OMG...just went to the breakroom to get my morning cup and someone left Girl Scout DO SI DO cookies on the table. DSD are my weakness. I ate 3 before I realized what I had done. Now my tummy is rumbling and about to poof out of my skin. I feel like poo. Why oh why did I do that. I am such a boobie. Someone beat me. barfing now.

Good morning ladies -

Another crazy busy day of work ahead....but I'm enjoying it. Last night, I went to the gym and did 15 minutes of recumbent stepper, followed by 20 minutes of Abs class, followed by 1/2 hour of yoga. I felt WONDERFUL when I left the gym. I'm a bit sore today...mostly in my glutes...must be 'cause I worked my butt off! :lrofl: I don't know if I'm quite at exercise goddess or queen status yet, but I'm getting there....I LOVE those endorphins!

Tonight, I think I'll take a rest from the gym and just do my PT exercises and relax with DH

Anyway, I'd better get back to work. I'll be back later to do personals.

Love and hugs to all,

I JUST HAD TO COME HERE BETWEEN CALLS. THE GOVT SAYS I HAVE 3 PROBLEMS:
1- I TURN 62 THIS MONTH MAKING ME ELIGIBLE FOR SOME RETIREMENT SOCIAL SECURITY
2- I HAVE PUT IN ENOUGH MONEY INTO SOC. SECURITY TO APPLY FOR FULL DISABILITY
3- JEN AND I HAVE THE JOINT ACCOUNT WITH ACCESSIBLE MONEY TO BOTH OF US
SO THIS MAN SAID WE COULD HAVE 2 PHONE INTERVIEWS TO TRY AND STRAIGHTEN THIS OUT. NOW I ADDED THE 2ND TO THE CALENDAR.
BUT I HAVE TO SAY...THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED IN THE WORLD HISTORY OF SOCIAL SECURITY BEFORE??? I FIND THAT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE HAVING KNOWN MANY WORKING DISABLED
OK GOTTA USE THE PHONE FOR THE NEXT AGENCY NOW BUT I HAD TO COME HERE AND BIOTCH TO MY WORLDLY SISTERS.

OMG MEL......I am sure you are the very first in history to have this issue, especially since they had a response for you....NOT

ROUND 2:
I GOT A CALL BACK AND THEY WILL DEAL WITH THE ISSUES ONE AT A TIME SO IT WILL BE 3 PHONE CALLS

AND I FINALLY GOT THRU TO THE OTHER AGENCY AND THEIR PC HAS BEEND DOWN A FEW DAYS SHE TOLD ME TO KEEP TRYING AGAIN TOMORROW. SHE WOULDN'T EVEN TALKE MY # AND CALL ME BACK HERSELF. BIOTCHY WITCHY!

IF THIS WASN'T SO RIDICULOUS I REALLY WOULD BE CRYING. BUT I AM LAUGHING AND PACKING MY STUFF AND GETTING CLOTHES OUT FOR TOMORROW'S SHOPPING TRIP.

Good afternoon ladies -

It's been a long day already and I've still got 2 hours to go. I'm tired. I'm glad I decided to take a break from the gym tonight. I've got a quick errand to run on my way home, then it's home to relax and do PT exercises while I watch TV.

Madcat - Sending and : for you and your sister.

Ruth - Sending to you and : for Shirleyanne and Claire. Out here, they'll be starting to tap the trees soon too. When I was a little girl, I used to go "sugaring" sometimes with my grandpa. We'd tap the trees, collect the sap, and make the syrup. And then we put some of the warm just made syrup on fresh clean snow...Yummm! It sounds weird, but it was sticky, gooey, sweet heaven!

Happy - How sweet of you to "adopt" another kitty! Or to let another kitty adopt you! Hopefully, she and Mr. Feral will get along well enough to share the accommodations. 60 degrees? Oh, I so wish it would get that warm here, but at least we're getting temps in the low to mid 40s for the rest of the week! Yay! When you get a chance, can you please post the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sauce recipe, please?

Annie - Congrats on 6 months with Tony. Pizza noodle casserole sounds yummy! Will you share the recipe please? I'll bet you're so excited for your St. Louis trip! I'm sending : to Tony for his job decision. If he goes back to school full-time, I know some colleges/universities offer health services to students (not sure about families though).

Mel - Thanks for the turkey meatloaf recipe! Wishing you much luck and success with the gov't. It seems like the reasons the gov't says you have problems are the reasons they should be paying you $$. 3 more phone calls?? That's insane! And the other agency wouldn't even talk to you - their PC has been down for days?? That's ridiculous! Well, enjoy your shopping trip tomorrow! Sending you and :

Patty - I hope you're feeling better. I'm glad to hear you are taking time off to rest and get better. I plant in big garden pots too. I grow tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, squash and green beans.

