Morning all.

Kirsty not long to go now and all will be revealed. I presume you have instructed DH on how to proceed on here with the birth notice?? Before he goes to the pub pleeeeaaaassssse.

Teel - have you lost your connection again???

Mel - the power of the mind, it's endless. I'm glad to hear that you are spending time outdoors. Nothing like a shady spot, a good book and the smell of the garden (not to mention the twittering birds, the yappy dog, the neighbours brawling again). Such are the joys of living in a neighbourhood!
Ummm Chris's problem was only started by an allergy. I don't think they are searching too hard for it. Once it gets in the system it seems to become something else. I think the med description called it vasculitis or something similar. It's these things that go awry and cause some very nasty symptons beginning with asthma or asthma-like conditions. It will take some time - months, years, maybe never to get the feeling completely back. She may never be as good as she once was, but the impression is that some improvements will come once the dosage of steroids is stable and correct for her. The main thing is she can continue to work, get around, eat, sleep, dream and THINK. It could have been much worse.

Holly - please sit down and have a bit of a break. I always find that I function better if I plan my day and plan in lots of 10 minute breaks - do a job, have a break, do another job, have a break. Plan the heavy stuff early when you are at your freshest. It all gets done and one doesn't seem to get so frazzled. I was amazed at myself last Saturday. All my jobs got done in less than 4 hours just by following the above method. On Sunday I was wondering what to do with myself - although there was plenty I could do. No plan, you see.

Happy, glad the ban on ants swimming works at your place as well. I have a great deal of admiration for ants - but not inside on the food or the expensive cat biscuits. Sleep well, enjoy the class. Hmmm you are not doing a 2 day OnDemand course here in Brisbane are you? We've got one running upstairs today. However, how much of a success it will be is anyones guess as yesterday they were running around like headless chooks trying to sort out what they had to do to get ready for it. 7P's comes into that. (Prior planning & preparation prevents p*ss poor performance) Not my problem, I'm not running it. I am not getting involved unless they ask for further help like yesterday.

I finished that course of multi vitamins today. Finally!!!!!!! I'm not taking anymore, I really don't think I need them. They certainly didn't make me feel any livelier and I suspect that I am getting enough from the good solid meals and fruit that I already eat.

DS2 is going camping on Fraser Island for a week today. He rang a couple of days ago to tell me this and put in a request for some Hedgehog. For those of you who are shaking their heads at this point, hedgehog is a confection of dark chocolate, butter, sugar, egg, cocoa and broken biscuits all flavoured with a liqueur - in this case Bailey's Irish cream - and it is not one of those prickly little animals that live in the bush. Take a bow Shad, not only did you make the stuff but you did not even eat any of it - not a crumb. And I packed up the left over chocolate and biscuits and gave it all to the DS2 last night. Actually it wasn't all that difficult not to eat any - not enough alcohol in it for me!! Then he cadged my camera bag to hold his new Canon digital camera. Yes he bought one and we gave it a workout last night. He tells me I can borrow it to take to Japan with me. He also left with one of my lens which has a bigger macro than his new one. Kids - doesn't matter how old they get, you still have to organise them.

Well not much more to be said from this end. I'm off to do some more reporting doco and should just about finish that today. Then it will be refining it and having it QA'd. How I hate that bit. So without further ado, I will be off to do some work, pack my stuff (I'm being shifted to the 13th floor) and go get some coffee. Back later.

Good morning ladies,
Mel I hope you had fun with the birdhouses. Most people don't understand those are for decoration only - birds tend to run away from them FAST.

Loved your 7P's Shad. I will have to remember that one. Sounds like you're the family lending library. Will have to let us know what you think of DS2's new camera. Good on yah for not touching the Hedgehog. Good on yah again for making the Hedgehog and not putting more liquor in it so that it WOULD have been appealing to you.

It is the second day of my presentation class. Get to the front of the class and give nervous speeches. I will be glad at 4:30 today when it's over. Not a bad class overall but there are 2 instructors. One really monopolizes the class (and I hate to tell him BUT he is not as interesting as the other. Perhaps because he is overbearing and while trying to be helpful comes across as downright pompous. But perhaps he is at that). At the risk of being anti social I did not join the others for lunch but instead stayed behind yesterday and ate my turkey sandwich, carrot sticks and tomatoes. I felt virtuous.

We're finally going to get some rain. We need it. Haven't seen a drop since the hurricane blew through here. I just hope it waits long enough for me to get into the office. Today our speeches get videotaped. I can do without "rain hair".

