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A BRIGHT AND SUNNY DAY HERE ON THE EAST COAST. LOTS OF LIGHT! :sunny: I REALLY SHOULD DO SOME CLEANING BUT I JUST FEEL LIKE EITHER READING IN THE SUN LATER ON OR WATCHING CHRISTMAS MOVIES. THEY'RE PLAYING ALL WEEKEND :dance: ALL IS WELL IN MY CORNER OF THE WORLD. HOPE IT IS IN YOURS TOO :moped:

JEANETTE~HOPE YOU'RE HAVING A GOOD TIME OUT BY THE AUNT AND THE WEATHER IS GOOD DOWN BY YOU TOO.

ANNIE~ 5 DAYS IS NOT A LONG TIME WHEN THE HEART IS INVOLVED. AFTER ALL YOUR "HEAD" HAD CERTAIN EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FUTURE WHETHER YOU EITHER THOUGHT OR SAID THEM OUT LOUD OR NOT. IT'S HUMAN NATURE TO PROJECT DOWN THE ROAD AND PLAN. SO GIVE YOURSELF TIME. IT'S ALSO THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND MUSIC PLAYS A BIG PART IN EMOTIONS. AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, I CRY FOOD SHOPPING AND HOPE NO ONE SEES ME!!
NOTHING WORSE THAN A OLD SHORT FAT BLOND IN A WHEELCHAIR CRYING!!! :rofl: HANG IN THERE :hug:

Good morning ladies,

I finally broke down and went to the doctor late Friday afternoon. Got a shot in the butt, an inhaler, cough medicine and this new antibiotic. When I read the patient information sheet on the antibiotic and looked it up on the Internet, I decided that no way was I going to take it. There were strong warning of ruptured tendons associated to this medicine as well as several other disturbing side effects. And the part that got me was it said you can have side effects LONG after you STOP taking the medicine. The pharmacist said it is widely prescribed and this problem is most associated to marathon runners (which I am not) BUT I have enough darn problems with my feet and I don't need any more. I called and talked to the nurse on call yesterday who at first also resisted but relented and I got a different med. It cost me $47.50 out of pocket - my pharmacy gave me a $10 gift card and a coupon for another gift card if I bring in another prescription but I am still out the $27.50. My price for peace of mind I guess. I did learn a good lesson in standing at the counter and reading the patient info sheets BEFORE I leave the pharmacy. Never had this issue before in all my life. This cold is kicking my butt. I'm sure if I had not gone to the doctor I would have been in really bad shape today as my lungs were all crackly. It feels like it's recycling and trying to start symptoms all over again. DH and I have to go out today but I don't think I'm going to have much strength to do much walking around.

Mel - glad to hear you finally got some sunlight. I thought you had storms up your way for a while. Go poke your face out for a few and recharge the batteries. I love your Christmas ticker - don't love that that there's so little time left to plan :( I was picking out some music for a holiday event at work - be care to select NO MUSIC that even remotely uses the word Christmas folks because we have to be so politically correct that we offend most of the Christian world that makes up the majority of the people in our building - but pardon the editorial comment there. Anyway listening to the music that I can't include in the program made me quite festive :D Hope you got enough eyefuls of Chris baby :lol:

Annie- I don't know why relationships devistate us as hard as they do but I think as women we want different things out of them than men do - particularly at this stage in our life. And I guess we are the ones who have to accept it and adapt. Did this take you by surprise or were there little signs? Sorry - but I think the old "I can't give you enough or it's not you it's me" is a man's hunkajunk line of BS. Anyway 5 days is still fresh. Mel is right - don't listen to music, especially Toni Braxton! I've noticed that when I'm in a funk, I always seem to hear the funk inducing music. Time will fade feelings, you just need to get busy with your life and use this as prime Annie time and let the boys in the background fight over you while you're not looking at them ;)

Ceejay - hope you had a mice visit with the aunt.

I have to go get showered and dressed before DH runs me off. Enjoy your Sunday ladies.

Sitting here, totally bored at Sydney airport. The Qantas club hotspot is not working on my computer and I have to use one of their keyboards and screens. This is not doing my head much good after nearly 3 days of almost no sleep at all. And no I was not partying all that time. Just didn't sleep very well, and was mostly constantly cold.
Still it was nice to meet up with family and friends and be introduced to new friends etc. The engagement party went off well although it rained so we had to be inside - that got a little cosy at times. Naturally I ate too much.
Not sure I want to see weigh in day come around again.

Happy - hope you are feeling better. Seems that everyone is getting colds/ flu/ virus' at the moment. Hope DH doesn't make you run too fast on your trip out.

Michelle - sorry to hear also that DH is not getting rid of this rotten bug that he has. Hope that sorts itself out soon.

Mel - Old short fat blonde in a wheelchair - crikey I thought that was Bubbles the balloonatic floating on past! I'm happy to hear that John is cancer free and hope that he remains that way for the next 100 or so years. My friend in Townsville who had a fairly aggressive breast cancer is recovering from having the second breast off. Her golf swing is improving by the day. Long may they survive the rotten disease.

Laura - rake away your problems. I do that when I am digging in the garden. Some people have no idea of the cr*p heaped on their heads when I am digging, raking or weeding.

Ceejay - hope you have sorted out all your problems by now. What a crazy world we live in.

Patty - good to see you back among us as well. Hope the reno's and the garage clearance are all done now. Did you decide you liked the colour of the new wall yet??

Annie - I know that we say that time is a great healer. It doesn't do much for the mind and body at the beginning. I don't think it was a wasted 14 months. You had a good time of it and enjoyed yourself. Now you have to find a way to do it without him. I don't suggest you go out there and buy yourself a Harley. :nono: But do not deny the sadness and tears. They will happen for a time. I just know that when the occasion calls for it you'll pull the britches up and just get on with it.

