The World in December - Delicious and decandent. Don't eat it all.
Off the top of my head I couldn't think of a title to work. So you got what came out of my head and into my fingers. Strange thing my head.
Okay, how's that challenge I set in November going? I don't have access to a set of scales so I can't tell, but I do know that I was down a kg last time I was home.
Keep going. Let's celebrate the merry month with a loss.
This site has been very weird lately. I tried to post some more photos last night and between this and Photobucket I got a screen full of the same photo. Didn't think you would want that! Even if it was a picture of the sun, see, islands, flax and the odd bird or two.
Anyway, today is the 2nd of December over here so only 16 more days to when I fly home and the fun bit starts. I am so ready for home at the moment.
Better go and sort the night shift again. They have some strange theories out there.
Morning all. Back to work. Wading through all the email. Bleh.
Shad – Lovely pics, makes me want to plan a trip somewhere with interesting and beautiful things to see in pretty settings. Thanks for setting up our new thread!! I like that title - good advice for sure!
Ceejay – Hope your stomach is feeling better – I assume you have meds for that?
Hi Dee!
Annie – Sounds like your cardiac rehab session went well. Are you in with a group of people or is it just you? Your weekend sounded very nice – laughter is good. And so is vegging out. Oh yeah, a doctor’s permission to not rake or shovel! Enjoy it while it lasts!!
Happy – Wow, you’re inundated with critters at your place! Glad to hear “your” bucks have made it.---Well, if you were looking for a reason to limit the decorations this year, you’ve got a good one! --- Yeh, I think the key to better planning re big dinners/entertaining is to do it more often and get good at it, and I think it would be fun to have a dinner party with friends at some point. We always seem to go out for dinner and search for places to go afterwards, but it might be nice to host a dinner party or potluck, and be able to hang out at the house. And maybe have a game night. ---LOL, too funny how you called the “Ninja inflatable bop bag” https://www.dollartree.com/Ninja-Inf...4121/index.pro a blow up doll. Still have to get that thing inflated and put under the patio cover.
Hellos to the rest of you!
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Yesterday morning bf and I drove out to a factory store for a company that makes vinyl floor mats for the exact make/model of your car. We bought some for the SUV. I’m glad we went in person instead of ordering online because the colors aren’t as accurate online, and we were able to take the vinyl swatches out to our car to choose the right color. So we'll remove the carpet mats and put in these vinyl ones. We bought mats for the front and rear seats and for the cargo area. We also bought a set of thingies that can be arranged on the cargo mat and keep our “cargo” from shifting around – i.e., groceries, etc.
After that, we stopped at bf’s mom’s place. We were going to all go to her new supermarket together to check it out, but she was under the weather. So we stayed by her for a while and visited. Then bf and I went to lunch nearby, and afterwards we shopped at the grocery store because they had some good grand opening sales.
When we got home, I took doggy for a walk. It was kind of a chilly, rainy day, but it wasn't raining when we walked, so that was good.
After that I was trying to decide if I wanted to do the Pilates class again – new session started last night. I didn’t find another class I wanted to take, so I once again registered for Pilates. And I went to class last night even though I was in vacation day mode. This session goes through March 7th – 15 classes. I've also said I'd buy a punchcard this time around. I'll do that, but only a 15-class punchcard. So I'll do 2 classes per week that way – Pilates on Monday night and another group fitness class on another night, probably Thursday. It seems like the best classes are on Thursday nights, and several are 7pm classes, which is the best time for me.
That’s about it for me, so I’ll get this posted. TTFN.
Yesterday was back to work and it was as crazy as I thought it would be but I survived it. I did work at home a bit last night but after I decorated the tree (finally got to it) and emptied the dishwasher and got a load of laundry out of the dryer.
I know I'm still doing a lot but I've decided that in my off time "I" come first and work comes after that if there is time.
Eventually I want to get to where I am not working over time in the evenings or on weekends. I'm trying to get used to it and getting them used to it. So instead of working 10-15 hrs of OT a week I'm shooting for 5 and then will go to 3 and then maybe 1 and then nothing.
Annie: I went back to the November thread and read about your rehap workout. I think you will see a lot of benefit from it and really start to feel good and have energy. I know you don't like exercise but really it can become addicting.
Shad: Your pictures are lovely.
Laura: Good for you for setting up two workouts a week and it sounds like you are looking forward to them.
Happy: Our gun deer season started yesterday....uggggg! I drive so far to work and I'm always watching for them more during this season--scares me think about hitting them.
What sort of sweaters did you find at JC Penny's?
Ceejay: It sounds like you are having a nice vacation--just doing what you want when you want. Good for you!
Dee: I'm so glad to hear you are the Green Michigan and not the Blue and Gold Michigan! Cute stories about your grandbabies.
I have been to Lansing Michigan. Years ago. I knew a guy who lived in Owosso Michigan and I think it was close to Lansing. I know they were connected somehow.
Afternoon,
Not much going on today.
I'm working on the end of the month reports and I'm not in the mood to do them.
