WELCOME !!!

We want to invite everyone to join us in our journey.
We share laughter and tears.
We share what works for us and what doesn't.
We recently started a Topic of the Day.

Monday........Motivation Monday
Tuesday.......Tuesday Tips
Wednesday.....Wednesday Weigh ins
Thursday......Thankful Thursday
Friday........Friday Facials, Fingernails and Fun
Saturday.......Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Sunday.........Soup and Salad Sunday - recipes

These are not required topics ...just ideas to share. We have found them very helpful. We also share heartaches and fears...joys and celebrations.

WELCOME!

Sorry I have been MIA so much recently. But I must say.... you certainly don't need me in here. You guys are doing GREAT !!!! I am soooo proud of all of you. I want to tell all of the newcomers how much I enjoy reading your posts and your commitment. You are all such an inspiration !!!
And the old timers are doing great too. CONGRATUALATIONS !!!!
I cannot tell you how happy I am for everyone.

Just a quickie! Mom is still in the hospital. They have done absolutely nothing for her, other than a doppler on her leg for blood clots and an MRI of the spine and being fed pain killers and muscle relaxers. Finally today, I pitched a fit and told them I was scared to death to have to take her home when she can't walk and what are they going to do with her. I asked if she would be eligible for in house rehab. So they finally sent a physical therapist up to evaluate her this afternoon and they have approved her for a short term stay in a rehab facility. I think that's best for her. At least she'll get PT 2 or 3 times a day rather than 2 or 3 times a week. AND I won't have to take her home not being able to walk.

In the meantime, I don't know if I told you this, but Miss Doris (the lady I was sitting on Thursdays) passed away on Sunday. So between being at the hospital for my mom and trying to run across town and pay my respects there, I've been somewhat busy. The funeral is on Thursday so I hope mom is somewhere stable so I can get out there for that.

Hate to dump and run, but I gotta get some sleep. The Dr. visits in the morning around 7:15 and I want to try to get up to the hospital in time to see him tomorrow (ok, today )

I crave the day when I'll be able to get back here and do a proper post to all you wonderful ladies. Love ya bunches.

Thin... I am so sorry to hear of the woes in your life at this time. {{{ HUG }}}
I am glad your mom is going to get some PT before sending her home. That is good for her and you.
I am soooo sorry to hear about Doris. I just hated to hear she had passed.
Take care of yourself too. There is nothing you can do for Doris now... so be sure you take care of our precious Thin too. I know you want to be there for her family but remember your family needs you healthy too. {{ HUGS }}

Excuse me?! 2Cute - What a silly thing to say. OF COURSE we need you in here. We miss you! But we know you're making the most of your time with your daughter before she heads to Michigan and making the most of the pool. We certainly miss your on the book threads. Love ya!

Thin - I'm very sorry to hear about Doris but given her condition, it is a release for her. I'll say a prayer for your mom that they find out what exactly is wrong and get her back mobile again. Like 2Cuter said - take care of you too!

Yuck. I woke up feeling asthma'y so no bike riding - not even indoors. Its the bad air quality we've had the last couple of days. I'd love to lay on the couch this morning. Part of me wants to call in sick, which I haven't done in two years, but since I'm taking off Friday, surely I can handle two more days. Sure does sound good right now though!

We're back on the roller coaster ride with Ginger's health. Just when we thought we were making progress on her feet, its taken a turn for the worse again. We had to have the specialist out again (not cheap) for him to take x-rays of her feet and make a plan of attack. She's on complete stall rest for the next five weeks (again, not cheap) and lots of pain meds. He's hoping that she'll get past this but there is no guarantee that she will ever get past this. If that's the case, then there is only one decision to be made and I can't face that. Or she may turn out to be a great trail riding horse for the next 10 years. As I've probably said before (sorry!), we've been on this roller coaster with her health for a year. We're just praying for the best.

I better get moving so I can get to work.

Have a great, healthy day!

Bye, bye Kat!

As per usual, we're running late. Well, not really. We were either going really early to beat AM commuter traffic or weiting til after 9 to beat the traffic...Of course it's the later one! Dh is just in the shower now. It's about 5 hours to Boston, so we'll have plenty of time to get there and get situated.

ANYWAY...

It's been decreed that there will be no laptops, so I'll "see" you all on the 31st!

Oh, yeah....one more thing...THANK YOU, Miss 2cute (who is indeed needed around here)! The tape came yesterday...Bruce Springsteen Video Anthology, 1978-1988. The Boss!! You know I love him!!! (and you!)Thank you!!!

Love to all...