And with that, I might actually get off this computer and go sort out something for reading on my flight. It won't be a book, because they charge heaven and earth for reading matter in this joint. Maybe some retail therapy might help - but then again probably not. I don't need more junk.

The trip to Paragould was good. My uncle did not feel well as he had a milogram last week. His doctor sure is putting him through the mill.

So far all is quiet in my corner of the world.


Annie
Hugs.

Mel
I'm sure you are enjoying your day in the sun shine.

Happy
It's good to hear that you read the inserts. I generally ask the doctor about the side affects before I leave the exam room. Feel better soon.

Shad
Good luck in finding something to pass the time away at the airport/flight home. I try to take along some word find books with me. I'm not an avid reader.

To the rest a big :wave:.

:scooter: ON THE RUN THIS MORNING. SECURITY MEN ARE HERE TO FINISH OFF THE WORK AND GEE....NO NONE IS HERE TO STAY WITH THEM IN THE OFFICE :faint: THEY STARTED AND NOW THEY WENT FOR COFFEE. TOLD THEM I WAS GOING TO DO THE SAME. BUT I CAME TO SAY HLLO AND GRAB A LOAD OF WASH. MIGHT ASWELL GET BOTH DONE. and it is freezing in the lobby with the doords open and closed. dark outside and smells like snow!! yikes!!HAPPY MONDAy :MOPED:

HAPPYU~ I HOPE THE NEW PILLS WILL DO THE JOB. EVERYONE AROUND ME HAS BRONCHITIS(SP) SENDINGYOU A GET WELL HUG lhug:

SHAD~ SO GLAD TO HEAR ABOUT THE FRIEND DOING WELL :dance: I AM GLAD SOMEONE IS BEATING THIS. JOHN IS OVERJOYED BUT STILL A BIT SCARED AS CAN BE EXPECTED. NOW HE NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO EAT HEALTHY!!! HOPE YOUR HEAD FEELS BETTER!:hug:

JEANETTE~ I HOPE NTHE UNCLE WILL BE FEELING BETTER SOON. POOR GUY. HAVE THEY MADE A DEFINITE DIAGNOSIS YET? SENDINGYOU BOTH A :hug:

CAN YOU TELL BY ALL THE ERRORS THAT THE EYES ARE A BIT BLURRY?????? :rofl: :rofl:

Good morning ladies,

Quick post for me today. Wish I was still sleeping. Don't feel great, tired of this already. BUT it is a short work week!

We took a long drive to the furniture store yesterday. Unlike the commercial, so NOT worth the drive. It was grey and dark too so DH was as sleepy as I was :lol: We stopped for dinner - I had yummy artichoke lemon chicken - I can finally start to taste things again.

Mel - hope you stay warm - the chill of November is here. Help John with some nutrition counselling - maybe you need to help him shop for better power foods. Good luck with the absentee workers!

Welcome back Shad!

Good morning to everyone else - I have to get on my way. Catch you later. :wave:

Good Morning Girls...

What a great non-sunshiny day this has started out to be. GOt to the office early at 7:05 am, after dropping by dad's to deliver him some food I made. Ham, Greenbeans, potatos and one small cc cookie for dessert. He was excited to both see me and get the food. Bless him. The president (my boss) was already in, which is weird as she doesn't usually arrive until around 8:30 ish. We began putting out fires the moment I walked in. It was hectic. I put her on a conference call at 9:00 so I could get my work done. (Chick posting, lol)

To add to my crying spree last Friday night, my only baby boy has joined the army. I about sh*t. He goes for his physical this Wed the 25th, then will be sworn in if he passes. He will leave for bootcamp the first week in January unless there is an opening sooner, he will go then. That my friends is killing me. Yes I am very proud of him but selfishly do not want him to go.

Mom has actually perked up since finding out she gets to come home on Thanksgiving then for good a few days after. We have decided to "take" her home rather than being released as she is not getting the care she needs in that place. She can now walk down the hall and do some minor/light house and body cleaning. (Of course with her walker) Dad and my brother-Michael, went out a bought one of those hoist your butt out of the chair - lazyboys for mom when she gets home. Michael set it up and it is all ready to go. They got a pretty good price on it $599.00. I told mom that is was spring loaded to flip her out across the room...I got the usual "RITA ANNE" and that look from her. That alone did my heart good. LOL

MELLIE...You are so sweet, thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Our hearts are similar as is Chelle's. Altho not too sweet with just enough orneriness inserted. xoxoxo and old short fat blonde in a wheelchair, just cracked me up. You are toooooo much!!

Chelle...didn't call as I spent Friday night on the phone with my DD and a good friend of mine. Saturday by the time I got home from work, I was pooped so I went to bed, visited mom on Sunday morning and got a call from CVS needing me as someone else called off for the day. So all and all I was busier than I thought I would be.

Shad...welcome back to the world of worldlies. Glad you got some family time even tho you froze your arse off. I think this is the first day I am feeling at least half normal, so I would say my britches are about to my knees. By the end of the week I should be fully clothed. Thanks Shad, you say the right things I need to hear.

Happy...glad you finally got the meds you need, even if you had to play switchie changie before getting something you could take. Hope you are feeling better by now.

Ceejay....a good trip to the Uncles...yes, success....thank you for the hugs, I know they do truly work. I am feeling much better mentally.

Not much else going on, I work tonight, tomorrow night and Wed night at CVS. Can you say dead? Then off Thurs and Fri, then work Sat and Sun. I will get 30 hours in this week.

Thank you all, hello's to everyone.

