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Hello all!
WSW--I was so excited to see you are in Wonderland! You are such an inspiration! :bravo::bravo: Its just what I needed to see to remind me that persistence will win out. Good for you! Wood Nymph--Sorry to be coming in on the tail end, I see a baby "is home"; glad to know a bad situation has been resolved. And the bootcamp sounds so much up your alley! Anagram-- Will this rain continue all summer??? And congrats on your Onederland trip too! Don't cry, you're bound to go down again, remember what the Empress always says: "Its not a real gain!" Silver-- Schools out for summer... I am envious! And yes, my desk looks the same.....But I too will make a real difference in the desk TODAY!!! KAT-- you know what Kat, you are right, right, right!! A goal with a date is a good thing!! I want to do that too.... Maybe not a marathon but definitely reset the compass!! Empress--- Are you lurking??? How are you? How goes the job front? You are missed! ***** SO good to be home. Where have I been. Everywhere it seems. At least mentally. It's like that old Grateful Dead song, "what a long strange trip its been".... Family things that seem to just spinout like car tires in mud, spin, spin, spin....Making noise and smoke but stuck. So many things the same, I won't bore you. Some new players that have suprised me but now I realize are just showing their true colors. Job things too.... Not enough palace time, music or quiet time. BUT-- FRESH START is always right here, right within grasp. Yes, I agree.... we choose how to deal. Or not deal. Time to start cleaning off the desk, get a load of laundry in and pull some weeds..... |
Another fresh start...
And where better to do such? Of course, at the Palace! Always a welcoming word, a smile, a good story to read...
I'm feeling the memory pangs too, Andria... my baby boy is graduating next week... again: WHERE DID THE TIME GO?? I'm sure no matter what the past holds, your daughters will aways look up to you for steering your course into much calmer, peaceful waters! Arabella, you are always an inspiration to me! I'm so psyched about your upcoming boot camp, can't wait to hear tales of your 'survival!' I read the first 5 or 6 chapters of the Gabriel Method... loved it... felt awesome for a few days, really in control............. and then? I don't know, I think when I'm left to my own devices. (everyone gone this weekend) I just... get bored? I don't know, I think I'll, ahem, FINISH the book this time and just start afresh! Kaylets! I'm hearing you loud and clear on the family things... :dizzy: yeah, can't go there now...takes too long! The Palace is a wonderful retreat from all that, when you can get here! (how well I know) Anagram... I'm doing the cleanout thing here, too... what with all the rain lately, it's much easier to stay inside and just forge ahead. I have two pick ups scheduled and am determined to unload a TON of stuff! wsw... how did you fare looking at the new places? Anything look promising? I'm quite envious of your 'leg-crossing' and can't wait for the day when I can, once again, do it gracefully! Sorry to make this such a quickie post, but I'm bound and determined to finish what I have started: major cleanout of the coat closet, I've already filled two bags... I did my closet yesterday and the linen closet... and when I'm done with that, a good, thorough vacuuming and dusting, come **** or high water! The sun just came out too, and I could so easily be lured outside, but I shall persevere! |
Hello all.....
Monday, Monday!! La, la.... Somehow that Mama's and Papa's song always stays with me!! I think I hear raindrops ( again) which means for sure, we don't have to worry about drought but does mean another overcast day. I listen to Satellite radio with headphones at work and have purposelly stopped listening to "Major" news channels. It cuts the annoyance level down considerably-- their view of "news" vs what's really happening....( What will make ratings rather than be accurate...) And the other thing that might seem petty about tv and radio "reporters" is their grammar and sentence structure skills.....I know, I know, they are reading from a teleprompter.....Seems like the comprehension isn't there...So many things are sooooo mispronounced, etc. Anyway, the point is, I listen to other stations, specific programs, etc, etc. At least I'm not thinking the entire time "That's not true!" or "Why is some celebrity divorce more important than a missing child, etc, etc." ..... I guess that is a Monday rant..... Thank's for letting me get it out of my system. I go to work after all today, I realized the trip I planned for today would have been a mistake. It's very sad to realize what's been going on for many years now but I guess its good to know now. And to think people you have known for a long, long time wouldn't surprise you......but here's why I was surprised....I have found that I didn't know them.... not very well.... A situation presented itself and DH realized he had to share some info....Older info that DH kept from me becuase it was so distasteful and disrespectful. So now have my eyes opened and know my trip today would have been a mistake. But you know what, this will not spoil my brand new Fresh Start. I am done with letting family stress push me off the wagon. Especially when this is so unnecessary. Sad that middleaged people choose to live this way. Over so very, very little. ************* Thought of the day: "It is not what happens to that determines how far you do in life; It is waht you do with what happens in life." Zig Ziglar Question of the day: "Who is your favorite inspirational or motivational writer ( speaker) ?" ************** Thanks for letting me vent! FRESH START MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!! |
andria- must be amazing to have dd graduate! how exciting, and of course, it must indeed be hard to believe how quickly the years passed since she was but a wee princess.
kat-exciting about your ds's upcoming graduation! even though i don't have children, just seeing how quickly my friends' children are growing/have grown, just astounds me. can't even imagine what it must be like for a mother to go through all those emotions. arabella- hope you are enjoying boot camp! kaylets- thanks for your kind words of encouragement! :) finding out true colors of family or close friends can definitely be challenging and disappointing sometimes. hang in there! and hello anagram, janga, ceara, and wildfire. thinking of you all. seeing how many royals are cleaning out their palaces continues to inspire me to stick with it. i wasn't wowed by either independent living place last week, and keep hoping will find something that feels like it could be a better fit. that said, it doesn't mean that i won't end up choosing something i have already seen, but at this point, i think i need to continue to look. at least, i'm starting to get more estimates for what needs to be repaired/ fixed up in order to sell my condo. staying op and exercising, and wearing more of my new bright colors. one of my friends had a baby girl last week, and she is soooo adorable! i have had 2 out of 4 sessions in a pain coping skills workshop, which is very interesting, and helpful-guided imagery, etc. at the very least, it is reminding me to do my deep breathing, etc. the woman who is doing this has made a couple of cd's of the exercises, which helps to listen to. i was in a store earlier today, and a toddler came up and said, "hello, lady!" and gave a big smile and a wave. his mom just smiled and said i hope he isn't bothering you. it is amazing how something like that can just make one's day. i had been feeling a bit frazzled prior to that, and the stressful thoughts that had just been going through my mind immediately just washed away. it's kind of like the good feeling i get whenever i am in the presence of all of you in the royal kingdom. :) well, have a good evening, one and all. |
Oh, the excitement of proms and graduations. Bring back so many memories. The time since has passed as fast as those "growing up years" pass. So happy for you Moms as you swirl through it all.
