Hello all!

Empress! Yes, its true, the best way to is to show them with your pocketbook!
We belong to a gym where we see the managers in the corner lot "hiding" and smoking too... Its funny on some levels.... but then again, no funnier I guess for me as I am a non drinker these past 10 yrs or so, to think about picking up some extra cash using my bartending experience.

The other thing I've done in the past which really does rattle the retail cages is write letters. Especially your case, with time line .... its not as though you are reacting to a one time out- of- the- ordinary experience. CC'ng the offender what your sending to corporate is always an attention getter.
Especially if you clearly point out that you believed there were no other places available to shop until out of desperation went looking.....Because it was so unpleasant to continue....

These cards to get stamped for savings sometimes are misleading too. A sandwich company offers "stamps" but everytime we want to use them, it is explained to us how its cheaper still to buy 2 sandwiches....

Ahhhh marketing.....

....

Rain due in by this afternoon and will be here most of the week. I feel like I could sleep right thru but I think I some tea I had yesterday was not decaf and that's why I was awake so much last night. So I will try and stay awake till naptime ( ) and go from there.

Scale contradictory this am.... Will report that sometimes the scale is showing the Easter Goal I set... which is still better than not seeing the number at all.... ??
Seems as though there is at least a pound variance depending how close to the bathroom door the scale is placed. I give up, cannot tell you why. All I know is, I like the lower number better!


****

Today's thought of the day :

"Nothing is impossible."
--Oprah Winfrey

Question of the day :
" Do you like to go to ethnic restaurants to try their food?"
--Table Topics by the Pampered Chef

*****

Eydie- I'm thinking garden too.....saw spinach plants and strawberries at the Coop yesterday... couldnt tell if the strawberries were everlasting so I passed...
DH did move the composter from one spot to another and we were very pleased with how much composting has happened since we began seriously adding to the pile every day. We are now trying to figure out how to add a 2nd "beginner " pile w/o spending nearly a $80.00 for what is really no more than a plastic box.... was wondering if what we used to call a "burn can" a metal trash can with holes in it would work .... we looked for one yesterday...

ok... must take care of somethings...

KETTLE IS ON!

Yo!!! Thanks for the solace re my vent, K ... to be honest I cut the card in half because I don't intend to shop there again or in any store in that chain ... childish, but I don't need the aggravation!!!!

I still haven't done a weigh-in but will come back and report when I do ... thanks for posting to the bunny forum ... going there next!

QOD: A resounding "YES!" I love to try new foods (which may be part of my problem in life)!!!

I am pmging thee also!

Hello all!

Ooucchhh!! Who wants to get up and get moving when its dark and rainy and you are good and spoiled from 3 days in a row off??
Oh boy! Autopilot on full this am!

Spent a lot of time laying down yesterday-- nauseous... woke up a lot the night before...
Not sure if it was more mental than physical..

And as for challenge's... seems like the past days I havent even remembered it! Just feels like I've been operating on Auto pilot!
I know I've stayed within point range but I couldn't tell you much more !

So....
FRESH START! Past is behind us!
FORGET REGRET!
FRESH START!


Anyone see the House Makeover show on ABC last night? They redid a house for a family who's son is now wheelchair restricted. They put in an elevator and ramps, roll in shower... His family was so thrilled for the independence he would now have again....
They were really more excited for things done for him than for themselves...

When I am feeling sorry for myself, I need to remember that there are lots of folks who'd be glad to swap my problems...

I'm cranky because I'd like a 4th day in a row off.... that young man is wishing he had my problems...

That's why sharing here is so important... we all can see that we have days of high motivation, days of no motivation...

Its just a part of the experience.


****
Thought of the day :

"Most accordion players are nice guys; even nicer when they don't play."


Question of the day :

"Is one parent's role/ job more important than the other?"

***


Kettle is on!

Mornin' all!

Icky ol' Monday - Fresh Start Monday... I've gotten to the point that I'm dreading getting dressed for work! Everything still fits, but is uncomfortable and a bit tight. So today will be a mini-fast. I had a small breakfast, am sipping water and that new Crystal Light orange juice, will have a banana later and tons of water. The plan is to flush the junk outta my system today and start eating like a sane person tomorrow. The first 24 hours coming off of sugar is the hardest. I can't remember the last time I was actually hungry. Very sad... Gotta kick this in the butt since I *refuse* to buy bigger clothes!

