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 :cloud9: 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! :rofl: 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. :hug: 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. :hug: 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 :wave: and big :grouphug: to everyone!

Shad - I'm so sorry about your friend Bev :hug: 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 :lol:

Michelle - congrats on downsizing the pants! :yay: :yay: 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 :wave:

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 :censored: and vinegar? :lol:

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

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! :hug: I GOT GOOSEBUMPS WATCHING THE DVDS AND TRIED NOT TO THINK OF ANY OF THEM AGING! :rofl:

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!! :scooter: 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! :dance:

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! :rofl:

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! :rofl: 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! :bb: :lol3:

:wave: 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 :rofl: I WAS SUPPOSED TO GO AND GET SOME STUFF FOR THE SENIORS BUT WILLY WENT INSTEAD. I WAS VERY HAPPY!!:dance:
ANOTHER SLOW-DOWN DAY I THINK FOR ME. BAD NIGHTS SLEEP AND FEELING WEARY. MAYBE THE HARDY BOYS TODAY!! :rofl: :rofl: MORE TIM CONSIDINE! :love:

HAPPY WEDNESDAY CHICKLETTES :moped:

:wave: WAVING MADLY AT HAPPY AND MADCAT!!:wave:

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! :rofl: I FEEL FOR YOU HAVING TO WATCH HIS STORY UNROLL THOUGH. :hug: I ALREADY PEE'D SO I'M ONLY FULL IF VINEGAR!! :lol3: :lol3:

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.... :rofl:
I ALMOST CHOKED WITH YOUR "FANCY FEAST AND CAT TOYS". :lol3: :lol3:

OUTTA HERE! :scooter:

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! :tantrum: GOOD LUCK WITH THE SHOT FINALE!! :hug:

Mel :rofl: 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 :rolleyes:

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 :rofl: See - everything has it's version of Mc D's. :D

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

Happy~ A big :hug: 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. :rofl:

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

:wave: and :grouphug: 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 > > :wizard:

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! :hun: 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 :scooter: THANK GOD THE ACCT DIDN'T REALLY SCREW UP! GLAD SHE GOT IT SORTED OUT FOR YOU! HOPE YOU ARE SLEEPING WELL RIGHT NOW! :cloud9:

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!! :ebike: :swim: 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 :faint: 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 :yikes: AND I FEEL MUCH LESS TIRED NOW. HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!

Melody
No wonder my son is so thin. He does tons of those several times a day lol. I love the thin man movies and The topper movies. Think I am going to watch the topper movies to night come to think about it. Anything with jimmy Stewart in it is good too.

Happy Birthday Shad!
 

:bday2you: :celebrate: :bday2you: :celebrate:

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9...idsayhbga9.gif

SHAD~ WE ARE WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL DAY! HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT!! CELEBRATE LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW!! :hug::hug::hug::hug:

Gee thanks Mel.
This is the last birthday I have. No more after this. Too much effort to having birthdays. I mean, this time I brought myself a new kitchen and a trip to Indonesia. What can I surpass that with next year?

WHEN SHAD WAKES UP SHE WILL BE THE BIRTHDAY GIRL. THEN OUR HAPPY IS THE NEXT ONE ON SUNDAY! LOTS OF CELEBRATING THIS MONTH! :dance: WE CAN GO DANCING IN THE STREETS RIGHT THRU THE WEEKEND!
I GOT OUT OF BED BUT I AM DEFINITELY NOT AWAKE YET. JUST GOING THRU THE MOTIONS. Zzzzzzzzz :cloud9:
HAPPY THURSDAY :sunny:

:wave: YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE ASLEEP....OH IT'S ONLY 10....I FORGOT. NOT MUCH BIGGER CELEBRATION THAN TO GO TO INDONESIA!! :rofl: YES IT WOULD BE HARD TO TOP THAT! CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW JEN THE PULL OUT CABINETS. SHE'D HAVE THEM FILLED IN NO TIME!
SWEET DREAMS

Happy happy birthday to you Shad!!!

Another bright sunshiny 83 degree day in Indiana, 60s on the weekend w/some rain, then 50s next week, what a let down....am going to enjoy today and tomorrow tho!! Yeeehawww!!

We are having a mexican pitch in tomorrow. Hope not to overdo the eating. I love love love mexican food....

Have a marvelous day everyone.

Love and hugs

Good morning ladies --

DMIL arrived last night from California. It's so great to have her here. Didn't get to the gym last night, but I went for a couple mile walk at lunch. I'm going to try and go to the gym tonight if I'm feeling better...this morning I've got sharp pains that come and go in my stomach/rib cage area.

Happy - That's so cool that you and DH are doing a guided trail program! Hopefully it won't rain during your walk.