Ceejay - I hope things are going well for you!

Shad - Congrats on the weight loss! Don't worry...I am sticking 100% to only PT approved movement. I want to get my back better ASAP and it seems the only way to do that is to listen to my PT. I'm glad your apartment is not near the fires. Have a wonderful time at Philip Island! Say hello to the penguins for me.

Holly - Great to hear from you again! I hope you're doing well.

Rose - Congrats on the weight loss! That's wonderful! My yoga class is kicking my behind too. Sending : to you and your clan.

I'd better get back to work....so much to get done!

Love and hugs,

Morning - or rather afternoon all,
Just a fly by for me today. I have a desk that resembles Mt Stationery and Mt Technology. 2 computers, 3 big piles of paper. Soon, I will need to take off my shoes and work with my toes. I am woman - I can do anything, probably even work and attend meetings.

Mel - at least things are moving - even if it does seem to be sideways. Talk is good, just don't stop. If you make enough noise, then you will get dealt with - works over here. Just keep on complaining - put your medical bills up to them to and let them know that your face looks like it does because they are stressing you out!!!!!

Good to hear the chicks are exercising, losing, eating well and getting on with it. I'll be back

Good Morning Chickies....

We have two out sick this morning. Yikes, I am staying away from their area. Don't want any nasties.

Michelle....get your rest girl. Don't want to get run down and get the sickies. The gym can live without you for a night or two.

Shad...hmmmmmmmmm, Mt Stationery....can you say shredder? hehe Sounds like you have your work cut out for you.

MEL...how's the battle of the govt going today?

Got lots of laundry to do tonight, want to run the vacuum, make cupcakes to take to St. Louis, and a few other chores to get done before tomorrow.

Hello to everyone.

Love and Hugs

Hi ladies,

Well sadly we had to give the newest kitty the boot out of the yard. I had fed Mr. Feral and the calico yesterday and left for work. Shortly afterwards, DH heard ferocious screeching outside. It even scared our cat who raced upstairs to hide under the bed. He went out and both cats scampered from opposite directions. Mr. Feral went and hid in our storage shed which is his 2nd home after the porch. Calico scampered on the fence where DH chased her away. Apparently they both decided to take refuge in the azaleas after breakfast and neither was happy about the other's choice. Mr. Feral is old and come springtime he gets these bloody sores on his shoulder and bib. The one on his bib was even worse after the fight. So DH said as much as he doesn't want to, no more feeding of Miss Calico. She is a good size so even tho she eats like she hasn't had a meal in a week, she is not looking scrawny by any means. DH is also worried because she has front claws that she might go after our cat too although Boo runs her right out of the yard when she sees her. So such is life in the cat house. The calico came by several times last night and is lurking this morning - I'm sure she does not understand why all of a sudden the gravy train has stopped.

In other news, today is our wedding anniversary. 32 long years ago. Me in platform shoes and a size 3 wedding dress - you've come a lonnnnng way baby

Shad - I like your "mountain range" - come to think of it, your desk sounds like it looks like the all the ones on the other side of the building with all the SAP folks. Hope you get on top of things.

Michelle - lettuce in pots? Really? I would think that would require a larger field to plant. I am torn between planting a pot garden or just doing flowers and getting the vegetables from the local farmers market. I will post the sauce recipe for you.

Mel - silly Mel - she thought the government might be PRO-ACTIVE I'm sorry you are going through so much grief - and on an all too frequent basis too. Glad you can keep a smile about it. for you. Yes, we would have a hoot at Trader Joes together. My SUV would not be big enough to hold all the loot!

Annie - you have asked the eternal question - WHY do we keep eating things we know are bad for us even when they make us sick????????? If you ever figure out the answer, or better how to overcome it, I would be the first to buy a ticket to listen. We have the cookies at work too and Tuesday we figured out that a sugar free chocolate chip cookie was just as many points as any other regular cookie save for the highly caloric Samoas. They just took out the sugar and added more fat. I hope you didn't get too sick and avoided the rest of the cookies.

Rose on the weight loss for the year! Even if it comes off slow, it's coming off and that's what matters. That's so funny about the tulips. You remind me to go check my pots in the garage. Can you possibly plant tulips too late???

I had a very uncomfortable bra on yesterday which dug into me and left sore spots. The girls are not happy about being corralled up this morning but if I leave them free they will be typing all kinds of things on my keyboard at my desk if you know what I mean so I'll have to find an old and more stretchy boulder holder as well as a loose shirt today.

See yah!

