Happy - So sorry to hear that you and your DH are under so much stress and arguing. It'll all be worth it when you finally move. That's awful about those black flies, but glad you were able to research/solve the problem.

Mel - The jambalaya sounds yummy. I hope you and the kids enjoy it and can relax.

Ceejay - I hope the allergies improve with the claritin. if your neighbor has injuries...I'm glad you're not letting her do ANYTHING in your house. You don't want her getting hurt (or hurt worse) at your place and insisting you pay for the medical bills. Steer clear of that one, Ceejay.

I might try and get a bit of website work done today. For now, I'm going to rest. there's lots of yard work and house work that is on the to do list....but nothing is MANDATORY except resting and getting better.

Love and hugs,

Morning all,
Rush job as I am back at work and in the thick of things trying to get it all done before we head south next week for training. For the next couple of days I will be working from home. Well probably Wednesday and Thursday anyway. I need to get my ducks in a row for training next week. Maybe, just maybe I will be prepared.

Get wells to Michelle and her DH.
Stay calm to Happy and her DH
Mel - don't know what to say about the phone calls in the middle of the night - maybe forward them on to those who care??? Oh that's right, that appears to be ......... You!
Ceejay - Glad you didn't answer the door for those chicks. I thought they were leaving town. Are they still waiting for their ride?
Annie - Hope you are okay and still hanging in there. Somewhere in the universe there must be an answer to slappy happy and cr*ppy bosses
Laura - did you get the bike ride in? Maybe that's what I need to motivate me into exercise again - a bike. Yeah well maybe.

Okay - outa here and back into the fray. Have a good Sunday or what's left of it.

Evening all. Quick one.

Michelle - Glad you're making rest & recovery the priority!

Shad- yes, got the bike ride in. I'm feeling cycling is thisclose to being to techy for me- the gear (it's maint & adjustment) getting the bike in& out of
the rack, shifting, etc. But it was a nice ride once we got going. Hope you get sufficiently ready for your trip& that you are productive working at home( no remote access glitches!)

Happy - Sounds horribly stressful in the Happy household right now. Boo. I think getting the house sold and renting sounds like a great way to ease into retirement- at least you retire from home maintenance! . Hang in there & def get the BP taken care of. BTW, we rode a trail in Palatine today. We like Busse, but it's really busy on the weekend.

Ceejay- glad u ended the house cleaning thing - not when she's claiming injuries already. Risky. Hope you allergies are in check now.

Annie- Did you visit dad & get back in his good graces??

Mel - Hope Jen is resting up & happy to be home and child-free for a while! I like Shad's idea of forwarding those low battery calls to someone else!!

Ok posting before my battery dies!!

GOOD MORNING CHICKS.


NOTHING NEW SINCE YESTERDAY.
I NEED TO GO TO THE OFFICE FOR OBVIOUS REASONS.
HOPE I CAN KEEP MY TEMPER. ALREADY SPOKE TO THE BOSSLADY.
SO MANY CALLS CAME IN THAT I HAD TO PUT THOSE ALARMS ON TEST.
THUS I HAD TO CALL HER AND APPRAISE HER OF THE SITUATION BECAUSE OF THE TENANTS INVOLVED.
I JUST COULDN'T TAKE ANOTHER NIGHT OF BEING WOKEN UP.
I HAVE ABOUT ONE INCH LEFT ON THE ROPE I AM HOLDING ON TO
BEFORE I HAND IN MY RESIGNATION AND THEY CAN SCREW THEMSELVES.
I SAID I AM SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT MY JOB AND I AM NOT TAKING ON ANOTHER FREEBIE.
OF COURSE SHE AGREED BUT WE WILL SEE HOW FAST THEY CHANGE THIS.