Hope the bootcamp prep is going well, arabella, and wow, so much cleaning out going on in the palace! We'll get this world in shape one way or another. Big choices there, wsw. Lots of research and decisions. My sweet neighbor found her "move to" house last week, put hers on the market on Thursday, accepted an offer on Sunday. Things must be picking up - at least in my neighborhood. I've not really met any of the new neighbors across the street. Good to see you, kaylets. Know you're always missed. I didn't make it to onederland. Once more, I approached and pfft!!!!! A few days after I hit that "almost" 200.8, I was up to 210. I am currently 203. My scale loves to torment me. I went back to pool workouts today. It has really been a year and a half - talk about time passing. And I could tell by the one session that it's SO good for me. Been walking at dusk and enjoying. But mostly regroupint and reflecting. Back to morning reads on the patio of P&C. Doing what's worked in the past and trying to stay away from the bad habits that have done me in. "Too soon old, too late smart". :belly: |
The house is really quiet right now. The princesses are in Utah, spending time with family there. The royal consort is off at a meeting. In about 20 minutes, he'll be finding out if he matched for the fellowship he wants. My fingers and toes are crossed for him. But mostly, I'm just sitting here, thinking and reflecting on the last year.
I remember being both excited and frustrated this time last year. I was still searching for a job, but prospects were looking pretty good. I was losing some weight, and that felt pretty good as well. Then July came, and I got word about the new job. I started training the very next week, and things just flew by from there. I made a couple of new friends, and I remember excitedly telling one of them that I was down to 302. It had been so long since I had seen that number on the scale. I also remember telling the same friend, just a few days later, that my mother's cancer surgery had not gone well; my mother would be dying soon. There was so much to deal with in such a short time. The year itself flew by. There were lots of ups and downs--more downs than ups until about Spring Break, unfortunately. The only thing that wasn't down was my weight. I could shift it a pound here and there, but for the most part, it remained about the same. That's where I'm at this morning. The scale read 303. And while I know that number will change, I also know it is about right. Scale reality says that I only did enough work this last year to hold on. It was not enough to move forward. Part of that doesn't make sense to me; it doesn't quite add up. So here goes another type of reality check--I have moved forward, just not the way the old criteria fit. Have I lost a lot of weight? No. Can I now maintain 30 minutes of exercise without feeling like I'm going to die? Yes. Can I walk 10k steps in a day without feeling like my feet will fall off? Yes. Do I feel better about myself, and do I have a better outlook on life? Yes. You know what? I'm going with the three yes answers over that one no. Even though the scale doesn't show it, I'm in a much better place all the way around than I was at this time last year. Now it is time to recommit and get down to some serious work. I've been pouting a bit because my husby promised to work out with me this month, and there have been more promises than action. But the new reality check says that I'm responsible for my own body and my own actions. If he doesn't choose to follow through with me, that is his problem; I cannot make it mine. If I go ahead on my own, he is more likely to see my commitment and follow. I'm getting pretty rambly in here, sorry. I kind of needed to write out some therapy, and this has always been a safe place to do so. I'm returning almost an hour later. Phone calls and good news! Tony got his fellowship in infectious disease! :carrot: Wahoo! Now I'd better get out there making my own dreams come true, huh. :) Anagram, I'm planning a return to the pool workouts as well. While I can do more exercising on dry land than before, I'm frequently so stiff and achy the next day that I can barely move. I'm with you on the regrouping efforts. Time to get back to what works. :) wsw, you are moving ahead in a grand fashion! Not only have you hit Onederland, but you are changing up your style and getting out there taking care of your own needs. I'm always so impressed by you and your lovely, graceful approach to life. Kaylets, this statement, "I am done with letting family stress push me off the wagon" had me about standing up and cheering for you. Way to take care of yourself! You've made it through so much, and you are still up there on top, instead of letting other people and their problems drag you down. Impressive stuff and a lesson I'm still working on in my own world. Kat, graduation day was amazing here! Ok, the actual ceremony part was as boring as they normally are, but watching my girly walk across the stage and take her diploma defies description. It is so incredible watching her come in to her own. And have to tell you, I was putting off our walk-in closet again until I read your post. Darn it all! My goal is to get all the old clothes I'm still holding onto out of this house. Tony's idea is to put things in boxes and store them in the garage. I'm letting him know it is time to let it all go, and he is actually beginning to feel okay with the concept. Besides, I don't think he wants to build more shelves out there until absolutely necessary. Arabella, hope you are having a wonderful time and working your fingers to the bone at Bootcamp! It was interesting to see your last post mentioning a weight gain right off the bat when you are doing strenuous or new exercise. I've found that the same thing happens to me every good session with the trainer. I am always up 3 pounds the next morning, and the weight is gone again the next day. It has to be water weight, because I can't find any other explanation. At least we know now so we don't stress over the slight (and temporary) shift. I know there are others to say hey to, but it is time for this royal to get back to work! There will be some celebrating going on in this house tonight! :) Andria |
That was a great post, Andria! Such a huge part of this process is recognizing that success is measured not only by that ubiquitous number on the scale, but also by the improvements made in our overall well-being! :cp: Please give my congrats to Tony for his fellowship! :woohoo:
Oh dear... I thought I was just settling in for a good, long, rainy Saturday afternoon post, but it appears that the husband has other plans for me... not that! :o I shall return later... hopefully, and tell you all about my new 'midlife crisis' car! |
Congrats to Tony - and to you, andria - it IS time to work on your dreams. What a good assessment too. I think (though it gets old sometimes) that this whole "journey" is about constant reassessment and recommitment to a very large degree.
