[Leenie]

Good Morning

How's everyone this beautiful weekend?

Well my vacation is almost over, I go back to work on Monday, ick lolol.
I gotta finish laundry and get some stuff out of the freezer to cook.

Whats everyone up to today?

[Marie]

I slept 7 hours. I'm like so excited and feel so good (except the asthma). SEVEN HOURS!!! When I woke up I almost fell out of bed - it didn't read midnight - it read 5:00!!! Can you tell I'm very happy?

We close on our home equity loan today. That will be a relief when they send the money (I figure it'll take a week and a half since they won't wire it on funding day). Then I can pay for the remodeling and credit cards. I will be so happy to have Discover paid off. I don't like them. They raised my interest rate for no reason - they're the whole reason we're doing this. So they will go away and I already cut up the card. I got rid of another VISA this week so I only will have one credit card. That should be enough.

I decided I'm going to knit today. I'm going to finish the yellow sweater now that fall is here. I only have to knit the facings then sew them and the hood on. Oh and sew the buttons. That should be a good activity that shouldn't irritate the breathing.

Marble - how's the prednisone working? Mine is working but I think my asthma was so out of control, it'll take longer than normal to get back on track. I was hoping I'd feel good enough to exercise today, but I've already been puffing on the abuterol so I don't think that will happen. Good thing I'm not weighing in while on prednisone.

Eating wise, I'm still doing really good. My appetite is gone since getting of bipolar meds. It's making this dieting stuff a snap. DS picked up trazedone for me last night (I'll try it tonight) so that I can sleep better. I really hope it doesn't screw me up diet wise or I'll not take it. I'm still so determined.

That's about it. TTYL.

[liz321]

Hi gang!

Morning Leens and Marie......I have been awake off and on since 6...I should have just got up.......today and tomorrow is going to be BUSY....I am borrowing a industiral shampooer and am going to dust vacccum and clean the carpets in 7 rooms, 2 hallways and a set of stairs! It will be alot of work but will it ever feel good.....I usually hire someone twice a year to do them but since I really want to pull them out and lay hardwood I don't want to put any more money into them.......they are 14 years old......and been through 3 babies, 1 dog and lots of traffic......they don't look bad but they never seem clean to me.....

Anyhow just finished up my Special K and am on my first cup of coffee....so I am off and running in 10 minutes.

Leens you and I were off for the same week....you should have come for coffee.......

Maire I hope your asthma settles down...do you get allergy shots? Do you use other puffers other than your ventolin? YOu are sure a crafty girl...the only thing I can do is scrapbook.......always wished I could knit etc.....it is a dying art.

Ok check back later! Gotta get my family moving......they will be a moaning bunch but they know better than to fight the cause........cause when the mamma is happy............everyone is happy!

xoLiz

[KO]

MMArie I had prednisone in march for my asthma it helped ALOT!
Morning Leens I have no idea what we're doign with this beautiful day
I had oral surgery yesterday buckets of fun! I have stitches in my mouth and my normally high pain threshold was put to the test I was in tears in the car.
it took 2 vicodin and an allegra ( my sinuses went wacko) to take away the pain.
so all i can eat is soft food bleh
on the bonus side this morning the scale reads 192.5 if this trend continues to Monday I will change my ticker
DH has risen So I'm going tosee what he's up too
bbl
Kierie

[cathyxxx]

hey gang - I'm here - and there and there and over there too

thanks for the emails and notes on the boards - everyone is way too sweet and caring! I certainly didn't mean to worry anyone, it's just crazy down here, and I just didn't want to come in here and talk about all the Hurricane stuff, and yet that seems to be all I know right now *sigh*

I'm fine - just really busy and to be honest, I'm a little overwhelmed with everything going on down here. My emotions are all over the place and I hate being like this.

Everything feels so different - people everywhere - needs everywhere you look - sooooooooooo much to do - the devastation is beyond my comprehension really - and the national news is very depressing!!!

I am so disappointed and aggravated that some are trying to turn this into something racial and political. It drains my energy and I have to turn it off in order to be able to do what I need to do. Most of the people here have not made it something racial or political - I don't hear them blaming or pointing figures (I just hear that on tv) - people are way too busy working and trying to help and simply deal with the worst disaster that we've ever seen. People are working unselfishly around the clock to help others and I am blessed by that side of it. I wish those that are complaining & criticizing would get out from in front of the cameras and just come down here and help! Please don't anyone jump on me - I won't be able to take it.

I think that most of the people coming out of New Orleans are thrilled to be rescued and are very appreciative of the care & help - I think bec they were there and saw what the rescuers had to go thru in order to get them out that they are just THANKFUL to be out of there!!!!

