rose, we'll be having our grands fri night. the jury is still out on whether we're camping sat night. depends on rain. enjoy your grands. enjoy ai. i like elliott, too. he's a really nice guy and man! can he sing!! but you're right. taylor's my fav. i know he's not an "elvis" but there are a lot of things about him that remind me of elvis.

1. can't be still when singing
2. different hair
3. says "appreciate it" as elvis said "thank you very much."
4. sings well with fast and slow songs

prob others. can ya'll think of any? (or am i totally crazy?) (don't answer that last question) :lol:

Vickie - have a blast tomorrow and I hope you and Jim win BIG BUCKS! And we all know as you must too (deep down in your heart) that you are a supremely smart, organized and efficient person and you have shown what a fabulous caregiver you are - so no doubt Jim will do well thru the surgery with you by his side! Hang in there.

Poor Sandra - I can only imagine the intensity of your anxiety attack - glad there was really nothing wrong with you (altho it sounds mighty expensive).

Kathy - hope the advil helps out with the pain! And I am surprised they let a skinny minny like you join up w/WW! :)

Angela - I too tend to wear rose colored glasses (as dh always tells me) and find it hard to believe that people are not out there just trying to be nice - that there are hidden agendas and those that talk behind your back. Frankly I have not time for all of that - yes I am probably somewhat naive and may get hurt - but I prefer that to being suspicious about everyone and thinking the worst of them! We learn our limitatons I guess!

Well the therapist appt w/dd was interesting - seems dd wanted to work on our relationship! (guess all the recent screeching has affected her?). Told the therapist I was tired of her constant whining and asking for things! And I actually brought in pics of dd's washroom and what it looks like (floor covered w/wet towels, discarded clothing, stuff that missed the wastebasket and no visible sign of the counter cuz it is covered w/hair products, makeup, hair dryer, hair straightener). Seems dd think it's absolutely normal to be a messy teenager - while my take on it is "she just doesn't care at all" - we are obviously not interpreting each other correctly - no kidding jack!

She explained to dd about compromising and that if she wants the nagging to stop perhaps she can at least keep the floor clean? Dd is not big on compromise it seems....we also need to bond more, in positive ways - she suggested we have a 10-15 chat when I get home frome work - when i asked dd if she could leave the computer for this she of course said no! Therapist was trying to talk some sense into her. Anyhow, as we were leaving I went to use the washroom - and come out to see dd crying and therapist talking to her. It seems dd was upset cuz it seemed to her that therapist was 'taking sides' and not being fair - of course she insisted she wasn't - and apologized to her several times. Dd was quite upset when we left - muttering she was never going back again (yes we have an appt next thurs). Hopefully I can get her to change her mind by next week!

As for the 'hormone' theory - I sure wish that was the answer but I am not entirely convinced. I just feel I have nothing to live for (except of course my purpose here as a coreboard chickie!)....I just want to sit , eat and do nothing. Almost like a relapse? if you saw me a few years ago - I was working full time, doing an mba part time - studying, attending group meetings, writing and editing papers, while raising a family which included a little one! People were amazed at my perserverance and stamina (and believe me so was I!).

So do I need several years to recuperate? and do nothing? I still don't watch much tv and prefer reading and web surfing.

One of my main beefs right now I guess is financially related. As you must know I do like to travel, I like the finer things in life and I enjoy good restaurants, going out to shows and the theatre. Now that dh has been unemployed for over 1.5 years (okay a couple of minor contracts in there somewhere), I find it hard to justify any major spending - and I am eating into the inheritance money left to me by my aunt to keep us afloat.

My question to dh is 'what have you sacrificed since being unemployed?". I believe his answer would be 'nothing really'. His life has not changed in major ways - in fact it's probably gotten better as he can relax every day - work on his amp design - have lunch out once in a while w/friends (they usually pay). He is not a clothes horse or anything like that (and I'm usually the one to 'dress' him), not an avid traveller - likes to eat out - but can pass on it - does not really enjoy the theatre.

I on the other hand feel like I have sacrificed a lot? I no longer go shopping or buy myself anything much (in fact two latest clothes purchases were on e-bay). I feel guilty when I get my hair and nails done - I have not resubscribed to the broadway musical program (around $550 for 3 shows) and can't travel as much as I would like to! We are coming up to a long weekend here in Canada and under normal circumstances (i.e. dh working) I would not think twice about booking a weekend at a nearby resort - lovely place - very rustic, walking trails, spa, indoor/outdoor pools, horseback riding and gourmet dining! Of course I don't feel I can do that now - as I can't see spending the approx $700 the weekend would probably cost! Am I just spoiled and bitter? I'm trying not to say anything but it's really hard!