A midlife crisis car - sound intriguing. Midlife crises aren't always bad ;) Now how about this for reinforcement and motivation :lol: I was at a grad party today for my greatniece. A nephew's wife who works in fitness told me I look in really good shape "for my age" That parts ok - I know I'm no kid. It was just such an unexpected comment and I've been bouncing around since. You and I both know there are many, many my age in better shape but there are also a lot in worse shape. (including her fatherinlaw, my bro). So maybe (while I could be doing better) - it's time for me to look again at what I HAVE done over the last years. At any rate - it was great to hear her say it and I THINK she really meant it ;) She's not been in the family that long and I was in the midst of tough times when she joined us and have not seen her all that many times. But she motivated me to get out for my walk tonight when I really didn't feel like I could do it. Of course, she's got a gorgeous bod at 42 (3 kids = one by this second marriage) and I'd love to come close but - hey! For tonight that was good enough. Our weather's improved enough we've had some really nice hours, kaylets. How about you? Ready for my Fresh Start Monday card. Enjoy bootcamp, WN. Hi, wsw, wearing those bright clothes lately? Ceara, ceara, come out, come out, wherever you are. Time to start winding down for the night................ :belly: |
Back from bootcamp
Fresh start Monday! I've been doing well food and exercise-wise but fresher is always better. ;)
I'm still a bit zonked from Bootcamp, which was intense. Good -- I had to return to my day job today but you never know what the future holds. :crossed: And I came off with tons of helpful information and new ideas, so that is, as they say, all good. It was nice to get away for the week, too, and to be on my own. People were lovely. Anagram, I don't remember how old you are but that's always a compliment! Can't compare ourselves to 42-year-olds -- why, they're just babies! WSW, yes you absolutely need to find a place that meets royal standards! I've always thought that kind of place would be kind-of neat - like a commune except for all the parts we wouldn't want. Kat, similar for me with the Gabriel Method -- first week was like a revelation and I was just so psyched. Then a rebound week, in which I held onto some of the stuff but not everything. I'm still working on it. But I think, for me, it holds a key... Andria, congrats on girly graduation and getting through school year. Are you finished? Kaylets, I like the determination I'm hearing there. Life is one darned thing after another, after all. We need to take care of ourselves throughout. :hug: K, Dollings one and all, let's make this a good one. |
I've got 5 minutes to kill before I can punch out... what better place to while away the minutes? :shrug:
Arabella! Welcome back! I hope you're up for sharing your tales of bootcampery and any info your royal consorts can use! Anagram! There is nothing like a compliment, out of the blue, that can send that self esteem skyward! I love how it motivated you to walk, too! Andria! My 'baby' has his big day tomorrow... :crossed: I am praying for NO MORE RAIN! (other than the tears that may fall from my eyes!) :cry: wsw! Keep up the good work and letting your colors fly! Kaylets! "Who is your favorite inspirational or motivational writer?" Why, Arabella, of course! Okay, I'm out of time and off to the gym. No more procrastinating there! Have a good night, lovelies! |
Not unlike Kat, I have a few minutes to spare before heading to the gym, and I decided this was the perfect place to spend that time :)
Summer is amazing! I am feeling so much more relaxed and myself already. Sleep is returning, stress is gone, and I'm just feeling good. Ok, it doesn't hurt that I'm able to move a whole lot more, and the scale seems to be moving the right direction because of it. I'll wait a few more days to see where things are settling out, but it looks like I'm going to be nicely settled in the 2s instead of 3s. :D Kat, have a wonderful time at your son's graduation! Arabella, sounds like Bootcamp was great. Can hardly wait for stories! Anagram, Wahoo for unsolicited compliments! Hey to all the other royals out there! Ok, that time flew by. I've got to get outta here and off to the gym. *HUGS* Andria |
just wanted to check in quickly and say hello. will respond to individual posts soon, but at least wanted to let you know i am thinking of you, royals! i'm hanging in with food plan and exercise. (195 now.) in this heat, i need to do my errands very piecemeal, so need to try and get in another one soon before i wear out for the day. i will be back before too long, and catch up on your posts. well, take care, all.
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Summer's here
The weather was so beautiful last week -- just amazing. I walked and/or ran on trails every day, through marshes and a wildlife management area, through the little harbour village. There were tons of great blue herons and bald eagles -- so enormous! One morning I saw an eagle fly out of a tree and I swear, the wingspan looked to be about eight feet. A heron flew out of the same tree right afterwards and was totally dwarfed -- and they are BIG birds. It was gorgeous out there, the only reservation being that it's so buggy that you pretty much have to keep moving constantly. Otherwise I would have flung myself down and soaked up the sun. I had such an urge to throw off my clothes and do that! :o
Now we're having some grey, foggy days but ... summer still. :) My writing group had its final session for the summer last night. It was a good one, too. It's such a lovely group of women. We've got plans to go to a play in July and out for our regular gala dinner in August. Shall fill in more details about bootcamp when I've got a few more minutes. I'm just slurping :coffee2: and preparing myself to go out and trot through the woods. WSW, even your description of how you approach your tasks is inspiring. I need to do that, take five minutes here and ten minutes there, to get stuff done. Yes I CAN! Kat, "favorite inspirational writer?" :D You're so sweet! Do I detect an interest in screenwriting? I've definitely got information to share if so. You'd be great! Hope grad night was perfect. Andria, it's amazing, isn't it, how much more possible life seems when work doesn't overwhelm? Enjoy! And we'll enjoy having you back in the palace. K, :queen:lies all -- let us enjoy this day that we've been given. Love to all! |
arabella- hearing your beautiful description of the amazing wildlife and weather was so soothing. it really felt like i could close my eyes and be in that spot. :) it sounded lovely, and i will look forward to hearing more installments about bootcamp.