Madcat - I hope you have a good day at work to earn $$ for the kitties, while I work hard to earn $$ for my dogs.

Mel - That's great news about your painter. I think the important thing is to catch diabetes early enough before damage is done to vital organs, which I did and it sounds like your painter did too. It's not always fun to eat right all or most of the time, and to exercise A LOT, but it beats the alternative. Good for you for finding info and recipes for him. It's ironic for me, but even with a history of cancer in my family, even with having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and asthma, none of those kept me motivated long enough to make long-term lifestyle changes. But the thought of going blind, losing a limb or other complications of diabetes really made me wake up and smell the coffee about how I was treating my body by not taking care of myself. It's wonderful that you're loaning out your videos and DVDs to the seniors. From what you've said, you like a lot of the classics that I'm sure they'll love too! You cracked me up :rofl: with the new ways to lose weight! I got a great laugh out of those! I love old movies too. I have too many faves to list.

Mel and Madcat - I sometimes feel like I'm not contributing to the improvement of the world as much as others....but then I remember that regardless of how we choose to earn a living, each of us has a PROFOUND impact on the lives of others and it is through the ripple-effect of those we touch and have touched in our lives that we improve the world.

Annie - Size 6s? That's AWESOME! I don't think I'll ever get there. My short term goal is size 14 and my long term goal is size 10. I was :rofl: at your comment about your C long boobies! Also what a nice compliment your ex gave you...doesn't make up for all the crap he put you through...But compliments on appearance are nice.

Shad - Wishing you a very happy birthday! So sorry you couldn't sleep. I hope you're able to sleep later. With all you have going on you don't want to get run down due to exhaustion and lack of sleep. I'm glad you got things sorted out with your accountant and the ATO. I love your pantry! You are absolutely correct that when you own a home, you're never done working on it or on the yard. But it's so nice to be able to enjoy the renovations when they are finished.

Ellen - I'm glad to hear your tummy is doing better.

Rennie - Your cat is really pretty! I love her markings!

I'd better get to work to keep my dogs in food, treats and toys!

Here's to a great day for everyone. Especially for Birthday Girl Shad!

It's that time again
 

Perhaps a few hours early but still in time

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e6...hdayShad-1.jpg

Wishing you a happy day and a wonderful year ahead - particularly if this is the one you stop counting :rofl:

:bday2you::woo::bday2you::woo:


Happy Birthday Shad!!!!

Whoohoo!!!
 

:celebrate: Happy B-day, Shaddie!!! :celebrate:

Make 'em do your bidding today!! Tell them WE said so...

Happy Birthday Shad!
 

Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a great year ahead, Shad!

sIGH, was called to work today. Co worker is sick with double bronchitis. Ionly get Saturday off this week.

CeeJay that's really a bummer that you have to work today and only get 1 day off this week. Do you at least get overtime pay for the extra hours? Of course, Uncle Sam typically ends up with the majority of overtime pay anyway. Working extra hours and being on salary - more hours but no more compensation. Anyway, I hope your work day goes smoothly.

Good morning all and thank you for the lovely birthday messages.

I meant to get up for Dawn Service this morning. It is Anzac Day over here - the equivalent to Memorial Day for the Americans I guess. Dawn Service marks the landing at Gallipoli for the New Zealand and Australian soldiers way back in 1915. I generally always go. I feel very close to my Dad at these gatherings. However today I slept in. I was awake at three am, but since they don't start until 6.am there wasn't a lot of point staying awake and I didn't wake up for the alarm - maybe I didn't turn it on. I am getting on in years you know.
The day has dawned bright and clear with a cool breeze. We are well settled into Autumn now. You need the sweater for about an hour in the mornings, and it is time to put a doona or more blankets on the bed. Since most of mine are down at the shed, I guess I know where I am headed at some time today. The earlier the better - DB1 tells me he (and wife) is coming to inspect the kitchen today. Both of them are cooks of the best calibre so I will be told what I need to put in the cupboards and drawers and what I need to buy new. My knives are a constant source of complaints from them. And what I should have got instead what I did get. However I think they may be surprised since apart from the addition of cupboards by the door, the kitchen has much the same layout as theirs does.

DS2 has disappeared overnight. He was home at 3am, but I suspect he has gone to Dawn Service since he is no longer in bed. Didn't say anything about it last night, but there you go. Cat is yelling in the dining room. She has been a bit traumatised by the work going on here and is acting strange again. I should have put her in the kennels while we were banging and crashing about and (horror of horrors) having visiting tradesman.
Yesterday I went looking for tiles for the splashback in the kitchen. Didn't find what I wanted, but then I really don't know what I want so it could be a long search. I did get a couple of ideas yesterday but nothing stood out and said pick me, pick me!

