Good morning ladies,

My dad blasted monitor is acting up today. There's something funky with it and it switches itself off - goes black and I have to keep turning it off and on. Turn it on, 30 seconds later it goes black. So I will have to catch up later with you guys.

Sounds like I missed alot of interesting conversations....

Thursday, Thursday....

I have decided to take Dec 22 thru til the 28th off from job 1 as vacation, just to give me a bit of a break. During that time I work at CVS, today, Sat, then Weds Friday (25th) and Saturday. Just sleeping in will be wonderful, that is if I can sleep.

Chelle.......Not to worry about WW, this time of year is just so dang hard, even tho we try to do a good job with choices. We are not perfect and all human so there is bound to be slip ups. Just focus on getting through the holiday without too much damage and go hard at it after the holiday. Sound like a deal??

Laura..I just learned yesterday we have to do the self-evaluation also. I hate it. In all my career I have never had to do a self-evaluation, I don't even know where to start or what to say.

All Y'all have a great day.

Love and Hugs.

Happy - I hope your monitor issues get resolved. Sending cyber hugs to your and your monitor.

Annie - So glad that you are taking time off to relax, even if you do have to work at CVS part of the time. Thanks for the support regarding WW. I wanted to lose over the holidays...but if I can't do that...I'll do the best I can and will definitely hit it hard after Christmas! No worries, no stress. BTW, good luck with your self-eval.

Thanks Chelle, I don't even no where to start on the self eval, we have guidelines, but heck who wants to do it. Not me. Can't we just say awesome and be done. lol

I always give myself an outstanding self-eval, because I am perfect after all dontcha know?

Exactly Chelle...

OMG my boss brought homemade Turkey & wild rice soup with pine nuts for lunch to share. It is sooooooooooo good. She also gave me her Amex card and 300 in cash to go finish up her shopping. Guess where I am going after the soup.....it is so fun spending someone else's money. LOL

Michelle – Sorry the pink eye is not getting better. But it's definitely better than pneumonia, for sure! Get better soon. Don't be so hard on yourself re your weigh-in. I know that by being in WW and paying $$ every week, there's pressure to show a loss (and that's some of what makes WW work for people). But this is a time of year with so many other pressures and activities, it makes sense to just try to maintain and not gain. Do other good things for your body – get enough sleep, exercise, de-stress w/ dh and the doggies.

I know my perspective is different – I've been resisting "dieting" for the past several years, and so when I finally decided I needed to make a real effort, I decided I wasn't going to be in a hurry or be extreme about it. I want to have a life, not feel deprived and/or spend all my time shopping, meal planning, cooking, and logging. Yeh, my progress will be slow, but I didn't gain all this weight overnight, so it need not come off overnight. Now that I've eased back into this, I feel like I'm ready to increase my efforts, but I'm still not going to make it my life's work, LOL.

Happy – I hope your monitor doesn't fail you!

Annie – The soup sounds delish!! Enjoy shopping with your boss's money! Glad to hear you're taking some vacation time. It's so nice not to have to adhere to a schedule from the time you wake to the time you go to sleep. Hope you get to sleep in, and get a lot of relaxation and "me time". So I'm not the only one having to do the dreaded self-evaluation. My advice is to play up your strengths and accomplishments. The only thing you risk is having the boss disagree and take you down a notch, and at that point you can debate the issue. I already submitted my eval and now I wish I'd given myself higher marks in some areas… But I also have to provide input to other employee evaluations, so now I need to work on that. Aaargh.

Hellos to Mel, Shad & Ceejay!!

Well, the scale said 183 today, so no change from last Thursday, but still up a pound from two Thursdays ago, and also from this past Tuesday. But I confess the past three days of eating have been off track. I haven't gotten back to logging on The Daily Plate, and I need to because if I don't watch my step I'll continue to go in the wrong direction. Oh, brought the leftover almond cake to work today.

I didn't do any Christmas cards last night, but I compared my list to the cards we've received so far and made notations so I know to at least send those (bf thought that was sneaky of me), updated some addresses, and crossed some names off. I didn't print any labels because the file template w/ the addresses is for a different size label than the ones I have a full sheet of and I didn’t see my address database file so I could update that and then import the names to a new label template. And I only do this once a year (if that) so I never remember how to do any of it… And the label sheets that match the file somehow got crinkled and bent in our messy office supply box at home, and they aren't full sheets anyway – they've been half-used. So I took a couple boxes of cards on the train w/ me this morning to get a start and realized that one box has dark green envelopes. So I'm forced to use labels on those because dark ink would be very difficult to read on the dark green paper. But I did a whopping 4 cards from the other box, which has boring white envelopes. I'll do more at lunch.