kat-hope a grand time was had by all at your ds's graduation, and that the weather cooperated! tell us about that "midlife crisis" car. andria-glad you are enjoying the less hectic schedule now for summer. that is great about dh's fellowship! anagram-how lovely to have unsolicited, and i'm sure very much-warranted, compliment about being in such good shape! :) kaylets- good for you for not letting family stress push you off the wagon! i always love seeing the thought of the day you post, and the most recent one ("It is not what happens to that determines how far you do in life; It is what you do with what happens in life") sure struck a cord with me. ---and greetings to ceara, janga, and all our royal personages! the heat is blistering here. i did sneak out for a little while today, to get a quick errand done, but fortunately i didn't have any appointments which were an absolute must, and could lay low most of the remainder of the day. the other night, i had dinner with my best friend and his wife. they are just such a wonderful couple, and individuals, and it is always a pleasure to spend time, and laugh, with them. i also had gotten a new pair of sandals which are really cute, but are really just for show because my walking is unsteady (ms-wise) and i have to wear good solid shoes when i walk (with either my walker or cane.) my best friend has been taught well by his very smart wife that cute shoes are a big deal for girls, and so he automatically said "how about we take the wheelchair, and then you can show off those nice new shoes you have." i have to say it was great fun to get a chance to wear my "girl shoes." well, have a good evening, royals! take care. |
OH, how sweet! What lovely, caring friends you have, wsw! Sounds like it was a wonderful evening! I'm so glad you were able to show off your pretty 'girl shoes!'
Indeed, all went well at the graduation, the rain very kindly held off until we were actually leaving the football field, and even then, only after a decent amount of picture taking and schmoozing had been done. My tears began to flow the minute they started playing "Pomp and Circumstance" when the procession began... dh smartly reminded me that our son probably wasn't even out of the school, at that point, what with our name coming up waaaaaayy at the end of the alphabet, and maybe I should hold off or I'd be out of tissues! Wise man, he! By the time our "little boy" received his diploma, (after all the speeches, and students A-V had gone up) I was way beyond tears, had a numb hiney and was more hungry than anything else! :lol: All in all, it was a nice day. We had planned on going to DS's favorite hibachi restaurant for dinner... turns out it was closed on Wednesdays! We found a nice Japanese restaruant 'round the corner and had a great dinner there, instead. Very low key, but nice, just the four of us. My new car? So pretty! I had been driving the same car for the past 13 years, so it was getting to be time to say goodbye to Old Faithful. It was an Isuzu Rodeo, a good solid, 4wheel drive that got us through manys the winter storm, and to quite a few vacation destinations... Maine, Cape Cod, Boston, Washington DC, PA, MD, NY and of course the Jersey Shore. I really loved that car, my kids grew up with it, it's been a part of our family for almost as long as my son's been around! That said... now that sonny has his own car, daughter has her own car... it was time for Momma and Pop to trade up! I didn't want a family car, I didn't want an SUV, I wanted something cute and sporty! We got a great deal on a slightly used Chrysler Sebring convertible ... champagne color... so pretty! Every chance I get, and there haven't been many, what with all the $%#&@ rain, that top is down and I'm cruising! I love it! Arabella... Sounds like a great week, I can't wait to hear more! I'm in awe of your tales of the wildlife around you! What I'd give to see a bald eagle! Andria... 'Sleep is returning, stress is gone...' Now that sounds like the beginning of a great summer! Anagram... it stopped raining! :rain: for now I hope you're out on the patio of P&T. I plan to get outside today, finally, and get some gardening done... my how the weeds LOVE rain! Kaylets... You said something that resonates with me, completely: Sad that middleaged people choose to live this way. Over so very, very little. Whatever the case may be... it is sad. And I refuse to be sucked into the mire. There is so much to be thankful for, why waste time being angry and miserable? Oh, I could go on.... but I won't. Too nice a day! Speaking of which, I need to get out and enjoy this beautiful day... weather reports are iffy, so I gotta grab some sun while I can! I hope you all can grab some sunshine too! Have a great day! |
It is so HOT here! The weather reports say we've been hitting record highs for a good couple of weeks now, and it is just crazy miserable. The funny thing is, I know Southern Utah was much hotter by sheer temperature comparison, but any humidity at all makes a big difference in how hot it feels outside.
It is really funny to hear everyone talking about all the rain they are getting. We are just about to hit stage 3 drought restrictions. Of course, drought restrictions are pretty laughable here. You can still use a handheld hose any time of day! So, basically, it looks like a block party every night around here. All the neighbors are out watering their lawns, and the kiddos are running through the spray like a sprinkler. Anyway, enough of the weather talk from me! The scale is definitely hanging out the right direction. I had a bit of an expected upswing with family all here and celebrating, but that is gone as well as an extra pound. :carrot: I've also found a new, more immediate reason to get losing weight at a faster rate. I've been having stomach cramping problems, and it appears that it is probably the beginning of gallbladder troubles. Basically, every time I try to eat a couple of french fries or something of the sort, my stomach begins to cramp down. I pretty much can't eat anything else, and drinking anything makes me feel even worse. I thought it might be stress related, but after having a lunch with some fried foods the other day, there was a much more intense pain after the meal. The royal consort was a bit miffed I haven't been telling him about these problems--I kind of didn't think to, assuming it would solve itself. He also tells me that I'm too large to take the quick recovery surgical option. Right now, the plan is for me to make sure to maintain a low-fat diet (to prevent the gallbladder acting up, not just losing weight), and to do whatever else it takes to get losing some weight fast. I don't want to be down for weeks just because of my weight when there is a much safer option with a much shorter recovery time. So, the plan is in place, and I'm kicking myself into high gear. :) I was worried I'd be all bored and depressed while the princesses were visiting family in Utah, but I've actually been keeping really busy. Besides adding a day to the trainer every week, I've picked up some reading, writing and grammar workshops. I know this makes me sound like a geek, but I really love learning new ways and new ideas for teaching. Being with like-minded people is always a huge boost as well. Definitely part of the reason the palace is such a good place to hang out! Kat, the graduation sounds like it was perfect! We had a little snafu as well with our celebration dinner. Turns out I set the reservations at the wrong restaurant, and the one we were supposed to be at had parties of 19 and 24 to be seated ahead of us. Ack! We ended up waiting about 40 minutes, which wasn't really a problem. We all sat and talked while trying to ignore the antics of my ex MIL. :dizzy: Love the snazzy new car for you! I can just see you cruising around with that top down. :) wsw, I love that you have such caring friends around you. What a brilliant way for them to help you show off your pretty new sandals. :) Also, congratulations on the still-dropping weight! :congrat: Arabella, I'm with everyone else. The wildlife descriptions are just lovely! Except for the bugs, that is... They do make me want to be in shape enough to do my own woods woggling. :) :wave: to Anagram, Kaylets, Ceara, and any others I've missed. I think it is time for an afternoon snack and some time with the Wii Fit. Those trainers can be much tougher than the real thing! Andria |
