Happy
You are correct that I can get past the borderline diagnosis. I have a plan in place so that will help. The weather men have down graded the snow to a dusting. It's the frigid temperatures the next couple of nights that bother me. 17 degrees tonight and 12 tomorrow night.

Laura
Hope the EKG is normal. Has the snow started to melt?

Annie
I still have a few things to get out of the garage. And I've decided to close my eyes and start tossing some things out.

Hi Susie

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I purchased a new area rug at Ashley's furniture store on Saturday. I wish I had the tracking number to see where it is.
I've decided that I'm going to keep the bank that I had in Arkansas. Yes the location is a little bit farther away but I miss it. Not that I go to the bank very much. Most every thing is done on line. My SS check is direct deposited.
I'm wanting something different for breakfast this morning and I'm thinking pancakes but I will have to go down to MCD's to get that.

Afternoon all. Another somewhat busy day, but better than yesterday.

Shad – When do you get the results of the CT scan? I hope & pray nothing’s spread to other body parts.

Ceejay – We have two Walmarts close to home. The Super version gets crazy busy and there’s always a kid screaming like a banshee that can be heard halfway across the store. The other is a smaller Neighborhood version and it’s usually quiet and sane. Too bad it doesn’t have the selection the big one has, but it's fine for the basics. == How did the garage work go? == It’s nice that you can still use the bank you had.

Annie – Good for you passing on the doughnut. I would have gotten one, especially since I would be most unlikely to seek out their location to try one. Yum, beef stroganoff. LOL re “I guess I’ll just be tired.” I can't blame you to be anti-exercise with the ankle issue.

Happy – I expect the EKG to be a non-event as it has been for many years now. == Re the convection feature – I’m not sure why it would draw enough additional electricity to overload a circuit, as I understand that it’s just a fan that circulates the air around the oven…as bf and I have rarely used the feature because of this issue, we are by no means experts about it, so definitely follow up with the salesperson about it. === Re the steam dry feature on the dryer…haven’t used that feature yes. Most of my work clothing/delicates are only dried for a short time to fluff them up and then I hang them on the line or drying racks in the basement. Other items like whites or sheets/towels do not need to be steamed. Not a feature I would use with any frequency. Maybe for a tablecloth? == Sorry to hear about the bad dental news, but at least there was some good news as well! == You're such a big softie sticking with the volunteer work even though it makes you busier than you want to be – I know it’s for the good of the cause that keeps you active with it. == How is the yoga going for you post-knee replacement?
==
I went to movie night last night and saw “The Edge of Seventeen”. It stars Haley Steinfeld (she was the girl in the remake of “True Grit”) and Woody Harrelson as one of her teachers. It was a “teen angst” kind of movie – not usually my thing - but it was funny and good. Not a rave review, but decent entertainment.

Bf sold mom’s car yesterday, so yay for it being out of our driveway and clearing the way to parking our car in the garage without having to put a car on the grass alongside the driveway.

I had my CPR class this afternoon and it was a different instructor than the one we’ve had for so many years. She was great – no boring video to watch and a lot better with more in depth explanations, and funny to boot. The class flew by and ended about 20 minutes early. My meeting this morning also ended 30 minutes early, and a lunch was rescheduled, so today was a better day than I thought it would be.

Tonight I’ll pick up a movie I have on hold at the library. Looking forward to relaxing tonight. Actually, I was a sloth over the weekend so I really should throw a load of laundry into the washer.

Okay, I’ll get this posted. Have a good rest of the day everyone.

Here ya go!

Doc just called with lab results. No wonder I am tired all the time.....Hepatitis C. Great one more flipping thing to deal with. Cannot even get into the specialist until March 10. I am on a wait list. I am so over all of this. Michael is the lucky one.

Morning all.

