Weekly Core Chat Thread for Week Of October 15-21, 2006
 

I thought this title was more descriptive. If you all hate it, we can go back to the old title next week.

Good Morning Chicks!
 

Yesterday was just crazy!

We got Cameo her shot from the emergency Vet. She really isn't moving well today and it's so bad that we are not going to take her back for the shot today. The shot goes in the muscle so maybe she's just had too many in a row. We decided we'll wait until Monday and go back to the regular Vet. She eating but seems very upset. Our pet sitters came last night to walk Cassie and they always check on Cameo. I wanted them to leave her alone but apparently they didn't. I think they upset her because she had an accident on the floor. We are thinking that we've cured or nearly cured the pneumonia but that the cancer is still making her sick. We know our days are numbered with our kitty.

Our evening with Cindy and Doug could not have been more wonderful. They both were really tired but we had a lot of laughs about silly things we've done together over the years. After the first few tense moments we just had fun. Jim and I bought them a fabulous steak dinner that was enjoyed by all. I can't cure her so we all medicated with food. I actually ate Core but went a trifle past satisfied. After dinner we went back to the house and she took her scarf off. I know she was a bit nervous. I told her she has a nice head and we laughed. Now she doesn't have to be self conscious about it anymore. I got two great hugs and I told her that I hope the next time I see her in person we are having a post-transplant celebration. If all goes well, the transplant can be as early as the week before Thanksgiving. She has the brightest spririt and the most optimsitic personality of anyone I have ever known. She is good through and through and I wish I was more like her. That's why I cry so much during Wicked during the For Good song because it makes me think of our friendship.

Anywhooo....I'll probably be sorry that I have that steak in my tummy when I go to weigh in tomorrow but that's ok. I'll go as light as I can today.

Now...finally....let me go catch up with all of you!

Sandra, I am SO sorry for the loss of your MIL. I'm thankful that she seems to have gone peacefully. Sometimes, it's all we can hope for. I wish I could be there to give you and Curtis a huge bunch of :hug: hugs :hug: . Just try to be as good as you can on program. It's going to be very hard for you for the next couple of days. It made me smile when you talked about 30 points being so high. That's what I'm allowed every day on Flex! Congratulations on your archery contracts. How exciting that an 11/12 fit perfectly! I agree with whomever suggested alterations on the brown dress. If you love the dress, why not? That kitty story you told me was amazing! I told Jim and he was shocked!

Frouf, I just read about your MIL's behavior at Thanksgiving. I know how you feel about your own Mom. I would have felt the same way. Has DH heard anything more about the new job? I'm so very glad to hear that you are getting help at work AND that your car is paid off! Woo Hoo!!! I hope someone takes over the gym. I had one close completely once and I never got any money back nor did I have a place to exercise. As for the cruise, my vote is for you to go....absolutely go....and sign up soon before you have buyers regret when all the window cabins are gone! I hope you are having a great breakfast with your GF right at this very moment. Can we pretty please with pink frosting on top see some of your cruise pictures? I still don't know what you look like!

Melissa, I sure hope you are feeling better by now and that your party last night was a huge successful venture. Did you ever figure out why you had the hives?

Paula, I'm so glad you enjoyed your pampering. I think all Moms should do this more. RICE is rest, ice, compression, and elevation. I'm wrapping it every day and resting and elevating it as much as my life will allow me. I still haven't iced it even though it makes it feel better. I'm much better at taking care of other people. How was the circus? Did Sarah enjoy it?

Angela, what's new? How'd the bread baking go? It is one of my fondest memories that I have with my Big Sister. I bet your girls will still be talking about it when they are 50...just like me! How's your program going. I need some inspiration.

Jennifer, where are you? We haven't heard from you in a while. I was thinking about you when former White Sox great Magglio Ordonez sent the Tigers to the World Series last night. How exciting was that? I was tearing up a bit just watching. I want the AL Central to win the WS again.

Rhonda, I'm just going back through the whole thread for last week. You sound SO determined and motivated. I just know you are going to be successful. I'm convinced that success can come partially from not just giving up after a slip or two but rather from just getting right back on program at the next meal. You are doing great. Did you get those papers graded and reports done?

Kathy, huge congratulations to Shaun! You must be very proud. And also congratulations to your Brother. I hope the adoption goes through for them this time. I'm relieved to hear that your Mom is recovering well. Lots of good news in your life.