Had a great weekend, kept busy for the most part. Did a lot of painting (front room and window sills) and went to an elements workshop where we made something to represent each of the elements (loooove crafty stuff!). We made seashell rings (strung on fishing line to go around a candle or ?) for "water", incense for "air", fire oil (essential oils in almond oil) for "fire" and picked herbs to go in a soapstone jar for "earth". Had a blast! We also did some more planning for our oceanside retreat.

Anagram, thank goodness!!!! Could it have just been stress? Even though it's been pretty calm for you, stress does have that way of waiting for the lull to strike. And of course you were stunning! You said that as if we'd have thought *anything* else!

Amarantha, I'm with ya on the health food store. If there's somewhere else to go - go. I'm also a big fan of "word of mouth" - of course you don't want to bad mouth them, but if anyone asks you where you shop, I'd make sure they knew where and why! My dad just had a problem with a contractor charging extra for unauthorized work and his neighbor said to him "oh yea, he tried to do the same thing to us" - my dad's response was "so WHY didn't you say something when we asked you about ______'s work????". Word of mouth could'a saved him $500...
Thinking "good week" thoughts for ya too!

Cerise, I'm SO stoked that they contacted you!!!!! It could be "last circle" as in it literally will be the last celebration before the Solstice (which a lot of groups prefer there be no strangers). But either way, GOOOOO YOU!!!! Have fun and we wanna hear ALL about it! Call/e me if you need to ask any questions or ???

Kaylets, hope you're feeling more your chipper self... Easter makes me reflective too. We've never been a traditionally religious family, but it reminds me of my dad, who had custody of me when I was little, making such a BIG to-do about Easter. Now that I'm older I really miss that, and makes me appreciate him all the more now that I know the effort he put forth just for me. Odd happy/sad nostalgia....

Eydie, sorry I couldn't make it over with the tractor in time . Ditto here, waiting for the nights in the 20's and 30's to end before I plant. I almost killed my primrose when she stayed outside on accident and it got down to 34 . But, it lived - however my indoor lavendar sprouts didn't (eaten by the cats) and the jury's still out on whether my calendula is going to survive the kitty munching too! (#$%&@#$ cats!!!!!) I'm seriously considering one of those covered bookcase looking mini-hot houses to go outside - just so the felines will QUIT eating my plants!!!!!!!

Anagram said we can never have enough friends. I couldn't agree more! Do you know they've actually studied it and found that people live longer, healthier lives when they have friends??

Quickie about mom's google fiasco. We concluded that all that stuff was online because of the amount of groups, committees and clubs she belongs to. Also, she's written a lot of newspaper articles (relating to these groups) and voila, there you are, online. The directions were a little unsettling, but whatcha' gonna do? With camera phones, mini recorders, cell phones that bleed over, etc. isn't privacy an illusion anyway?

Toodles for now, better get some work done!

Terri

Hello all!

Cerise! This is going to be exciting! When is your first "lesson" with the new teacher?

Punkin! Yes, its very tedious when the clothes don't fit right and you feel more like the windshield than the bug... the good news is that it does, finally, get brighter....


Again, DH and I went to bed early and FORCED ourselves up this am....all night we could hear pounding rain on the roof and the trees.... but after 2 cups of coffee this am, I am starting to feel much more like myself...
Was getting nervous about a speech (oh boy, here she goes again) I am giving tomorrow.... I didnt realize how much of it was written until I looked at some notes ....
And remembered that this is not a contest and should really be nothing compared to the entire competition experience.

Just need a grabber opening line.....

Hmmmmmm


****
Thought of the day :
"There is always time for the things we put first."

Question of the day :
" Do you turn your headlights on every time you drive ( day or night)?"

*****


Here's something to put things in a different perspective:

Think a gallon of gas is expensive?

Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29....... $10.32 per gallon

Lipton Iced Tea 16 oz $1.19.......$9.52 per gallon

Gatorade 20 oz $1.59.......$10.17 per gallon

Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25.......$10.00 per gallon

Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15.......$33.60 per gallon

Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35.......$178.13 per gallon

Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85.......$123.20 per gallon

Whiteout 7 oz $1.39.......$25.42 per gallon

Scope 1.5 oz $0.99.......$84.48 per gallon


And this is the REAL KICKER...

