Wow Michelle - you are doing GREAT with the steps! That's a pretty intense committment. Sorry to hear the meds are giving you the crazy munchies - hope that doesn't last too long. Good for you for planning ahead with the veggies. :hug:

Happy - I hope you get a little relief at work so maybe your nights can be relaxing this week. Sorry about bragging about the Packers win. It was a close game...way too close for my liking. Scary close. As for planning ahead with the crazy munchies...I was pretty much out of control on Friday night and Saturday until I got to the store. Luckily, I don't keep too much junk in the house....But it was like I would just finish eating one thing and in a few minutes, I'd be fixing something else. Stupid Prednisone! It can really mess with a person (or at least with me). Hopefully, I'll just need this one course, which will be done after tomorrow. :crossed:

Annie - I just got an email that contained instructions on two exercises that relieve shoulder tension. Here you go: http://www.practicalyoga.tv/showcont...entID=72086373

morning every one
back at work this morning and it's raining.

Week end went by to fast. I did get to go shopping Saturday in Jonesboro, AR at JCPenny's. Bought 2 top's by Alfred Dunner and a pair of those new Sketcher shoe's they are advertising on t.v. They felt good on but did no wear them today.

More later.

Ceejay - please let us know how you like the Skechers shoes. They look really cool. I'm curious to know if they really work your legs as advertised.

I bought a pair of MBTs earlier this year - DH got a pair also. I saw the Sketchers but honestly I have never had a pair of Sketchers that fit me comfortably (and I have tried on many, many pairs) - so I didn't even try them. Both DH and I like the MBTs so far. His is an oxford leather than he can wear with jeans or Dockers. I am jealous. I first ordered a pair of Mary Janes from Zappos but the top rubbed uncomfortably against my instep. I found a local store that carried them and DH and I went shopping. We happened to hit in between seasons so there was not a big range in choice. I settled on a cute brown canvas lace up pair. It's great for jeans but unfortunately I can't wear them to work so my use is limited to the weekends. I did find that the leather shoes - even the open Mary Janes got very warm after a short wearing - that's another reason I went with the canvas ones. I also felt that different styles fit differently and I did not wear the same size consistently so that makes shopping online kind of a hassle unless you go to a store, find a style you like and stick with re-orders online. The shoes are a bit heavy and it doesn't take long to get used to the rolling motion. I find it kind of like walking on springs - makes you sort of want to actually jog - :lol: I would not drive with them on - soles too thick. I also would not walk on uneven surfaces as in grassy lots - ok to wear on paved walking paths but I myself would not wear them on gravel or grassy areas because of the slight instability that is part of the design. I wear mine on the weekend because (once I get up from the computer :o ) I am on my feet for most of the day and evening on Saturday and Sunday and my feet used to kill me when I finally sat down or went to bed. Not so with the MBTs. DH needs cushy shoes too and said they also ease the stress on feet and back. Because I pretty much only wear them on the weekend, I can't speak to the toning benefits touted with these shoes. As the weather cools and the bugs calm down and DH and I can go for evening walks, I will wear them more and let you know if I see any muscle benefits.

I guess the Sketchers are much cheaper than the MBTs - given your back issues Michelle - you might want to check them out simply to ease the strain on your back and knees - they are like shock absorbers for the feet.

Hello everyone. Back to Monday. What gorgeous weather we're having here! I've been taking dog walks a lot lately just so I can savor this weather. This morning I attended an off-site industry meeting and I'm working the rest of the day from home. I'm out in the 3 season room with windows on 3 sides, looking out into the yard. Not as well-tended as Shad's, to be sure, but green and sunny and pleasant nevertheless. (Trying to ignore the jackhammer sound coming from a block or two away.)

Annie – Oh, I don't envy you on the work front! I sincerely hope you find a way to wind down after your two jobs and get some sleep, otherwise you'll be worn down and sick in no time. How about one of those massaging chairs or chair pads? Compared to the cost of an actual masseuse, it could pay for itself pretty quickly

Ceejay – Nice when you have a successful shopping trip. For people like me who don't do it for pleasure, it's frustrating to not find what you want. Let us know how the Sketchers work for you.

Happy – Sorry you got cheated out of your weekend. Yep, one more month until my vacation too! I like the idea that the MBT's are cushy. Having had some foot problems this year, I'm looking for a cushy shoe!

Mel – Keep holding down the fort (yet again)! Wow, both elevators broke down! Not good for people so dependent on them! Thanks for the link w/ the menus. That's the reality of what it takes.

Michelle – Glad the prednisone is doing the job, but that side affect is the last thing anyone needs. Good job getting those smart snacks. Aargh, don't wanna talk about Sunday's football game!

Shad – Lovely photos! Must be happy to see the end coming on the loo project! Thought of you this weekend when I was cleaning the floor behind the commode, LOL.

I have to exercise more control at the book clubs. One school of thought is to stick w/ the healthy stuff, and there's usually fruit & veggies available (just have to avoid the dip!). The other school of thought is too only eat a bit of the special stuff that you particularly like and ignore the stuff you can get anytime. Unfortunately I don't subscribe to either school – I eat a bit of everything and then some more of the really tasty stuff (everyone brings something). And let's not forget the drinks. I've discovered that I really like Absolut Mandarin Orange vodka mixed w/ pineapple juice. Groan. Would weight management be easier if there was a food meter inside me that tallied my calories throughout the day? Or would I go into shock when I saw how quickly the meter spins, LOL?