Love and Hugs,

ANNIE~ JESUS....JUST WHEN YOU THINK IT'S SAFE TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH...SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR SON AND I TOO HAVE MIXED EMOTIONS. WHAT CAN NI SAY? SENDING MORE HUGS YOUR WAY AND LOTS OF PRAYERS FOR YOUR SON. :angel: HOPE MOM WILL DO OK AT HOME. SOME DO SO MUCH BETTER ONCE THEY GET BACK HOME. GOOD LUCK!!

HAPPY~ THOUGHT THE FURNITURE STORE WOULD BE SO GREAT! DANG....TOO BAD IT WASN'T BUT DINNER SOUNDED GOOD :hun: HOPE YOU'RE FEELING A LITTLE BETTER TODAY. :hug:

I GT TO SEE CHRIS AGAIN!!! YAY!!! THEY "BROKE" THE HEAT IN THE COMM. ROOM SATURDAY WITH THE PARTY. SO I TOLD THE OFFICE TO CALL CHRIS...HE CAME AND FOUND THAT SOMEONE HAD TURNED THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OFF!! :rofl: :rofl: BUT I GOT MY EYE CANDY FOR THE DAY AND WE BOTH HAD A GREAT LAUGH!!
GOING TO PUT THE WASH AWAY AND TAKE A REST. BEEN ON THE GO SINCE BEFORE 7. I AM HUNGRY, TIRED AND FROZEN :brr:

MELLIE.........MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmm, eye candy...Yep I am in the market for some!!

Hello ladies! Weekend was alright, but eating was not tracked, and some snacking go out of hand. Friday evening I got into a carbfest - a single serving of chips (thank goodness that's all we had in the house) w/ dip, then pretzel rods w/ dip, and popcorn later. Never ate a real dinner that night. Saturday I didn't end up doing any leaf-raking - the day got away from me. My hair appointment pretty much killed the morning. After that I addressed a small part of the kitchen - unloaded the dishwasher, reloaded it, and cleaned the sink. Usually housecleaning doesn't excite me, but I was very pleased how the sink came out when I attacked some mineral deposits w/ plain old vinegar. I took doggy for a walk by the creek, and then bf and I went to lunch, then did some errands and that killed the afternoon. Sunday was a baptism of our friends baby. I did okay w/ food portions at the party afterwards.

Ceejay – Maybe your Farting Frank is the ADT security guy drumming up business in his own special way, LOL. Seriously, I'm glad that you're taking measures to make your home secure and give you some peace of mind. Degenerates will go elsewhere if there are any significant obstacles to their misdeeds. I don't really know what our doggy would do with an intruder, and neither would the intruder, but I'm somewhat confident his menacing barks and growls would likely make them move on. Quiet is good, hope it stays that way for you!

Mel – Great news about John! I agree – it's sad that the work environment for him isn't at all supportive. Animal is an apt description when people can't display some level of human caring or civility. Yay for the hunky man-viewing. Mel – are you sure you didn't turn off that circuit breaker?? :rofl: Hurray that the kids have their car repaired after the deer incident! No snow, please!! :nono: They were mentioning that for our Thanksgiving Day forecast here, but I think they've since removed it and the temp is forecast in the high 40's. Fingers crossed. :crossed:

Annie –You know you're gonna get over this, and I know you wish it were ASAP, but your heart is hurting – give it some time. In the meantime, you certainly have a lot of things to take your mind off of it! So sorry to hear about your son enlisting in the army. Seems like it came out of the blue – my gosh, January he'll be off! Hugs! :hug: If going home has perked your mom up mentally, that's great – she'll be motivated to make progress in getting herself better!! LOL re the new chair catapulting her across the room!!

Happy – Sorry the cold is kicking your butt. I think it's smart for people not to follow the doc's orders blindly, but to question their treatment, rx, etc. I phoned my doc Friday and he wanted to call in an rx for an antibiotic. He said I could have a "secondary infection" (after having the cold). I asked if there was a test that would confirm it and he said no. Huh. So just throw antibiotics at it? At this point, I'm feeling better, but I still want to understand if this cold was worse because of asthma or something. I told him I'd wait and see on the antibiotic, and I'd go see my allergist. Friday through Sunday, in addition to my allergy nasal spray, I also took zyrtec (that's what I do when my allergies are bad and I need to double team them) and it pretty much dried me out, and lo and behold the congestion and coughing eased up a lot. Sorry the furniture store wasn't as expected. There's one that advertises like that here too and I wonder if it lives up to it's claims. But I'm not in the market for furniture right now, so it'll wait.

Shad – Sorry you didn't sleep well the past few days. I hope you're catching up on your sleep right now as I write this! Sounds like a nice visit.

Okay, need to get this posted and get on with the day. Everyone have a good one!

Ok, sitting here chomping on my green peas and garden vegetable soup...

OMG Annie - I have such mixed feelings for you! On one hand, given today's economy and employment, I would think it would maybe be a smart move on your son's part to enlist and take advantage of the training and options they have available. But then there is the scary Mary part about DEPLOYMENT. YIKES! I hope he can stay stateside. They sure don't give you long to think about it - snatched away in January. I can understand your panic. :( I'm glad to hear that Mom is getting around. We looked at those powerlift chairs this weekend. Fun to play with ;) How nice to give Dad a covered dish of delish homemade food. You can get your cooking jones taken care of of I'm sure he (like anyone) would appreciate some great fresh meals. Sounds like you are crazy busy on the run again. No time to think. Just make sure you don't get run down or sick with all the germs you must be meetin' and greetin' at CVS.