Annie – I’m so sorry to hear about the Hep C diagnosis. What’s involved in treating/managing it? Is it something that can be cured? Unbelievable you can’t see anyone about it sooner than MARCH???!!! WTH?? Guess you’re on your own til then, or is your regular doc able to help you?? == I was a blood donor for several years when one time after a donation, they sent me a letter saying that my blood showed Hep C. They went on to say that they tested it again and it turned out to be a false positive, but even so I was no long desirable as a donor. Fine by me. I knew I would eventually stop donating because I figured someday I might need my good vein to give blood for myself or perhaps a family member or friend in need. (FYI, my blood type is A positive.) (And BTW, yes, after receiving the letter, I did have my primary doc test my blood again and it was fine.)

Hellos to the rest of you.

==
I wrote a bunch of whiney crap about very minor things in the grand realm of what I’ll lump together as “people’s problems” (both among the Worldlies and in general). I decided it wasn't worth reading and deleted it all and will just give you a basic update.

Later this afternoon is the holiday party thrown by the boss’s boss for his departments (three including ours). Being held just down the street, so it's convenient.

Tomorrow I have a half day of vacation before the EKG at 3 pm. I will leave the office early. Once I get home I’ll eat lunch and then it’ll be time to get to the hospital.

Saturday night we have our block’s holiday gathering – appetizer/main course at one house, dessert at another.

Nothing else planned for this weekend, but as usual there’s plenty that needs doing around the house, and I’ll see what mom might need doing too.

That’s about it for me. TTFN. Have a nice weekend everyone.

Well good heavens ladies, what the ding dong heck is going on with us? Not just illnesses, but SERIOUS ones. First Shad, now you Annie. And I thought we were all living fairly decently. But that's how life goes, doesn't it - you're tooling along doing all the "normal, everyday things" and then wham - life pops you one in the face.

Sort of minimizes any of my stupid problems... All I can ask is that you put everything you have into getting past these hurdles and getting yourselves better. Argh. :sad: Good thoughts to both of you Annie and Shad.

Nina jumped up on my computer and is totally laid out on my hand and halfway across the keyboard. I have tried to move her but she is stubborn and just comes right back again. She does not care that her head bobs up and down as I type nor does it matter to her that I have work to do. Sigh...

Yesterday was the shelter board meeting. A lot of people didn't show up. The weather is blustery cold and slippery out. Winter came late but with a vengeance. I am so glad that DH is supportive of being my "Uber" driver and takes me all over. No way could I have gone out in the dark and slippery otherwise which is why I guess many people didn't show up. We got some things accomplished - as always there is alot of work and a lot of needs. I in particular have several tasks assigned to me that I am responsible for and I need to focus on them. I also have ALOT of tasks at home that I need to focus on too. I've decided less time at the thrift shop (won't miss the drama) and will have to divide my time between home and shelter tasks. I've sort of been running non stop since I got back home and I was feeling more and more removed from what I needed to do at home that I stayed up until almost 3am this morning just taking care of cleaning out the kitchen area. I tried to be quiet so as to not disturb DH's sleep.

And then there's that "holiday" thing to think about. I wish we did Christmas in June or something. It just comes up way too fast. We have a short summer so June - is the time to get ready for summer as it finally warms up here. July and August - have warm weather fun. Next you know it's September - oops - winter will be upon us soon - days are still nice but nights noticeably cooler so we try to enjoy what we can and HANG ON to those last few days. October we try to catch the autumn colors the beginning of the month and then it gets really chilly and you know winter's around the corner so hurry up grasshopper and get your winter prep done and fret about the things you should have done outside and didn't get to. I regret that with my surgery I did not prep my garden at all for winter. Didn't cover my strawberry plants, only ripped out half the spent garden plants. Going to be a big mess to clean next spring. November comes and goes in a flash and before you know it - bam - December is slapping us in the face. Cripes it's already the 8th. And there are so many things to catch up on. Plus I am already behind from stuff that got delayed while I was recuperating - and I am still doing that. It's just overwhelming and it stopped being fun and more of a chore many years ago. I think it's going to be minimal decorations, only a few cards being sent out and a big effort on my part to balance my time and commit to getting a few things done every day. I also desperately need to do some decluttering. I think I have reached the point where I have more than I have room to put it. And it would make DH very happy if there was "less" around. I am still going to do bingo tonight - I can get a bit of my social fix in without the drama and aggravation of other outlets.

