I changed the title to a generic numbered one. We had decided recently that we'd probably do it that way from now on.

In fact, we might start making a new one every Monday morning. People on dial-up have fits with everything loading and the longer the thread, the bigger the fit.

Kathy I think that's probably the best way to do the chat threads.
Well at least your kids will be home to help you out this weekend. Maybe the girls will take better care of you than the boys.

I'm off to bed. It's early but I'm pooped. Goodnight all!

Wow - we are immobilized with foot problems!

Kathy - I don't think it's a good time for Judd to go trekking? I can't believe he wouldn't go to the Rangers game without you, but would go away for 3 days? Thank goodness one (or more) of your daughters will be home. I sure hope you explain that you need to be checked on regularly - and that means BEING FED TOO! Please don't put any weight on that foot!...and I love the pretty little boot - looks very comfy.

Sandra - hope you are hanging in there as well!

Saundra - wow - I thought the physio was supposed to help - hopefully this too shall pass?

Well what happens when you don't eat a proper supper? (cuz your hubby put chicken in oven too late so when you get home you're too ravenous to care what you put in your mouth?) You eat many improper things and call it supper. I feel queasy now....

I watched american idol - was not very impressive - but then again I am not a huge country fan. Bad news is for some strange reason The Amazing Race does not seem to be on tonight - which is a bummer cuz I was staying up to watch it! How poopy is that?

Dh gone jamming to some downtown russian jazz bar? Can't wait to hear his report - I suppose I could have gone with him (when dd got home from her dad's) but frankly I was already in my jammies - and feeling very cold (wearing my warmest gray flannel bunny robe) so the thought of going out in the cold dampness was not very appealing.

Hopefully I shall sleep tonight.

Wishing everyone sweet dreams and a pain-free sleep!

Frouf

saundra, i'm scooting over for you. i'm sorry you're hurting.

melissa, i hope you're perking better tomorrow. do you think you're nervous over the inspection or something?

frouf, ar is going to be on tomorrow night. i was surprised, too.

kathy, what are some of the movies you've watched this week? i saw the new zorro flick the other night when mickol was here.

I haven't really watched anything except for Napoleon Dynamite, which I'd seen before. It was the one he brought me to test out. I think tomorrow I'll bring a stack of them in here.

I managed to eat a big salad and half of a grilled chicken breast. The chicken was lemon flavored but was better than usual since it was grilled. It's one of the ones that MIL brought over; I wouldn't have bought it but now I might.

Tomorrow I'm going to try again to get some cottage cheese. I think that would be a good easy breakfast. I think Erin is off work but has a few classes tomorrow; she never minds going to the grocery store for me. I also need for her to mail some bills.

This morning the scale said 148. I guess with the swelling going down, I'm losing some of the fluid that was keeping my weight up and so I will stop worrying so much about it.

I'm tired but since I slept for so long this morning, I doubt I'll be able to fall asleep. I'd better spend the weekend getting back on a normal schedule or work will be miserable next week. I talked to my coworker yesterday and she said it's piling up. I hope I won't have to jump right back in working long hours and lots of overtime, but if I do, at least it'll be better than lounging around in the bed all the time. This is getting boring. I wouldn't mind being off if I was well enough to at least leave the house! This wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I said I'd like some time off work!

Hey Chicks! I can't really say good morning because it's the middle of the night. I'm having some weird symptoms which I'm hoping are just stress. Some of my symptoms started before we got Jim's diagnosis so I hope it's nothing serious. I won't even bore you with the details. We are going for Jim's blood test today and then I might go to urgent care since I can't get a hold of my Doctor until Thursday. Meanwhile, I know it's my nerves that have me awake. Jim seems to be sleeping fairly peacefully except for his shoulder. Poor thing, he has to get up and sleep in the lazyboy in our bedroom for long stretches during the night. He really needed that shoulder surgery.

Kathy, I wish I knew what to say. Your injury sounds just so horrible and you sound SO positive. I admire you so much. I don't think I have the strength of character that you have. I really pray that your foot heals the way that it needs to so that you have a complete recovery. You are really going to have to follow Doctor's orders. So what if your house looks bad. It's not worth loosing your ankle bone over it. You can clean up when you are recovered. Or....maybe hire a cleaning service for the time being. I know you'd hate to spend the money but maybe it's necessary for a short while. Or maybe you could ask Judd to stay home and clean? I think they are all thinking it's no big deal because you don't complain enough? They are lucky to have you and not me! I'm so surprised that you are going back to work. How on earth are you going to avoid putting pressure on your foot? Isn't there some way that you can work from home?

