Good morning all. I'm up even though I don't want to be. I have a few things to do then might try to get more sleep.

Angela, that's pretty funny about your arm wrestling contests. Just think, if you do that once a week (and switch arms) you'll have some nicely toned arms and will be the strong one in the family!

Melissa, good luck at the rental and also at tonight's class. It's hard to believe it's the last class but I'm sure you're ready. Is everything starting to come together at the new house?

Frouf, sounds like you had a great evening, despite cool temps and a cranky baby. The food sounds great, as does the RV! I love things like that.

Scale was back into the 143s this morning so what a relief. I guess all the water drinking paid off. I had a lot of goulash and foccacia bread last night (more bread than anything else) which is why I'm surprised that it's down.

I have a demo driver (club) to return to the shop this morning, then to the bank, then to the store. I also need to wash sheets today and get a little more housework done.

So off I go! Everybody have a good day.

Ya - well my scale was up like 3 lbs this morning? Too much partying? or too much salt? Only time will tell - trying to not overdo it today and get some more water in (altho being in a meeting all afternoon precludes numerous visits to the washroom?)

Sounds like you have a busy day planned Kathy - PLEASE don't over do it - you still need to take it easy and rest your leg when you can!

Angela - we know you had many obvious and hidden talents but definitely didn't know about your amazing arm wrestling abilities - we sure don't want to mess with you! ha ha ha. How's the garden coming along?

Melissa - good luck with finishing off the paper and hope the rental visit goes well.

Niki - sorry to hear about your little guy's ailments (the rash sure sounds like an allergic reaction to medication). Good idea to have it checked out of course. My dd (now 14) always had, and still has issues w/enlarged tonsils - kinda sorry we never got them out (altho it's not too late?).

And coincidentally my ds is also home today - of course he went to bed late last night due to our exciting night out - probably got him down around 10 pm. This morning of course he is a crabapple and says 'his brain hurts' - figure he has a headache from lack of sleep. Give him some tylenol - still doesn't want breakfast - and crying and now says he is nauseous!

So dh (who is at home) decides he should stay home and by the time I got to work there was a message on my phone that he did throw up! So I guess he was really not feeling well. Hopefully sleeping it off at home right now!

Almost lunchtime - brought my runners so I could go for a walk as it does look promising out there - I think I shall eat first as I am super hungry!

Tonight dh is out drumming (he is playing at this club on the 18th with some latin/cuban band and needs to practice), and big ds is having 'friends' over to watch the final hockey playoffs (ottawa senators in the playoffs - as we are every year - but we never win - maybe this is our lucky year?). Have to drive dd to dance class and back (8-9 pm) but at least can leave little ds at home with the 'big boys' while I'm out! (I think he will be thrilled to watch hockey w/his big brother and his friends!).

Later,

Good Morning Chicks! I just popped in to say hi. I'm back from my meeting and I'm down .2. Better than nothing.

I'm off to lunch (I skipped breakfast which is VERY unlike me) and I have a date with Honey Lamb to go to the show. At least I'll be going with a VERY full tummy.

Talk to you all later. Have a great day.

hi, chickies. just finished some grilled mahi mahi. i had some boiled okra with it along with mixed veggies and some ff gravy over them. sure was larruping (as my grandmother used to say.)

vickie, your sirloin chili sounds delish. i bet ya'll enjoyed it last night. i'm glad you found some recipes at dottis.

melissa, what are you and aaron going to do when the whirlwind dies down?

frouf, we had a motorhome till last april. we've downgraded to a travel trailer now. one of the reasons is so we can take it to the boonies up here. sounds like you had fun last night.

melissa, i know you'll be in the 180's pronto. thank you for the congrats. i went down a size in jeans already. i'm in 14's now instead of my 16's. also, i have a pair of 18's i need to toss. life is good.

angela, you're right about those meds. they can leave you tired. been there done that.

nikki, i hope ds is feeling better.

woo hoo, kathy! congrats on being back to 143. that water is a good thing, isn't it? guess what? the embroidering is going great. i have found my nitch for crafting. :lol:

frouf, i hope ds' brain is feeling better. guess what? i just found out one of my favorite cousins lives in toronto. small world, isn't it? vickie, congratulations on losing weight and much more congratulations on being back in control. you rock, girl!!

got to go give the grocer some money. i'll be back later.

I just got home from about 1/2 my errands. I did take back the demo driver and also went to the bank, but just couldn't make myself go to the grocery store. It hurts too much to walk with the boot, and I can't use crutches while pushing the cart, and don't like their motorized carts. Maybe I can get Erin to go later. The only thing I need to do next is wash the sheets.