Vivian, great job on getting almost all of your gain back off so quickly. Often it takes more than one week.

Yawaii, Welcome to our little corner of the world! How are you doing on program?

Barb, Welcome to you too! How's it going? I need to hear some Core success stories. Please share!

Elana, I hope you didn't hurt yourself too badly. I'm still suffering for my insane pool exercise. The Doctor says probably at least two more weeks for me.

Ok chicks.....I'm finally caught up. I'm going to go eat breakfast and make a menu thread. I wish the Core lurkers would at least post a menu even if they don't want to post on the chat thread. I could use some inspiration.

A couple of weeks ago, Jennifer shared a recipe for Diet Coke Sloppy Joes that she had yet to try. Well, I tried it last week and the were OUTSTANDING! I served them with oven fries and paid a couple of points for some light hambruger buns from Jewel. We cannot wait to have them again. I posted the recipe in our recipe file since it had just previously been in a chat thread. You guys have got to try them. You will not be disappointed and I'm sure they are very kid friendly.

We are big Manwich fans and I know Judd would love the DCSJ's. (Love that acronym!)

Vickie, I hesitate to even ask because I know how busy you are, but I'm getting into Milwaukee like around 9:30 Thursday morning. I don't have to be to dinner with the other parents that night until 7:00. If you have even 30 minutes, I would love to come somewhere to meet you and Jim. I know that things are so crazy with you right now between the different appointments, Cameo and Cassie's issues ... but I will have a car and can even come just right down to your area so you wouldn't have to be gone from home very long. Think about it and let me know, and if it doesn't work out, then we'll do it another time. Shaun is staying in Great Lakes for his "A" school instead of going to Pensacola so I believe he'll be there for the next six months.

We are having rain. I know most of you are sick of it, but it's our first in months and it's really good coverage. We need it so much.

Okay, I just got ran out of the family room; TLC was replaced by football on the big-screen. I'll move my operation to the bedroom and will be back later.

Geez, Kathy, it's so crazy here right now and I'm SO distracted with worry about the cat that I'm really reluctant to plan anything. It really does seem like she's fading today. I really want her to make it until her regular Vet is available tomorrow. I really don't want to have to get treatment from an emergency vet that we don't know.

Jim has an Eye Specialist appointment on Thursday at 10:30. It's his once a year diabetic checkup and I know he has a spiffy test or two that they'll do. It's great that Shaun is staying in Chicago. I love it here. Maybe we can meet another time when I'm not so distracted and upset?

Sure thing. I know these things that are going on now are very important and I understand completely. I'm pretty sure that for future visits, I'll have more notice and maybe it'll come at a much better time.

Emergency vets are (IMO) not the best. When Bridge had that issue with his tail last May (because Bindy chased him and took a little bite out of his backend) we had to take him late Saturday night to the ER. $400 later we were home and his tail was bandaged. When we took him to the regular vet on Monday morning, they said all that extra stuff was totally unnecessary; they were a little irritated that the emergency vet had done that to us. I don't think we'll ever go to the ER again unless it's DIRE.

I think I'll be bringing an empty suitcase, then going to Trader Joe's and stocking up on the things I can't get here, like good edamame, some FF cheeses, and NSA sauces. There's also a good snack bar that someone on the Whole Foods site mentioned ... I think it was a Clif Nectar Bar with dark chocolate and walnuts. Walnuts were mentioned in the news last week as being the most beneficial source of healthy oil:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6036409.stm

A study that compared the health benefits of walnuts and olive oil "demonstrates that the protective fat from walnuts actually undoes some of the detrimental effects of a high-saturated-fat diet, whereas a neutral fat, such as olive oil, does not have as much protective ability."

Tests showed that both the olive oil and the walnuts helped to reduce the sudden onset of harmful inflammation and oxidation in arteries that follows a meal high in saturated fat.

Over time, this is thought to cause the arteries to start to harden - and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

However, unlike olive oil, adding walnuts also helped preserve the elasticity and flexibility of the arteries, regardless of cholesterol level.

The bars are 160 calories, with 6 gm of fat and 6 gm of fiber. My calculator is at work but it seems like a doable snack, of reasonable points value, that would really be satisfying. If it scratches that chocolate itch, then it would be worth it to spend the whole days' worth of points allowance. ;)

It is POURING here! YAY! I moved the broccoli, lettuce and cabbage into the rain a little while ago but just now had to move it back under the patio cover because it was getting too much water. I had new blooms on the zucchini plant this morning so am happy about that. The romaine is growing nicely and I even ate some of it the other day. I still need to thin it out and put about half of it into a bigger pot. It's getting crowded.

