So I went back to the Chinese Horoscope and found out that this coming year is indeed my year. I am an Earth Ox and this is the year of the brown earth ox except that the ox is the female variety. So I expect good things from all of us.
According to the horoscope we can expect slow and steady from the ox. I'm hopeful that that means it won't go downhill very fast but then again, it won't go uphill very fast. Expect no growth - and that also means in ourselves hopefully, no weight gains for us this year!!
Got lots of work to do today so I can't stay for long and I have a new kid to train - well she is not a kid, but she is young and very pretty and nice to boot but grrrrrr she is tall with a slim figure. grrrrrrrrr.
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Good morning peeps,
It's a frosty one out there - 28 degrees (F). Mr Feral is curled up tight as one of those rolly poley pill bugs in his comfy bed. Yesterday he was on the porch when I got up at 6 and DH said he slept there until 2pm. Our kitty looks out the French door and snarls at him.
Shad - I looked up the Chinese horoscope and DH is an Earth Ox too. I guess it is both your years. I hope that is a sign of good things to come! However, I do need growth - in my retirement portfolio which has taken a bloody beating.
Ceejay - I agree with you about the late night eating probably being the hardest habit to break - worse than sugar. Good luck. It was cloudy when I got home but I looked outside at 9pm and the sky was bright with stars. So I made DH get dressed and we went out for a drive hoping to catch the celestial configuration. While we saw some nice constellations, no moon. I checked the website when I got home and was disappointed to see that the moon set at 7:10pm. I'm hoping it will stay clear tonight so I can try and catch the 3 planets with a cresent moon - particularly since I doubt very much I will still be around the next time it occurs in 2052.
Michelle - you might be on to something with the secret spice thing - or perhaps it's a combo of things. I remember once when I was dating DH, he came over, said he felt weird and all of a sudden he got all red and flushed. He figured it was some strange combination of Harvey Wallbangers (alchohol drinks) and A1 steak sauce from the meal he had just eaten. Kinda scary because you look at the person, want to do something and don't know what to do. Just hope it doesn't happen to you again. Be careful digging yourself out of the snow! I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to it or not then end of this month.
Good morning Mel are you hiding from the Mongolian hoardes?
And a good morning to the rest of you too. Sinuses are going crazy this morning so I'm off in search of a tissue box.
MICHELLE...ALONG WITH THE ALLERGY GOES STRESS AND NERVES. WHEN JEN OR I ARE STRESSED THE HIVES CAN BE 10 X'S WORSE WHEN YOU EAT OR ARE NEAR SOMETHING YOUR BODY'S IMMUNE SYSTEM DECIDES IT CANNOT FIGHT. WE WERE TOLD TO TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION AS WELL. BUT JEN IS THE ONLY ONE WHO NEEDED THE IV TREATMENTS. HEAD TO TOE HIVES AND INSIDE HERE MOUTH ETC. SO WHEN YOU GO INTO THE BASEMENT MAYBE YOU MIGHT HAVE TO CHANGE CLOTHES OR WASH ARMS AND FACE LIKE WE DO. JUST A THOUGHT. (((HUG))) AS WE GET OLDER AND BECOME MORE STRESSED THE ALLERGIES CAN WORSEN. WE SOMETIMES TAKE ZYRTEC BEFORE S SITUATION LIKE IF WE ARE GOING TO BE EXPOSED TO DUST, MOLD ETC FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME.
MADCAT...DID YOU WRANGLE THE ADMS WITH A ROPE?? NEED ANY HELP ROUNDING THEM UP? I AM AVAILABLE!!! HOW GOES THE SNOW BY YOU???
ANNIE...I WILL LOOK AT THE SEBSITE OVER THE WEEKEND BUT THINK I HAVE THAT BOOKMARKED ALREADY. SO TONY GETS THE CUTE NAILS...AND HERE I THOUGHT I MUST BE FOR THE NEW BOSS!