Laura, I need something at this point to dry me up too. I do have some prescription and over the counter stuff but I hate to mix it all up with my regular meds. And I skipped the Nyquil one night and found that really helps me to sleep so I have to remember what not to take so I can squeeze the Nyquil in. But if only I could dry these lungs out, I'm sure I'd feel much better. I hope this won't be another of those seasons where the colds just keep making the same rounds every few weeks :mad: How does your hair look? Do anything different? That's a great idea with the vinegar - will have to try that.

Mel - so are your eyes blurry from those hot flash thoughts of Chris :rofl: (Laura - I think you're on to something with maybe SHE being the one who turned the breaker off ;) ) Hungry, tired and frozen is not a good place for you - go get some rest before it knocks you out.

Shad - I saw that some icebergs cracked of the Antartic and are floating their way to NZ. Is that why you were cold this weekend? The world is falling apart and people just won't LISTEN.

If I had a pillow and blanket I would chance the filthy carpet under my desk, crawl under it and just take me a nice nappy. All that would be heard from the walkway would be the sound of my snoring broken up by an occasional light cough or sniff. :^:

Happy...Yep you bet, OMG, they already told us that it is like a 90% chance of his getting deployed. The good news is it is a 50/50 it be Iraq or Afghanistan, and right now Iraq is calmer than Afghanistan. Please dear Lord I cannot take anymore heartache. I don't just mean recently but over my lifetime. Green peas and soup yum, I had mushroom chicken and flied (fried) rice. Bad girl Annie.

Laura...actually my son has talked about the Army since high school. He is 2 1/2 years graduated and just now doing it. So yes and no on the army, it was just my surprise I guess as I thought it was way back on the back burner for him. He wants to be military police. At least you were half good over the weekend, sounds like Sunday wasn't as bad as Friday night, or even Saturday.

Better get my sh*t hot and get some work done.

Later chickies,

Happy Monday ladies -

I had a busy weekend. Saturday was spent running errands and going to meetings, and DH was still feeling pretty sick on Saturday. By Sunday, he was feeling a little better, so he and I got the gutters cleaned out, all the leaves mulched, and the other winter prep chores just about done. DH still has to winterize the lawn mower, but will do that this coming weekend. We didn't get the lawn decorations done, but I'll do that Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Ceejay - Good for you for purchasing extra security for inside and outside, especially since you live alone.

Mel - Glad you were able to enjoy some nice eye candy over the weekend. That's great news about John not having cancer! Glad to hear the kids' car was fixed ahead of time. As for holidays, DH and I are cutting back. I think this will be the first year in ages that I didn't get up early for the Black Friday sales. Please don't overdo today. Rest your eyes, young lady!!

Annie - I was hoping you'd call over the weekend...but we'll chat another time. I'm glad you were able to spend time on the phone and visiting friends and family. 5 days is still pretty new, sweetie. It will get better, but it will take time...and it will be hard to listen to certain songs for awhile. Your son joined the Army?! That's very brave and honorable of him to serve his country...but makes for a lot of stress for you! I'm so sorry. Hang in there, my dear sister! Sending :hug: for you and :angel: for both of you. You've got a busy week at CVS. Sheesh! At least you don't have to work Black Friday at CVS. Do you have Friday off from your day job?

Happy - Hope you are feeling better. Those are some scary side effects for an antibiotic! Glad you were able to get something else instead! Were you able to rest and relax some this weekend? Furniture shopping? What are you looking for?

Shad - Glad you had a nice time with family and friends and that the party went well. I had no idea it was that much colder in NZ than in Aus. But I guess it's probably like how the upper midwest can be in the 40s and the southwest can be in the 90s.

Laura - Glad to hear you are feeling better.

Well, it's nearly time for me to wrap things up for the day. Wishing you all a great evening!

Love and hugs,

A Thanksgiving Poem
 

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Michelle
What a cute poem!!!!!

Laura
Don't think the peeping tom is the ADT rep. (he he) He came from Memphis, Tn. I wonder why it's so hard on the week ends to follow our diet plans! Dogs are excellent protectors.

Annie
Your son has done a noble thing by joining the military. I know it's not helping your nerves.

Happy
How are you feeling today?

Shad
Glad you had a good visit with family and friends.

Talked to a police officer today to ask about getting some mace for protection. I told him why and that I was getting ADT installed. He told me to call him if needed. I have to purchase the mace through a gun store. I needed to know if I had to have a permit.
I didnt get my yard work done but will this week end.

Hello Ladies,

Annie - No your not whining... It's only been a week... Your heart is broken and it takes time to heal. I too have mixed feelings the military. I am so thankful for the men and women who enlist to protect us. But at the same time, I worry about the ones i know. Keep us informed...

Mitchellez - So sorry to hear hubby is still not up to par. I will keep him in my prayers. Blackie and I are doing good... Last night as i was taking out the trash, he got out... He was quick to run and make his rounds... finally caught up to him...

Happy - Hope you get to feeling better. Good move on reading the side effects.

Ceejay - I know Texas does require a permit for mace, a gun yes.

Mel - eye candy... I'd like to see some eye candy. Maybe even get a taste.

Shad - good to hear you had a good trip.

Laura - that always seems to happen when we don't track our food. Maybe the wind will blow real hard and blow your leaves somewhere else.

As for me, I still haven't decided on the paint color. I did put up one of my drapes, two more to go. Maybe after that i'll be able to chose the color. I'm finally getting the room looking the way i want it.

Afternoon all,
Like I have said before, if I don't post early morning, I generally forget to post at all.

My trip home was not as bad as it sounded. I just didn't take enough warm clothes. I forget that NZ is much further south than Brisbane and it takes longer for Spring to arrive in some cases. Inside the houses I was perfectly okay, just when I had to hang about waiting for someone or going from car to house at night etc. that I had a problem.