We have a friend of a friend who went down with his boat the day after the levees broke in order to try to rescue people, and the first group he came upon, didn't want to be rescued, they wanted his boat and shot him in the stomach and left him for dead. Thankfully, another rescue boat came by later and picked him up and got him to a hospital. He was fighting for his life but is stablized now. To say nothing of losing his boat, or the other people that he could have helped rescue. I don't think too much of that kind of stuff hit the national news. And honestly, I will never understand people acting like that in the middle of a disaster.

anyway - I have heard more stories then I can keep up with - some are awful & tragic, and others are wonderful & compassionate & even courageous.

But definitely you can see God working and moving even in all this mess!

so much for not wanting to talk about hurricane stuff huh - sorry

We have a family of 21 staying in our church gym and everyone has been busy taking care of their needs and making sure they feel loved and safe and even hopeful. They are wonderful people. DH and I fixed a huge gumbo & potato salad & yummy chocolate cakes on Thursday night and they were so appreciative and said that they knew they were still in Louisiana bec our gumbo "was as good as home". I thought that was such a sweet compliment! These people blessed me with their strength.

ok - enuf enuf enuf - I made myself do 2 miles with handweights - I like Leslie's perkiness! wish she would send me some

Leenie - I am so very glad that you got some time off this week! I know it goes by like greased lightning when you finally get some time off. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Liz - I'm really glad that you got the job!!!!! answered prayer! I'm so glad to know that you will be working more regular hours! Do you move everything in the rooms that you are cleaning the carpet? wow what a job!

Joanne – I am so very glad that ya’ll got to spend some time with your son this weekend! (((((hugs)))))) and you are right Baton Rouge’s population has doubled. Our daughter in law in be somebody is in college at LSU and it's crazy over there. I don’t know the numbers for here in Lake Charles, but it feels like it has almost doubled. There are people everywhere, lines everywhere, traffic everywhere.

Cin - you have been busy and exercising like crazy! I am so glad to know that you are feeling better!

Tippy - you keepin them people at church straight? working on the house?

MMarie - HOORAY for you getting off your bipolar meds! that's awesome! glad to know you feel better off of them! hang in there! are you still taking some Armour?

I'm sorry that I can't respond to everybody's posts - but you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

hugs & blessings,
Cathy

"It is the storms and challenges of life that
strengthen us. Remain faithful in adversity.
As you do, God will turn every situation
around and use it for your good and His glory."
Ephesians 6:13

[Stepping Out]

It's an absolutely GORGEOUS day here in SE Georgia...hopefully not 'the calm before the storm' (Ophelia). She's living up to her namesake: Hamlet's whacko girlfriend I pray that she stops spinning out there and just takes a hike east into the Bermuda Triangle and gets lost forever!

Rant over!

Leenie: When your laundry and cooking are done, go do something special with your family. It's your VACATION girl!

Kierie: I hope you're recovering from your oral surgery. 2 Vicodins and an Allegra would put me OUT ; you must be in a lot of pain. Hope today finds you a whole lot better!

Liz: When you're done up there, could you come help me down here . The weather is nice, and I'm ALMOST in Florida

Mmarie: I know how you feel...any day that I can get more than 4-5 hours sleep at a stretch is a GOOD day You must be so relieved to be getting those debts paid off. Enjoy!

Cathy: Thank you for sharing with us! I'm with you about the "spin" that some people are trying to put on this disaster...it's both infuriating and sad. But there are wonderful stories too. The NBC affiliate in Jacksonville asked for donations to be brought to the AA ballpark across the street from their studio. They actually had to ask people to STOP bringing stuff..because the whole sidewalk...about 1 1/2 city blocks...was FULL of supplies! And this past weekend, as we were traveling back on I-10 east, we saw convoys of electric/phone repair trucks heading toward the Gulf Coast. I believe that God is going to bring good things even out of this tragedy.

Carla: Your post last night cracked me up Please keep coming back and sharing!


Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

[cathyxxx]

oh Joanne - you reminded me - I wanted to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart on behalf of everyone here in Louisiana for all of the help and supplies and money and everything that has been sent down here to help!

Marbles had mentioned sending doctors and I meant to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

It is unbelieveable to me how help has come from all over the world really. I know when they showed the National Guard arriving in New Orleans I felt like the calvary had just rode in. I cried like a silly fool. Then when I saw the New York Fireman - gosh I just couldn't believe it! And people from Mexico coming to help rescue, etc etc etc It is just amazing to me what people will do to help each other!

and I meant to say THANK YOU for all that each of you are doing and for all that your States are doing and for Canada - everyone near & far! Just in case you don't get to hear it from another Louisiana gal - please know that it is all greatly needed and appreciated!!!!!!!

hugs & blessings,
Cathy

[Marie]

YEAH!!!! I lost 2 pounds. That's 10.5 pounds since I got back from the cruise!!! I weighed in on a lark even though I'm on prednisone. I am so happy!!!