Happy - Thanks for the suggestion and great review of the MBTs. Shock absorbers for the feet sounds great!

Laura - It's gorgeous here too! Warm (low 80s) and sunny! How nice that you can work from home. I love your idea about the internal food meter! Too funny! But that would be helpful.

I just went for a 2 mile walk at lunch which brings my steps for the day to 7400 (so far). I was planning on going to the gym tonight after work, but with it being so nice out, I think I'll go for a walk around the neighborhood instead. That should put me well up over the 10,000 steps mark for the day. No doubt the really cold weather will be here way too soon, I'd better enjoy the 80 degree temps while we have them. It's supposed to cool down to the upper 60s/low 70s by the weekend.

IT'S BEEN A VERY BUSY DAY AND I JUST GOT DONE FROM THIS MORNING. THEY SENT FORMS FOR THE REGULAR FLU SHOT FOR NEXT WEDS AND I FILLED THEM OUT FOR A BUNCH OF PEOPLE TODAY. THIS WAY IT'S DONE. SOMEONE ELSE IS RUNNING THE SHOW BECAUSE I GAVE THEM MY NOTICE A FEW MONTHS AGO. JEN AND I ARE WAITING TILL THE CROWD DISPERSES AND THEN GOING TO GET OURS. I JUST READ EVERYONE'S POST AND PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR NOT DOING PERSONALS. JUST BEAT AND BLIND! :rofl: SENDING LOVE TO EVERYONE :love: AND I THINK MY DAUGHTER LIVES IN SKETCHERS. ARE THEY THE SNEAKER TYPE SHOE WITH THE CRISS-CROSS STRAPS?
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT. TOMORROW IS FOOD SHOPPING. SEE YOU AFTER THAT. :moped:

Morning all,
Let's get the bad news out of the way first. No I did not get the job. Apparently I was not a good team fit! WTF. The recruiter was going to get more info, but I doubt I will hear from him again. It almost seems as if someone out there is gunning for me with these interviews and maybe they are after the last job in Sydney. But something will come up, probably when I don't want it to - that's life.

Other than that, I get to go back to the hearing place today to pick up my right aid and get the other adjusted as necessary. I have a few questions and niggles. The DS2 keeps telling me it is turned up too far because I keep asking him to tone it down - he's too loud.

Michelle - good to hear that the prednisone is almost done. I know my friend Chris used to get very anti on it and she was always looking for food. We used to go through various countries, eating our way around the world.
Well done on the 10000 steps. It's around 10k from what I can gather.

Laura - walking th dogs is good exercise, particularly if you can throw sticks or balls for them at the same time. All that bending, tugging and throwing. Good to be able to work from home.

Patty - hope you have settled into the office now.

Ceejay - The new clothes sound nice - don't think we have Sketchers over here. If we do, I haven't seen them and I am big on comfortable shoes so I think I would have seen or read about them.

Happy - are you going on vacation again??? Oh that's right you said something a while back about going back to the yurts area. It's nice to think that the loo will be done by next weekend. I have some painting left to do and decorating. I have a glass jellyfish picture that I got while in Monterey with Carla a couple of years back. That will fit in there, also I want to put in a glass shelf and a basket for the spare rolls and maybe a magazine rack for those that like to linger!!! :rofl:
Are the hummingbirds still swarming?

Mel - sorry to hear the peepers are not performing as well as the skin is Go for it maintenance lady. Adding elevators to the equation now are we? Are well I guess they are not being serviced regularly (or are they) and therefore hot spots and potential problems are not observed. Things we do to save a $.

Annie - reckon you deserve a massage and pamper after the hours you are pulling. Our taxes are so high these days that it is not worth getting a second job - wear yourself out and pay more out in taxes is not conduicive to getting ahead. We used to do it but no longer.

Okay - I am off to do some more gardening and more cleaning - trying to clear the mess DS2 is making with his electrical project. My goal for the day is to get at least two things permanently off my list.

Good morning chicks,

Yesterday was another awful day at work. This project is cursed, I swear. Can't wait until it's over and I'm just on the fringes of it.

Shad - I do hope you have not been blacklisted amongst the tongue waggers. Then again, it's it like here over there, the world does not make sense any more. I'm pulling for you - as you say, something will come along. The jellyfish pic sounds perfect for the loo. And yes, the hummingbirds are in full swarm - it's dangerous to walk in the back yard - the autoban of the hummingbird world. Neat to watch and we placed one feeder right outside the big kitchen window so now I can see them up close.

Mel - DH was cleaning the pool yesterday and a little froggy was in there. Not a toad but a real swimmer. He got sucked into the skimmer, DH rescued him and he jumped right back in the pool again, sucked in skimmer, remove and repeat. He said he was have a gay old time swimming. I said too bad you could not get a picture for Mel. So I guess you have a buddy waiting on you Missy. :D And yes, sounds like Jen wears the Sketchers. They look cute, just not enough support for me.

Michelle - you are going fabulous on the stepping out. Go girl :carrot: It's getting darker and cooler here too - I noticed it's dropping to the low 60's at night. It's a sort of a gradual step down but it's happening.

Laura - the 3 season room sounds so nice - all the greatness of being outdoors but without the bugs. The drink sounds delicious but sweet - of course I should talk as I like amaretto and orange juice or lemonade :lol: Used to drink white zinfandel but I'm the only one who drinks wine and can't finish off a whole bottle by myself, so if I have a drink it's usually one mixed drink. Got a great recipe for a slushy amaretto punch too that is yum yum for summer.