I stayed with Chris (of Japanese fame) for Friday afternoon, night and Saturday morning. We went to the Farmers market down on the riverbank (in the rain too) It was a great market. You should have seen the size of the cauliflowers for $2.00 - would have kept me going for over a week. Huge hulking thing. They also had fish and lamb and honey at the market as well as a range of breads and baked goods. Good place to go.
Saturday, my sister picked me up and we went to the nieces engagement party. Pity it was raining. But we had a nice time and met all Matts rellies - he's the fiance - and he cooked on the bbq. Niece says that he is a better cook than she is so maybe she's pretty lucky. We got in around 10.30pm and it was a really foggy trip back to my sisters place. On Sunday we went and had lunch with the niece on her lunch break and then she and DF arrived to cook dinner. We did the housework in the afternoon.

Monday back at the airport and the usual frustrations of travel - although there were a few bright moments I have to admit. Some good eye candy on the flight to Brisbane - a sports team was travelling, however they were all about a foot and a half too tall.

So today has been sort of busy getting the cat out of jail - her words not mine (and she hasn't shut up yet), doing some shopping for food and doing the laundry. The cattery assistant wasn't too happy about putting her in the cage, so I had to go in and do it myself. Sometimes you just have to know who is boss - mostly it is her. I'm about to go pack the bags away and tidy up the bedroom. DS2 is going around to the house. I'm going shopping for more paint tomorrow and will be there to clean up and tidy up and paint the top coat on Thursday - always hoping we don't get a heat wave and the paint dries on the roller.

I've got tomatoes coming out of my ears. The four plants have excelled themselves with produce. I'll be ripping the plants out this week and making green tomato jam or pickles with the remaining fruit. Yum.

Afraid there will be no personals tonight. I'm already on the run to get dinner ready and the cat feed and the washing in and ironed. I've a full schedule tomorrow but will get to personals then. Need a job to get a rest.

Happy Tuesday!! It's Friday for me!!

I have a wonderful loooong weekend ahead! :woohoo: We'll get the outside decorations put up, and hopefully the inside ones too. I'll get some website work done, maybe some shopping too, and get my butt to the gym on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Ceejay - As for mace, I don't know if regulations vary from state to state. I know you need a permit to carry it in CA and Wisconsin. Do you get any extra time off for the holiday?

Patty - It's so scary when the doggies get loose. I'm so glad you caught up to him. How exciting to be redecorating...getting the room just the way you want it. Do you have Thanksgiving plans?

Shad - Sounds like a very nice visit with Chris and with your family, and your niece's fiance sounds very nice and he can cook too - that's a bonus!! Hopefully Sunday will forgive you one of these days.

I'll check back in later to see what the rest of y'all are up to!

Love and big hugs,

:coffee: GOOD MORNING CHICKS
NOT MUCH TO REPORT. TODAY IS A DO NOTHING DAY. DID ENOUGH YESTERDAY. GOING TO GET ORGANIZED A BIT AND PUT STUFF AWAY. JEN AND RICHIE ARE GOING SHOPPING. RICHIE IS DOING THE HOLIDAY COOKING. LOOKING FORWARD TO A 4 DAY MELIDAY :turkey:
HAPPY TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY :moped:

:hb: I LOOKED AT MY CALENDAR AND PATTY'S BIRTHDAY IS ON THANKSGIVING??? I DON'T REMEMBER THAT :lol3:

LAURA~ THAT WAS SOME WEEKEND YOU HAD. A FEW WEEKENDS AGO I HAD A CARB FEST TOO. WHERE DO THEY COME FROM??? IF YOU DON'T WANT THE SNOW THEN SEND IT HERE. IT KEEPS THE SENIORS QUIET :rofl: I DIDN'T FLIP THE CIRCUIT BREAKER...HONES I DIDN'T...BUT I AM THINKING OF DOING IT NEXT MONTH :rofl: :rofl:

HAPPY~ YESTERDAY FELT LIKE A BLANKET CUDDLING DAY. GET MAINTENANCE TO CLEAN THE RUG UNDER YOUR DESK FOR THOSE BLANKIE MOMENTS!!! :cloud9: HOW ARE YOU FEELING NOW WITH THE MEDS??

MICHELLE~ HOPE DH AND YOU STAY HEALTHY AND HAPPY OVER THE HOLIDAYS. DON'T GO ANYWHERE THERE ARE SICK PEOPLE!!! DECORATING OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND WILL GET US ALL GOING!! :hohoho:

JEANETTE~ IF YOU DO GET THE MACE...MAKE SURE YOU GET A LESSON ON HOW TO PROPERLY USE IT. THIS WAY IT DOESN'T END UP IN YOUR EYES TOO!!

PATTY~ NOW THAT YOU ARE HERE...IS YOUR BIRTHDAY ACTUALLY ON THANKSGIVING DAY?? IF NOT...IT IS ON MY CALENDAR :lol3: :lol3: HOPE YOU GET A COLOR PICKED OUT!! ROFLMAO BUT IN THE MEANTIME, COME AND DO MY DRAPES!!

SHAD~ WOW...THAT WAS A FULL TRIP FOR SURE. LOTS OF STUFF GOING ON. GLAD YOU GOT TO SEE CHRIS TOO. HOPE HER HEALTH IS CONTINUING TO BE GOOD. POOR OLD SUNDAY...BET SHE HAD ALL TE CLAWS READY FOR THAT CAT CAGER :rofl: :rofl: READY FOR ACTION!!
HOPE YOUR PAINT DRIES ON THE WALL INSTEAD OF THE ROLLER!!!

