Cristi,,,like you said you can make any house a home...as long as you have your family. Do you enjoy the painting and such or are you going to look for a house that is mostly done other then a few color changes or possibly build or a fixer uper? IVe done the 2 new homes and wouldn't mind doing a fixer upper which we first did. Seemed more fun.

Michelle,,,you nailed it when you said you put yourself on hold! For over 10 years I was on hold...it was too hard to work and take care of 2 small boys and run a home, and be on the board of every children's program. Not that I would want it any different,,,but I do cringe when I see pictures of me during that time,,,,how I made myself look so dowdie.

I'm back.... things have settled down a bit, lol.

Cristi - where does Vince want to move? CA? If you said, I missed it.

MaryKate - the house will be very close by this one, if it's approved by the planning commission. You know the red tape! YAY for the loss, and here's hoping you (and the rest of us, lol) maintain over Thanksgiving. Did they give you anything for the pain in your arm?

Angie & Marti - a big Thank You to you and the others, too, for the congrats to Katie!!

Katie has to check in on January 9th. So we'll fly down on the 8th, help her get settled somewhat, and Neal and I will come back the 10th. After she has signed all the paperwork as an offiicial "cast member", (their words for employee) we'll get resort discounts and some free tickets, but not yet. Since her birthday is March 3rd, we'll be going back then to visit and celebrate. I feel emotionally wrung out! So many calls to make, and then the flights to arrange. Then we ate out to celebrate. Now that the flight is taken care of, I need to get our resort reservation taken care of. I'm SOOOO glad Neal will be retired by then!!

Hi everyone,
it is saturday night, and my week before is going to be very busy, after church going to clean clean my kitchen and refrigerator (yikes) then monday some more house work and i also have a job interview at 3;30 in the afternoon......then I work tuesday and wednesday.......then the marathon cooking for the thanksgiving dinner.....it will be just my boys and hubby and his dad. My stove isnt big enough to put in a turkey so we will put it on the weber and smoke it roast bar-b-que it.......I already did a marathon shopping.....went to winco this morning and then trader joes. hopefully I dont need to grocery shop for another month.
And I gave myself permission to enjoy thanksgiving dinner without fretting about cheating on my diet. Because friday is a new day, right. Happy thanksgiving everyoneMichelle

Hey gals!
Welcome Michelle! I notice you are from Washington State..several of us here are in Oregon - practically neighbors!

Cristi - Thank you for the card. 'Scuse me for being so out of it, but I didn't catch why or where you're moving? I do know wherever you wind up you will make the house a beautiful home, as you have done with your current home.

Jane - congrats to Katie on the job - that sounds so exciting!

Hi to everyone else! All this talk and reflection about anger has me thinking...which is a good thing ( my DH might disagree ) I think my turning point came 15 years ago when DH and I were in a car accident which put me in PT for a few months. It was the first time I felt "old" because I was in pain and couldn't move very well. I felt really angry that I had been so busy with work and grad school and had let myself go. Then the accident made it temporarily impossible to get active. I resolved then that I would never take my mobility for granted and pretty much since then, my goal has been an active healthy life. Weight loss has been slow, granted, and interrupted by major weight gains with my pregnancies, but I have to say that regardless of what the scale says, it feels good to be on the right track, (even if I'm moving slow )

We have Upside of Anger on DVD to watch tonight - anyone seen it? Looks pretty good. We watched In Good Company last night with Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace. Good characters, but way too slow...bit of a disappointment. DH and DS8 are chomping at the bit to see Goblet of Fire.....maybe next weekend


Ciao for now

Happy Sunday Ladies!

It is a cloudy day today here in KS, and colder than yesterday. Seems kind of gloomy, but I like it.

KATY~there is absolutely no rhyme or reason behind us moving...that is why I am having a hard time deciding. Today...I don't want to move. I like our neighborhood, our house and it is a good location. Plus the dreadful thought of actually moving is not appealing to me right now. I've not seen Upside of Anger, not really a fan of Kevin Costner even though I have seen some of his movies. But if it came on cable I would probably watch it.