Annie - I like Mexican too, however I'm not a huge chili fan so I always have to ask them to tone down the salsa somewhat. I went to a real Mexican restaurant in Perth once and the food was lovely. Not all of it was red hot and smoking. Here it seems that it is only Mexican if it burns a hole in the tablecloth or something.

Michelle - have fun with the MIL. Is she staying long? I didn't mind my MIL after we worked out the initial problems and we got along well then.

Happy - thank you for the birthday wishes. Hope today is a quiet day at work for you and that you manage to regain a modicum of sanity in that place.

Madcat - I will tell them that rather than having birthday presents, they can be the slaves for the day and clean up the yard, wash the car, mow the lawns, sweep and dust the house etc. I WILL tell them you said so.

Ellen - hope you are feeling bright and happy today.

Ceejay - tough having to be at work because someone is sick, but I know you will get the job done and just get on with it. That's what we do - we workers isn't it??

Okay - I'm off to put my living room back together and sweep the cobwebs out. Since the weather got colder, the spiders seem to think it is a good time to put in a takeover bid for the winter. It's probably time to put the bombs around just in case any other variety of insect decides to stake a claim as well. Rennie sure couldn't live in this climate. And I would rather have spiders than flies - I'm even known to trap the spiders and take them back out to a sunny spot. And boy do we get some really big hairy ones here. Arachnid Gigantica! Spiders eat flies. I hate flies. Long live the spider.

Shad
Happy, happy birthday. You know us Dawn's really get worked. We get up early. Everyone hates us lol. We hear how we are beautiful but how many people really want to see us lol. AND NO Rennie sure couldn't live with THOSE things lol. There was one in the kitchen today. Now I don't want to hear it was smaller than a pencil eraser. I don't want to hear I am a bad mother because I was going to feed my daughter to it and save my own life. Hey, she is through the cute stage now lol.

Di
Thank you. He is MEAN that is all there is to it MEAN MEAN MEAN I am lucky he lets me live in the house lol.

Ok Shad - it's still your birthday over there so...

:celebrate::gift::woo::celebrate:

:bday2you:

I certainly hope you did something more fun than just taking a walk down to the shed :lol3:

I'm sorry ladies, just too sleepy to comment right now - I was headed off to bed and figured I'd check in and browse for a minute.

SHAD~ SORRY WE MISSED ANZAC DAY. CERTAINLY A DAY TO BE PROUD OF SO MANY FALLEN AND BRAVE MEN.
WITH ALL THE KITCHEN STUFF AND TRIP PLANS/SHOTS, IT'S A NO WONDER YOU WOKE AND THEN SLEPT :hug:
HOPE THE KITCHEN PASSES IT'S INSPECTION :rofl:

HAPPY~ DID YOU GET SOME GOOD SLEEP? AND WHAT WERE YOU DOING UP SO LATE?? :rollpin:

CEEJAY~ HOPE THE OVERTIME IS A GOOD THING AND YOU HAVE AN EASY WEEK.

MADCAT~ DO YOUR BIDDING....I SHOULD TRY THAT IN MY OFFICE!! :rofl: OH WAIT....I DO THAT EVERY DAY!! :lol3: :Lol3: love the siggie quote!

MICHELLE~ HAPPY MIL VISIT!! HAVE A GOOD TIME AND ENJOY THE WEEKEND! HOPE TOO YOUR TUMMY FEELS BETTER!!!

GOTTA RUSH NOW....WILLY WILL BE HERE SOON AND I LOST TRACK OF TIME!! :scooter:

Good morning ladies -

I went to the gym last night and did a good weights class followed by a fun cardio dance class. Today on the scale, I'm up 1.5 to 208.5...bummer. Oh well, I did have a snack of salty popcorn yesterday, so I can hope that it's water. No worries. I'll workout tonight and this weekend and the pounds will come off again. Tomorrow, my DMIL and I are going shopping. I need some new pants (hopefully size 14) and for the first time in years, I might get some capri pants now that my calves are getting toner. My tummy feels better...I think I was just having pain from overworking my abs - I wish my muffin top and fat rolls would show the results of overworking my abs! :rofl: maybe someday

Shad - That's nice that your DB and his wife came for a visit. I hope they're more impressed than critical/complaining about the kitchen. My MIL is staying for 3 months, which is great with me. She and I get along wonderfully. Also, she has a sister that lives about 20 miles from us, so she usually spends Monday - Friday with her sister since we're at work, and she spends the weekends with us. Of course, sometimes she stays at our house during the week even though we're at work....just to enjoy some quiet, relaxing quality time with her grand-doggies. I'm mostly okay with spiders...meaning I don't freak out...but I do kill them usually. Except daddy long legs since they eat other bugs (I think). I'm not sure I'd like to get a big hairy tarantula-looking spider in my house. But I'd prefer it to a scorpion - do you have those there? My DH used to live in AZ and he and his mom tell stories of how sometimes scorpions would get into the house! :yikes:

Rennie - Cats DEFINITELY make it known that the house is THEIRS. They just allow you the privilege of paying for their house and food and maybe, just maybe, petting them. My dogs aren't sure who owns the house....but they know that they own our bed and if we're lucky we can each have 6 or 7 inches of it for sleeping.