The only thing we do treat ourselves to are movies - we love seeing first run movies in the theatre - esp since it is a great escape for us (both physically and mentally). And even that is probably extravagant!

Eventually the $$ will run out - dh will have to get a job - I find it very embarrassing - esp when we are with his family. His mother acts so concerned saying she is sure something will turn up for him - I don't have the heart to tell her that he is not actively looking for work....and has already said he wouldn't demean himself by doing something for which he is overqualified!!!

I guess I just want my old life back - I wish I could plan a summer vacation and not have to just dream about it (really really wanted to go to Niagara falls this year w/little ds!). Yes I do have the 'inheritance' money and I know dh will say just go if you want to and use that money - but we will eventually need all of that $$ so how can I justify spending it now?

Okay - enuf of my whining right? I am thankful that right now I have a job, a roof over my head, 3 healthy children and my good internet buddies! right:)

Frouf, maybe you are just plain old tired of keeping everyone afloat. I believe most of us would feel exactly the same way you are feeling if we were in the same position. Solving the problem though is the problem, of course. If it were me, I'd be giving some ultimatums to DH to go get a job and help support the family. It would be different if you all could afford for him to stay home and still have the lifestyle you want. The problem is, if he leaves, would you then be able to travel and have the theater or would you just be without your DH? I'm sure you've thought all this through a million times. I think you should not feel guilty. I'm so sorry that you're in that situation and that I don't have any great advice. You are such a great woman and I really value your friendship here. It's just not right for you to be treated this way and be so underappreciated. Try to get some sleep tonight. I know this is the kind of stuff that keeps you awake.

Kathy, I've always said that I don't know how you do it all alone. I definitely do not have the constitution for it. I know I'll manage but it'll be tough.

Sandra, I sure hope the PT doesn't ask me to move his arm or I'll be passing out too! He'll have a PT appointment the day after surgery. I guess they want to make sure it doesn't "freeze".

Thanks Rose! Try not to worry about the cornbread. I have a GREAT Core recipe that tastes pretty darn good. I think it's on our board. Let me know if you can't find it.

Well girls, I won't be on tomorrow until very, very late. We'll be leaving for the breakfast and then the boat at 7:00. I think I'm getting up at 5:45 to shower and get ready. Something I am no longer used to!

Have a great day!

Oh Froufie I wish I had something profound to say to you. I am actually at a loss for words. You sound so sad and down in the dumps. Have you sat down with your family and told them how sad you feel?
I hate to see you spend your inheritance money, you should be investing the money for your retirement.
Bless you I will pray for you.

Vicki, have fun tomorrow. Thanks I will look up the recipe

Rose

Vickie, have a super time tomorrow and win lots and lots of money!! We'll be waiting for your report.

I made some pimento and cheese tonight using FF cheese, pimento and FF Miracle Whip. I tasted it and it was yuck. I'm still going to try and make a sandwich with it tomorrow (2 pts for the bread) and if it's gross, I'll give up and spend the other 2 pts for real pimento cheese. I've been craving it lately. If I have to, I'll get different bread where I can have 2 slices for 1 pt. Sandwiches are just so much easier for work. Of course if I switch to Flex I could have my margherita pizza at lunch, which I dearly love and could eat 45 times a day.

I hope Melissa's conference is going well. I sure miss her when she's gone; isn't is crazy-insane how close we all are? Whodathunkit?

We're supposed to go to lunch with the big boss tomorrow for Judd's birthday, and they want to go to Pappadeaux. That could actually be deadly for me, but if I can stick to my resolve and have grilled fish and vegetables, or a big salad, it can be done. That's a pretty big IF though.

I have a therapy appointment at 7:00 in the morning to make sure things are progressing (which they aren't) and to see if I should maybe switch to getting my PT there (which I should). We'll see what they say but I know what I'd like to recommend. As much as I don't want to have it done there, I need it. I hate to think about spending the summer with a limp but if something doesn't improve, that's what will happen. I'm going to ask if I can start using a cane instead of the crutches though. The crutches are getting in my way.

I hated to see Elliott go tonight, but I know Clive will take care of him. I'll bet he gets a contract with no problem. And now we just have one more week. I can already picture Taylor winning -- now he'd better do it!