MICHELLE WINS THE SNEAKER INNER AWARD THIS MORNING....HOPE WE ALL HAVE ONE OF THOSE "GET EVERYTHING DONE AND GET IN THE HOLIDAY MODE" WEEKENDS. MAKING ME FEEL ALL WARM AND FUZZY JUST READING AND TALKING ABOUT IT :rudolph:

Mel - Enjoy your Meliday!! I'm hoping DH gets better so he can enjoy the holiday AND help with the decorating! :lol:

Patty - Happy Early Birthday!!

Annie - I'm soooo very sorry to hear about your mom. I think you and your family can take better care of her than the rehab center. It's so difficult when we see our parents' health decline. We are all here for you...and you have my phone number. Your mom (and you) are in my prayers and I'm sending lots of love, hugs :hug: and angels :angel: for you both. I know you're going through h*ll right now, but know that you are not alone. Take care, my worldly sister! Luvya.

Laura and Happy - I need some suggestions from you. DH and I are meeting a friend in Chicago on Dec. 5th to check out the lights and maybe do some shopping, and this friend asked if there was anything special we wanted to do or anywhere special we wanted to go...and any restaurants we wanted to try out. Laura, since you live down there, and Happy since you used to...do you have any suggestions for Christmastime in Chicago?

Today's my Friday too! Looking forward to having six days off! (Ceejay - only two are vacation days - Wed. & Mon., the rest is just the long holiday weekend.)

This week is not shaping up as a good eating week, but it's only Tuesday and so the whole week is not down the drain, and I better not act like it is!! Michelle mentioned getting to the gym several times this weekend, and that's a very good idea I will borrow. It was around this time last year that I first got onto bf's gym membership. It was nice going there during Nov. & Dec. because it was very quiet!

Not a lot of time for personals today, but Annie, I'm keeping your mother in my prayers! I'm so sorry to hear about the stroke. Some rehab center!!

Michelle - I will think about stuff to do in Chicago - but off the top of my head, there's ice skating in Millenium Park, the lights on Michigan Avenue, the windows at Macy's, the big tree in Daly Plaza... There's a section of the northern suburb Lincolnwood that has a lot of nicely decorated houses that bf & I always try to see. Foodwise there's pizza... I'll think some more. Are you interested strictly in tourist activities?

Okay, gotta run!

Morning all,
I run Vista on this machine and I just noticed that when I open a tab on the internet for 3fat chicks, the post number comes up rather than the name. Interesting.
Miss Puss hasn't settled done completely yet and there was much prowling and intermittent yowling through the night. Guess she will get used to it.

Mel - I have several friends who have beaten breast cancer or are in remission for lengthy periods of time. All power to them. They have my utmost admiration for their determination and their dedication to beating the disease. The success rate for prostrate seems to be increasing as well over here. Many high powered men have had it and seen fit to update us with the details and prognosis. They all seem to be doing well. The trick appears to be catching it early. I hear that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber is currently in hospital with pneumonia following complications from prostrate surgery. He's the music man - all those musicals - Cats - Evita - Phantom of the Opera etc.
Anyway - I wish John the best and to keep healthy and reasonably fit and stay positive.

Happy - sorry to hear that you are still not well. Sometimes I wonder about the wisdom of the internet medical information. I do know that it has woken the doctors up somewhat, but some drugs which may be beneficial for some people get a bad rap because someone somewhere took too many tablets in the mistaken belief it would get rid of the bug faster. Last time the doc gave me something I didn't recognise I asked him to look it up and we discussed it together. He found the reason why some people became violently ill after taking it and it was almost always to do with bad instructions and overkill. Anyway I hope the new stuff is doing you proud.

Ceejay - hope you are doing okay with all the excitement of the farting fool etc.

Laura - it's hard to keep the food under control all the time and at everyplace we go. We just do the best we can and try to work it off later. It happens, can't pretend it doesn't

Patty - I think the worst part of redecorating is to decide on colours for large areas of wall or floor. The paint always dries a different shade than you expect, usually darker. I tend to spend a few bucks and buy sample pots and put them on each wall that the paint will go and then stand back and watch it through different light during the day and night. It's never easy.

Annie - So sorry to hear about Mum. I hope she comes through this for your sake, but she may not think it is worth the effort. You need to be prepared for whatever is to come. I am thinking about you and wish you strength and endurance. Try to find some space for yourself to get your thoughts and fears sorted into a space where you may also find some peace. Yes, you have faced the fact that there may not be much more, now can you accept that fact?

So today will be purchasing the paint for the DS2's house. Patty will relate to that. I have got the colour down to a neutral cream with yellow undertones and maybe some blue or brown in a small area. I've also got plenty to keep me going here as well. I am about to pull out the tomato plants - they have been heated to burning point and they have burned themselves out with a fantastic crop which I have been giving away to friends. Then I need to mow the lawns again. The smell out there at the moment is glorious - I have roses out, the orange blossom is out, the frangipani is out and the alyssum is getting it's perfume ready.
So instead of waxing lyrical, I better get on with my day.
Fingers crossed, this could also be an interesting day!

Shad
Your days are always interesting to me. I'm amazed at what you get done.

Annie
:hug: I'm also sending my love to you and your mom.

Michelle
Wow you are going to Chicago?

Laura
I've had a binge on carbs this afternoon, and I bragged on myself in my journal today. So much for that.

Happy, Patty and Mel :wave: hope you have enjoyed your day.

For some reason I'm fighting sleep today.

The last one out and the first one in. Every one have a good day.

ANNIE~ I AM SADDENED BY YOUR NEWS AND WILL SEND A PRAYER MOM;S WAY. JUST DON'T KLNOW WHAT TO SAY TO COMFORT YOU OTHER THAN THAT YOU AREN'T ALONE. :hug: SENDING STRENGTH YOUR WAY.


