Good Morning everyone, Thank you all for your well wishes yesterday. After seeking direction from the Lord He softly gave me the answer as I was walking into the office yesterday. First thing I did was have a talk with Ann. I did not bring up the job ad, but talked about a few other things. She was very receptive and I believe my initiative yesterday came in a positive light. For some reason the last two days she's been extra nice to me. She admitted to me on Friday, and again yesterday that she was embarrassed (as she should have been) with the way she treated me on Thursday!

I did call the placement agency that posted the ad and the lady in charge of my company's account said she was not aware of my job being re-listed. When I came home the ads were gone off the two places I found it. She did mention that they automatically repost old jobs that haven't found placements for and that the bookkeeper at her office probably posted the wrong job. Wether thats true I dunno, I just know the job is not posted any longer. My thought was if thats not true then Ann called in the heat of the argument on Thursday!

Anyway, update on Cody, he's an overgrown puppy who needs someone thats not ill to walk him! I really do not want to replace him but the poor thing is bored stiff. When I do walk them I end up in excruciating pain!

Sunday was fun when my bathroom water pipes unfroze and the toilet overflowed from the back tank (glad it wasn't from the bowl itself!) I have a guy coming to put in a new toilet for me. I've been here 9 years and this toilet was here before the previous owners, who were here 7 years. The toilet was giving me problems but the service man that is coming renigged it for a spell. Well, enough of messing with this thing! My son is here to let him in and watch Jade around him., I doubt Jade will bite him, but she barks and barks at the poor guy! I think his stature of a giant scares her! But it's also her protective nature! Cody on the other hand, I believe he'll love up on Dan! Cody's nothing but a lover!

OK, who wants coffee????? It's "Jamaican Me Crazy" (it's a mildly flavored coffee that a local brewer does, their best seller! with a hint of rum! I didn't know it had rum flavoring until years after drinking the stuff!)

Good morning Chicks

Lori - I hope this more positive energy is a sign of things to come. I know you like the job so here's hoping it does work out!

DP loved her first day at work. She called me at 9:45 to tell me they were closing their offices from 10-1 so everyone could watch the inauguration - a great way to start a new job

Today will be another partial day in the office. I will probably be home by 2 depending on my friend's shoulder. Yesterday was a 10+ hour day, so that balances out a bit.

I'm looking for inspiration for dinner. Anyone have any fantastic new meat free meal ideas to share?

Good morning, Lori. I'm glad yesterday was a better day than expected. Rum flavoured coffee? I may add some extract to my next cup and feel I'm being really decadent.

It's Wednesday and I still have not been able to get all my running around a pick-ups done. You'd think people would kow-tow to my schedule! Today Disney and I will do pet therapy at noon and pick up a quilt to be finished but the drop-offs will have to wait until next week. (I may have another quilt done by then anyhow.)

I am loaded with veggies! The Good Food Box order was screwed up and I ended up with double veggies instead of a bag of fruit and one of veggies! So right now I have 2 bags of snow peas, 2 bags of spinach, 2 bags of baby carrots, 2 cucumbers, 6 big red onions, 6 huge potatoes and 2 packages of grape tomatoes! It sure is a good deal for $10 but will take some planning to eat up. Snow pea soup? Dried grape tomatoes? I see cooking on the schedule this morning.

Hope your day is happy and healthy.

ETA: Good morning, Cyndi. Sounds like things are going well for you and DP. I watched the inauguration yesterday with tears in my eyes over the joy and excitement. What an historic event!

Ruth - Apparently grape tomatoes are great for drying! I bet snow peas are too now that I think about it. Yum produce is such a happy thing this time of year.

Good morning!

I'm still riding on a high from all the excitement and happiness of yesterday. What a thrill to observe such a major historical event! i used up most of a box of tissues throughout the day, too, Ruth.

Loriann, I'm happy that you had a heart-to-heart talk with your employer to clear the air. Maybe Ann has finally met her match! My prayers are with you that this is the end of your problems with this job and that it lasts.

Cyndi, you are a saint to be caring for your friend as well as Julie. You make sure to take a bit of time for yourself, too, though. I'm thinking a nice crustless spinach quiche sounds like a good comfort-food supper for me this evening. Sound good to you?

Ruthie, you're busy as usual with that non-stop schedule. Wasn't it a year ago today that you had your knee surgery? I hope it's not giving you any trouble in this extreme cold we've been having this winter. Dried grape tomatoes are so yummy, and I'd get out the dehydrator for the other veggies, too, including the potatoes. They'll all come in handy later when you may need them for a recipe. You and Disney have a good time at Pet Therapy this afternoon!

The girls have a 1/2 day of school, so we're keeping them out and going skiing today. Cindy is picking me up here, so I don't even have to drive out to the farm this morning. I'm taking along a good book to enjoy by the fire while they're out on the slopes.