Frouf, I thought I was going to have to do some swift talking with the WW lady but she let me in. I will talk to her next week to set my goal but no way should I let it go under 135. At my height (5'7") I think that's low enough. I hope you and Emily can work it all out. I know how tense it must be around there and that's not good for any of you. As for DH and the job, I just hate that whole situation. IMO he is just being so immature and irresponsible. Sure, we'd all like to relax and "do our own thing" and work on this or that dream, but that's not real life. He needs to step it up and I don't think he's going to. Why should he? He's got it made! And that's my two cents' worth -- which is exactly WHAT it's worth! I sure do feel for you and hope you can have a good dinner out with your friend. It sounds like she's a gem.

Good night, all. I'll see you in the morning.

frouf, i don't know what to say either except i care about you. you are a special friend.

vickie, kaching!! i hear the slots now.

kathy, i almost bought some pimiento cheese today. guess we're thinking alike. i love a good pimiento cheese sandwich.

Good morning ladies. Froufie, I agree with Kathy. If there's no reason for your dh to change, he won't. It's hard because he is an adult - not your child. But if you're supporting him, you have some say over him, I'd say.

Vickie and Sandra, I always thought I was pretty good around surgery/wounds etc. But when little dd cut open her cheek a few years ago, and they were stitching her up, I almost fainted. I was fine holding her in the waiting room at the ER, getting her there, etc, but when it came to the stitching, I almost lost it.

Angela

Good Morning ladies, I am so excited, today my ds gets his cast off. He'll still have to wear a plastic wrist brace for 10 days, but at least I can take it off to bathe him.

Vickie have a great time and win lots of money. My Mom & I want to go to Mohegans Sun which is in Connecticut, so we will take the ferry across from Long Island.

froufy, I am sorry to hear you are having a hard time ( a swift kick in the rear might make him move a little faster to find a job ;). Things will get better, it always seem to work out. My dh works his tail off with his regular job & side work since I am a sahm and we just about make our bills, there are days when I get depressed and want to cry but then I really think about it and I do have a good life. :hug:

Kathy don't hate me, I know you want taylor to win but I do like Catherine, she really does have a beautiful voice

Rose your story about you and your Grandson had me in hysterical, too funny.

Sandra wow, I can't believe it cost you $1500 when you passed out
Glad it was nothing serious.

Good morning! It's a nice sunny day here in north Texas!

Angela, I'm right there with you on the stitches thing. I think I could look at blood on a face easier than I could see them stitching the cut. Fortunately when my kids got their stitches, I was usually in the waiting room with the other kids and their dad would be in the room watching. He's more squeamish than I am though so I don't know how he did it. I must have looked away.

PT went okay but now it sure does hurt! I know that's to be expected but she pushed and pulled until I thought my foot would fall off. I think I'm going with that epsom salt theory and will start soaking it at night after I do the exercises.

I guess Vickie's a bazillionaire by now, huh? Maybe she'll share with us!!

Niki, congrats to your DS for healing up! I know you'll all be glad to get rid of the cast.

I should do some work now. I'll be back later on.

Good morning all: Kathy I like you, did not want Elliott to go, he has a marvellous voice. I guess he will do alright though.

I wonder how Vicki made out, bet she had fun even if she did not come home with piles of money. lol
I went to Rama and I said to hubby, hope I don't see anyone from the Church and low and behold one of the Church ladies came over and tapped me on the shoulder. lol We laugh about that now and I tease her. What is the difference between buying stocks, mutual funds etc. (which I have always done.) There has been some sad cases here though when Rama first opened up, people were actually losing their homes by gambling. Also a couple of people committed suicide at Rama. Now that is sad .

Niki, that is good the cast came off. Poor guy, how old is he anyway? I guess I have missed that.

Sandra that was a lot of money to hand over, wow. I was in the hospital last year for 2 weeks having tests etc. and it did not cost me a penny. I had a semi private room. Our medical system is very good but we do pay higher taxes then you do in the U.S.

Today we get the grands, we always see our daughters children but since our son and dil are divorced we do not see the children as often. I feel so sad about the divorce but what can you do. It is hard on the children.I went out and bought lots of fun things for them and we are going over to our daughters house so the grands can be together. I buy lots of clothes for the children but my ex dil never tells me if she likes them, or if they fit.

Sandra, what a good thing you told me about if you spill a little milk do you spill the rest. I should have heard that before I ate the corn bread as I thought oh well might as well have more. Not good, as I ate more then two pieces.

