happy
My darling beloved son knows how afraid I am of spiders it doesn't matter if they are the size of a dot or huge I am terrified of them. He gave me that piece of information just as I was dropping off to sleep one night. I have thought seriously about dropping him off in the middle of the woods with duct tape over his mouth so he couldn't yell for help but I know my luck. Someone would find him and since I sewed his name into all his under ware years ago lol they would just bring him back home. I grew up out in the country; worst thing we had to worry about was waking up with a darn skunk sleeping beside you. Don't laugh, that happened to my sister and she stunk for days and days lol. Ok, I laughed then and I am laughing now just thinking about it hehehe.

Rennie -

Shad
Oh ya I see you laughing. You are every bit as sick as I am hehehe.

Good morning ladies -

It's snowing a little...nothing sticking to the ground yet. Yay! And despite the continued wintry weather, I'm in a great mood. I had a wonderful workout last night 45 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of resistance exercises including abs. Then I came home to vegetarian veggie soup and a Smart Ones dinner, with grapes and choc milk for an evening snack.

Holly - Glad you found something that resonates with you. Good luck!! I haven't checked out the link yet, but I will.

Rennie - You've now solved my problem of how to use my CPAP machine while camping! Thanks!! But why did you have to mention about creepy crawlies crawling on me as I'm sleeping in my bed. Well, hopefully my dogs will eat any bug that comes on "their" bed at night. Okay, waking up with a skunk would be very bad. When my dogs have bad gas, it often smells like a skunk is sleeping next to me. But a real one?

Happy - 70 degrees! Door open! I'm so envious! today is another 30-something day here, with a snow, rain, sleet mix. You definitely had me at the AB-STEM! Too funny! Thanks for the suggestion about the almonds. I'll definitely pick some up. I got out of I.T. in December. I was putting in between 65 to 70 hours a week being the only person supporting the company e-commerce site because other members of my team quit (due to long hours). I was woken up at all hours of the night. And spent much of my weekends working. It really took a toll on my health and marriage. And while I didn't want to leave the company I work for, I needed to find something else. Someone told me last fall that if you don't like long hours, get out of I.T. So that's what I did. Now I build reports for our Buying and Planning teams, as well as Executives. It's a lot of fun. I still get to use my database and SQL query knowledge. But I'm only working 40 to 45 hours per week, which gives me time and energy to work out, spend time with DH and the pups, and enjoy life!! I still do freelance website jobs occasionally. But I don't let it take away all my precious free time!

Shad - Abstemious is a perfect word. Temperance is exactly what I need to remember! Active and Abstemious in Athens! I'm definitely there! Can we amble by the Acropolis?


We also have to make sure 1Day comes along with us to Athens.

Well, ladies, I gotta start whittling away at my work to do list for the day. A big happy hello to those I didn't mention!

A Terrific Thursday to All! Getting closer and closer to the wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

RENNIE~ FOR LAUGHING AT YOUR STINKY SISTER YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP ONE OF YOUR PEEPS! :encore2: NOW WHICH ONE WILL IT BE?? I HAD A LAUGH AT THE A/C IN THE CAMPER FOR AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE!

RUTH~ GLAD YOU AND HERSHEY WILL BE GETTING OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE THERAPAWS STUFF. GET HER BRANDY KEG READY FOR ME JUST IN CASE I NEED THERAPY

MICHELLE~ I THINK YOUR SNACK CHOICES WEREN'T THAT BAD. 2 PROTEINS, I CARB AND THE JUICE IS A VEGGIE. THE OLD RULE ABOUT CARBS IS NEVER EAT ONE WITHOUT A PROTEIN. THUS THE CHOICE OF APPLE AND CHEESE, MEAT AND POTATOES.....I HAVE BEEN USING THAT FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN MY WEIGHT WHEN I SCREW UP!!

SHAD~ DID YOU REMEMBER TO TAKE THE WATER TABLETS??? I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO COME THERE WITH A PIN AND POP YOU BACK TO SIZE! SUNDAY IS PROBABLY THE MOST PAMPERED PET AROUND YOUR COUNTY!!

CARLA~ HOPE THE TRIP IS GOING WELL!!!

