I just found a place to buy the Birkenstock shoes and I live only 25 minutes drive from there. I go to that town all the time to buy groceries. Yeah!!!

Good evening GG’s,

You all are gonna kick me out. You all have started out the new year so well. I started out ok, all full of hope and all. The intentions were good, but lasted a little bit today, but then the contents of that break room called to me (darn it ~ the holidays are over ~ what the heck was that stuff doing there?), and I let myself down. Oh well, tomorrow is a new day to try again. You either can have a chuckle or if someone slipped like I did, maybe find comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

I walk in this morning and on the table of the break room is a box of Whitman Chocolates and a container of baklava. I thought to myself ~ those things are not gonna get me. I was feeling so proud of myself ~ thinking maybe I am finally gonna be an adult and not be foolish and give in to stuff that is “calling” to me. I was planning in my head to be able to come here tonight and tell how I had been a grown up today and not gotten into that stuff. Maybe that saying ~ pride goeth before a fall ~ would apply here. Anyway ~ not gonna beat myself up over it. One day at a time ~ give it another go tomorrow.

On the positive side, I walked a little this morning before work.

One day of work down ~ three to go. It wasn’t too bad a day. There was enough time that I could empty the contents of the 2011 file folders in the filing cabinet, to make room for the 2012 stuff.

A few comments:

Lynn ~ I put my yarn in a plastic milk jug. I cut a hole/flap in the side, put in the ball of yarn and bring the end out through the top hole. Tape the flap down and the ball of yarn rolls around inside there. The jug sits on the floor and seems to be a little less intriguing to my kitty that way. Yes, I was able to watch the program on New Years Eve that had the real ball in NYC Time Square with the ball dropping.

Donna ~ I think I read that you do some of your stretches on your bed. I was glad to read that ~ I want to try to find some of those stretches and had hoped that maybe I could do them on the bed ~ I can get down on the floor, but pay a price with my knees afterward. Seems like it takes them weeks to get over the trauma of just a few seconds of getting down on the floor.

When you were telling about looking in the mirror ~ it made me think of my coworker telling me a funny thing one time. She had a patient who had fallen and had bruises on her face. The patient didn’t understand why she was in the hospital, so my coworker got a mirror so she could see the bruises on her face. The lady looked at her reflection and said ~ oh my god ~ when did my hair get all white. It was funny ~ she wasn’t startled by the bruises, but by the site of her white hair ~ as if this was a new thing. Poor thing.

Marie ~ about the cleaning ~ I think it was CK that had in her post one time these words: Clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy. That is kind of my house. I like for it to be neat, and organized to a point, but I don’t obsess about it. Like you ~ I don’t want to be a slave to it. There is so many other things I want to do. So, it gets cluttery until it bugs me, then I deal with it. There are only so many hours in a day. And if I have a chance to do something with the grandkids or my kids, well that stuff/clutter isn’t going anywhere and will be right there when I get back. The kids are growing up and will be gone, or not wanting to spend as much time with Grandma, so I want to enjoy them while I can.

There was a poem on a crewel embroidery kit I had ~ I have always loved it ~ here is a tweaked version of it that I put on a picture for Sara one mother’s day.

I hope that my child, looking back on today
Will remember a mother who had time to play
Because children grow up while we’re not looking
There are years ahead for cleaning and cooking

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait ‘till tomorrow
For children grow up we’ve learned to our sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep
Havin’ fun with my children, ‘cause children don’t keep

Donna ~ you mentioned in an earlier post that I don’t write much about myself. It kind of made me laugh. I feel just the opposite ~ like I write too much about me. Just look at this post.

I had plantar fasciatis and it really flared when I started that job where I had to stand all day. I didn't doctor for it, but I did 2 things. I quit wearing completely flat shoes. I try to have a least a little bit of rise in the heel. And when I was sitting or lying down I would do heel stretches. I hold my leg straight out in front of me and bend my toes toward my shin, stretching the heel, slowly. I hold for a few seconds, and repeat. All of a sudden one day I realized the pain was gone. Occasionally, it will flare. I do have a couple pairs of flat shoes that bother me, but I try not to wear them for long periods of time. I start doing the stretches again and in a few days I'm pain free.

