[Roseblush]

Yeah Mel way to go girl....that is great....Keep up the good work.... I have not gotten on a scale lately but trying to be good in the food department.
CJ don't you just love to hear about young people who are out doing good things. The good kids don't get enough kuddo's..... you tell those kids all the worldly aunties are proud of both of them.
Well, I started my night shift for my private care patient. I survived two nights in a row....requires a 1;30am turning him and then again at4:30am..... good thing I can have a quiet day. I am trying to get pack up J's room so I can make it my craft room..... I have long ignored getting the boys room cleared out....

I do hope Shad is alright down under.... Suzi thanks for the info on the show.... it sounded so fun!
I am dog sitting Darby this weekend andthat has been fun...he loves to come to my house, just like a kid at a sleep over. It finally snowed a little here last night but it is warm.....
Hope everyone is well.... check in everybody we love to hear from all of you....around the world.
Take Good Care,
Nae

[Meadow]

Hi everyone

I have been doing some baking. Hermit cookies with my recipe changes of oatmeal and wholewheat substitutions for the white flour. Thought about adding some flaxseeds but with the raisions and walnuts I think that would have really been over the top These are the kind of cookies that fill you up. Save me from the sugar!

Happy-shame the garden show wasn't as inspiring as you would have wished. I have been taking garden books out of the library, nothing like seeing how the professionals create a plot Hope your new glasses make you smile

PainterWoman-welcome back What did you decide to paint? The picture sites of individuals online are always full of great images that might spark you. I hope you are well

Mel-golly, I think you should get a merit badge for calm under fire! I swear that building is like a war zone some days and you are the sargeant trying to maintain order Congratulations on finding the humour and making it work. You've always had the power

Rose-how wonderful, you get to have your own space for crafts! I would adore having a room just for my stuff. Knowing things would be were I put them when I came back Maybe when the kids grow up

Ceejay-I did the same with the Lysol around here when my kids were sick. Every doorknob and lightswitch. I should do the phone too. Your neice and nephew sound very on top of things and smart as whips, nice to be talented and have it recognized. More power to them :clapping:

Suzi-I have two sisters and two brothers. I don't really talk to my brothers much, they have their families and stuff that doesn't really connect with me. My sisters are terrific! I would be lost without them. They complete me, I laugh more when they are around. I hope the new job is enjoyable and makes you want to get up in the morning. Are you practising French for you Paris trip? Bonjour mon ami No parlez vous Francais. Je suis petite la femme My grade eight french is very sad, nes pas?

Holly-how are the kids handling mommy as the full force working woman? Have you had to put new schedules into play? Does it feel great to be doing hair again? Are you getting requests for styles that you have to research to know what they are talking about? What about all the hair colour mixing? Good to hear you happy

Shad-oh dear, we haven't heard from you...I've my fingers crossed that you are just busy or it is a power cut. Stay out of the weather.


Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worries on the doorstep
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street

Cant you hear the pitter-pat
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be complete
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade with my blues on parade
But Im not afraid...this rover? s crossed over

If I never had a cent
Id be rich as rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street

[Hollyhock]

Meadow- that's a lot of questions. I LOVE doing hair and being at the shop. Lots of new schedule stuff but it is working out. DS is mostly pissed off... but when isn't he,LOL!! Hubby is stepping up well. The house is a disaster but working at it today.

PW- really nice to see you here!!!!
Mel- to the rescue!!!
Nae- good luck with the sorting out.
Happy- I like the challenge of reading something i wouldn't normally chose(for book club) but some times it is hard to get the book read or into it at all.
HI CJ- nice you got the house blessed!!

A woman in my networking group is a personal trainer/nutritionist. She has designed an email fitness and food program . You sign up for a year. She comes and does a personal consult. Custom designs a plan for you.Does 6 week segments and then changes it up. Available for couselling 24/7. $299.00 a year. I am considering it. I KNOW what to do but dont have the motivation/inspiration.