kat-so glad it was a lovely graduation celebration for ds and all of your family! your new car sounds so cool! enjoy! :)
andria-woohoo on pounds down! the workshops sound interesting, and glad you are enjoying them. sorry you are having gallbladder problems. hope that will be able to be resolved in the least invasive manner, and the best timing for you, and that it won't give you too much trouble, at least, in the meantime. saw "easy virtue" (colin firth), which i really enjoyed, at the cute little theatre the older folks (and i ) like(with easy parking, very small theatre, etc.) i hadn't been there in such a long time, and was glad i went today. the drive is a bit long, but it was definitely worth it. the a/c was blasting at just my favorite "arctic temp," and there is a neat book case in the lobby, which has a good collection of books that i always enjoy browsing, while jazz is playing in the background. it really is just my speed. :) tomorrow, i am having brunch with a couple of good friends, which should be fun. well, hope all royals have a good evening and remainder of the weekend. take care. |
Sunday in the Summer Palace
1 Attachment(s)
Oh, I am enjoying this day! :bubbles:
We had a lovely dinner party last night with SIL & BIL and two close friend couples. :) The weather was lovely for sitting out. I put a cloth on our deck table, gathered a bouquet from the gardens. I made veggie pizzas with whole wheat crust and a mesclun salad. I had a brainwave for dessert -- put out a big platter of fresh strawberries and cherries with chunks of chocolate strewn amongst them. Everyone was happy. We sat and talked and laughed for hours. We went for our long Sunday walk, came back and had Sunday breakfast. We've got a copy of "La Vie en Rose" to watch tonight and lamb dinner pretty much ready to go. I'm trying to decide whether to hit the greenhouses or lounge and read about ghosts. I'm a wee bit tired so I may choose the latter. It's been quite warm and humid, yesterday a bit less so and today verging on cool again. I love it when the weather mixes it up. One story from bootcamp: One of our first exercises was to pass in Act I of our treatments (a summary of our stories). When we were in the session room the next day, the mentor said that most of us would be shocked by the comments on our papers, that, on the whole, they were pretty bad. Gulp. And then he started addressing issues people had trouble with. (This sounds worse than it was -- he was framing it mostly as, you folks are just starting out, there are things you need to know.) Kept not saying anything about mine. I was thinking: He'll finish off saying, "And, Ivy, yours was the worst of the lot." But no, nothing. Then he handed them back and it was totally positive. As he left the room, he stood behind me and put his hands on my shoulders and said "Yours was terrific." :D I did think, a little bit, that the rest of the group might hate me but they seemed okay. I'm attaching my treatment, in case anyone's interested. Info-wise, it'll demonstrate what a treatment is, anyway. WSW, I've got the same issue with shoes. If I'm going to walk even a block or so, I have to wear supportive shoes. Sometimes it's possible to find something attractive that I can walk in a bit but never super-girly things. I'll have to find me some "sitting" shoes. ;) Andria, too bad about the tummy trouble. On the other hand, it sounds as if you might manage to make it work in your favor. Good for you attending workshops! I think you're in your right career. :) Kat, I'm loving the image of you scooting around in your new convertible! Sounds like a "new lease on life" car to me. I'd never seen so many bald eagles in my life -- c'mon up and visit and I'll take you to them. :D Now, where beith all other :queen:ly folk? Love to all, in any case. Hope everyone has a splendiferous Sunday. |
Hello all....
I spent 2 days this weekend in the sun and have woken up feeling motivated and ready.... Silver-- Thanks for the kind words, I need to read all of your post more thoroughly. Just one thing---we do what we can, when we can do more, we do more.... WE CAN DO THIS!!! To everyone else, big hugs..... I have baby robins outside my kitchen window again. Not but 3 ft away !! Very inspiring watching the two parents staying on track, no matter all the distractions... And, this is an important note for all of us: This is important info! ******************* WARNINGS ABOUT TICKS I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times unintentionally but this one is real, and it's important. Please send this warning to everyone on your e-mail list. If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!! THIS IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked. I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid. ************* |
:lol::lol::carrot::lol::lol:
That's all I have time for at the moment... but thanks for sending me home with a big smile on my face, Kaylets! |
Arabella! Wow, your treatment is excellent! I can certainly see why the mentor would say it's terrific... because it is! :write:
I am duly impressed. :cp: Tell us more! I shall return this evening... must finish up here. (this is getting to be a habit, using final work moments to sneak away to the Palace!) |
Ah, such a lovely evening on the patio of peace and contentment..........reminded me I had not been in touch with the Palace for a while...........
Arabella - I loved the treatment - what a great story - can't wait to see it on screen - could visualize everything. Marvelous. Just like your harbor and woods descriptions. A champagne convertible, kat - whew! Sounds such fun - and sort of reminds me of the year when my son first went off to college. Once he was moved and settled in, I traded in my "Momma" station wagon and went with a sporty little thing for a while. Was so glad to be more-or-less out of the taxi business. Andria, isn't it amazing the things you can find to do when you have a little extra time and a lot less stress? When do the princesses return? How nice to have an in-house dr. if you must have a problem. Good luck with the "control" plan. And, wsw, how I love your friends for being such good friends to you. I love the girly shoes story too as I also must wear the sturdy type 99 3/4% of the time (which sure limits the types of clothes you wear). And :queen: K - you certainly made me smile. Too bad you warned me before I was approached by that "inspector". Speaking of smiling - I just saw "The Proposal" - haven't laughed so much for a long time. I spent a week in Princessville recently and have just sort of caught up, i.e., ended up back where I was before I left (well, except for weeds). Getting back in the routine of pool workouts but have had a bit too much social life lately to say I've been on the straight and narrow. So have a happy 4th, all ye of that persuasion and a belated happy Canada day to others. Smiles and happy days to all ye Royals. :belly: |
The Saturday Palace
:yawn: I slept an extra hour last night, which I'd been longing for all week. I've got some kind of respiratory infection - not enough to be really bothersome but enough to keep me a little tired. Just enjoying :coffee2: now before I go for a little woods woggle.