Evian water 9 oz $1.49.......$21.19 per gallon?! ($21.19 for WATER - and the buyers don't even know the source.)

So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope or Whiteout (or, God forbid, Pepto Bismol or Nyquil).

Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump...

****************

KETTLE IS ON!

Hello all!

Wrote a big post again, hit the wrong key and its gone.....


Anagram- Was that you in the purple suit I saw competing on Hollywood Squares??

So isnt this interesting??
I am speaking today at my Toastmasters club. Found out just yesterday that we have a special suprise guest. The guest is the winner of the area contest who is coming for "practice" and feedback..... The next level of contest elimination is this Saturday. Yes, this is the speaker I competed against.
Initially, was very intimidated and was going to withdraw but then found out our other scheduled speaker from our club has withdrawn also. So, I could allow this to become an enormous drama... and allow the meeting to have only one guest speaker... or I can rise to the challenge and do my best w/a brand new speech....

So...

And since my theme is about how we all benefit when we blend our talents to make something greater than ourselves..... I guess this experience is meant to be.....

hmmmmm


Feels like a good day to binge....
Lets hope not


****************

Thought of the day :

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
---Eleanor Roosevelt

Question of the day :

"Have you ever put an empty ice cube tray back in the freezer?"
--Table Topics by the Pampered Chef

*************



Here's a grin... not scientific.. just for fun!


******************************
WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

>Pick your dessert, then look to see what psychiatrists think about
you! NO CHEATING!!
>
>After taking this dessert personality test, send this e-mail on to
others, but when you do, be sure to put your choice of dessert in the
subject box above... ALSO, SEND IT TO THE PERSON WHO SENT IT TO YOU!
>
>If all of the desserts listed below were sitting in front of you,
>which would you choose? (Sorry, you can only pick one.)

>Angel food
>Brownies
>Lemon Meringue
>Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Icing
>Strawberry Short Cake
>Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing
>Ice Cream
>Carrot Cake
>
>NO . You can't change your mind once you scroll down! So think
carefully, what your choice will be!
>
>OK - Now that you've made your choice, this is what research says
about you...
>
>
>Angel food ... Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzy
items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at
the end of the day.
>Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.
>
>Brownies... You are adventurous, love new ideas, are a champion of
under dogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up, you whip out
your saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and
direction. You are very loyal.
>
>Lemon Meringue... Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your hands, you are
an excellent after-dinner speaker and a good teacher. But, don't try to
walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, but you
have many friends.
>
>Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Icing... Fun-loving, sassy, humorous. Not
very grounded in life; very indecisive and lack motivation. Everyone
enjoys being around you, but
>you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you
mad. However, you are a friend for life.
>
>Strawberry Short Cake... Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other
people and can be counted on in a pinch. You tend to melt. You can be
overly emotional and annoying at times.
>
>Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing ... Sexy, always ready to give and
receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You have
a cold exterior, but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take
chances. Will not settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.
>
>Ice Cream... You like sports, whether it be baseball, football,
basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but
you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control.
You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.
>
>Carrot Cake... You are a very fun-loving person, who likes to laugh.
You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very
warm hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal
friends.


****

Kettle is on!

Oooh, have a good trip, Ceara. Baltimore is only an hour and a half from me and the weather is supposed to be great here this weekend. Hope you get to see Inner Harbor a bit but I assume you're really just busy with the show. There was one in our area last weekend.

I'll have to get back on the wagon to stay there. Was not good yesterday but am hauling self back up hopefully.

I'm a carrot cake. Strawberry shortcake was next. I don't consider ice cream a dessert - it's a basic food group.

Good luck on speech today, Kaylets. Show THIS audience the judges erred last time.

Re contractors - funny story (sort of) that dh heard from dd this weekend. She's been talking to contractors for ages about finishing her basement. Has talked to all neighbors, etc. Picked out one that all praised. Just before she signed a contract (thank goodness) he took off from business and family leaving many stuck. So she starts over and is about to sign with another. In fact he's at the house, they're talking final details, etc. The 3 yr old is being a 3 yr old. And he says to her "well you're a pain, aren't you?" - need I add daughter is starting over yet again as no way was he going to get a contract from her after that remark.