Melissa, I'll be praying that all goes well today for your house inspection. There is alot of stress involved with what you are doing. I wouldn't be surprised if stress is what is making you not feel well.

Frouf, I hope you are in dreamland right now and are having a wonderful sleep. I agree that it is VERY important to not focus on the whole amount that we have to lose. It's WAY too intimidating and overwhelming. If I let myself think about the 120 pounds that I still have left to lose, I'd quit today. I'm just focused on getting to that darn 50 pounds down. And then, I'll go for 55. When I'm working the program, honestly and faithfully, I lose. That means everything; the water, fruits and veggies, oil, exercise and counting EVERY WPA that goes into my mouth. Then I lose with no problem. It just involves a commitment that I don't always seem to be willing or able to make. I try every day at every meal.

Saundra, I'm SO sorry to hear about your foot. It's really lucky that you got to have the PT. I remember my elbow hurting alot when they would work on it. I sure hope that 7 visits is enough for you. I found that it was important to do the exercises they gave me to do in between visits. Did they give you any? Is there a possibility to get more visits approved by insurance if the Doctor certifies they are necessary? Oh, BTW, I forgot to answer your question about the Dr. Praeger's burgers. I ate one with some Core guacamole on it from TJ's the other day for lunch. I had horrible gas pains a couple of hours later and then terrible diarrhea. It went away so I'm sure it was lunch. I don't know whether it was the burger or the guac that did it to me and I haven't been brave enough to try it again. The burger tasted really good. I "fried" it in a bit of Pam spray for about 4 minutes on each side. One of these days I'll try it again.

Sandra, I know you are trying hard to be positive but sometimes it's ok to just be grumpy! You went through a major surgery. None of us are as bad as Kathy, but still we are entitled to be upset that we hurt and don't feel right. I've seen Kathy tell us so. So don't feel guilty about being upset at your situation. And.....Sheesh....why on earth is Curtis asking you what's to eat when he knows you hurt? What time is your meeting on Friday? I think it's wonderful that you have resolved to be a newbie. I think it will make all the difference in the world. Maybe you'll even help me be distracted. I was thinking that maybe exercise might help my stress level. Problem is that I've been getting dizzy. I don't know....we'll have to see. I do think exercise is key. One of my friends at WW has lost 50 pounds just doing an exercise bike. I may have to look into one of those if I can't get my heal to stay calmed down. We can do this.

Coco, Angela and everyone else I hope you are all well and hanging in there. Patti, I hope your DH has some job news soon.

I'm doing as well as I can on program. Some meals, I'm perfect and others I'm not. I'm trying not to worry about it too much. The scale is not up so I think I'm doing ok. I'm planning to go to WW on Monday and stay for my meeting. I'm trying to be as positive as possible about Jim's situation. I believe we are going to be lucky with this. In the meantime, I'm holding all my nerves and fears inside so that I can be strong for him. I think it's taking a toll on my body.

Morning! It's very nice here today and the boss is gone!

Kathy, I'm glad that your weight is down so that you won't be worrying about it. That's the last thing you need to worry about right now!

Sandra, I hope that you are feeling well today. I don't think I'm stressed about the inspection, but maybe I am.

Vickie, Everything is going to be okay. I just know it is. Please take care of yourself as well as Jim. Maybe you could talk to your sis on the phone or just cry in the shower. You need to release some of your emotion. And I hope that you won't hesitate to share with us. You won't bore us like you said.

Frouf, glad to hear you had a fairly relaxing night, minus the queasy supper. Have a good day.

Well I better get to work. I'm moving very slowly this morning.

Good morning, everybody! I'm determined not to complain today and also will try to figure out a way to at least get this place picked up, if not cleaned. Judd left late to go to work but tonight is bowling so he won't be home until 9:00 p.m. I should have plenty of time to get a few things done.

Vickie, I'm planning on taking the wheelchair to work with me. That way won't have to walk. There's no way to work from home since I'm on a classified system. If I had some unclassified work to do I would probably be able to do something here, but I don't. I'm with Melissa in feeling that everything will be okay. I like hearing that they think they found the problem early. And you definitely won't bore us if you talk to us about it.

