Good Morning Chicks! I had a really bad weigh in that I don't even want to talk about. Suffice it to say that if it's not all bloat, then I am in real trouble. I spent most of yesterday trying to get religiously back on program. I succeeded but it wasn't easy. It's like starting all over again. I have no time today, but tomorrow I start to exercise again.

My Doctor's visit was fine. I got more medicine for the vertigo. This stuff was great and the dizziness is nearly gone. It's funny Sandra, my Sister's doctor sent her to a ear specialist too and he never helped her. My Doctor says it's benign positional vertigo and gave me a pill called antivert which I took twice a day for 14 days. It's nearly gone. He says it's a virus in the inner ear. The room spinned....drastically when I would roll over or change positions. Weird. My mouth is ok. He said that was a virus too. He gave me nothing for that but I'm not surprised. My Internist is VERY against medicine. I know he's just protecting me. My throat is very sore this morning but I'm just going to treat it over the counter. He told me to gargle with warm salt water. It's like having my Mother around!

My Sister and BIL are coming for lunch. We planned it because my lilacs are in bloom and she loves them. She'll cut some and take them home for a vase. I don't like the smell so much but I think they are pretty AND they remind me of my Mom. She died in 1999 but I miss her every single day. She died after a long lingering devastating battle with Alzheimer's. Kathy, I credit your Mom because I have seen up close and personal how hard it is to be a caregiver for people afflicted with this disease.

On that happy note......I can't stay long because I have some more cleaning up to do before my Sister comes later. The cleaning needed to be done anyway. This is just a good motivator. Next week, I'll tackle the upstairs.

I'm going to update my menu from yesterday and see if there is a thread for today.

Happy Birthday to my Honey Lamb!!!!

Happy birthday, Jim! I hope it's a great day for you! (Okay, Vickie, you'll have to pass along the message for me, please?)

I'm up and determined to stay up. Judd has an early golf game so he's getting ready to leave. I didn't sleep all that well; he was noisy despite my earplugs and I was thirsty all night long. I have no idea what that's all about but will just continue to drink water all day and maybe I'll finally get enough sooner or later.

Shaun is going to clean downstairs all day so it'll be ready for the people who are coming over tonight. I'm not sure if they're dropping off the dinner or will be staying, so I need to make sure the dining room and breakfast room tables are presentable. I think all he needs to do is dust, vacuum and sweep the tile and wood, and wipe down all the countertops. Knowing him, though, that's an all day chore. He's slow.

Vickie, what are your thoughts on the gain? I didn't see anything too off-plan last week so do you think it's portions or lack of exercise or both or what? Knowing you, you'll be back in the groove and will be fine soon.

I'm watching the news and see where they put rain in the forecast today. It wasn't there last night. Looks like it's mainly north of us so hopefully it won't affect the golf.

Frouf, the link didn't work for me but it sure sounds nice. Put that man to work -- maybe it'll keep his mind off all his trouble. Is he still working?

Alright, I might as well see if I can find some breakfast. For some weird reason, I sat here and ate the last three Special K bars last night. Yup, one after another until they were gone. Now I don't have any so I guess it's eggs for me.

Melissa, I know how you feel about wanting the house to be clean when you move out. I remember when we got our new washer and dryer. I was disgusted and embarassed at the stuff underneath my old ones. You can only do so much. Try not to make yourself crazy. And poor Murphster! I hope he's better this morning. And poor you. You did not need more mess to clean up when you are trying to move out. Do you know what made him sick?

Saundra, I'm glad you were able to enjoy the tulips before you went to PT. Spring flowers always make me think of my Mom. I'll keep my fingers crossed that your PT and massage gives you great improvement for your trip.

Kathy, you sure had a crappy morning yesterday. I would have been plenty made too. I'd like to say that I cannot believe Shaun's poor behavior, but sadly it sounds like his pattern. I hope he stays repentent for a long time. Your Mom is going to love the pj's! They are really nice. I can't shop for clothes on Ebay. My size isn't consistent enough yet. I hope you enjoy your dinner tonight. It will be great for you to have some company and a good meal. Great news about your disability check. I'd have been worried sick!

Patti, stop in whenever you can. We enjoy your support and company. I'll be scare when it becomes pool time in Chicago!

