Hello ladies! Sorry I have been MIA, been feeling icky, and very tired. Been keeping busy, and trying not to think about the 6 week mark approaching.

Took me so long to catch up, I will post indies tomorrow. Nighty nite ladies!

Morning all,

Well I have a new kitchen. Photos will be coming soon but I have so much to do that they have to take a back seat. At the moment I am trying to put things away, clean the house, wash, pack, get my taxes in some sort of order, deal with the tax dept (thank you so much to my accountant) and sort out my real job stuff. Oh yes and get the remainder of my jabs as well. Another Hep B this morning - simple injection that took two freaking hours to get.
You might have noticed, I don't seem a particularly happy person. I'm not. When I should be happily delighted with my new kitchen, I have to deal with the ATO - Australian Tax Office - who probably gave lessons to Hitler way back when. Now excuse me, but my accountant has had these files since before I came to the States - just about 13 months since I faxed, posted and emailed the files. She has applied for extensions, then went on leave, then told me she didn't get the papers, and now I have another letter from the tax office telling me to get my butt into gear. So today, I am about to waste some more of my precious time and go and personally hand them in and request a receipt, which I will then post a copy of to the ATO. Then i will search for a new accountant. As if I didn't have enough to do!

Now for more pleasant things. My kitchen. It is all white and sparkly and huge and I don't think my stuff will fill all the cupboards. And no I am not going out to buy a whole raft more stuff just to fill the cupboards. I'm trying to cut back on belongs, not exacerbate the condition.
DS2 went in for a further operation on his finger yesterday and is now home and recuperating for 10 days. He is not working at that horrible job and it is a pleasant knock on effect that his mother is not worrying if he has been killed on the job or not. I will now attempt to talk him into a new job using reverse psychology while he is off and I am home. Although I won't be here for much of his recuperation.

Okay - well I'd better go get this into the accountant. I'll be back later tonight to do some individuals. Sorry about the rant and rave, but some things make me very cross and inefficiency by those you rely on and pay well is one of them. Be back soon.

Well they say things happen in threes. Today got progressively worse. My friend Bev passed away this morning. Her carer, Pam, is in hospital and will be operated on tomorrow morning for breast cancer. It seems the breast will go and hopefully it hasn't hit the lymph nodes or hasn't spread from there. Pam is joking that not having the breast should improve her golf swing.

Ellen - hope you are feeling better in the morning. Are you having some downtime as well? You still need to get good rest you know.

Morning Rennie - you sound happy!

Carla - hope that job doesn't last for long. I have to try out the remote connection shortly. That's the next job on my list. Friday is a public holiday so any problems will need to be found and sorted tomorrow.

Michelle - well done on the test results. Denial is definitely a river in Africa. Funny thing the English language hey.

Happy - I think the gaps in the walls are a builders claim to have given you more than you expected. We've given you more height to the ceiling and therefore the dry wall doesn't extend to the floor or the ceiling - never mind that the rats and mice can get in, just feel the extra inches. And don't you just love that they put dampcourse between the floors and the walls of wet areas - thats that black plastic ribbed stuff - and it extends less than 1/2 inch past the wall. The original idea as I understand it was that it got stapled to the base of the drywall creating a dampproof layer in case of washing machine failure or sink flooding. Huh - yeah not any more! But I digress. What's this with TV and bonbons??? Huh??? Huh???

Mel - I leave here on the 27th and fly to Sydney and then change planes and fly back over Brisbane to Jakarta - well not quite but almost. Should be interesting. Didn't have to box any ears. They came, they got on with it, they went and apart from a few questions as to where should I put this or that, nothing else got in their way. A very slick operation. Only the plumber got on the wrong side of the Shadster and tried to take away the tap which was originally on the dishwasher. When I asked about it, he said, you get a new and different one anyway, but I explained that that wasn't the point and the tap was not mine and needs to go back to it's owner (DS2) - he (the plumber) was not impressed, but I did get the tap back, minus the washer thingys and the copper piping attached to it when it left the house.