DH is in one of our spare rooms and that's the hottest room in the house. I think the furnace vent goes straight up there. With the cats, it's very unlikely we will have guests so we might turn both bedrooms into respective workspaces for both of us. I can use his room as a studio and still keep the daybed for guests if needed. I have this wonderful "hobby" room in the basement but after working with my friend who has an actual studio - the basement is dark even with canned ceiling lights and DH's current "hot room" has windows on both walls and lots of great light for hobbies, reading and doing art! So another task

Always something to do, eh? I did meet with the nutrition counselor this week. Did not gain any weight on my Chicago trip but need to work on seriously moving the scale - even with December parties and holidays. I'm not into eating my way through town - appetite still down a bit although food is tasting better. I want to incorporate some regular exercise too. Wish we could afford to buy the NuStep sooner - DH is talking spring now. I can join the gym for a minimal cost - it's just that next week the winter blast hits - highs in the negative temps (negative F that is) darn cold and I admit - who wants to go out to the gym in that??? I know ladies, just excuses - right?

Annie - that is disgusting that you have to wait until March to see a specialist. AND you live in a big city. DH is having the same issues - they want to do a nerve test to see if he has damage from his neck discs. Doctor wants the electrical test right away and even if he goes up to Duluth - no problem - he STILL has to wait until the end of February. As he said - if there is that much of a wait - doesn't it mean you need to find more doctors in that specialty???? I sort of expect this in socialized medicine and even to a bit up here in the sticks even though we are willing to travel although not the 3 + hours to Minneapolis. Your town is so big that I would think you could get treated earlier. And this all just wears on the poor brain too. I know it's easy to say but please try and not let this get you down. There are people depending on you who want you around for the longest time. Thank you for the cute kitty t-shirt picture. That brought a smile to my face.

Laura - your local Walmart is like ours in town. We call it the "ghetto" Walmart. Not the same amenities as the super center an hour's drive away. I guess in a way that's good - less to be tempted to buy. Once again I had to stuff my jealousy of the grand selection in the big box stores like Meijer and Berkots. Sure does make Jewel Foods look like a Mom and Pop store now a days. Yay on selling Mom's car. Is she settled in yet? Does she realize she has too much stuff yet? What movie are you picking up?

Ceejay - is this your first taste of really chilly weather or just an extended season from what you are used to? Will take a while to build up your tolerance to the cold. Luckily they make alot of really soft and comfy and warm winter stuff. Cuddle Duds makes alot of lightweight fleece that nice to layer this time of year.

Guess that's it for me. I need to post and get on with the day. Hello to the ladies.

Still on the dreaded phone so this will be short. Haven't heard anything from the hospital so am taking that as a good sign. Monday is their meeting day so may get some info then.
Sorry to hear of the hepC Annie. Hope something happens that you can get in faster. Please no talk of being dead. We are not allowed that at least until I come to the USA for my next visit.
Laura, you are allowed to whine and whine as required. I will probably be doing that over the coming weeks.
Happy, glad your mum was happy with the card. Doesn't take much effort to give a little happiness.
Ceejay,snow! you won't be used to that.

That's about it. Fingers don't like this silly keyboard.

Annie
Hugs to you. I've been hearing on the commercials that we baby boomers need to get tested for HepC. Going to ask my sister about this one.

Happy
I'm taking necessary steps to get healthy. Mainly taking vitamins but that's a help. I understand about not getting out in the cold to go exercise. I did wait till afternoon when the temperature had risen to 28. We did have snow in Arkansas and believe it or not on the same day 5 years ago we had a big snow according to FB. I'm never ready for the cold air.

Laura
We have a what I call a Walmart grocery that is closer that I go to more than the super Walmart. The bank I used in Arkansas told me that I could use the bank's up here. I will have to get some new checks ordered but first I'm going to have to make sure that the routing number and account number will be the same. I will do that next week. Ugh wish I could think of these things before I re route my social security check. Garage cleaning is coming along slowly but it looks like I've accomplished a lot. I'm about to get a spot for the vehicle. It was too cold to do any cleaning out there today.

