Carrie, I know what you mean about babies always being sick. It's especially bad in the wintertime. I always say, once you think you have this parenting thing figured out, everything changes again. Good luck to your little guy and his teeth. As far as what computer game I play...it's World of Warcraft. It's an online role-playing type game. You move your character through the world and kill monsters, complete quests, work on professions, and it's all online, so you're playing and grouping with other real people. It's a fascinating study of human nature, really. The game is horribly addictive though...it's hard to be a casual player.

Sandra, my family LOVED the spaghetti pie. Everyone ate at least some, which is staggeringly amazing for my 2 year old, and several of them had seconds. I'm so excited to have some new Core recipes my family likes. The tamale pie of Vickie's is also delicious.

Spring Break is rolling along here...I just wish it was a little sunny. My mom stopped by this morning, and asked, "Is it daytime?" It's hard to tell...every day this week has been so grey and gloomy.

And, in big news...my mom got her 50 pound magnet yesterday!!! It's taken her a year and 4 months, and LOTS of struggle, but she got it! I'm so proud of her. She looks so different already. Because she's 4'10", 50 pounds on her is more visible.

Going to start my day now... Later.
Angela

Wow, Angela, that's great news about your mom. I'm sure having you supporting her really helps. Do you get all your aggressions out when you are playing on line? I think of you as so calm, you never know.

Carrie, it's been so long since I had babies, but remember that my middle guy had an awful time with teething. It was always a relief when the tooth finally broke. How old is your fellow?

Melissa, your wet hair probably ads a pound. Don't be embarassed about the scale, you're back to where you ought to be.

Had the snow tires taken off my car this morning, so off to pick it up. Gotta figure out what jacket I need today, it's that time when you roast in the car, but not warm enough to go without. Also, allergies are acting up, so I sound like my nose is blocked and it really is my ears.

Sandra, did you get your results?
Kathy, How are you doing?
Frouf, how's your day going?

Angela, congratulations to your mom! That is great news! I know you must be so proud of her!!

I don't feel well at all so I'm not going to stay long. It is raining and I guess all kids are asleep. Nobody's here to bring me anything and while I could get to the kitchen on my crutches, I wouldn't be able to bring anything back to the bedroom and can't stay out of bed very long. I'm in quite a bit of pain but don't want to take medicine since I can't eat anything with it. Sigh ... this really stinks.

I'll be back on later, probably after I get back from the doctor and get settled down.

Kathy, can't you scream into the walkie talkie? You poor dear.

Kathy, I hope you're feeling better this morning and that the reason you haven't been here is because you are getting some quality rest. I know rest is the best thing for you right now. I hadn't noticed that about pain medicine before but I remember thinking that I'd sleep deeply with pain medicine and I was surprised that I didn't. I'm really hoping your fever is gone because if it isn't, I know they'll put you right back in the hospital. The 2 way radio was a great idea. Let Judd keep pampering you. It won't last long so enjoy it while you can. I hope Judd let's us know what's up with you if you can't get on here yourself. He seems like he's a computer literate guy.

Sandra, are you at your surgery? I had NO idea that a person could get spurs on the top of their feet! I have a spur in each of my heels on the underside the I step on every time I take a step. Ugh. I hope your surgery goes very well and that you are on the road to recovery soon. I'm thinking a new pair of shoes with heel shock absorb (New Balance) and some extra heel inserts.

Saundra, I'm VERY ready for TOM to go away! They've been telling me since I was 40 (almost 10 years) that I am peri-menopausal. Sheesh! The bubble baths don't seem to be bothering me. I try not to do the real long soaky ones too often. I save them for the bad cramps because all that hot water feels SO good on my tummy. I'm glad you got Bernie's car back. I know that must have been hard on you. We only have one car and have only had one for a long time. Since we worked together and hang out together, it didn't make sense to have two.

Coco, I'm sorry about your gain. I know EXACTLY how you feel. You're getting some fantastic exercise so try to just be a little careful with the food and keep up the exercise. Are you drinking your water (and plenty of it?) and keeping the other guidelines (like dairy and healthy oil, fruits and veggies). I notice I start gaining when I get away from these things. How's your DH? I'll update you on mine later.

Frouf, my bubble bath was so great and did seem to help. I think it stinks that you might not get to Toronto as early as you want but at least your DH is working and being responsible. I've never seem Amazing Race but then I don't have that wanderlust like you to draw me in. How are you feeling today? I'm hoping you got some rest. It seems like your life and Kathy's are just exhausting. I don't know how either of you do it.

Carrie, I hope you enjoyed those 10 minutes of baby health! Seriously, I hope that mean old pushy tooth breaks through soon for your sake. As far as meals out, I do it alot. Fast food restaurants are out though as far as Core is concerned. Even with the nicer restaurants, I carry my own supplements in with me in little tupperware midgets or snack containers. I eat steaks/chops broiled (tell them to hold the butter since many brush butter on when they take them off of the grill). I order baked potato (same instructions with the potato) and carry in my own FF sour cream. Sometimes I eat sweet potato and then I carry in my own margarine for points, cinnamon, and add equal. I order veggies steamed no butter. Some resturants are starting to carry whole wheat pasta (Olive Garden) and some are offering brown rice (Ruby Tuesday's). I'm not sure what you have in Canada but with some checking around, you should be able to find some good choices. I have a little Italian restaurant by me that serves ww pasta and great healthy choices. I have another restaurant that makes their chicken and tuna salad with FF mayo and serves 93% lean sirloin. It takes somes scouting but it is possible without using any or too many of those precious points.