HAPPY~ SEND A FEW OF THOSE 6 SNOWFLAKES OVER HERE!! HAPPY I FIND THAT SLOW IS BETTER THAN TO CLOG THE MIND WITH A LOT OF PROMISES AND GET OVERWHELMED. GOOD THINKING....TURTLE SLOW!!!
CEEJAY~ I AM IN THE SAME BOAT...I GET HUNGRY AGAIN AROUND 7-8 O'CLOCK. I BOUT SOME FRUIT FOR THAT TIME OF NIGHT. GOING TO TRY THAT.
SHAD...HOPEFULLY YOU ARE RIGHT AND I WILL NOT BE GROWING ANYTHING THIS YEAR INCLUDING WEIGHT AND ROSACEA!!!
ALMOST NOON AND I JUST GOT BACK FRO FOOD SHOPPING TRIP #1 THIS WEEK. GOT THE STAPLES AND SOME CANDY GIFTS FOR THE SENIORS. I ALSO BOUGHT SOME $1 DISH TOWELS. I WILL BE READY FOR THE WANDERING SENIORS ON CHRISTMAS WEEK AND THE HOUSEBOUND ONES AS WELL. I CAME HOME AND THE BOSSES OF THE DOOR INSTALLERS ASKED WHAT WE NEED TO MAKE LIFE WITH THE NEW DOORS EASIER. IT WAS SO NICE TO BE ASKED AND EVEN NICER THAT 3 MEN IN SUITS ACTUALLY LISTENED AND TOOK NOTES.
I HAVE A BIT MORE WORK ON THE TREE AND I AM FINISHED FOR THE DAY. THE OFFICE IS SUFFERING WITH THIS CONVERSION TO A NEWER PROGRAM AND WITH THE MONTH & YEAR BOTH ENDING....IT'S A HORROR STORY FOR JUDY AND ROSIE. THEY CAN'T EVEN GET THE CHECKS PRINTED OUT FOR BILLS AND LANDLORDS ETC. YESTERDAY POOR ANTOINETTE COULDN'T EVEN FIND HER TENANTS! NIGHTMARE TIME
I'LL OFFER TO ANSWER THE PHONE SO THEY CAN GET SOME TECH SUPPORT VIA PHONE AFTER LUNCH.
I had a good day yesterday in terms of my December goals. I had 3 servings of veggies, 72 ounces of water, only 1 diet soda (after my water), I walked up and down the 7 flights of stairs to the top floor, plus lots of extra walking/stair climbing around the office (I have to walk up a flight of stairs to go to the cafeteria for water/coffee, and about 100 yards to the restroom - which I do frequently thanks to all the water drinking. In addition to doing the 7 flights of stairs, I'm going to the gym tonight.
Ceejay - I'm usually out of breath after 2 or 3 flights as well, but I just make myself go up the rest of the flights...wheezin' all the way. I need to journal my food too - that's a tough one for me.
Happy - I hope you found the tissue box. We had a frosty morning today too (12 degrees F when I left for work, with a wind chill of 6). So nice that you've given Mr. Feral a comfy bed to sleep in. I was hoping to see the celestial configuration last night, but it was cloudy. Hopefully it won't be cloudy tonight, but since they're predicting more snow tonight and tomorrow I'd better not count on clear skies. Oh well, you and I will just have to be around for the next one. I'll only be 90 years old or so. No problem...I'm sure I'll be seeing lots of stars and other things (real and imagined) by then! That's an odd combination that your DH had an allergic reaction to...Wallbangers and A1. My allergy doc did mention that since I am allergic to wine, I should also be careful with most sauces, salad dressings and anything that uses vinegar.
Shad - I'm going to have to look up the Chinese horoscope and see what the new year will bring for me. I'm hoping it will bring much health, happiness and financial security for all of us.
I told my DH about all the worldly chicks all around the world that are pulling for him to get a job soon. He is very appreciative, as am I!
