Morning all. Quick hello only - running behind on planned tasks because I had to support boss on her budget work. We both hate it.

Went to the Step 101 class yesterday. Yawn. Boooring. But I did sweat. It was also good to get in the pushups and ab crunches we do at the end of class.

Personals later - if I catch up.

Sissy and I just took a walk around the pond. I am not sure how far it is but it takes about 25-30 minutes to get all the way around it. Quite a jaunt. Didn't realize it was as hot as it is outside, now I have swamp a$$. Shuuuuuweeeeeee. The turtles were not out on the banks as usual. We did see several in the pond tho. The nasty geese were out around pooing everywhere. THose things kind of frighten me as sometimes for no reason they take off chasing you. lol

Gotta get busy, hope to leave a little early today....

Stupid prednisone has had me eating all day...at least I've made healthy choices - lots of veggies, string cheese, and 2 cartons of yogurt. And my hunger has FINALLY diminished. I just nebulized for the second time today...so I'm a bit wired and spacey. I'll be better in about 1/2 hour. I'm debating whether to call it an early day...or push myself to try and last the entire day. I'm leaning toward leaving early.

Laura - Bummer that the Step class was boring...but at least you got a good workout. I hope you were able to get caught up so your afternoon isn't too horrible. Are you going to exercise class tonight?

Annie - So nice that you and DD went for a walk! Too funny about swamp butt. The turtles were probably enjoying the cool water as a break from the hot day.

Love and hugs to all,

Okay, made it back here for personals:

Shad – Did you get the data sorted and ready? Re the bike seat – guess my behind is only acclimated to 6-block rides to the train and not 10 mile rides, LOL.

Mel – Enjoy that weather while you’ve got it! Sorry to hear John’s got kidney stones. I hear they’re painful!! Did you get to take today off?? Just finished another book, now I’ll start this book club book. HEY MEL– DID YOU FEEL THE EARTHQUAKE??!!!

Annie – Last night’s dinner and tonight’s sounds yummy. Good barter system there between you and sissy. Very sad about the deaths from that stage collapse. At least something positive came out of it with those organ donations. I hope your dad enjoys seeing your brother’s band play. My (widowed) friend’s dad came along with us to karaoke after her graduation party and I thought it was great that he came along. Nothing my folks would have done... You obviously didn’t have the rain we had up here at lunchtime if you and sissy were out walking in the sun. I didn’t feel like bringing my umbrella to lunch, so I just ran across the street for a sandwich.

Ceejay – Sounds like you have fun plans for your b-day. Bummer you had power outages while cooking and showering – I wouldn’t like that at all. I wouldn’t mind it happening at work though, LOL. Glad you’ve got the energy back to do your own cleaning. I guess I have the energy, it’s just the will to do it that I’m lacking, LOL.

Michelle – Sounds like the cures are almost as bad as the illness, lol. Glad you're almost off the steroids. At least you’re able to work, or you’d also be stressing out about falling too far behind! Good for dh taking the extra day to recover. Did you end up leaving work early?

Hellos to Happy & Ellen.
***
I’ve gotten several things done today after the budget stuff was finally taken care of, but I’m still waiting for some support re some reports that aren’t running properly for me. That’s holding up something that’s high on the priority list. It’s always something, isn’t it??

I’m on the fence about going to an exercise class tonight. I’m leaning towards skipping tonight and going Wed & Thurs. I like the class options for Wed & Thurs better too. I do need some stuff from Walmart, so I think I’ll go there instead. Been out of calcium supplements for a couple weeks now…

Well, that’s about it. If you can't be good, be careful!

Have had an email from Mel who says that they have felt 2 aftershocks only a few minutes apart. She is dealing with frightened seniors who think they should go outside - they also are thinking about 9/11. Mel is fine but can't get to the site for one reason or another. No doubt she will be back to tell us all the gory details soon.