I'm changing my weigh day back to Monday. Saturday is just too weird, plus it doesn't hurt that I was much lower today than I was on Saturday. :D Also, my yahoo tracker is set up for Mondays, so it's settled.

Judd's leaving in the morning for Whiteman AFB for a few days. It'll make the week pass a lot faster. The boss is wanting me to wait until Wednesday (the 17th) before I go back since next week is a four-day week. That way I can ease back into it instead of having to work all four days.

Glad you realized you couldn't do it all - and came home Kathy - I'm sure you can get someone else to help you out! You should be resting more! I think starting off slowly at work is a great idea!

Sandra - guess you will have to visit your cousin in Toronto - with a slight detour to Ottawa, right? (what's another four hours?). And congrats on those size 14's! You must be thrilled - almost time for a new wardrobe!

Vickie - congrats on the .2 and starting the downward trend! Good for you. How was the movie? Dh and I don't even want to go see that movie as we feel we will be too depressed!

Ds' brain is much better now I hear (since he is now clamoring to go biking!). Dh is in the yard doing the patio work but I just called and asked him to go in and start the brown rice for dinner.

I have been STARVING ALL AFTERNOON - went into this 1:30 mtg w/my water bottle and couldn't get out fast enuf as my tummy was starting to rumble (and yes I had four licorice sticks in the meeting). Luckily I had some farmboy lebanese moussaka stuff (chickpeas in a tomato/onion/eggplant sauce) in the fridge at work - just shovelled it in with some earl grey tea (it was freezing in the boardroom and I have to warm up!).

Looking forward to the coq au vin and brown rice - and should be leftovers for lunch tomorrow too!

Time to pack up!

P.S. Hope everyone has noticed the hopping (walking?) bunny???

Yes! Your bunny IS getting a workout -- which means you must be too! Congrats!

And you too, Vickie! I'm sure you're relieved to be down this week! Enjoy the movie -- Judd says he wants to go see it; it's supposed to be a life changing experience.

I just talked to Kate and asked what she wants for her BD next Monday. She wants a Chi straight iron ($140) so I told her I would just give her money and she could buy her own. I can probably find one for less anyway but it would be online and might not be here by her birthday. She said she's at work, has cramps, and wants to cry everytime she goes. I guess she still doesn't like it much but hopefully can hold on for a while and it'll get better.

Judd ate the last of the leftovers so thank goodness I don't have to cook dinner tonight. I just made my hair appointment for noon on Friday for highlights.

kathy, i'm glad you stopped running errands before you got too sore. i just got back from the store and my foot's hurting and swelling. won't you be glad when this is all over? i know i will. that's good of your boss to have you stay home till the 17th.

frouf, :lol: i was thinking you were in toronto. girl, i can't keep things straight, can i? i am thrilled about the 14 jeans. i don't think my top's any smaller, though. a new wardrobe sounds awesome. i will do that when i get to size 10. right now, my closet has all sizes down to that just waiting on me. i need to get in there now and toss the biggees. yippeeeeeeeeeeee i like you're hopping bunny. lots of exercise there all right.

kathy, what movie are you talking about? "da vinci code"? i just finished the book. curtis and i are going to see it about a week after it opens here. don't want to be in the rush of things.

we have meetings to attend tonight and tomorrow night. both archery related stuff. we've been talking about needing to socialize. now i just have to pry myself away from the tv and make myself go.

have a good evening, all.

No, I was talking about the 911 movie, United 93. I think Judd also wants to see DaVinci Code though. He read the book and gave it to me. I haven't read it yet because I have other books in front of it.

I think I'll go take a quiet bath and get back in the bed. I've already changed the sheets and put the old ones in the laundry room; maybe I can wash them tomorrow.

And yes, I'll be so glad when this is all over, and I'm sure you will be too. I hate not being able to walk, or bend my foot at all. The pain is getting old, the therapy doesn't seem to be loosening things up, and I'm sick of it. Any movement of it just shoots horrible pains all the way up to my thigh.

sure wish we could get together to heal. that would be fun.

i don't want to see 911. it's too close for me. i think i'd cry all the way through.

are you wearing one of those rubber thingees that seals off your leg/foot to keep water out? i'm still having to use mine since i reinjured the incision.

No, the screw hole and incision has healed except there's an internal stitch trying to work its way out. If that happens, it'll be reopened. Right now there's just a little knot on my heel that's either scar tissue or the stitch. I didn't have stitches on the outside, just staples. I hold my foot out of the water though because the water makes it hurt more since it's numb. It sorta feels like if you have a sunburn and get in the water -- you know how it burns and tingles and then gets hot and cold? Hard to describe but either way, it's very uncomfortable. And then it's locked inside at the joint, which is my next biggest complaint.

