Hey gals, I am not going to be able to get on here as much since I have to deal with my crappy computer and will be busy with school and hopefully a job. I am so scared right now about money and school and nervous for my first day tomorrow. Anywho, I will try and get on here and I will be thinking of you all everyday.

Jana: I just got your package on friday. Thank you again so much. Had to laugh when my boyfriend saw the book, he hates Dr. Phil, says the guy drives him nuts. hee hee . Do you need to book back at a certain time??? Anywho, you thoughtfulness is appreciate. I love you guys. !!!!!

Sweet Story: I know most people don't believe cats will or can protect them in case of an emergency , etc. There have been a few documented incidents of cats attacking intruders, letting owners know of fires, etc. WEll, here is my story. On friday, my boyfriend had run to the store while I took a shower. I never close my door since I get too hot in there, so it is open a crack. I have one of those yucky sliding shower doors, that I think is too high, since I knick my feet occasionally. Well, I bashed my foot something fierce and screamed and writhed in agony while my foot was bleeding and the pain was intense. Well, thru my groaning and screaming, I heard the bathroom door bang against the toilet. I hadn't had a change to shut the shower door properly either. I heard my sweet baby boy cat crying and howling. He pushed the shower door open more with his face and jumped in the shower, crying the whole time and came and rub up against my legs. He heard me in pain and ran to my aid. My little Knight in shining armor. LOL I love this little being with my whole heart and he is my whole life and this just endeared him to me that much more. I picked him up and hugged him to calm him down and he nuzzled my head and purred LOUDLY!!! LOL I put him out of the shower and he sat on the bathroom rug the whole time I took a shower and would not leave my side the whole rest of the day. Isn't that sweet?? My little angel. So who says cats don't care and can't help. LOL
Anywho, I better go worry some more and rest my upset stomach. I love you gals and hope your week goes great.

Hello all! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. A little bit about myself; my name is Stacy. I am a student (14 hours) and have a part time job. I am 29- it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do. I am going to school to become a speech language pathologist. At my job I am a speech assistant. I live with my significant other ( he does not like the word boyfriend) for the past 3 yrs. We do not have any children. In August when school started is when I changed jobs and started taking more hours at school. So, the last few months have been an adjustment. I am on the South Beach diet. I purchased the cookbook and those are the meals that I prepare. Occasionally slip- but just get right back on it.

Shanna - I LOVE the cat story. I too have heard similar stories about cats coming to the rescue. I personally don't think MY cat would do any good, but he just might surprise me one day, you never know. The thing that I love about cats (or dogs, whatever) is that they ALWAYS know when you need a hug...and they will come and snuggle with you. My cat has this habit of coming into my bedroom when he thinks I am asleep (he'll only do it if my husband isn't in bed yet) and he'll walk all the way around my body, then come up to my face and rub his little nose against mine. Oh, and if he sees that I am awake, he will stop and come back later, so I have to pretend that I am asleep. He does this every night, I guess just making sure his mommy is ok

Sam

Good Monday morning, ladies,

Cristina - we are very worried about whether or not we'll even get to go to Disney World now. Our trip may have to be postponed. Neal says he will know in about 10 days one way or another. Your Santa Fe sounds very nice! I don't have a clue what they look like, but I'm sure it's nice. I had a Sandstone colored Bonneville a few years ago.. well, they called it Champaigne... and it was gorgeous. The thing is, I was used to riding up high in a van, and was a nervous wreck driving it, so we traded it off soon for an SUV. Then when we got so many grandkids, we traded for another van, which I thought I'd never do again, lol.

Marti - I know I'm not the only JL who feels this way, so when you go back to night shift, please have a guard walk you to your car when your shift is over, ok? The guard will be bored with nothing to do, anyway, so you might as well be safe! Did you look at treadmills this weekend?

Kathy - so good to see you popping in! How're the kids? Bet the baby is getting big! Computer problems can drive you bonkers, I know! Hope you come back often.