And with that I had better get out of here and try for a better day tomorrow. I won't be able to get to the funeral for Bev, but will think about her and do a little grieving in private.

See you - have a lovely day and give your friends a hug. Give the family a hug for that matter too. Oh dang it go on out there and give a tree a hug. Everyone deserves one, once in a while.

Here is a couple of pictures of the kitchen. There is a heap more, but this shows the old kitchen (minus the dreaded hanging doors) and the new kitchen from basically the same angle. The third one is the extra I had put up at the end of the dining room. It now makes the new kitchen and dining room look like they belong together. I'll put up some more later.

Hi Ladies!

Talk about a wonderful NSV for me today....I decided to, just for the heck of it, try on my size 16 slacks - and they fit!! I'm on and I'm thinking I should be in misses sizes (as opposed to women's sizes) sometime this summer! I've gone from a size 22 to a size 16 in less than 3 months! I'm so thrilled! And coincidentally, Kohls is having a big sale this weekend, where employees get a little additional savings on top of our discount. I just may purchase something in a size 14. My DMIL arrives tonight and DH is picking her up at the airport, so after work I'm going to do a quick sweep/mop of the floors where the dogs tracked in mud and then go to the gym for some quick cardio. Hopefully I'll have time to shower before they get home so she doesn't get knocked over by my sweatiness! I'm in such a great mood today...that I'm willing to rub it off on anyone of you who wants a little lift!

Carla - Glad you were able to connect for a quick check in. How long are you staying in the wilderness?

Rennie - I'll bet your critters are so adorable! Do you have photos?

Ellen - Sorry you're not feeling great. Just take good care of yourself and do what the doc says. \

Shad - Oh my gosh - The new kitchen is gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for posting photos. I'm so sorry your accountant has done such a poor job for you! That's awful! It's good that you're getting a new accountant but such a pain in the arse that you have to go through all that hassle when you're so busy getting the house in order and getting ready for the new job. Why on earth did it take 2 hours to get an injection? That's crazy! I'm glad to hear your DS2's surgery went well and that he is recuperating. I'm sure we all totally understand your frustration and you can rant and rave to us anytime. I'm so, so sorry that your friend passed away, but it's good you got to spend the day with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with her carer Pam. It's good that Pam has a sense of humor and a positive attitude. I hope that you are able to get everything taken care of and still have time for yourself before you fly to Jakarta.

Happy - I hope you have a great day at work - It's hump day and we're halfway to the weekend!

I've got to get to work, so a big and big to everyone!

Shad - I'm so sorry about your friend Bev It was good that you were able to see her one last time. Our condolences to you.

And the kitchen looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the sideboard/expanse of cabinets by the patio door. Funny that someone who is a mimimalist at heart has so much storage space now

Michelle - congrats on downsizing the pants! I don't think there's a sweeter feeling that getting into some former too tight clothes. Even beats the number dropping on the scale. Whoohoo for you! Congrats!!!!! All that dedication is paying off.

Shy - we had problems with the in-line skaters taking up the entire walking path along the trails. The bikers were at least courteous and lived in harmony with the walkers.

DH and I are starting a 6 week guided trail program that begins on Saturday. I'm excited about it - except that it's supposed to rain

Hello to Carla in Quebec

Mr. Feral is hanging in there - he snoozed the day away yesterday in his bed and up by the pool when another cat came into the yard to challenge him. Still can't get near the guy - I think he knows we're trying to grab him. No sign of him today yet - DH said he has a routine and we are just part of the stops along the way I guess But thanks for asking. What are you doing in Quebec?

Are you all rested up today Mel and full of and vinegar?

Time to get rolling. Hellos to Ceejay, Ellen, Ruth, Annie and the rest of the crew

Shad, so sorry that the joy in your lovely new kitchen (I am deeply jealous) has to be offset by bad life events. I’m so sorry about your friend Bev’s passing. If I were there I would take your advice and give you a hug. Heck, hug random strangers if it helps. I have my fingers crossed and am sending out wishes for good karma for Pam. Hope all goes well there at least it sounds as if she has a good attitude. I also feel your pain in the accountant way. I’ve ditched my accountant and have done my own personal taxes this year. The way he handled my account last year made me really uncomfortable (let’s just say I am all for tax avoidance but I draw the line at tax evasion) He then charged me what I thought was a lot of money and didn’t even get my corporate taxes filed by the deadline. Grrr. There are times when being self employed is a pain in the bicycle seat. I now have to find someone else to do my corporate taxes. Hope your search is a painless one.