Tonight we're supposed to go to Lincolnwood to look at the decorations. Okay, gotta run and get some work done before lunch.

Cheers!

Annie - Did your boss give you a list too? That would be SO fun to spend someone else's money on gifts!! Have fun!!

Laura - it's not the $$ that bothers me about having a gain. I do WW at work...so I pay up front and then get reimbursed from Flex Spending. I just hoped to maintain or lose over the holidays. Drat. But oh well...I've been just plain exhausted lately and haven't done much food planning, points tracking or, if I'm being honest, even portion control lately. I am trying...but not being perfect...too hard to be perfect this time of year. I, too, need to get back to logging food. I totally agree about the self-eval...I play up the strengths and accomplishments...my boss brings me down a notch and it's higher than where I'd be if I were being my usual self-critical self. Good for you for sharing the rest of the almond cake.

Well, gotta go get my lunch and then it's off to WW for me, and after WW, it's off to the doctor.

Have a great rest of the day everyone!

IT'S BEEN A LONG AND VERY EMOTIONAL DAY. ONE SENIOR PASSED AWAY AND 3 WENT TO THE HOSPITAL. HOLIDAY STRESS AMONGST THE AGING. TOUGH TIME.
LOTS OF TEARS BUT THIS IS LIFE.

DIDN'T FEEL GOOD AND BORROWED A GLUCOSE MACHINE...43!!!! SUGAR WAY TOO LOW AND SLURRING MY WORDS. THIS WILL TEACH ME NOT TO KEEP MYSELF IN THE FOREGROUND OF MY MIND. FEELING MUCH BETTER NOW.

IT WAS ALSO A VERY JOYOUS DAY. CAROL SINGING AND PRESENTS FROM TENANTS. I HAD A GREAT DAY IN THE END.

THE KIDS AND I DECIDED TO CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS TODAY ALSO. LONG STORY BUT IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO DO IT WHILE WE WERE ALL ALONE STILL. THEY JUST LEFT TO SHOWER AND GET INTO JAMMIES AND THEN WE WILL WATCH CHRISTMAS MOVIES.
WON'T BORE YOU WITH THE REST OFTHE DAYS DETAILS BUT BUT LET ME JUST SAY THAT I WILL BE HAPPY WHEN MY HEAD HITS THE PILLOW LATER!! ROFLMAO STILL I HAVE TO SAY THAT AS THE DAY ENDS...LIFE IS GOOD.

I WILL CATCH UP WITH ALL OF YOU EITHER TOMORROW NIGHT OR SATURDAY MORNING. STAY WARM AND SAFE UNTIL THEN

Sorry, been missing again. It's been busy and I'm just starting to take in the enormity of what I have taken on. Just call me Nanna. I'm about to start laying in supplies of tissues - not for me, for the guys. More than ever I am happy to start being semi retired. Actually for all that that sounded sad, I am not unhappy, just dismayed.

Went for a trot along the trail today. Apparently the job only goes for half a day on Fridays. I stuck around trying to think up some business processes, but it would help if someone would make a decision and stick to it.

Having said that, what with the amount of frustration, anxiety and sympathy for the plight these guys find themselves in for, I'm actually quite enjoying myself even if I am exhausted tonight. Thank heavens it is Friday. I can sleep in tomorrow, although I will have to try and do some shopping this weekend.

So I will return tomorrow and do some personals. Have a good night day whatever

Good morning chicks,

Sorry I have not been around. Just too much going on right now and I'm in a pinch. We leave tomorrow morning and I have to work all day today. Ack. Everyone is sick at work - I kept telling my co-worker to get away but she said she just had "a little" cold. I don't what ANY cold and today my nose is stuffed up on one side. My other co-worker is fine but his entire family has a nasty butt and tummy bug. We're telling him he's an evil carrier. Stay home. If I caught that it would kill our trip. Run home tonight, get the packing done and I will break my habit of pulling an all nighter and not getting any sleep the night before a trip.

So forgive the short personals...

Shad - I think you have reached the point where "I'm too old for this stuff" when you talk about semi-retired. It just gets to be more energy than one wishes to expend. But I know you will come through and push everyone along as they need to be.

Mel, I'm sorry to hear about the seniors. For some reason the elderly seem to succumb this time of year. My grandmother died on New Year's eve. 43 is way too low on the blood sugar - we told you to take care of yourself now will you please listen to us?