Morning All, Trying not to be grumpy here....can we all say oh BOOO HOOO FOR Rose this morning!!! The three mountain passes I would have to travel are expected to get up to 14 inches of snow.....so my trip is off. So at work yesterday I had to reconfigure the days ahead. On my list to make it be a bit more fun....go see and hold my friends new baby Nevaeh........ go to my kick butt yoga tonight to see what new torture position she comes up with. Good band playing friday night....go dance my legs off..... sat go decorated two rooms at the care center for some friends who are coming to stay in salmon in the home that I adore. A mother and son who both suffer from MS.
So anyway, I am being a bit sarcastic ....but I will try to get out and about and enjoy!!!

Spring in the ROckies is always like this. Happy I went around and planted the bulbs all over in different pots and they are all coming on....sort of fun. My Jasmine vine is blossoming also and that smell can give you a glimpse of what heaven might smell like...I love it!

I do hope the troubles that surround each of us just become faint memories with good resolutions for all!!! Mel, are you gearing up for St.Patty's?????

I will be checking back throughout my days.... I will try to post that soup recipe. Enjoying my morning coffee and trying to wake up.

Peace to all,
Rose & TOby hangin' in the ROckies

Got this banana information from another thread, thought it was interesting...
Bananas

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said
the expression 'going bananas' is from the effects of bananas on the brain.
Read on:

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

This is interesting.

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined
with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a
strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit
with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help
overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making
it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND
amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better
after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan,
a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to
make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains
regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of
hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in
potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure.
So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed
the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to
reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school
(England) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas
at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power.
Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist
learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help
restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without
resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to
make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms

the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood
sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body,
so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps
to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try
rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people
find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads
to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital
patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in
high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food
cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high
carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal
disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only
raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases.
It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the
lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a
'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temp
of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat
bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help
SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer
tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying
to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium
and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects
of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heart
beat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance.
When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our
potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-
potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine,
eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by
strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want
to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart,
with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster
or surgical tape!

Hello ladies,

Just a quick post. Trying to digest all the banana info. Did't know it was that good.

Mitchellez - you plant cucumbers & squash in pots? What size pots are you using? Do you use a trellis? Might have to give you a call on this one.
With the price of food, i'm thinking of planting a few more items this year.
So far my list is tomatoes, (grape, cherry, roma), bell peppers, and jalopenoes. ( I don't like bell or jal, but i grow for mom and dad)

will post more later...

Patty....

I plant Roma tomatos for salsa making. THen a good beefstake tomato for munching. I also plant bell peppers, jalopenos, cucumbers, pumpkin, and maybe spinach this year. I am liking spinach as my salad staple rather than any lettuce. Oh and I plant basil. I love fresh basil. I put the basil in a pot on the patio table then leave the slider open and man does it smell good.

2 more days until Mel's birthday

I AM SO HAPPILY TIRED. WILLY AND I HAD A GOOD TIME AT TRADER JOE'S AND I BOUGHT THE FAMILY A DINNER OF THEIR FAVORITE THINGS. HE CAME IN WITH ME AND PUSHED THE CART AND LIFTED EVERYTHING. ALL I HAD TO DO WAS POINT MOST OF THE TIME!!! HE IS A GOOD MAN AND I TOLD HIM I AM JEALOUS OF HIS MARY.
THE FRIDGE AND CUPBOARD ARE FILLED UP WITH HEALTHY FOODS. LET US HOPE THEY AGREE WITH MY FACE!! HELPED OUT A FRIEND IN THE OFFICE AND WE ARE ALL LUNCHING TOGETHER AND JEN IS JOINING US TOO. SHOULD BE FUN SORRY THE PERSONALS ARE SHORT BUT I NEED TO EAT AND FEEL SLEEPY.
HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT DAY

ANNIE....IS THAT YOU AND TONY? CUTE PICTURE!! JEN AND I CANNOT EAT BANANAS...I NEED A BOX OF DULCOLAX TO GET RID OF THEM!!!

HAPPY...SO SORRY ABOUT POOR MR FERAL AND I WOULD DO THE SAME AS YOU DID. IF WE WENT TOGETHER TO TRADER'S WE WOULD NEED A FRIGGING MOVING VAN!!!

SHAD....TOO BAD I CANNOT INTERVIEW VIA A COMPUTER CAMERA!! THEN THEY COULD SEE THE RED PUSS!!! SENDING YOU A HUG FOR YOU AND THE NEW DESK AND YES YOU ARE WOMAN.....LET ME HEAR YOU ROAR!!! I ALSO HOPE IF YOU START TAPPING THE COMPUTER KEYS WITH YOUR TOES THAT YOU GOT A PEDICURE!!

MICHELLE...HOPE THE GYM BREAK WORKS OUT AND YOU DO GET SOME REST. SPRING IS NEAR

JEANETTE...HOW DID ALL THOSE WORK DAYS GO? DID YOU RECOVER YET?? HOW IS THE NEW WOMAN DOING? STILL GOOD I HOPE!!

PATTY....