Good morning Annie - did you find the energy to get up this morning or are you hugging the pillow? Hope you get a pick me up latte today.

Gotta run now - have a good Tuesday ladies - I won't - still working on that infernal presentation :lol:

oh and I was sad to see last night that Patrick Swazey lost his battle with cancer. :cry: I knew it did not look good for him. He is on my short list of admirable famous people. I always thought he was a class act and just a hunk of total foxiness... Tip my hat to you sir.

SHAD~ SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE JOB. ARE YOU BECOMING FAMOUS AND SOMEONE IS TRYING TO BECOME #1 IN YOUR PLACE? MAYBE THE TFG! I CAN NEVER GET THAT MAN OUT OF MY MIND :rofl: HOPE SOMETHING GOOD COMES YOUR WAY :hug: JEN & RICHIE ARE LOUD ENOUGH WITHOUT AN AID!!!

HAPPY~ THE FROG STORY IS TOOOO FUNNY!!! WHO WON IN THE END? THE FROG OR DH???:lol3: :lol3: OMG!!
HOPE THIS PROJECT GOES EASIER AS THE DAYS GO MBY. GUESS THAT'S A BIT OPTIMISTIC ON MY PART!! BUT WILL WISH FOR IT ANYWAY. SENDING A HUG TO GET YOU THRU TO THE END :hug:

:cifdate: JOHN HAD TO CALL THE ELEVATOR MAN BACK AGAIN. I FOUND THE DOOR STILL GIVING PROBLEMS THE NIGHT BEFORE. SEEMS BETTER THIS MORNING. THE PROB WITH THE 2 OF THEM IS THAT THEY ARE 25 YRS OLD AND USED 24/7. THIS PLACE IS MORE LIKE A HOSPITAL IN USAGE AND DAMAGE THAN AN APARTMENT BLDG. WE GET SERVICED AND INSPECTED CONSTANTLY. THEY GET DAMAGED WITH WHEELCHAIRS, WALKERS AND MOVING MEN. I ALWAYS THOUGHT WE SHOULD HAVE A HEAVIER DUTY ELEVATORs. BUT......:faint:
ANYWAY.....JEN IS GOING TO THE STORE TOMORROW AND TAKING MY LIST WITH HER. IT'S TINY. SO I AM TAKING A DAY OF REST TODAY. SUPPOSED TO WARM UP LATER ON TO THE 80'S. :sunny:
HAPPY TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY :moped:

HAPPY...I JUST SAW THAT HE DIED ON THE AOL NEWS PAGE. WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE HIM ON FILM. SHAME TO SEE HIM GO AND HE WAS SO YOUNG YET. :cry:

Happy Tuesday ladies -

I managed to walk about 12,000 steps yesterday (which is nearly 5 miles based on my stride length), about an hour of which was in the cardio/fat burning zone. :) Even though I have a sedentary job, the building I work in is quite large so it takes nearly 250 steps round trip to go to the loo, about 700 or 800 to go to the cafeteria to get more water or coffee, and if you walk around the entire complex of office buildings of which one building is my company, that's roughly 2 miles. We've had lovely weather...which has made it nice to go out for a walk at lunch and then take another walk after I get home from work.

Yesterday was a stressful day. The details are too long and complicated to get into, but my 25 year old nephew is being a closed-minded idiot, and there's no opening his mind - believe me, I've tried. I'm ticked off that after all the family has done for him, he's essentially cutting off contact with a family member because she's having sex and not married. This person is my step-mother (his step-grandmother) and she's been in a relationship with a very nice man for over 4 years (since two years after my dad passed away). It's not that my nephew can't accept that she's with someone other than his late grandfather...it's the sex outside of marriage. And as my stepmother told me...it's not like they're having wild sex....at their age (late 70s/early 80s) it's more about companionship. I told her it's none of his business what she does. The rest of the family is so glad that she's met this man who cares very much about her and makes her so happy. Arrrgh. The "kid" just needs to wake up, smell the coffee and get a dose of what reality is. He lives in his own little world with his strict moral standards and he cuts off anyone who doesn't agree. I mean, it's not like this is a new relationship. My step-mom has been with this man for over 4 years. And my nephew didn't mind it enough to NOT accept her gifts or her checks. Sheesh! What a closed minded jackass. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent.

I've just gotta accept that he is how he is, move on and not stress about it. It does no good. I'm not going to focus on what frustrates me....I'm going to focus on all that I enjoy and all the positive people/relationships/aspects in my life and how fortunate I am. :)

Mel - I'm scheduled to get my seasonal flu shot on 10/5. They are giving the shots here at work, which is nice. I talked to my doctor about the H1N1 and despite my tendency toward bronchitis and pneumonia, he says I don't need to get the H1N1 vaccine, which is good. I'm so glad to hear you're going to have a restful, relaxing day. You rest those peepers now, young lady! :rollpin:

Shad - So sorry to hear you didn't get the job. I hope that no one is gunning for you. That would suck. At least you get to work on your home renovations. Your ideas for decorating the loo sound lovely! Did you get the glass jellyfish picture in Monterey, California (or another Monterey)? Monterey, CA is so lovely, as is Carmel - which is near there.

Happy - I hope you have a better day at work today. :hug: Are you seeing the light at the end of the project tunnel? Or is it a freight train? How cool that you have so many hummingbirds! We see one or two occasionally at our feeders. Loved the story about DH continually rescuing the froggy! I was also sad to hear about Patrick Swayze. He was so young. You're right...he was a class act and a total hunk!