Frouf, I'm so jealous of your yard plans. Your plans look amazing! I need to stop being so lazy. Actually, I said once I got down around the 200's, I'd plant a garden. Right now I don't feel that I can or would enjoy hauling myself up and down to tend the beds. What on earth is up with Emily? Does she just want to see how far she can push you or does she honestly believe she is entitled to the Zen and thinks it makes perfect sense for her not to go to school? OMG, I think I would have lost my priveleges for a year if I had refused to go to school. Yikes! I hope she gets detention too. Congratulations on your improved eating. Maybe you and I can get serious together. I set my exercise tracker for a beginning level of exercise. I thought it would feel good to accomplish a goal.

Sandra, I remember that picture of your roses. They are spectacular and easily as beautiful as those from a florist. Thanks for the information on vertigo. I did NOT know about salt, sugar, and caffeine. I'm off sugar and caffeine but am a salt addict. Just another reason to cut back.

Ok Chicks....I'm off to eat breakfast, finish cleaning, and get myself ready for company. I'll be back much later!

Kath, I didn't keep track (first problem!) of my WPA's on paper last week. I'm pretty darn sure that I ate more than 35. Also, I always get REALLY hungry right before my TOM so I'm sure I was eating more Core food than normal. Without exercise, it's a recipe for disaster for me. I drink my water religiously, so it wasn't that. I also skimped on veggies too. I wasn't cooking because Jim couldn't eat. All that considered, plus my TOM, I'm not surprised that I gained.

I've recommited to the exercise. Let's just all pray that my body/heel hold out!

Maybe, the Special K bars made you thirsty? I'm guessing they have some salt in them. I was hoping your company would stay so that you could enjoy yourself. I also hope Shaun steps up and does a good job for you. He certainly owes you. Is he definitely accepted in the Navy?

He is definitely in but he also says he has a timed running test that he has to pass and get on record before he can go. The recruiter never mentioned that the night he came here to go over all the paperwork with me. It's something like 1-1/2 miles in 13 minutes. He should be running every day and eating more to try and bulk up. He is very underweight.

I'm not sure about the thirst but before Judd left, he got me a really big glass of ice water so hopefully that'll help.

Thank goodness for DVR though. These people will be here right in the middle of American Idol. We work with the guy and I've been around his wife several times because Judd takes care of their cats when they go on vacation, and they always take us to dinner after they get home as a thank-you. I guess this time they decided to bring dinner to make it easier on me.

Just a quick good morning. My Aunt from Toronto called early this morning. She's been trying to come out for a visit, but my uncle who is in a home with Alzeimer's is not doing well. She is about eighty five and very with it, but it is so hard on her. We've made a tentative date of June 1st, and have to see what happens.

Vickie, I know that once you really put your mind to it, you will get going OP. You've had to deal with a lot, and sometimes things get put on the back burner. You sound like your ready to get going again.

"Cousin" Frouf, bravo, you had a good day yesterday. By concentrating on your own needs, you will feel better. I still only see two of my five perennials that I put in last year. When do I give up? I might get someone to come over and do something for me, since it's a small garden.

Melissa, poor you. I hope that Murph is okay, and that you have a good painting day. Soon, it will be done and you can put your feet up.

Kathy, glad that you are puting Shaun to work today. Will it be hard to get him to come down from his room? Do you know what the dinner is? Hope it will be fun for you. My scale was way down today, 137, so I better get some extra points in me.

Sandra, thanks for the idea. I don't crochet (did when I was a girl), but I'm sure that I could learn again. I've been thinking of taking up a craft. I must research what's available. In the meantime, I have lots of pics with me and my guys, which will be there for them to look back on.

Okay, better do breakfast,

Golly, Saundra, that's some whopper of a drop! I'm still sitting on 143 but need to eat a little more. I had changed my goal to 145 but really want to be 139 so I might keep going for a little bit. I don't know what the people are bringing but I have a bag of salad that I got with the pizza last night so I'll try to eat that for lunch. Hopefully my strawberries are still good.

I hope your aunt gets to come visit. I just love sitting and talking to people that age.

