Hello all....

SO good to see a Fresh Start Monday.

Its been either too, too hot or TStorming...not good bike riding weather. And I miss it.

I needed to start the Black Cohosh for menopause again and may double what I'm taking.....either am dragging physically, mood to match or feeling just fine, mood to match again. Found a B vitamin blend sitting on my desk so started taking one of those a day when I remember and honestly, I can feel a difference in about 2 hrs after taking it. Wouldnt have believed it till I tried it.
Its made a difference 3 or 4 times now.......

Things very tense on the homefront. DS remains the issue. DH gave a date ultimatum that has come and gone with no one mentioning it. There have been some oblique references that I haven't understood and just didnt respond rather than "go there".

And believe it or not, politics are really creating tension too. Sometimes we think we know someone but realize we were wearing rose colored glasses.

Meanwhile, job-front latest merger rumours continue.


******

Silver--- so sorry to hear about your mom......Sometimes we have to just let these parent relationship's be what they are and enjoy them for that. I know I myself, wasted far too much time "remaking" a parental relationship. Luckily,
I understood that there were many things I would never like but were far more that I could admire, respect and love.
Try to enjoy.


Anagram....full circle. And a home retreat. Sounds lovely. Very lovely.

Wood Nymph.... you know, I'm beginng to wonder if wheat is making me drag around .....


Wsw..... are things dry now?


Kat....So sad when these youngsters think they have only one choice......
These things are so hard on those left behind.

Ok my friends....

ceara, how are you?


Here's tomorrows

*********
Thought of the day:

"Dwell in possiblilty"
Emily Dickinson

Question of the day:

"What could you possbily do?"

*****

I can't believe it's been a full week since I've been here...this summer is really hurtling by! I can't really put my finger on what I've been up to. Well, work... okay, there's that. I worked 3 extra nights last week, and here it is, Wednesday again! Where does the time go?

I'd love to do a long, catch up post but I really should get my buns into bed. After work tomorrow, I have to go right to a meeting, and won't get home til probably 9ish. DH and I had a lovely beach day today. Weather was perfect, beach was glorious, and now I am one tired !

I promise to get all caught up again by the weekend!

I'll take one of those Fresh Start cards too, thanks!

A few sniffs here and there of fall coming. To have nice cooler weather this weekend. lots of yard projects being saved until then. I'm still on a slower pace this week. Trying to beat the everlasting fatigue but it just doesn't go. Doctor's visit next week. Working on a long list!

Sorry to hear of the homefront stress, Kaylets. Didn't realize DS was still with you. I have a friend whose son moved back in (I think) 3 years ago "temporarily" and he's still there. Plus lots of grandchildren time when it's his turn. Both she and her DS are very, very stressed with the long term change to their lives. He keeps telling them he's leaving soon but first he has to get a job, doesn't he? Not fully divorced yet either and that's all been nasty. He's not running wild or anything - in fact they wish he'd go out more - it's just the general upheaval.

So how was the little "cottage" at sound yoga camp, WN? Hmm, constrained? Lots of room for exploration there. Self constrained? Expectations of others constrained? You'll win the crisis battle, I know. But to me it seems these battles (mine anyway) are on going. I'm still always going in various directions seeking out what it is I really want.

I think I had for a long time what I really wanted. And I'm lucky in that. But there were then things I'd think of and say to me "well there'll be time for that later". And here I am in later and don't seem to want to do any of those things. Some of that is the durn fatigue but not all. Quebec showed me that. But there was still a lot of fatigue there. Spent lots of big bucks on a hotel room to sit there and "rest" - not that I didn't enjoy it. But that and the four day respite and my slower schedule this week have shown me (as if I didn't already know it) that the fatigue isn't being overtired from doing too much. Stress level down a bit though.

So happy to hear you had a perfect beach day, kat. Another little mini-anniversary celebration. Like birthdays, one can't celebrate anniversaries too long or too often.

to andria and wsw.

No real plans except to hit gym (oops, they don't like to be called that!) and make me beautiful. Should go look for bathing suits before they're gone (if not already). Down to my last one and once I start wearing that (I should get back to pool) it'll be gone in three months and certainly NO suits available then, at least not on sale and that's always my first criteria(um?)

Let's sing a happy little song and get on with it. I'm planning to see "Mama Mia" tomorrow and then that music will be in my head for a while, I'm sure.

Training the last few days has been so intense I had to think for about five minutes before I could remember what sessions I had attended. I knew there had been three days worth, but I couldn't wrap my head around the hours long enough to log them. My brain is spilling over with information right now. I just need some quiet time to sit and process it all before I forget what we learned. I did learn today that we have to complete 150 hours of teacher development every five years in this state. In the last four weeks, I've already finished 130. Yeah, guess I'll be covered.

The princesses are enjoying having their father here. I've been less stressed over his visit than expected, but I do wish I could spend time getting all this stuff together instead of dealing with a guest. *Note to self. Take a really long, pampering bath when his visit is over. I deserve it!

My mom called today, and her surgery is scheduled first thing on the 11th. I hope she doesn't find another reason to put it off, but I've been working very hard to distance myself emotionally from that portion of her decision. My mother's body is her own; the decisions she makes do not have to be the ones I would choose for her.

Ok, that all said, I need to get out of here and get to making dinner. I wish there was a place here that had healthy food for delivery. I'm too tired to cook, but I refuse to call out for pizza tonight!

*HUGS* to all!

Andria

Well, I had a WHOOSH this week - 2 whole pounds overnight - but two days later it's WHOOSHED right back up. But it was just in time as I was toying with the idea of chucking the whole quest. Can't do that now, can I?

I've had another of those lazy weekends. Topped it off with a little concert in the park this evening. Lovely - it even got "cold" when a good stiff breeze came up. I finally went back to tai chi - first since shoulder surgery. Think I'll head out again tomorrow.