I was disappointed in American Idol last night. I wish they'd step it up a bit; right now I'd send any one of them home without hesitation. Nobody seemed to stand out above the rest.

I'm a little hungry so hopefully someone gets up soon. Both girls worked very late last night so I'm sure it'll be a while before I see them. I tried yelling for Shaun earlier but no answer. No WONDER I'm not gaining!

Good Morning chicks! I sat on the computer for 3 hours and then went on the couch at 5:30. I just woke up and now and am cooking my oatmeal. As soon as I eat I'm going to go get ready to get Jim's blood test done.

Kathy, I can't promise not to whine, worry, or complain but I'll admire YOU plenty for it! I know it doesn't do any good but sometimes it does feel good to get it out. I hope you mean you'll direct the cleaning and not do it yourself. I forgot that you were classified. I used to have an SDI (Secure Direct Interface or something like that) but I definitely was NOT doing classified government work. I LOVED working from home the few days that I got to do it. I was disappointed in American Idol last night too. I didn't even bother to vote. I hope you get some food soon.

Melissa, enjoy your boss free day! I loved when my boss wasn't in the office and I really loved it when my boss was in Washington and I was in Chicago. It was lots of time on conference calls and email, but at least it wasn't the strain of looking at them every day. What time is the inspection.

Thanks guys, I believe in my heart that Jim will be ok and that we caught it early. I think I'm just exeriencing the strain of making sure that everything gets taken care of. Jim is not good at that stuff and it is my role in this marriage. I make all of the appointments and make sure that our calander works.

Good morning gals! I've come up with a great idea...we all move into our OWN frat house. Can you imagine it? Only Core foods in the fridge, a comfy couch to convalesce on, and I could cook for everyone, since it seems like I'm the only one who can walk! I think it'd be great. We could take care of us all in one centralized location.

I'm actually joining the ranks of the wounded here...it seems I've been positioning my hand at my mouse wrong for a long time, and now am having wrist/arm pain. I never noticed it before, because I wasn't on the computer enough, but now that I play my computer game a lot, it's getting bad. I have started putting my mouse pad on my lap (on a clipboard) and it helped a little, and Matt went out and got me one of those ugly carpal tunnel wrist stablizer brace things. So, I figure if I wear the brace, position my mouse correctly, and MAYBE stay off the computer a bit more, I should be OK. But I'm glad I can still walk.

It's getting warmer here. My mom and I went to the garden center yesterday after weigh-in, and bought a bunch of seeds for the garden. This year, we got a greenhouse, and I'm very excited. That means we can start our seeds earlier, and get those cool-weather crops started soon enough to actually see some yield before it gets too hot. And we will be able to have tomatoes well into the fall. Yippee! There's nothing better than a fresh garden tomato.

Well, until we're ready for the Core sorority, I give my best wishes to us all for a comfortable, as pain-free as possible week. Hugs to all!

Angela

Kathy - I hope that someone has responded to you and that you have something delicious to eat. Too bad about not being able to work from home. Hope you get some help with the wheelchair - do you and Judd go to work together? Maybe he can help get you set up?...and I bet your co-workers will be more helpful than those at home at checking on you and bringing you whatever your little heart desires!

I agree on just letting the house go to pot. Frankly maybe someone will figure out what needs to be done - this is a good time for them to realize how much you do for everyone.

Vickie - sorry you are under the weather - hope you feel better or get the medical attention you need. I don't blame you for being stressed but staying positive will certainlyl help - esp for Jim. That's too bad about the shoulder being so bothersome right now.

Saundra - how is the foot feeling this morning?

Sandra - how is the foot feeling this morning? (is there an echo in here?)

Coco - how are things? How is dh doing?

Patti - please check in. Any job news for dh?

Melissa - we are waiting with bated breath to hear the home inspection results! Keep us posted.

Angela - love the idea of the frat house - I get the 'pink' room of course. We also designate you as 'chief gardener' and look forward to wonderful fresh veggies from the Core garden!

Sorry to hear about the carpal tunnel thing - I had a bout of that a while ago and still have a similar ugly wrist brace thing somewhere under the bathroom sink. I also get some pains in my right wrist when I play my computer games for too long!