Upswife~ Hope you feel better.

Diyana ! Wow, that is a great NSV. Something like that really makes a person see how far they have come. You are doing great! Find something great for that next goal outfit. And really good work on getting your health under control. You really are an inspiration.

Carla~ we forget sometimes that large parts of this country as so isolated from conveniences we all take for granted. Hope the job finishes soon and you’re back and connected. Hope you are at least getting out among the pines.

Happy~ Always astounds me that companies expect life to carry on as usual at the same time desks are being packed and upheaval occurs. Like we pull it out of our hat as soon as anything gets assigned… silly, really. Hang in there!

Mel ~ Take that Mel Day and run with it. If you are tired it is best that you listen to what you need. You can doze in the sunlight just like a big cat. That sounds nice!

Another fine day of making diagrams of business requirements and general silliness. I’m in an odd mood today. I had a conversation last night with an acquaintance who is preparing for a trip to Nepal. Once there, he plans to set up a line of sight transmitter to allow doctors to communicate and provide medical consultations with a medic in a remote village. Makes what I do for a living seem somewhat, well, selfish. But, heck, it’s a living, and I have to do something to keep my cats in cat toys and Fancy Feast.

Ok, I have to get to work now since I have hung around here long enough. Howdy to everyone else I may have missed!

Hey Happy, I see your egg aglow... and I am out of here! Glad to hear Mr. Feral is still limping along. Tough old cat!

HAPPY~ DO A POWER WALK FOR ME!! I COULD USE ONE TO GET RID OF FRUSTRATIONS!! ARE THERE ANY WOMEN DOING WALKS AT YOUR PLACE OF WORK? I FORGET IF IT WAS YOU MENTIONED IT A LONG TIME AGO. I'LL SEND YOU THE PROD BY FED EX JUST INCASE YOU FEEL LIKE ZAPPING A FEW BUTTS! I GOT GOOSEBUMPS WATCHING THE DVDS AND TRIED NOT TO THINK OF ANY OF THEM AGING!

SHAD~ I AM SO SORRY ABOUT BEV'S PASSING. VERY SAD WHEN WE LOSE A FRIEND. I WILL THINK GOOD THOUGHTS FOR PAM AS WELL. HOPE NHER GOOD HUMOR SEES HER THRU THE TOUGH TIMES AHEAD RECOUPING AND ALSO HER GRIEVING. SENDING GOOD THOUGHTS FOR DS2 ALSO. I AM GLAD TOO THAT HE WON'T BE RETURNING BACK TO WORK THERE. YOUR KITCHEN IS GORGEOUS AND I COULD DO WHEELIES IN THERE...SO MUCH ROOM!! I LOVE IT!! HOPE YOU GET TO ENYJOY IT BEFORE YOU LEAVE. AND JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY!!! SPRINKLE A BIT OF CHAMPAGNE AROUND THE FLOOR AND CHRISTEN IT!

CARLA~ AND I THOUGHT MY DIAL-UP WAS BAD!! WHEN I SEE THAT FISH OF YOURS, IT REMINDS ME OF THE LOOK ON THE MAINT. MEN WHEN ASKED TO PERFORM A DUTY!

RENNIE~ JEN AND I BOTH LIKE A LOT OF THE OLD STUFF. SO DOES HER BF. WE WATCH A LOT OF THE OLD DVDS TOGETHER.