We did the hair and makeup for a photo shoot yesterday and then got our own pics done.I will use one for my business promo.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...ddess/A007.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...ddess/A016.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...ddess/A030.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...20-closeup.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...ess/A036-2.jpg

I am completely fascinated by how I am aging. I keep looking back at old pics. It seems like I aged suddenly this year. I dont mind it at all. I look like my dad and Grandma so I know where my face is headed. Dont mind that either. Will definitely have jowels.
My age caught up with me too. I was always really young looking. At 25 every thought i was 18, at 30 I looked 21, at 35 I looked 25. I most definitely look 41 now.I blame hubby and the kids. They plain wore me out.My real hair is 75% grey. More than just salt and pepper.I have started menopause too.

Enough procrastinating.

I had 6 days straight work. Today off and then 5 days straight. Taking Thurs aft off for Japan Day in DD's class.I have 2 8 hour days for the Pro Organinzing Mon & Tues and then the hair shop the rest of the week.

Had a lovely Valentines potluck lunch at church today too.

[Shad]

Quick run in and out.

We're okay up here. Weather over the weekend was perfect but towards the end of the long weekend got awfully hot and every man and his dog switched on their air cons. Results - power black outs all over town. So couldn't get to the Internet cafe yesterday. Instead I took one of the other trainers and went up to Paluma and Little Crystal Creek - along with have of the population of the north.

I've read through the posts - well quickly anyway. But don't have time chat. It's a pain. But I will return.

[happy2bme]

Hi Shad,

Glad to see you back.

Cute pictures Holly. Will comment later. Have to put the groceries away now.

[suzi in auz]

HI all!
Hope everyone is fine and dandy. Am at work today and it is quiet....phew. A chance to catch my breathe. It's been a busy week and weekend.

I felt like I caught up with everything this weekend which was so nice. Went to the Gym 2 x and had a rest day today. I talked to DH about juggling things, work and housework and kids. He was great,we came home and DID the house together...the whole family. The kids did the bedrooms and the adults the big stuff. It is now gleaming at me and all set for a new week.
we had an adventure!
Dh went outside on Friday night to get a mattress from the back and there on the mat was a little snake looking at him and arching it's neck. He got the fright of his life and everyone came running. 3 years in Aus and we have never seen a snake in the garden. Now we have. I was worried silly as I thought the cat was going to get bitten by it. We looked it up on the internet to see what kind of snake it was. We saw it was a crown headed snake which is apparently venemous but not dangerous. They are nocturnal and probably live in our bush!
After the shock of the snake the rest of the weekend was rather tame. We out for a meal on Sat night to an authentic and ( healthy) pizza place, thin base, rocket, boocochini cheese, tomato paste ...yum. The pizza man was very Italian and very funny. I liked him.
Sunday we went for a family day in the National forrest and tried a row boat. It was quite funny seeing how my independent kids reacted to this. You really need to be a team in a row boat! We ended the weekend with ironing and the biggest loser on the Telly...I felt organised

Ok and now to you all!

Happy ...Thank you on the congrats for the job. It looks like it is going to work out nicely, I am amazed at how oganised I am now working 3 days, more so than when I worked 2 or one and a half. I guess you just have to be. It is nice having a little break in between. I really appreciate my time to myself. You really should get Billy's book, it's a great read and very inspiring, He is a talented man. I hope you feel better soon and the sinffles go!Wrap up warm. When you find those little housework fairies can you post them in a letter to me!?
Mel...oh my goodness broken pipes and buckets.! I must say you had me giggling with all the iamgery of the buckets and such! Those poor oldies, huge delimnas! I watched the news about up state NY and I have Never seen so much snow! That is a a scary thought for the oldies. Are you similar?
Hope the tum is feeling so much better. And that the director eventually pulls finger!!Oh and WTG on the 4.5 lbs. That is fantastic! I think i know where it went! on me! It's my own fault thogh. At work there is a place that makes themost fantastic mochas and they put this chocolate stick in it. I really MUST resist.
CeeJay. ....mmmm... your bath sounds so nice and just the thing to sooth!
I hear you on the weight and diet slope. I have been to the Gym for 2 weeks and 1 kg heavier! What is up with that! It is frustrating and only makes me crave Mochas with chocolate sticks, I think I was better flabbier and lighter!
WTG on your sis's son. How cool for him! My son's would be in seventh heaven. ...a blessed house...i like it!