ANGIE~Vince has had a taste of buying a new home (his first brand new one) and doesn't want a fixer upper. We love fixing up houses but as much as he works it would just be a nightmare. And I am very impatient when it comes to things being done around the house. It has some color on the walls, not white so we would paint a little and other than building a fence, again, and doing the landscaping there's really nothing else to be done to it. We actually have a house picked, just haven't moved on it yet. I don't want to talk about it because I feel I might jinx it and I don't want to bore you all so I will spare the details. I know you all were probably sick to death of me blabbing about our house and now we are going to do it all over again.

MELISSA~I always say that...that I am going to forget about eating right on the holidays but by the time dinner is actually on the table I am too pooped to eat! But you are right, as long as you don't go too overboard you might as well enjoy the day! Tomorrow is a new day. Sending some good vibes your way on the job interview, hoping you ace it and get the job! : :

JANE~no, not CA! If it were CA I wouldn't hesitate one second! I would move back there in a heartbeat but no he doesn't want to live there. It's the small town we lived in before buying this house, about 12 miles from us.

Not a whole lot going on today. Vince and Jason both are working yet again, and Miss Marie is sleeping in because she stayed up till the wee hours of the morning. Don't know how she does it, sleeping so late. I kind of like the house being this quiet though. Counting down the days until Josh comes home, actually we go there. This month went by entirely too fast. But I am glad. I can't wait to start decorating for Christmas! Now to do the shopping!

See ya

Michelle - WELCOME!!!
Like most everyone else, I've gone through the anger thing. I still am.

Jane - CONGRATS to Katie!!

Katiecat - DD surgery is outpatient, but I can't see a dr. even doing that just 2 days before Christmas ( a Fri. yet to boot!) I'm expecting another cancellation.

DH and I went to the local animal shelter this afternoon. Our cocker spaniel, Lucky, died last Thurs. I'm more of a cat person, but he really needs to have a dog. There were a couple labs there I liked but he doesn't want that big of a dog. So we will wait for a while. Don't want to rush it. My Chloe doesn't know yet that her beloved dog is gone. I'll pick her up from pre-school tomorrow & have to tell her.

Not much else going on. Have to be at the local college early tomorrow morning for a staff meeting. They provide breakfast - muffins & sweet rolls! Nothing there for me. Even though it's pretty early, I usually eat my "healthy" breakfast before I leave home.

Yesterday was my Mom's 83rd birthday. She is really doing good health-wise and looking at her you would never know her age. I hope I've inherited her "young-looking" genes!!

We will be going to my sister's house for Thanksgiving. She only lives about 20 miles away. Our family is pretty small now that a couple of our kids live out of state but they always phone us during dinner & we all have a nice day.

Hope everyone has a nice Turkey Day!!

Connie

Hi ladies,

Michelle - while I was losing, I learned to put myself first, too, which was hard for me. I've been a SAHM for 18+ years, and taking care of everyone else had been my top priority. Part of my identity was "cook & baker", and I took pride in my down home meals with gravies, noodles, pies, etc. Although WW allows any foods to be eaten, I'm not (usually) one to waste too many points on foods like that. So it was a shock to my family when, for example, peaches were ripe, and we had them fresh only, instead of in a pie. I'll say this for the fam, tho, they went along with it for me.

Katy - I haven't seen the movies you mentioned. I did, however, see Chicken Little, lol. The mobility issue is a real eye-opener regarding weight! I knew that if I wanted to play with my grandkids, the weight had to come off. You're doing great, and get an A+ for perseverence!

Cristi - oic about the move. Hey, you ought to get a ticker with a countdown of when you'll be visiting Josh. Does Marie = Carrie?? I'm confused, which is nothing new, lol.

Had to cancel out our Gulf plans today. Since we'll be going to FL for Katie's bd in March, no way are we going over Valentine's Day, too. Tried to get the same place for March, but it's booked solid. Oh well, we'll have our own private Valentine's Day celebration here, sans kids!