Happy - you really stay up late! Sheesh! I was asleep by 9:45 last night. Otherwise, I just can't function the next day. I'm definitely NOT a night owl!

:wave: to everyone else! TGIF! here's to a great day and an wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

This is article I wrote recently and the basis of a presentation I am giving tomorrow at a women's conference.Loving yourself just as you are right now is not always so easy.

Women. We are complex beings. As we each travel our own path in life there are often times of transition. We are different people to those closest to us and within ourselves throughout our lives. At a crossroads, in a moment of quiet, we can ask ourselves- Who am I? Am I happy? Sad? Stressed? Indifferent? Joyful? Focussed? How do I spend my time? Am I fulfilled? Where am I headed next? What qualities do I admire about myself? What would I like to change about myself? Does my appearance reflect who I am?
For us to give the best of ourselves to all we do, we must first achieve an understanding of who we are and truly love ourselves. Help ourselves be our best.
We all have versions of who we are at different phases of our lives. When we take the time to reflect on where we are at right now there is a piece of this that asks, what does this woman look like?
If the words and phrases you arrive at are powerful and vibrant and of a positive nature, does your outward appearance match this dynamic woman? And if you are in a place where things are not unfolding in a positive way can you visualize how you would want to be? You can be your best “you” right now.
Asking those hard questions of ourselves can be challenging. It is important to focus on the positive attributes you have and develop those further. This works in all parts of our lives as well as with our appearance. Take a good look in the mirror. Be sincere with yourself. Be gentle and loving. What is unique and wonderful about you? Your eyes? The wave in your hair? Do you stand tall? Do you smile freely? Are you showing your best self to the world?
A tangible way to manifest change immediately is to try something different with your appearance. Your professional stylist is an artist and is skilled in helping you reveal the beautiful woman inside of you. We can help you enhance the incredible woman you are. This is about looking good for yourself, in a way that encourages you to feel fabulous in everything you do. The authentic you. You are beautiful.

Morning All....

I feel like poo, have not pooed in 3 days, 2 weeks late on Flo, and my throat is killing me. wah wah wah. Boo Hoo. Whoa is me.

Have a great weekend, I may go to bed tonight for the weekend.

Love and Hugs

Holly - That's a beautiful article and very inspiring. I'm sure you will be well received at the women's conference! YGG!

Annie - I hope you feel better. :hug:

Annie
Oh I am so sorry you are feeling so bad. You have a few things going there. Eat plums that will help.

Holly
Very very nice.

Di
Does the muffin top really go away. I sure hope so because I have a feeling that is an urban legend lol. I only have to worry about that if I A. wear something to tight or B wear something cut to high. All my pants fit great and no muffin top except my Levis which are up higher on the waist. Of course they are my favorite jeans and they of course give me the muffin top and they are lose lol. The dog thinks the cat is her puppy. She lets the cat run the house and lets him eat her food lol. The dog is 14 years old and the cat is 13 years old. I am sure we are going to lose the dog first. I just don't know how the cat is going to handle that. He loves that dog. His favorite game is to JUMP on the dogs head. Have to say as the dog is getting older she is snapping at the cat when he does this lol.

Rennie, I sure HOPE my muffin top goes away. Mine is awful because it's there with or without clothes! :yikes: :faint: Please don't say that it's an urban legend and it will never go away - you're scaring me. :lol: You're lucky that you have control of your muffin top and when it appears. Changing the subject away from dreaded muffin tops, It's so fun when doggies and kitties get along. Up until the last year or so, we've had dogs and cats and they've just adored each other. We don't have any more cats now - just the 3 dogs and that's plenty of pets.

Got a question for you, ladies.....Do any of you have favorite workout music? When I reached the 25 lb. milestone, I treated myself to an ipod. I got a refurbished one with video for about $89 - yes, it's an expensive reward for not even being 1/3 of the way to goal, but I wanted something for music while working out. I'm now in the process of creating playlists. My tastes are pretty eclectic: 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and current rock, pop and some metal. I'm not a great fan of country, but I do like Shania, Faith Hill and Dixie Chicks. Of course, if I'm walking outside, I tend to prefer the sounds of birds and the peace of the natural surroundings.

Happy Belated Birthday Shad. Wishing you well!!