Morning Chicks! I am so far behind on here and at work I don't know if I will ever catch up! Hope everyone is doing well.

I am finally seeing my weight go down I was starting to think that turning 40 had automatically added 5 pounds.

My son made the journey from Indiana to D.C. yesterday, arrived on the mall lawn at 4:45 am. At about 7 am I lost contact with him due to cell service being spotty at best and him trying to conserve his battery. I just heard from him, they made it home safe although he did get seperated from the group on their way out on the Metro. He said it was just like the movies, he stepped on, the doors closed and the train pulled away with his friends still on the other side. He said he went Nooooooooo as he pulled away!

I have a ton of work to get to I guess I better hop to it!

Hello chicks, It seems like it's been a long week already, even though I had Monday off. Does this still count as hump day? DH started his new job yesterday, so we are adjusting to a new schedule. He is up and out of the house by 5:30 and seems like he'll be getting home around 5PM. It will make things harder when I have to travel, but my parents are always willing to pitch in and help, and DD1 if it works with her work schedule. You may remember I have a close friend that ended up in the hospital with congestive heart failure before Christmas. They have been running tests to find out what's going on with her and yesterday she got some very bad news - a tumor in her kidney with possible involvement of other organs. She'll have surgery (hopefully very soon). I guess they'll remove the kidney and will be able to see the extent of things. Needless to say I am very worried about her physical AND mental health.

cottage, sounds like a nice, relaxing day for you! You deserve it.
Ruth, hmmm, that looks like a stir fry to me. What a great problem to have!
Cyndi, glad DP likes her new job. ummm, my vegetarian repertoire is limited, maybe a stir fry for you too?
LoriAnn, glad things seem to be working out at the office. Sorry to hear about your toilet adventure. Your coffee does sound awesome. Wish I could get my hands on some of it!
Hi Steph! So your son was one of those crazies down there yesterday! Was he able to get close enough to see anything IRL? What a mob scene that was! I'm sure that's an adventure he'll always remember!

Hi, all!

Glad you're finally getting a new toilet, Lori. It's such a blessing to have a reliable piece of plumbing!

Cyndi, sounds like DP is in a GREAT office! How awesome!!! I have tons of good meat-free recipes, but they're all at home, sadly. I highly recommend Cooking Light for great veggie recipes that are easy to SBD-ize. You can get them all for free now at www.myrecipes.com You might try the Enhanced Recipe Search (make sure you click in the box next to Cooking Light at the bottom, as it also searches mags like Southern Living, which are not so SBD-safe)--it's awesome with tons of options, including "meat-free" recipes. Enjoy!

Wow, Ruth, that Good Food box sure sounds like a great deal! I love snow peas in stir-fry. But that's a lot of 'em, eh? Thankfully, they freeze well. I hear you on all the stuff to do. I had Monday off and usually have Tuesdays off, too, so I had like a five-day weekend. Yet I still have a TON to do!!! Unfortunately, it's back to work for me! Can't believe all the work you're doing on those quilts! I still have one I started two years ago before my sewing machine broke. The machine broke in the middle of sewing the top together. I finished the top on my mom's machine so my aunt (for whom I was making it) could see it. I eventually got a new machine (awesome...it's a Husqvarna) and told myself I needed to practice on it before making the rest of the quilt. Yeah, now it's been two years or more and it's still just sitting there...I need to quilt it and then do the binding. I'm not even sure I remember how now!

Love your plans for today, Cottage. It sounds SO cozy! As for yesterday, I hear you! I've known yesterday's date for a long time, now, but didn't put the two things together. Even though I had the day off, I had all my normal appointments plus a lunch date with a friend who could care less about the excitement (sadly). In retrospect, I really should have made plans to spend it with people like you and Ruth so I could share those tissues. I tried to watch the inauguration online while at lunch, but I couldn't get it on the computer. I ended up watching my DVR of it last night. What a momentous, special day. I think what said it all for me was a little African-American girl my local news affiliate interviewed. She's 8yo and told them confidently that she's going to be president when she grows up. And she believed it. I love that she lives in a world where she knows it's a possibility!

How cool that your son was there yesterday, Pacer! Scary about the Metro, though. Glad he got home alright. Loved your comment about 40. Hope not...since I'm heading there in a couple years. I don't need any help putting it on!

Schmoo, I'm so sorry about your friend's health. But I'm glad at least you know what you're dealing with. And thank God, we have two kidneys. I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Me:
Gym, fast dinner (3 Bean Mexistrone soup from the crock-pot), then off to my food group tonight. It's been extremely small (and, thus, not too helpful for me) for a couple months now, but my therapist said she had a couple people who are interested in coming. Hope they show up. Otherwise, it'll be a small group.

Hope everyone has a good day and stays warm. It's been much colder again here after a one-day warm snap of 20+ degrees F.