P.W. Nice to see you. Wow 235 to the wedding...you are brave!
and condolenses here on the passing of your MIL. Paint, paint, paint, wonderful therapy!!!!
Rose well done on the new night shift, that must be tiring.
A craft room sounds lovely! What a GREAT idea. How nice too to have a little furry friend around to keeop you company!
Holly I love your beautiful pics, Your hair looks amazing! The last time I saw a pic it was really long and you have been so brave and cut it off! I really really like it. I think you look fab. Age is a funny thing sometimes I look at myself now in a photo and in some angles I Look OLD!
Shad...WB what a land of extremes we live in. !!!!


Ok must fly and look busy...much love
Suzi

[MELODY525]

SHAD I WAS NEVER SO GLAD TO SEE ANYONE!! I LOOKED ALL OVER FOR YOUR CEL # AND COULDN'T FIND THE ORIGINAL PAPER. SIGH. GLAD YOU'RE SAFE!

CEEJAY~ HOPE L KEEPS HER GERMS TO HERSELF. I NEED FLYLADY OVER HERE.....NOT ONLY THE HOUSE BUT I COULD USE A BLESSING! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2 KIDS!! WONDERFUL NEWS AND I HOPE THEY ENJOY THEIR TIME IN THE SPOTLIGHT!!!

NAE~ GOOD FOR YOU CLEARING THE KID'S ROOM AND MAKING IT YOUR OWN! ABOUT TIME! LOL I HOPE YOU ENJOY A ROOM JUST FOR YOURSELF....NOT THAT THE WHOLE HOUSE ISN'T YOURS HAVE FUN!

HAPPY~FUNNY STORY ABOUT THE GLASSES. ISN'T IT ALWAYS LIKE THAT? A FRIEND JUST TOLD ME FRIDAY THAT SHE ALSO DROPPED OUT OF A BOOKCLUB FOR THE SAME REASONS. FIRST THEY WERE DOING ALL OPRAH'S PICKS THEN THEY GOT A NEW WOMAN TO RUN IT AND THEY DON'T LIKE HER SUGGESTIONS. HOW ABOUT IF WE PICK A BOOK OUT FOR YOU TO READ AND YOU REPORT TO US!! HAPPY MALL SHOPPING AND HOPE IT'S NOT TOO CROWDED!

MEADOW~ THE COOKIES SOUNDED GOOD. ANYTHING WITH OATMEAL STUFFS ME RIGHT UP. I EAT IT ALMOST EVERY DAY. I HAD TO LOOK UNDER PROPERTIES TO SEE IF THAT WAS INDED LAVENDER. I COULD SIT RIGHT IN THAT "THRONE"!!!! I TOLD MY FRIEND THAT WE NEED HAZARD PAY!!! IT IS LIKE A WAR ZONE AT TIMES.
I NOTICED THIS TIME THAT WHEN I ARRIVED I COULD HEAR "MEL'S HERE" AND A LOT OF POKING EACH OTHER IN THE RIBS TO SHOW EACH OTHER I GOT OUT OF THE ELEVATOR. GOD BLESS THEM....LITTLE STAMPEDING GRANNIES THAT THEY ARE!!

HOLLY~ I LIKE # 1 & 3!! ONE OF THE LADIES IN THE OFFICE HAS A STYLE SIMILAR TO YOURS. WISH IT LOOKED GOOD ON ME!

SUZI~ YOUR WEEKEND SOUNDED GREAT. I LOVE THAT FAMILY STUFF. JEN AND I SPENT THE DAY TOGETHER YESTERDAY AND PART OF SATURDAY.
NICE TO HAVE THE WHOLE HOUSE TACKLED BY NUMBERS. MAKES THE WORK GO FASTER. THE SNAKE SCARED ME TOO!!!! THAT'S WHEN YOU NEED ONE OF MY GRABBER BARS (AS I CALL THEM) THEY KEEP YOU ABOUT 2 FEET AWAY AND YOU CAN THEN PICK UP THE SNAKE AND STICK IT IN A NEIGHBORS MAILBOX!
HOPE HE FINDS ANOTHER "HOME"!