Michelle - it's all about the food logging, I'm sure of it. Way too easy to get off base without it, even if it's just a little off base to make a difference. We will pull each other along when we get back to routine again, ok? Me too. Loved your team decoration - what a good sport the reindeer was! I wish our place was more festive. Or festive period. I hope that pink eye clears up very soon. I'm surprised they are letting you in the office.

Laura, it's funny you say that about the dieting. I feel truly that's what my biggest stumbling block is - that I refuse to be a "gestapo" about the whole process and it seems like those who have lost large amounts of weight had to do just that to be successful. I am not the obsessing type. Or the completely resisting type either I hope you enjoy the Christmas lights. DH will be up your way on Sunday to visit his buddy. I debated about going that way too - maybe stopping to see a friend or shopping at the mall but in the end I decided to just stay with Mom and let DH spend as much time as he wants to without worrying about me wanting to leave.

Annie - how was the self evaluation? They're not so bad, a chance to brag on yourself. As a former manager I will reveal the big secret that we make staff do self evals so that WE don't have to remember all they did all year long Anyone knows it's easier to edit a doc than create it completely from scratch. However with the lack of raises and promotions in today's world, evaluations don't mean much. Even if you paint the town red with how fabulous you are, when it comes to cuts, mostly it's subjective based on the person deciding the cuts. Sad to say. Don't mean to be a Debbie Downer on that subject. I am overdue with getting mine done too and it won't happen until I get back in town. Did you spend all the bosses money and get nice gifts?

Ceejay - although I was dismayed at you saying a month for the swellling to go down on the foot (say it ain't so), thank you for setting the tone at least. I sure hope I am not in this dumb shoe for a month. DH got me some bandages yesterday - $55 and that's for a week and a half supply. I hope your uncle is ok - 5 discs is an awful lot. Sounds like a spinal fusion is in order. I like your idea of the mental health day in 2010.

Can you believe 2010?????? Geez where does it go?

Would like to stay longer but I have to get running. Am very far behind at work - mostly because people are not busy and keep coming over to talk and I almost have to be impolite and push them out of the area. Was thinking of booking a conference room just to hide but most of them will be out of the office today. I am picking off the most critical of things to finish in the allotted time - can' t put in any extra hours this week and I'm sure someone will not be happy about the things I can't finish. Anyway if I don't get back here - hope you all have a very merry Christmas and safe travels!

Love to you all

Happy Friday ladies -

It finally got here! Yay! And not a moment too soon! By some weird fluke that I have no idea how to explain....I lost 4.2 lbs this week! I have no idea why. I did a little snow shoveling, but not much other exercise - certainly not intense exercise. And my eating has been far less than stellar and my food/points tracking has been intermittent at best. But I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth! I'm thrilled about the weight loss!! At the same time, I know better than to think I can just rest on my laurels or my arse and this will happen every week...so I'm going to get more moving in this weekend and next week!

I went to the doc yesterday and he gave me some ointment for my pink eye that is a combination of an antibiotic and a steroid (to reduce the swelling, pain and irritation). The good news is that my eyes no longer hurt or even itch. The bad news is that my vision is blurred a bit - like looking through wax paper. Good times!

This afternoon is our big department off-site Christmas party, which should be fun. This weekend will be spent tidying up the garage, doing some website work and hopefully going for a drive in the evening to check out Christmas lights.

Mel - So sorry to hear about the senior's passing. It's so tough to lose someone, especially at this time of year. I hope the three that went to the hospital make speedy recoveries. I'm glad you're feeling better after the low blood sugar scare. Take care of yourself, girlfriend. So nice that there was carol singing and presents. I love to sing carols...but don't get much opportunity to sing with a group of people...so I just sing them to myself when I'm at home. I hope you, Jen and Richie enjoyed your Christmas celebration and movie watching! I've set up my favorite Christmas movies to record as most are on next week. My faves that I enjoy watching each year are "It's a Wonderful Life", "Miracle on 24th Street" - both the old version with Natalie Wood and the newer version, and "White Christmas".

Shad - You really have taken on a lot! I hope it goes well without too much stress for you. How nice that you get a half day off on Fridays! So glad you're enjoying this assignment so far!