I'm still undecided about the movie. We'll see after I read Vickie's review of it.

i have the same problems when trying to sleep. i'm having to wear socks to keep my foot from hurting from the weight of the top sheet. don't know why that helps, but it does.

Back from the pediatricians and he changed ds medication, he believes it was the Zithromax that caused the rash, which is kind of strange since he has been on it numerous times before. I guess you can develop new allergies. Kiddies are fed & dd did not nap today so she should be in bed by 8:00. Monday night is my favorite tv night, 8:00 Prison Break & 9:00 24.


Kathy I hope your foot starts feeling better soon, I have a podiatrist appointment tomorrow because I get really bad pains in my heels, sometimes I can't even walk first thing in the Morning and I even get shooting pains when I am resting them, I don't know if I have spurs or what. :(


ontarget thanks ds is feeling better I gave him some childrens claritin and the rash seems to be going away. Let me know how Chicken little is, we haven't seen that one yet.

froufy you were right it is his medication that caused the rash. if he needs his tonsils out I will have them removed while he is young. I had them out at 21 and it was not fun. Glad to hear ds brain ache went away:)

Thanks, Niki. I guess I'm looking at a few more months before I'm back to normal and that makes me want to cry just thinking about it.

I went ahead and made dinner for the folks; jambalaya with smoked sausage in it. It smells good so I hope they eat it. I can make a salad later if anyone wants it. I'm not going to have anything except for pain medicine and a whole bunch of water. I had some McDonald's at lunch while I was out but only ate half of the burger and 5-6 fries. I guess I can't eat that sort of stuff anymore. I should have gone to Subway or somewhere healthier but there's no drivethru at those places, and if I had gotten a salad it's pretty hard to eat it in the car while doing my errands. Oh well ...

I just found out Judd won't be home until late Friday afternoon. I thought for some reason that he would be home Thursday, so I'll bet he has arranged to play golf with some of the Air Force people on Friday. That stinker!

Melissa, come give us a report when you can!

nikki, we stopped watching chicken little after a couple of minutes. if the grands had been here, it would have been perfect.

kathy, enjoy your week.

Hey there! I'm finally back from class. I think my paper turned out really great and he said we were all getting A's. :lol: DH's test and paper also came out good, so there is much relief in our house!

Kathy, I didn't even realize that you were driving yet. I'm glad that you decided to rest, even though you are frustrated with being limited.

I don't want to see that 9/11 movie either. I know there are plenty of movies based on reality, but few of them are events that I remember so vividly.

Sandra, you take care of yourself too!

Frouf, way to go, getting that bunny hopping! :D

Niki, hi there! We're glad to have you. I've been sort of MIA lately with moving and school, but I'm usually a "regular." :lol: I'm glad to hear that everything worked out with your son today. And I'm glad to see another "24" fan! We're thoroughly addicted.

Speaking of that, I'm sure we'll be watching it as soon as DH gets our LR blinds hung. We've been exposed to the neighbors since we moved in, but we're finally putting up the blinds. :)

If you all haven't been here, you need to go
http://www.freewebs.com/hwc1973/index.htm

Hey! Welcome!!! How does Murphy feel about the house? Is he confused?

I started driving last Thursday after seeing the doctor on Wednesday. I have never felt so free and so worn out at the same time!

Well, Kate just called back and I was talking to her about the Chi. She was on break so got on the internet and we looked together. We found her a pink one, 1" new in the box, for $69 and only $10 shipping -- so happy birthday, girlie! I bought it and the seller says it will be shipped tomorrow. I should have it by her birthday, and then I can give her money to make up the difference since I ordinarily give them $100. What a deal!

Now Judd's birthday is the 17th and he already got 1/2 set of golf clubs (his parents paid the other half), a new bag, and a new driver. His birthday haul was substantially more, like about $400, but at least it was stuff he wanted. Since he got it a month early, I'll probably get him a few other little things and make him a nice dinner so it won't go uncelebrated.

Thank goodness my pain med is starting to take effect; today has been a real bad one. Tomorrow I have to go to the store though. I need new deodorant because like a dummy, I got vanilla scented the other day and it is awful. I think I'd rather have b.o. than smell like the deodorant. YUCK!

Well I lost my whole long and detailed post and too tired to recreate it - here is a synopsis:

-those w/foot problems - stop walking and keep resting - otherwise the rolling pin will reappear!