JEN AND I HAD A SMALL CHAT. SHE REALLY JUST NEEDS TO MELLOW OUT AND RELAX FOR AWHILE.
SHE SAID THE SUMMER WENT PRETTY WELL. EXCEPT THE OCCASIONAL DRAMA WHEN MOMMY DEAREST CALLED HER KIDDOS.
NOW I SEE WHAT THE TROUBLE WAS WITH THE KIDS.
THE AIRPORT WAS AN EVEN BIGGER DRAMA.
PLANE DELAYED 2 HRS DUE TO IMPENDING HURRICANES
AND THEN DD REFUSING TO BOARD TO GO HOME.
ADD ON TIRADE WHICH INCLUDED MANY TEARS, PLEAS........ETC.
RICHIE IS AN ABSOLUTE MESS.
NOW WE CAN GO THRU THIS ALL OVER AGAIN IN DECEMBER.
GEE I CAN'T WAIT!!!
FUNNY.....I THOUGHT I WOULD BE LUCKY HAVING AN ONLY CHIKD.....
WHERE DID I GO WRING IN MY THINKING.

TIME TO GET DRESSED AND HAVE SOME BREAKFAST.
MAYBE BY THAT TIME I WILL BE CALMER
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!





HAPPY........MUST BE HARD NOT TO TAKE THE STTRESS OUT ON EACH OTHER AND BE SNIPPY.
WE DO THAT HERE TOO. lol3:
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE BLACK FLIES AND GLAD YOU CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
THANK GOD FOR INTERNET INFO....I AGREE IT'S A BIG HELP!!
HOPING YOUR WEEK GOES BETTER AND THINGS GO RIGHT!!!




MICHELLE...GLAD YOU CAN REST AND HOPE THIS WEEK GOES OK FOR BOTH YOU AND DH. SENDING MORE GET WELL HUGS




SHAD.....HOPE YOUR WEEK GOES WELL TOO!!
GETTING THE DUCKS IN A ROW CAN BE TRICKY. WATCH OUT FOR THOSE STRAGGLERS!!
YOU MADE ME LAUGH ABOUT THE ALARMS. SEE....I'M ALREADY IN A BETTER MOOD.




LAURA.......YOU CAN HAVE YO0UR LAPTOP CALL ME IF IT NEEDS RECHARGING!!!

Good morning ladies,

I don't have enough time to do a proper post. Opted for getting a little bit of sleep over pulling an all nighter and trying to finish things up so now I have a couple more things to get done to tidy up before I turn it over to DH for the day. Does it ever get done? I'm thinking no. I'd like to leave a bit earlier and get home a bit earlier than 20 minutes before the paint lady and realtor show up. So let me just say hiyah and be on my way and hopefully catch up at lunch time.

Michelle - I hope you and hubby are feeling well enough to go back to work although I'm sure you will peter out quickly in the afternoon. Don't push it if you aren't ready.

Mel - we both know they are not paying you to take calls in the middle of the night. And you can't afford not to get a decent rest yourself. They need to send those non emergency calls to someone else. You might as well be in IT (computers) for all the grief you take over night

Laura - give me an old fashioned 3 speed bike any day. I get confused with all the shifts and gears. My sister said the weather up there is lovely - perfect for being outside until dusk sets in and the monster mosquitoes come out.

Gotta run - catch up with the rest of you later.

Good Morning Chicklets of the Worldlie Type.....

Nice weekend, got both my toities fixed over the weekend. I can actually flush without taking the tank top off to do it manually. Yahoo!!

Ok here it is.......so the breadman, Curtis, and I have been talking for the past two years at CVS and when he caught wind that I was quitting CVS, he finally asked for my digits and we have been dating for the past 3 or 4 weeks. It is going extremely well. It's just crazy the things we have in common and how well he treats me. I am taking it slow, very slow, however he is falling hard, really hard. It is true...when a relationship is supposed to be, you don't have to work real hard at it.

CHELLE.....glad to hear you and DH are on the mend...do not push yourself with work and have a set back. Now, for Pete's sake, no more illnesses you have had your quota for the next 10 years.

HAPPY...sending peaceful, stress relieved hugs your way sister and hope that zap your brain immediately. Those d*mn flies and the p*ss ants, as my g-pa used to call them, drive me up a tree too. Remember the Shell no-pest strips? Think we need some! My garden is flourishing, but only because I water the heck out of it. I got another great harvest out it over the weekend Tomatos, banana peppers, zucchini, green onions, cucumbers and lettuce and made a salad fit for a king with it too!