Good Morning Ladies!
I wish I could come here with some good, cheerful news one of these days.
Unfortunately the follow up with our Dr. didn't go well yesterday. I knew he had no lucky rabbits to pull out of a hat, but I was praying for some hopeful news. Instead we found out that with all the high-tech treatments in the world, given my crappy response to the meds and DH's poor quality sperm from surgery we only have a 5-10% change of having our own biological child. We still have a second opinion in two weeks, but I doubt he'll have much more hope to offer. We are taking some time to think about our options and come to terms with this. Chances are we'll give it another try and then move on to adoption. We know in our hearts that we don't have to have a biological child to become a family! It's just hard to close the door on hoping for our own. I so dearly want to experience being pregnant and having my own, but that may not happen. It will just take us some time to cope with this news. I do know miracles happen so maybe there is one out there for us.

He said that there is now way to know if my poor response to the meds it due to my weight and no way to know if I'll improve by losing weight. However, I am going to do my darnest to take some off before the next cycle --- probably late September. I'd love to lose 20 pounds by then. Yesterday I hit the treadmill for 30 minutes plus another 15 of toning exercises. Food has been good the past few days and I am going to start trying out some new, healthy recipes to keep me motivated.

Okay, enough babbling on about me....

Thin - I am so sorry for everything you are coping with right now. I wish I could give you a great big Hug!!!

Kat - Have a WONDERFUL vacation. I am sure you are already in traffic! Talk to you in a week or so!!!

2Cute - We DO need you!!! Although I hope you are having a wonderful time!!!

Sorry, can't catch up with everyone else right now, I got a late start this morning and haven't started on work yet!
Talk to you later on!

Hiya everyone!!

Great day in the neighborhood!! I got out and watered, fertilized and deadheaded my flower beds this morning early. One of my neighbors came over to chat for a bit and then I answered the emails that have been backing up for a week, so I am feeling pretty good at keeping up correspondence and communication, even though it's Wednesday already...hey, at least I got it done *whew* *L*
I had to check my horrorscope today...I don't do that all too often, even though I find it a fun pasttime every now and then. Here was mine for today:
"The future starts here. The past however, does not end here. It carries on, influencing the choices that you are now trying to make. That's appropriate and positive, to some extent at least. You don't want to break away entirely from all that you have laboured so long to learn. But you do need a break. You need to free yourself from a habit pattern that has become far more than just a cosy routine. It is almost as if you have become a prisoner of your preferences and your prejudices. Here comes a rare chance to make some welcome changes. Look again at what seems to be going wrong. It's right in more ways than you know."
Pretty inspirational for me...these are the kind of horoscopes I really enjoy=) Here is the site if anyone else likes to get a little extra kick and inspiration from their astrology readings (Just click on your astrological sign at the bottom; you can also get a weekly or monthly reading):
http://www.cainer.com/today/aquariut.html

Lisa ~ Gads, it's sooo easy to find comfort in food when life gets stressful, isn't it? I wouldn't worry too much about 3 lbs gain...it could just be water retention from the stress too, and maybe you will find it mystically gone next week! Doing daycare in your home is a TOUGH job...I remember all too well It sounds as if you are getting to the point that I did sometimes where I just needed some time alone just to clear my thoughts and really relax. Maybe ask your hubby if he can take care of Isaac one night a week for a few hours while you read a book in your whirlpool tub or go out with a friend shopping or just off by yourself to do something you enjoy. I also used to really enjoy going out for a "date" night with just my hubby and I every other weekend. There never seems to be enough time for sitting across the table and really looking into each other's eyes when you talk or going to the movies and holding hands and feeling special with your significant other after having a baby and it really does both of you a lot of good. It's not bad for the baby to see that he can live without you for a few hours, either...as much as we mommies don't want to believe that they can live without us, right? hehe You put so much of your waking hours into making others feel special and taking care of them...I really think that you are just lacking feeling that someone is doing the same for you, even if you don't want to admit or realize it. I hope that I am not being too presumptuous, but you seem like such a ray of sunshine for everyone (me included) and I just want to know that you are smiling and happy...take that time for yourself so that you can continue giving of yourself the way that only you can do! *hugz*

Scooter ~ good to see you post! How did the weigh-in go? How are you liking the new treadmill by now?

kat ~ I know that you are surely on the road by now, but have a GREAT vacation hon! Can't wait to hear all that you did! Mmm, choco Labs! *L* I think I actually go through more anxiety leaving mine at the kennel than she does. The kennel is very cozy, clean and bright and the people there love Callie to death and spoil her rotten while I am gone *LOL* She is just my big baby who is always with me wherever I go and I feel like a part of me is missing when she is not right under my feet...hehe Anywho, Really gonna miss you here, but smiling knowing that you are out having fun somewhere and relaxing!