MICHELLE~ OUR PAINTER GOT DIAGNOSED LAST YEAR WITH A NUMBER CLOSE TO 7 OR A BIT OVER...I FORGET NOW. ANYWAY...HJIS DR SAID TO GET RIGHT ON TO AN EATING PLAN AND SENT HIM HOME FOR 2 WEEKS. HE'S ITALIAN AND HOLDS ON TO ALL THE OLD WAYS. YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW HOW LOING HE IS IN THE STATES! TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT...HE ASKED FOR HELP SO HIS WIFE COULD UNDERSTAND HIS PROBLEM. I GOOGLED HIM TONS OF INFO AND RECIPES AND IDEAS. WITHIN A MONTH HIS SUGAR WAS DROPPING DOWN AND LIKE YOU HE SAID IT WAS A BLESSING IN A WAY. HE'S LOST WEIGHT AND FEELS MUCH BETTER NOW AND STILL WITH NO MEDS. YOU BOTH ARE A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE. WHEN I GROW UP, I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE YOU BOTH!

TO ELLEN WHO IS FLYING BY!

I SPENT THE DAY MAKING A LIST OF VHS TAPES AND DVDS I OWN. GIVING IT TO ONE OF THE SENIORS WHO RUNS FILMS IN THE COMM ROOM SEVERAL NIGHTS A WEEK. THEY ARE THRILLED THAT I WOULD LET THEM BORROW THEM. WE GAVE THEM SOME BOOKS ON TAPE TO ADD TO OUR "LIBRARY". FRIDAY ANTHONY RETURNS FOR THE EXERCISE PROGRAM. EVERYTHING IS READY AND I PUT ALL HIS STUFF IN A BASKET TO HAND OUT. SO ALL MY GOOD DEEDS ARE DONE FOR THE MONTH....MAYBE EVEN FOR THE YEAR I WAS SUPPOSED TO GO AND GET SOME STUFF FOR THE SENIORS BUT WILLY WENT INSTEAD. I WAS VERY HAPPY!!
ANOTHER SLOW-DOWN DAY I THINK FOR ME. BAD NIGHTS SLEEP AND FEELING WEARY. MAYBE THE HARDY BOYS TODAY!! MORE TIM CONSIDINE!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY CHICKLETTES

WAVING MADLY AT HAPPY AND MADCAT!!

HAPPY~ MAYBE YOU SHOULD SEND MR FERAL UP HERE. THERE ARE SOME CATS THE SENIORS NARE FEEDING UNDER OUR HUGE SHED. THEY EVEN HELPED THEM MAKE SOME "BEDS"...HE WOULD HAVE A NEW FAMILY! I FEEL FOR YOU HAVING TO WATCH HIS STORY UNROLL THOUGH. I ALREADY PEE'D SO I'M ONLY FULL IF VINEGAR!!

MADCAT~ THE WOMAN COMING FORM OZ TO VISIT ME NEXT MONTH IS A LIBRARIAN WHO SPENDS ALL HER MONEY SAVING ELEPHANTS AND ALL SORTS OF ANIMALS. MADE TRIPS TO INDIA WITH SUITCASES OF CLOTHING FROM ALL OF US. SOMETIMEs I WONDER ABOUT MY LIFE ALSO..... BUT THEN THE GRANSON NEEDS ME AND I ALSO LIKE HEAT, A/C, SCREENS, 3 SQ. MEALS A DAY....
I ALMOST CHOKED WITH YOUR "FANCY FEAST AND CAT TOYS".

OUTTA HERE!

PS...SHAD...I HOPE THE TAX STUFF GOT STRAIGHTENED OUT AND THEY DON'T ARREST YOU AT THE AIRPORT FOR TAX EVASION!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT WOMAN ACTED IN SUCH AN IRRESPONSIBLE WAY! GOOD LUCK WITH THE SHOT FINALE!!

Mel You crack me up.

Madcat - I totally understand the feeling that some people are doing great things while we try to pull business requirements out of people who are not sure what they want until after we have it all coded

My cat gets Fancy Feast too. But she likes the generic store stinky salmon just as much. The vet said that Fancy Feast is like chocolate mousse for kitties See - everything has it's version of Mc D's.

Carry on fine ladies...

Shad...so sorry about your friend Bev. My best to Pam. My momma is a breast cancer survivor. She is in a much better place. God has a plan for each of us. Congrats on the getting the kitchen done. Marvelous.