Annie - I'm sure your exhausted after all your long hours at CVS. Take care of yourself, girlfriend.

Well, I'd better get back to work!

A big :wave: to Ceejay, Laura and everyone!

Lots of love and hugs to all,

Ok Scooby Doo's........I made it back here at least.

I think my headaches are stress related. Finances and lack of sleep. I wonder if my subconscience mind is stressing about everything and not telling me, therefore I cannot sleep, cause I really am not thinking about anything when I cannot sleep other than the fact I cannot sleep.

I learned how to shut down the photo area last night at CVS. Now they need to write it all down as a procedure cause there is no way I am going to remember all that in this clogged up head.

Well to make matters worse for T. They are stepping up production at his work and starting a third shift 10 pm to 7 am. THey do not have a maintenance supervisor for that shift so he has to go to 3rds. Heck we will never see each other. My two jobs and him on 3rds. Yikes. He may have to work mandatory OT on Saturday and will therefore miss the wedding in St. Louis with me. I am a bit upset about that.

Chelle...wtg on the 12,000 steps, I have to bust my arse to get to 7,000 steps a day. You really poured it on. You can add me to your nephew's sinners list cause I am not planning on getting married anytime soon and danged if I am living without sex. Thanks for the website on stretches, I will check it out here shortly.

Shad...so sorry you didn't get the job. But you know the ole saying, when God closes doors he opens windows or something like that. Reasons for everything. Blah blah blah. Anyway, we all know a better position will come your way.

Happy...way too much work and not enough play for you sista. I those dreaded cursed projects that keep haunting us are miserable.

Laura...the massage chair/pad sounds wonderful, however I have to be home to use it and I am rarely there.

MEL...when you get your flu shot, get it in your hip/arse, it takes better there. Hope the eyes get better for good. That is crazy...

Sad about Patrick Swayze, yes, I heard it at CVS last night. I just loved him and the movie Ghost is one of my favs. He will certainly be missed by me.

Eyelids keep wanting to close, wish I could give into them.

Have a terrific Tuesday all.

Love and hugs,

Think I am going to treat this tortured body and aching head to a grilled chicken ceasar salad from McDonalds today.

Annie - With your walking stride, I'll bet that 7,000 steps a day takes you a lot farther than my 12,000 steps! Sorry to hear about your stress-related headaches, and that you're so tired your eyelids want to close. Don't go fallin' asleep at work, okay? Bummer that T's work hours are changing. That sucks. As for my nephew's sinners list...he also believes that according to the Bible people should only have sex for the purpose of procreation. So, with that logic, since DH and I don't want kids...we should never have sex. He's one crazy kid that really has no clue. I'll bet if he talked to the folks at his church...he'd find out they may not have had premarital sex, but I'm sure they have sex more than just for procreation. The boy's just not right. :dunno:

Chelle...My SIL says my brother only had sex for procreation, as it hasn't happened since the kids were born. LOL They have been married for 33 years and their youngest is 27. ba hahaha.

This is blow your mind...my boss just gave me a 100.00 gift certificate for Woodhouse Spa. I have already scheduled a head, neck, shoulder and back massage for this Friday at noon. I am on vacation Thurs & Fri from Humana and work Thur night at CVS and off til Monday night.

Check out the spa place

www.woodhousespas.com

Michelle
You've talked me into getting another pedometer again. As much going up and down the stairs as I do, you'd think I'd be in excellent shape and I have a short stride.

Annie
Absense (sp) makes the heart grow fonder. That will be true with T. How are you holding up working two jobs? I feel for you just take care of yourself.

Happy
Cute story about the little frog.

More later. Time sp[ent on the computer at work comes to an end.

How is ever one doing with their challenge?

Annie - Too funny about your bro and SIL! How nice of your boss to give you a spa gift cert!! That spa looks wonderful! I'm sure your neck and shoulders must be relaxing at the very thought. Sounds like you have a fabulous weekend planned! Good for you, girlfriend! You more than deserve it! :hug:

Ceejay - I'm really glad I have this pedometer. I just got back from my lunch time walk and I've logged about 7200 steps today. A few more trips for water and to the loo, and a walk or gym trip after work, and I'll be all set! :) As for my weight loss challenge...that's going slower than I'd like. I'm hoping to see some lower numbers on the scale at weigh in this Thursday. How are you doing?

Just a quick drive by for now. Off to the movies tonight - we're seeing The Time Traveler's Wife, now that we're done reading it and have had our book club discussion.

Off I go!

Better get on with this instead of procrastinating as I have been doing all day. Feeling somewhat antsy today, don't know why. Just need to get my mojo together and go do something. Since it is too hot to do things outside, inside will be necessary.

Laura - I heard about this movie. I might go and see it myself. Trouble is when I go to the movies, I tend to go to sleep when the lights go out.

Happy - gotta love the determination of the frog. Never ever give up. Sure he is not a cat in disguise (2 of the nine lives down). Hope the project either picks up or gets finished. So tired of hearing about bad projects.

Mel - it seems that when the elevators or escalators decide to go wrong, there is little to do to fix them. It just seems to go on and on and on. Then all of a sudden something goes right. Murphy's law is alive and well in every mechanical gadget I know of.