Angela, I cannot tell you how happy I am for your Mom! Please tell her congratulations for me. I am so disgusted with myself. I should have been there myself already too a long time ago. I hope you won't have horrible withdrawals from your game being down. I watched Boston Legal this week and there was a lawsuit filed because the video company was charged with making the games so addictive that kids just could not stop playing. Something about doing things to increase the amount of dopamine (sp?) in the brain. I'm sure it was fiction but it was interesting anyway. I remember playing for hours back in the old days. I haven't had a game since Intellivision in the late 70's early 80's. The computer already takes up too much of my time! I never tried the spaghetti pie so maybe I should go check it out myself. We desperately need some new dishes here in this house.

Melissa, what's up GF? Any news on the house hunting front? Try not to worry about those couple of pounds. I know how you feel though. The week before last, I got dangerously close to 270 again and I panicked. I am NEVER going back there. My scale is about the same this morning. I must get to New Balance for those shoes. Maybe today.

Woo Hoo that was a long message! That's what happens when I'm off for more than 12 hours and you are all talking up a storm.

Kathy I wish I was there to help take care of you.

Saundra, thanks. I've been very upset with myself over re-gaining the weight, and kept telling myself it was a temporary fluctuation (which some of it was), but it's time to get serious with it.

Vickie, I'm glad that you got lots of rest last night. Have fun getting your hair done today! I think that's exciting.

Angela, tell your mom a big for us.

House news--Aaron went to look at two today and it's a big no on both. One is in disrepair and in the other one the owner tore down a wall to a bedroom so we would have to put it back up. No thanks. But that house we originally wanted is back on the market, so I think we're going to go look at it again. I keep thinking that for the price we won't do much better, and it has such a great yard. I'm feeling quite anxious about making the right decision!!

I forgot to tell you all about Jim. The appointment yesterday was at the Ortho for his shoulder. His surgery is April 12th. The new MRI showed no additional damage so it's expected that he can have arthroscopic surgery. He'll be in a sling for 1-2 weeks and 8-12 weeks of PT. He goes for his first PT the day after the surgery!

I hate to be selfish but I keep thinking about additional things I'll have to do for him or that he usually does around the house. I'm not sure how much I'll be able to be here. Just yesterday, I realized that he'll probably have PT every other day and I'll need to drive him there and back. I guess I'll combine it with marketing and stuff to try to be efficient. He's in so much pain now that I'm thankful he's getting it done.

We have some things to look forward to between now and then. On Sunday we are going to see Wicked. It's a play about the prequel to Wizard of Oz. I'm looking forward to it very much. We'll be going with my Niece and Nephew IL. Then on Tuesday, we are going to see our beloved White Sox at game two when they are awarded their World Series rings. Our friend, the White Sox Organist, got us tickets and we'll be sitting with her Son and her husband. We bought parking from ticket brokers so I don't have to be nervous. You know we purposely scheduled the surgery for after those two events.

His tongue is healing and we go back next Monday to see if all is well. If there is a problem or if the tongue is infected we'll have to postpone the shoulder surgery. One step at a time. Yesterday, I made all his pre-op appointments and scheduled his first therapy appointment. Life can be good and hard sometimes!

Vickie, you were posting with me there! Thanks for the encouragement--it is an awful feeling when you see the scale getting back up to a certain point--that's when I decided to start counting points, etc. to try to get back on track. Oh and I think the shoes sound like a great idea.
I didn't think Sandra's surgery was until tomorrow??

Vickie, although you and Jim have a lot going on, it sounds like things are okay. And you have those two great things to look forward to!! And don't worry, I'm sure you will also do great while he is healing. I hope that you will at least have time to drop in and let us know how you are doing.

Oh, Kathy, that does stink! Wouldn't they hear you on the walkie talkie? Can you call Judd and ask him to call the house and see if they answer the phone. Man, if I was in pain, I'd want to be able to take my medicine. When is your Doctor appointment.

Melissa, it's quite normal to feel anxious about this decision. It doesn't get easier if it's the first or the fifth house. I really thought that first house we saw was adorable and like something you could work with. You have to be cautious but not more too slowly either. It can be nerve racking for those who like to take their time and move cautiously.

Oh I'll definitely drop in but I don't know how good a responder friend I'll be able to be.

Well that's the thing. We're kind of impulsive when it comes to these things. My brain says, why keep searching when you've found something you like that's affordable?? Then the other part of me says, you still have 35 days with your locked in mortgage rate, and you're just at the beginning of the season, so keep looking.
I don't know what to do!

Tee hee......I thought today was Thursday! That's part of what happens when you're retired. I actually type up a Word Perfect Calendar to keep us both on track or I'd probably be completely lost.

That's okay, we just want to keep up with you!