Now if I could just do that with this sarcoma. LOL Actually, yesterday and so far today the pain isn't as bad. I have been doing sponge baths because that shower seems to be what started this the last time when I probably got water in it. Just think. This is all because I ate those darn peanuts! LOL

Good Morning GG's

Sorry for not getting here sooner. I have had problems getting on. Guess I will have to breakdown and install foxfire. Is that it? I have this fear of the computer and dread doing anything different. But I miss being able to keep in touch too, so maybe it's time to bite the bullet. It's really cold here, and windy, which makes it seem even colder. The weather man says it will get up to 40 by this weekend. A heat wave! I had to work New Years Eve, and had an awful day. Seems like that is the norm anymore. I came home and passed out early. DGD called at midnight to wish us Happy New year, and I guess I sounded pretty bad, because she asked if I was ok. We've got the Christmas decorations down and put away and the house is back to normal. I don't miss anything except the mantel decoration. I always have greens and lots of crystal and white candles. I'm so far behind there is no way I can do personals, but Happy New Years to all of you.

Who mentioned migraines? Imatrex inj. are a life saver. Takes the headache away in a matter of min. and without the next day grogy feeling. I seldom get them anymore but got a lot with the hormone dips.

A friend of mine had the Plantar fasciatis. She swears by crocks sandles. They have the same configuration as the Birks, so there must be something to that. The stretches would help too, i'm thinking. At least worth trying.

I used to love to crochet, but stopped for a long time. Now my fingers just don't want to cooperate. I think I just need to do it more to get them more flexable. Good exercise for the hands. I did try to teach my DGD, but she's left handed and I just got her confused.

Wishing all of you a happy and healthy New year.

Freda

https://www.luxis.com/FeatherspringCloseup.aspx
Check these out for Plantar Fasciitis

Hi Everyone,

I decided on my resolution – clean out drawers and closets and my spare bedroom. I will do 1 drawer/section of bedroom each day. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

I am trying out the Anti-inflamatory diet. Most difficult thing will be cutting out my coffee and protein bar in the morning. Other than that, does not seem bad – mostly veggies and whole grains. Seems like what is good for one thing (e.g., arthritis) is good for everything (e.g., high BP, heart, diabetes, esophageal spasms). We’ll see if there is any improvement.

My next course begins next Tuesday. I should be able to do personals until then. For the 3 weeks I am teaching, I will try to at least check in every day.

Lynn

Hi Chick,

When I was a pre-teen, an eye doctor had me rubber band a little rabbit to the eraser end of a pencil and do this exercise. I never knew why – figured he was some kind of a quack. Thank you for clearing up the mystery!

Hi Carol Sue,

You and I are in the same state but at opposite ends. I have not yet been to the Sugar Casino, the other one in a suburb of Philly (Warrington) is AWFUL!

I am so sorry that you are having this sarcoma problem. Sending you my wishes for a speedy and painless recovery.

Hi Bobbi,

CONGRATULATIONS! I aM dOiNg ThE hApPy DaNcE for you!

Hi Karen,

Maybe that is what they will need to do. I know that they have propane fireplaces in their B&B. Maybe they need to get one in their house.

Hi Marie,

I tried giving them their own ball of yarn – they totally ignored it. Only interested in the one I am using.

I never read the Harry Potter books, but my DD and SIL LOVE them. I saw a couple of the movies with them. Congratulations on your team’s win.

Hi Isabella,

Sorry to read you are sick. Feel better soon.

Hi Lyn,

My DD had PF – she had both feet operated on. Took a LONG time to recuperate from the surgery but is now fine (ran 4 marathons in 2011).

I will look up “Barnstable County” to see if any of my ancestors lived there.

Hi Mary,

Does NOT sound “light” to me! Biking at 5 would KILL my knees. I bike for 30 minutes every morning to loosen my knee up so I can walk on the treadmill. I bike at 0.