I mostly took the day off yesterday and mostly spent it doing the weekly cleaning. Also made a big pot of soup, did the shopping and four loads of laundry. I didn't manage the much-needed pedicure I'd promised myself and I vow I'll do it today. I'm rewatching "Angels in America" and have most of the last episode left to watch. That'll make a nice time to soak my poor tootsies in hot lavender-scented epsom salt water. :) I'm thinking something coral-y. Otherwise, I think I'll go to the library to get some books for my mummy. Maybe take her to do a little thrift store shopping. I saw some nice coral-y shirts at one when I wasn't in the mood to try things on... Oh, and I still need to get some annuals... Thanks for the kind words on the treatment! Next, I'm going to start working on the scenes. One way that people do that is to get a hundred or so index cards and create one for each scene you want to have. Then lay them out on a table where you can keep them, mark them for this that and the other thing. For example, you can mark them with different colors for each character to help keep track of your people throughout. Kaylets, a little sunshine does wonders doesn't it. :) We've gone back to gray here but I know the sun will be back. Oh hang on, there's a knock -- maybe it's the tick inspector... Dare I hope? :hyper: WSW, loved your description of the theatre -- wish we had one similar. I'll have to watch out for "Easy Virtue." The movie, I mean. Anagram, not being on the straight and narrow because of social life always seems healthy in some way, don't you think? Oh, I'll be looking forward to seeing The Proposal! Kat, I'm glad you're getting a chance to pop into the palace. Looking forward to your next long(er) post. ;) Andria, how are things in your corner of the Palace? And where beith all other :queen:ly folk? K, coffee's about gone and I must :running: Happy Fourth to my lovely American friends -- let's CELEBRATE! |
What a busy :queen: you were yesterday, Arabella. I'm always impressed you do so much AND woodswoggle ;)
I agree on the health merits of social life and have been working hard to improve mine despite the ruination of my healthiest of plans. My biggest complaint about it really is the amount of salt in most restaurant foods no matter the type. Since I retain water so easily, it can take me a week or two of "home cookin' " to get rid of what I pick up in once nice dinner out. It is just so lovely here this morning. Read the paper on the patio and, once I make my meager brekkie, I think that will be out there as well. Have only laundry, groceries and gardening on my tentative schedule and all of those can wait as well. So - my idea of a perfect day and I do have a book I want to get into. Sigh - but this time a good sigh ;) :belly: |
:celebrate:
Isn't it nice to have a long weekend? I'm still getting used to not shuffling holidays, and being off every weekend and holiday is a continuing source of delight! And NOW, with DH on the same schedule? I feel like we're dating again! We had a lovely day yesterday... (my birthday, btw) We packed a picnic and went to the beach, (in my new convertible, natch) spent a long, languishing day there, stopped in a pretty little harbor town on the way home, got ice cream, and took a nice long stroll. We got home just in time catch the local fireworks show. The best place to view them, away from the crowds, is the parking lot at the movie theater, so after it was over, we popped inside and saw "Public Enemies." It was pretty good, from what I saw... I did cop a few ZZZs in the middle of the story, but I guess I only missed another bank robbery and shoot out with the police! (I think next week's movie will be The Proposal, thanks for the insight, Anagram! It looks funny in the previews, but sometimes you never know, so I'm glad to have a first hand review!) All in all, it was a nice, mellow day... today I intend to spend the entire day doing gardening and yardwork... maybe throw some hot dogs on the grill later. It is gloriously sunny today, warm and not humid! Finally! The summer weather we've been waiting for! :chin: So, with the birthday coinciding with the halfway through the year mark, I decided that it was time to review and re-evaluate what's working/what's not, re: weight loss issues. (note to self: nothing is working at the moment!) I've gotten myself stuck in a rut again and it's just time to crawl out of it! Daily exercise has dwindled down to a very occasional lunchtime walk, food choices, by and large, could be much better... the direct result of the near non-existence of planning ahead. (or maybe all that dating! :lol: ) My big plan at the beginning of the year was to LOSE 50# by my birthday, but I'm not going to wail and gnash my teeth over what I haven't accomplished. I know what to do, so I will just readjust and reset that goal for the END of the year. Certainly doable if I just, uh... DO IT! So I will! Which means I need to get moving here... Wishing everyone a Happy Fourth of July and a belated Happy Canada Day! Have a wonderful weekend, eat well and move much! (my plan in a nutshell!) :wave: PS... I just killed me to change my ticker, but it's time to face it! |
Happy Sunday!
Good morning, Faire :queen:ies! I'm with Kat, gotta love the weekends. And the longer the better. :yes:
I managed the trip to the library yesterday to get my mom booked up. DH and I went out to buy a new teapot -- ours tend to eventually be the victim of a "turned on the wrong burner" accident. So we got a big stainless steel one and a lovely French blue kettle. He balked at me getting a sweet little soft blue or green (hadn't decided) tea pot for herbal teas but they were only $15 and I'm going to go back and get one when he's not looking. :s: Of course, he'll find it when he goes through the finances at the end of the month but I told him I was going to do it. Then we went to get annuals to fill in the bare spots. We ended up with a mix of pinks, corals, orange, red, yellow and white. Which is pretty much what I had in mind, so we didn't have to wrangle over it. Why can't I have one of those husbands that considers all that stuff the wife's domain? :shrug: We watched "Gran Torino" last night -- it was good, as was "The Reader," which we watched Friday night. That's three good ones in a row, along with "One Week," which we watched through the week. Kat :hb: :balloons: Happy, happy, happy belated birthday! Once more, we thank the universe for bringing you to us. Sounds like your day was about perfect! :cloud9: Blessings to all! |
hi kat- happy belated birthday!!!! :) it sounds like it was loverly, which you certainly deserve!
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Belated birthday greetings to kat and to kaylets. Sisters under the stars!