Walmart was super busy today! In addition to all the Sunday shoppers, the holiday shoppers are going strong, too. It amazes me how the season of "Joy and Cheer" can turn some people into such cranks, lol.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Connie - you were posting while I was writing, lol. Sorry about your dog, and I hope Chloe takes it ok. You could always take some healthy foods with you to the meetings. Maybe "the powers that be" would get the hint.

Rosiekate: wow we are neighbors, I Live east of you I live in washougal so howdy neighbor

Thankyou all for sharing your repsonses about anger, I think i allowed myself to be angry and that was a big step for me because i had to face this issue I seemed to have sweept it to the backroom of my mind......I learned alot from each of you who have shared your experiences, I'am sorry if i dont call you all by name, but each response was valid.

Christi: hmmmm I like the name Melissa but it is not my name And I will receive those feel good vibes from you anytime

Jane: you have an incredible sense of caring that really shows in your post I feel that you really really care for each one of these ladies here, you have provided a safe place here that we can find rest

Hi Marti, Da fat n furious and katieKat, if i forgot anyone give me time to

Helo girls!!

What a weekend. Jhanai had me on the go at all times it seems. Each time I got on the computer she'd pop in and ask if I was ready to go! Had fun doing some shopping and just watching her. She's turning into such a little adult.......****sigh****my baby is growing up!

Now, I have some time for individuals. Let's see if I can catch up.

Cristi--I have to say that I was shocked when I read that you're thinking of moving again. Wow! And you've done so much painting and decorating on the house that you're in now. Are you wanting to move to the country or different town? I Hope you have wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. I think it's great that you're waiting until the 4th so all your family is together. What a great mom you are!

Jane--I'm so happy that Katie got accepted to Disneyworld! She must be estatic! So, what all is she going to be doing there? Does she even know? Or is this something that she's got to wait for in January to find out? Sorry that you had to cancel the Gulf trip. But I'm sure you'll get that " 2nd honeymoon" vacation booked again. Just may have to wait awhile for it! You're going to have one busy year next year w/Katie leaving and the building of the house! I'm tired for you just thinking about it!

MaryKate--Congratulations on losing 5lbs!! Thats fantastic! W/all that's been going on w/me, the infection and then TOM, I just haven't weighed myself lately. I haven't worked out all week, which is horrible. I will get back on that gazelle (might put on a turkey suit!) starting tomorrow. Done w/the antibiotics and such so it's time to tune back to me. So hard, but it's gotta be done.

Angie--Your outfit sounds so cute. I have a Christmas Dinner for work on the 17th. Not sure if I'm going or not. I have Jhanai that weekend and I don't particular want to leave her just so I can have a free dinner. She says that she doesn't care, especially if I can get her uncle to come watch her. I'll have to see if my brother is free that night, otherwise, not going to go.

Michelle--Hi again! I'm an Oregonian here too. I'm South of Katy, mid Oregon I suppose you can say. Heard of Eugene? I'm 20mins south of there. As for your question on anger. I don't know if I really felt anger or resentment. More of a saddness. The only anger I felt, was towards being sad. Does that make sense? Meaning, I felt anger once I realized that I was just sitting around moping and being depressed rather than doing something about it. Because the only person who is responsible for me and the way I look and the what I do....is me. So I decided to grow up, quit being so mopey and start taking care of me. Started liking being me, and started enjoying my life. No matter what weight I'm at, at least be happy. Because who knows if I'll ever reach a "goal weight" if I'm at least trying, then I have no excuse to sit around feeling sorry for myself. I did that for way too long. And life can be too short, so enjoy every minute of it.

Connie--Sorry to hear about your dog! They rescheduled for the 23rd? I wouldn't be surprised if there was another cancellation either. So close to Christmas AND a Friday as you mentioned. Still keeping her in my thoughts.

Katy--I don't think I've heard of either of those movies. Last night Jhanai & I watched "Charlie & The Chocolate Factory" and "Ring 2" It was strange to see how much they changed the CCF movie compared to the original. I still liked it though. The Ring was better than the second one. Wanted to go see Harry Potter, but of coarse it was sold out. So we're waiting for two weeks before we go see it. The hypness will have worn down.