Katy - that's why I just stay with Flex instead of Core... and count it all in my points. The "free" foods are great with Core, but the cravings for all the other stuff just didn't work for me. Remember how I missed my graham crackers and pb, lol??? It was an adventure trying it, though! How's your class going?

Shanna - the book is yours to keep, sweetie. (I wrote an inscription to you inside) There is lots of info within to help you, and tell your DBF that it wouldn't hurt him to read it, too, lol. Awww... you cat story was so sweet! My dog Molly is that way, but you just don't think of cats being so concerned. What a nurturer!

Stacy - what a pretty name! Seems like you are in good company with several other students here. If you have any favorite SBD recipes, share with us, ok?

Sam - your cat story was sweet, too. It's just tucking you in! If I take a nap on the couch, my dog Molly will come up to my face and poke me with her wet nose to see if I'm asleep or not. Not any longer, Molly!!! Btw, thanks for sharing your bio.

Katiecat - hope you got the birthday card I sent, and wish you would join us for some chit chat here.

Hi also to Angie, Jen, Susan, Sue, Mindee, Julie and anyone else reading this.

Today is when Gina talks to the doctor about the rest of Macy's tests. If the results are all ok, I told her to ask if she could be dizzy with sinus trouble. I know I sure do get dizzy with it.

This evening, I am taking Mackenzie (the kindergartener) to a style show and bingo, and my sister is taking her granddaughter, too. I am really looking forward to this! I only wish the twins were old enought to take, too!

What're your plans for the day?

Just a quickie this morning, I'm waiting for the Bank to open so I can get some Parking money! (w/out a permit.....it's costing me $80 a month to park!) will be getting the permit this week sometime.

This is an early week this week. So I should be home to post individuals later on tonight.

Hope you all have a great Monday morning!

Jane - Are you postponing becaue of the weather? I did just get an email from my cousin in Clermont who, thankfully, escaped Jeanne intact. They've been extremely fortunate....but they have many friends and coworkers who have suffered severe damage.. so we keep them in our prayers. However, she did mention that, finally, there are no hurricanes on the horizon. Hurricane season goes through November 30 - so we are all keeping our fingers crossed. Thank you for asking about my classes - the internet one is alot of fun, but I need to get cracking on the brain class. I just sat down this morning and mapped out a week by week calendar of what I need to accomplish. Now that our schedules have settled into predictable chaos, I am looking forward to making some progress.

Marti - I remember the good ol' days of trying to find parking in Eugene! I went to U of O from 83-85, and probably STILL have outstanding parking tickets - yikes! Watch it 'round those frats - I went to lots of parties at those houses with my best friend at the time who was a Chi Omega. I doubt they've changed much in 20 years, lol! I was most definitely NOT a sorority girl, but I certainly didn't mind tagging along to the functions with my friend. Anyhoo - Jane's suggestion about getting escorted to your car is a very good idea......

Cristina - I missed something- you did buy a car? I need to pay better attention. That's great- there's something exciting about new wheels. I tend to be pretty pro- alternative modes of transport like walking and buses, but I can't help it - I love my car!

Samantha and Shanna - really enjoyed your stories about your cats. I haven't had a cat in many years, but you reminded what I loved about my cat all those years ago. Gonna have to get another one someday.

Welcome Stacy - Glad you are here. What Jane said...would love to see some fave SB recipes. I read the book recently , but did not find it a good fit for me personally - however, the recipes did look good and I do try to eat enough lean protein along with lots of fruits and vegetables.

Susan - How was Sauvie's Island - you reminded me that we are going to have to plan our trip to the pumpkin patch here pretty soon. We usually drive out to Canby and go to the Flower Farmer. It has a little train and you board at their barn. 1st stop is the petting area with goats and rabbits. 2nd stop is a huge hay bale pyramid with a maze inside right in the middle of their pumpkin patch. The kids get their pumpkins and play play play, then we get back on the train and head back to the barn to pay. Then we go home by the back roads, and take the Canby Ferry. Hope the girls are enjoying school and things have settled down for you a bit.