New plants sound delightful, arabella. My day lillies are currently a joy of my life. And SOOOO much patio time - aaah! Today I meet DD "halfway" to bring Princess 13 up for a couple of days - another joyful time. We'll do it again Wednesday and I'll bring up Princess "almost 9" for an overnight stay and then again Thursday to return them both safely to Mama. I go a little less than "halfway" as we meet at an outlet mall ;) Needless to say, there will be a little shopping done as well - but more DD than I as many of the shops are aimed more at the younger crowd and I'm betting there will be some bargains for the early days of back to school. So I'll be missing here a few more days but I'll be thinking of all in the Palace. :belly: |
Just sending some quick *HUGS* to all my favorite royals! Curriculum writing is kicking my backside, but we'll be done Friday. See y'all this weekend. :)
Andria |
A very quick, late night "hello" to all... then I'm off to bed. Dh and I have spent the major part of this evening cleaning out DS's room... :yikes: The horror! I have 3 large bags of clothes to be donated and 2 huge bags of trash out at the curb. Tomorrow I'm heading back up there with the vacuum and and some Lysol! He's coming home tomorrow, just for an overnighter, then back to camp he'll go on Sunday. Boy, is he gonna be pissed when he sees what we've done! :lol: (when he should get down on his knees and thank us!) DH came across an old journal of his... started when he was about 9 or 10, and kept it up for about 3 years... I know, I know... we shouldn't have read it, but it was SO FUNNY! And how else would I know that he could write so well? :shrug:
I'm loving this weather... the AC has been off for over a week! :cp: I had a grand walk last night, it was gloriously cool out and the smell of honeysuckle was intoxicating! The dog and I cruised all over the neighborhood, checking out streets I've never been down before... I love doing that! I need to do lots more of that. I am entertaining the thought of signing up for a private trainer at my gym... we'll see. I need to hit the sack now, but I wanted to pop in and check up on y'all... and I still have to check out Arabella's thread about the Gabriel Method too! Have a lovely weekend, pretty :queen:s! |
Oh, how to marshal the forces.
I had a nasty few days earlier in the week, one of those stretches where you think it's all going down the tubes. I think the issues were work stress, combined with not feeling up to par and fatigue. Bad, bad combo for me. Pulled it together by Thursday and had a great day -- coincidentally (?) our first sunny day in weeks. Hmmm... Anyway, I've got to take another run at this thing. I'll pick up the Gabriel Method book again and see if I can get reinvigorated. (No danger of spending too much time in that thread, Kat -- not much to see there -- but I have hopes of getting it going again.) I am still having those experiences of no desire to eat when I'm not hungry, just not all the time. Progress? And I've been doing well on the exercise front, 10k steps pretty much every day, running with 5-6 sprints built in 3x a week, circuit training at the gym 3x, 15 mins of yoga every day. Got back to tai chi Thursday night. And I'm seeing changes in my body -- much firmer. Also, shirts that were snug when I was lighter now are verging on too big. Sadly, though, my thighs aren't getting any smaller and I blame the sprints. However, telling myself that they will eventually have to yield.
Didn't get enough sleep last night -- we stayed up later than usual watching "The Dark Knight" and then I woke at 4:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. I feel a little tired and out of sorts. Hoping a run will help. Also, it's hot and sunny here and I hope I can make it to the beach later. Oh my gosh I'm boring myself silly. I'd delete this if I wasn't so Scotch. Anagram, hope you had a nice time with the princesses! How was the shopping? I want to try to hit the second hand shops today, too. Kat, what a lovely post! :cp: I love cruising the various neighborhoods, too. Pretend house shopping, checking out the gardens, etc. WSW, Andria, Kaylets, any lurking :queen:lies :wave: Let's take this day and make it work for us! |
So it's a lovely Saturday morning and I'm having trouble getting me going. But it's ok - I can be a leisurely :queen: after such a busy week.
So enjoyed the princesses. Was FORCED to buy an outfit at the outlets while waiting for the "late as usual" DD. Had P13 M-T, did a retrip on W to pick up P8. Museumed, bowled (the Ps, not I), minigolfed (ditto), "cooked", sewed, etc. Then last night I went to track and casino with friends. Lost, of course, but not much. Have a 50th birthday party today - then at least two evenings out so far next week. I'm trying to make wiser choices but no way I'll be losing at this rate. However, I often say I need more social life so can't complain when it's happening. New little grandniece born yesterday in Alaska. New life is always such a joy. Will be losing my dear little neighbors soon - their house sold in two days (so all is not rotten everywhere) and am musing re a parting gift. No idea what but want something "special". Well, my second cuppa should be cooled off enough. I think I'll throw a load of laundry in and then take the tea to the Patio of.......... Some computer problems this week - hope I've managed to "fix" them. A joyous weekend to all Royals. :belly: |
Sunday in the Palace
DH and DS are off on a bike ride, which makes my heart so glad. They never had an easy relationship while DS was growing up and it just makes me so happy to see them (mostly) having one now. They don't spend much time together so this is even that much more special. I've been smiling ever since I saw them wheel off. :)
Now, that means I'm solo for the long Sunday walk but that's okay. I'm just thinking about what route I'd like to take now. And maybe one more :coffee2: Oh, I had a lovely NSV yesterday. I went into a shop looking for what to get DS to give me for my birthday. As I walked through the store, I caught a side view and was shocked to realize it was me. Totally did not look like a fat person to me. Looked, actually, nice. Turned around and straight ahead, there I was again -- not looking fat. I actually shifted my purse to see if I was hiding avoirdupois behind it. :lol: Nope. I actually thought: "Nice!" Well, now I know it was partially the clothes but it's a heck of a long time since I saw that in a mirror. TOD (Kaylets, I'm not usurping. But this really struck me as something I need to take to heart.): The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem. (Theodore Rubin) It's that nasty perfectionism that means not that any aspect of my life is perfect but that I often feel frustrated and unsatisfied. And overwhelmed, which makes me ... stuck. Hmmm... I've still got that respiratory infection -- nothing serious but just not 100%. Ah well. I'll get my exercise in and take it easy the rest of the day if I feel like it. :yes: Anagram, I'm so sorry to hear that your young friends are going. That's a hard one to deal with, the way people come into our lives and go out again. People didn't use to move around so much and we're just supposed to suck it up now that they do but it does seem hard. :hug: K, :queen:lies, I must be off before DH returns and I'm still sitting here. Have a wonderful Sunday, Lovelies! |
Re: NSV
It did occur to me, whilst I was out a-walking, that it might sound like I thought that meant I don't think I'm fat. I assure you, that's not the case. I'm a good 40-odd pounds overweight and I know it! Just... all dressed and with no actual skinny person standing next to me... I looked fine.