-niki - glad you got new meds - I as the Queen of Allergies - found a few new ones in recent years (amoxicillin and nuts/peanuts).

Melissa - congrats on the good marks and finishing classes! That recipe site is great! thanks.

-little ds update - what a liar - told me his dad gave him meds after I took his temp and noticed fever (100.6) - did not like the tylenol it seems - found some berry flavored liquid motrin which he took

-big ds - was having some 'friends' over to watch hockey game playoffs (ottawa senators lose game 2 against the Buffalo sabres - NOT GOOD). Sure I say - leave to take dd to dance class and he is in the family room surrounded by 3 very lovely young ladies! - when I return one young lady has left only to be replaced by another one - and thankfully one more guy in the room! Lots of bellowing and excitement while we lose the game but alll quiet now (which is a good thing cuz Mr. party pooper dh was VERY CONCERNED about all this partying and messes, etc).

-the hopping bunny: nothing strenous took place - just a 'gentle' walk at lunchtime - but at least I was moving.

-dinner: ate too much: had a small nibble of cheese pizza - cut down dinner to 1 coq au vin drumstick, pile of brown rice, baby carrots and lf/sf skinny cow ice cream sandwich for dessert!

-shopping: dd sends me on a shopping scavenger hunt for a black/hot pink t-shirt needed for tap costume - ya right - go thru all the racks hunting this down and of course can't find anything suitable - the brainstorm hits as they announce store closing in 10 minutes - LAYERING. Find an adorable, black slinky tank w/satin bow on front - fairly low cut - and find regular hot pink tank to go underneath - very cool looking and dd actually likes it!

-da vinci code: can't wait for the movie - try and find illustrated versions of code and "angels and demons" (also by dan brown) at library or bookstore - much more interesting read.

-I think that's it? tired and yawning now - time for bed!

melissa, it's great to see you here. congratulations on your A. i'm not surprised. i was betting on your getting one. thanks for the website. i bookmarked it. i'll bet you and aaron are ready to do some celebrating. so much finalizing going on this week for you two. i am very very happy for both of you.

kathy, sounds like you got some good deals on bday gifts. :lol: about the deodorant. how's the weather there? are you having a lot of thunder boomers? i talked with my son the other night and he was driving in some nasty weather. scares me that he talks while driving up 35 from austin. that highway is always busy.

frouf, i could almost feel your typing super fast. you certainly covered a lot of posts in a hurry. amazing. the pink tanks sound cute. the party sounds like fun. the illustrated da vinci code sounds neat. i doubt i'd reread it, though. i am wanting to see the movie, though. i don't have a clue what coq au vin is. i used to be all beans and potatoes type cooking. i'm slowly branching out in new directions. is the recipe posted here?

we just got home from the meeting. i'm starved. just had a banana and am about to have 2 oranges. we'll watch our shows on the vcr. thank goodness for those!!

have a good evening, all.

Good Morning Chicks! My cold is slowly but sure getting better as we all knew it would. I'm still pretty tired all the time.

No exercise yesterday but I did eat Core with a couple of WPA'S. I'll be exercising tomorrow.

Today is Jim's first follow up appointment with the Specialist for his tongue. I'm REALLY hoping that all is well. He seems to feel good, so I'm hopeful that all is properly on the mend. His appointment is at 10:30 today so I don't have much time this morning to get everything done.

I actually have a pedicure today at 3:00 and I'm excited about that. It's at a new place which is close to my house. I'm hoping that I like it but actually I hate trying new places.

United 93 was every bit as emotional and sad as you could imagine. I think it was VERY realistically portrayed and extremely well done. I can not imagine how they did all those camera angles. I actually felt as if I was on the plane (which was quite upsetting). I don't usually see these types of movies. Jim really wanted to see it and it was given 4 stars. September 11th was one of the hardest days of my life. I was working in downtown Chicago and was Director of my office with no other managerial officials in charge above me locally.

We had a TV in the office and one of my teleworking employees called me shortly after the first plane hit to tell me to turn on the TV. Needless to say, we saw the second plane hit live, as did millions of people. When the 3rd plane hit the pentagon, I closed the office and sent everyone home, including myself. Jim was home with our dog because the dog had a surgical follow up appointment. I was stuck in downtown Chicago with no car and had to rely on public transportation to get home. We couldn't get on any public transportation. It was chaos and it was nearly impossible to get a cell to make a call. I never saw so many people on the streets at one time. I guess that's why the City always calls for orderly shut downs so that we all don't end up on the street at once. My GF finally reached her husband and he drove downtown and picked us up from his body shop. In the meantime, we started walking out of the loop on foot to try to get away from the big buildings, just in case. It was one of the scariest days.