Michelle - Well done on the stepping. That's a lot of steps. You go girl. As for the wonderful (NOT) nephew, you can't help those that don't want to be helped. Next time he starts his ranting and raving, you might like to tell him that the hate headache will probably disappear when he gets laid. Maybe a quick marriage to someone blind, deaf and oversexed might do something for him. If I was the step-grandmother, there would be no more cheques or pressies until he could show some respect. Okay - off the :soap:
Yes I did get the jellyfish in Monterey CA. Carla, who used to be on this thread, took me down through the Big Sur and we went as far as Monterey and it's Aquarium - loved the aquarium. I think Carla go one of the jellyfish too. Mines a sort of sea green/ aquamarine shade and will go quite well I think. We went to Carmel, but I sort of thought it was a bit artificial somehow. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the village. Just a bit staged.

Annie - so pleased to here about the pamper voucher. You sure do deserve that one. Does your boss know about your moonlighting job. Hope you can find some time around the big T's new job posting. I'm sure you will come up with something novel. How does this work with his family?

Ceejay - I thought I might have a good loss to come up with this week, but I generally to blow it during the weekend and early week. Hopefully there will be a loss. My Thursday is tomorrow - one more sleep.

Okay - I feel a bit more relaxed now. I'd best be off and about my business.

Happy Hump Day everyone!

Laura - I hope you had a great time at the movie. Please tell us how it was...without giving anything away of course.

Shad - I understand the antsy and annoyed feeling. I get that from time to time, especially while on Prednisone, but at other times too. Walking or other form of exercise (even cleaning) helps me to work those feelings out. Yes, I remember Carla. Big Sur and Monterey are beautiful. And you're right...Carmel is a bit staged. A nice village and lovely scenery, but a bit hoity-toity (uppercrust) for my taste. I do miss the California coastline, and my DH and I went to the Monterey aquarium a few times before we moved. The jellyfish picture does sound lovely. I nearly fell out of my chair when you mentioned the cure for my nephew's hate headache! That's a good one! And yes, my nephew will NOT be receiving anything more from his step-grandmother, not until he can show some respect. In fact, he told her not to call him, because he'd hang up on her. She said, you don't have to worry about that because THAT's not going to happen. All this because she's in a relationship with someone who makes her very happy and with whom she enjoys life! My nephew is such a rude, disrespectful, closed minded jackass!

I guess I'm the first one from the States here today...so I'll have to wait and see what's new with all y'all.

Here's to a wonderful day for all of us.

Love and hugs,

Good morning ladies,

I'm off to the dentist this morning. I forgot about it so I'm rushing to get ready. Just popped in while I was sucking down a fast coffee.

Will try and get back on at lunch for proper hellos. Till then hold the fort down please. :D

MICHELLE~ SORRY YOU HAVING A TOUGH TIME WITH THE "KID". ONE DAY HE'LL NEED MORE MONEY AND BE FRIENDLY :rofl: IF HE IS SO MORAL...REMIND HIM THAT "HE WHO IS WOTHOUT SIN SHALL CAST THE FIRST STONE" ....OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. CONGRATS ON THE CHALLENGE OF THE STEPS AND ALL YOUR STEPPING!!! WAY TO GO GIRL!!

ANNIE~ SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE WEDDING DATE AND THE 3RDS. WHAT A YEAR THIS IS TURNING OUT TO BE :rollpin: HOPE YOU GET SOME SLEEP AND REST UP!! THEY DON'T GOIVE BUTT SHOTS HERE :rofl: ENJOY THE SPA!!!

:wave: WAVING HELLO TO JEANETTE WHO RAN OUT OF COMPUTER TIME :rofl:

LAURA.....HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE BOOK AND THE MOVIE...I'LL EXPECT A REVIEW BY THE END OF THE WEEK :rofl:

SHAD~ SORRY TO HEAR YOU ARE ANTSY!!! I CAN FIND YOU LOTS TO DO HERE INSIDE WITH THE A/C TO KEEP YOU COOL!!! I JUST FOUND THIS IN MY E-MAIL:
Sunday 4 October 2009.

A celebration of togetherness and abundance, the Mooncake Festival features Asian street food, handicraft, an extensive entertainment program, cooking demonstrations and activities for the kids!

Entry is free! This is one event for the WHOLE family!

Mooncake Festival at Queen Victoria Market
MJAYBE YOU CAN GO THERE AND TELL US ALL ABOUT THE MOON CAKE FESTIVAL. A WOMAN I KNOW FROM ANOTHER WEBSITE IS LIVING IN CHINA. THIS IS ONE FESTIVAL SHE REALLY LIKES....OR MAYBE IT'S JUST THE MOONCAKES!!! :hun:

HAPPY~ WE'RE SAVING YOUR SEAT UNTIL YOU RETURN FROM THE DENTIST!!

:cofdate: WELL....BOTH ELEVATORS BROKE DOWN AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. TOO LONG A STORY TO TELL..BUT SOMEHOW ONE ELEVATOR CAME TO ME AND I WENT DOWNSTAIRS. LOADED THE SENIORS ON AND SENT THEM UPSTAIRS IN 2 TRIPS. THEN I GOT MY OWN BUTT BACK UPSTAIRS AND WAITED FOR THE REPAIRMAN. THIS GUY WAS NOT ONLY A HUNK...AND I DO MEAN HUMK...BUT HE ALSO LKNEW HIS STUFF WITH THE ELEVATORS. HE FOUND ONE PROBLEM EVEN BEFORE HE GOT STARTED WHILE WE WERE STILL TALKING. THANK GOD THIS GUY WAS ON CALL AND I GAVE HIS BOSS AN EAR FULL OF KUDOS THIS MORNING. ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL LAST NIGHT ENDED ABOUT 10 PM AND I JUST FINISHED DOWNSTAIRS TODAY. LET US HOPE THEY STAY FIXED THIS TIME ROUND.
GONNA GET ME SOMETHING TO EAT AND MAYBE EVEN WARM JAMMIES. IT'S THAT KIND OF COLD DREARY DARK DAY.
HAPPY WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY :moped:

SHeesh what a day. Can only tell which end is up by the smell. lol

Got the danged headache again today. Throbbing kind. Don't feel much like working.