Sorry about car expense shock, Empress but you're right - you can't take the chance. Our shock was periodontist bill for dh - also $1100. Had been quoted $900 and dilly dallied for a while about that, than had an extra $200 added after he'd had most of work done. No choice, it was already done and he definitely can't take a chance on not having it done but doesn't help the mood or the budget. Hope all goes well today - and that you can take some me time from work as compensation.

And no empty ice cube trays, ever. Have an automatic icemaker now but before that, I would empty ice cube trays into plastic bags or whatever to make sure we always had enough. No empty cartons (or almost empty) returned either.

And, Empress, I also find the H.C. praline to be irresistable. I seem to be able to portion out i.c. much better than I can p.b. eggs though.

Mornin' everyone!

Had some computer probs yesterday and wasn't able to get online... I think my mom's ready to chuck her computer out the window (and I'd hold back the curtains for her!).

On a good note, I'm almost 100% back on the wagon (I'd say 98.9% due to a malfunction in the pretzle department). Feeling less like the bug and more like the windshield...

Had our first spring storm yesterday afternoon - complete with hail, thunder and lightning, then heavy rain and wind. Then, in typical central Oregon style, the clouds parted and it was sunny for 3 hours before the sun set.... What's that old saying "if you don't like the weather, just wait 15 minutes"?? Yup, it applies!

Cerise, a new teacher for you?? Very exciting! Now, about this sacrificing goats... there's none of that! We're actually a very normal bunch! Really!!!

Kaylets, I think it's smart of you to stay in the competition even with this other person showing up! She's been in the same position you're in at one time, I'm sure. Just go get 'em!

Ceara, you're probably already gone so I'll shout... ENJOY YOUR VACATION!!!!! (hope she heard me...)

Amarantha, jaw surgery?? Take care of yourself!!! Ouuuuch....

Anagram, OMG how RUDE was that contractor???? "you're a pain"???? Oh no, you don't talk to someone's child like that! Smart DD you have there... Sometimes I think a lot of people have a birth defect where the brain and the mouth aren't connected.

Off to sip more tea... I've had a sore throat since yesterday, hoping it's just allergies, but feeling a bit oogey this morning and almost slept through the 30 minutes of sunrise on my alarm clock (which almost *never* happens). T'will be an early night for me!

Toodle-ooooo!

Terri

[color=bluue]Yo, guys! Me-me time again! I've been home for hours and feel fine! Thinking of doing yoga but they told me no exercise. I got my double thick mat with hibiscus flowers and my two new Wae Lana tapes today but guess it'll have to wait.

Car is not done so I asked them if they'd pay for another rental day ... haven't gotten an answer yet! Too sleepy to be mad, though.

Anagram, I can't believe that contractor said that to a little girl ... what gets into people!

I had this really obnoxious plumber here a year or so ago ... my cat went and hid somewhere and I had Old Dog on a leash (I always do when a stranger comes into the house because she's extremely protective and never wants to leave my side and might attack if anyone upset) and I went looking for the cat with Old Dog in tow (she was concerned about the cat because she thinks she's the mom of the house so I would not have excluded her) we poked around and found cat and the plumber said, "Would you mind telling me why that poor dog had to come with you to look for the cat?"

Told him it wasn't any of his purview ... bah! I couldn't stand the man. He used to bang on my door at any time of the day ... usually when I was working ... and demand to be let in to work on the pipes.

Hmmm. I seem to be venting ... sorry for the me-me ...

Cerise, I think it's great you're getting set up with a strength training routine "on the ball" and that you'll have one of those at home ... they seem really effective and fun.

Anagram, you're right, the HC praline is fantastic ... I'm thinking of another serving right now ... need to eat carefully but I think I can handle the tiny praline crunchies.

Later s!

Hello all!

We've made it thru the storm! The sky is brightening up and the forecast looks promising!

I think I need to stand outside in the sunlight today to dry out! I think I was on the verge of mold growing up my legs!


***********
Thought of the day :

Every group needs someone who is friendly, cheerful and easy to talk to. Decide that you'll always be that person.

--Life's Little Instruction Book


Question of the day :

"How often do you read a newspaper?"

-**********


out the door!
KETTLE IS ON!