He is waiting to hear back from several of the ones he applied to in the last couple weeks, and he applied this morning for about 20 new jobs, including a job at Marquette University that's right up his alley (perfect for him) and pays REALLY well.
Thanks for all your good wishes! Please keep 'em coming!
A big to everyone. BTW, has anyone heard from Rennie? I hope she's okay.
Mel - Looks like we posted at the same time! Sheesh! You and Jen really have had bad allergic reactions haven't you!! Head to toe hives (including inside the mouth??) !! I'll take your advice about taking a zyrtec or something before I expose myself to dust, molds, etc. for any length of time. I've also thought about getting those cheap, disposable masks you can get at the drugstore for when I'm in the basement.
Day one completed. I've journaled my food to the tune of 1600 calories. This is usually where I lose some weight. 1400 would be better but that puts me in starvation mode. Also completed 30 minutes of exercise. Now how many more day's can I do this?
Had to make a round to the lime room last night around 6.p.m. and low and behold there were the celestials. It was an awesome sight. The clouds cleared out just in time. They were low ini the southwestern sky.
I'm at work so no time for personals. Will try later on tonight.
Michelle...the water does make the difference. I couldn't urinate enough for my drug test yesterday so a I had to sit in the lab forever drinking water till I nearly puked. I FINALLY drank enough that I could give them the 45 mil they needed. Sheesh. I have had a cold since Thanksgiving and today if the first day I feel semi-normal...I am attributing it to the water yesterday. Great job on the stairs. My new job is on the 7th floor, you gave me a great idea. Wink. I am on Buspar for aniexty. It took my doc nearly 2 years to figure out that aniexy was causing my hives. Hives from aniexty happens like one in a million people. Aren't I special??
Happy...thanks for the HS info. After about 4 or 5 phone calls, I found out that my closed HS records had been transferred to another school, so I drove over there and picked up a copy of the transcripts. Not too difficult.
MEL...you are too funny. The toenails are NOT for my new boss. My new boss is a SHE, and I am not really going that route....
Ceejay...no more eating after 7:00 pm. Good for you. Great job on day one...now let's go for day 2. One day at a time.
Shad...maybe the new slim chick will be an incentive for you? Who knows?
Well, got my transcripts and need to scan them for emailing to the background check people. It just seems weird they need my transcripts after 30 years. How bizzaire.
Annie - Glad you got your transcripts! And that you were finally able to "fill the cup" yesterday!
Ceejay - Great job on the journaling and sticking to your calorie count!
Shad - I hear ya'....those tall thin chicks....grrrrrr. Except for you Annie....we luv ya'. It's just the rest of the tall thin chicks in the world. grrrrr
Michelle...thanks for the pardon of height and thinness. haha
Just got my few, and I mean very few Christmas decorations out and up. My house looks so cute. Added to stockings to the row....one for Tony and one for Chris-DDs BF. Got a wee one for Bella. Speaking of Bella, she is snoozing in my lazyboy chair on the afghan blanket my momma made. She has a lot of nerve.
Location: A beautiful and peaceful place in the woods
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In case you missed it
It finally cleared up early enough just after sunset to check out the Moon, Venus and Jupiter in conjunction. These are not my pictures - DH tried to take some but he needed to get the tripod as he was moving just enough to make it blurry. It was really cool to see, especially once the skies got dark as Venus really does look like a diamond in the sky. The picture below is a composite. To the left is what Shad sees in the southern hemisphere- it appears as a Smiley face in the sky. To the right is what we see in the northern hemisphere with Venus (the brighter star on the left) and Jupiter at about 5 o'clock and 3 o'clock respective to the moon. I suppose if I stood on my head, I'd see a Frownie face in the sky. Too cold to do that. Thought I'd post these for those of you buried in the clouds for the time being.
That is indeed what we see in the evening sky. It's nice to have the celestial beings smiling on us downunder.
Not a lot happening here. I am too busy trying to keep the new person occupied and happy and don't have enough time for my own junk these days. Still I am getting plenty of work so I won't complain too much.