Shad
Your medical system sound about like ours. Hope you hear something soon.

I've been waiting a couple of days for the area rug that I ordered from Ashley. It was delivered. It's pretty to me. but wish I hadn't let my sister talk me into the one that was rectangle instead of the round one. It will be okay. I will have to get used to it. Went to the gym after the area rug was delivered and did the treadmill for 30 minutes. I got almost 2 miles in according to my Fitbit. Tomorrow I will ride my bike here. May have to move it inside. Now I wonder where I can put it.

Typed a long post and then I got that error and I couldn't get it back...Dang it!

I'll come back later, but I want to let Shad and Annie know that I'm praying for both of you and I care deeply for the both of you. Ladies: We will get through this.....you are not alone. I am praying for the both of you and we will support each other.

Morning
Working in the office this morning even though I need to be cleaning the kitchen.
Sis wanted me to come to Branson this week end but it's to cold for me. It was 14 degree's this morning.
Not much going on.

Hello Everyone from Bright, Sunny and COLD Ohio.

This cold weather has brought on a Fibromilargia episode for me. I think it is a combination of the weather, the stress that happened with the computer hacking and when I was interviewing for the EA roles, all caught up with me. I felt so badly yesterday with my body hurting all over, like I had exercised for 24 hrs straight that I called off work due to illness.

I slept a lot and moved gently. I will have to move gently for ahwile. I feel a little better today.

Ceejay: I am sure you will get back to working out again. I know I need to get back into the routine too.

Shad: I believe that doing a full hysterectomy is common after they find cancer in an ovary. I am praying it was contained to that overy.

I saw your tree picture on Facebook. Are the cats leaving it alone?

Annie: ok sister, you need to get into that specialist before March. So, my advice is to call every week to see if there have been any cancellations. I will guarantee that after a few weeks of hearing from you, they will get you an appointment. The squeaky wheel gets taken care of.

Laura: that was good news that your mom's car sold that quickly. Did your boyfrienf get the tree off the fence and cut up? I hope the fence didnt have to much damage.

Happy: I dont like going out in the cold to work out either. But, we do know that moving about is best for us so maybe you can committ to going two days a week to go and use the equipment you dont have at home and then maybe do a day at home such as a Walk away the pounds dvd or something?

I need to get to moving this morning. I need to clean the bathroom and the kitchen. DH will run the vacuum and we will call the house clean. I will dust tomorrow. I dont want to overdo and stir up the muscle pain that comes if I overexcert when having a fibro flare.

Susie
So sorry that you have had a flare up with the fibro. My friend in Arkansas has that and sometimes she can't move. Hope youo feel better soon.

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Sis and bil came by to see the new area rug. Both liked it. Told sis that the chandelier needs to be moved over about 2 inches and she agreed. So we are adding that to the repair man's list of things to do. He's supposed to bring the counter tops next week.
Found out that the routing and account number on my bank account will not change from the move to Missouri. Will just have to change the mailing address.
Need to start the laundry.

Hi girls,

I finally chased the cat off the computer so I have 2 hands free to type again. She'll be back shortly again when she chills back up. We are all cold here with the latest cold front moving through. I made DH a cup of hot chocolate when he came in from shovelling snow. Made me one two but the milk perhaps just made me feel phlegmy like my allergies were in overdrive so I think I will stick with tea going forward. I stopped at the Thrift Shop today to drop off some supplies and also to put some hand made ornaments on our "giving tree" (for supplies and such for the shelter). Coming home DH and I saw a cookie bake sale at one of the local churches and I was surprised he turned around and we went in. Lots of homebaked cookies to benefit the Habitat For Humanity. We bought a box full and now DH can enjoy his sweet treat in the evening. I had one - cheese tempts me more than cookies. We went out to a Mexican restaurant for a late lunch / early dinner and now I could use a nap.