Off to the showers to practice today's speech. Have a good one.

HAPPY~ I AM PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR LUNCH!!!! ALSO I KEEP LAUGHING ABOUT DH AND THE ANT KILLER....I AGREE WITH HIM!!! ROFLMAOFF JUST KILL THE BUGGERS NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES!!! LOL GLAD THE CLASS WENT WELL AND YOU GAVE ME THE HORRORS JUST THINKING OF SPEECHES!!! ALMOST ENOUGH TO GIVE ME COLITIS!!! LOL

SHAD~ I THINK TILL THE DAY I DIE, JEN WILL NEED SOMETHING OR BORROW SOMETHING AND HAVE A BIT OF ORGANIZING IN BETWEEN. LOL IT'S THE NEVER ENDING STORY!! WTF!!! OI DON'T REMEMBER READING ANY OF THAT IN THE HOW TO BE A MOM INSTRUCTION BOOK!!! HAPPY MOVING DAY!! TO THE 13TH FLOOR! WILL YOU COME BACK TO SQUARE ONE WHEN IT'S DONE?! LOL GOOD LUCK. I AGREE ABOUT THE VITAMINS. YOU FOOD IS HEALTHY AND FRESH. EXCEPT FOR CALCIUM, THAT SHOULD BE ENOUGH. THIS OSTEO THING SCARED ME WHEN I HEARD JUST HOW MANY WOMEN GET IT.
SO BE CAREFUL! WHEN OUTSIDE, I DON'T SIT TOO LONG IN ONE PLACE CAUSE THEN YOU SMELL THE SMOG! LOL WHEN YOU RIDE IT SEEMS TO SMELL BETTER! MUST BE THAT YOU CATCH A BREEZE AND CANNOT SMELL ALL THE EXHAUST FUMES! ROFLMAO

HOLLY~ MY OVER WORKED FRIEND. I FEAR YOU WILL NEVER LEARN MODERATION IN ANYTHING! ROFL THE JAM SOUNDED NICE THOUGH. HOPE THINGS CALM DOWN A BIT NOW AND YOU HAVE SOME ROOM TO BREATHE IN! TAKE TIME FOR INNER STRENGTH REBUILD TOO. YOU MAY THINK YOU CAN DO IT ALL BUT TRUST ONE WHO KNOWS....WHEN YOU SPREAD YOURSELF TOO THIN, THERE IS NO GAIN FOR HOLLY. EXHAUSTION AND TEARS WILL BE THE ONLY REWARD. SO TO YOU REMIND YOU TO PLEASE BE CAREFUL. OK I'M OFF THE SOAPBOX!!! BUT WE ALL CARE ABOUT YOU TOO.

LINUS MUST BE GETTING READY AND COUNTING THE HOURS FOR 's ARRIVAL!! I FOR ONE CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!
I AM OFF. TODAY IS BIRDHOUSE DAY AND TOMORROW MORE LIKELY TOO. THEY SEEM TO NEED 2 DAYS FOR PROJECTS. I TELL THEM IF THEY TALK TOO MUCH THEN THEY CAN COME BACK THE NEXT DAY AND FINISH UP! CRACKS THEM UP CAUSE THAT'S THE REAL REASON!!! ROFL SEE YA TOMORROW. HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!

whooshkins!!
The last 5 hours have whizzed right by. I have sat down quietly for the first time since 6:30 am. Way too crazy for this chick.I even had my morning coffee on the fly. Yucky!
We have started an Coffee Hour drop in time at our church every Wed morning for 9-11. This was the first one.
I organized it but there is a couple hosting it. I had to drop off flyers and a sign board and colouring pages for kids etc. I had 4 kids in tow. It was quite nice actually.The minister was there and another woman popped in.
DS went off to school for his picture day.
I did relax yesteday. I laid on the floor to stretch and did lots of breathing a few times. I watched a soap. I did not run any errands.I watched Canadian Idol and Tommy Lee and then went to bed early to read. Both kids were up crying in the night. I am wondering if they are getting a bug.
I ate a nanimo bar for lunch and a burger for supper. It was all balanced out somewhat with a lot of celery and cucumber. ACK! I am having a menstrual symptom Is usually dont have.
I am going to do Grandma’s hair tonight.
The kitchen is a mess again!!!! Still!!!!!!
I had a interesting chat with the school council prez who I think is an absolute gift to this planet in a bazillion ways and she talked about how I made her feel inferior and badly about herself because of how on the ball I was with stuff, acknowledging it was her issue. Weird because I look up to her in many ways.Ya just never what is going on inside someone. I invited her over with a shovel to get through the wreckage I call home! LOL!! Something has to give!
Thank you Shad for the advice and Mel for caring. I am doing a lot right now and I AM pacing myself and saying no to a some and i normally do WAY more canning. The jam was a special request from DH and I only did 2 batches, I normally do 6.
My work for the church will slow right down as of today, school council next Monday....why does every treat Sept like the start of everything. Something could wait til Oct!
HUGS to you wonderful ladies. I have been meditating and getting to bed early.