Hi to everyone else - I'm off to walk. I lost 2 lbs last week, and as mentioned, I did not stick to the Core 100%. All the walking must have helped. Confession: another reason I am back to flex this week is because I have a ton of Skinny Cows in my freezer, leftover fro the BBQ last night. Counting points should help me keep those in line and my face out of the leftover potato chips

Have a great day everyone!
Katy

Marti~I can't believe you have to pay $80 for parking. Wonder if the company would reimburse you for part of that??? DH had a supra a few years ago and he loved it. I just can't picture him in one because he is so stinking tall. But for a long time all he had was small cars. He looks so uncomfortable in this thing but he says it is fine. I myself have never had a small car, except a Nova back in the early 80's which wasn't so small, or didn't seem like it was. I am sure I will get used to it. But I have a feeling in a couple of years, maybe three I will probably end up getting another mini-van.

Jane~I too love the name Jane, it is my SIL's name and they named their baby Sarah Jane which I thought was/is so cute! Of course she is too! I only chose the name Cristi for 3fc also, never really went by it. It doesn't bother me to be called that here but outside of 3fc I don't care for it. Keeping my fingers crossed that you guys don't have to postpone your trip. I was wondering as I saw online that Orlando was hit. I think it said the epcot center was hit, can't remember now. But am wondering how much damage they got. Funny, you mentioned you not thinking you would go back to another mini-van because I know for a fact I will after this. LOL It is kind of weird it being so short, but I do like it. I went with the Sandstone because of the interior. Seems everything is grey now and the last 5 cars I have had had a grey interior. Just wanted something different and this interior is tan/beige, not sure of the exact color.

Katy~yeppers, bought a car Friday evening-the Hyundai Sante Fe.

Hi and WELCOME Stacy!


Aaaah, Shanna and Samantha, what cute stories of your kitties.

Hi to everyone else.

Nothing much on the agenda for today, but then there never is. Need to run a couple of errands as soon as I get a shower. That's terrible, it's noon and I have yet to take a shower. Oh well...just getting some laundry done and vacuuming. I finished A is for Alibi (finally got it) and started D-almost finished it last night. It is a short one so I kept going, have about 5 Chapters left on it. Will read F and then move on to another Author. I will save R for later. Anyhoo...need to jump in the shower and get to the post office, and go move the sprinkler. I am so glad it is cooling off this week.

Hope everyone has a great Monday. See ya

Ok, now that we are all changing our names, I want to change mine too. From here on out, I'll be Fred! Ok, just kidding!

Well, had another "pet emergency" yesterday. Sometimes I feel like I should have some animal reality show going on here. Anywho...I was just getting ready to leave for work, and noticed that my dog had a 2 inch round open, weeping area on her right hip. Took her to the ER, it's just a hot spot, some time of skin infection, caused by moisture. All I can figure out is it's from laying on the floor after I mopped on Wednesday. So much for mopping from now on! She's on antibiotics, and I had to run to the vet and get her a collar so she can't get to it. Poor girl.

Today I've been mostly running errands, catching up. I have to run in to the office for an hour for a meeting. Then I plan on walking this evening and taking it easy for a bit.

Jane - O-M-G! Bite your tongue. If I were pregnant I'd be jumping off the I-74 bridge into the Mississippi River. I had liver function tests, because of my new migraine med, some other test to try to find out why I have big red blood cells, could be b-12 deficiency, and a factor v leiden, a genetic clotting disease that apparently is on my dad's side. All of them, including my dad, have had blood clots.

Marti - even if you can't get reimbursed from work for parking, you may be able to claim it on your taxes as a work expense. I was able to claim my parking fees when I went to school at the U of IA as an educational expense.

Cristina - Congrats on your Santa Fe.

Katy - Congrats on your loss! I just love those skinny cows.