Scotty and I have a good working relationship. I was grovelling because I needed to put some data into the training client and we discussed what we needed and wrote it on the whiteboard. I fully expected to put the data in myself except for the tricky bits that demanded access to the bowels of the system. While I was still doing the first bit, Scotty sent me a list of everything he had put in and done - I didn't need to do any more. Gotta love clear thinking people who just DO their job!!!! I've worked with Scotty before and he is another Kiwi - actually a Jaffa from Auckland, he can be overbearing and arrogant from time to time, but on the whole I like working with him.

Michelle - glad to hear that you are on the improve and taking life easy right now. Hope you both get better soon.

Annie - good news on your front as well. Liked the sound of dinner. We are eating out the pantry and freezer right now. I didn't do any shopping since I am away next week and most of the weekdays for the next 5 weeks or so.

Ceejay - Hope you have a happy birthday on Saturday in case I am not around to wish it then. Have a good time with the family.

Laura - did you skip class in favour of calcium supplements? I know exactly how you feel about someone not doing their job, so that interferes with yours, which in turn interferes with some one futher up the food chain. Good luck with that.

Right, I am at work. Doubt that I will actually get to work from home this week although Friday might be good. I fly to Mudgee at a horrible hour on Monday morning, and I have to try to work out how to get my computer, my steel cap boots and my clothes and personal gear into a case and weighing less than 15 kilograms - that's about 30lbs. That's all that Air Pelican allow and that includes hand luggage. Since I will be there for a while, I may try to find out if I can hire a locker or something to keep my gear in when I come home for the weekends.

Gotta buzz. Catch you all later and if I hear from Mel, I will send a message.

News update. Mel still can't get on site but is okay. Somewhat shaken and a bit stirred up. Someone give her a martini

MORNING CHICKS.

AS SHAD HAD POSTED FOR ME.......I CAN REAFFIRM IT WAS A FREAKY TUESDAY.
I WAS SO SCARED THAT I TRIED TO GET ON 3FC RIGHT AWAY
I DON'T THINK I WAS THINKING CLEARLY AT THE TIME.
COULDN'T GET ON AND WAS CALLING JEN AT THE SAME TIME.
I WAS ON THE COMPUTER WHEN IT HAPPENED AND IT SHOOK THE WHOLE ROOM. SCARY CHIT SKIPPY!

THE AFTER SHOCKS LEFT ME FEELING HEAVY IN THE HEAD WITH PRESSURE AND INSTANTLY NAUSEOUS.
AND THAT WAS EVEN BEFORE I KNEW WHAT THE HADES WAS GOING ON.
I HAVEN'T FELT ANY SHOCKS SINCE THEN AND THE NAUSEA WENT AWAY WHILE I SLEPT.
MOST OF THE SENIORS DIDN'T FEEL IT AND THE ONES THAT DID ARE A LITTLE SHAKY.
THE FUNNY THING IS THAT THE NON-FEELERS THINK THE REST OF US ARE CRAZY.
THE OFFICE WENT HOME AT THE USUAL TIME SO I WENT BACK DOWN AND SAT WITH A FEW SENIORS OUTSIDE.
SOME OF THEM DIDN'T WANT TO COME BACK INTO THE BUILDING RIGHT AWAY.
CAN'T SAY AS I BLAMED THEM
UP UNTIL THEN I WAS HAVING SUCH A LOVELY & QUIET DAY.
WINDOWS WERE OPENED AND A BIG OL' BREEZE WAS FLOWING IN.
I GUESS IT'S TRUE THAT ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END!!!!!!!!!!
HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DAY. I HAVE THOSE MEETINGS TONITE




SHAD...THANKS FOR POSTING. FOR SOME RIDICULOUS REASON IT SEEMED VERY IMPORTANT TO ME AT THE TIME
MAYBE JUST TO REACH OUT TO YOU & THE CHICKS IN A SCARY TIME
30 LBS OF LUGGAGE?? JEN NEEDS THAT FOR JUST AN OVERNIGHTER!!
HOPE YOU GET TO REST UP A BIT BEFORE THIS EARLY BIRD FLIGHT ON MONDAY




LAURA........STEP 101! GO GIRL!! HAVE FUN ON THE OTHER CHOICES TOO.
YES I DID FEEL THE QUAKE I AM LAUGHING NOW BUT IT WAS NOT FUNNY YESTERDAY! GLAD THE WORK WITH THE BOSS WENT OK.
HOPE THE REST OF THE NON-WORKING STUFF GETS FIXED SOON AND WITHOUT A LOT OF HOOPLA!!!