How ever I can't stick around for the personals. Better get moving
I went to the gym last night for a kickboxing class - it was tough, but afterward it felt great! I'm going to take a step class tonight...I really enjoy step. I also completed my other goals for yesterday - drank 72+ ounces of water, ate 3 servings of veggies, and did the 7 flights of stairs on my lunch hour. I've actually recruited two other co-workers to join me today in the stair climbing! Hopefully after a couple weeks, I'll be able to get past the 3rd floor before the wheezing starts. I still make it up all 7 flights though. the torpedoes (or in my case wheezing) and full speed ahead, right? After the gym last night, I finished my Christmas shopping....Kohls had a special day where they gave employees extra discounts, so I took advantage.
Annie - I hope you got a good night's sleep. I'll bet your house looks very festive. Since I'm not done decorating, mine still has boxes everywhere....gonna finish it Thursday and Friday (tonight's gym night).
Happy - I was able to see the celestial alignment last night on my way to the gym. Really cool! Thanks for posting the photos!
Shad - I hope your day is going well and that you have a nice evening!
I WILL READ MORE AFTER TRADER JOE'S TOMORROW NIGHT WHEN I AM FINALLY FINISHED FOR THE WEEK. BEFORE NEXZT WINTER I AM GOING TO FIND OUT IF I CAN ENLIST THE HIGH SCHOOL CHILDREN FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AND GIVE THEM THE CHRISTMAS DECORATING OF THE COMMUNITY ROOM TREE. THERE IS JUST TOO MUCH FOR ME AND I KNOW THIS NEEDS TO BE MY LAST YEAR. SAD BUT TOO TRUE. I WOKE WITH MY BODY SCREAMING AND TODAY IS THE WREATH!
THE HIGHLIGHT OIF MY WEEK WAS WATCHING BIGGEST LOSER WITH A FRIEND!!!! MOST FUN I HAD ALL WEEK AND I DIDN'T EVEN NEED TO MOVE ANY MUSCLES
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!
WOW December already....whew it was quite a read about all you worldly chicks. Thanks for the new thread Shad you are such a sister to us and keep us connected and not lose a beat!
Mel, sorry you hurt after trying to do projects for others.... you take care of yourself. The wreath making should be fun. Just supervise don't overdo!
SHad hope the job last as long as you need it to see your through. They are so lucky to have such and organized and brilliant mind to set them straight.
Annie good luck on the new job...... you will do great! Sounds like you had a good holiday. Nothing like being with our babies to make our hearts happy.
Happy hope you didn't get too over worked on your return to work. Glad you enjoyed your time off. December is just going to fly by.
Ruth so fun when all the dogs get together it ismuch like that for our family. Tell us how the event went at Church and if all involved behaved.
Di good job on the stairs. SO hard to tackle the weight gains, we much just keep trying. Hope you resolve the allergy discomfort. No fun!
Madcat good to hear from you too.... good luck on the goals.
Ceejay same to you setting goals is good to do....keeping them is even better good luck.
Greetings to all I missed and hope we have a great December together sharing joys, pains, recipes and laughs. I love this time of year....Mel you should be celebrating we are kept up on this holiday all through the year because of you......
The sky has been awesome in the valley here. I have the moon and stars just hanging right outside my door. I love it. You chicks are so great with sending good vibes out for each other and people in need. Could I ask for some good thoughts for my son Jesse. He is waiting for an offer for his internship and this economy is not helping. Just thoughts to help him cope with it would be welcomed...I'll thank you all now because I trust your great energy!
Merry Christmas everyone....or greetings for a Happy Holiday no matter how you celebrate.