SHADDIE...I just knew you were gandering up the ducks cause they were quacking like crazy this morning out on the pond when I let Hella B out. I think there are some big a$$ed turtles in the pond that are snapping and drowning the duck and geese. Goodluck gathering the troops and don't work too awful hard.

MELLIE...I feel for Jen....when I was married, we got custody of my x's 13 year old daughter. She was the biggest troublemaker on earth. Running away from home, smoking, yadda yadda. It is so hard on the step parent cause we cannot beat them and get away with it. lol Hugs to you and Jen, and Richie too, cause I know it is hard on him.

LAURA...what is on the agenda this week...movie? bike purchases/sell? What book are you reading for club this time? Hopefully not anything from the "friend" author! What is the funniest thing that you have seen/experience on the train rides to and from home?

CEEJAY...I will come clean your house for free. I just love cleaning. I got mine done and the grass around the edges cut on Saturday. I need to learn to cut grass first then clean cause I tend to drag in bits of grass and have to vacuum again. We finally got a good pour down yesterday, then it was so cool outside and nice. Back to hot and humid today tho.

Made a new chocolate/peanutbutter fudgey brownie yesterday..so easy. Curtis said it was awesome. I didn't taste it cause I don't like chocolate. I brought it into work today to share with the office.

Must get busy...have a wonderful Monday/Tuesday..

Much love and many hugs.

Annie
I am happy for you and new beau. He sounds like a keeper. I tend to clean the house then mow the lawn.

----
Nothing new this morning.

Mel
Good for you in telling the boss lady it's not your job. They most difinitely need a night maintenance man

Happy Monday -

Feels weird, but oddly good, to be back at work. Funny how when you're off work for a week or two on vacation...it doesn't feel nearly as good to be back at work as when you're out sick for a week or two. My energy/stamina is already pretty low...and I haven't even been here for two hours yet. I know that once I get home at 4, I'm just going to collapse...and that's assuming I can last the entire day at work.

DH was having trouble with dizziness last night. He couldn't sit up for more than 5 or 10 minutes without feeling like he was going to pass out...so he stayed at home today. Hopefully, he'll feel better tomorrow.

We got some good news...DMIL may be coming back for a visit as early sometime in October. We thought she'd stay in CA until after her granddaughter (our niece) has her baby in November, but she's bored and wants to come back to visit us (and stay through the holidays).

******************
Shad - I hope you're able to have a productive week and get things in order for your training.

Laura - The bike ride sounds nice. I agree about bikes being super techy, and getting them in and out of the rack can be a challenge too. I'd like to do some bike rides with DH before winter.

Mel - So sorry to hear about all the alarms...and lack of sleep. Happy's right...with all the sleepless night's you're having, you'd think you had a computer job except that computer jobs pay better. Hang in there. I'm glad you went to the office and laid down the law. So sorry to hear about the drama with the kids, especially the tantrums and tirades at the airport. And they'll be back in December for another round of stress? Oh no!

Happy - I'm really glad to hear that you got a proper night's sleep. Good for you! I hope you get to leave a bit earlier today so that you have a few minutes at home before the decorator and realtor show up. Sending you lots of : and Your sister is right...the weather up here is absolutely lovely. Unfortunately, neither DH nor I have been able to be outside enjoying it, which is really frustrating. Both of us are on antibiotics that have side effects if we have prolonged sun exposure. The grass definitely needs mowing...and I'll probably do that later on this week...after DH and I are feeling a bit better.

Annie - Glad both toities got fixed! I'm so glad you've got a new beau who treats you well. And I'm glad you're taking it slowly. Your garden harvest sounds so yummy!! I haven't had a chance to harvest any of my tomatoes yet...haven't had the energy to even walk out to the garden. Hopefully, I'll have enough energy today.

to Ceejay and Ellen!

Lots of love and hugs to all,

Morning all.

Mel - Sorry the alarm situation has become your he11. I hope the office keeps their word on doing something about that. When did that all start?? Too bad about all the drama when the kids left town. Hope it's all a faded memory by the time they arrive for the holidays...

Happy - Yesterday when I said it would be nice to at least retire from house maintenance - I meant on a temporary basis, of course, since it'll still be there in the house up north. Hope the paint lady has good colors for you! Yup, the fewer speeds the simpler bikes are. This is one of the perfect sports for the gadget guys, that's for sure.