Okay, Breathe!!!!!!

On the downhill run to the weekend now. I'm really looking forward to it as well. Not that I am going anywhere or doing anything exciting, it's just a rest from getting up early and going to the gym and coming here. Oh I suppose I will be doing something exciting. I'll be paying for my trip to Japan - which reminds me, I had better do something about organising money as well. Ring the bank today Shad.

Holly, I remember when my kids were small and we never had much money and they had all these activities. It was like Monday was Scouts for one and Soccer practice for the other, Tuesday was music for one, Wednesday was footy practice and Karate, Thursday Scouts and music, Friday was getting ready for the weekend and Saturday was Soccer and Footy or cricket and tennis (depending on the season) usually at different ends of the city and 3/4 hour apart, Sunday was more practice, more music, more Karate. I seem to remember spending so much time in a car, I can't remember how meals, frozen food, preserving etc all came about. It all got done though. Somehow.

Mel, some of those arts and crafts sound such fun. I'm sure the seniors really appreciate the efforts put into these social events. Should take a pic of all the little birdhouses and show us - we can judge which one is the best and give the maker a big thrill - international judges and all that you know. Just don't create a tartan bird house as the Scots will all vote for that. Kirsty will have the whole family in to vote.

Happy - a speech class??!!! Why do you have to do a speech class. Are you going to be on the speaking circuit (along with Bill) soon?? Or is it a part of your personal development on staff stuff?

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am here before you, to stand behind you and tell you something I know nothing about." Just remember if you can't bedazzle them with your brilliance, bewilder them with bullsh*t.

I'm going up to the 13th floor to be with the business support group. I'ts a logical move since I am there to train and transfer knowledge to the local population. It's just that I enjoy working with 'the boys'. They are fun, call a spade a spade and not a digging implement, and are not afraid to tell you when you are wrong, right, look good, look bad or any other thing that crosses their mind. We laugh a lot. The BSSG (Business Systems Support Group) are a bunch of women with whom I get along reasonably well, however I don't think that the same camaraderie will be there. Also I don't get a window seat like I have here so will begin to feel hemmed in after a while. Not too worry, it isn't for ever.

Right I'm packed and ready to go, just waiting on IT to let me know when they will move the computer which could be today, tomorrow, next week or three weeks later. It will happen. So I had best go do some work while I can.

Yes Shad, I was in a speech / presentation class. No, I probably didn't need it. But... I wanted to get a piece of the training dollars before the "boys" grabbed every single one of them. It's kind of like sitting down to supper with a big family. If you don't speak up and grab your share you go hungry. Since I wasn't around last year to state my case for the budgets my share of dollars is pretty slim.

And slim is NOT the word to describe how I looked on the video tape yesterday. What a cow I have let myself become. It is a good motivating incentive. I watched the weight loss show "The Biggest Loser" this week. First show of the new season. Wouldn't it be wonderful IF our full time job was weight loss and getting into shape?

Tonight it's off to the chiropractor after work for our "evaluation" we signed up for at the fair this weekend. I'm sitting on the fence about this, not sure I want to engage. Hubby is willing to give it a try at least. I cannot tolerate the sound of cracking knuckles or joints, not sure I want anyone adjusting my spine. But I think tonight it's just peeking and poking, no touching. We'll see...

It will be a busy day at work at least. Last I looked I had over 100 emails to sift through and several requests I deferred while I was in class. At least the day will fly by. Weekend will be busy cleaning up in preparation for mom's visit next week. Oh and I have to get the neighborhood newsletter out this weekend too. We close our pool for the season next week. I haven't gone into it in 2 weeks, too cold now, don't know why I'm sad but I am. Will miss swimming.

Babbling now, time to hop in the shower and get the day underway. Have a good one ladies. Sending some cleansing rain your way Mel.