Samantha & Shanna - Now for my little cat story. I've got one big cat, named Runty. At one time he was the runt of the litter, and I didn't think he would survive. Anyway, little, big Runty isn't exactly a snuggler. He doesn't like to be held, but will sit on your feet or legs if it suits him. Anyway, a few years ago, I had my gall bladder out. I got home from the hospital, took a shower and starting hurting, but it was too soon for vicodin. The pain got so bad, I started pacing back and forth through the house. My little Runty paced back and forth with me the whole time. And sat on the arm of the couch next to me whenever I was there, and followed me around the house. Now, whenever I'm sad, he's right there. His nickname now is "Little Buddy".

Well, gotta go figure out that collar for my poor poochie!

Jen (aka Fred)

Happy Monday. I got up and walked 2 miles this morning. Came in and had coffee, dusted, swept the utility room and then showered. SIL and BIL came over so we could all go to lunch. We visited most of the afternoon. My hubby is making a beautiful entertainment center for the SIL and she came to check it out.
I am lazy now for a bit, then have a party to go to this evening.
I am so jealous of you gals who are losing two pounds a week. I feel like I am eating very little, walking ALOT, and can't seem to lose much at all. I guess I have to eat even less....or at least different. Maybe I just need a new scale....haha.

Okay, serious moment here. I got the biopsy report and I have skin cancer on my back. I have to go in Thurs. for more surgery as they will remove more tissue from the area. Dr. said 99.99% of the time this type cancer does not go into anything worse. I found this out last Thurs. and had trouble dealing with it, or believing that it would be okay. Now, I am okay and can talk about it. It was just a shock!
I still have no relief from all the other tests and the pain in my side, but I am learning to live with that. See the Dr. the 5th for that again. Getting old is no fun.

I want to thank you JL's for having this place for me to come when I just want to "say something out loud." (does that make sense?)


Sue

Sue- I am sorry for what you are going through. I hope everything goes well for you on Thursday. My thoughts will be with you.
Jen

Hello! I just got back from Disneyland, and I am soooooo tired, but it was so much fun! It's my very favorite place to go -- if I had a choice to go to Hawaii or Disneyland, I'd pick Disneyland, LOL...it's hard to explain but I have very fond memories there. It's kind of...restorative? I guess...I have to go back to work tomorrow, and it will be hard. I'm already starting to plan my trip for next September. I want to spend every birthday there!

My feet are really sore, have no idea how far we walked, but it had to be miles every day. Next year I will try to remember to bring a pedometer -- would be cool to know how far we walked

Thanks for the e-card Marti, and the snail mail card, Cristi, and thanks to everyone who gave me greetings here on the board -- I didn't get your card yet, Jane, but that's something to look forward to

Suetalks, I am very sorry to hear about the skin cancer on your back, but glad that the Dr. thinks the surgery will resolve it completely. Hope it's as quick and easy as possible. Let us know how you are doing.

Welcome to Midwest Gal and Samantha You've found a great, friendly, supportive bunch of ladies

Good to hear your job is going well, Marti...and Angie, what are you doing for the production of Fiddler?

Hi to everyone else -- I'll be back later to post more, but I'm doing post-trip laundry and making stew for dinner. I've missed you guys!

See you soon,
Katie

Oh, and Shanna...loved your kitty story! The most heroic thing my Chloe ever did was to save me from a giant spider that was crawling up the comforter, but I will be forever grateful to her for that We're all rooting for you in school, and keeping good thoughts for you that you'll find the perfect job to work around your classes -- you can do it!!!

Hello ladies, how is everyone today? My day was okay, I didn't get to work out today because I had to do laundry at the laundry mat. I did work out a doable schedule for myself. My new goal is to work out at least four times a week. I unfortunately have not worked out since last Friday, nor have I been drinking enough water, and my body is definitely upset about it!!! I have not "cheated", though, so that is good, I guess.
Anyways, you guys have a great day!!