Now I have to go to Kohls to see if I can find a blouse to wear on Friday. I have a pair of black pants and boots, but need a top. I've given away all of last year's winter clothes because they were too big so I'm trying to restock the closet.

Thanks for understanding, Kathy. I'm really bummed out right now.

Absolutely no problem at all. You'd better believe if it was one of mine going thru the same things, I'd be upset too. That's the job of a good mom -- whether it be baby or furbaby. :hug:

hi there. it's rainy and cool here today. this is a laid back day for all of us. i guess you could call it a recuperation day. our nephew/niece just left to drive out to the old homeplace with their bro/wife. they'll be back later tonight. curtis and i are getting ready to watch some football.

confession--i am not op. i started out that way but have plunged into the bowels of chocolate. i just ate half a hershey bar and a big spoonful of peanut butter. i have haystacks cooling on the countertop. i'm thinking the fiber one will at least make my chocolate and pb into a healthier snack. tomorrow is another day. today i'm sitting down and eating with dignity. tomorrow i'm doing the same but will do it op-style.

kathy, i'm glad shaun passed everything. he needs some positive things going his way, doesn't he? this sounds like a very good experience for him.

rhonda, that dress isn't going to work no matter what we do to it. the color looks awful on me. the black one i got from ebay is nice, but it's really not me. i guess i have learned now that i can't always shop on ebay and get what i want.

i may get our niece to go to the mall with me tomorrow. i need some black shoes and now a new dress for rhonda's wedding. i'm going to go try on a few and see if i find the perfect one. that will help me

get back op. i'm not mad at myself yet today and i'm trying to stay that way. it's easier to tell someone else not to beat themselves up over overeating than it is to practice it ourselves. am i right?

Sandra, I'm SO proud of you for confessing. It's good cleansing. You'll start again tomorrow with me. I've been ok today but not great.

We had to take Cameo to the emergency Vet. She is failing. It seems she's lost all or most of her vision and is paralyzed on the left side. The ER Vet seems to think it may be a reaction to the Baytril. Regardless, she is keeping her overnight for observation and is going to give her things to break her fever. It was quite high and she hadn't eaten today. Jim and I have cried and prepared ourselves for the worst. We've already told them that if she takes a turn for the worse that we want/need to be there with her. They are only about 10 minutes away. I can call to check on her whenever I want.

We are to pick her up at 7:00 tomorrow morning and take her directly to our regular Vet for examination. Then we'll decide if there is anything that can be done for her.

I have a raging headache and I'm exhausted. I'm not sure when I'll be back tomorrow.

That doesn't sound good, Vickie, but you're doing the best that you can for her right now. It sounds like your ER vet is doing a good job even though I'm sure you'll be glad to get her to the regular one.

I hope you can get some rest tonight. :hug:

vickie, i'm so sorry about cameo. i hope she isn't in pain. i'm here for you if you need me. :hug:

Hi All:

Vickie: Sorry to hear that poor Cameo is failing. We'll hope that she has a peaceful night and that you and Jim get some rest.

Sandra, you'll be back OP soon. And the only dress you should wear is the one in which you feel fantastic...that goes for all of us. If you don't feel good in it, pass it on to someone else!

Hope everyone has a good night.

Rhonda

Sandra - my condolences to you and Curtis on the loss of his mother - I hope you are both able to comfort each other - neve rmind about the chocolate and peanut butter! Hugs to both of you!

Vickie - poor you and Jim - sorry to hear about Cameo's failing health - I can only imagine your heartache - hang in there and be strong! Hugs to both of you too!

Kathy - congrats to Shaun for passing all his tests and moving on to the next step - I bet you are all so happy for him - and I know you can't wait to see him graduate!

Rhonda - how are you doing? I am hoping some of that movtivation and determination will rub off on me!