MICHELLE~ HOPE CHICAGO TURNS OUT TO BE SPECTACULAR!!! :wreath: SOUNDS LIKE SUCH A LOVELY IDEA.

SHAD~ WE HAVE QUITE A FEW WOMEN IN THE AREA HERE THAT HAVE BEATEN IT SO FAR. THEY ARE SOME MIGHTY STRONG WOMEN. BUT THEN WE CAN ROAR LOUDER THAN THE OPPOSITE SEX!! LOL I KNOW SOOO MANY MEN WITH THE PROSTATE CANCER AND WITH JOHN'S PROBLEM AS WELL. MAKE YOU WONDER WHERE THIS IS ALL COMING FROM!!!

CEEJAY...DID YOU GET TO TAKE A NAP?? HOPE YOU'RE WIDE AWAKE AND BUSHY TAILED TODAY!!

LAURA~ GOOD IDEA WITH THE GYM. LAST NIGHT I THOUGHT I BETTER NOT GET IDLE OVER THE 4 DAYS!! NEED TO BURN OFF THE TURKEY!! GOOD LUCK.

:cofdate: SORRY THIS IS SHORT. SOMEONE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA IF I WAS A COMMISSIONER. BEEN TRYING FOR 2 DAYS NOW TO RESPECTFULLY DECLINE. JEN AND I ARE STANDINGUNITED ON MY DECISION. (OF COURSE) THIS WHOLE ISSUE IS STRESSING...JUST WHAT I WANTED. NOW I AM REALLY THANKFUL THAT THE OFFICES ARE ALL CLOSED FOR 4 DAYS!!! :rofl: I AM GING DOWN TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH THE SENIORS. GET THEM CALMED DOWN FOR THE HOLIDAY AND TO SEE THE OTHER ONE'S OFF TO THE RELATIVES. CHAT LATER. :moped:

Good morning ladies,

Guess I forgot to post yesterday. Was feeling really bad again. Today I am finally drying up a bit in the lungs for the first time in a week, I feel like this cold is trying hard to recycle.

First off Annie, my heart goes out to you. So much sadness in your world right now :hug: I'm so sorry to hear the news about your Mom. Very hard to fight when you have so many setbacks. I just hope she can be comfortable and without pain. My thoughts and prayers to you both sista. :grouphug:

Mel - I hope you DO NOT allow yourself to get sucked into taking care of anyone other than you and Jen. When you talk about the cancers, I often wonder with all the electronics things in the air, the more well sealed buildings we live and work in (more synthetics, less fresh air circulation) and the things we are consuming - both artificial, highly processed and as is the case with the growth hormones they feed the animals - it's no wonder we aren't all sick by 25. I am astounded at the number of complications I see in my young nieces - girls in their 20's and early 30's who should be in the prime of life and yet have thyroid issues and digestive issues and bodies that are bending and breaking when they should be gumby bounce out of anything types. "We" have earned our kinks and aches at our age, but them? :dunno:

Ceejay - did you get to bed early and get rested for today?

Shad - the thing that caught my attention on the drug they gave me was the additional 3 typewritten pages of info from the pharmacy. Apparently they have had lawsuits and are now required to inform people. It is a very widely prescribed drug which reminds me of a widely prescribed osteo / arthritis drug that was suddenly pulled of the market when it was discovered that it caused heart valve problems. In my opinion, as long as I am concious, I will be the biggest advocate of my own health care. There are lots of drugs out there and options, and while I trust my doctors, I will still back up their recommendations with my own findings. Also I find that you are given medications with no other information whatsoever as was the case with the blood sugar medicine. What do I eat, when do I take it, what will it do? :dunno: I had to research that all for myself. Anyway, did you find paint and is your sniffer on overdrive this morning with all the smells around you and pollen and such :lol: Sounds like Sunday the cat is really hating the cattery. Ours complains but other than breaking our hearts by trembling alot in the car, she never seems worse for the wear. I'm sure tho that for a cat who is used to roaming around outside all day long, to be stuck in a cage - even though it's quite roomy - is rather traumatic. Like me being stuck in the house while sick :^: Glad to hear you got a good bumper crop of tomatoes - now if only you had a mango tree :lol:

Laura and Michelle - enjoy your super long weekends. I'm jealous. Just 4 days for me but I'll take them. Hope you can make it to the gym. They are running a special at mine - tempted to join but DH won't go with me anymore and I know I wouldn't keep up with it on my own so just going to try and step it up here at home. If we can get the downstairs floors done and move the treadmill down where I can use it again, I'd be off to a good start.

Michelle - it's hard to believe that I've been gone 5 years from Chicago and probably have not been downtown since I left in 1998. I know they did construction and building and things have changed down there. I haven't even been to Millenium Park to see the "bean". If we go down, we go to the north side to the Butterfly exhibit at the Nature Museum and that's about it. Laura would be better to give suggestions. In fact, I can't even handle the traffic there anymore. Don't want to drive the 2 and a half hours from my sister's in the south suburbs to my SIL in Franklin, Wi. Ain't I bad? :lol:

Happy Early Birthday Patty - I don't want to forget either! :bday2you:

Hope you all (in the states) have a nice Thanksgiving. Take a moment to count your blessings in life even if it seems at the moment that your basket might be a bit on the empty side. I am grateful for your support and friendship :grouphug:

:happ3:

Shad – re Andrew Lloyd Weber – it's so horrible that it now seems like the norm for people to be in the hospital for one thing and then catch something while they're in there. Very scary to think of spending any time at all in the hospital. I don't know about waxing poetic, but you painted a lovely picture of the sights and scents of your garden. But of course - you're an expert painter!! :D:D

Patty – I agree w/ Shad about buying the sample size paints and seeing what the paint looks like in a big area instead of a tiny swatch, and when it's dry, at different times of day in your house. Have fun! I told bf I'm ready for a change in color for our half bath and he got all grouchy. That's okay – when I'm ready, I'll do it myself rather than dealing w/ the complaints.