ANNIE......THIS GUY SOUNDS LIKE A KEEPER TO ME.
E WALKS, HE TALKS, HE EATS AND CAN EVEN DANCE??
BUT CAN HE DO THE HOOCHIE COOCHIE??
GLAD TO HEAR DAD IS GETTING OUT AND CRACKED UP ABOUT SLAMMING THE FIRST 2 BEERS DOWN!!
I WOULD COLOR YOUR HAIR & TAKE CARE OF BELLA FOR THAT DINNER!!
I JUST HEARD LAST NIGHT THAT THE DEATH TOLL FOR THE CRASH HAD RISEN.
HELPING 8 OTHER PEOPLE WILL BE A WONDERFUL LEGACY FOR HER DEATH. BUT SO SAD.


CEEJAY....I'M HAPPY TO HEAR YOU'RE CELEBRATING TOGETHER. I HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT THE OTHER UNCLE'S BD
HOW NICE IT WILL BE TO SEE THE BABY AGAIN GIVE A HUG FOR AUNT MELLIE TOO
THE POWER WENT OUT WHEN YOU IN THE SHOWER????
OMG!! I WOULD FREAK OUT IF THE POWER WENT OFF IN THERE




MICHELLE........MY NEIGHBORS HATE THE NEBULIZER. BUT THE DRUGS ARE NECESSARY AND I TELL THEM THEY GOTTA DO IT.
HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO FEEL BETTER. DID YOU MAKE THE CLUB MEETING?
JEN HAD PROBLS LIKE THE DH WHEN SHE HAD PNEUMONIA MANY YEARS AGO.
HOPE HIS DIZZINESS GOES AWAY. I HATE THAT FEELING!!

Hi there ladies,

Let me see if I can get a proper post in. Paint lady came yesterday. Very blah bland colors. I know you don't want crazy colors but this is taupe, white and a very lightened up muted forest type gray green. Throughout the whole house. I think it will sap all personality out of this place. She recommended the colors for the house across the street. Basically same colors. Looks ugly there too. DH and I will probably pick slightly different colors. DH has decided that the painters quote is not that bad and I am glad he is deciding on the help - he needs it. I did go to the doctor yesterday. BP was only slightly higher than usual - it figures. They did an EKG. It was normal. She gave me some B/P meds and said to come back in 2 weeks for a follow up. Also gave me some antidepressants. I don't think I am depressed - mostly just angry. But I guess the happy pills like Valium or Xanax are rather addictive so I guess she took the safer route. I guess the pills are working - my b/p at the nurse today was 114/68 and I was actually kinda miffed at the time. Took it again when I got home trying out the new wrist type b/p machine and it was low again. B/P pills make me tired - I went to bed before 10 yesterday, fell asleep in 20 minutes and then snap - woke up at 3:51am. Laid in bed for over an hour tossing and then went into the other bedroom. Was about to get up after tossing again when I guess I finally fell asleep and got another hour in.

Poor Mel - I can only imagine the chaos with the seniors. We heard about the quake but a few people checked with friends and such in Virginia, NY and the east coast. Didn't seem like it was that crazy although they said they felt it in NY. With everyone on edge over the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center bombings I can certainly understand people's reaction thinking "oh no, here it goes again". I don't think you get over that too easily. I'm glad that you are ok Mel - hope this is the end of the shocks - I imagine that is the worst never knowing when it will end and how bad it is. Glad you are back online again.