Had a wonderful breakfast w/my gf and we got caught up and I shared all my cruise pics and stories with her! She works in high tech but is a very creative sort (knitting, smocking, scrapbooking) but her latest endeavour it seems is her favorite! Her son is engaged to be married next october and they asked her to do the wedding cake - and taking this very seriously she is taking all sorts of cake decorating courses and is making the most amazing cake creations imaginable! I asked (and offered to pay ) her to maybe bake a cake for dd's birthday (nov 22) and of course she agreed (no $$ either!). She does a princess cake - with a tiara on a pillow - magnificent - and the other cute one looks like a purse/makeup bag w/cosmetics all around - dd has asked if she can make a 'present' cake wrapped in a bow which I'm sure she can do (in purple and green no less). I can't wait to see it!

After breakfast off to do groceries - then take dd to dance rehearsal - then to Starbucks to pick up coffee for work where I ran into Sherri (toronto gf's sister) so we had a nice chat - never made it to the library (yet again)...back to pick up dd and listen to the 'parents meeting' re fundraising and competiion in April in Niagara Falls! Yippee..then home to eat - then to movie w/dh and now back home dreading going to work tomorrow! I hate mondays!

As for the cruise - I am entertaining quotes and examining cancellation policies - no suitable cabin on the inventory yet - I may have to call cruise line and make inquiries if I am super serious! (and yes I have confirmed cruiseline policy of full refund up to 91 days prior to departure - which is around end of July!).

...and my ex is having back surgery on wed - and they actually make him leave hospital on thursday - yes I agree to pick him up - take him to dr appt and then home (his sister is coming in from Montreal for a couple of days)...then ds will stay with him on the weekend - and I have also offered to pick up groceries if required - yes I feel so bad for him as he has no one to help him out - altho dh of course is not impressed!

Guess I should go get some beauty sleep? :D:D

Frouf

rhonda, i like your suggestion. i'm going to find me the perfect dress. well, the dress i feel good wearing. i may shop some this week. if i don't find something in montana, maybe i'll find it in texas. guess 2 states should do it.

frouf, that's nice of you to help your ex. you're a better person than i. my ex and i haven't spoken in years, but then our son is grown and we don't tend to see each other. 2000 miles makes a difference, too.

i'm going to do a major shift in gears in the am. so's curtis. we both did some treadmilling tonight. we're tired of overeating. i am more comfortable when i'm op. do you know what i mean?

i'm through kicking myself. now i'm going to get serious.

rhonda, i hope everything's coming out all right for you. (sorry for the pun.) i hope your procedure goes smoothly. let us know how much weight you lose.

vickie, good success at wi. i'm with you in spirit. i go to the doctor thursday. i may even go to ww for wi friday. that will be like a football blitz, won't it?

I'm not going to weigh in today. I'll try to get there tomorrow. We had to pick Cameo up at 7:00 this morning from the ER and take her to her regular Vet. She's a tiny bit better this morning but not much. The Vet took an xray this morning and the pneumonia is not better and it should be after all the shots. So Cameo stayed to have an ultrasound done. She has next to no vision, is still sort of paralyzed, has a fever, and is not eating. It doesn't look good. I'm going to go lay down on the couch until they call for us.

vickie, i'm sorry about cameo. i know it's not easy to let her go.

rhonda, i'm anxious to hear how many pounds you're down.

i am back on core today. i've been eating way too many wasted calories lately.
i got up this am and got dressed pretty cute. that'll help me stay op.

Well, I don't think that the preparation they have made me drink before this afternoon's exam counts as Core! Yuck!

But, tonight we are going to a work-related banquet so I'll have a challenge before me. I'll be wanting everything since I haven't eaten since Saturday night! But, I'll try hard to rise to the challenge!

Rhonda

Vickie, I hope Cameo is comfortable, and that you and Jim will be able to take whatever news you get in peace. :hug:

I am sort of lurking...but today am starting over fresh. My WW leader always used to say, "Every day is a new one, where you can start fresh." It's really inspiring sometimes. :lol:

The ladies' retreat this weekend went very well. We had a good attendance, and I think everyone who came really enjoyed themselves. Best of all, it's over! I ate out of stress all weekend long, but that's over now.

I'm busy doing paperwork and banking today...will be back later.

Angela

Sandra, I *LOVE* that! You're just the greatest!!

Vickie, sorry to hear that things aren't going well. I'm sure you're very, very worried about the outcome. I'll be thinking of you.

Rhonda, don't sweat it. Think of it like this: it might not be Core but it'll probably be cleaning out a pound or two, won't it?