The movie points out how disorganized the country was and how little communication there was between the airlines, ATC, and the government. I just pray that this has all been remedied!

Jim also wants to see Da Vinci Code which doesn't open until the 19th. I'm sure we'll go that day. Neither of us read the book so we don't know alot about it.

Ok, I'm off to read posts!

Frouf, I'm glad little DS is feeling better. There is nothing worse than having one's brain hurt! I remember those days of being stuck in meetings. At the end, I started getting very selfish. I was tired of getting bad bladder infections. So I'd drink my water and get up whenever I needed a break and excuse myself. I'd usually find out that everyone else needed the break too! Big congratulations on your walk. I'm VERY VERY proud of you. If we just keep at this, we will be successful. Great job on the tee for DS. Ok....Angels and Demons.....Is Da Vinci code a scary movie? I can't see devil and demon stuff!

Kath, I hope you find the iron for Kate and Happy Birthday to her. You girls with the curls always wanting to take them out and me with the poker straight hair always wishing I had some. I hope she starts to like her job better soon. There is almost nothing worse. Tell Judd that I don't know about life changing but it does remind one that life is pretty darned short and unpredictable. We should be enjoying life and not sweating the small stuff. You ankle situation just sounds horrible. I'm praying that the therapy starts to work soon. I'm guessing it will take a while and that's why you do it for a couple of weeks at home first. Judd's birthday is the same day as my best GF (the one who's not feeling so good right now). I love all these May babies!

Sandra, I hope your foot is better this morning. We are all quite the crew, aren't we? I am SO tickled for you that you got into your smaller jeans. You must be VERY happy about that. I have a variety of sizes in my closet too. This time, I'm getting rid of the bigger ones as I grow out of them. I don't want to give myself a chance to go back up.

Nikki, I'm glad your DS is better. I can't take the Z pack either. I don't get the rash but I get other very "extreme" side effects. Your heels sound like spurs to me. I have them in both feet too. I just bought a new pair of New Balance walkers with $25 insoles and so far they are helping. I also try not to walk barefooted because that hurts them. I think if you start wearing shoes with good support and cushion it will help. Good luck at the Dr. I'm not getting surgery for as long as possible since I hear that they can come back.

Melissa, congratulations on getting your paper done and getting an A all while moving. You are one impressive Chickie! You and Aaron should celebrate with something special. Just how "EXPOSED" have you and Aaron been! :o Just kidding! I hated living without blinds. It's unsettling. It's always the first thing I do. Actually, here, people usually leave the window coverings. I saved the recipe site but haven't had time to look at it yet. I'm SO excited to look at some new recipes.

Speaking of recipes, WW has a new cookbook out for $14. I was mad yesterday because it is wrapped in cellophane so I couldn't look to see if there were Core recipes. I didn't buy it. I don't think you could even look to see the names of the recipes. Harumpf!

:D Your Harumpfs always make me smile!
I was just posting on the menu thread that I feel like I'm starting core all over again. It's been so long since I did it right that it's like I've forgotten all of my favorite recipes/menus. I've got to get back on track!

I had to call the office to tell a co-worker something and my boss asked if I was coming in today. I don't think she remembered that I have the day off. :rolleyes:

Hey you all, look at the shirt I bought for my mom for mother's day. You know she's a horse person. Now I'm just hoping it gets here in time!!
http://www.lifeisgood.com/StorePlus/...g/wthorssn.gif

OK the pup is whining to go out. Be back in a few...

Good morning! I'm up early because I didn't sleep ... you're going to LOVE this one!

I had watched a movie that ended around midnight, then watched a few little shows and so by about 1:00 I was tired. Judd was already asleep so I turned off the TV but couldn't sleep. I laid there for what seemed like HOURS and just about the time I fell asleep, all heck broke loose! It was like an episode of "When Animals Attack" !!! Judd was on his knees in the middle of the bed swatting at me, Zuki was tangled up in the whole mess, and all I knew is that I was getting assaulted! Talk about a rude awakening! He actually smacked me in the face and I started crying. By then he was awake and of course was apologizing a thousand times over and over. Then he went back to sleep and I laid there for another few hours with my heart still pounding! :lol: What a night! Oh, and the problem? There were bears in the bed that were about to get me. This morning I told him we were going to find some professional help for this little problem. He was still apologizing while walking out the door.