Diyana....whew whoooo on the size 16s. Isn't it a great feeling? I bought my first size 6s last night. I can't fit in all size 6s, but I do own a pair now. 6 longs to go with my C long boobies. haha

UPS...Hope you are feeling better.

Saw my ex husband last night for the first time in a year. He was shocked, and said, "D*mn, you are skinny and hot" If he only acted that way when we were married, and of course, didn't mess around on me the entire 21 years, we might of made it. NOT....

A sunny 82 degree "HOWDIE" to everyone, and a major group hug....

Love and Hugs

Morning all,
And yes it is three in the morning here. I've been awake since just after one. Think I might have to make time for a Nanna nap this afternoon. I'm tired but too many thoughts are passing through the brain for sleep.
Glad you liked the kitchen. Next thing is to get the doors and window replaced and shutters put in and then the floor can go down. I can then declare the renos for the kitchen and lounge complete. First to earn some more money. Next on the list is the loo and laundry. Then finally all the bedrooms and we should be set for at least 6 months when I will probably want to change the colour of the roof or build a Taj Mahal in the yard!!! One thing about owning a house - it's never complete. Living with a landlord, he declares completeness and while you may not be satisfied with his idea of complete, you don't have to worry about the consequences of your actions.

I went off to the accountant. She looked through the paperwork and said that she had already sent it in apart from the last years company returns. So she rang the ATO and got right up them. We have actually deregistered my company at this point since it wasn't doing much and it was costing me more than it earned. The trust fund is still there and I have to account for new trustees but that can wait until I get back. So all was okay there. I couldn't understand it because she is so good with my personal taxes. This trust fund and the company was set up to thwart any attempts by the ex to get any more money out of me after I paid him out. Since the reasons of the past are no longer present, it makes sense not to have the company any more, but keeping the trust fund means I can redirect as required.

Here's another picture of the kitchen. This is the new pantry with the pull out shelves. Looks like there is no food in the house again!!

Weariness has just swept over me. Time to go lie down again and try for some more shuteye. I'll be back later on today, after chat with management company (new and Brisbane based) and morning tea with some friends from previous projects who are in town for the week. I'm missing the gym, but just have not had time to fit it in since Sunday. Maybe Saturday morning!

Afternoon ladies! Things are "same old, same old" here. Felling very tired,but I know I was up way too late, then stayed up even longer to help DH find his night guard. My tummy seems to be better for today, it has been very strange and coming and going over a few days. Although...nothing seems appetizing, except for hamburgers. I don't know where that craving is coming from. LOL No big plans for today DH is working late again, and I have to take the kiddies to Chuckie cheese for a b-day party...thinking of eating elseware with the two not invited to the party.

Shad~So sorry to hear about Bev. will keep her and pam in our thoughts. Your Kitchen is beautiful! I love the new cabinets and the pull out pantry doors!!! YOu have done a lot of work and should be very proud of yourself!!! Sorry the tax stuff is upsetting the celebration of your new kitchen.

Michelle~ on your test results and the size 16's!!! That is truly amazing! A big to you for all of the effort it took to :retrain: yourself!!! You have been such an inspiration!

Happy~ A big to you and Mr Feral. The guided trail program sounds fantastic! Hope you and DH enjoy it!

Madcat~sorry you are in an odd mood, but we all get those evey once in a while. It may not seem like we are doing anything good, but we are all doing what we are meant to do. Feel lucky that you have friends that do such wonderful work.

Mel~I hope you enjoyed your MELiday! You deserve it after all you do. I know the seniors will enjoy watching some of your movies. Oh, and I too could not live with out my heat and A/C, but I think I could probably do with less than 3 meals a day.

Annie~You ARE hot, so take the compliment and walk away!

and to any and all I have missed!

Have a great day ladies, will keep you posted on my tummy issues! I just wish there was a way to avoid it all...oh wait > >

Shad
Love the pull out drawers. Sorry about your friend. I know this is a hard time for you. Will keep you in my prayers. Will keep Pam in my prayers that things go well. She sounds like she has a great attitude. I am usually happy. I do have my down days but I almost died when I was young and each day I wake i up is another day for me to say to someone " Here's your sign " lol.