Cathy, no I'm not taking anything but my allergy/asthma medicine. The Armor made me sick to my stomach. I'm doing really good without it.

[april99]

Good afternoon all

It is just noon here now.....it's an ovecast day.....& getting cooler at night....so winter can't be far away.

I am home now.....DDIL had her gallbladder out on Thursday....the simple surgery.....she came home the next day.....she can't pick up the baby yet.
Friday night & all day Saturday.....baby Claire was crying....but she was settled in the evening yesterday......that made me feel like jumping on a plane & going to help them.....but for now I will stay at home.

Marie.....congratulations on losing 2 lbs.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also have asthma & allergies. I use Symbicort....it's an inhaler....for prevention. I also use an antihistamine almost every day for the allergies.....If I don't use the antihistamine everyday....I get real bad postnasal drip....then get sore throats from that......I also get real bad fullness in my ears.
I will be seeing an allergy specialist this fall about allergy shots.

Cathy.....do you live in New Orleans?.....I was wondering.
In Canada we can donate to the Canadian Red Cross.....which I did....when I was at Costco last week.

April

[marbleflys]

Hi everyone and thanks for all the support, it is truly appreciated....ah carla, I'm not waiting for anyone to "show-up", I must interview them first.....

my poison ivy is mucho-better,my arm is no longer the size of my thigh, I'm down to 20 mg. of Prednesone aday, along with the 3 other hsitimine blockers....I'm drinking wine and feeling fine.....I'm not real "puffy", but I keep passing water like I'm pregnant.....geeze! 2 more days of 20 mg, then down to 10mg..... I don't have much of an appetite, just picking on chicken, veggies, some soup, but I do like something sweet these days, so I'm sticking to fruit, it is dangerous to have ice-cream in my house.

CATHY!!! so glad all is well with you. you are greatly missed.

My renovations are coming along beeeyootifully, I'm pickeling my french doors, and new interior doors for the rest of the homestead, picking out hardware, and writing checks like I'm Oprah......

BBL.....I'm working today, cos I'm out tomorrow due to deliveries from the lumberyard....Perhaps I will grab the deliveryman by his little toolbelt and drag him to see....(hmmmm, do you think the bedroom door should open right or left? do you want to show me?)

I can't find the will to do formal exercise as I have no space, I am truly displaced until the frames and doors get hung, one floor living room lamp is in the corner of my bedroom and the dog is using the stand as a pillow......OY! watta mess...but it will be great to have a house all updated and decorated just for ME!!!

[cathyxxx]

April - I am in Lake Charles which is about 200 miles west of New Orleans. Actually we are close to the Texas line. I have lived here all my live - and only been to New Orleans twice in my life. I don't get out much

MMarie - congrats on the weight loss!

Marbles - you have poison ivy? didn't someone else mention they have it too? where did you get that from? you been walking in the woods? sounds like lots of work going on at our place! I know you will enjoy it when you're done

hugs,
cathy

[marbleflys]

Hi Cathy, I've never been to NO either, but it looks like fun from the movies and TV (I keep thinking Ashley Judd in Double Jeopardy).....until you take into account the crime rate, (same way in Savannah).

I was scooping up broken glass at the edge of my backyard that face the woods, the PI must have been lurking there...I haven't had it since I was a kid, but I'm VERY allergic, I was fileting the skin off my arm for a week before I gave in and went to my primary...I aggravated it by staining wood in the hot sun with an oil base....by the end of the day I was running for the Vicoden and any type of topical felt like pouring gasoline on an open wound.....

I'm sorry to hear of the friend's shooting, but glad he was saved....the criminal element tends to run higher during a terrible disaster....some feel they can make a gain/windfall. I don't know if anyone remembers the aftermath of 9/11, during the digging, several upscale shops & jewlery stores were looted...I think that someone stepped on the throats of the media, because it was very down-played....recovery was mixed with the loss of 350+ firefighters/police/EMTs. I remember how in working at a Level 1 Trauma Center, there weren't many people to survive enough to get here or to Liberty? Park they set up a triage area in Staten Island. We could see too many cars parked at the train station where people never returned. The man who trashed me 2 years later, spent DAYS, combing the NY hospitals, morgues trying to find his brother....and then getting into his apt. for provide his toothbrush & hairbrush for DNA.

9/11 was only 10 square blocks, NO was a huge area, although the police are experienced in crowd control, there was a lot to deal with. I did not know that the poverty rate was that high of a percentage....so many had no means to leave or lacked the foresight to rank the odds. the politics with the local govt. also seemed to be at war with Federal......if it wasn't for the churches what would they do?