Sam

I really do need to slow down...lol
I didn't have a cold, just the flu, which everyone had/has. So migraines and aches and pains are gone, and I had some allergic reaction to whatever the farmers are doing right now.
First off, Marti congrats on the soon to be nephew Lucas! Parking in Calgary is nuts, you can pay anywhere from 10 to 12 dollars a day. Times that by the month and its a couple of hundred easily. I had to go to the court house last week, 5 bucks for an hour. Rip off! Grrr
Jane, have faith you will go on your trip. And Im glad that Macy's test came back good.
Cristi, I am jealous! I have been wanting a Santa Fe for years now. Great split transmission, did you know that Volvo makes Santa Fe transmissions? Which are considered the best. great leg room in the back...but I guess you know all that...lol That is what Im going to get once we get all our finances settled. Plus we only bought Monte a brand new car last year. I went to Linen n Things and saw candle scents stuff and saw your fresh cut roses...nice.
Katie, welcome back...I love Disneyland too, and spent my 31st birhtday there. And would have gone again this time but Brandon's feet wouldn't allow us to do the walking.
Samantha, welcome to our group!
Sue, Im sorry to hear about your last set of tests...hope all goes well.

Shanna, love your cat story...how sweet of your lil boy. My baby is like that, she tries to get in the shower with me each morning, and whimpers and cries till I get out.
Tanner's 12th birthday was yesterday but we had his party Friday, picked all the boys up from early dismissal and took them swimming. Then brought them back and we had pizza and junk food with cake. Then I drove everyone home while Monte took Tan to football. Then had a game Sat afternoon,,,it was intense. They won and feeling pretty good, since the last few years they had been in a no win slump so far 3 games won out of 4.
Sunday was rehearsal for Fiddler....loving the show.
NExt week Brandon has sugery, nervous, worried, panicy,,,yup thats me....lol Told my mom to maybe wait for another week to come,,,shes worse then me,,,and I would just feed off of her...vicious cycle..lol
Can't tell you how much Ive missed you all, felt like a major thing missing in my life the past 2 weeks.
Well off to bed I go
night
Angie

Hiya ladies!

Marti - yikes, your parking fees are atrocious! Thank goodness it's only a temporary thing. So are you liking the job ok? Glad your co-workers are nice.

Katy - YAY for the 2# down!! Don'tcha just love WW?? If we postpone Disney, it will be because of an impending hurricane. So we won't know until about 10 days before we go, or about this time next week. Way to go making your own syllabus for the class, so to speak. Glad you're getting into a routine.

Cristina - Disney's site yesterday said they were open as usual for business, so I guess there wasn't too much damage. I love my van, now, too, and couldn't imagine not having it. A is for Alibi was one of my favorites by Sue Grafton, and I hope you like it. The ending scared the bejeebers outta me, though!

Fred - er, I mean Jen, lol. I say you should never mop again, lol, poor doggie! Well, I guess I'm glad you aren't preggers, since we'd have to drag ol' Miss for your body, lol.

Sue - how was the party last night? Hope you had fun. Sorry about the skin cancer. I know it's scary, but it's gonna be ok. Hey, I have small losses, too. Some weeks only a 1/4 or 1/2 pound, but they have all added up to 72 big ones! You're doing great with the exercise, Sue.

Katiecat - you should've gotten my card before your birthday! I mailed it 5 days before your birthday!!!! Glad you had fun in Disneyland. Where's my post card, lol??

Sam - glad you're staying OP!

Angie - we missed you, too!! Brandon will be ok, sweetie, and just think how much better his feet will be when this is all over. It's hard, I know, but you are strong, and we'll be here for you, ok? I'll be calling you before too long.....

Mackenzie Jo (5 y/o) and I had so much fun at the style show and bingo last night. She was a little put out that we didn't win anything, so that's when I gave her the "spending time with each other is what counts" speech. Just call me Mike Brady, lol. Btw, she said something too cute... the style show was about 1/2 over, and she goes, "Grandma, when's the movie gonna start??" Everyone around us got a big chuckle out of that! I never did find out WHY she thought there would be a movie!

Toodles,