Annie - Glad C. spoke up before you left CVS! So night you're enjoying time w/ him. Nice you've gotten a good harvest from the veg patch. My tomatoes have gone nuts, but the peppers have been blocked out of the sun, so no more of them; I didn't see it actually flower, but the cilantro is overgrown. I think that's a crop that is very quick to "bolt" as the experts say, so I'd be better off just planting more seeds throughout the season. The boss gave me a nice organic cuke from her dh's garden.

Michelle - Nice you're happy to be back at work...for now. Hope you can get through the day alright, but don't overdo it. Poor dh w/ the dizzies. Awful. Nice that your dmil is returning!! I know you wanted that.

Hellos to Shad, Ceejay & Ellen.

Gorgeous weather yesterday. I lazed around a bit in the AM and then went to the front bed of shrubs and weeded it. We're about 2 years overdue on mulching it and so the weeds took advantage. Looks so much better, but my lower back got really tired from all the bending and reaching.

Finally got on the road with our bikes around 3 pm yesterday. The first trail turned out to be crushed limestone - not anything bf and I wanted to cycle on w/ our skinny tires. Not thrilled that wasn't clear in the trail guide I bought. We were going to head to the Busse Woods trail, but instead decided to go on a trail close by the one we abandoned - once I'd confirmed it was paved! It was a very nice trail and we'll probably go back. It didn't seem crowded, but that might have been because it was late afternoon by the time we rode on it. We went about 10 miles. We both are enjoying our new bikes, but I have to refresh my shifting skills and we both have to learn how to use our new bike computers. Neither of us could really tell how far we went by looking at our computers, lol. I was, however, able to find the cadence reading on mine, which I like to use. It's good to keep a cadence of approx. 80 rpms - revolutions per minute.

My arse is a bit sore today from the cycling, and my back was a bit tight upon first waking (from the weeding), but otherwise I'm good. Tonight I will go to an exercise class.

Annie - in response to your questions - no movie this week. Our group leader has a conflict and so she and one other are going to an 8:30 show after her conflict. Too late for me, plus I can use that time to go to an exercise class instead. I have only two weeks left on my passport and still have 8 classes to use!

Our next book club book is "The Doctor's Wife" by Elizabeth Brundage, published in 1996 I think. Haven't really started it yet, except for a bit of the prologue. Seems readable, so it's way ahead of our last selection.

As for funny train experiences - a couple that come to mind involve drunk passengers late at night when bf and & were taking the train home after work parties. One drunk girl was on her cell phone having a rather loud and oblivious conversation/argument w/ what sounded like a boyfriend. Everyone in the car couldn't help but hear (and be entertained by) this gal. Another time, a drunk guy got himself ejected from the train at the same stop bf and I got off at. After stumbling off the train, there he was sitting on the ground on the platform not at all sure where he was. Actually, it was a bitter cold December night, so I was sort of worried about him.... bu what do they say about God protecting fools and children?? Nothing really hilarious comes to mind. Recently I was on the "quiet car" and grandma and a couple grandkids ended up finding seats nearby. Grandma was clueless about the quiet car concept and kept talking loudly, while the grandkids kept shushing her. Sometimes people fall asleep and snore loudly... Oh yeah, just a regular laugh riot on the train. Happy, maybe you have a funny train memory from your Metra days??

Okay, better post and earn my pay.

On the run again. Need to get data sorted for next weeks training. Then we are stacked and ready to go.

Mel - you need to take some of your own advice. Breathe, in and out, in and out. DD only wants to get her own way. She would no doubt turn back into super b*tch if she did manage to stay.
Hope you get those alarms sorted. What a pain. It's bad enough being woken up to go to the loo in the night.

Happy - breathe in and out, just like Mel. Personally, I would not do too much to the house because of the expense. You will not get the money back in todays market. Just make it liveable. Last time I saw it, I would have been happy to move in and redecorate as I saw fit, but GenY wants it all done for them, I guess.

Annie - well you are the sneaky one are you not. I'm happy for you. Your garden sounds really good.