I hope Jim's appointment goes well today. It sounds like he's recovering nicely though, and so will have a few good weeks until starting in on the shoulder. And I'm glad your cold is improving but wish you could catch up on your rest. I know how miserable it is to be tired (boy, do I ever!).

Enjoy the pedicure -- I can't go for a while because nobody's going to be able to touch my foot except for me. I did my toes the other day though; I can do a better French on them that my pedicurist can so it doesn't bother me to do my own. Fingers are another issue, however, but I'm keeping them short and plain these days due to (1) not working and (2) it being dig-in-the-dirt season. I can't wait until my hair appointment on Friday though. I need to be cute and I need it PDQ.

I have a grocery list a mile long so while I'm up, I might as well go. I was stuck for what to have for lunch until I saw your baked potato, which sounded good, so that's what I'm doing. We're out of milk though so if I don't hurry up and go get some, my whole schedule will be thrown off and I'll be eating dinner at midnight! I'm making that soup so I can have it for dinner all week since it'll just be me, Erin and Shaun eating. If they get sick of it, they can eat a sandwich.

Oh what a cute shirt! I didn't know Sandra was your mom! :rofl:

Happy day off!

:lol: I know Sandra will want it! :D

Kathy, what soup are you making? I'll have to go look at your menu again. I'm going to try to get myself a menu together and go to the store today. I have plenty of food but not enough things that go together. And what a terrible night you had!! Judd must be embarrassed when he does that. Especially hitting you in the face! He's not doing a good job of protecting you from those bears. :)

Off to work on some menus....suggestions gladly accepted. :D

I want this one:
http://www.lifeisgood.com/StorePlus/...g/wtiwtbsk.gif

Melissa, it's that soup that I think you've made before -- if I'm remembering correctly. I saw some cooked chicken in the freezer but think I'll just get a rotisserie chicken and tear it up. If I'm feeling spunky at the time, I might even make some polenta cakes to go with it. However, if I don't get myself up out of this bed and get to the store, none of it will matter anyway because I don't have any of the other ingredients!

SO cute! Where are you finding those?

It is the "Life is Good" brand.
http://www.lifeisgood.com/index.asp
or
http://www.jakeslakeplace.com/index.htm
Although you can find them cheaper elsewhere. They have really cute stuff!
They had a golfer t-shirt and I thought of Judd.

Those t-shirts are so cute! I know dh would love the 'band' one - and if we add a bow and arrow to any of those I know Sandra would get a bunch! ha ha ha

Kathy - I agree that Judd needs to do something about his night flailings - and you don't want to be attacked at night - bears or not! My dh used to fling open the blanket when I got up at night to go to the washroom - then once settled he would fling it back over me - except for that one time when he misjudged and whacked me in the face - not good! I know take care of my own blanketing - thank you very much!

Please don't overdo it going out for the groceries and make sure to rest later on when you can!

Vickie - hope dr appt goes well and Jim is healing nicely. I know that movie would have been very upsetting for most people but the reviews are very good! Have fun at your pedicure - I too would be a bit anxious if it's a new place!...and definitely make the ww people open a book for display purposes - how are you supposed to know if you like it when you can't see the recipes inside??? I add my harumph!

Melissa - welcome back to core - I bet you need a lot of groceries for your new place?

Went to bed too late - dh yapping too much - seems he demoed his jazz drumming skills to his congo drum pals and they were suitably impressed and asked him to play with them this FRIDAY at some big event with their jazz band! (They are supposed to rehearse tomorrow night). Dh is of course flattered but nervous about playing for a big crowd with only 1 practice run? Will see what happens (best news for me is I think he might actually get paid - maybe like $100 or so? - not bad!).

So had mega trouble getting up this morning and was lying there dreaming up excuses of why I could not come in to work this morning - ha ha ha. I obviously made it tho I am struggling. Tomorrow and half day thursday I am on a course so need to get things settled here - holding a small team meeting this pm to relay info and advise of my pending absence (so they can all run amuck while I'm away - but only downstairs so I will be checking in on them!).

Also brought my runners to work so will try and go out for another walk today as the sun is shining and it's lovely outside!

More coffee!

Home from groceries. Ugh, what a pain! I also went to Home Depot to get a flat of flowers and some potting soil; need to replant the big planters on back patio. I told Judd I was buying a new bench for the back while he was gone and he said no, wait for him. Apparently he wants to pick it out. Okay, whatever. We have an octagon shape on part of it and the bench will go on the slanted section with the two big planters at each end. I also took a pair of denim capris to the alteration shop because last year when I bought them, I had worn them exactly ONE time and next time I put them on and was pulling them up by the waistband, it came apart! I pinned it and limped thru the season, actually not wearing them all that much because they were a bit snug. This year though they are a perfect fit. I looked at the size and they are a 7/8. Well, yahooty! Now I can lose the safety pins and get some real stitching. I could do it myself but would rather pay someone to do a good professional job so it'll match the Lee stitching.