We're crazy with the Air Force here and all these deadlines. I had started off eating poorly this morning but then I got a hold of myself and realized there will always be something going on, and I can ALWAYS find an excuse not to eat right! :lol: So I'd better just stop it! We're having lunch catered in every day this week but I think ( :crossed: ) that there will be salad each day. Otherwise, it'll be Jason's and Schlotzsky's sandwiches, chips, brownies, etc. Not exactly a good plan, is it? However, if I let things go, I'll be pretty unhappy with myself.

Ugh. They're setting up the lunch now ... I can smell it from here. Wish me luck.

Okay, there was no salad but I found something that wasn't toooo bad. It was a wrap with cream cheese and vegetables, then some apple slices. I figured it would be better than the chicken or beef wraps because that deli meat is so salty. Tomorrow I will bring my lunch; there's no way I can eat that stuff every day this week without a gain.

I ate completely off program at lunch. I ate a turkey wrap with cheese. I don't know what we are having for dinner. Cameo is home but for the life of me, I don't know why they sent her home. She is almost totally blind and can barely walk. She is starving and ate when she got home and three up less than a minute after she ate. We should have the ultrasound report back later this evening or tomorrow.

I'll try to be better at dinner. As of right now I don't want anything but water.

rhonda, how did the banquet challenge go? so you don't think you'll want to drink that gunk very often? (neither do i.)

angela, i'm having a fresh day today, too.

kathy, i melted before the day was over. i went to the mall to buy dress shoes and look at dresses. i was able to get some heels that are all right on my feet. i told the saleslady i had never been so nervous about buying shoes in my life. she was very supportive and helpful. i got some lifestride's.

vickie, :hug:

we're home for the day. i can't tell ya'll how tough this is on curtis. this is so sad.

Everyone...

:grouphug:

I can't think of a time in the last two years when we've needed it more. I love you all and hate that you're hurting.

Goodness, I have not caught up but wanted to come and add my hugs.

Sandra, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and Curtis are in my prayers. :hug: I have no idea what it's like to lose a parent.

You too Vickie. I really can't imagine what you are going through. I know some people don't understand but I have a furbaby too. :hug:

I hope to catch up soon, PC and school are taking over this week. I hope that this week gets better for everyone. :grouphug:

I like all the group hugs going around. Some real saddness for people on the board these days. My parents have been deceased for years, and I still miss them and think of them often. Sometimes I can still hear my Mama's voice calling me "Rhonda Lee!" she is saying as I drift off to sleep. It used to startle me but now I just welcome those breakthroughs. Twenty years after my husband died I had the most real dream about him: smell, touch, sound...all of it. Our brains are just amazing. I hope everyone can come to a point of comforting, sweet recollections about our deceased loved ones.

Furbabies: let me tell you about Jake...the big, gawky, sweet Border Collie X Lab. A few years ago he cut his chest on barbed wire in the ravine. My ex was frantic. I said "oh, don't be silly...we'll just take him to the vet, he'll be fine." So we took him to the emergency vet because it was Sunday. He said that he would be OK but they had to keep him overnight. MS. COOL here burst into tears, wailing "he's never been away from home!!" I could NOT believe it. I pride myself on being cool in an emergency, calm, always thinking ahead and I was blubbering like a little child! We both survived the night, of course.

Now, for today.....chickies, it's true, the preparation is the worst part. My blood pressure shot up to 172 over 127 :yikes: perhaps that was also related to the electrolyte imbalance that is induced, but it has never been that high! The exam itself is nothing :o So, if you have not had a colonoscopy and you're over 50, go have one.

I was good at the banquet. I was hardly tempted by anything non-core and did not want desert :carrot: Wine, yes; desert, no ;)

Night all, tomorrow is another day!

Rhonda

ps...lost 4 pounds!

Rhonda, you saved that PS for last and it was the most important??? Shame on you!!

When my sister first died four years ago, I dreamed about her every night. Sometimes she was rocking babies, sometimes we were swinging on our swingset, sometimes we were driving around as teenagers with the windows rolled down and it was 1972 again. At first it really bothered me a lot, but then as time passed I came to welcome those dreams because I felt like she was with me. It's hard to explain if you've never been that close to someone. She was my only sister and my best friend for 45 years. I think about her every day but at least I'm not still picking up the phone to call her.

Good Morning Chicks. No news on the Cameo front. She's about the same. She is definitely mostly blind and we think mostly deaf. The Vet was hoping she'd get better. We await the prognosis results from the ultrasound. She did eat a bit last night and kept it down. As far as we can see right now she has NO quality of life. Really, my kitten is already gone.