GOOD MORNING CHICKS OF THE WORLD!!
THE GOOD: I HAVE A HOLIDAY TODAY. LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY. HE WHO FREED THE SLAVES FORGOT TO FREE ME!!SILENCE REIGHNS SUPREME IN THE BLDG SO FAR.

THE BAD: HANDING OUT THE WATER GALLONS HURT MY NECK. MY POOR NECK. I USE IOT FOR EVERYTHIONG. OR ACTUALLY MY HEAD...IT'S LIKE A COUNTERWEIGHT. I THROW IT TO THE SIDE AND IT HELPS ME LIFT. GUESS I THREW IT TOO OFTEN. NO EXERCISE FOR AWHILE.

THE UGLY: SEVERAL TENANTS ARE NOT COMING BACK FROM THE NURSING/REHAB HOMES. MORE EMPTY APTS & UPSET "FRIENDS". SIGH

JEN AND I SPENT 1 1/2 DAYS JUST TALKING, COMPUTER, DVD, CLEARING AND SORTING. SHE GOT ME TO TOSS OUT SOME MORE CLOTHES. I SENT HER UP TO DO HER OWN!!!!! SEEMS SHE WILL TOSS OUT MINE BUT NEVER HERS BUT I LOVE HER ANYWAY
THE ONE EYE IS STILL LINGERING A BIT. FACE IS IMPROVING MORE EACH DAY BUT SLOWLY! VERY ANNOYING STUFF!! I NEED TO GET THE DAY STARTED.
HAPPY MONDAY/SUNDAY!!

[MELODY525]

A LITTLE KATRINA AND THE WAVES...............

I'm walking on sunshine, whoa,
I'm walking on sunshine, whoa,
I'm walking on sunshine, whoa.
And don't it feel good?
Hey! Oh, right now,
And don't it feel good?
Hey! Oh, right now, yeah.

[happy2bme]

Hey Mel - Walking on Sunshine is a really good treadmill walking song- gets you up to a light trot! One of my favorites. Thanks for sticking that in my head ALL day Got a fit of the giggles about your Lincoln freeing the slaves comment too -- ain't that the truth lady. And the idea of stampeeding grannies are they coming with the wire grocery carts with the squeeky wheels? Sorry to hear that some of the seniors will not be coming back. That has to be hard to deal with... You take care of that neck - ok? Funny how you can really mess that up without thinking. Have a restful holiday. Go toss some of Jen's clothes

Suzi, sounds like you had a really nice time with the family. As for the snake, well let me tell you - from what we hear ALL the time about Australia - besides some beautiful country and people who have the best accents IN THE WORLD! - we hear about how Australia has so many large and dangerous creatures - spiders, snakes, wildlife, plants - sounds to us like you just walk outside and are accosted by all this flying, biting, stinging things - and as we understand they are WAY larger than what we deal with. It is only through you and Shad that we hear it's only that way when you go in the bush. You betcha that when I get hold of that cleaning fairy - I'll shoot her right over to your place after I'm done with her

Meadow - those are the most absolutely gorgeous purple flowers. No wonder there is a chair there. I'd be out in the garden just sitting and admiring them. Share the recipe for hermit cookies, will you? Always looking for something good and different

Holly - I think I like picture number 3 the best. The haircut looks easy to take care of.

Shad - have you settled on anything yet about your trip here yet? Elvis awaits We found a neat place for a day trip a few hours from here. It's some caverns which are supposed to be beautiful. For you I will take claustrophobic me into a cave under the earth. But first I may need to pop a valium I showed it to DH - he's so excited about it he wants to go NOW - said we wouldn't want to drive you all the way out there to be disapointed. I said even if you were, you would be too polite to say so.