Now I'm home, worn out, but feel good that things got done. I have my potato in the oven and everything is out to make the soup later on. It's going to be in mid-90s with high humidity today, so I'm not inclined to go outside this afternoon and plant those flowers. Maybe I'll do it tomorrow, because from what I read, it will only be a high of mid-80s so that's much better. The heat plus humidity just saps all of my energy, which is not much to begin with!

Frouf, that's great news about DH doing a paying gig this weekend. I'm sure he'll do fine, otherwise the band wouldn't have made the offer. Will you go listen?

Hi, back from the podiatrist, he says my heel pain is caused by me having very high arches in my feet and due to my weight my arches are starting to fall a bit so the ligamints are being pulled. He gave me a script to get arches made that he says my insurance won't cover which will cost me $400-$500 dollars!! I think I will really work on losing the weight first, he said that would also help. I will now go clean my house, since I didn't do it this morning and it is driving me nuts( I am a neat freak ;) kinda hard with 2 small kids but I try.
Will be back with a cup of coffee when i am done.

Vickie, you said you bought arches for $25.00 and good support shoes, Maybe I will try that in the mean time, we only have one income coming into the house at this time and $500.00 is alot of money. Glad you enjoyed the movie, 911 really hits close to home. My mom, brothers & sister inlaws all work in Manhatten and had to be evacuated. There was no public transportation so they had to walk accross the bridge to get out of Manhatten. My brother lost his friend in the world trade center. I live a hour from the city and to this day I will not take my kids on the NYC subway. I would rather drive & pay $40.00 for parking.

Kathy so sorry you got assaulted :D . My husband is always getting kicked out of bed, he snores terrible, keeps me up all night.

Melissa, isn't 24 great!! I even went to the library and got season 1 & 2, I started watching the show in season 3

Oh, Niki ... you don't know the half of it! I slept in the guest room for a year due to major snoring until my son moved back in with us last summer. Then I was forced to move back to the master bedroom but that's when I discovered earplugs. They work great but do NOT protect me from getting smacked in the middle of the night! I have a scratch over my lip and I don't know if it's from Judd or the dog! :lol: He (Judd, not the dog) feels bad enough so I'm going to let it go. Thankfully he's out of town until Friday so I have a wide open sleeping schedule.

That's a lot of money for arches, whether one or two or 10 incomes! Yikes! I hope you can figure out a work-around solution meanwhile.

Niki, that is so interesting about what your doctor said. I also have high arches and had to have special supports (not $500 though! :eek: ) years ago. Recently I have been having really bad heel pain too. I wonder if it is related. Interesting, thanks for sharing. Oh, and DH and I got a DVR for Christmas--since then we have been recording reruns of 24. So far we have all of this season (that has aired) and a great deal of season 2 and 3.

Kathy, I'm glad that you were able to get out and get stuff done today. I know that has to make you feel better. And congrats on those skinny-minny pants!

Well I need to go to the pharmacy and Kroger for a few CORE things. Here's some of the stuff I'm going to try to make this week:
Chili and Rice
Southwestern Chicken Sandwich (like Texas Roadhouse, going to attempt my own)
Cola Chicken
Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Cola Chicken
Dreamsicle
Graham Cracker Treats

What do you think? A couple of these I've never made before but I only have to supplement a couple of ingredients from what I already have. I'll be sure to give full report. :D

It all sounds so good! Geez, I must be starving! :lol: I'm about to go fix my potato in a little while, then start the soup.

Next week I should make some cola chicken. Everybody likes that and I have some thighs, which I think makes better cola chicken than breasts.

I have the opposite foot problem...my arches are non-existant. I would be very much in pain without my $450 orthotics. But I agree, if you can find a cheaper alternative that works, try that first. :) Even my podiatrist was impressed by the flatness of my feet. He also said it will most likely lead to hammertoes, corns, and bunions later in life. I already have some trouble with those things. Yippee. :p

We had a nice loud thunderstorm this morning at 3 am. Gotta love those midwestern storms.

Later,
Angela

Hey Chicks! Jim's checkup was GREAT!!! Specialist said Jim is a trouper and is healing beautifully. He was really impressed because evidently he took Jim's tongue all the way down to the muscle. EEEWWWW!!!!! Anywho....we don't go back for 3 months unless there is a problem. He's cleared for shoulder surgery but Specialist wants to make sure that his tongue is protected during the anesthesia. I'm very grateful and we feel as if our prayers were answered.