HAPPY~ 70'S???? I'LL BE RIGHT DOWN JEN AND I TRY NOT TO THINK OF ALL THAT ROAMS AROUND IN THE DARK WHILE WE SINUS SUFFERERS SLEEP WITH OUR MOUTHS WIDE OPEN!! OTHERWISE WE WOULD HAVE TO STAND WATCH OVER EACH OTHER AND SLEEP IN SHIFTS!!! MY IDEA OF SLEEPING IN THE WOODS WOULD BE A LUXURIOUS SPA WITH A POOL AND A BAR IN OREGON!!!!!!!! :swimming:
BELLY BUTTON OUTTY

ANNIE~ HOPE YOU AND THE KIDS ARE DOING OK. HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT YOUR DAUGHTER? SENDING A GOOD THOUGHT AND A

HOLLY~ GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEW PROGRAM.

THERE WAS SOMETHING I WANTED TO SAY BUT YOU GALS ARE LUCKY CAUSE I FORGOT! OR MAYBE IT'S A PERSON I AM FORGETTING? I DON'T KNOW.
I ALREADY MADE MY REPORTS AND LEFT NOTES FOR PEOPLE BEFORE 7AM!! GOT UP EARLY AND BEGAN THE DAY BEFORE THE TROOPS ARRIVED WITH THEIR COMPLAINING BUTTS INTO THE BUILDING. JUST NOT IN THE MOOD TO LISTEN THIS MORNING. SINUSES ARE PUTTING ME TO SLEEP.
WITH THE CONSTRUCTION MEN SO CLOSE NOW, I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO BEGIN WEARING REAL CLOTHES INSTEAD OF MY SUPER LARGE PANTS PULLED UP TO MY ARMPITS LIKE AN OLD-TIME ROMPER.
I KEPT SOME BIG COTTON KNIT PANTS FOR JUST THAT REASON. I LIKE CLEANING AND TYPING WITH MY SHOULDERS FREE. FIRST THEY DON'T OVER HEAT AND SECOND THERE IS NO RESTRAINT.....OR MAYBE BUY NEW CURTAINS!!! SOME "LET THE LIGHT IN SHEERS"
I BETTER GET OFF HERE AND GET SOME OATMEAL!
HAPPY THURSDAY!

110 DAYS QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU THINK THE PURPOSE OF THE DAILY WEIGHING IS? DID I MISS SOMETHING? I WAS JUST WONDERING CAUSE MY DR SUGGESTED IT A LOOOONG TIME AGO AS A MOTIVATOR/ALARM COMBO. WONDERED IF SHE WAS USING IT FOR THAT ALSO.

MICHELLE~ I NEED TO VISIT YOU.....I HAD A CRAVING FOR CHOCOLATE MILK JUST LAST NIGHT!!!!! I ALSO HAD A SMART ONES 3 CHEESE ZITI DINNER!!
GOOD WORKOUT!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S STIL FLURRYING UP YOUR WAY. WE'LL HAVE TO GET HAPPY AND CEEJAY AND PAINTER TO SEND YOU SOME BALMY BREEZES.
STAY HAPPY!

Mel - Great to hear from you and good for you for getting all your stuff done right away this a.m.! There are two "chocolates" I allow myself (and hopefully my dietician will be okay with them when I see her next week). I add FF/SF cocoa to my coffee in the a.m. to make a mock-mocha. Yummmm. And then I have a small glass of 1% choc milk at night just before bed. It gives me a dairy source, it's yummy, and it seems to help me sleep!

Good morning, all. If anyone wants snow, I still have lots to share. Today we have sunshine and temps a bit above freezing and I'm hoping more will melt. The sap will be running in the woods and the lads will be happy. No maple syrup production as yet. We're talking $45 a gallon this year.

Rennie, I love the skunk story. Early one morning my Dad stood at the cottage screen door and watched a skunk on the step eating chicken bones. Being my crazy Dad, he barked at the skunk. The whole family got up early that morning.

Diyana, sounds like a good workout and a decent supper. I'm a Type II diabetic too and have things in control. My doc wants me to run a nutrition class for diabetics in his practice which may happen in the fall. PM me if you want any hints.