Shad - you say Scotty is a Jaffa. Is that orange coated chocolately goodness in a guy? I'm glad you have someone you can work with easily - sure does help especially when you are on a tight time line. I can't imagine how you will get your gear into such a small pack and have a few precious ounces for essentials like clean undies, toothbrush and soap - even for a master traveller like yourself. I guess being in a mine town, not like you can ship yourself a care package. Might arrive after you've come and gone. Will be curious to find out how you made out. Did you have to invest in your own sturdy pants and steel toes boots?

Laura - I wonder why that never put in a Walmart downtown? Would be handy to run errands and with all the apartments down there, you'd think it would work out. Then you wouldn't have to skimp on your classes, especially with the pass about to expire. Where will you take it from there? I forgot - is this a park district thing? Glad you had a nice bike ride with the BF. Do you like the paved trails or the natural ones?

Yes, I have many Metra commuter ride stories. Alot of us riding the train had our preferred seats. Mine was the second car on what I would call the cheap seats - I'd sit in the stairwell leading to the upstairs car. I'd be one of the last on the train so I'd always let people move freely and would step aside so as not to be rude. Sitting on the stairs I was next to a set of double doors that slid open to the vestibule of the train car. Was sitting there on the stairs minding my own business one night and was on a later (7pm) train on a Friday night (lots of people would stop for a cocktail before boarding the train on Fridays). Apparently this drunk got on the train just as they shut the doors. He stood in the vestibule but had a hard time staying upright as the train slowly left the station and made some rather strong turns on the tracks as we headed to the first station (Clyborn). The train would go slow and rock and sometimes the interior doors would open and close on their own. They were doing so that night. Drunk is on the floor of the vestibule, I'm just inside the car on the other side of the doors reading or something.
Train is moving slowly, doors open.
Drunk looks at me and says "Hey you..."
Doors close. I look up at him.
Doors open, drunk looks at me and says to me "I'm gonna kill you beyotch".
Doors close. I roll my eyes.
Doors open again, drunk slurs "didyah hear me beyotch, I said I'm gonna kill you".
Doors close. I start laughing. He is literally laying on the floor, sliding against the hand rails. I figure someone who cannot stand upright is not that much of a threat.
Doors open again. He says to me "I'm gonna kill you dead beyotch". At this point I look at him and say "not if I kick your a$$$$$ first dumbchit". Everyone standing around me in the car starts laughing and clapping. At this point the conductor came through, noticed the commotion and promptly pitched the drunk at the next train stop. 22 years of taking Metra (public transit) - I've got lots of stories. My sister and I said we should pool our heads and write a book together - trouble is, by now I forgot most of the stories

Annie - I am sooooo happy that you and Curtis have found each other. My good friend is married to a bread man - for a long time too - they are good people - salt of the earth as my grandma would say. And how impressive is it that he climbed the canyon? That is seriously no feat for wimpies. I'm impressed. Shucks, I was going to offer to take those yum yum meat loaf sandwiches off your hands. I hope this is the start of something good for both of you. You are overdue for some fun and good companionship. That's great that you got Sissy out walking. We have a pond and geese, ducks and swans too. The geese are scary and their poop is major nasty. Especially when they are laying eggs. That is really sad about the people who perished at the concert. Guess we all need a reminder that life is precious and it's not a guarantee that you will live a long one, so enjoy it rather than frittering the time away.

So Ceejay - did you have to finish your shower in a dark bathroom? That's kind of creepy - maybe I just saw Psycho too many times I usually turn a flashlight on in the room if the power is flickering. I hope getting supplies did not mean that you had to roll those heavy duty drums into place across the floor. I'm glad you are feeling better with the B12 shots. Fly lady is annoying but you can't beat her system unless of course you have Annie living nearby I appreciate cleaning but have yet to understand the thrill it gives some people

Michelle - I'm so sorry you have the medical munchies Does protein or anything in particular help or is it just major cravings of any sort? Wish I had a better suggestion for you. Have to look up Susan Powter I think her name was - the chick with the crazy hair who lost a ton of weight. She was looking for the most volume for the least amount of calories - but then again - she ate stuff like wallboard and insulation Just kidding. Probably tasted like it tho. The vertigo / dizziness is just an awful feeling - I think it has to do with the fluid in the ears. You both are sure having a hard time. Hope it clears up right this morning - I'm sure you are both tired of it and some.