Di
We just took a couple of the cat I will itthem on. Haven't gotten good ones yet of the hamsters and the yuckkkkkk Lizard Geckos. The ones of the rabbit and the dog are to big. Will have to take some that are smaller.

upswife
Nice to hear from you.



Melody
My 17 year old loves the movie Harvey. We watch it at least once a month and just laugh and laugh.

Mad
You friend sounds like he has a great job. Hey any job that keeps the cat in food and toys is a worthwhile job lol.

Happy
It isn't bad enough parents take their young ones on the walks and those kids run over the old dears. I have seen those on bikes ride right over the old folks.

I HAVE DECIDED ON A NEW WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT....EVEN THE SENIORS CAN DO THIS!!!:rofl:

Here's the activities guide to burning calories at work and the number of calories they consume per hour...

Beating around the bush... 75
Jumping to conclusions... 100
Climbing the walls... 150
Swallowing your pride... 50
Passing the buck... 25
Throwing your weight around... 50-300
Dragging your heels... 100
Pushing your luck... 250
Making mountains out of molehills... 500
Hitting the nail on the head... 50
Wading through paperwork... 300
Bending over backwards... 75
Jumping on the bandwagon... 200
Balancing the books... 25
running around in circles... 350
Eating crow... 225
Tooting your own horn... 25
Climbing the ladder of success... 750
Pulling out the stops... 75
Adding fuel to the fire... 160
Wrapping it up at the day's end... 12

To which you may want to add your own favorite activities, including:

Opening a can of worms... 50
Putting your foot in your mouth... 300
Starting the ball rolling... 90
Going over the edge... 25
Picking up the pieces after... 350
Counting eggs before they hatch... 6
Calling it quits... 2


ELLEN~ SOMETIMES A GOOD OL' BURGER JUST JITS THE SPOT! I JUST BOUGHT A PACK OF THEM TO EASE MY CRAVINGS AS WELL! THEY MUST BE CONTAGIOUS!!


SHAD~ I REALLY LOVE THOSE PICS. WHEN JEN COMES HOME I AM GOING TO SHOW HER TOO. NOW YOU NEED A GAZEBO OUTSIDE WITH A RAMP ON IT OF COURSE THANK GOD THE ACCT DIDN'T REALLY SCREW UP! GLAD SHE GOT IT SORTED OUT FOR YOU! HOPE YOU ARE SLEEPING WELL RIGHT NOW!

ANNIE~ I AM SO HAPPY HE SAW YOU!!! LOVING EVERY WORD IN YOUR POST!! LOOKING GOOD IS THE BEST REVENGE!! YOU JUST GAVE ME NEW MOTIVATION!! THANKS!

RENNIE~ JUST SAW YOUR LAST POST...WE WERE TYPING TOGETHER...THAT'S ANOTHER GOOD MOVIE...AND ALSO ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. JEN'S FAVORITES ARE THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE AND LAURA. RICHIE LOVES JOHN WAYNE AND SO DO I.
BUT MY FAVORITES ARE THE OLD B&W MYSTERY/COMEDIES LIKE GHOST BREAKERS WITH BOB HOPE, NANCY DREW, ETC.

MAYBE SOME FOOD SHOPPING IN THE M0ORNING SO I DROPPED IN TONITE. THE ACCT IS HERE, JUST ARRIVED AND ISN'T LEAVING TILL AFTER 9 BUT HE DOESN'T NEED ANYTHING EXCEPT THE OFFICE UNLOCKED AND LOCKED. EASY PEASY JOB. I NEVER WENT OUT TODAY.
GOT TO THINKING ABOUT MADCAT'S POST. MY POOR BODY WAS TYELLING ME NO SO I JUST OPENED THE WINDOWS AND ME AND GS SAT THERE AND READ....WELL I READ AND HE POOPED IN MY HAIR AND I FEEL MUCH LESS TIRED NOW. HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!