Ceejay - glad everyone likes the new rug. I agree a round one is different and may take some getting used to but I'm sure you will like it just fine. Is the chandelier you want moved new? Sounds like you are doing some tweaking.

Shad - the tree looks lovely. Hope ODDU does not envision it as a new toy!

Susie - sorry to hear about the fibro flare up. I agree that you have been under a lot of stress lately. Hope you can calm it down. Does singing Christmas songs help any? Glad you are pacing yourself with household tasks until this passes.

to you Annie. When it rains, it pours, huh? Don't let it get you down though.

Laura - hope the weekend holiday party goes well. I am hoping to avoid as many as possible - not up to going out in the cold weather or standing around for long periods of time and chit chatting about nothing this year. How did the work party go?

Enjoy your weekend plans everyone.

Afternoon all.

Happy- Just talked with mom by phone this morning and yes - she does indeed know that she brought too much with her. === All the car stuff is done with, yippee. Dang, forgot to ask if she cancelled her car insurance. I'll call her again later. == The movie I picked up the other day was "The Peanuts Movie". It was cute and had the feeling of the old TV specials, IMO. Glad they didn't wreck it for me, lol.== The nu step sounds like a good idea if you can tolerate the solo home exercising and can use music, TV and/or reading to keep yourself entertained while you do it. Personally I find it so boring... When I had a treadmill, I had the TV and music, and I would switch off between the treadmill, the health rider (remember those?) and my bicycle on the Cyclops trainer to try to avoid boredom. For that type of exercise, I'd much higher rather do it at home than go out to a gym.

Shad - it's nearly your Monday and I hope you get some more info from the docs. Some definitive diagnoses and a plan of action are what you need, not more waiting!

Ceejay- I hope you now have a spot for your car in the garage now that the cold temps and snow are here.== Where was your exercise bike before - in the garage?? == Nice that you won't have to change banks or account numbers, just get your new address on your checks. == Do you like your new rug? It sort of sounds sort of like you're trying to convince yourself....

Susie - Sorry to hear that you've been battling a flare-up of the fibromyalgia. I hope you're feeling better today. Relax today! Yes, bf got out the chainsaw and cut up the tree enough to get it off the fence, and thankfully the fence has no damage.

Hello to Anne.

==
The work party on Thursday was just fine. I did finally get to introduce myself to the new employee who sits a couple cubes down from me. He works in another department the reports to the boss's boss. Nice kid.

Friday's half day at work went quickly. Met bf for lunch and he went with me to my cardio echo appointment. It was a PITA getting it at the hospital this time around (vs. In my dr's office). Parking, registration, etc. But the procedure was alright, just glad my heart was "photogenic" enough (as the tech put it, lol) at all angles to avoid needing an IV in my hand to do the high contrast thing.

Yesterday I did laundry and some errands. The block's holiday party was very nice - always nice when we don't have to host it.

Just lazing around today, though I did shovel snow this morning - the path to the house, two tire strips down the driveway & a single path on the front walk. All in the guise of fetching the Sunday paper from the end of the driveway, lol. But now it's snowing again... bf will have to get out with snowblower later on but I'm betting he'll want to wait until it's stopped before doing it so he only has to do it once.

Gonna get back to more laundry, so I'll get this posted. TTFN.

Happy
I do like my new rug. I just couldn't get it centered on the rug and under the chandelier. But sis had agree to move the chandelier over and have it centered. Made me happy.

Laura
My bike in Arkansas was in my office and I'm going to put it back in here tomorrow. I'm going to schedule myself for the gym at least 4 times per week. but their will be weather related days that I will not go. Glad your mom's car is out of the way. What has your mom decided to do with all the extra things? My sis and brother in law measure the length of the door Saturday and today he called and had me to measure the height of the door. He's going to order the door tomorrow so maybe by week after next the new door will be hung. I'm getting excited about that.


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I'm disappointed that my tablet will not come on. I really don't want to buy a new but may later on if I can't get it to working. I'm using my laptop now and it's giving me fits with the cursor jumping around.