2cute ~ Ahem...as a newcomer myself...I NEED YOU! I love coming in and devouring every post made, soooo...please keep posting often!! *pleads* I don't like reading just what I post...I can and do talk to myself often enough at home, I don't need to do that here

thin ~ Good deal in getting your mom into a rehab facility with PT! I know how important it must be to you to have really good care for her and knowing that you have done all you can to help, which I know you have! Very sorry to hear about Miss Doris' death *comforts* Hold those good memories with her close to your heart and smile knowing what a difference you have made in her life, and she yours. Things will get better hon...hang in there and do take time to take care of yourself too.

BarbPA ~ Sorry to hear the doctor did not have good news for you It must have even been hard to come in here and post to us, but you know we are here for you! 5-10% chance is better than none at all and please keep the dream alive...it may just happen when you least expect it. Adoption is a very good way to go also. The wait and preparations for a new baby in your house can seem very much like going through pregnancy and, with your obvious capacity and need to love a child, you can have a bond with one whom you have waited for and will cherish as your own from the first day he or she comes into your life. I truly believe that and really do hope that you know how much you deserve it...any baby that is lucky enough to have you as a mommy will never regret how they came to be in this world *tight hugz*

Best end and send this off and get on that Love to all...
_______________________

Kit

Ooppss... I really did not mean to sound so pathetic. I wasn't feeling sorry for myself or anything like that. Not begging for "Yes, we need you's" LOL I was just happy to see the thread going STRONG !!! Sorry it came across that way. So there is no need for any more confidence builder posts. LOL

Barb... What I hear is that your eggs and Hubbys sperm are not very promising... BUT ... I know there are sperm banks ... are there egg banks too ?? Is it a posssiblity that they fertize another persons eggs with another persons sperm ... and then you carry the baby.??? That way you still could experience preganancy??? You still give that child LIFE. ????? I am completely ignorant of these matters... just a thought ??
I will keep praying for your miracle. I know Miracles exist because I have witnessed them in my life and my families. Keep praying.

Kat... so glad you got your tape. When I saw that at a garage sale my face lit up with happy thoughts of you. I will REALLY miss you. HAVE FUN !!!

Terri... I am sorry to hear that Ginger is not healing well. I cannot imagine how $$$ that must be for you. But... a life of being a trail horse can be very rewarding. Horseback therapy here is very popular for ill children and people like me who would LOVE to ride.. but needs a horse that can only go S L O W. LOL Ginger can have a great life helping others... and making others happy too.

Okay... gotta run. I only have one hour to be showered, dressed and fed before leaving.
MAKE TODAY a GREAT DAY !!!!

Kit... we were posting at the same time. Sorry I missed you.
I just love reading your posts. They are a great example of what I was saying.... You are a STRONG positive influence for all of us. There have been many strong posters recently... and I LOVE IT !!!!
Sounds like you are already "Making it a GREAT day".

Okay ... gotta go "again." LOL

Hello to my beautiful friends - I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday! It's hot , humid and very sunny here today. Thought about going outside, but then changed my mind when I stuck my head out the door. I'll wait till it cools down later. I hate humid weather

Kit - What an angel - I sat here and cried (a good cry) after reading your post. It was exactly what I needed! Thank you! You hit the nail on the head when you said: You put so much of your waking hours into making others feel special and taking care of them...I really think that you are just lacking feeling that someone is doing the same for you, even if you don't want to admit or realize it. Dh and I do take time out for ourselves - together, which is time I cherish. Like this past weekend. However, I'm not in the habit of taking time out for myself. I know that I need to do that, but there's always an excuse as to why I can't. I need to quit that - some one give me a kick in the but, will ya!? Anyway, thank you so much for your encouraging words - I really appreciate it!


BarbPA - you're in my prayers . . .

Thin - hugs & happy thoughts to you too . . .

Kat - I know you're gone already, but I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Terri - sorry to hear about Ginger - can't even imagine how frustrating that must be for you guys. Hang in there!

2cute - we always miss you when you're mia . . .

Today has been a little better - and I'm going to make a goal of taking time out for myself (thanks Kit!) at least one night a week for a couple of hours . Not sure yet what I'll do (does grocery shopping count ) but I'll find something.

Hi to everyone else that I've missed - and I know there's a bunch - hugs to all and enjoy the rest of the day . . . until next time . . .