This week I'm going to do better. Every little thing I do I'm going to try and do better at it - food, water, exercise, keeping up with the house and things. Not over the top life altering changes - just work at little improvements and building good habits again.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[ceejay52]

For some reason I'm busy this morning do odd jobs.

Mel--You need to rest.

Holly--I'm going to be different and choose number 4. They are all good. I hear you on the aging process. I have enough of my mother's heritage in me that I don't look my age. I can tell especially since I've gained this extra weight that my age is beginning to show more. It didn't help matters when the doc told me I was getting older. :sigh:

Shad--Glad that you are okay. I hate black outs cause the phoneis one of my dislikes about this job.

Happy--I like the idea of little improvments.

Suzi-It was nice that your whole family pitched in and help you clean the house.

Meadow-- Your cookies sound devine.

It's pouring down rain. The wells are pumping more than usual which has me a little antzy. I keep looking uat the control panel to see if I've accidentally put them in the hand position. Nope. This is a sign we have a leak some where out in the system.

Bye for now.

[Shad]

Morning all,
Happy the caves sound divine. Love caves. By all means check them out and then you can take me back regardless of what the DH thinks of them. Love a good cave. Think I was a bear or a hermit in another life. Timing - well I will leave Aus at the end of May probably sometime in the last week of May. This project has been pushed out to the middle of May which was my original objective. Shane is working on flights to LA, SF or Vancouver as we speak. I don't want to have to go to Sydney to leave. I'd rather just lift off from Brisbane. I want a One World Alliance partner if not Qantas so I can upgrade to Business Class with my frequent flyer points. I know Qantas flies to SF 5 times a week from Brisbane so that may well be my point of entry and no doubt I will stay for a couple of days. Then I am going down to AZ (probably up to 4 days) and to NM (2-3 days) before I get to you so that would make it around the end of the first week in June - unless I go the other way around in which case I should be getting to you around the 3rd week in June. Hope that helps. I had thought I might drive between AZ and NM since it doesn't look too bad (I'm okay on freeways but not so good in cities) and I have my sheet of paper with the left and right arrows but we will see. Sorry to muck you around but I hope that helps.

Holly - I like 4 and 5 most. 3 looks like you are hanging on for grim death. Were you worried about falling off the chair? Two is okay as well.

Hi Mel -

Oh poop here comes trouble gotta go

[ceejay52]

Happy--Are you going to Blanchard Springs? If so you'll like it. It's cold "down under" so take your jacket.

[happy2bme]

Ceejay - yes, it's Blanchard Springs! One of the women at work told me about it. She said it was really nice. I truly am very claustrophobic so I hope the "ceilings" are not too low. It didn't look like it from the pictures on the website. I'm ok if the ceiling is 10 foot high or so - just don't like feeling really closed in. No way would I ever take that spelunking tour where you have to wedge yourself through narrow cracks and tunnels in the rock but I would like to see the caves. I'm not even afraid of bats. Have you been to the caverns? Thanks for the tip on the temperature. I'll be sure to take along some jackets for us. Seems like you got the rain today and we just got some light soaking sprinkles. Possibly getting a bit heavier overnight with a rumble or two of thunder.

There's an animal sanctuary not too far from there where they have elephants and other rescued wildlife.

Shad, reason I was asking about when you were coming was to check out activities and see if there was anything worth checking out when you were coming out. I thought you were coming the end of May. If you do wind up coming mid June, we can go swimming. We'll put Mel in charge of the smoothie cart. Also too I want to be able to book my time out for vacation. If I have a month of lead time I can work around that better with deadlines and such.

I made a shrimp stir fry tonight that had tons of vegetables in it. Also added a bit of cayenne pepper and some cajun spices. Just enough to give it a bit of flavor but not too spicy for my taste. DH said it was very flavorful but I had to pick out the squash, zuchinni, and carrots and put them on my plate first because he likes to keep a respectful distance between those things and his mouth We shared the shrimp, sugar snap peas and 3 colors of bell peppers. I also made it with some fresh angel hair pasta but to tell the truth, with angel hair I think I like the regular pasta in a box dried stuff more. I did well eating wise today. Drank my water, made good food choices, watched the portions. Even had points left for 2 fresh out of the oven cranberry walnut oatmeal cookies and a small glass of lowfat milk for dessert.