Laura...let me know if the movie is any good, when I get a spare minute, haha, I might go.

Chelle...I only made it to 5600 steps yesterday. Just wasn't with the program. The nights I work at CVS, I rack up the steps real easy.

Ceejay...Hidee ho

MEL...you are supposed to take pix of hunks and post them here so we can enjoy also. Should of told him you had an elavator problem up in your apartment. haha

Shad...hmmmmm, antsy...probably should just go outside and run around your house a few times.

It is lookin like I need a nap under my desk today. Head aching, eyes tired, Yikes I look scarey too! Probably won't be back on til Monday as I will be on vacation Th-Sun. St. Louis bound and wedding time.

Much love and hugs,

Mel - I haven't been able to do as much stepping today...but I'm still hoping to get the 10,000 in. What a pain that BOTH elevators broke down at the same time! Good thing they have you to take care of all the seniors! You really should've taken a photo of the hunky repairman. Nice that he was not only eye candy, but knowledgeable too!

Annie - Sorry to hear you're having that kind of day, and have a throbbing headache to boot! Do you have to work tonight? I hope not for your sake. We'll miss you while you're in St. Louis, but wishing you safe travels and hope you have a wonderful long weekend!

Annie – Ooh, a spa certificate – absolutely what you need right now! How awful about T going to night shift. You're really going to have to work hard to fit your schedules together. Enjoy the wedding this weekend - you deserve some fun and relaxation!

Ceejay – I'm having an awful week with the challenge and expect to be up two pounds. Sigh. I'm disgusted with being so weak-willed and stubborn as far as eating the right things.

Happy – Very cute about the frog. Hope your week is going well.

Mel – good to hear those elevators are always inspected. A newspaper in our town reported that a shortage of inspectors resulted in a backlog of necessary inspections. Scary. I'm thankful to work in a good building where they keep everything in excellent repair. Sounds like with those kudos you're angling to get the same hunky elevator guy back the inevitable next time, LOL! Have the camera ready! :drool:

Michelle – Good job with all the steps! I need to dig out my pedometer and get an idea of how many steps I average in a day. Sorry your nephew has such a narrow-mind. He will hopefully discover that those kinds of views will be very isolating for him and become more tolerant. Your poor step-mom.

Patty - :wave:

Shad – I totally get the lights out, fall asleep syndrome. But generally not when I'm sitting upright. But as soon as I recline our sofa (one recliner at each end), forget it – I'm out. :yawn:

The movie Time Traveler's Wife was okay, entertaining enough. Eric Bana is the male lead, but for some reason he doesn't do much for me. Looks okay without his clothes though! I don't think it's giving to much away to say that when the guy time travels, his clothes get left behind and when he arrives at his destination he's buck nekked! In comparisons of a movie and the book, the movie rarely wins. But the movie was okay, although I might have been confused if I hadn't read the book first. It was sad at the end and many of my book club buddies were sniffling at that point.

I'm doing poorly with my goals this week. :cry: I did, however, get a call from my health insurance company and I'm now on a lifestyle management program for weight loss and I'll have a "coach" contacting me at regular intervals. Right now my goals are to exercise 3x/week, 30 min. each time. I also need to make my annual gyn & mammo appts. Good goals to start with. Tonight I will either take a dog walk or go to the gym.

Boss is out the rest of the week and I don't have anything urgent at the moment. Nice and quiet, but too easy to slack off a bit. Instead I need to get my desk cleared. I went to colleague's cube today about a software matter and I was amazed at how spacious his cube was. Same size as mine, but not packed with files! Good motivator to see how nice it could be!


Bye for now!

Morning all,

Going to get this posted before I get down to work today. It's another beautiful day down here in the great south-east. Didn't get a lot done yesterday but there you go, another day wasted.

Weigh in this morning and I am down to 80.6 - loss of .5kg or about a 1lb. I'll take it. So my challenge is still moving along. Only got - how many weeks now to whenever Annies challenge finishes. I guess I should change the ticker.

Happy - much fun at the dentist today as you can manage. I don't envy you that one. My dentist was asking how my teeth felt and I told him that the back bottom right one was causing me some grief - as in it hurt from time to time and he asked if I knew why this was. I muttered about old age. He just laughed. It's not funny!

Mel - The mooncake festival was on last time I was in Singapore on my way home from Jakarta. I tried one of the mooncakes, but I'm really not into Asian sweet stuff. It's enough to set my teeth on edge.
Ummm the elevator guy -MMMMMMMMnnnnnnmmmmmm. Sounds like you found the sort of eye candy that I saw on my daily run some time back. Doesn't it do the old heart good. Bet you got a 'lift' out of that.

Michelle - hope you got the required steps in today. Family is always family. We might disagree, argue, fight, sulk, make up and get over it. But there is always one that does not fit.

Laura - okay, so I have to read the book before I go to see the movie. Another thing to put on my list.

Annie - are you out enjoying the spa?? Oh no she is asleep under the desk. Hope it is only a power nap!