Well must go and see what I can scare up for lunch, dh wants to eat early so we can go to the store.
Blue skies, (not really, raining again, it has rained for days)
Rose

Hi Rose, My son is 6 and I also have a 2 1/2 yr old daughter, who at this moment is having another tantrum. She pulled all the puzzles out of the cabinet, so I told her to clean up, she told me NO! so I took her bottles(yes she is still on a bottle, that is a whole other issue) away and told her she can not have a bottle till she picks up the puzzle pieces. Now she is screaming at me telling me I'm a meanie(lol) she got that from her older brother.

Niki I should not laugh but I could just picture your daughter. My daughter did that once laid on the floor screaming "I don't like you" I quietly said, "that is too bad, but I love you." She stopped for a few min. but then kept it up for about a min and then came over to me and was fine. I often reminder her of that when she gets upset with her children.
Enjoy your children though as time goes by too quickly, I am having fun with the grands. (can you tell I love kids) I am one of those Nana's that call up and ask if I can have the kids for the day.
Blue skies,
Rose

Girls what are those two eggs???

Oh I only see one egg on my post.

You'll only see one egg on your post, the one with the yolk. That means you're online. The other that has a red exclamation point in it is to report a bad post and since you wouldn't report your own bad post, you won't see it in your own posts. Make sense?

Rose my daughter is very fiesty and my mom gets a kick out of it. In a way it is good she definitly stands up for herself, my son on the other hand is so sensitive, he could be watching a cartoon and if there is a sad scene he will be balling his eyes out, if I scold his sister he tells me to stop it. He is very easy going, such a good boy, he will make someone a wonderful husband, my daughter will make her husband bald :D (lol).

I really do enjoy them, I am having the time of my life with them, I know time goes by real fast and it is scary. My mom always says your problems haven't started yet, wait till they start driving and going out with friends, at least now you know where they are at all times and they are safe. I think about when I was going out with my friends and would stroll in wee hours of the morning and my mom sitting on my bed waiting for me, back then I couldn't understand why she just didn't go to bed, now I fully understand.

Hi Niki, guess we all go through all these stages with the kids.
Kathy I understand about the yolk but what do you mean by bad posts, am I missing something here, as I notice you all seem to have the exclamation marks. Sorry for being so clueless.
Rose

If you saw a bad post, like someone was advertising something or putting their email address in their post or cursing ... just inappropriate stuff that shouldn't be posted ... you would click on that egg with the exclamation point in it and it would send a message to a mod so they could check it out.

we've been gone running errands almost all day. i am pooped. also, i'm hungry but hanging on to ww. wi is tomorrow. i can do this!!

angela, i understand the almost fainting. can't explain it but understand it.

nikki, i'm glad ds is getting the cast off. i'll bet he's ready to climb some trees.

kathy, i can't watch actors get shots in movies. lol

rose, been there done that with the cornbread. i talk a good story and know a lot of examples, but i still fall on the wayside a lot. enjoy your grands. we're getting ours tomorrow night.

Hey Chicks! We had a BALL! We just got home after gambling for 8 hours. We only go twice a year but when we go we really whoop it up and do a marathon.

Jim won $5.00 and I won $600.00 (that doesn't include the money that I took with to gamble!).

Niece just called. I'll be back later.

vickie, sounds like you and jim lived it up and had a blast. makes me smile.

Wow, that is lucky Vicki, bet you were some pleased with yourselves. Are you going to buy something with the money? Did you have a nice meal, I have been to the Casino's here and some of the meals are wonderful.

We just got back from taking the Grands out, we had a blast.

Thanks for the info. Kathy.
Blue skies,
Rose

Good Morning ladies, I want to say I had a NSV yesterday, after my son got his cast off I decided to take the kids to Friendlys for a early dinner. Boy did those burgers look good, I stood my ground and ordered a cobb salad with no bacon & ff dressing, only the crumbled blue cheese was not core. I did not even order a ff sundae, trying to save my points for Saturday, taking my daughter to her cousins Princess Tea party. It felt pretty good passing things up. :D

Rose have a blast with your grands, how long do you have them for?

Vickie, sounds like you a great time, nice winnings!! :D

howdy, chickies. we just finished a fantastically prepared lunch even if the cook says so herself. we'll get the grands this pm and take them to cb. later we girls will make a walmart run. life's exciting!

nikki, i am impressed with your determination. way to go, girl!!!

rose, i'm glad you had fun with your grands last night. i'm excited ours are coming today. ain't it great!!

i think i forgot to tell ya'll that yesterday we met our new primary care physician. (he just moved here) he's a ww'er and does core. now isn't that special!!