Part of my lab work has shown up on my chart on line. Waiting for the other. I like having this chart and knowing the results. It has appointments that I have scheduled etc.
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Shad
Thanks for starting the new thread. Can't wait to see more pictures.
Annie
I wish my bp was as good as yours. I am trying to get it down though. I've upped my cardio to 30 minutes this week. I need to add in some weight training also.
Susie
Good for you in setting time for yourself. I agree that we all need to do this.
On my way to Sissy's house last night to make ugly sweaters with DS, DD, DH last night, my brother, Michael, called to say his scans show the cancer has spread even more, all cancer drugs no longer work, and has been taken off of them. He is on his own til the end. The end no one knows. I am asking for lots of prayers and strength for all of us. He was told 6 mos to 1 year, probably closer to 6 months. I can barely type this through the tears. Help.
Annie
So sorry to hear this. Sending good vibes for you and your family. The Belt on the Shelf reminded me of the razor strap hanging in the hall way. Daddy had to pop it only once for us girls. We didn't get loud any more.
Shad
I love these pictures also. It's beautiful country.
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Called last night to find out about jury duty. Nothing scheduled this week but all juror's are supposed to call back next week for December 9.
I feel so good this morning. My blood pressure is down to 116/65. Stomach is still a bit queasy but that should pass.
Met all my fitbit goals. I did not raise my exercise minutes to 30. Didn't have the stamina yesterday.Rode my bike for 20 minutes straight.
Still nothing on the other lab results. Makes me wonder but I'm assuming no news is good news.
Annie - I am so sorry to hear your news about your brother. Cancer is a real ***** and there is so little can be done now except to keep your brother comfortable and be there for him should he need you and the family. His passport has not yet expired and hope is the only thing he has, that and the love of his family. Be strong for him.
My thoughts are with you.
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Oh Annie my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I am so sorry. I know this is of no real comfort to you but I would encourage you to dry the tears and use whatever time you have left together to be with your brother as much as possible. No one really knows how much time they have left - some people were told they had months and were gone in a week others were told they had little time and are still around years later. The thing you have that others don't is knowing that his time is limited. You have an opportunity to make the most of what time is left with him. Many a person loses someone suddenly and then regrets that they didn't call more often or visit sooner. As heartbreakingly sad as this is, share the love and the tears. Find something that is meaningful to him and keep his legacy alive. I say this out of personal experience. My brother had a form of bone cancer - they were controlling it sort of and Thanksgiving 1997 we got the news that out of nowhere, his numbers shot up and the cancer became most aggressive. We counted the days and hoped he's make it through Christmas, then his birthday in February. Then Easter - we marked each milestone. Sadly, he never made it to Easter. He also insisted he was not dying, up to his very last moments so it was a bit hard to talk to him the way we wanted to but his son was able to repair a broken relationship, he knew how much we all cared and I found some things about him I would have never known otherwise. It didn't sooth the hurt until years after he was gone but looking back I am glad for the time we spent together. Cancer sucks, losing someone well before their time sucks even more. Be there for each other.
Shad - thank you for setting up the new thread this month. I love the title. Will try my best not to do it justice although I am losing my taste for the sweet life. Keep the pictures coming. Sure do wish we had the stamina to come out and visit your side of the world. DH would have to bring a case full of cameras and SD cards. Forget the clothes. No end to the photo opportunities. A bit more than 2 weeks before you can get home and enjoying a bit of time away from the office.
Ceejay - hope your tests come out ok. Enjoy a day of feeling good - use it as a reminder to keep eating clean and get some movement in each day.
Susie - I am glad that you are recognizing the value of devoting more efforts to you instead of work. By all means work hard to earn your paycheck but being a corporate slave gets you nothing. I am dealing with the same feelings myself. I am a sucker for stepping up to EVERYTHING that comes my way. Then I get overwhelmed, personal things pile up and I get resentful and sometimes DH and I get into a disagreement over things when too much gets neglected her in favor of other things. I am also trying to temper a balance - we will support each other!!! I was very proud to say NO I can't to 3 requests in the last 2 days. And I'm feeling better about it. The problem with overtime is that you start at first trying to catch up but then that becomes a routine extension of your day and moves to an expected part of life. Especially this time of year when there are more fun and personal things to turn your attention to. Be strong!
Laura - yeah, I guess it would be funny if put a real blow up doll underneath the patio cover. I could not think of other terms at the time I was typing. So they still have grand opening sales at the grocery stores? Aren't there ENOUGH grocery stores in your area? the one thing I waffle most on between eating at home or going out to dinner on holidays is that if you go out, you don't have any leftovers. If I could go out AND take one "to go" box it would probably suffice. Don't want to have TOO MANY leftovers. Good for you for signing up for Pilates over the winter. Do you find that sometimes it's hard to drag yourself out when the weather gets slippery or dark? I had the hardest time going to the gym in the winter months. How neat that you got cargo "mats" that will help to keep things in place. I put a couple of bins in the back of the SUV but DH keeps taking them out. I said put them in the back seat if you need the cargo space for corn and seed but no... So I just let things roll around in there. He got hard vinyl mats for the SUV - they are good because they keep the carpet from getting wet but bad because they get slippery - especially if your boots have snow on them and the water doesn't dry very well, especially in the winter when it's cold and the inside isn't warm for long enough to dry out. So I'm not sure how I actually feel about these.