Laura - know how you feel about the tush, bicycles never seem to have a comfortable seat. Maybe there is a message in that - as in get off your butt and move!!!!

Ceejay - are you going to find another cleaner?

Michelle - did you last the day or did you give in and go home when you ran out of steam?

Gotta go and get the data sorted for the Planners. My best mate Scottie (grovel, grovel) is back at the desk now.

HAPPY TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY!


LOVELY SUN OUTSIDE. GOING OUT IN A FEW MINUTES.
JOHN IS STILL OUT. HE HAS A KIDNEY STONE NOW.
NOT SURE WHO TO CRY MORE FOR....HIM OF ME!
TAKING THE TODAY OFF I HOPE. TOMORROW WILL BE EVEN BUSIER AND
WE ALSO HAVE THE 2 MEETINGS SCHEDULED.
THE ALARM COMPANY IS COMING HERE ON 9/7 TO INVESTIGATE THE BATTERY PROBLEM.
THERE IS STILL NO DECISION ON WHO TO CALL OR NOT CALL.
NOTHING MUCH NEW HERE JUST VERY BUSY AND HAD A CHAT WITH JEN.
HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT DAY




HAPPY......YES TOO BAD I DIDN'T GET RE-TRAINED AND GET A REAL PAYING JOB GOOD LUCK THIS WEEK!!




ANNIE......I AM VERY HAPPY FOR YOU AND HOPE YOU BOTH CONTINUE TO FIND OUT GOOD THINGS ABOUT EACH OTHER.
YES....IT SHOULD BE EASY AND NOT SO MUCH WORK HAVING A RELATIONSHIP.
SENDING HUGS YOUR WAY





CEEJAY.....DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY ON SATURDAY?
WAS WONDERING IF YOU'RE GOING TO PARAGOULD TO BE WITH THE AUNT & UNCLES.
WE ARE HAVING GREAT WEATHER HERE AND HOPE YOU ARE TOO.




MICHELLE.....GOOD THING THE DMIL IS COMING BACK.
SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF YOU AND DH!!!
HOPE BOTH OF YOU WILL BE EVEN BETTER TOMORROW.
SORRY TO HEAR DH IS DIZZY STILL. HE SURE IS HAVING A TOUGH TIME NOW.




LAURA.....GLAD YOU FINALLY FOUND A TRAIL TO RIDE. YOUR POOR FANNY!!
I CAN JUST SEE YOUR TRAIN RIDE SCENARIOS! ESPECIALLY GRANDMA!!!
HOPE THE BOOK IS A GOOD ONE AND NO ONE KNOWS THE AUTHOR THIS TIME ROUNDlol3: HAPPY READING!




SHAD.....HOPE SCOTTY DIDN'T GROVEL TOO MUCH!
HAPPY DATA SORTING AND GOOD LUCK!!
I AM CONSIDERING MOVING TO THE BOON DOCKS AND DISCONNECTING ALL PHONES.
SOMETHING LIKE CAMPING IS STARTING TO SOUND GOOD TO ME.

Terrific Tuesday to you all.....

Had a great evening. Curtis came over for dinner, well I just fixed leftover meatloaf into sandwiches..haha. He loved it and was happy about it. Then we went on a 45 minute walk, taking Hella B with us. Toward the end of the walk Hella was not wanting any part of it. She held out tho. I am very excited that Curtis loves to walk. He has hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon twice...7 miles in..7 miles out. I guess he and his brother go, then camp over night at the bottom. Don't believe I will be taking my fat arse on that trip! lol.

Sissy is coming over tonight to color my hair, of course I have to fix us dinner. So it is chicken fetticini alfredo, ghetto garlic bread, and fresh salad out of the garden. I love doing cooking for repayment of coloring. It is a deal to me!!

Death toll for the Indiana Fair stage crash is up to 7 now. The last one died yesterday. She was an organ donor and helped to save 8 lives. That is the only good I can see coming from such a tragedy. My heart breaks for the loved ones and their families.

Brother's band plays this Saturday nite...we are all going. My SIL is going to go pick up my dad as he wants to see the band "before he dies"..whatever...I went over there on my way home from work yesterday and dad was telling me all about going. He was so excited. He also said, his first two beers he would probably slam down cause there was nothing like a beer on tap..... I cracked up. My oldest brother and his wife are going also. Oh and get this Curtis likes to dance and not too bad at it.