After breakfast yesterday, I ate off program. I'll deal with that today.

I changed my avatar in honor of my sweet girl.

Hi all, so much sadness on the boards. Vickie, I'm so sorry about Cameo. Why would the vet send her home if she is that bad? Let us know how things go today. Saying goodbye is so hard.

Sandra, my prayers are with you and Curtis. At least your MIL is at peace now, whole and perfect. When my dh's dad passed over 3 years ago it was after a long battle with prostate cancer. He had done so well, but after our son passed away he seemed to take a bad turn. He was able to see us have Sarah and have her in his life for 9 months. In the end, he was so bad off, it was a blessing for God to take him and make him whole.

Not to be down, but my son would have been 5 next week. We only had him for 4 months and 3 days. October is always so hard, but somehow being 5 years is a bit tougher than I thought. Thankfully we do have Sarah and she is perfect.

Now, onto happier things. The circus was a ball - if you don't have kids to take and its in town, I highly reccomend it. It was fabuolus for kids of all ages. Of course, being in the second row, Sarah was all smiles, she was dancing with the performers and shook hands with a clown. We had to get her a souvenier - told her she could have one. $20 for an eletric wand with an elephant on it. $3 for coffee, $3.50 for a water, and $10 for a hotdog and 2 pretzels. I should have snuck in snacks. Oh well, we don't do this every day and Sarah, Jim and I all had a ball.

Yesterday I took the morning off from work and went pumpkin picking with Sarah's preschool class. It was alot of fun. But its amazing how some of the moms were so obsessed with getting the biggest pumpkin. It was $7 for the hay ride and a pumpkin for each kid, I didn't even consider taking one. But the other moms were sitting there with several and made sure their kids got a big one. I let Sarah get the one she wanted - its small and cute. Oh well.

Rhonda, congrats on another fabulous loss. The test was good to have done and overwith as well. I have to go for my first mamogram next month -- I guess things could be worse!:p

Frouf, what did you decide on the cruise?

Kathy, great news about Shaun. It must be a releif that he is going to graduate. When do you head to Chicago? Its this weekend, right? As far as eating, get back to plan today and don't worry about what you did yesterday. Today is a new day.

For me, I've been straying a bit off plan. I have WI tomorrow and I need to be perfect today. With tons of water. I made pumpkin snack bread last night, its a good thing to have for breakfast. Lunch I'll do some polenta chips and guac.

well, I've got a little helper with me right now. She wants to play her preschool game. Here is a note from Sarah:

hhhhhhhhheeeellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllloo fffffffrrriiiiiiieennnnnnddddsss:carrot:

Hhhhhhhhhheeeellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllloo, Miss Sarah! Good morning to you too, Paula!

Vickie, I'm sorry there's no improvement but I think you're right ... she's pretty much not herself and there is no quality of life. I doubt she'd want to live that way. At least she's there home with the two of you. Does Cassie know something's wrong?

I'm a still a bit unhappy about my slippage so I'm buckling down on myself. Got another package of SF drink mixes (the sticks to go) because WM has a few new flavors -- this is cherry limeade. I was getting sick of fruit punch and lemonade, which were the only two flavors I liked of the originals. This is pretty good. The water drinking has GOT to improve and the soft drink drinking has GOT to stop. Period. The end.

I have FF cottage cheese, as usual, and FF cheddar and mozzarella, so there's no reason that I can't incorporate them into my meals somehow. Thank goodness I like that stuff.

Eating out for four days will be difficult but fortunately everybody has salads nowadays. Hopefully it'll be okay. And yes, Paula, it's this weekend. I leave home early EARLY (like about 4:30 a.m.) Thursday morning. The flight is at 7 and arrives in Milwaukee at 9:30. After I get the car, I'll have all day to run around and find a Trader Joe's, because I don't meet the other parents until 7 that night. Then we have to be at the base by around 8 Friday morning.

I guess I'd better get some work done now.

Hi:

Vickie, I noticed the change. What a sweet face your baby has. I do hope she's not in much pain.

I'm having a good start on the day...slept in and am having oatmeal for my late breakfast.

It's rainy, rainy here today.