Good for you Niki on the nsv - I know you felt better eating what you should! And I bet your ds is also thrilled about the cast coming off!

Sandra - how cool about the new dr! I bet you can compare notes!

Angela - when my ds was 5 he had to have stitches - I was so freaked out (and think being 7 months pg with dd didn't help!). Drove to the hospital w/our sitter (who had called me at work about this!)...little ds took one look at my face and said he wanted Barbara to come in with him. No doubt he could tell I wouldn't last long watching him being stitched - dr took one look at me and agreed. I left the room literally pacing the halls with my fingers in my ears humming to myself cuz if I heard little ds scream or cry I don't know what I would have done "crazed pg woman attacks dr while son gets stitches". We obviously all survived! But I know I am a wuss at these things.

Kathy - we await the PT report! Hope they can fix you up good!

Vickie - way to go - what a nice windfall - so what are you spending the winnings on? What game or games did you win on the most?

I am home - took an extra day off to make is a nice LONG 4 day weekend (we have a stat holiday here on Monday) but it was touch and go for a second yesterday at things at work started blowing up!

Go to this Employment Equity meeting as I am representing my colleague who is away on holidays for the month (she asked nicely and I agreed). Anyhow about halfway thru the meeting they start reviewing this 'template' about some EE progress report - of course I don't even have this document and have no idea what they are talking about.

So I finally ask about where can I get this and when is it due (as i hear a gasp coming from the other participants). 'did you not get the may 11th email about filling in the progress report? and it's due on tuesday - no extensions' (remember monday is a holiday and I want friday off!). Chairperson of course is going to email this to me asap.

Go have lunch w/knots in my stomach trying to figure out what to do (I'm acting Manager now) and realize I can delegate this - but not sure to whom? come back from lunch trying to figure out how to proceed. Try to track down email - go to director's secretary - yes she finds it! (may 11th) - and WHO WAS IT SENT TO FOR COMPLETION? to Andrew she says - I start doing this happy dance around her desk and she is quite amused. I go see Andrew - yes he is aware of it - yes he knows it's due Tuesday (why the heck wasn't he at the meeting???) and so I debrief him on what I learned and all is well! It was touch and go for a second there.

Dinner out w/my gf was great as I got to vent and complain to my heart's content - and you know what - you are all so clever (I already knew that of course) as you and she had the same recommendations and comments: give him an ultimatum, tell you want a husband not another child, it's too easy and comfortable for him - why should he change? She agreed that I was already dealing with a stressful situation at home due to dd and I don't need further stress or distractions - of course dh doesn't understand that so well!

I think I need to talk to dh about how I"m feeling - and how to proceed - my first real question is how committed is he to this relationship? (and is he willing to work on it?). I feel he is not that committed and does not have any strong feelings for me anymore - just comfortable here I guess - and being well taken care of? I think I need more than he is willing to give - and either he agrees to work on things or he has to go. Life is too short to waste - my only real issue is little ds - whose world will be shattered to say the least. I am pondering on how to approach this w/dh.

Went to get my nails OFF today - back to 'au naturel' - feels very weird - but I think nails needed a break? I also was wanting to get back into my piano playing (and little ds was interested in learning to play) and it's impossible to do with long clicking nails - so I shall try this for a while.

Big ds just back from New York City - where he had a blast (and several celebrity sightings such as Eric from 24 and martha stewart). Ended up winning some 'lottery' and getting front row seats to Rent the other night. The whole family got 'i love ny' t-shirts -little ds also got a yellow taxicab on a giant pencil and I got a (fake?) pink chanel purse - very cute!

Trying to go see Da Vinci code today - depends on whether ds will babysit baby brother or not? Otherwise will take little ds to see 'over the hedge'.

Later,

Hello Chicks! Sorry I haven't been around.

It was a very, very, busy morning for me. I had an appointment at 10:30 to go smell and buy some candles from a new home candle sales company that I found. It's called Gold Canyon and the candles are fabulous and not as expensive as some others. They have a strong aroma all the way through the candle and most of the larger ones have 2 wicks so that the jar candles burn evenly and you don't have that wall of wax all around the outside. I sound like I have stock in the company but I really don't. I'm just cheap and like good candles for my money. I've tried Yankee, Party Lites, Illuminations, Hannah's, Bath and Body Works, Old Viriginia Candle and now that I've found these, I won't be buying any others. I bought a cinnamon vanilla today and ordered 3 more (orange dream, invigorating, and sunflower).