Well it's trash day - time to get the bags out. See you later... Glad you are ok Mel. Save travels Shad.

A quick fly by as I'm watching the radar. Storms!

Mel
I feel for you on the earthquakes. We have had at least one that registered 5.2 years ago from the New Madrid fault line and it was creepy. I didn't realize that there were fault line out that way.

Happy Hump Day ladies -

I'm starting to feel a little better. Breathing is a bit easier, thank goodness! My boss told me to work from home today so that I wouldn't have to do as much walking (to get coffee, water, go to the bathroom), plus it's easier to use my nebulizer at home. I have to attend a department meeting tomorrow morning, but will probably work from home in the afternoon and also on Friday. It's really nice to have the option to work from home occasionally.

DH was feeling well enough to go to work today...but I hope he doesn't overdo it.

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

Laura - Too bad you don't live closer or I would've had you pick up a couple things at WalMart for me.

Shad - Thanks for updating us about Mel. Earthquakes can be so scary if you're not used to them. And they come on so suddenly. So nice of Scotty to get the data in there for you. It's so nice to work with good people. Air Pelican? Is that the name of a real airline? 30 lbs of personal gear, including steel toe boots and a computer? Good luck with that. Can you ship stuff there? Maybe have your DS can ship things to you relatively inexpensively. That's what my DMIL does when she travels. She ships items here ahead of her arrival, and ships them home when she leaves. I hope the rest of your week goes well and that you get to relax a bit this weekend before your early morning flight.

Mel - Sorry you had such a freaky day yesterday. Earthquakes are really scary, and the rockin' and rollin' can make you nauseous. Hopefully you won't have any more aftershocks. Sending you hugs, my sweet sista. Good luck with the meetings tonight.

Happy - Bummer about the bland paint colors, but I'm glad that the painters quote isn't too bad. I'm relieved that you went to the doc and that the EKG came out good and the BP wasn't too bad. The antidepressants may help take the edge off the anxiety and anger you feel. I've been on a low dose for seveal years now. I'm glad that the BP meds are helping you sleep...even if you did wake up. Got a laugh at your drunk guy on the Metra story. When I have the Prednisone munchies...I can usually resist if it's just wanting to munch on something/anything. But yesterday, I was STARVING all morning...complete with what felt like low blood sugar dizziness. I ate lots of good protein, and some healthy high fiber carbs and finally got the hunger/dizziness under control around 1 pm. Today, the Prednisone munchies aren't too bad. I used to have Susan Powter's "Stop the Insanity" book. I really like the idea of eating a lot of volume of veggies, etc. for not a lot of calories.

Ceejay - I hope the storms don't cause you any problems today.

Well, gotta get back to work. Lots to get done.

Love and hugs to all,

Morning all.

Shad - Nice that you have a colleague that's on the same wavelength as you, it sure helps. Just had a conversation w/ the vendor contact in which each conversation is twice as long because we just don't seem to "speak the same language". Hope you figure out how to make that luggage weight limit for that flight! Bf and I have to start thinking how we'll deal with our luggage, since all checked bags have a fee now. Wonder if that applies to frequent flyer tickets?? Probably double, hahaha.

Mel - I can only imagine how alarmed (sorry to use that word, LOL) everyone must have been when the quake/aftershocks hit. Glad everyone's alright and you're able to post and tell us! I'm sure the meetings will go long tonight w/ discussion about the quake!!

Happy - Sorry the colors are too bland for your taste. The HGTV shows are all showing a shade of gray these days as the new neutral. Honestly I've never lived in a space that had so much natural light that I'd want to paint it gray. It's just not for me. Maybe a very very light dove gray... Sorry the BP drugs make you tired. Maybe you'll adjust. Love that Metra story. Yup, when you're riding during off-peak times, anything can happen. I'm sure when they had the bar cars, the rush hours were more entertaining too, LOL. Ha, the Walmarts have been slow to come to the City until more recently - issues with unions, etc. Now it seems they will be coming. A few mini-versions are coming to the north side I think. Nothing right downtown though, but a Target is coming to the former Carson Pirie Scott building. Re biking - we prefer the paved trails. I've never forgotten wiping out on a gravelly area of alley 20+ years ago and skinning my knee and elbow. No thanks.

