Good Morning Chicks! Sorry I wasn't on last night. I had shopping, and a pedicure and cooked a big meal. After dinner I talked to my Niece and my best GF.

Best GF is back in the hospital. It's VERY serious and I'm scared for her. She now has a bowel obstruction. Normally surgery would be the answer but she cannot have surgery because her immune system is so compromised. She was supposed to start the whole bone marrow/stem cell transplant process next Monday. Now, it's postponed because of this obstruction and because her blasts are up.....may be going into Leukemia. She cannot have the transplant until she is in remission and they are thinking chemo first. She isn't being very clear and I'm thinking it's because she can only absorb just so much bad information at a time. She's on morphine every three hours because the pain is so intense. She can't have any flowers or visitors. They are hoping the obstruction will resolve itself. Sounds like they have no options. She's been getting no food or water for over 24 hours. I asked how they are nourishing her and she said she doesn't know. Lordy......she wasn't even able to take her oldes son to his first year of college on Saturday since that's when she was admitted to the hospital.

Thanks for letting me get that out. I've never felt so helpless in my life.

That's what is consuming my life at the moment. I'm going to go see how all of you are.

Sorry to hear it, Vickie. Don't worry, you didn't miss much last night anyway.

Niki, I LOVED that you and DS followed the bus to school. I remember my Mom said that she was crying/sobbing because I was happy, smiling, and waving goodbye! What can I say....I'm a people person.

Kathy, I remember that Raymond episode. No surprise that it made you cry. I think he'll love the journal. You write SO beautifully. Have you heard from him yet? It's a beautiful day here in Chicago.

Rose, you are only as old as you feel and act! 70 doesn't seem old to me anymore at all. My oldest Sister is 64 and my BIL is 67. They are very vibrant and enjoying retirement. I'm 50 and they are my favorite people to spend time with. I still miss both of my parents very much. Dad died when I was 22 and Mom died when I was 43. Mom got Alzheimer's in 1989 but didn't die until 1999. It is a hideous disease. She and I were best friends.

Frouf, what a picture you painted of DD's first day of school! Those are some powerful memories you all have. I cannot believe the horrible run of luck you are having at work. Anyone would be upset and stressed. I agree with Kathy, though, it sounds like you need a trip to the Doctor. Maybe being the Acting Director is too much for you. There's nothing wrong with admitting that if it's true. It doesn't mean you've failed. It really sounds like there isn't enough of a support system there for new Management staff. I remember exactly what you are going through. If the exercise isn't enough to bring you out of the funk then maybe you need some anxiety type medicine. This cannot be good for your blood pressure and it certainly is NOT adding to your quality of life. With what is going on with my GF, all I care about at the moment is quality of life! You are absolutely NOT pathetic. I think you are amazing. You just sound completely overwhelmed and need some help.

Angela, I hope today's school drop off was easier on you. How is baby DD feeling this morning? How are you feeling?

Stacey, isn't it amazing how our days can blur and get repetitive after a while?

Sandra, you're right. It is a great day to be alive and healthy! Did you enjoy wa with GF?

Melissa, how dare work cut down on internet usage! Now we'll never hear from you. I'm sad!

Wow! It's amazing that we lose an ounce sometimes, isn't it? My scale is actually down a tiny bit this morning. I said I wasn't going to look but I couldn't help it. All that really matters is next Monday.

I have to make a tamale pie now for lunch and for freezing. I'm also making smothered barley chicken for dinner. We haven't had that in a long time.

I'm going to go make a menu thread.

Morning,

Vicki - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend. It's extremely hard to see someone you love suffer. My dh and I have lost 3 parents and it never gets easy. Keep positive thoughts and know that we are all here for you.

Kathy - I'm a little up this morning as well. Had a great Core day yesterday until that small slice of sicilian pizza that nobody ate called to me. Took 7 points off my week and feel sick about it. We're going to our friends on Sunday. They always have a nauseating amount of food. They're all kinda heavy and don't really care so its hard for me but I'm going to be strong.

I'll stop by later after work.

Good morning all...sounds like most of us could use a big hug this morning.

Little dd is feeling a bit better today. She still has the fever, but is eating a bit, and moving about better. The first day of school went very well for both of my big girls, and today's drop off was super easy. I'm just crossing my fingers that they don't get sick.