Good morning!!
I have 3 enormous zits growing on my chin. Gotta love hormones and chocolate!!
Yesterday started out chaotic but got great.
I had 6 kids for lunch and then 2 went home. 1 napped and 3 played house. The new boy is working out just peachy. It was exactly what the group here and DS needed.
DS has been getting about a 1/2 hour of homework every night. Helloooo? he is not 7 yet. He is getting tummy cramps from worry. He is afraid of doing it wrong and stresses. Either DH or I sit with him and we do it step by step, encourage, redirect.....
My wallet went missing yesterday but it turned at a families home in their diaper bag.whew.
I puttered in the aft and got some laundry, housework and stinkin dishes done.
I went to do my Grandma’s hair and got my hair trimmed after. My Grandma commented that my Sis had stopped having family bday parties for her son when he was 5 and maybe I should too. My first thought was what the the heck does what my sis does have to do with me. My Mom had said the exact same thing the other day. LOL. Do ya think the family had a powwow and decided this for me? Just like my Mom told me she was coming next Thurs for DD’s Bday. I was going to retort but I stopped myself. I am seeing more and more just how silly these people are. I cant stand indirect people.
I was feeling strong and wide awake all day yesterday, clear minded .I had a nice drive home and I watched the last hour of the Canadian Idol final. I was just in time for Kalan’s* heart*performance. Egads he makes me happy.
Then I watched the first half at 11 on another channel and saw Kalan again. hee hee hee
I went to bed all peacful and happy.
Tonight is the Home and school Sept Social( meet the teacher). I was asked to make some calls for volunteers. It was super disorganized.The prez is too busy to help or attend. HUH? I did what I could.
Now for School council, we are having a special presentation tonight. We are the 2nd school in all of Canada to win a Peaceful Schools International Flag!!!!!!! This ROCKS!!! I am so proud of our little country school and my groovy little committee!!
Oops, I best feed the kids and get them ready for school.
I was so nice to sit and write.

Shad~ This busy-ness doesn't last forever, does it? I groove on the energy of it. I just wish someone would clean my house!!!

Love to the worldly chicks!!!

HUGS!!

hi chickies,well tomorrows d-day ill ask sheila if shell come on and let you know the babys sex in the morning if not andy will do it after he gets home,im in theater at 9 am so it should be early ,thanks for all the wonderfull support and pressies and good wishes and ill speak to you all soon
lots of love
kirsty +soon to be out bump

OOOOHH Kirsty. Bump is almost here, one more sleep. Make the most of it my friend. Don't forget, we want weight, length, sex, colour of eyes, colour of hair, name, time of birth, etc. etc. etc. The wait begins.

Holly - no the busy stuff doesn't last forever. Once they get their driving licences, it decreases somewhat - however you never give up worrying about them particularly if they are the ....aaaaaahhhh...... somewhat spirited variety. You always wonder if they are alright and happy and out of trouble. I was sitting here wondering about DS2 earlier thinking I hope he is okay over there and not doing stupid things while out 4wdriving. I mean hullo...... he is out there with his boss who is some years older than him, he is nearly 30 after all. Wake up Shad - he's on his own now.

Happy, glad to hear that you are getting personal development stuff. Next year you will really be able to state what you want out of life. Sad to hear of the pool being closed. What do you do, put a lock on the gate?? It's sad to see the end of summer coming so soon. Chiropractor??? Tell DH to be very careful with his back.

Popped into the travel agent last night to pay for my tickets to Nagoya next month. Sorted out insurances and taxes and picked up a couple of brochures for Italy and Europe. Shane the travel agent tells me I am getting very thin. I tell him I am the same weight as last time he saw me, I have simply redistributed it and he is putting weight on. Lucky we know each other well enough isn't it. Shane tell me he went to Sapporo up on Hokkaido at the beginning of the year to see the Ice Sculpture Festival. I remember Chris telling me about that some years back. I'd love to see that. Apparently they spend ages making these sculptures, put lights in and around them and everything and then 2 days after judging the whole lot is bulldozed. Some of the sculptures are huge.



and



Might have to click on them to see them. I think they will be a bit big. Maybe not.

Anyway cheers to all lurkers and others. Mel, Teel, Ceejay (who seems to have moved on), tig, meadow

By the way - I'll be sorting out a new home tomorrow. This is getting way too long. Happy house hunting! Any requests or shall I just go grab something BIG!!!!!