Rhonda

Vickie, I was thinking about you, Jim, and Cameo, and thought... Cameo is so lucky to have had you guys in her life. It's great that you can be with her now, to help her feel loved and secure. Many cats will never have such a good life, and you've provided Cameo with a wonderful one for all these years. I don't know if she feels like lap time now, but give her a pet and a gentle ear scratch from me. :)

Angela

it's a gorgeous, sunshiney day. that's helping everyone's mood a lot. i'm going to get my hair cut/colored in a few minutes. that always helps my mood, too. i weighed this am and was up 1.5 lbs. i thought that was a blessing. i'm holding my own even without much exercise.

thank you for the hugs, kathy. it does look like we all need them right now.

melissa, i'm glad you're able to get here. i always miss your perky posts.

rhonda, that is awfully high bp. i'm glad you're all right now. congratulations on being a good ww'er at the banquet. i'm being good now, too. we can do this.

yikes! i just saw that you lost 4 lbs!!!! amazing, woman!!! i am so happy for you.

vickie, i am sorry about cameo. it does sound like she's already gone to a better place.

paula, i can tell you're a great mother and are teaching sarah good values. that makes me smile. i'm sorry you lost your son. i didn't know that. i am very very happy that you have sarah.

hi, angela. how's your day going?

well, it's time for me to leave. i'll be home later. have a good afternoon, everyone.

Cameo has gone to Heaven to be with her Scottie brother MacDuff whom she missed immensely. She went with her little face buried in my chest just where she loved to snuggle. Cassie is quite upset but doesn't seem to know what's going on. Thank you all so much for all the love and support

Oh, Vickie, I am so sorry for this. But what a wonderful life you gave her and how fitting that you should be snuggling her during those final moments.

I will really be keeping you and Jim in my prayers in the coming days. I know how tough this is going to be for a while. :hug:

Oh Vickie, your post made me cry. I'm shedding tears for you and the grief you must feel. :hug:

awwww, thanks for letting us know. We're all thinking of you and wishing you the best.

Maybe Cassie does understand and that is why she is upset. Animals know, I believe.

Rhonda

Poor Vickie - sorry for the loss of your furbaby - hope you and Jim can comfort each other - I know Cameo has gone to a better place and is enjoying her new 'life' there!

Paula - you can't help but smile at the circus - yes the goodies are always so expensive - but heck it's not something you do every day. Sorry for the loss of your baby as well - I can not imagine your loss - but I know it must still be hard for you - hugs to you too!

Sandra - how's the new 'do'? Send sunshine please - we are having the most god-awful dreary rainy dark and cold night. Dh and I were going to go out on one of our 'movie dates' (yes it's cheap movie night in Ottawa :D) - but nothing good playing and frankly just want to stay warm and cozy at home.

Kathy - sounds like you are prepared and are staying focussed w/your eating. I on the other hand have been so stressed at work (oh Frouf how's that database doing by the way? Well funny you should ask - yes like we found 2 more glitches today - and it's all I could do stop from screaming!). Yes our techie is working on it (and we both agreed we would need a few stiff ones when we got home this evening - ha ha ha). I need to put a sock in it and stop eating garbage!

So the cruise scoop - as you know I have been quietly entertaining 'quotes' for that marvelous transatlantic crossing - esp since cruise buddy Ray is already booked and encouraging me to come along. He was unaware that I was doing some 'research' and in the meantime booked a couple more cruises. I was planning to eventually let him know and figured that he would be pleased.

Today I get an email from him about another (short 3 day) cruise he has booked while in Orlando end of November (to see Mickey) and that he has CANCELLED the transatlantic cruise - decided he too didn't want to book so far in advance - and maybe we could plan something else! How funny is that?

I have sent him back email telling him of my (dashed) plans - so glad I didn't book anything while he was cancelling - guess we are back to square one and can decide what we want to do!

I am envious tho that he is having dinner w/Susan (another cruise dinner tablemate) and her fiancee (and aunt and uncle) thurs night at the Mirage and gets to go to the wedding too! At least he will send me good pics!

Ex going into hospital in morning for surgery (bone being grafted from his hip to his spine?) - he is a basket case and is so stressing me out - sending me emails about his will, life insurance policies down to the details of what the kids should take from his apt - should the worst happen! I have agreed to pick him up thurs morning - take him to his 'pain dr' then back to his apt! I sure hope it all goes well! (maybe this is adding to the feeding frenzy?).

Also having trouble sleeping - past 2 morning up around 5:30 am and can't fall back asleep - hope I will collapse tonight and sleep thru to the alarm!

Nitey nite

Frouf