Now I have to figure out how to organize my days...I'm still on my summer schedule. It's a little harder because little dd doesn't want me to be separated from her, but she doesn't feel well enough to follow me around. I spent a long time reading yesterday.

I've been reading a history of the Jews by Chaim Potok, one of my favorite authors. I have to say, it's fascinating. He has such a great writing style, even nonfiction, and the subject is so interesting. I love reading history.

Maybe I'll see if little dd will let me put some laundry away.

Later,
Angela

Angela, you're right. We probably ALL need hugs. Here's mine for all of you .

Jim is on the treadmill now. My turn is next. I think I'll go work on the tamale pie for a while.

Hi all: Well it is all settled we are leaving as soon as hubby loads the trailer. We have so many things to bring back with us. It is going to be a fast trip and not the fun I had wanted but what the heck it is good we can help ds.
Here he is 50 and I still think of him as a kid.

Kathy, it is **** to see your family die. I also lost a sister about 8 years ago, she was in her late 50's. I then lost my Mother and then Dad. I thought I would never be the same but you know time does help. BUT---- It is like a sore. It scabs over but every once in a while it breaks open, and do I cry. I was very close to them.

Frouf, sorry to hear you are so upset with work. This will pass also. I remember when I had little ones and it was a hard day my Mother would say that I would laugh about these days, and guess what, I do, and wish I had them back again. with all this energy. I really do marvel at you gals that work and then come home and work again. I don't think I could have done it as well as you do.

Sandra my friend, you are on a high for sure. Keep up the good work, your health will benefit for sure. Sending you more
Did you decide not to move??

Angela, you are right everyone does need a

Vicki, so sorry to hear about your friend. I lost a friend to Cancer and it was so sad as she was in her 50's and had so much to live for. They had a 46' boat, lots of money and a wonderful life. Bingo, it was all gone in a short time. We just do not know when the Lord calls us, so be ready girls.

Melissa hope you are able to continue with the posts to us. I love reading about your life.

Niki, I love the bus story also. I can just picture it.

Saundra, you still away, love to hear about the fun you had in Picton. I may be able to get on my son's computer if he does not have it packed away.

Stacey, I know what it is like going where they serve enormous amounts of food, it is not easy to stay on track. Do your best.

Rose

What a sad bunch we are lately, huh? I hope it gets better soon for everyone.

Shaun called at 12:20 a.m. -- probably not by choice -- but the collect "operator" (recording) couldn't hear his name although *I* heard it and they told him to hang up and try his call again. Of course, there were probably 80 people in line behind him and he couldn't call back. I assume they had just arrived in Great Lakes. He sounded really tired ... well, the one word I heard, which was his name, sounded really tired. I hope he was able to sleep on the plane or in the terminal or bus or somewhere, because I imagine they got up early this morning for PT. Actual processing week doesn't start until next week because everyone is still arriving from the different parts of the country, or so I was told. Maybe he can try another call soon.

Angela, I hope the baby gets better soon. It's gotta be rough on you to need to be doing things, but she can't tag along and you can't exactly spend 24 hours a day with her.

Lunch is being brought in today, Schlotzsky's, and I'm hoping they ordered some salad or fruit too. The AF will be gone after today, thank goodness. There's always too much food around when they're here.

Back to work ...

Kathy, at least you know Shaun made it here. He'll call back when he can. He sure isn't in control of his time right now.

Saundra, hope you're well and that you just decided to extend your vacation.

It's my turn on the treadmill now!

Rose, enjoy your trip! I know your "kid" appreciates the help. Stay safe!

Guess what??? It's not going to be over 100º today! Woohoo!!!

melissa, we got the same memo when i was teaching. we had puters in every classroom and the teachers would e each other. (me included)

kathy, i'm so glad you got to release your emotions. i think that's very important. my weight was up yesterday but is down today. i think these fluctuations just happen. try not to worry. think of how you eat most of the time. you rarely have a night out. when you do, enjoy it.

frouf, i agree with kathy. do what you need to do to get over this hump.

vickie, i'm sorry about your friend. that's sad. my gf and i did have a good time at w a. the sports bra under my suit worked beautifully. i didn't have to stop once to make any girl adjustments. the instructor last night is our age. i like her. she's my personal trainer there, too. (even though i'm not doing any on land work)

i'm going to the doctor today for a weightloss followup. i'll let ya'll know what i find out when i get home. curtis has an appt, too. he's wanting to drop cholesterol meds and try diet/exercise. i hope he has to bring a ww card to the doc next month. that will help both of us.