Oh I hope I got everyone! Did I miss anybody?

I hope you all have a great week. And are not all so busy that you don't get a chance to relax. Tomorrow James & I are planning on going to the Grocery Store to get our stuff for TG Dinner. I got some, but not all. It's going to be tiring for me on Thanksgiving since I don't get off work until 2:30 that morning. Sheesh!! I should have scheduled that night off. But oh well. It might be so slow that they'd send me home early.

Ok...I'm going to get off this computer and take my dogs out.


Hugs to you all!

Hi Michelle,
So how are you going to work with this anger? Possibly make it work in your favor?

Jane,,,I have to tell you I have been telling everyone who sits near me for more then a couple of minutes about Katie...lol You would think I was like a proud Auntie...*smile

Marti,,,how ya feeling? Normally after antibiotics I usually get a yeast infection so be aware...now thats a great conversation eh?

Cristi,,, I know you don't want to talk about the house so,,mums the word...lol Doesn't happen here often but when the house is soooo quiet its almost earie...lol
So Im thinking about my basement,,,a darker brown carpet then what I have,,,more like a mocha. So Im thinking that I will color the walls a softer mocha. Have been watching all the designing shows and that seems to be the HOT color. Im working wiht a room that has no windows so Im trying to give light but the feeling of warmth. Trim will be pine colored...so what do you think? We are thinking of not putting any furniture down there but a desk, armour and tv/sterio. *we bought the boys those video chairs... we are thinking about selling,,and it will make the room appear larger.

Connie, Im so sorry about your dog.

I woke feeling like Im coming down with something,,glands are swollen,,,and I have a mother of a canker on the tip of my tongue. I use Flether's Sore Mouth but its made my tongue swollen,,imagine me talking with a lisp.
I brought in all my wigs today,,astonished the director and cast with my handy work,,,what you can do with ribbon and flowers...lol Ive got to adjust 1 wig,,then Im done. I had Tanner sit and wear Snow Whites wig while i braided and added stuff. Monte wore Rupenzle's wig so I could do my thing but no one would sit for me to do Sleeping Beauty's. I pushed my luck.
Took Tanner to see Harry Potter...I loved it! I laughed cried and jumped. It was fantastic. Makes me wish a theatre would do a marathon of Harry Potter movies...

well off to bed I go,,,night all

Hello Marti,,,we were posting at the same time.

I just took this personality quiz and the leader I compare to is mother Teresa.....well what do you know......
http://similarminds.com/othertests.html

you think thats fun, the movie that lined up to my answears was apoclypse how about that mother teresa and apocloypse hmmmm

Good Morning Ladies--

Woke up earlier than I wanted to but I have so many things to do before work today. And today is an early day, I have to go in at 4:00, that way I get off early to get some sleep before for my VERY early day tomorrow!! I have a CE (continuing education) day at work at it starts at 8:00am. Good Lord how am I going to do it???


Angie--I hope you're not coming down w/anything!! Drink lots of fluids if you can! I'm jealous that you got to see Harry Potter!! Jhanai & I really wanted to go. We even went by the theatre yesterday to see what time they were playing in case we could find time. It was too late....8:00 and I had to get her home so she could get ready for school tomorrow. You talking about the colors for your basement got me wanting coffee! So I'm thinking it's time for a cup!!

Michelle--I'll have to check out that site once I'm done.

Good Morning to the rest of you gals out there.

Well, I've got to get on my gazelle this morning. It's a MUST! So off I go, then it's shower time and errands. Sheesh......I'm tired already!!

Hugs to all!!

Hello Jaded Ladies~

It's a BEAUTIFUL day in the neighborhood! Was out earlier and I am lovin' it! Going to be one of our warmer days.