After that I went and picked up my new glasses. Yes, trifocals, which I've had for several years already. My reading prescription was no longer strong enough. Must be all that reading and computer work! Then I went to the drug store and we went out to eat lunch. Jim is right now watching the Sox and Cubs play ball. It's a big deal in this City this weekend because of the huge Crosstown rivalry. We'll be going out in about 45 minutes to celebrate the birthday of my Nephew IL (Daddy to Baby Sarah). Interestingly, he's a Cub fan as are my Sister and BIL. We think they were hit on the head as children!

Jim's surgery will probably not be until June 28th. I feel sorry for him but relieved for me that I have time to plan and get everything organized. The Ortho Doctor's anesthesiologist did not want to have to worry about protecting Jim's tongue as his ENT requested. All he wants to worry about is Jim's airway. So ENT said to wait another 4-6 weeks. So there we are. That gets us through party season since we have a graduation and the 25th wedding anniversary of my friend Cindy.

Well, that's what up with me for now. I'm going to go post today's menu and then I've got to call the Niece to see what's up for dinner. After yesterday I don't have all that many points left until Monday!

Kathy, how was your pimento cheese sandwhich? I hope you enjoyed it. I never tasted pimento cheese. Why couldn't you just stay on Core, eat your pizza, and count points for it? You barely eat anything non-Core anyway, so I'm guessing you'd have plenty of points for it. How did you do at lunch? Did you go for the fish or were you tempted by the other fair? I was kind of tickled to hear that Epsom salts are still allowed. They really helped me and felt good. I thope they give you some relief. I hope the therapy was better and more productive than doing it at home. You did sound a bit frustrated by having to do it at home. I was sorry to see Elliott go too. Now that he's gone, Taylor will get my Chris vote. I do NOT want the plastic Barbie girl to win.

Angela, how are you doing? How's you Mom? I'm really starving today. I'm not sure what's up with me.

Niki, I'm sure your DS is thrilled that the darned cast is ok in time for summer vacation! I am so VERY proud of you for your NSV at Friendly's from yesterday. I'm sure that you were just surrounded by all kinds of temptation. Keep up the great work! I think Katherine has a beautiful voice too, but she seems like an unfriendly pretty girl (they were always mean to the fat girls like me). As long as I don't look at Taylor or watch his dancing I can enjoy his music. I love Michael McDonald and Eddie Money and he reminds me of both of them. I'm guessing your Mom enjoys your daughter because she reminds her of someone we all know? :D ;) Where you a bit of a terror as a child?

Frouf, I am SO very happy that you enjoyed your dinner with your GF and that you got some much needed support and good advice ;) from a very wise woman. I don't envy you the days/weeks ahead as you try to deal with this situation. But, as I've said so many times before, life is too short to go through it unhappy. I'm really glad that your off for a long weekend as I know you can really use it. You've been sounding tired and stressed. Thank goodness that last minute work issue was not a problem. I remember those days too well.

Rose, I feel sorry for the Grandmoms who have to deal with DIL's. My Sister has a situation that she has to deal with carefully. She never wants to be in a position where her Son has to choose. I hope you all had a great time yesterday.

I'll be spending my winnings on sensible things; like paying off bills that I wasn't sure were I was going to get the money for and to give gifts for the graduation/anniversary that were not in the budget. I did spend $75 :o on candles today. I just bought some baseball tickets for us and then there's the furniture and the glasses. Still and all, it's a fabulous head start. I'm very relieved and grateful! Jim and I always play quarter video poker. It is our addiction. We get machines next to each other and we play and laugh and cheer each other on. When one of us is going for 4 of a kind or a royal flush, we tap the other and both send up wishes and prayers while the other pushes the button for the draw. Yesterday, I got a royal flush! I kept 3 cards toward the royal and I tapped Jim to watch while I took the draw. It was just a joke that I tapped him because unless you have 4 cards to the royal, you really don't have much of a chance. I'd lost all my money already and Jim had given me $100 to keep playing and we hadn't even had lunch yet! Anyway, I hit the draw button and then the king and the 10 of diamonds popped up. The jackpot of worth $1,245! I sure did get a nice WG form. For you Canadians, it means that the casino had to report my winnings to my former employer. Oh well! It was still worth it.

Ok, off to the birthday party!