I of course went to bed too late yet again - was reading before bed when little ds came in - looking very peaked. Says his tummy hurt and he felt liike throwing up (wonderful news at midnight!). Set him up in bed w/towel and plastic bucket - just in case.

Dh finally shows up - ds finally throws up - lots of activity around our bathroom at 1 am! Ds back to bed and feeling better at around 1:30 am - which is when we finally got to bed.

Of course knock on the door at 6:30 am - dd does not like the note I left her - she is to be excused from school today at 1 pm as we are going to the orthodontist to get her BRACES OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I think I am more excited than she is!). Anyhow seems I mentioned this on the note and god forbid the office staff should know about the braces removal. I mumble/grumble thru this 'discussion' - still half asleep and not sure what the problem is.

She shows up again a little while later with a notepad and pen and I am supposed to write another note - omitting the fact that the braces are coming off - ya like I can see what I'm writing - looks like the 7 yr old wrote the note but it was the best I could do at the time.

Managed to shower, make myself presentable and got to work by 9 - at least it's a short day? (brought a book to read at ortho as it will take around an hour to take the braces off). Dare I take a nap later today?

DD has art class tonight and a big meeting for parents at 6:30 at the school so I guess I shall attend. Also looking forward to the Amazing Race tonight? Assuming I can stay awake that long.

Frouf

Oh Angela, your garden sounds wonderful! I do so wish we all lived closer. We sure do like each other, don't we? I bet I could do even better at this if I had some Core sisters to share the cooking and help with chores. That really stinks about your arm/wrist. Mine will bother me if I type too much. Does the brace really help? Send the warm weather East as soon as you feel like sharing!

I should be hearing within the hour about the inspection--DH is there with them now. I'll let you all know!

vickie, i am so proud of you and jim for handling stress so well. i know it isn't easy. my meeting fri is 9:30 am. if my friend backs out of going, curtis will take me. i feel bad now about complaining about him yesterday. he's actually a good nurse. he's wrapping my leg each evening so i can take a shower. probably the problem eatingwise is i'm wanting to be force fed high calorie treats, and he's not doing that. that's probably a good thing, eh?

i'm sorry you're not feeling well, but am glad you're going to get some help. jim needs you healthy now. (as i'm typing here, curtis is washing blood stains out of the sheets from where my incision leaked.) i think caring for each other is definitely a two way street. i feel bad about complaining yesterday. i guess it was pity party time.

kathy, i hope you can ease back into work next week and not have long hours. don't overdo it.

melissa, how's your day going? are you feeling better?

angela, i like the frat house idea. your poor wrist!! i hope you get some help soon.

frouf, it does sound like an echo, doesn't it? congrats to dd for losing those braces. i'll bet she is excited.

melissa, i'll check later for your report. i know it will be good.

As Frank Barone would say, GEEZALOU! After posting earlier, I took a bath. It wore me out and my foot started hurting, so I took some pain medicine which put me straight to sleep since my stomach was empty. I just now woke up when Kate opened the door to see if I needed anything before she left for work. She got me some root beer, and then yelled at Shaun for me to come down here and get instructions. He's doing the dishes right now.

I'm so ready to get back to normal but I promise this isn't a complaint, just an observation! I was looking forward to getting to take a nice bath. I hate showers with a passion but really enjoy relaxing in my bathtub. I can't submerge my foot for a month because of the risk of getting the screws infected. GRRRR ... do you know how hard it is to get in on one foot, and sit there to take a bath with the other one up in the air? I feel like a contortionist! Now enough about that.

It sounds very windy outside and the weather says there's a 40% chance of thunderstorms and heavy hail tomorrow. Guess we'll wait and see.

Sandra, I'm glad you're going back to WW on Friday. And I wasn't thinking Curtis was a bad guy -- I understand the frustration that happens when people don't read our minds and "hop to" just when we want them to. These folks around here aren't very intuitive at all and have to be told every move to make. I'm sure it's because they're afraid they won't do it like I want it done, and I'll just re-do it, so what's the point? And sometimes they might be right but not now. Any effort from them is appreciated and applauded these days, or at least I try.

Tonight I'm going to write thank-you notes so I'll at least be able to keep busy while Judd's gone.

I hope everyone's having a great day! Congratulations to Miss Emily for getting her braces off!