MELLIE....love the Hello Friend pix, so darn cute. Poor John, he just gets past one thing then something else goes wrong...prayers. Don't over do the work stuff, be sure to put our MELLIE first and foremost. Rest when you need to...got it?

SHADDIE...hope all is going great at the worksite and training goes smoothly. I sense some bitterness with your mate Scottie..haha

LAURA...I used to strap a folded up beach towel to my bike seat, I couldn't handle it otherwise. I am a wimp. I don't mind trimming shrubs and bushes, what I hate is cleaning up the mess. Even when I put something down to catch the trimmings, it still got in the rock bed and made a mess.

CHELLE...how are you and DH feeling today? Did DH get past the dizzyness, might be the BP pills also. Hope your energy level is gaining force. Hugs dear sister, feel better.

Hey ya CEEJAY...hope your day is great!

HAPPY......Take her easy dearheart. Remember to breathe. Slowly. Let the mind go blank, kind of like mine...lol. Hugs

Hello Ellen.

Gotta get busy..have the bestest day ever all!! Hugs,

Happy Tuesday ladies -

I'm back at work again today. I made it roughly 6 hours yesterday, then went home and rested for the remainder of the day. Today, I have a work book club meeting at 1 pm, so the earliest I could leave is 2...which might happen. I brought the nebulizer with me today as John doesn't like the way it makes him feel. No one likes the way nebulizers make them feel...other than they help you to breathe. For me, my heart races and feels like it will jump out of my chest after I nebulize...and my hands shake. But I guess that's the price for breathing (and it does help me do that). The steroids I'm on have finally decided to kick in big time in terms of monster appetite. I've had a good breakfast, and a couple healthy snacks, and I'm still famished!! At least I only have 3 days left on the steroid medicine.

DH is home again today, which I'm glad about. He says he's feeling a little better, but still not breathing well. I'd rather he rest and get over this than push himself to far too fast and have a relapse. He hasn't had pneumonia since he was a child...so he needs to realize that it's nothing to mess around with and can take weeks to get over. He's still having occasional dizziness...but I think that's due to being exhausted and also not getting enough air into the lungs (so says my voice of experience).

For now, when DMIL comes back in October, it will be for a visit. She hasn't decided about moving here permanently...and we don't want to put any pressure on her to make that decision. She knows she is always welcome in our home whether for months or the rest of her life.

********************

Laura - Sounds like you had a very nice weekend...relaxing, mixed with productive yard work, and good exercise. I got a great laugh at your funny train stories. DH and I ride the trains in Chicago when we're down there visiting...definitely makes for some interesting people watching!

Happy - I hope the decorator has some good suggestions that don't break the bank. I agree with Shad...don't invest a lot into getting your house sold. I just know you will find a buyer who will be happy and eager to do what's necessary to make the house theirs. Please try not to worry/stress. It does no good, and is so bad for your overall health.

Shad - Hope you got all the data sorted and are all set to go. Are you working from home Wednesday and Thursday as planned? Are you off on Friday or is that a travel day?

Mel - So sorry to hear about John being out again. Kidney stones are no fun (from what I've heard). I hope you were able to take today off since tomorrow will be busy for you. They'd better get the alarm contacts squared away so you can get some sleep at nights.

Annie - I love meatloaf AND leftover meatloaf sammys. Also really like chicken fettucini alfredo. You're making my mouth water, sista! How fun it will be that the whole gang is going to hear your brother's band on Saturday! I'm sure your dad will have a great time! So nice that Curtis loves to dance! DH isn't on BP medicine...his BP is really good...so that's not causing his dizziness. I think it's just the pneumonia. My energy level is up from yesterday...still nowhere near normal, but improving. After work today, I have to run two errands - library and grocery store - then it will be home and straight to bed.

Ceejay - So nice that you're spending your birthday in Paragould with the family!! So are you going to Springfield this Monday or for Labor Day weekend? I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better with the b12 and new thyroid meds!

Lots to get done today...so I'd better get to it.

Love and hugs,