Right - I am off to see what I have to do today. Time to finish the coffee, annoy the cat and just get on with it. I have the energy today to get on with it, so I will. See ya

The boss has been in one of his bad moods today and guess who gets the brink of it. His mood has rubbed off on me. He's been nit picking at me all day. I was so ready for 4 p.m. today to have some peace and quiet. Ugh. Thank the Lord I don't have to work tomorrow. He's not like this the whole time. I couldn't work here if he were. He apologized this afternoon, but that didn't calm my nerves. I'm taking a whole xanax tonight. I'm really wishing for a punching bag.

Annie
I'm jealous of your spa day. If I lived closer I'd go with you. Have a safe trip.

Mel
Is keeping that hunk for herself. Glad the elevators are fixed and you can get some rest.

Happy
Are you having your teeth cleaned? That's not to bad for me. My dentist has a good hygenist. Have you rented a row boat yet? Looks like Memphis has been getting bombarded with rain.

Shad
Congrat's on the weight loss. I'd take any thing this week and to top that I've eaten take out food that has a lot of sodium. Not good for a weigh in. The gym has also been closed due to renovations. I'm hoping they get some new equipment.

Laura,
That's great that your health insurance would provide help with getting healthy. I need to look into this with my insurance. At one time it would pay for visit's to Weight Watchers.

Michelle
I'm going tomorrow to get my new pedometer. You and Annie are doing great.

Just reading your posts. It's been another long day at work. Too tired to comment. The good news is that this presentation is next week so I know there is at least an end to things. Eventually. Please God. :lol:

Quite a bit of stress yesterday morning...DH found out that his PayPal account got hacked and there were over $3,500 in unauthorized transfers that caused our checking account to be SIGNIFICANTLY overdrawn. Luckily, we had no outstanding checks or autopayments and because it was fraud our bank is going to waive any fees. DH was on the phone with PayPal all morning, but finally got it worked out and by last night, most of the money was already returned to our checking account, and the rest should be returned today. Phew!!

I immediately went and changed all my internet passwords (starting with PayPal of course) to more difficult passwords.

Despite that, I had a good food and exercise day yesterday. I was feeling pretty frustrated that the scale isn't being kind...we'll see what the WW scale shows later today. I was reading posts from the 100-lb club about the workout regimens of some of those women who have been very successful in their weight loss. So I decided to step it up a notch last night so that I can get out of the 220s. I did an hour of cardio, followed by about 10 minutes of abs. Tonight I'll be going to the gym for at least 1/2 hour to 45 minutes of cardio followed by my favorite 1/2 hour strength training class.

I got the audio book of "You On a Diet" from the library and I just started listening to it this morning on the way to work. So far, it's got a nice perspective and those docs have a sense of humor and really use some funny analogies.

Happy - I hope the dentist appt went well. Are you giving the presentation or preparing it for someone else? Either way, I'm glad there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck! I hope you have a relaxing, restful weekend planned. You really deserve it. :hug:

Laura - How great that your insurance is offering a lifestyle management program and a coach! That's awesome! Hope you enjoy the rest of your boss-free week!

Shad - You're doing so great on the challenge! :bravo: As for my steps yesterday....I didn't get as many steps done during the day...but my hour long cardio workout at the gym more than made up for it. I'm still getting over 10K steps a day - just gotta keep this up for 6 weeks (at least). Hope you got to annoy the cat and get the other stuff you wanted done.

Ceejay - Sorry to hear that the boss was being nit-picky, but at least he apologized. But I'm glad you're off work today so you can rest and relax. My insurance doesn't pay for Weight Watchers, but my Flexible Spending pre-tax dollars will since I have a prescription from the doc that he wants me to do WW for the treatment of (not prevention - this is key) high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, back pain, pre-diabetes, etc. It's nice to be able to use Flex Spending dollars for WW!

Well, I'm outta here for now...lots to get done today!

Love and big hugs,

LAST NIGHT I WAS SICK AS A DOG AND FOR A FEW HOURS I THOUGHT I HAD THE FLU. I DON'T THINK GOD EVER HEARD SO MUCH FROM ME IN ONE NIGHT. STOMACH IS A BIT QUEASY THIS MORNING BUT I FEEL BETTER. NOT DOING ANYTHING TODAY AT ALL :beach: THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK OF IS I HAD A "SOFT-CANNED" SHELF STABLE LASAGNA FROM TRADER JOES. SIMILAR TO NUTRISYSTEM. THEY WERE TEST DRIVING THAT PRODUCT TO SEE IF CUSTOMERS LIKED IT....GUESS I WON'T BE BUYING ANY MORE OF THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY THURSDAY/FRIDAY :moped:

MICHELLE~ THINK OF ALL THE STEPS YOU COULD HAVE HAD OVER HERE AT MY PLACE. 8 FLOORS RUNNING UP AND DOWN! I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT PAYPAL. :yikes: THESE HACKERS SHOULD BE PUT IN JAIL FOR LIFE WHEN THEY ARE CAUGHT FOR ALL THE PANIC THEY CAUSE IN PEOPLE. DANG. HOPE ALL THE MONEY IS BACK NOW :hug:

JEANETTE~ HOPE THE BOSS IS IN A BETTER MOOD WHEN YOU GO BACK. SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF THAT GOING ON LATELY. PEOPLE'S NERVES ARE FRAYING ALL OVER THE PLACE. HANG ON TO YOURS!! :hug:

LAURA~ NICE TO GET THAT KIND OF SERVICE WITH THE HEALTH COMPANY. HOPE IT HELPS WITH YOUR EXERCISE GOALS ETC. GOOD LUCK. ERIC BANA DOESN'T REALLY DO ANYTHING FOR ME EITHER. SAW HIM IN "THE OTHER BOLELYN GIRL" AND I WASN'T IMPRESSED BUT HE'S GOOD AT WHAT HE DOES. LOL

SHAD~ SEND SOME OF THAT ENERGY OVER THIS WAY PLEASE! AND SOME SUN WHILE YOU ARE AT IT!! I FORGOT ABOUT THE FELLOW JOGGER. NEXT TIME YOU RUN TAKE A ROPE WITH YOU....DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY. :lol3:

HAPPY~ SENDING GOOD THOUGHTS FOR A HAPPY ENDING TO THE PRESENTATION FOR NEXT WEEK. HANG IN THERE :yoga:

my challenge:
188.5 +1
exercise 4/7 days
food choices could have been better
and water wasn't up to par.
all in all it could have been a better week :CRY:

Mel - As for 8 flights of stairs...I don't do stairs that well...just two flights here are work has me sucking wind so bad I worry my co-workers. Luckily, I know my asthma limits, and I can do 2 flights...because I know that the breathing hard will ease up in a few minutes. :)

Good and healthy recipe website
 

Hi Ladies -

I just found this website...you may already know about it...but I figured I'd share it just in case:

http://www.realage.com/recipefinder/

It even has a section called Quick and Easy - a must for me since I don't like to cook. :lol:

Annie - must be off to St. Louis for the wedding!

Ceejay - Glad the boss realizes his behavior and apologizes for it. We have to be mindful that it could be worse! Enjoy your day off. :)

Happy - Good luck with the presentation, and I hope your stressful week becomes less stressful very soon.

Mel - So sorry you're sick! I hope whatever it was clears out and you feel better soon. Forgot to mention that I'm also getting a flu shot - through work early next month, but it's not the H1N1 shot. I agree, Eric Bana's a good actor, but he just doesn't have the same quality that, say, George Clooney, does. The Biography channel had a bio show on him last night that I caught the end of (while doing some pushups in front of the tv), and it must have been a sexy men theme that night, because right after that was a bio about Daniel Craig. Deep breath. I like him.

Michelle - Sorry (and scary) to hear your paypal account was hacked! I'm glad you got it resolved with them and the bank so quickly. Great job on the exercise. Dang, I meant to dig up my pedometer this morning. Never enough time in the mornings.

Shad - I'm sure it instills confidence when the dentist asks you why a tooth hurts. Unless you know you bit into a cherry pit or whatever, what does he expect you to say? Maybe he finds it entertaining to ask.

Okay, the scale was back up to 188 today, so two weeks into this challenge, I've made no progress on loss. Need to step everything up. Other goals haven't gone well either with respect to lunches from home and no purchased snacks. Need to do some real meal planning and grocery shopping for myself. Bf seems to come home with only lunchmeats most of the time, and yesterday was no different. Oh, and he bought some ground beef and fixins for tacos tonight.

Have a good day ladies!

Laura - I won't know for an hour or so what my official WW weigh in is...but according to my home scale, I haven't made any progress either. Which means to meet my total goal, I'll need to lose 10 lbs in 6 weeks - definitely a lofty goal. At least I'm seeing non-scale victories: pants not as snug, more energy, feel stronger, etc. So we'll see. I know I'm getting a LOT more steps in than I used to thanks to the walking challenge at my work. Hopefully the scale will reflect these non-scale victories today...or at the very least soon. George Clooney - definitely a hunk. I also like Patrick Dempsey. And, this probably sounds weird, but I like Mike Rowe (of Dirty Jobs) and Josh Gates (of Destination Truth) too. They aren't drop dead gorgeous like Clooney or Dempsey...but they both have a great sense of humor. I'm doing more meal planning and I'll be doing some cooking tomorrow night and over the weekend. Gotta make some zero point veggie soup. I need more zero point food snacks and fillers.

No inches lost for me this week but I did lose 1 pound. I'm happy. I really thought that the sodium last night would do me in with the weigh in.

Mel
Ouch on being sick last night. One of my co-workers claimed to be sick Tuesday night but she's always fakeing something. Hope you feel better today. I like your goals.

Michelle
That's a scary thing to have a hacker steel things. Ugh. I need to update my passwords, but then I for get them.

Happy
At least there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Laura,
The added effort will help and maybe with those one on one calls from the insurance company will also.

I woke up around 8.30 a.m. this morning feeling a little groggy. Also had some muscle spasms on my right lower side of my back. It's probably a combination of yesterday's stress. I've found that Myoflex cream and a good message to be very helpful. Today is going to be as easy as possible. I have in mind to clean my bedroom and do laundry but if it doesn't get done so be it. I'm really wanting pizza or fish tonight. I have the do not disturb sign on the door. Some one rang the door bell Tuesday night around 7.45 p.m. but I didn't answer. I'm thinking it was the girls cause the kitchen light was on. When will they ever learn.
I thought my bp would have gone up but when I took it last night it was good 124/77. I was trying to keep my cool yesterday. One time I walked away from him and went to the bathroom and when I came back I didn't say any thing to him for 30 minutes. He hates the silent treatment.

My goals for this week is to
drink more water and cut out some of the dr peppers.(I should cut them out all together) but I need a treat.
exercise 150 minutes for heart health
wear pedometer for 10,000 steps
stay away from fast food.--they are going up in price so that's a good excuse.