angela, you and little dd will have some good alone together time. i guess you're both having to adjust to having the other dd's gone to school.

rose, the land we were looking at may have burned up. there's been a huge forest fire in that creek drainage. 7300 acres last report and the there's to be a new report today. anyway, it's bad around here. there are numerous other forest fires and our valley here in town is filled with smoke.the road is closed to traffic so we can't find out anything. we are now sort of rethinking about staying in town around firetrucks. thanks for the dust. i need it. i've been hungrier lately. have a good, safe trip. i'll look for you back soon.

kathy, i'm glad you got to hear shaun's voice. now you know he's there. maybe he can call again soon. i hope so.

congrats on getting out of the triple digits!!!!!

Afternoon everyone,
had an upset stomach last night and feel blah today. Just going to lie low. I ate some crackers when I had morning sickness and it helped so I tried it this morning. not core but... Im having fun with the yocheese..someone suggested adding carmelized onions and garlic to it..dosnt that sound good! Could use good oil to carmilize them as well. She also heard if you let the yogurt sit longer it tends to be more of a firmer texture. Some let it sit 2 days. I have a new batch in the fridge so Ill try it out and see what happens.
Vickie,,((hugss)) Im thinking of you and your gf right now and sending you both good thoughts....this is so hard to go thru.
Kathy Im glad you heard from Shawn,,even though you couldnt talk you know he made it ok...
Angela, its tough to keep up with stuff when your kids are little and sick. Im glad you sat with her and did lots of reading. You both need that.
Rose dosnt matter what age your kids...good luck on the moving trip.
Sandra good luck at the drs today! Im sure he will be so impressed at your new figure(s) lol
Frouf I agree with Vickie,,,
Be strong Stacey..maybe bring some of your own snacks??

Heading back to the couch here ..will check back in later

patti, i hope you're feeling better. i've used crackers to settle my stomach, too. they seem to work.

melissa, i was putting some pasta with peas into a tupperware container. after i closed the lid, i saw 2 peas on the counter. i thought of you and me.

Hi chickies,

Here I am muddling through! Thanks for all the support and kind thoughts. I did have another meltdown at bedtime which was NOT GOOD (note to self - 11 pm at night not a good time to talk about finances w/dh) - this made us both depressed - then started thinking and crying about work again. Poor dh was trying to console me - so here I am today with puffy eyes, yawning and bad headache.

Good news is - I did find someone (our admin officer) to help me out with the financial system thing - AND short term committment to handle this for me until I find someone to help me out - I can't tell you what a relief this is (altho this lady is a bit pushy, loud and domineering - I think I can manage it). All I have to do is get paperwork to her when needed (and lots of it) - I will give her whatever she needs - altho it will probably take me time to get it all together!

Also got contract signed, couriered over and emailed over so as long as I get it signed back by friday we should be good to go. My meeting w/director was helpful and he was very upset about the contract that fell thru and now insisting we talk to Director General of the contracting section so we are pulling out the big guns! YIPPEE!

I am predicting I shall sleep tonight as some of the pressure is off now? Also went out for lunch today - which was fun - and yes I did have a nice piece of chocolate cake (bad froufie! - I think I shall be gaining 2 lbs during the challenge instead of losing them - does that count?)

Kathy - glad you at least got to hear Shaun's voice to confirm he arrived safely - I'm sure he will try and call again at the next available opportunity.

Vickie - hugs to you and your gf - what a sad situation - I sure hope the bowel thing works itself out and she can get the marrow transplant she needs. Keep thinking good thoughts.

Patti - poor you - hope your tummy is feeling better soon!

Sandra - good luck w/dr appt - I am sure we will be hearing how pleased he is with your results. Hope curtis can get off his meds too!

Rose - have a nice (short?) trip to the Big City!

Stacey - good luck at your friend's place - try keeping some chewing gum in your mouth at all times!

Angela - glad the girls had a good start to school. Poor little dd - I"m sure as soon as she feels better you can slowly inch away from her - and try to get something done? Good luck.

I am almost heading home - not going to gym as my head feels sore with a bit of minor pounding in the background. What I really need is sleep! Need to drive dd to dance camp at 6 pm but will ask dh to pick her up at 9 so I can get into my jammies early???

17 days to sailaway!

Frouf