MEL Darling, spare me the visuals of your working outfit. Too funny! I have not got in to the book yet but have always weighed daily. It keeps me aware of my body and thinking of keeping on track. Been doing it for 55 years which is why I'm so slim and trim now.

Carla, I absolutely adore ju-jubes and have never met another nutcase who liked them. I prefer the red and black - just thought I'd establish that. I was in Ottawa last week and was appalled at the amount of snow still on the side streets. Want me to send you 50 bucks? It'll probably be gone when you get home. I love Victoria.

Aw Happy! Your " Work is just bleeding the life out of me." makes me want to come and get you and bring you here to sit by the woodstove, drink tea and do absolutely nothing. I hope you can get some relief and relaxation soon.

Nae, is your company there yet? I hope all goes well during the visit. Dad used to say "Fish and company! After three days, throw them out!"

Shad, abstemious is one of my favourite words. Now to apply it. I love Athens and everything Greek - including the men!

Annie, I hope things are easing off for you. You need a break.

Big wave to all those I've missed.

The snow is off the BBQ cover but the base is still in 18" of drift. Hershey has taken to eating snow when she's out - I must get her to focus on that particular spot! I have a chicken in the freezer, beer on hand - I'm ready!

Today my PT Dude comes to give me heck about not doing the exercises regularly. (The luck bugger's been in FL for the past three weeks and took my motivation with him.) I hope he doesn't want me to do too much as my body is pretty sore from doing the "Seniors Exercise" class with the clients at the Clinic yesterday. I obviously have many more out of shape muscles than the ones in my leg!

Methinks I missed the garbage pick-up today as I slept in a bit and didn't get it out to the road in time. Oh well - a trip to the dump is always fun!

Have a great day!

P.S. I added extra snowdrops to my avatar - wishful thinking as they are still under a foot of snow.

Ruth, who is this sap of whom you speak, and why is he running through your woods? Don't you just hate it when they do that?? Unless, of course, they're wearing fireman suits.... Seriously though, if you have syrup made from your trees, I'd love you to sign me up for a quart. It would give me an excuse to drop in for tea and a chat on my way back from the evil SM one of these times.

Mel, I haven't done today's workbook yet, so don't know what Linda has to say about weighing in daily, but I've found that when I don't weigh in daily it's usually because of a subconscious desire to avoid the truth, and I really do much better when I keep close track of what I'm doing.
Is there any reason you've extended the program to 110 Days? Are we being competitive here???
Instead of changing curtains or wearing real clothes, Maybe it's time for some hot shoulder tattoos?

Shad, I had no idea your kitty was spoiled! Don't you use the cattle prod on her like you do on us? She's going to be a quiet girl after her dental appointment. My poor boy couldn't make his hind legs work properly for several hours after his teeth were done last year, but his breath was soooo much sweeter... Speaking of which, it's being getting a bit rank again. Maybe he needs another scaling. Eek! Between Ruth's runinouly expensive maple syrup, the $50 snow removal surtax, and now kitty dentistry, I'll just have to take out a second mortgage - or keep working. I really do think we should be able to claim our pet's medical expenses on our taxes. People get to claim their kids, don,t they? Maybe I'll check with the accountant on that when I do my taxes. She can always use a good laugh this time of year.

Happy, what are we gonna do with you??? There has to be some way out of or around that job, the stress is just not healthy. And now they're mocking you by offering you ham right after Easter. "Here you go dearie, a nice plate of fluid retention for you to keep in your dungeon". At least you've got some nice weather going on, although I'm not sure when you get to enjoy it between the commute and the many hours of servitude. Sure wish there was some way we could help!

Just a word on the great personals debate: I agree that the personal attention is what makes the thread so appealing and supportive. At the same time, however, I know that sometimes I don't post at all because I don't have enough time for personals. And I'm beginning to think that's a mistake. I like to read what everyone is up to, not the routine daily journal stuff (Got up at 7. Brushed my teeth. Had jam on toast for breakfast. Good BM.) but the adventures and misadventures and gripes and glee. And I don't always have something to say to everyone. So if it's okay with everyone, including the boss , I'll do personals when I have time and something to contribute, and for the rest try to post more often even if it's just a fly-by.
As for long posts, I think they're great, unless they're just a shopping list.