Hey no Kathy today? Are you ok, Kath?

And no Sandra with the weigh in report?

HARUMPF!

Oh yeah, I sure did scream out loud when I won....as did Jim. No shy shrinking violet here.

Checking in, I'm one tired chickie. Actually I haven't done all that much, at least by my own standards. I took Shaun to the doctor, did some housework, and am resting.

I'll be back later on when I can concentrate. Right now my heart is pounding from being so tired.

Hey there Sandra you will be able to give your Dr. advice also. lol That is great though. What do you mean by Primary Care, is that the same as your Family Dr.?

Niki, I had the grands from 4pm until 8pm, they have to go to school so there Mom wants them home by eight. They went home with a big bag of clothes and were thrilled. Our daughter passes on the clothes that do not fit her daughter anymore

Froufie, glad to hear you had a good talk with your girl friend. She would be able to see the situation better then we could . I feel for you as it is a hard decision to make, since you have the little guy to think about.

I love Candles also Vicki, I am not sure we have Gold Canyon. Have you Canucks seen them in Canada?
I bet you were smiling all the way home, clutching your purse. lol Do you have to pay tax on the winnings?
I just heard besides having diabetes Elliott has a hearing problem can not hear
out or one ear.

I remember a gal called Saundra, is she away on holidays?

We were going to the show tonight to see Da Vinci but they say it is packed, so I will wait. The study course I am taking gives us lots of info on the movie so I will be able to follow the study. It would have been nice to have seen the movie though first.

Sandra had a real busy day today and she may not have got to w.w. She says she is op though. I am so proud of her she tries so hard.

You know what I was just thinking at my age what does it matter if I have a few extra lbs. on. Well I guess it is better for my health though.

Well must run take care all and don't take any wooden nickels now. I think I took one today. lol
Blue Skies,
rose

frouf, i'm glad you're going to have a heart to heart with dh. i hope ya'll can work things out. life's too short to be unhappy.

vickie, i'm glad you have more time to plan for jim's surgery. and i'm glad the doctors are being safe. sounds like you're having fun with your winnings. i was here earlier. today's when i posted about my doctor being on core. i didn't go to wi today. we both had lab appts that overlapped ww. i will go next friday, though.

kathy, i hope you're all right. that sounds scarey about your heart's pounding from fatigue. i'm uploading photos on picturetrail right now. thanks for the heads up.

rose? where are you?

rose, you must have been posting while i was typing. :lol: primary care physician (pcp) is the same as family doctor. even after i lose 40+ more i'll have a lot of extra lbs still. but i'll be happy then.

Let's see if I can get some of this out of the way. Judd's on his way home from golf so I have a few minutes. I think I'm tired from the heat. It is 98 right now and the sun is just beating down. It makes me so tired.

The PT was okay but it was really just an assessment to make sure I was doing okay. She added some more home exercises and when I go to the doctor in two weeks, we'll find out then if he wants me to have therapy there or continue at home. I was there for about 45 minutes and she was pushing and pulling on it the whole time, so now it's very sore and quite bruised.

I was able to get out of going out for lunch yesterday, so that was good. I think I'm going to throw out the homemade pimento cheese and just use the real stuff. I can buy "light" and save a point but it's only 2 anyway. It's easier for me to count my 20 points and stop eating when I get to 20; but that's just me. I have to make sure I'm eating enough because I usually have the opposite problem as most people. They're afraid of eating too much, where I'm always struggling to get up over 1,000 calories a day. I guess it's just because of all the LF stuff and then I fill up on fruits or veggies which don't have many calories. Oh well.

Ugh, I'm tired from writing that. I'll be back later to finish up.

Hi friends!! Boy am I ever behind!! I'm back but we're going to do some stuff around the house. And since I haven't seen DH in four days, I'm going to be spending some time with him. ;) I hope that you are all doing very well! I'll be back tomorrow.

Welcome home, Melissa! I hope you had a great trip and I'm sure you're ready for some downtime.

We went to the mongolian grill to eat; I had about a half plate of shrimp, onions, broccoli, mushrooms and bell peppers. Judd had two plates, plus some soup, his steamed rice, my fried rice, and a bowl of ice cream. He's going to be feeling it tomorrow if he steps on the scale, but this was for his birthday so I guess he's entitled.