Happy - My thoughts are with you and sending you : for a good day at work, a stress free packing and preparing for your trip, and safe travels and a wonderful visit with your family! Do try and break your habit of sleep deprivation the night before a trip, okay? There are colds going around here too, along with stomach bugs. I hope they all stay away from me, which they are thanks to my pink eye! My boss has suggested that I go home, but I would've missed a week already and there's not time for that. I almost stayed home today since my vision is so bad (I can drive fine, but reading/typing is loads of fun). Anyway, I didn't want to miss the Christmas party. I think you're right that the most successful "weight losers" are quite obsessive about it. There are two women in my WW group who have lost 35 lbs each in the time I have lost only 15. If we don't "see" you on here beforehand, Merry Christmas, girlfriend!

Laura - Did you get to Lincolnwood last night? How were the lights?

Annie - Did you have fun shopping with the boss' money? What did you get?

Gotta go for now, I have a task due in just a few hours. I'll try and check in later.

Lots of love and big hugs,

Morning every one,
Yesterday flew by. My meeting at work consisted of watching an 18 minute video about the chemical right to know act and msd sheets. The district water meeting was not bad either. I hate large enclosed crowds. There were around a 100 people in this room. At least I got 2 hours for license renewal. After this meeting I went to the hospital to visit with my uncle. He's not ready to come home IMO. My aunt was talking about rehab. He most diffinately needs this before he comes home in time for Christmas. He did have the nuts and bolts with the fusion. After this visit I went to JCPenny's to look for a winter jacket. I found one and it was half price. yeah me.

Michelle
I didn't realize that you had pink eye. And congrats on those pounds lost. I've decided not to weigh in today because I've not been dashing past those desserts. In fact, I made brownies and they are so good. I used applesauce in place of the oil. They are sooooo moist.

Happy
I'm not sure how deep your doctor had to go on your foot surgery. My surgery was very deep. Enjoy your trip and it's a good idea of not staying up all night.

Mel
Hugs. It's always a sad time to lose someone to death and then send three to the hospital. Glad you could take you blood sugar. Sometimes I wonder if that may be the reason why I binge. Rest today. I've decided to put myself first in 2010 starting now.

Shad
It sounds like this job is going to be a lot less stressful for you.

Laura
I haven't been in the Christmas spirit this year. I received two cards in the mail yesterday so I'm going to return those today. I also need to mail some get well cards.

Happy Friday...yes my worldlies you are hearing from the EMPLOYEE of the MONTH...your very own Annie. This came with certificate and a 50 dollar mastercard gift card. WaaaWhoooooooo!!! Rockin on the town tonight. In my mind only, actually going to spend it with my momma.

Momma is no change.

I only ended up spending 300 bucks of my boss' money. I would gladly go back out and shop for her. lol.

We are having our pitch in (I made a cheeseball and a braunsweiger ball last night when I got home from CVS at 10 pm), white elephant exchange, delivery of gifts to our adopted family today. Oh and my secret Santa gave me a 10 dollar gift card to Menards (like a Lowes or Home Depot). Also a $25 gas gift card. We were only supposed to spend 10-15 bucks. What a treat. I had a great secret santa.

I get off of work at 3:00 pm tomorrow at CVS then going to take DD to get a pair of Silver brand jeans for Christmas. THey run 75.00-100.00 dollars a pair. That is about all she is getting. Yikes. It is nuts.

My brother is taking me grocery shopping on Sunday to get all the stuff I need for Christmas eve dinner. He said he would buy it all, if I made it and had eve at my house for the family. Hellya!!

MELLIE...so sorry to hear about the passing of a senior. I am so sad lately that I got teary eyed when reading your post. I am so mentally and physically exhausted that I cry at a drop of a hat.

Happy...I haven't even started doing my eval yet. I just dread it. It is not due till the 15th of January. Have a great vacation and a very merry Christmas too!

Ceejay...Glad the uncle is recovering, rehab is good if you can find one that doesn't secretly try to kill the patient. Good job on the half price coat.

Laura....Did you get your Christmas cards done? I didn't send out very many. I did a picture of me and the kids.

Chelle......YOU ROCK. WOWSER Merry Christmas, a 4.2 loss. Don't you wish you could bottle up what you did to get that one? Glad the pink eye is getting better. Kids are not allowed to go back to school here in Indiana until the Pink eye is clear. Maybe you should stay home. LOL

Shaddie....busy Nanna girl..hope you got to sleep in a little. Shopping in a new place can bring great finds, good luck!!

Not much else going on...hidee ho to all those I missed.

Much Love and Many hugs,

Today's take:

$50.00 Gas Card
$10.00 Menards Card
$50.00