[B]andria-congrats on getting the job!!!!!!!! how wonderful>

kat- hope your weekend is a good one.

arabella-hope you are enjoying your day.

kaylets-glad aquarium was such a big hit. taking photos is a good idea, as are your other suggestions. thanks.

thank you all for the moral support.plumber came this morning. said water coming up through bathroom floor was residual from water under condo after unclogging the storm drains. he did move the bookcase back, and the carpet seemed like it was dry to me when he left. some water came back under carpet a while ago now. am hoping that is residual water. called him again, and that's what he said-should dry out in next couple of days, since drains have been cleaned. i am not one bit hopeful about it, though, and he is done with his part, so i will probably need to get another plumber out on monday if this is not actually resolved by then. i really am on my last nerve now, and once again a bit concerned about water being near the bookcase. i was really hoping it would be resolved soon.he said he though condo management company should be responsible for carpet cleaning, and said he would call them on monday, but i am not too hopeful that management company will change their mind and do this. hopefully, i can get some much needed rest tonight and tackle once again tomorrow when more refreshed. that sounds good in theory, at least. well, a good evening to one and all. take care. /B]

Good Morning all!

WoodNymph, yes, one thing about being in the "Mid Altantic" area is that we are close to many attractions. We went to the Camden NJ aquarium. Definitely impressed the "children" we took as well as myself.
If the crowds of other children were any indication, (squeals and shrieks of delight), we weren't the only ones impressed. This summer is the"Inner Shark" exhibit.
It was more econimical to buy an annual pass so DH and I are will return again a few more times..... Go at more of our pace and get a better look. Until the place got crowded, the kids made the way.

WSW--glad to hear the plumber came by again and that he's going to make a call for you too. It migh be exactly what's needed. Hope I didnt come on too strong but we Royals get defensive when there is an assault at the gates! Even if its just a sister Royal's Kingdom!!


Silver--sorry, I somehow missed the details about your new job.....I assume its teaching but .... that's all I seem to know.... anyway, congrats again! well done!


we went to our favorite park yesterday for a bike ride. This park also has recycling so I brought a pile of newspapers. In my area, you can pay for recycling pickup or drop it off yourself. I am afraid to put newspapers in the compost pile and hated to throw them in regular trash so was thrilled that I was double guilt free.... biking and recycling.

And I need to do a lot more biking from the photos DH took at the aquarium....Nothing like a photo of yourself for a reality check!
Got a little too warm yesterday so I have to keep an eye on that....
Too out of shape to be pushing too hard in the heat w/high humidity.

Food intake was pretty good yesterday.

We were in the grocery store and I almost fell over when I saw the price of my usual $3.99 bag of 2.5lbs of apples is now $5.00.
Have to eat more local, in season fruit and hope things turn around soon.

Time to move the laundry around.....

Lets have a good Sunday!

Talk about hitting the floor running! I called up this morning to find out when I could pick up my contract for the new job, and I ended up finding out that my first training also started today. You should have seen me running around to get ready and out the door! This training lasts three weeks, and I know there is a new teacher training the week after that. Hopefully I'll have some time left to prepare for classes after that is all said and done. And for those of you who asked, I'll be teaching high school English. They still haven't decided what grades, but now it looks like freshman and seniors. Should be interesting, no matter what.

The rush, rush this morning actually worked in my favor. The eldest princess packed a healthy breakfast sandwich and snack for me while I was getting ready. I didn't have time to plan a lunch, but I made a careful choice at a nearby fast-food joint, and I also managed to stay away from the donuts and such laid out for us at the workshop. As long as I keep things moving this direction throughout the evening, I'll have a successful Day 1 under my belt. Wahoo!

I have dinner to make, shirts to iron for my husby, and homework to do for workshop tomorrow, so I can't stick around any longer for now. I'm sorry for no replies yet again! Hopefully tomorrow won't be quite so nuts. I was kind of broadsided with this training thing.

Andria

Hello all.....

Marvelous Monday!

Did I tell you about the park stickers we purchased? Here you can pay each time you drive into the park or buy the sticker for the year. If you are not a senior citizen, the annual fee is $27 vs $3 each visit. As you might imagine, it's one of the best buys around, even if you buy one for each vehicle. Which we decided to do as there are two state parks very close to both DH and my jobs. One park is for easier bike riding, the other is much hillier and will be a goal. Our plan is that DH will take the bikes with him to his job. After work, DH and I will then meet at the park. DH's job finishes an hour b/4 mine so he will probably get warmed up before I arrive. We'll avoid most of rush hour traffic this way.
It rained all day today so our ride this evening was spur of the moment once we got home. Because traffic is so fierce around here, it took us almost 30 minutes to get to another park. Luckily, it was well worth it as we nearly had the entire place to ourselves. Well, not counting the ground hogs, bunnies, lots of birds all looking for supper. We left just as the mosquitos were looking for supper too.

Starting to feel the legs firming up.... I am going to concentrate a little more on posture, trying to let the stomach muscles work too.....