And with that, I have no time left to babble on about me me me. Gotta get washed and dressed and fed and ready for work. And of course, as always, I'm hoping for a good BM....

Well yah hey dere peoples, that was my point about personals. You don't have to do them each and every time and I most certainly would not EVER want anyone to avoid us because they didn't have the time/ability/witty comment moment to do personals - it's just once in a while let's recognize each other's existance.

Like I said before - it's bad enough we get ignored by the cats and the men in out lives Ok, nuff said.

$35C for real maple syrup? Now I understand why it's so expensive but it's so good. I get the real stuff, DH prefers Mrs. Butterworth's

Ruth - I would so love to come visit and sit by the stove, crack open a bottle with you and yak ourselves silly. If I come in the winter or even now, we could have a contest to count who has more aching parts on their bodies. Think I might prefer summer as long as Carla does not try and coax me into a swim in a sub freezing Canadian lake - But it's sOOOOOOO refreshing!!!!

Guys, I am more than willing to send some balmy breezes your way - it truly is gorgeous out here - but I will also have to send some of the prerequisite thunderstorms your way too. When I come to the office in the morning I park at the far end of the parking lot. At lunch I go and move my car and snarf one of the near to the door primo spots (just because I get out late and don't like being too remote by myself - this way I can run back into the building quick if I spot the muggers and thieves). Anyway, this practice ensures that I get out and get at least some walking about each day. I wish you could hear the mockingbirds sing. Those are truly amazing birds. I have yet to hear one imitating a train whistle or a car horn but their repetoire (sp?) of "songs" is pretty cool. And they only sing like that for a few weeks in the spring.

Oh gosh Rennie - I forgot about your dreaded fear of the sp leggy thingees. So do you sleep with the mask not for air but to keep the critters out? I'm surprised you don't swing from a hammock instead - man, probably should nto get the ladies rolling on that one

Michelle - I have heard so much about the mocha coffee that I'm afraid to try it because I might like it too much!

Mel - if you and Jen are having sinus issues - might want to wait to come down here until everything is done blooming. It's a sinus paradise (NOT) here right now.

Good one on the underwear tag and the son Rennie - thanks for the morning laugh!

Shad, ok, ok, ok. I liked my abstem definitiion better. If you insist...

Gotta run...

Wow...gone for a few days and you ladies type up a storm. Will finish reading and do indies later. HAve to get running and get moving. DH and I have errands to run, and HAVE to make it to the gym today. Sorry so short.

OMG Carla, a good BM, for some reason set me laughing in my cubicle. Everyone wanting to know what is up with that, couldn't go there. and BTW...I have monumental BMs most every day and it takes my energy away for about an hour. Thank you weightloss surgery....

Rennie...you and my 6'3" 275 lb son. He is paranoid of spiders but can skin a coon, gut a deer and shoot critters. I just don't get than in him. Too funny.

Ruthie. The 100 days book, is that the 100 days about weightloss or something like that?

MEL...DD has to wait 4 mos for another biopsy pap to see what is going on with her cervix. She is in better spirits today tho. Thank you for asking.

Diyana..you are the exercise Goddess and my inspiration. You ROCK girl.

Holly..the new program sound interesting, good luck my dear friend.

Happy..yes beware of muggers and thieves. That all just scares the bejeebers out of me.

Well, tis almost time to go home from work. YeeHaaaaa!!

Have a wonderful, happy evening.

Love and Hugs

This place has gone nuts, someone just announced over the top of their cubicle that May 2nd is world scurvy day.

aihhhhhh maties

Good morning everyone.
It's a grand morning out there - well I think it is, the birds are singing (Mel would be getting the shotgun ready about now) and the sky is lightening up. It has rained overnight so things will be fresh and clean this morning. It is definitely cooling down overnight and we will be starting to see a 10C degree difference between night and day in the next couple of weeks. That apparently makes winter official here in the land of Aus. Anyplace between 18C (night time) and 28C today apparently and the rain is still falling.

Miss Puss is home with sparkly pearly-whites. She also has a small problem at the back of the throat - it's infected - something like human laryngitis they said. Well excuse me, but the noise around here does not indicate any form of laryngitis. This cat is the equivalent of the nagging wife!!!!!!!!