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I can't think of a better NSV than that, Arabella! Being happy with my reflection is something I long for! :cp: Good for you!
I popped in for a minute to use the loo... heard the computer humming and had to check for an email, so, naturally I cruised on over to the Palace. I bought some impatiens to replace my scraggly pansies, and three big pots of cosmos, just because I love 'em! I picked 2 giant zucchinis out of my garden and a fistful of green beans. We picked up some corn at the garden shop and two nice tomatoes, which I'll cut up with some of my fresh basil. :T ...guess what's on the menu tonight? Okay, back to the dirt for me. Hope all are having as lovely a day as I am! :wave: |
Well, we didn't finish curriculum writing on Friday, so most of us are back at it again today. It is hard work, but being part of this crew, especially as a teacher with only one year under her belt, feels like a huge privilege. One of the teachers I'm working with has been teaching 44 years, and almost all the rest are department coordinators. I'm definitely the baby of this group!
Even though I've been chained to a desk for the last bit, I'm still working out and getting moving. The new trainer has been challenging me to add more movement to my week, especially cardio, and I've been challenging myself to get 30 minutes a day. I'm doing better at it, even though I haven't met the goal every day. Saturday I tried out a new wii fitness program my husby brought home, and even on the easiest level it kicked my royal backside! My knees ached a bit too much after, so I'll have to adjust the workout a bit, but other than that, it was great fun. I still want to get to the pool and join in one of the water aerobic classes, but I keep making excuses to not go. Not sure what is up with that except that I see people I work with at the gym. Occasionally I see a student of mine, but that isn't too often. I just need to get over myself and do what I love because I know it is good for me. Arabella's post reminded me to start looking for NSV's instead of the ones on my scale. I've felt rather betrayed by the little box lately, especially since I've been working out more and eating well. I jumped on this morning and it showed me down 4 lbs. from last week. When there is that big of a drop, I usually wait about half an hour and try again, just in case, and... well, this time the scale showed me up 10 lbs. Ummm... ok... yeah. :dizzy: I'll just have to wait for tomorrow morning to give it another try. I've got to jet out of here in a few, but wanted to drop in and make an accounting of myself as a solid start to the week. I'm outta here, one Fresh Start card firmly in hand! Andria |
arabella-what a lovely nsv! hope respiratory infection is gone now and that you are feeling back to 100%. neat to hear that dh and ds's relationship is so good now.
kat-loved hearing about your garden and all those lovely fresh veggies. i don't have a garden myself, but i am always amazed at those of you who can grow things. your recent walk in neighborhood when you checked out new streets, etc. sounded so delightful. i used to love doing that in the neighborhood where i grew up. brings back fond memories when you spoke of this. :) andria-sounds like you sure have been working hard with curriculum development. it must be interesting, and neat working with those who have been teaching for so long and hearing their perspective too. anagram-glad to hear you had a good time when princesses visited. hope computer problems are all a thing of the past now. ( i hate that stuff!) congrats on newest little grandniece!! :) i know you will miss your little neighbors when they move soon, as i am sure they will miss you greatly. ---and royal salutations to ceara, kaylets, janga, and all who dwell in the palace! have remained op, though at times grudgingly. i fell a couple of weeks ago, and though so grateful nothing was broken, i did get pretty bruised and am still sore, but definitely less so now. also had cold last week, but that too is much better. being sore has made it a bit harder to exercise, so have had to modify program a bit, but have been able to stick to most of it pretty well. actually, the stretching portion of it has probably been pretty helpful, in fact. listening to nice music now, and about to tackle the always dreaded paperwork, but know the background music will make it much less painful. :) well, take care, dear royals. thinking of you. |
6 minutes to punch out...
...and here I am! Let's see how much I can pack into this post in such a short time!
wsw...I'm hoping that you're feeling much better and I'm quite impressed that you worked out in spite of your injury! (I'm pretty sure I would use that as an excuse to NOT work out... which probably explains why I'm in maintenance limbo...:chin: ) Anyway, good for you! Oh! And! I am in complete agreement with you about music making things better! Kinda like that 'spoonful of sugar making the medicine go down!' Arabella... I can totally relate to the pleasure you get from seeing your 'boys' together. When my son was in his early teens, there were a number of rows between father and son that I would just as soon forget... and they are quite close now, which makes my heart glad too! andria... Of course you are swimming with the big fish! Obviously they recognize talent and intelligence... both of which you've got!! anagram... congrats on new grandniece! :bb: I'm sorry to hear your little next door friend will be leaving you, I'm sure you've left as much an impression on him as he has on you! OK... time's up! Actually I'm over... boss will have a cow to pay me for posting! :wave: |
Hello all.....
Hope everyone is doing well.... This past weekend I saw photos of myself. Not in a good way. Thne last night, I needed to find something to wear to a "Signing Ceremony" today... "Dress up" we were told. Mirrors matched the photos.... All I can say is, YIKES!!!! Yikes about denial! Yikes about regain! So! Here we go Tuesday! Old rules are in place, ONLY if they work! Thanks to everyone for listening................ Here we go! So, today's Good Morning thought is a personal message to myself..... ************** Thought of the day: "Doing nothing IS doing something." Anna Quindlen Question of the day: "What was your very first job?" ************* |
Aye, Kaylets, YIKES! Glad you had your NSV, Arabella. I'm sure you look great!!! And glad your boys are making you happy!
wsw, you persevering soul, you. Hope all is better. Andria, it sounds like a NSV to me that you are included in that group. Gardening sounds fun, kat, but I chuckled out loud about being paid overtime for posting ;) Computer problems off and on. Mostly on but aggravatingly showing up just to torment me. Getting ready to head out for my Elderhostel program on Sunday. L O N G time since I've stayed in a dorm but I'm REALLY looking forward to this. IF I were to have a "bucket list", this would have been on it ;) Of course, I was going to be pounds thinner by my starting off date............. :belly: |
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