Wow, last day of 2007. This year more than any has really flown past. And it's pretty much a blur of things too. Shad's visit, a new job for me, the loss of my dear aunt. Can't remember too much of what went on.
I like Mel's idea of a new fresh start with a eye to making a difference in 2008. I think I'm going to start a journal this year. Not an online one, just for me with thoughts and encouragements and reminders. I saw a great quote - "It's never too late to be the person you might have been..." Apologies if it's one of you that said it but that and the Dr. Phil quote - "I want you to get excited about your life" have been rattling around in this empty head of mine.
I wish us all love, health and happiness for the new year to come
toasting you with water
Ow Carla - I'll send you some linament for the spasm. Never have figured out how to work through those. They say sometimes the woman's cramping meds are good since they contain anti-spasmotics. Hope you feel better because those cats want you at their bidding when they give you the hairy eyeball
I had to laugh at your description of the apartment dwellers "storage unit". The lower level of our apartment building had storage cages on the other side of the laundry room. I remember them being chock full of stuff like the Christmas tree. Can still picture the art of trying to cram more in and actually getting INTO and out of the cage without being buried!
Thanks for the explanation Ceejay - I do see that peas are big down here. I'll pass on the hog jowls too - picked up a nice 2 bone prime rib roast for tonight
Are you working today and tomorrow? We'll certainly need our water tomorrow for all the drinking that will go on tonight so glad you're on the job
Ditto to Mel's comment about letting us know how Bob Greene's book is. I was tempted to buy it but I have so many unused diet books that I promised myself I would not buy another. I stumbled upon a website - eatbetteramerica.com - you can search on best life diet and it will come up with a bunch of recipes that look pretty darn tasty. Last night I made DH eat a strawberry peach chicken salad from that site. I already had salmon for myself but tasted his and it was quite good. More a summer dish and winter but we wanted something on the lighter side for dinner last night.
Madcat - I remember your picture from the original journals and I've always thought that you made a fabulous redhead. But when you've been away from it for a while, it does seem a bit drastic. Perhaps next time a compromise to a strawberry blond? Not that I tan in the summer but I'm especially pale in the winter and it seems the red tones really give some warmth and color to your face. Hope you have a good time at your dress up party.
Seems like New Year's eve would be the one time and place to get all fancied up. But does that entail trying to get used to high heels again? Woooooops.
Shy - will ask Carla to pass the linament over to you when she's done with it. It seems like the shovelling posture is to lean into the dominant side. Shovelling is pretty strenuous work for the most part unless you get the super cold, light as a feather powder snow. Take a hot bath with some eucalyptus salts to pull the pain out and gently stretch the muscles to get the acid out of them.
Miss Mel - I like the sounds of your holiday dinner. Nice and healthy and good for the peepers. Bravo on making good choices! I'm sorry you had to take a lukewarm shower. No one should have to do that in the winter - brrrrr. Hope they fix the pipes. I am challenging you my sister to be my buddy in 2008. We will get outselves to health and happiness if we have to drag each other there
Blessings to you too Rose. Safe and happy travels...
What could be MORE fun than gay guys at New Year's eve? Ruth I'm envious. You are sure to ring in the new year with lot's of laughter. Have a ball!!!!
And SHAD GET YER BUTT BACK IN HERE. I know you are home and lovin' it but we're family too and we deserve just as much face time
Seriously hope you are having a good week at home. At least I THINK that's where you are!
Ok, I do have to get some work done today.
Love and hugs to those missing at the moment.
JOIN THE FUN! ALSO, GOOD LUCK WITH THE CAR!!!!!!!!!!!! 
ENJOY THE READING. I'M HAVING CHICKEN.....DOES THAT MEAN I'M GETTING FEATHERS FOR 2008? OR JUST PLAIN OL' CHICKEN POOP!! 
I PUT ONE ON OR CUT IT IN HALF AND STICK BOTH PIECES ON, THEN WRAP UP IN A BLANKIE AND JUST WAIT! THEY DON'T STICK VERY WELL TO MY SKIN IF I MOVE AROUND A LOT BUT THEN IF I CAN MOVE .... I DON'T NEED THE PATCHES HUH??? 
SWEET DREAMS TO ALL THE CHICKS HERE!!
self-medication, if you get my drift. I'm not surprised your poor tushie gets sore. Do you have one of those marvelous gel seats to help take the pressure off? Or maybe some fine personal padding back there to cushion you? (I'm a bone-butt myself. Never could sit for long without whining.)
although it'll be a real stretch for me. And speaking of stretching, my new fitness goal will be to improve my non-existant flexibility and also to try to build some muscle 
so there won't be any more of these muscle spasms. It's not as if I don't know that strength training is good for weight loss too. There may even be a return to WW in my future, although my crystal ball is a little murky on that.
We miss you. 
Let's celebrate! 
I MISS SHADDIE TOO 