Morning chicks. It is a rainy, dreary day here. I'm hoping that it will be a good one though.
Thanks for all of Murphy's well-wishes, he appreciates them. I think he just got "backed up" and then everything decided to come out at once. We went for a long walk and he seemed fine.
I hope that you all have great days. After work we'll go home, eat dinner, then head to the house to try to finish up some painting and take some boxes. Hopefully we'll get lots done.

Gosh Saundra I would love to see your daily menus. You've been so successful.

Melissa, did you get your paper turned in?

Yes, thank goodness! Now I just have to read another book and write another paper by next Monday. But that's not as bad as Aaron--he has the same assignment as me, plus another paper and a test. And we're moving this weekend. I don't know how he'll get it all done, but it will happen.

Kathy do you know how to edit ticker factory tickers? I had to create a whole new one to update my exercise minutes. Just curious if you know something I don't about that.

Ticker Factory tickers can't be edited like the 3FC ones can be. It's quite annoying but you have to start over. Sowwy!

Okey-Dokey. I guess I'll go for a 3FC ticker then! I knew you would know the answer.

Well that's a bummer about updating the exercise tickers - more work than necessary really!

Dear Bloated Vickie - all that puffiness and water shall disappear by next Monday. Of all the people I know you are the most dedicated and will stick to it. Also the addition of any exercise will surely help!

Special Happy Birthday wishes to Jim - is he up to going out for dinner or anything like that? At the very least I insist that you buy him one extra special fluffy soft iced cupcake for him - of course you will also need a candle and your singing voice for a rousing rendition of "happy birthday to you" - I hope he can eat a cupcake?

Hope you have a great lunch w/your family and glad you got more meds to finish off that vertigo problem! Don't you just hate gargling w/salt-water?

Kathy - love the fact you mentioned how 'slow' Shaun was - I can imagine any one of us completing those chores in an hour or so (depending on size of home of course) - and how it will take him much longer. Seems to be a consistent 'male' problem? I can whip thru the kitchen in 20 minutes and have it looking semi-decent - but somehow no one else can manage that - how strange?

Not sure if I should call Emily's school or not? or wait? Got a message from her dad that he thinks we should call and 'cover' for her? I don't think so! Something about her being tired - what a bunch of malarky (sp?) - she had AMPLE time to do her studying - even if she was at the competition all day saturday - I noticed on Sunday she was relaxing, watching tv - had time for her hour long shower, redid her bangs purple - on the computer several times - and then big panic at 9:30 pm about the test? Poor thing! If I hear nothing back I think I will call the school and talk to the principal (we are on very good terms as big ds was President of student council while there and she cant' say enuf good things about him - loves that kid -and I always wondered who the heck is she talking about? ). I'm sure she can take care of the situation if required!

Saundra - do not get anyone to do your garden - trust me - if I can garden so can you! At my old place (in Barrhaven) I was going to hire someone, but my boss at the time went rank on me and said no way - you can do this yourself (and save big bucks) - she was an avid gardener of course. Took me to her place (in Cedarhill no less) and walked me around her gardens - I wrote down what I liked - then she told me how to plan/design (cutting sod is NOT FUN) - but I was so proud of my garden when it was done!

I am on the lookout now for 'interesting' rocks and boulders for interest - will take a walk into the 'crystal forest' (small patch of woods across from our house) to see what I can find - I'm sure little ds would love to help me haul out some big rocks!

Melissa - good luck to you and Aaron in completing your schoolwork and moving at the same time - wow! Hope Murphy is all better! (He's probably just nervous and stressed out cuz of the move )

Will try and get out at lunch today for a walk to the nearby outdoor market (I noticed a couple of stalls already open) - lots of fresh veggies and fruit so I will pick something up for office and home!

Dh hopefully keeping busy w/yardwork? No Kathy - no longer at work as his contract is up! This only means that he will find more and more things to complain about - not a good situation for any of us!

Just trying to hang on!

Frouf

Hey Chicks! I'm just hanging out here until my Sister arrives. I've got lots to talk to her about so I'm looking forward to her arrival. I'm very tired though and really must start deep cleaning. There will be not much computer for me next week with the exercise and the cleaning. I'll get here as much as I can though.

I'm still not sure where I'm going for lunch. I'll either have a salad or an eggbeater omelet and fruit.

Oooopppss....they're here! I'll respond to posts later.