I'm trying to get more "in the moment" too WN. I think it's working. But it's hard when there's so much stress. My stress level is considerable down since I took the trip last month and then have had the last couple of "relaxed" weeks. I think I was at an all time (well, not really but each stressful period seems that way) about six months ago and have taken steps and worked diligently to reduce that. I know it was still pretty high in late June - or high again. Now if the painter actually shows up next weekend and finishes the job............................................... ....well, if not, I'll just have to give up on him and get someone else.

I loved the visual of your nightgowned highness out in the yard exercising.....must have been magical.

Ah, I feel so mellow. Hope it lasts.........

A little of the "whoosh" went away again - a little mini-whoosh, if you will. So I'm back on the wagon once again. Sigh...........208.8.

Hope all goes well with your Mom's surgery today, andria. Is you guest any help at all considering your hefty schedule right now?

Rain this a.m. but a pretty and coolish day now. Things to do but no rush, rush so I'm planning on tai chi soon. Laundry and all sorts of "dumb stuff" but no rush.

Did you get your nap, WN? Hang in during rough work week - not even EOM.

Hope your weekend was good and relaxing too, Kaylets Lots of rain your way? Hi wsw, hope you're still dry and that your POP saga has some happier ending. Away again this weekend, ceara?

So - once again - and they come so quickly - FRESH START MONDAY!

I thought I'd pop in for a minute before I head off to lunch. And by lunch I mean a good walk outside in the glorious post-torrential coolness. There is definitely a hint of a nip in the air. I love it, but still gives me that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that school's starting again soon...

Weight loss efforts are stagnating, but I'm happy there's been no gain. I'm holding steady at 268... I know that diligence and a serious boost in activity will take care of that. Also not stressing about it.

Oops... an interoffice email just came through about the need for extra effort to keep current, seeing as 'certain people' are going on vacation next week! I guess, seeing as I'm one of them, I ought to get back to work!

later, s!

My mom's surgery did not go well today. They opened her up and realized there was nothing they could do.

Andria

Ahhh, Andria... what can I say? I'm sorry. We're always here for you if you need to vent, cry, scream. Take care and be kind to yourself.

Hello all.....


Andria- So sorry to hear about your mom. I am sorry for her and for you too.
And yes, this is the place you can say whatever comes to mind.
This is your place.
We are here for you.





****Yes, Anagram, funny how these thoughts do come by and say,
Whats the point? .... and the answer is of course, because we do not like being this size!
I too feel as though I am dragging a lot. Started taking a B Vitamin complex and its amazing how much a difference I feel when I take it. Honestly, its more than a placebo. B12 is in it for sure. I also feel less on edge when I combine it with the Black Cohosh.


YIKES, I am grateful DS doesn't have any youngsters to bring home .....
THanks, that made me grateful.

DH is realizing his blood sugar numbers are very erratic which accounts for erratic mood swings too. That seemed to help just knowing it was the blood sugar numbers. We are hoping the weather will be not too hot or wild hail Tstorms ( which is what we've had now for nearly a month)...so we can get a real long bicycle ride in. In fact, he's exploring that on line as I write.

Ok...
Lets try this again.... my mornings do flow so much better when I know what the Thought of the Day is:

****
Thought of the day:

"I've had thousands of problems in my life,
most of which never actually happened..."

Mark Twain

Question of the day:

"Can you believe the Halloween candy is already in the stores?

*********


Time for me to get ready for the morning....

Another cool lovely morning here. Pato of P/C has been such a delight it's been hard to tear myself away.

Andria - I hope you have a PoP/C or something similar where you can go for short moments of peace. I'm so sorry to hear the news - sounds like Mom sort of had it right in her first reactions. You'll be on our minds and in our hearts. It's hard to believe how much life has thrown at you at one time but remember there is good there too.

Kaylets, those blood sugar things can be really tough. Hope you get in your long ride.

kat - you "certain person" you - nothing like them trying to guilt you! But you'll have the last laugh on your great trip. Wanna go, wanna go.

I'm on, Wood Nymph. I need something to get me back down. It's amazing how MANY times I've approached Onederland and managed to "save" me from crossing that border. My little "mental vacation" is continuing. I must get out of this stress mentality. Sometimes it's unavoidable but I am now firmly convinced that it can continue just as a "habit" when the pace evens out. I just have to remember that. Day beforeesterday when an unusually heavy amount of mial came, I found myself getting "agitated" about the amount of work that would be involved. But I stopped me before I got really into gear. Yesterday, only a flyer came. Divide by two and the first day's mail would not have seemed to fearful (though I admit the worst of the work is still sitting there Anyway, it's been almost two weeks now and it's been wonderful. They say it's three weeks to change a bad habit, no?

Seeing doctor this afternoon so weight will be up on his scale. After all, I wear clothes there But it's always a moment I hate. Have a long list to discuss with him. He always seems to take the time (billing more, of course) and does treat me like I know what I'm talking about. I do appreciate that.We only occasionally butt horns (like over my thyroid) and I would hate to have to change.

Other than that, just puttering on. I'm half heartedly trying to start sorting through more of DHs things. The garage stuff mostly since I figure that's a nice weather thing. So much there that could go............but I'm starting slowly - I seem to do that with everything.

High point yesterday - another outdoor concert (on lawn of library this time). A nice Americana/folk group called Voxology. Lovely evening, good music and the smell of popcorn tantalizing everyone. Sweet little teeners walking around selling that and other goodies......Yes, I bought some of the "other" but put it into freezer. It will be for me - eventually. But at least for now it went to freezer. I seem to forget when I have goodies there but when an "emergency" (binge time) comes, I'd rather have something I will savor and enjoy than do the mindless stuff I usually do.