Ceejay - Hope the storms don't make more work for you!!

Michelle - Glad you're feeling better. So nice your boss let's you work from home. My boss claimed she was fine with employees having to occasionally leave work or work at home to deal with kid issues (the former mgr and the admin asst), but when it happens she seems to get a bit bent out of shape about it...

Hello Annie!!
***
Nothing much to report. Yesterday was a dog walk, and then off to Costco for a gas fillup and a rotisserie chicken ($5.51, including tax ) and then to Walmart. Sheesh, didn't expect a $140 tab there, but there were several $5 items, a couple $10 items, and even a $15 item, so it all sure adds up.

Tonight I will go to either A Step Above or a Body Blast class. Happy - after this passport period ends, I will likely sign up for another passport. I like the flexibility. I've checked out the other options, which are specific classes not included in the passport and none of the cardio classes appealed to me. So the only decision is really if I'm going to buy enough passport classes to take one class a week or two classes a week. This last passport I bought for 2 a week thinking it was easily doable, then I slacked off at the beginning of the session and I've been trying to make up for it ever since. I actually miss doing my Body Electric and Margaret Richards workouts in the basement, so I might go with just a 1 class/wk and go back to the BE & MR workouts, along with the occasional cardio dvd.

Okay, back to work. TTFN.

Laura - Within the past year, my company has expanded their work from home policy. It used to be very limited...now pretty much all salaried employees are allowed to work from home 1 day per week. My boss is just very flexible about allowing our team to occasionally work from home more often for family or medical reasons. As long as we get our work done, and we can either call into meetings or come in for meetings. I hate going into a store for a few items...and spending over $100. So frustrating! Good for you for renewing your fitness passport!

what???? no bar car anymore???? Geez I figured they got rid of the smoker cars (so nasty even I would not sit in them) but now the bar cars? My how things have changed.

Ok, earthquake on the east coast yesterday. Small rumbler up in the San Fran area today. I am getting nervous here. That's 2 too many earthquakes for me. I just KNOW once I get this house ready to sell something is going to happen!!!! Personally I think God is p.o. ' d and nuff's enough already.

Michelle - we are not allowed to work from home. I think they are afraid someone will trip on a rug and sue or something stupid. These people ruin it for all of us!

Back to the salt mine...

Didn't hear about the earthquake in SanFran. That's getting a little un-nerving for me to, Happy. I agree that God is p.o.'d.

Laura
There's nothing wrong in doing the exercise dvd's. I hate going to our gym-mainly because it's grimey and smelly. Plus the so called weight lifter's tear up most of the machines. Hand weights are about the only thing available now. I have more than a few and may drag one of those out and take it with me to my sister's next week.
We got a couple of strong lightening bolts but very little rain. The most beautiful rainbow which looked like it covered the whole city of O.

Michelle
I'm glad that your boss will allow you to work from home. Also glad that you are feeling better.

Shad
I thought about you the other night while watching HGTV. House Hunters' International was in Jakarta. House nice that your co-worker helped ou out.

Happy - Small earthquakes (like last night's 3.6 quake) happen in the San Francisco Bay Area nearly every day. They basically feel like a truck driving by. I can understand how the folks on the east coast and those in Colorado were shaken (no pun intended) by their quakes...but I'll bet most Californians didn't notice the 3.6 quake there. When I lived there, I don't remember feeling anything unless it was over 5.0.

Ceejay - That's a bummer that your gym is so nasty. The two Y's that I go to are clean and very nice. In fact, one of them is for adults only, which is nice as there are no screaming kids running around. It's very serene and actually a very pleasant place to work out. So nice that you're going to spend time with your sister and her family. I really miss my sister and wish she lived closer.