Well, I'm totally bummed. I had a nice post almost ready to submit and just lost it due to some weird key combo that cause explorer to back up a page. grrrr!

I need to go work on bills and have no time to recreate.

Hello to all!

Have a good evening!

Just wanted to wish you all a good night! "See" you in the morning!

Hi All! You guys are soooo sweet! Thank you so much for all your supportive words and prayers. I love you all!

I spent most of the day at the hospital. They went back and forth and back and forth again trying to find placement for mom. They look at her chart, see she's 83 and think she's not competant or something. They told me I would have to sign her in to rehab. I'm like "don't let her age fool you. This is the longest that her wings have been clipped in a long time. She totally competent. She lives on her own. She still drives. She goes every day and either plays cards at some senior center or goes to a casino. There is nothing I have to sign in for."

Anyway, they transfer her tomorrow. I can't tell you how much better I feel. The past 4 days have been without a plan. I didn't know if at any point they would release her to come home and I was sooooo worried about what I would do with her. NOW, there is a plan. She'll be in rehab for at least a week (I think). Possibly 2 depending on how she does. It is soooo good to know what's coming next.

Tomorrow is the funeral. I'll meet mom in the afternoon after she gets settled in the new facility. Then tomorrow evening is just for Honey and I. We are going on a river cruise. Nice dinner. DJ and dancing. Tomorrow I get to enjoy myself and forget about the world! Woo Hoo!!!

Gotta run. Love you bunches. And thanks, sincerely, for all your care and concern.

Mornin' all!!

Today, I am thankful for having such a wonderful place to come and share my feelings and for all of the friendship, commraderie and support that I have found here among you all, even in such a short period of time! It has had such a positive impact on me that even Chris has noticed it and is asking about how all of you are doing since I have been chatting you all up to him excitedly each night. You all really do mean the world to me and have helped me immensely...Hugz and love all around!!

I had a really busy and productive day yesterday. I got bunches of stuff done in the am early, and then did a solid hour on the treadmill watching "Ellen", of course. Got all cleaned up and then took my son and some of his friends to the movies to see "I, Robot". My son, CJ, and I had both read the book and when they say the movie is "loosely" based on Isaac Isimov's book...they DO mean very loosely *L* It was still pretty good on the big screen since I love a good Will Smith summer blockbuster flick, although it was one of those that really could have waited as a rental My son had one of his friends stay overnight and, for some reason, they just could not settle in and go to sleep at a decent hour like I kept warning them to. They ended up waking Chris and I up at 3 am and he had to go in and tell them "TO BED NOW". Chris' commute to work is well over an hour each way and he works hard and needs his sleep. Sorry, CJ, no more friends staying overnight during the week! So I am a bit tired today and had to get CJ up at 9 am per daddy's instructions, so that he will go to sleep at a decent hour tonight...we are all gonna be draggin' butt by supper tonight, I tell ya *L*

2cute ~ You are 2sweet! I totally get what you were saying in your post now, but it never hurts to keep reminding special people like you that their posts and words do make a difference and are needed, so I think we all jumped on that chance that you unknowingly gave us very well, didn't we? hehe

Lisa ~ Woohoo! Glad that you liked what I posted to you and you sound like you are already doing mucho better Believe me when I say that I really was feeling just as you were at one time and had to have someone point out to me that I needed time for myself then too *L* It's funny how just knowing that you have time alone coming up to look forward to keeps you going and then perks you right up...hey, whatever it takes mentally to get us over those tough times, eh? Kudos chickie on allowing yourself that time even though there always seems to be someone or something else that needs done more. Hope the weather is a bit better there today...I can't stand the sticky hot either *ick*! Looks like we have a healthy t-storm heading our way today...looking very forward to that rain here!

Terri ~ I hope that Ginger's health will improve...at this point I am sure that you have put so much time, money and effort into making that happen that it's almost a personal vendetta now to make her better. That's got to count for something! Sorry that your long post got eradicated *eeps* I tell ya, I have had a long history with message boards and now I have to admit that I always just open up a new email and type everything I want to say in there and then copy and paste everything here when I get ready to post...that way, if anything goes wrong, I have my "backup" copy. *L* Sorry in advance that this also means you all have to put up with even longer posts from me than I would otherwise be able to do

thin ~ Can't imagine what a busy and emotional day this will be for you, but awesome deal on ending the day by going out on the river cruise...that is brilliant! Hope that all goes well and very glad that things seem to at least be looking up for you a bit more now

Gonna end and send and go see who's on Ellen today to help me walk myself to a better body *L* Take care and have a GREAT day everyone!
_____________________
Kit