't do quite so well).

Talk to you all laters!

:spin:squeak

ps - Kat good luck with the 4 (!!!!) papers......

happy 35th Mauvais!!!

back later... gotta read all of your posts ...
xo

another long day awaits me but I'm feeling motivated to eat well today...not chow down you chicks!!!....you know...eat thoughtfully.
Mauvais, happy happy birthday!!!! hope it is a wonderful day for you!!!!
Ruth, wow...sounds like a devine weekend!!!
Squeak...ah, for a body massage....
will try to check in with you all later!!
Enjoy the day!!! Soozie

Mauvais darling, I hope you have a wonderful day! It's really hot out there... you could wear your birthday suit to work. ;)
How was the BBQ? Tell Soozie what the G-8 is, will you? Did you see the fireworks? We decided not to walk down... it was just too hot, so we let off a few in our backyard.

Ruth, you call that a normal life? :lol: Wow, what a weekend!! I think you're a perfect candidate for a shoot by Country Living or some other magazine. Martha Stewart? Or is she in jail?
You lost a pound and a half!? NO WAY!! Sweating, no doubt.
You're so fortunate to have such a big family. All I've got here is my sister and my parents. :( (oh, and my husband and kids, heh heh) I'm glad you had a great time... give that car dealer ****.

Hey Squeak, tomorrow is the big day! Have a wonderful time!! I know what you mean about the hiking. I LOVE walking around the city... I can walk for hours without pain. But stick me in the country and I'm a WHINER!! Bugs, heat, lack of washrooms, lack of water... it's ****. Definitely get that full body massage!!
Get lots of exercise, eat well, and have fun!! We want to hear all about it when you get back. :wave:

Kat, 4 papers! Crumbs!! What a nightmare! Listen, just remember... you may not be getting anything out of the classes, but you're getting a degree. It's all about playing the game.
Sorry... confusion re: boyfriend. You're smart to wait until you're finished school to get married. In fact, I think marriage is highly overrated... I think it's mostly a vanity thing. I cringe now when I look at my wedding photos... stupid white dress!! I wish we'd got married in a field... me with my jeans on.
And I know what you mean about buying a house with all of the responsibilities involved. Shortly after we bought our first house, the furnace broke down. I felt like yelling, "Waaaaah!! I want my mom and dad!!"

Soozie, I'm really glad you're getting your exercise in, but could you stop talking about it until it cools down? You're making me hotter than I already am. ;) Listen, it's 80 degrees F in here. And it's morning. And I'm on the ground floor. I can't even imagine what it is on the THIRD floor! And it's going up to 36 Celcius today. Which means what? 90 degrees F in my house? (sorry, I'm a metric girl with an old thermostat in the house... don't know how to convert)
Hey, you started therapy at 19?! That's wonderful! No wonder you seem so "together". You're going to be a great role model for your daughter, sweetie.

Christina, Mauvais and I live in Ottawa. (not together, heh heh) I love it here. I have no political leanings... the politicians are all idiots, and if it weren't for them, Ottawa wouldn't be such an unpopular city. It's a cozy, small city, and it's just the best! Except that we're a bit cold and uptight. And formal. There's definitely something stuck up our ***, but I'm pretty sure it's due to the political crapola. Keep up the good work with your exercise!

Den, that's exactly the kitchen that I'VE always wanted!!! :lol: Stainless steel with a drain in the middle! If fact, if it weren't for all my books, I'd like that in all of the rooms. A quick hose down with a power sprayer and everything would be spick and span!!
I've GOT to get new glasses. Something comfortable. I'm just afraid to go to my optometrist because I know he's going to yell at me for sleeping in my contacts.
Hey girls... you should see the cool jewelry that Dentrassi makes. I was afraid it would be tacky when I first asked about it, but it is COOL!!!

Shel, how's the darling baby? Are you doing okay yourself? Come and talk to us.

Still waiting for a fridge sale flyer to come through the mail slot. I'm not sure whether I should call a repair person or get a new one. I'm actually waiting for a sign from god. A sale flyer would be a sign, I think.

Okay, what are we banning? Diamonds, chocolate, Nike, Gap, Cocoa Cola products (they're depleting a village in India of it's source of natural water), Kraft (Phillip Morris), Sara Lee (kill people with hot dogs), .... oh, and you don't want to know, but we're banning Disney (unfair and unsafe labour practices).

xoxo
ellis