I have a little time before my pedicure so I'm going to go read what's up with all of you.

Kath, you poor girl! Trying to sleep with all that ankle pain and Judd attacking you too. Sheesh! I'd would surely be sending him for some treatment. It seems like he has those terrors often. I'm sure it's affecting the quality of his sleep too. He has to not feel rested when they are over. I live for the day when I can reach around my tummy and paint my own toenails! I'm really impressed that you cand do a french manicure. Now that's something I'd never try. I'm not having a manicure today. I'm way too hard on my hands to bother unless I'm going somewhere nice. You know....you do more than me and I have two healthy ankles. I hope you are resting with that foot up now. Congratulations on the 7/8 capris or capretties as my Great Niece calls them! I know you felt very pleased when you put them on....and who of us wouldn't?!

Melissa, that shirt is ADORABLE and your Mother is going to love it. What until Sandra sees it. I'm going to look at the website in a little while. I'm not a tshirt girl but my Sister would probably love it. I was going to remind you that cola chicken sounded good to you the other day when I was making it.....but I see from your list that you didn't forget. How about cornmeal chicken and oven fries? All you really need is cornmeal, some FF or lowfat (for points) parm, eggs, lemon juice and spices. Ohhhhh.....what's the dreamsicle? I'd like that recipe. Do we have it here? I'm going to go look. I NEED a dreamsicle.

Frouf, how exciting that DH got a job! Did you get your walk in today? I'm still nervously awaiting your answer to my question about Da Vinci Code. I'm am afraid of supernatural scary stuff. I have to know if Jim is going to the movie alone! I hope you're feeling more perky by now with the caffeine coursing through your veins.

Niki, I have really high arches too. I'd suggest those New Balance inserts. The salesman told me that I can put them in any shoe. The arch was so high at first I thought that I'd never get used to it. Now it feels good. There are stores all over NY so I'm sure you could find one. I was a former Federal Employee and we had employees at 6 World Trade Center. The buildings did come down but they were able to evacuate safely. They had to walk home too. What a horrible scary day. I don't even want to be in downtown Chicago, so I certainly understand why you wouldn't want to be in NYC.

Angela, those thunderstorms are headed my way down I 80. Gotta love life in the Midwest! How's your eating going today?

Hey, where's Saundra? Is she out of town?

Melissa - your menu sounds very yummy - we have not had cola chicken in a while either - have to remember it next time I do chicken!

Kathy - good idea to get the capretties fixed up - I bet you feel great and look great in them! Don't tire yourself out tho - maybe save the gardening for another day? At least you will get a few nights of sleep without being attacked!

I also have very flat feet - since childhood - I remember having to wear these inserts in my shoes as a child (like they did anything!)...and in summer of course took off my shoes as soon as I left the house going barefoot the rest of the day - then putting them on before heading in (and secrety washing my feet in the bathroom before my mom saw them! YIKES!).

I did not walk at lunchtime - now working on this @#$#@@$E@# budget exercise which is driving me insane - I of course started my own table/spreadsheet and was doing well until this am when the 'template' I am SUPPOSED to complete was sent out! Ya right - then had to go see the 'money man' so he could explain 'my' budget as it is spread out all over the place coming from different codes (Did I mention how much I don't want to be a manager now?..)

Of course I had a slight headache brewing at lunchtime which has now morphed into an almost migraine - stayed in at lunch and ate at my desk, popped 2 ULTRA tylenol and now nibbling on gorgeously huge and red strawberries at my desk! May try and head home early if I can - need to rest a bit?

As for the Da Vinci Code - nothing supernatural or inherently scary - altho it will be a thriller with some close calls and probably some gorinesss (is that a word?) and violence (i.e. shooting, chasing, drowning). The most gory part (for me anyways - and there is a hint of this in the preview) is the self flagellation/self-mutilation part. Story deals with a church sect called Opus Dei and I don' think it's true in real life, but in the book they seem to adhere to some religious concepts of self mutilation and such and one of the characters wears some sort of metal chain in his thigh which he pulls on to 'hurt' himself and feel pain. I could barely stand reading this in the book let alone seeing this in the movie! Hopefully there won't be many scenes of this type!

I'm hoping the movie is as good as the book - very interesting, mind-stimulating and exciting! (altho a bit gory!)

I think Saundra was going to Niagara - soon? or did she leave already? not sure!

Vickie - let us know how your toes turn out!