I have been abandoned by my children but they still need me occasionally. It is Emily, my youngest's number six birthday tomorrow I've made cherry chip cupcakes for her class with vanilla icing and star sprinkles. I ate one, so my resolve to avoid sugar is not as good as Shads Shad is also thinner than me and has more muscles, strength of character and strength of body. I have done some walking tapes over the last couple of weeks, the Leslie Sanson 4miles, about three times and Kathy Smith march to fitness which is about 2 miles, this morning. I'm trying

Hugs to Linus for her big delivery tomorrow :baby: Looks like our kids will be spirit twins This is so great!

Holly-Birthdays are for all ages. The cheek of your family! GAH! Sorry that the hormones are messing with you. Iron, eat some meat Glad your wallet was found, but I think that baby needs to have therapy, imagine being a cleptomaniac at that age

Happy-Yikes! public speaking! I have heard it is all about being prepared and making an opening joke to set the room at ease. Can't imagine myself EVER doing it, but I'll bet you will get there. Cool that Shad's notion with the moat thwarted the ants. I'm sure your wildcat is appreciative, don't think it will work once the racoons find the grub

Shad-Your pics are wild! To think those huge sculptures are all ice and how much time and frozen fingers went into the process hew: I thought about searching for the actual measurements for that hedgehog concoction of yours but shook my head and had a cup of tea instead How is the 13th floor? We aren't allowed to have any in this country, they just skip from 12 to 14, superstitious builders everywhere here.

Mel-So you are crafting? Birdhouses? will there be little styrofoam birds involved? I always like the ones with a little family in them The bachelor bird pads always look to desolate So you will be getting in some painting practise? will there be a small mountain mural on the side of yours? Funny thing about Ralph he seems to get into everyones head, there was a post the other day about being on your own side, it made me choke. I was so affected and just said yeah, I should be routing for myself, what was I thinking! :smacks forehead:

Hello, what are your telling yourself today? Are you being positive?

I am sooo excited. Linus, dear, hope all is going well and everything comes out okay.Oh, happy dance. I adore babies. I am with you in thoughts and spirit. HUGS!!!!!


Meadow~ you are such a joy. AND the 4 mile is hard to do you rock!!
Okay, Shad probably is thinner and has more muscle but bite your tongue on the rest! You are equally delightful and wonderful.

I am still floating on air with positive vibes. The "meet the teacher" was nice.Had some good chats with the new principal, teachers , friends.....
kids were good.
Feeling very much in a good groove.

Keeping my emotional house cobweb free!!
And then I will keep this body fat cell free!!!
So the family is acting up in it’s usual way. I am NOT reacting in my usual way. I am not upset,blaming myself for being such a bad person,diappointment to them all blah,blah,blah!
It is such small potatoes. All I can say is WHATEVER!!

I called the folks. Got the machine. I said that we didn’t have time on weeknights for company and they were welcome to come on the 25th for bday cake for DD. I told them that DH and I were not happy that the Aunt put my Mom in the middle of her issues as well as disrespect our wishes regarding our own children and we would appreciate it if Mom would give the card back to the Aunt and she can mail it herself. I also said it is your choice what you do with this information.
weehee. I rock. That felt marvelous!!!
I painted a pretty poster for the school council table at “meet the teacher” tonight!!

Happy Birthday Emily!!

Happy birthday Emily and best to your Linus. Will be sending good wishes your way that all goes well for you and Bump. Can't wait to hear the details

The FOUR mile WATP tape Meadow! Wow, are you awesome or what woman

Amazing ice sculptures Shad. Hard to believe they bulldoze them before they've even started to melt... As for a new home, I like water, forest and general peacefullness of nature. I don't believe we've been to Canada yet. Any suggestions ladies?

I'm glad it's Friday. Got to bed too late, not enough sleep. It's going to be a long day. Hope I don't doze off at the desk today. And start snoring

Hellos to the rest of the group, catch you all later.

Oh wow Kristy good luck we are just so excited and can't wait to hear the news........ many prayers.
I had a little lost dog at my house this week and took him to the shelter. The owners live way behind me in this canyon and thought some animals had gotten him....I don't think I will get a thank you call from them...she does like me I had to fired her sister at one time...oh well. Little Toby loved playing with the dog.
I have started some communication with my oldest this week and trying not to just fall into old patterns...he will have to learn things for himself. they all have their own journey and no matter how old they get we just want the best for them..... KIDS>>>> make ya crazy
Hope everyone is well
Peace,
Nae