Was watching the show The View that I had taped earlier. They were talking about Anna Nicole Smith. They were talking about her incessant need/craving for attention. No matter what she had to do, she did it as long as she brought attention upon herself. They talked about the constant need for attention as an addiction of sorts. It must be very sad to live that way because it is very difficult to be around needy people who are only "all about me". For me I suppose I never considered it that way. I do hope she will rest in peace at last. I just feel sorry for that poor little baby with that zoo of buffoons all around her.

Talked to my sister today. It was a balmy 31 degrees - every one was walking around with their coats unbuttoned. They are supposed to get lambasted with a powerful snow storm tonight lasting all the way until Wednesday perhaps. Not as bad as upstate New York but this storm could dump 8 to 12 inches on them. Bitter cold winds are following just around the corner. I don't miss that part of Chicago.

Going to go snuggle in the warm bed now. Goodnight chicks of the world. Good afternoon Suzi and Shad.

[Shad]

Morning all,
Happy, I know you want to sort out leave dates and I'm sorry to muck you around. It's just difficult to fit all things in and get decent prices and manage an upgrade even if I am going early in the season. Projects never finish to time and at times that really stretches my 'warm, lovable, easy going nature' and to think that if I hadn't taken on this contract I could have been in the USA right now - in Salt Lake City working for Rio. Aaaah well the mysteries of life.

Real hard workout this morning. I can feel it in every muscle but it had to be done since there is birthday cake for morning tea this morning. I'm still losing slowly but it seems to have stalled a bit just now and is not going as fast as I would like, probably because we keep having morning teas and the like and going out to dinner where some folks like to practice their cooking skills. Still things are moving. Having said that, I will probably do something stupid foodwise this week and stuff it up again.
Tonights dinner is lamb biryani which is spiced diced lamb with rice and lots of veg. It's quite nice but last time I made it too spicy, so this time I'll check the spice levels. Problem with only cooking for one is that it is hard to adjust the levels in some cases - ie what is 1/4 of a 1/3 of a cup??? Measuring cups don't go down to 1/12 and I am not sinking to the level of counting the grains of rice thank you very much.

Coming to the crunch time in this project and they still haven't finished tweaking the system. Yesterday after one of the roosters had finished several documents on creating Functional Location BOMs, and I reviewed it and fixed it and printed it and took it around for SME review, they said that they won't be doing many F/L Boms and that it will all be Material BOM's AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH .
Now I know some of you won't understand some of those terms, but believe me there was around 8 hours of work gone down the drain on that doco. Grrrr.

The Springs/Caves sound good. Thanks Ceejay, Happy's DH doesn't have to go check it out now. You've already been. Looking forward to that. Got my money altogether now. All I have to decide on is what clothes to bring. So what is the Great South USA going to offer me in Spring?/Summer? Lookee, lookee what I found on the 'net
http://www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark/recreation/caverns.html

I'd better go check out the natives and see what the roosters are up to. There appears to be only me in the office right now. Oh yes they are sitting in on Train the Trainer training. So I'll have have to work as hard as two men today - fortunately this is not difficult.

See you all later.

[carla49]

Hello folks. It's been a little quiet the last few days, not that I was helping to fill the pages. I've been fighting a cold (and losing, I'm afraid). It was a kind gift from a colleague at my Victoria assignment - on top of a case of BO that just got worse each of the 3 days spent together, she seemed unaware that she should be covering her mouth when she coughed. Despite my many efforts (constant hand sanitizing, covering the water jug and glasses, spraying a disinfectant every time I went into the booth, swallowing cold fx pills by the dozen) those nasty little French germs were just too strong. Sniff sniff, honk honk, cough cough.

Not much energy, and no inspiration whatever, so that's it for now. Take care all.