Erin ordered a laptop from Dell the other day and it arrived today! That was smokin' fast delivery! Now Judd's messing with it to get it all set up for her with the wireless internet, etc. We're getting ready to watch the Mavs game since this will either send us on or tie up the series. We are really really really hoping for a win but one of our best point guards got a one-game suspension yesterday (for tonight's game) so this could be tricky.

My foot is killing me and I have a teeny sunburn which makes me hot, so I'm more or less miserable right now. Hopefully I'll be in better spirits tomorrow and can read more/respond to posts.

Have a great evening.

OK, I'm not completely caught up, but I did skim through all of your posts!!!

Kathy, thanks for missing me. You made me smile. It feels good to be missed. It is crazy how close I feel to all of you. I was quite homesick while we were gone but it was at a state park, next to the river, so I tried to enjoy the view and do a little centering. You sound like you've been stressed this week. Is everything going okay? Your dinner sounds really good. Or should I say Judd's dinner sounds really good? :D

Vickie, congrats on the big winnings!! And I'm glad to see that you got Jim's surgery scheduled. I'm glad you two got to have some fun, you've been too "serious" lately! And great news about baby Sarah! :bb:

Sandra, all I have to say is you are one HOT MAMA in that picture!!! :flame: You look so great!! Sexy woman! ;)

OK, off to find DH. He is hanging up a closet organizer, and I've been avoiding the work. :lol: Good night!

Welcome home Melissa - glad you are back and in good form! How's the house coming along?

Vickie - wow - megabucks! Good for you and I know it will help with all the goodies and expenses. How was your dinner?

Kathy - please send sunshine my way! We are still suffering under grey threatening clouds - and looks like a rainy long weekend - would love a peek of sunshine!

Were you not wearing sunscreen? And can you take anything for the pain? (esp as you don't have to go to work tomorrow?)

Rose - glad you had fun with your grandkids! I bet they had a blast too!

I think Saundra mentioned a trip to Niagara?

I am up too late as you can see! Spent the morning at the nail salon - then did some groceries on the way home....had lunch, folded some laundry - then just lazed around - went to lie down around 4:30 and fell asleep for an hour!

Woke up starving of course and yearing to see the Da Vinci code! Big ds agreed to babysit so off we went - knowing it would be busy! But it was playing in four of the theatres (24 in all) so we figured we could get into one of them? Tried for the 7:30 show - got in - and there were GOOD SEATS (this was around 7:10 pm) - so ended up eating a hot dog and popcorn for supper - washed down w/diet coke - and now my tummy sure does not feel too good!

dh working on his computer - so I am here surfing til he shuts down so we can go to bed - I really wanted to get up early tomorrow but I guess that probably won't happen - wanted to take ds to the museum in the am?? Will see how that goes. Also still have to get to the library for more books and to get little ds his own library card - he is supremely excited about this!

Oh ya TOM rearing it's ugly head which is really affecting my mood! Trying to lay low and not stress out too much or get too distressed by anything!

Hey there! You snuck in here a while ago when I wasn't looking -- I've been checking occasionally to see if anyone would show up. I'm supposed to be sleeping but can't, so I'm watching Monster-In-Law. I can't remember life before having this laptop so I could surf while lying in bed.

I had sunscreen on but this is the time of year I have to overdo it just a bit so I'll darken up. Otherwise, as hot and sunny as it gets here (and for the next 6 months) I would be miserable. Fair-skinned folks don't fare well in this part of the country. I have taken my pills and am waiting for them to hit.

Tomorrow I'm doing a big Wal-Mart trip to get sheets for some of the upstairs beds and a few summer tops. We have a party to go to tomorrow night at our boss' house, who is also a friend. It should be fun.

I'll be back in the morning.

Good Morning Chicks! Jim and I woke up at 4:30 becaue Cassie was crying to go outside. I just felt like I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. I'll nap later. No real plans for us today but I have a ton to do around here including my budget since I've been ignoring it for a couple of days.

Dinner was ok for me last night. They wanted Chinese so there were many great options for me. I ate chicken and pea pods/water chestnuts and asked them to cut back on the oil. I didn't eat any rice and had some hot/sour soup. It wasn't very good so I picked out all the tofu and veggies and ate them. I had one forkful of my favorite chocolate torte cake that they had. I came home and had a quarter of a LO cornmeal chicken thigh and 2 Natural Ovens cookies and a cup of hot tea. Not bad, but not great. The worst part is that I'm already starving this morning. My stomach is actually rumbling. My weight is up 3 pounds this morning which must be the chinese food. I'll be drinking as much water today as I can swallow!

Now I'll go see how all of you are.