Undercoated the dining room and kitchen ceiling yesterday afternoon. My shoulders ache as does my neck. No matter how good your roller is or how fit you are or how long the extension pole, the posture required for painting the ceiling is guaranteed to give you a pain in the neck. I have it today so work today will consist of plastering, tile removal and sanding walls. Also a stint at stripping out lino will be on the cards. Since it appears to be going to be a damp and drizzly day, there will be little done outside, although I might need to go to the shops to get the staples - veges, fruit and some meat.

Happy - I still have the wee tin of Maple syrup that Holly so kindly gave me in Toronto. I will have to work out what to do with it. DS2 is not very interested - he, like me is not really a sweet stuff person. I made some pancakes for the nephew who said he was a Maple Syrup fan but he didn't think it was the 'real stuff' - he's only known the garbage dished out here by MacDonalds. I may have to make a cake or something. Maybe I will wait until I get the new stove in and christen it with a maple cake - or maybe some maple ice cream (even better idea) - home made of course.
Yes you should go and sit by Ruth's fire. You are safe from Carla's lake at the moment, it's too cold even for her. Actually it was refreshing. Just what was needed after the long hike and the bears in the woods! I've been spoilt by the bath like temps on the Barrier Reef where the worst thing that can happen is being bitten by a clam!
Stick with your ab-stem definition. It's good!!

Carla - I agree, pets should be tax deductible. The better care you take over your pet the more tax deductions you should get. That should take care of some of the stupidity of humans towards animals.
A snow removal surtax???!!! Geez I hope you don't have to pay that in the summer as well!!

Ruth - they are so crazy about BBQ's here that they even have them in the rain. Don't have to sit out to eat you know. Quick dash out into the rain - place the bbq under the eaves, get the fire going, come in shower and dry yourself off, dash out into the rain - plonk on the snags, steaks, chops and chicken, come in shower and dry yourself off, dash out and turn the food over and drop on the onions, come in dry yourself off (you've just run out of dry clothes at this point), dash out, turn once more, drop on the fish and the prawns. Come in and grab the plate you forgot to take out last time, dash out, grab the food, come in and sit in front of the telly and eat! Aren't you glad you are not an Aussie bloke with a reputation to keep up as far as barbequing goes? You'd think after this time, they would think to put a rain jacket on would you not??? And I forgot to mention the beer and bundy!!!
So whats wrong with a Canadian BBQ in the snow???

Mel - get yourself over here and tell Sunday that she is pampered - and then get ready to duck. I'm sure she will explain to you why she is NOT pampered or even looked after very well at all.
Love the look. Shoulder tats should impress I would think.

Michelle - sounds like you are on top of it for the time being. Good stuff. Yes we must send Patty (1Day) and invite . She must be busy or maybe she is worried about her brother. She hasn't been in for a while has she??

Morning Rennie, Madcat, Painter, Annie, Holly, Patty and all lurking in the wings. I must away to make arrangements for our removal to Athens. Being abstemious in Athens must be the Greek equivalent of on a diet in Paris!! Things are larger than life there.

Okay - off to attack the walls and floors. Better see to some washing as well I think and maybe a bit of dusting and sweeping. Today will be fairly busy I think. At least it is cool right now.

Shad - if you eat oatmeal, I have a great recipe that uses real maple syrup, raisins and some other stuff and makes the oatmeal taste like a delicious oatmeal cookie. Not on the icky sweet side at all. Although the maple ice cream is sounding very interesting. Clams BITE??? REALLY? Bring 'em on, I will make chow-duh out of them. And what are snags and how do you bbq them?

I must remember to eat an orange on May 2 to celebrate World Survy Day - or I suppose it would be more appropriate to NOT eat citrus products that day,eh? Thanks Annie - I have just fogged up my glasses from laughing so hard. That's what comes of them working us too hard in the office. Although I think we should seek out and celebrate the more "unusual" holidays with the Worldly Chicks.

It is peaceful, it is lovely today at work. The cause of the big scurrying is over with. Life will be quiet for a day or two. I'm loving it!