Hello to the rest of the chicks. I decided to skip yoga today. I shouldn't as I missed it 2 weeks ago, last week we were off for the holiday. The weather is crappy, I don't want to drive. Yesterday DH slipped going up the hill with the SUV. He can't take me to yoga because he has an online class he is taking from 1pm to 2 and I have to leave the house about 1:30 to get to 2pm yoga in time. I would have had to go about 12:30, pay $7 for a day pass at the gym and pretty much spend 4 hours there. I have things here at home nagging at me and we will be gone tomorrow and Friday on errands and such. So I thought it best to just hang here and focus on getting things done. I will do one of my yoga videos instead. I just had to throw away $15 on a class fee - twice. Anyhow, let me get off the computer and get going. Have a good day everyone.
HAPPY...thank you for your kind words and advice. You can bet bro and I talk every day on the phone and see each other a couple of times a week. However, this is our normal. I added Thursday night dinners with him to have more time with him, plus he loves my cooking. It is hard to get more time as he has 4 kiddos and 3 of them live close, one with kids, so he visits with them as much as possible. When his other kiddo is in town from Denver, she takes priority and should. He also has a lovely wife, that I love and many friends. He is just a all around great guy, not just because he is my brother either.
SHADDIE...thank you also for your kind words. Also thank you for setting up the thread, I like the thread title a lot. The pix are great. Keep them coming.
CEEG...thank you for the good vibes we certainly can use them.
Annie, I'm so very sorry to hear about your brother's situation. I lost both of my brothers way too soon, and wish I'd been closer with them. Cherish the time you have left to spend with M.
Susie – Good for you trying to chisel down the amount of OT you put in, and for putting yourself first! Re more exercise – yes, I’m looking forward to getting more of it because I’m not happy with what’s happened to my body since I’ve let the exercise slide. Not being as fit as I once was, I now feel daunted by classes I used to find “challenging” - I feel like they might be too much for me. But I just have to go in and work to my abilities and modify as needed.
Ceejay – I like seeing my lab results online too. I like comparing results from previous periods.--- Glad you feel better today. Good job with the exercise.
Shad – More beautiful places. Thanks for posting those pics. The turf block path up to the Governors house is what I’d like to have for a driveway and the sidewalks up to the front door and back. But the practicalities of shoveling/snowblowing it come to mind. Those types of surfaces are not common here as of yet.
Happy – Yeh, there seems to be many more grocery options in the Chicagoland area these days. The market we went to Monday is not convenient to us, we only went there because it was close to bf’s mom’s place. We won’t be going there very often. ---Yeh, it’s hard to get motivated to go (back) out when the weather is crummy, but for classes at the recplex, it’s not far at all (under 2 miles away), so I don’t have too much trouble over that. When I took Jazzercise classes at locations 7-10 miles away that was more of an issue.--- Re the vinyl car mats – yeh, they may stay wet longer, but at least they contain the moisture – the front seat ones have raised edges. And there’s always at some point muddy shoes that totally makes a mess on the carpeted mats, but isn't a big deal on the vinyl…I had your idea – plastic bins – for the cargo area, but bf wasn’t a fan of that. Plus he’d already made up his mind about wanting these Weather Tech mats. More accessories to come, I'm sure.---Bummer about missing yoga class. My Pilates classes work out to about $10 per class and I hate to miss them. The punchcard system is more flexible in that way – but you do have to use up the card before it expires or you’re effectively paying more $$ for the fewer classes you took.
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Nothing much to report. I’ve had better workdays. And now it’s time to complete our performance self-assessments. And November's monthly report. Bleh.
It was snowing out this morning, but it’s bright out right now. We’re supposed to have a warmup to maybe 50 by Saturday. I hope so because we plan to put up our outdoor decorations on Saturday.
The World in December - Delicious and decandent. Don't eat it all.
Oh yeah, a doctor’s permission to not rake or shovel! Enjoy it while it lasts!!
Still have to get that thing inflated and put under the patio cover.
Cute stories about your grandbabies.
Especially this time of year when there are more fun and personal things to turn your attention to. Be strong! 
I said put them in the back seat if you need the cargo space for corn and seed but no... So I just let things roll around in there. 
He got hard vinyl mats for the SUV - they are good because they keep the carpet from getting wet but bad because they get slippery - especially if your boots have snow on them and the water doesn't dry very well, especially in the winter when it's cold and the inside isn't warm for long enough to dry out. So I'm not sure how I actually feel about these. 
Anyhow, let me get off the computer and get going. Have a good day everyone.
I lost both of my brothers way too soon, and wish I'd been closer with them. Cherish the time you have left to spend with M.