MICHELLE~oopsie! Not sure why I called you Melissa, sorry. But both are pretty names. I was going to say maybe you might want to think about adding your name to your siggy but I did see on the other thread that you are going to. Then I can get your name right! Hey, went to the test site and it is kind of funny! Mine said for the movie I am Platoon-I'm an anxious foot soldier on the battlefield of life, seeking to avoid danger & preserve your security. The leader-Abraham Lincoln! Loved this one...said I am a mild mannered assasination victim! I have a peaceful nature & am good at mediating disputes w/the exception of the occasional bloody civil war! Funny stuff!

MARTI~V and I talked and have decided to NOT move! I mentioned before I have been going back and forth on this for the last 1 1/2 months so it IS decided we are not moving. I thought he really wanted to and we were talking and he said he did/does kind of but he was doing it because he thought I wanted to! It would have been nice to have that bigger house but I am just not ready to move. I really do love this house and have it fixed the way I like it, well, almost. Just not ready to move. I hope you guys too have a very Glad you and Jhanai had a GREAT weekend! Would it be possible for her to go to the Christmas dinner at work with you? Or is it going to be before you go to work? She's a sweetie though, telling you it's okay to go. Maybe you should go and then bring her home a little something.

ANGIE~I can talk about the house now! It is 1627 sq. ft.-the main floor anyway. It has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths on the main floor, of course plus the living room, dining area, kitchen and laundry room and is really nice. Has a huge walk in closet in the master-what more could you ask for?! The basement is full size, so another 1627 sq. ft. but has only two bedrooms and a bath that are finished. They will finish the rest for another $15,500 but Vince loves doing that so would do it himself for a whole lot less. It also has a front porch (something I have always wanted), and a deck that curves around the back, about 1/2 the length of the house and the view in the back is spectacular! It's pasture so no one would be back there and there are some hills so it's nice. And I could go on and on...of course there's no one behind us now and the view is nice, for now anyway. Eventually, they will build something behind us but it won't be close. The good thing about this town...they are picky about what can and will be built here that's why there is nothing there now. I think your basement sounds nice, and I like the colors you have chosen. And I think it is the hot colors now! All the houses we have looked at have those colors in the carpet, kitchen and the paint. Not sure how we got stuck with white walls but they are painting the houses now, nothing drastic but adding color to the new houses and it looks really nice. So I know your basement will look GREAT! Take care of yourself and nip it in the bud before you get too sick. I don't know why the director and cast would be astonished...because you always do fabulous work! You must have really outdone yourself this time! I hope you take pictures of all the work you do. That would make a great portfolio or even a scrapbook! Trying to picture Tanner wearing the wig! You should have gotten a picture of that!

JANE~yes, Miss Marie=Carrie. That's her middle name and I have called her that since she was little. Have nn's for the kids and DH. V=husband, Jason=sunny boy and Josh=David or Davey Wavey-David is his middle name and sometimes Carrie is daughter. Jason uses his mn a lot, even has on his checks and such J. Myles-he likes that better for some reason. Which is good as I picked it out! Sorry you guys had to scratch the plans for V-Day. I know you guys will come up with something else that will be just as special though. Okay, now are you sure this internship isn't for mommy's sake, lol...free tickets and resort discounts, hmmmm....just kidding! This is going to be a wonderful experience for Katie, one I'm sure she will never forget. How does she feel about being so far from home though? Is she getting nervous? Where will she stay? So many questions.

CONNIE~so sorry to hear about your puppy dog. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your mother.

Hi to everyone else

Not sure what I am going to do today since V is home. I have been trying to be quiet so he can sleep. I am headed outdoors in a little while to do some yard work, pick up some leaves and such after all the wind. Seems like a lot of it blows in our yard and stays here. Need to prune my roses. Didn't get to that, kept meaning to and never did. I hate pruning them when there are still flowers blooming. But now they have been frozen and are all dead so I can cut them back quite a bit now. Other than that I don't know what I will do until V gets up and is feeling better. Anyway, have a nice day ladies and just in case... I know I will post tomorrow sometime but not so sure about Wed. I know I won't Thursday...big Christmas decorating day and weekend. We are going to start early to ensure getting done that day because V will be working a lot of overtime until the following Wednesday when we leave. I'm so excited!