Hi Rosey,

Sounds like a nice New Year’s Eve. CONGRATULATIONS on winning $25!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Donna,

I have a woman who comes to my house 2 times each day (on her way to and from a nearby job) to feed them and clear the litter pan. They are on their own for company. I always feel REALLY guilty when I leave. I put the suitcase on my bed to pack and they both jump in. I have a photo I will try to post.

I agree about them playing with their ball while I knit with mine. I will try the plastic bag and let you know if it works.

Hi Gayle,

I have a feeling that the plastic milk jug will work better than the plastic bag. I will try both and let you know.

Every year, I watch the NYC ball drop and wonder if it is just an East Coast thing. I have never been there (and have NO plans to ever go), but I enjoy watching everyone.

Hi Freda,

I use Internet Explorer and have been experiencing problems also. I find that if I do NOT use a favorites link, but Google 3 Fat Chicks each time I login, there are no problems. Seems to just dislike the favorites link.

Hi Zoe,

Posting at the same time & missed you.

It is actually a LOT easier to eat/exercise right when you retire. You will have a LOT more time to think/plan/act and focus on yourself.

So, are we planning the retirement party in Colorado Springs for May?

Lynn

Carol Sue, I found this site last week and have been doing the heel stretches, but plan on doing the others also. So for all those plantar fasciitis sufferers have a look.

http://www.footminders.com/plantar-f...exercises.html

Gayle you're certainly not alone with work place snacks. It was awful when I was teaching. At least several times a week someone would bring in a large platter or dish of goodies and after Christmas it was almost every day for a while. Some days I just stayed away from the staff room and other days I succumbed to the siren call of the sweets. I love that poem you posted. I'm going to send it to DIL. She's always playing with Boo.

Freda, thanks for the mention of Crocks. They are easier to find. I use firefox for just about everything. My DSs highly recommend it and they are both computer people. I don't have any trouble accessing 3FC.

Zoe, I had to laugh when you said you didn't feel like working now that you've definitely decided you'll be gone in April. When I was on my last few months I felt the same way, except I had little kids depending on me so I had to keep everything in good working order in the classroom. But I know that some teachers would just take sick leave the last few months. They must have had doctors that just gave them a note. On my very last day we had the kids in school for the morning and in the afternoon we had general clean-up of our rooms, year-end staff meeting and other such stuff. I had been cleaning out my cupboards and desk for weeks before and on that last day when the kids left I cleaned up, took my keys and register and turned them in to the office. The principal looked at me and said, "Where are you going?" and I told him that I was going home. He told me that we had a meeting, blah, blah, blah. I just looked at him and smiled and said, "I'm going home. What are you going to do, fire me?" We left it at that and I went home.

My stomach is feeling a bit better today but not 100%. Hopefully by tomorrow it will be better. I'm going to try to get on the bike and do a few kilometres before nightfall. I feel energyless after my bout of sickness but I'll try and ease back. When I get back to normal eating I'm going to start posting my daily menu and exercise.

Have a good day.

ETA:
Bobbi and Lynn we were all posting at the same time, lol.

Bobbi, don't you just love those unexpected warm winter days. We had rain last night and was very mild but today the temperature dropped again.

Lynn, I have no trouble using Firefox. Have you tried re bookmarking the 3Fc site?

Just a quick hello. I am having trouble with firefox and IE this morning.... Grrrr. When I cant get into 3fc, it is like trying to get into a building.... the doorman is ignoring you and pretending that you aren't there.... meanwhile you are shouting "help! Let me in! My FIRENDS are in there!!!!" If this posts, I will be back later. Off to work

Hi Rie,

As long as I do NOT try to get in using a Favorites link, I am OK. Works fine when I get in by Googling 3 Fat Chicks.

Lynn

Hi Lyn,

Next time you are roaming around the cemetery, look for some VERY old (1650-1750) stones for -

Dimmock; Hinckley; Lothrop/Lathrop; Sturges/Sturgis

Lynn

I thought I might as well start on a day I didn't eat junk.