[MelissaL]

Good morning!

It's hard to believe that another year is almost behind us! I have to say that I'm glad the New Year is upon us.

Christmas was crazy--way too many late nights trying to get things done and a lot of emotions. Christmas Eve dinner was nice but I really struggled with my dad not being there. I did go to see him on Christmas Day and it was hard. He's gotten so thin and he's getting confused. *sigh*

Our Christmas get together at DS #1's home was nice--all of my in-laws were there and we had a really nice time. It's always fun and plenty of food! I did okay I think with the exception of that darn Chex mix! I waited until the very end to make it because I know it's a trigger for me. I'll be glad to get back onto a regular schedule next week.

We had some unseasonably warm weather on Saturday--we hit a record of 67 degrees! I had the windows open in the house to air it out. It was nice to be able to do that. We've also had some high winds and surprisingly we didn't have any trees come down. Today it's cool but the sun is out and I'm planning on getting out at noon for a walk. I could really use it.

I'm temporarily off of my thyroid meds because my levels doubled in a month and they need to get them down. Just when I thought things were going well I hit another little bump in the road! Overall I feel good.

Lori: How are you feeling? Did you have a nice holiday?

Lisa: How's everything with you?

Pam: Were you hit with the rain/wind? We did get snow on Christmas day and it was really pretty--just enough to cover the grass, etc.

We have another short week--we're here through Wednesday and then have off Thursday/Friday. It's the first time in the 26 years I've worked here that we're working on New Year's Eve. I'm hoping they'll let us go home early.

[McHoney]

Hi Melissa,

Glad to hear you're feeling well and had a nice Christmas at your DS' home. I would imagine it being difficult not having your Dad there. How is your Mom doing?

My Christmas was nice, we had dinner at my house. Both my parents and brother and my sister and her family came. My son also came home and was able to stay through Sunday. No big plans for us for New Years Eve. I also have to work on Wednesday but have the rest of the week off. I'm looking forward to the new year and just can't believe how quickly this year went by.

The weather here sounds a lot like yours. We had record breaking temps on Saturday which melted all of the snow. It was colder today with a lot of wind.

I'm looking forward to my Yoga class starting on the 5th. I've got to get more exercise in this year. I might join the gym that DH goes to, it would be fun to have someone to work out with. He joined last January after recovering from his surgery and has gone regularly. Between the exercise and a better diet he was able to lose 60 lbs this year and looks terrific. I'm so proud of him.

It's only 9:15 but I'm so tired already. I think it will be an early night for me. Hope you all had a nice Monday. Talk to you tomorrow.

[MelissaL]

Pam: My mom is having a hard time--she puts up a strong front but I've seen firsthand how this is affecting her. She's sleeping a lot and really has a hard time going to see my dad. I can understand because the times I've gone it's been tough--he's so thin and he insists that he can do things and he really can't. Like you, I'll be off Thursday and Friday; I'm looking forward to it. Last night I had a hard time keeping my eyes open and by 9:30 I was struggling to stay awake but then when I went to bed I had a hard time sleeping--too many things on my mind.

I did get to take advantage of the nice weather yesterday and got a walk in over the lunch hour. I miss it when I can't get out. When the weather gets bad I'll need to move indoors; my walking partner didn't renew her membership to the Wellness Center because she joined another facility so I'll have to go on my own if it's on the lunch hour. I need the activity and I know it helps me with sleeping and stress.

We had temps in the upper 40's yesterday and today we may hit 40 and then we're supposed to have some more snow but no major accumulation. We've already gotten over half of what we get for the whole year in snow!

[modkittn]

Hello ladies! Sorry I haven't been posting, but I was visiting family the whole beginning of this week and I have only been on the computer maybe twice to quickly check email. I'm feeling good, although I have had some problems breathing lately. I know it is because of my asthma coupled with the pregnancy. I have a doctor's appointment in a week and I plan on bringing it up then.

My Christmas was good. We saw my husband's family on Christmas Eve and mine on Christmas Day. The 3-4 days leading up to Christmas were horribly busy for me; I was finishing all of my homemade presents and baking a ton. I did have last week and this off from work and I must say I'm not really looking forward to going back to work on Monday. Although, with the rare (it seems!) free time I have had the past couple of weeks, I have gotten a bunch of little things done around the house that I have been putting off.

We are trying to start work on the nursery. I have to have some duct work put in the room (for heating and AC) and then we can take down the walls (paneling only up there right now) and put drywall up. Then we will paint and then put in a floating hardwood floor. Lots of work, and I'd like it all done by the end of February - a tall order I know!

I'm still up about 25 pounds now. I have surprisingly held steady for the past week and a half, even with all the holiday junk I have been eating (and I hate to admit that it was A LOT).

Pam and Melissa - I'm glad you both had good holidays!

Melissa - I've been thinking about you and your dad lately. I'll continue to keep your family in my thoughts.