Be Safe & Peace,
Nae
Location: A beautiful and peaceful place in the woods
Posts: 8,905
S/C/G: Stuck/Working on it/Good 2 Go
Height: Fun Size
Good morning busy ladies,
It's cool but very breezy today. Supposed to warm up to a heat wave of 61 degrees this afternoon. Then we will get rain and plumment below freezing again. I hate it because it's so hard to adjust to the big swings and those conditions seem to breed the cold germs. Also makes our bones hurt like
Mel - sorry that you aren't feeling your best either. I hope you can get the kids to help out with the decorations. Sometimes we just have to accept that we need to pass the baton or just cut down in general. I hope you have enough strength to get through the day with the craft project for the seniors. Maybe you need to enlist a helper or two who can roam the room and help them out. You can sit in the front with your Santa hat on and just supervise Feel better
I don't decorate any where near what I used to. Don't have the time and then the clean up also spans several weeks. So now it's a few things in each room - something I can box up and put away in an hour or less. I just realized that the big wreath we had hanging outside was actually a fresh one we bought from the boy scouts fund raiser and now I don't have an outside wreath. We don't put up many decorations outside - DH said he didn't want it to be too dark and obvious that we were away - and the wreath was a nice touch with some garland at the door. Getting one now I will pay dearly for it. Maybe we will skip it this year and I'll pick up one on the post holiday sales. I did get some fresh pine garland for the fireplace mantle. It's my one treat and it smells sooooo lovely.
Michelle seems like you are in full swing at the gym again. Good for you! I'm sure you will have those few extra pounds off in no time. That's great that you enlisted some buddies for the stair climb. I'm sure you will notice your stamina getting better after each week. Hope you don't get dumped on with more snow today. Yay for getting the shopping done - I did most of mine at Kohl's too.
Shad - that's a great picture you posted! At least you are busy. Did anything happen at work with the arrival of the big guns last week? Guess not - perhaps they are still strategizing. How much longer before you go home for Christmas?
Ceejay - I agree with you to lower the calories but avoid where you feel you are starving. I just find that counting calories is a huge pain. Portions, points, food groups - none of them bother me but calories just seem to be so time consuming unless you eat the same things all the time which I don't like to do. Good luck to you though.
Annie - glad you got your transcripts. The stockings sound cute. Some times a few well placed decorations are just what you need to look festive but not like the Griswold's Family vacation And Bella is probably thinking you put the afghan out for her so what's the problem
Ok, I have to get rolling too. Have a good one everybody...
are you hiding from the Mongolian hoardes? 
SO WHEN YOU GO INTO THE BASEMENT MAYBE YOU MIGHT HAVE TO CHANGE CLOTHES OR WASH ARMS AND FACE LIKE WE DO. JUST A THOUGHT. (((HUG))) AS WE GET OLDER AND BECOME MORE STRESSED THE ALLERGIES CAN WORSEN. WE SOMETIMES TAKE ZYRTEC BEFORE S SITUATION LIKE IF WE ARE GOING TO BE EXPOSED TO DUST, MOLD ETC FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. 
ALMOST NOON AND I JUST GOT BACK FRO FOOD SHOPPING TRIP #1 THIS WEEK. GOT THE STAPLES AND SOME CANDY GIFTS FOR THE SENIORS. I ALSO BOUGHT SOME $1 DISH TOWELS. I WILL BE READY FOR THE WANDERING SENIORS ON CHRISTMAS WEEK AND THE HOUSEBOUND ONES AS WELL. I CAME HOME AND THE BOSSES OF THE DOOR INSTALLERS ASKED WHAT WE NEED TO MAKE LIFE WITH THE NEW DOORS EASIER. IT WAS SO NICE TO BE ASKED AND EVEN NICER THAT 3 MEN IN SUITS ACTUALLY LISTENED AND TOOK NOTES. 
Hopefully it won't be cloudy tonight, but since they're predicting more snow tonight and tomorrow 
That's an odd combination that your DH had an allergic reaction to...Wallbangers and A1. My allergy doc did mention that since I am allergic to wine, I should also be careful with most sauces, salad dressings and anything that uses vinegar. 
Feel better 