Good morning,
Rikki - this is how I do my pumpkin oatmeal - 1/4 cup old fashion oatmeal, 1/8 cup ground flaxseed, 1/4 cup pumpkin and 1/2 water, mix it alll together. Zap in microwave until you feel its cooked. Sprinkle cinnamon and splenda.
Maybe Cottage or Cyndi have a better recipe.

Me - Sorry, no personals. We are leaving in a few minutes for the day.
Sophie

Good morning Ladies!!! Happy Wednesday!

Loriann - So glad to hear that things were better yesterday and that you heeded the gentle nudges you were getting. I hope today continues to go well.

Cyndi - So glad that DP likes the new job. Nothing stinks more than living with someone who hates their 9-5. And I think the idea of a spinach quiche sounds really tasty.

Ruth - Fantastic that you got all those veggies, I just hope you can use them up quickly. I'm sure you've got a veggie soup in you to get some of it up and used. Have fun with it!

Cottage - A day out on the slopes sounds like a lot of fun. I hope the girls have a good time and stay safe.

Stephanie - How exciting for your son to be there, and what a great story to tell. I hope he got some great pictures!

Schmoodle - I hope the new schedule falls into place quickly and comfortably. I'm sure the kids will adjust just fine. I'm saying prayers for your friend. I know with friends like you she's covered when it comes to people doing what they need to for her.

Laurie - I hope your group goes better than you expect it to tonight!

Me - Yesterday was fantastic! What a beautiful speech, what an amazing event. I was truly proud to be an American. And my sister's party was lots of fun as well. I ended up taking a big salad and I had one piece of pizza (it was supposed to be WW crust, but the pizza place ran out). I also caved and had a piece of cake. Totally regretted it, too, once I got in the car to go home. Today I'm going to be extremely vigilant in regards to what I put into my mouth.
Tonight is all about laundry as I am out of clean underwear. And I'm very excited that Lost starts back up tonight!!!! Can't wait!
Have a fantastic Wednesday, ladies!!! Blessings!!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Your prayers are working as my (soon to be) daughter is doing much better but still under a watchful eye. You gals are the best.

Schmoodle I have said a prayer for you and your friend and also the doctors doing the surgery. Please keep me posted as I will continue to pray.

You gals seem like such a nice bunch, I am joining in on your chat . I posted my bio, but the nitty-gritty on me is that I've been slowly losing for about a year now. I've been doing SB dilligently the past 4 months.

Loriann - I've been following your roller coaster of a job the past few days. I'm glad things have turned up. Your "Jamaican Me Crazy" coffee sounds scrumptious! I would love to join you for a cup .

Cyndi - I think your DP has found my dream job! It's really neat they shut down so people could watch the inauguration. I've been off sick the last few days so luckily got to watch. As for veggie dinner ideas...I discovered this fabulous indian dish "spinach and chick pea curry". It's quick so I make it for week night dinner all the time! I'll post it to the recipe thread and you can check it out if you are interested.

Ruth - I used to live in Scotland and participated in something similar to your 'Good Food Box'. I really loved fresh produce delivered to my door once a week! It also helped me to maintain my weight since I was constantly looking for veg-infused recipes. My favorite was when they would give me parsnips. I know, not SB friendly, but yummy!

Cottage - Enjoy your ski day, sounds fun! I am from Utah originally so grew up on the slopes. Skiing is wonderful exercise for your girls, and a great time too!

Pacer - I'm in Indiana too! I'm so glad these sub-zero temps have subsided! Your son must have had a great time in DC. I love the story of him losing his friends on the Metro - "Noooooo!" - LOL!!!

Schmoodle - I hope your husband likes his new job and that your friend is okay. Best wishes!

Beach Gal - What's a 'food group'? Sounds interesting...

hmac - LOST = HOORAY! It's been forever since the last season, I am so ready for it to start again! There's alot of good reasons to watch the show, but my 2 favorite reasons are Jack and Sawyer .

Me - None of you know me well, but I have been a 3FC member for years. I have another 15 pounds to go before goal. These pounds are going to be difficult as they've been with me for sooooo long (10 years or so)! SB works for me and I really like it so far. I live with my awesome DH and we want to start having kids in the next 1-2 years. It has provided me with good motivation to lose weight! I work at a computer all day so you should see me around .

Hi wish and welcome to the daily chat - these are some of the best girls around and they have lots of knowledge on the south beach diet.

success is in your future

GONNA...sending prayers your way! I hope everything works out. Just keep your head to the stars and your trust with God!

I'm in the office today and it's been too busy for me to post until now. My meeting last night was productive although the district guy forgot and didn't show up so we had to include him over spreakerphone. Don showed up at the end so Terri and I got to talk to him for awhile. He told Brian that they'll get together soon and go do some guy stuff without me. I think that will be really good for Brian since he does almost nothing with his Dad.

My lawyer finally called me back while I was at the dentist with Brian yesterday. I got him up to date on what had been going on and he said he'd get it moving forward. I'm hoping something happens soon.