Frankly, I didn't think bike riding would be so easy to get back into. And I am shocked to see how many bikes are everywhere. Just goes to show you.....
I seem to be the last one to be in on everything.....
I'm not even minding the helmut.... actually, I prefer it. Too bad its too hot to wear long pants and ride.... But, I am very cautious. Would rather slow down and let a car pass me. All in time.

Silver.... highschool English. My favorite. I wonder what the required reading is today. I hope the freshmen don't have to read the Scarlett Letter.... Although I guess, it could easily be made relevant. I was one of those students who get skim the book and pick up info from class discussions to get by with a high B.... That was one book even a bookworm like myself couldnt get through.....

WSW--- I was thinking, situations like yours with your water leak are exactly why so many Royals had a tower. Wouldnt that be such a pleasant revenge?
To banish the Mgt Company to the tower?

And everyone else? How are things in your kingdoms?

Good evening, lovely queens! I'm on my way to slumberland, but wanted to make sure I got a post in before I slip away...

I've been teetering between good and not quite as good as I could be, but I know I could be worse. Will get my hiney on the scale in a.m. to see what's what, but after several hours of yard work today, I feel good. Cleaned up a corner of the yard that has been plaguing me for months. Hauled stuff to the curb. Planted the last of the petunias, bought weeks ago, into a nice big pot for my patio table. Watered everything, fed the birds, washed the patio furniture down and just enjoyed a lovely cool evening outside til well past dark.

Tomorrow after work, they're having Reiki demonstrations. Everyone in attendance will get a 20 minute session. I'm psyched to try it out.

Kaylets, I've been dying to check out the Camden Aquarium for ages. Pushing that higher up on my to do list, based on your recommendation! I love the great energy coming from your posts, about all your bike riding with hubby!

wsw... I'm hoping that you were finally able to get the rest that you need and that all problems with plumbers and mgmt companies, et al, have been resolved.

Andria... Wow! Talk about jumping in with two feet! Very exciting, and it sounds like you're doing all the right things! High school English, eh? My favorite subject! After art. The rest? ...not so much! I'm very confident that your students will love you!

Arabella...my fingers are crossed for your book getting published! What a wonderful endeavor... your story and your son's illustrations! Sending gardening mojo your way, I had plenty tonight, though it was more maintenance than actual gardening. Lots more to do tomorrow! Lots to do everyday, really!

Anagram, I hope you're having a wonderful time away!

Ceara... how went the show?

'kay... I'm late getting into my bed again. I wanted to get up and walk before work. We'll see...

See you all tomorrow!

Hello all....

I'm amazed that its Thursday night....

WoodNymph... You are a brave one... white water rafting sounds scary to me... rocks and such make me toes curl thinking about it.... Oh and yes, I'm sending good vibes about your book submission too....Imagine, then we can say, "we knew her when she was ...."


Kat...isnt it something how we can keep walking around a pile of something but when we spend the 15-30 minutes to clear it away, we suddenly are jazzed to do so many other things.... I guess its just that old basic physics rule... a body in motion stays on motion.... hmmmmm.....need to spend some more thought on that one.....

WSW.... don't give up quite yet... maybe after you catch up on your rest you can battle some more.... I still wonder what the President of our Condo Assoc would say about your story.... I havent spoken to my Dad but I cant help but wonder.... but I vote for taking a break from all the plumbing issues for a few days, and see how you feel when you catch your second wind.....

Silver.... how goes your training?

Anagram... I assume if you had access to the internet you'd post and let us know how your trip is treating you....

Ceara... I think I saw you poke your head in.... Have you seen any of the Great American Dog on tv? Its cute.


Ok my friends... I too am off to dream land....

And yes, in many ways, I do feel invigorated. I am looking forward to early bike rides Sat and Sunday before it gets really hot. We are in Heat Warning Advisory.... Heat and Breathing Warning....
So....

BTW, that's me, shrieking and laughing in the pic.

THAT young thang is you, Queen A? I thought it was some kid along for the ride! It looks like a blast is being had, I'm quite envious!! Colorado is definitely on my list of places to see...

I'm in the midst of a cleaning bender that will have to do for exercise today. Believe me, I'm getting lots of it! (exercise, that is) There's enough dust and clutter and dog hair around here to keep me sweating for a while!

Once the time o' the month rolled around, as I knew it would, I released a few lbs, and will get an official WI tomorrow to use for my tickers. Certainly improved my mood and outlook... my rose colored glasses are back firmly upon my nose!

The reiki session was lovely and relaxing... I'd be muoy interested in hearing more about how a distant session would work, arabella! BTW, Happy belated birthday!

wsw... I'm so happy to hear that the light at the end of the tunnel of woes is nigh. for no more mishaps!

Kaylets... It is HOT HOT HOT hereabouts, I'm hoping you got some nice early rides in before the heat came rolling in!

Andria... I can't wait to hear about your /new job and your training... and your reading list!

Anagram and ceara! Come back soon!

Okay, break time over, back to work for me! Have a great weekend, s!