Mel – Hope you stay strong and continue to resist those who think you should be a commissioner (of what, may I ask??). Hope the 4 day weekend stays nice and quiet for you!

Happy - Glad the lungs are drying up today, and I hope it continues. I surprisingly wouldn't be the better person to suggest Chicago activities for Michelle's upcoming visit - bf and I haven't taken much advantage of our city's treasures lately. Well, last December we went down to Michigan Avenue before my company's Holiday party to hang out a bit and that was nice. Can't really suggest any restaurants though, except if you're in the mood for pizza, Lou Malnatis is great for deep dish. Not light and healthy though, LOL. We also used to enjoy seeing the short movies at the Omnimax theater at the Museum of Science and Industry. I've always loved the Art Institute, and my favorite exhibit there since I was a kid was the Thorne Miniature Rooms.

Hellos to everyone! I woke up early with chest congestion that had me coughing a lot, but once I medicated (my usual flonase spray, a zyrtec and a mucinex), I'm much better. I have a ton of things I should/could be doing, so I need to get myself dressed and out of this time-eating session of sitting around reading, internet browsing, tv-watching (two episodes of 18 Kids and Counting - I think it's more than 18 now, :eek:) and babbling here.

We had rain yesterday – quite a bit – and so the stubborn oak has finally dropped almost all of its leaves. If it weren't so dreary and overcast right now I'd seriously consider getting out to rake. My body is craving some exercise, I think. But the more important task is working out the desserts for tomorrow's dinner. I'm thinking I'll make pumpkin cake (w/ cream cheese frosting?) and a cranberry-pecan upside down cake. I need to get the recipes selected and make sure I have everything I need. Okay, gotta get moving. Have a wonderful Wednesday /Thursday everyone!

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/r...f?t=1237133464

:hb: HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATTY :gift:
HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. SQUEEZE ALL THE GOODNESS OUT OF IT!!! :cheers:

Morning all,

Has to be a quick post today. I am busy with cleaning the house and getting the suitcases put away and doing some patch up work around the house. I want to spend most of tomorrow round at the other place painting and such - mowing lawns etc. and cleaning up the mess DS2 has made because he won't clear up after himself. I took the lawn mower for a run round the house yesterday and so it it going to visit the new house tomorrow before we have to use a machete to get through the grass and weeds. I also need to set up the shed to take all my boxes as well. That should clear some space at my place.

Annie - I'm thinking of you a lot. Hope things are looking better for you.

To all my American friends - happy Thanksgiving and have a great weekend. Don't eat too much. Remember the challenge, and give thanks for a life well lived and for the opportunities you have been given.

I'm out of here for some lunch and some downtime before going back to work.

Hello Ladies,

Annie - My thoughts and prayers are with your mom and you.

Thank you for all the Birthday wishes. Going over to my parents tomorrow. I'm making a few casseroles to take over. My room makeover was my birthday present to me. I've have two paint colors on the wall and definitely taking Shad's advice. I'm trying to look at the wall at different times.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I know for me personally I have much to be Thankful for. I'm thankful for all you wonderful ladies, who inspire, encourage, and are just there for me.

:turkey:BOTH JOY AND I ARE HAVING PROBLEMS POSTING WITH A MESSAGE SAYING THE SERVER IS TOO BUSY AND TO TRY AGAIN LATER. I AM ASSUMING WE'RE ALL GETTING THIS.
SO WHEN WE GO MISSING THAT'S THE PROBLEM. :rofl:
HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DAY TODAY:hun:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING AGAIN AND HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND.

Mel
I'm having that problem too.

Patty
Happy birthday. Enjoy your day at your mom's.

I'm going to be leaving in an hour to go to Paragould for Thanksgiving. Everyone enjoy today. Don't forget to exercise.

I'm at 195.8 this morning. We had a big feast yesterday at lunch. I didn't eat dinner because I was still to full.

I've jut looked otuide and my ADT sign is gone.

I hope it ha fallen over.

For some reason I can see this page of the thread, but can't go back to see the previous page.

Hope this posts. Just want to say hello to everyone and report my weigh in. Scale says 183 again. No gain, no loss. I'm not eating crazy, but not particularly light and healthy either. I'm not logging my eating, so I don't know how many calories. I need to go back to paper and pencil when I know I'm not going to be running to the computer to log my food. Seeing what I eat is helpful to me.

We are likely postponing our Thanksgiving meal - bf's mom is sick. I think that would be best.

Okay, have a great day everyone!

Hi ladies,

I FINALLY got in after 2 days of attempts. Keep getting the server is too busy message. Don't have the patience to sit here and keep hitting buttons. This is happenning to me at all times of day - 11:39am now, 11pm last night - even in the wee hours of the night. So if you don't see me posting much...

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Hope you all have a nice day no matter what you planned even if you aren't celebrating.

I am down a little bit on the weight - hope I can keep it off. I hate to say it out loud but might have finally turned the tail on this cold. Down to just sniffles now. I have a cyst on my foot that is pressing on the nerve and giving me foot pain. Getting that removed Monday morning. I hate to do it now but I can only wear one pair of shoes right now - everything else presses on the cyst. Got my fill of doctors right now. :^:

Got to figure out when DH and I will be eating the turkey dinner - we plan to go for a walk outside even tho I think it's cold out. (44 degrees - what a wimp I am). But I'm hungry NOW.

Let me get this posted. Love to all the chicks :grouphug: