SHAD....YOU SNUCK IN ON ME!!! HAVE A SUPER DAY
HAPPY FRIDAY SHAD!

CAME BACK CAUSE I CANNOT GET TO SLEEP. MUST BE ALL WOUND UP.
JEN & I HAD A VISIT AND RICHIE DID A GOOD TRANSLATION FOR ME.
THAT'S ONE LESS THING I NEED TO DO TOMORROW.
ALREADY SENT MY SHOPPING LIST DOWN TO THE LITTLE STORE.
DELIVERY IS AFTER NOON. I AM ALL SET NOW.
IRENE SEEMS TO BE TIRING HERSELF OUT A BIT.
HOPE BY SUNDAY SHE IS EXHAUSTED!!
NOW I BETTER TRY CLOSING MY EYES ONCE AGAIN.
HOPE YOU CHICKS ARE HAVING SWEET DREAMS

Good morning to you,

TGIF!!!! People are coming to clean the downstairs air ducts today so I have to get out of here extra early today. Painters were supposed to start on Monday but we put them off until after DH comes back from his last trip north - too much chaos with them painting and him trying to pack and move stuff out. I think we should be able to list the house by the end of the month.

Mel - sending you some good thoughts that Irene loses steam by the time she comes to visit. Sounds like they are expecting a pounding but it's good that you folks are being very prepared. Did I understand it correctly that your apartment building is right across from the Hudson River? Could you be affected by the storm surge if it hits? I caught a little bit of that on the news and they were talking about it possibly blowing some big time water up your way. Good thing you are on the second floor. Stay out of the subway system

Shad - are you working this weekend or home for a bit getting ready to take off for the mines? Hope you get everything all packed. Good advice to Annie on the roomie.

Annie - I guess the extra money will certainly come in handy, but I agree with Shad about setting the ground rules early. Not bad to have them in writing too. You hate to do it but so many times trust and common sense just don't work out. My Mom has a small 1 bedroom apartment upstairs in her house. Had her friend stay there with no incident for 2 years. Then she moved back to North Carolina and the woman's daughter moved in. Mom had nothing but trouble with her before she finally asked her to leave and said that was the end of borders! Hope this lady is a good one as there are good roomies and tenants in the world.

Michelle - hope the smoke went away up by you. Do you and DH have masks you can wear this weekend? We have some trees that have very fuzzy leaves and DH found he has to wear one when he trims them and just about nothing ever bothers him. Hope you are feeling kind of back up to snuff again.

Ceejay - I am not keen on gyms much any more myself. I noticed that there are a fair amount of people who don't clean the machines after themselves. Figure that laying a towel on the seat is enough. I had heard that allergy meds can really do a number on the b/p. My Dad couldn't take them at all. You may have to try a couple of different ones to find something that works without too many affects.

Thank you all for the suggestion about the antidepressants. I didn't realize they helped a number of symptoms. I still haven't taken the ones the doc gave me. There was a report of heart issues with this particular med but in way higher doses than I have. I guess I feel I don't really need it but I will give it more thought. I appreciate your input....

Now I have to hop in the shower and get out of here. Have a good one chicks.

MORNING CHICKS


JEN & RICHIE ARE COOKING TONITE. THAT WILL BE A NICE TREAT.
I LOVE HIS MEAT SAUCE SO MUCH

WAITING FOR A GENT TO COME AND INSPECT THE BLDG FROM THE SHAKING UP WE HAD. ALL BLDGS THAT WERE SHAKEN ARE BEING LOOKED AT.

HAD A NICE LONG CHAT WITH JOHN LAST NIGHT TOO.
HE IS FEELING BETTER BUT NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET BY ANY MEANS.

I NEED SOME BREAKFAST BUT I'M NOT HUNGRY!
BETTER GO FIND SOMETHING TO TEMPT ME.
HAVE A GREAT DAY




HAPPY......I SEE THE NUMBERS DROPPING ON IRENE. I AM HIGH UP ON A CLIFF OF THE PALISADES. NO FLOODING PROBS UP HERE
HOPE YOUR HOME REPAIRS GO WELL AND GREAT DECISION TO "WAIT FOR THE PAINT"!
I HAVE NEVER TIRED ANY PILLS BUT KNOW MANY THAT HAVE. WHEN JEN QUIT WORK THEY GAVE HER ONE TO CALM DOWN AND ACCEPT THE EARLY RETIREMENT BUT SHE DIDN'T TAKE VERY WELL TO IT. I THINK THE ENTIRE OFFICE STAFF IS TAKING ONE PILL OR ANOTHER RIGHT NOW!! IT WOULD CERTAINLY TAKE THE EDGES OFF YOU ANXIETY AND MAYBE EVEN EASE YOUR MIND WITH ALL THIS STRESS. SENDING YOU A HUG WISH THERE WAS SOMETHING BETTER I COULD DO

TGIF!

I have been feeling very weak and nauseous since yesterday afternoon. I took one of my antibiotics about an hour after I ate...rather than with food. I didn't think it would affect my stomach like it did or last nearly as long as it has. Gotta get through the work day even though I'd rather rest/sleep. After work, I have a meeting with a website client and have to run two errands, dang it.

Looking forward to a relatively relaxing weekend, both DH and I need another one of those.

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

Mel - Wow! Sounds like you are really prepared. I heard about NYC evacuating and wondered how they will get so many people out? I'm glad you took lots of breaks yesterday...and that you will have help in the building. Good that the store is able to deliver some groceries/supplies to you today. Please don't overdo it today or this weekend. Sending you : and prayers that Irene weakens to a nice summer shower by the time she gets to you NYC and NJ. So nice that Jen and Richie are cooking tonight. Wish I could come over for dinner! Glad you had a nice chat with John...sending him get well wishes. Good that an inspector is coming to check the building. I'm relieved that you are on high ground so you won't have any flooding issues.

Shad - Those are great ground rules for roommates. I hope you are able to relax and enjoy home a bit this weekend before you fly out early Monday.

Happy - Listing the house by the end of August or September? Are you going up with DH for this next trip? Praying for safe travels for him and productive (and pain free) times for you both so you can get lots accomplished with minimal stress. Good point about the NYC subway system...I hope they shut it down so no one is down there during a storm surge. The smoke wasn't too bad after all. I did okay and didn't have to close up the house. DH and I have masks for if/when we mow. As for antidepressants, I forgot to mention that long before I had stress/anxiety and depression-like symptoms, I used to take low doses to prevent migraines and they really helped with that. So yes, antidepressants are meds that help many different things. Sending you lots and lots of my dear friend.

Ceejay - I always make it a point to wipe down the machines with the sanitizer both BEFORE and after I use them. I really like the gym I go to...though I have previous (in CA) had memberships to Bally's and 24 hour fitness...which to me seemed more like hangouts for beautiful people with perfect bodies and any others were looked down on. And they weren't too clean either.

A big to Annie and Laura. I'll check in later to see what y'all are up to.

Love and hugs,

TGIF FO SHO.....and good morning...

Let's see...last night I went over to Curtis's house for dinner, well actually I made dinner there. Nothing elaborate...grilled turkey, swiss, cheddar and tomato sandwiches, potato cakes...that was it. I ate half of each. Got full too fast. We then went on a 30 minute walk around his neighborhood. By the time we did all that it was time to go to bed. Up at 4am to come home, him to work. Slept for about an hour then got ready for work myself. The trip into work was crazy this morning. I think it is all stupid get out on the roads today and get in my path day. Was nearly in two accidents. Plus someone came barrelling down the drive through the crosswalk in front of work, thank God I was alert and did not step out into the PEDISTRIAN CROSSING-we have the right away-I would certainly be dead or severely injured.

MELLIE...batton down the hatches, make sure the water barrells are full, and there is enough food to carry you through this sea adventure. Really it sounds as if you all are prepared for the worst. Expect the worst, hope for the best. Hugs and Prayers sister.

SHADDIE...thank you for the words of advice, always glad to take anything that will help. Actually we have had discussions of the sort and I am typing out the list this afternoon, after my meeting. xoxo

HAPPY...Did you bury St. Joseph upside down in your yard yet. Let me know, if not, I will send you one with instructions. What could it hurt? One day at a time...

CHELLE...hope your weekend involves a lot of NOTHING. You and DH still need lots of rest and relaxation. Do not push yourselves. I WILL COME WITH THE ROLLING PIN.

LAURA...hope the throat is just the sinus drainage from the nite and not a cold coming on. Hope you get to feeling better, take a ton of vitamin Cs. Hugs!

CEEJAY...Happy early birthday once again and have a wonderful birthday weekend with the uncles. May all your wishes come true sweet cheeks.

Feel betters, stay safes, be happy....

Much love and many hugs....

Annie - I'm so happy you had such a nice evening with Curtis! And I'm glad you weren't in any accidents this morning...sounds like it was crazy getting into work. Stay safe, sista.

Laura - I hope your sore throat has gone away. Good for you for hitting it with zinc right away.

Ceejay - Wishing you a wonderful birthday weekend and a great visit with your sister!!

Morning all. TGIF!!!

Ceejay - Hope you enjoyed the yardwork and that the Claritin did its job.

Mel - I'm glad you've got help on site this weekend in the event it's needed. Let's hope Irene peters out well before NJ. Get well wishes to John. Enjoy your meal w/ Jen & Rich. LOL - no, I should hope I would have enjoyed that exercise move a lot more if it came out of the Kama Sutra.

Shad - Good advice for Annie's entry into landlording. Hope your pre-trip prep is going smoothly and not all rush-rush.

Happy - If you're not sure about taking those pills, please try to make time for some vigorous exercise - it's a great stress reliever!!

Michelle - So sorry the antibiotic didn't sit well. Like I was saying - the cures are worse than the ilness! Hope the nausea eases up and you can get on with your day. Please try and do the minimum until you're 100%. Same for dh!!

Annie - So Curtis has you exercising more - sounds like a good guy to have around. I woke up w/ a froggy throat and some lung congestion, so the germs/virus/whatever did find its way in. Boo. Not feeling too horrible, but I think some meds might be in order, especially for the asthma. The lungs are upset by everything now.
===
Took an earlier train yesterday afternoon and went all the way to the end of the line (McHenry fork). Bf picked me up and we went to the wake for his SIL's mother. She was a nice woman and her family is very nice, and bf and I both wish we had that kind of family...

Bf's mom's new car went on the fritz just as she was backing out of her space at the funeral home. Something with the alarm system putting the car in lockout mode - the engine would turn over but immediately cut out. After trying to figure it out, we just ended up ordering a tow to the dealer and driving her home. (Now the dealer is saying it's related to something that should have been done when she had the car in for a previous problem. Thank goodness it's all under warranty, but for Pete's sake, this car is brand new and has less than 3000 miles on it!!! !@#$% WTF do you buy a new car for if not to have a reliable, problem-free vehicle for at least the first couple years?!?! Aaargh! Before you ask - it's a 2011 VW Jetta.)

Stopped for a late dinner and got home by 10:30. Late night after winding down and all once we got home. TGIF!!

My bike was left at the train station last night, so I walked to the train this morning. The weather is gorgeous, so it was very pleasant. The few kids I passed heading to school didn't look too thrilled though, haha.

Did I say TGIF?? Except for a late afternoon dept meeting the boss seems to enjoy scheduling, I am on my own.

BF has a beer brewing seminar tonight at the park district, so I get to stay home and sack out on the sofa. Well, after I walk the dog, that is.

Tomorrow is an exercise class, then a hair appt, then the gathering at bf's sister's place, and maybe meeting some friends for some drinks.

Sunday is the movie "The Help" in the PM w/ the book club. Bf and I hope to get in a bike ride also.

just smashed finger in car door. blood everywhere. hurt so bad i nearly passed out.

Annie - OMG!!! Are you ok? Did you get the bleeding to stop or did you need stitches? You poor sista. You've had a helluva day! I hope the rest of it gets better...and that you have a fun weekend. I wish I were there to give you a hug.

Ouch Annie!! Did u get that taken care of?? Hope it's not serious!

I HAD TO COME UP FOR A BREATHER AND TO PUT SOME SPACE BETWEEN ME & THE STAFF. THE TENANTS ARE DOING WELL AND ALL MY JOKES ARE WORKING. THEY HAVE BEEN LAUGHING ALL DAY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF TWO OR THREE. LOTS OF GOOD LITTLE BOYS AND GIRLS!!

RICHIE AND JEN ARE COOKING AND DID THE SHOPPING. JUST A FEW THINGS WE CAN EAT WITHOUT ELECTRIC JIC. GOOD THING WE LIKE PB & J!!

THE BIG CHEESE FOR THE BLDG WAS HERE FOR A FEW MINUTES. GAVE ME SOME ORDERS. HELPED ME IRON OUT A FEW WRINKLES AND OFF HE WENT..... AFTER PATTING ME ON THE HEAD NOW I ASK YOU....DO I LOOK LIKE A DOGGIE?? I KNOW I'M NOT TOO PURDY BUT WTF.
HE TOLD ME TO GET READY MYSELF FOR A POSSIBLE 3 DAY BLACKOUT AND GAVE ME HIS HOME PHONE #. JIC. GOOD THING SOMEONE LOVES ME.

I JUST WANTED TO POST AND SAY HELLO. WE HAD NO INTERNET UNTIL A FEW MINUTES AGO. PROBLEMS WITH CABLE COMPANY ALREADY. THERE GOES 1/2 OF THE SENIORS PHONE LINES AS WELL GOOD THING JEN & I KEPT OUR LANDLINES
NOW I AM OFF TO READ YOUR POSTS....BE RIGHT BACK.......



MICHELLE....SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE TUMMY. JEN & I ARE THE SAME WAY. WE CAN BOTH COMISERATE WITH YOU. SENDING HUGS FOR FEELING BETTER OVER THE WEEKEND TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF & DH TOO!!!




ANNIE.....OMFG!!!!!! I AM SOOOOO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE CAR DOOR. I HAD IT HAOPEN TO ME MANY YEARS AGO BUT I WAS DRINK AND FEELING NO PAIN AT THE TIME!!! OMG I HOPE YOU ARE OK AND IT'S CUT AND NOT BROKEN. KEEP US POSTED. SENDING MUCH BESOS & MANY HUGS YOUR WAY YOU POOR LITTLE SISTER!!
THE REST OF THE POST AND THE FOOD SOUNDED GOOD ABOVE THE FINGER POST. THANK GOD YOU WERE ALERT AND NOT STEPPING OUT IN FRONT OF THE AZZHOLE DRIVER MAYBE SOMEONE SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF YOU!!!!




LAURA....HOPE YOUR LUNGS AND THE REST OF YOUR BODY FEELS BETTER OVER THE WEEKEND. YOU TOO TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF SORRY TO HEAR YOU DIDN'T FEEL GOOD. I WISH I HAD A NICE FAMILY TOO. MAYBE WE CAN FIND ONE ON SALE. I HAVE BEEN LAUGHING AT KAMA SUTRA ALL DAY. SOMETIMES THE ONLY PERSON WHOLAUGHS AT ME ...IS ME!! I THINK I NEEDED A DISTRACTION FROM THE STRESS OF THE LAST 2 WEEKS. THANKS FOR THE CHANCE!!LOL HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND HOPE THE BF LIKES THE SEMINAR. SOUNDED GOOD AND TASTY TO ME!!

Laura - Take good care of your lungs, my friend. Mucinex helps. Breathing isn't anything to mess around with (trust me, I know). Get to a doctor (or ER) if you continue to have trouble.

Mel - So sorry that now they're telling you to prepare for a 3 day blackout. Can you please PM me your phone number so that I can call you to make sure you're okay? Or at least call Happy or Shad to let them know. I'm keeping you in my prayers that you won't lose power or internet or have any storm-related issues.

Annie
Do hope that you got your finger looked at. It's going to be sore for awhile.
I'm so happy for you and Curtis.

Mel
There's hope that Irene will turn and go to sea. I'm glad that you are prepared. Now the big boss is giving orders. Did you ask for a riase.

Michelle
I've had trouble with some of the antibiotics giving me yeast infections especially high dosages. You and DH have a nasty bout with lung problems this go around.

Laura
Sorry to hear about bf mother's car. Feel better soon.

------
I mentioned yesterday that I was to pick up my check today at 4 p.m. Well it was yesterday at 4. They brought it to me at 7.15 and I was still in bed. It took me awhile to get to the door cause I had to reset the alarm.
It wasn't thirty minutes later that my neighbor came to borrow money from me. I told her I didn't have it that I hadn't been to the bank. Then she asked if she could meet me somewhere. I told her no. How manhy times do I have to tell her NO.

Need to make a couple of phone calls, pack and wash the car. Don't think I'll get it all done but I'll try.

CEEJAY I AM WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST FOR A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEKEND. HOPE THE TIME WITH THE FAMILY ISNICE AND YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT CELEBRATION
SAFE TRAVELS TO PARAGOULD. HOPE THE NEIGHBOR GIVE YOU A BREAK AND FINDS SOMEONE ELSE TO LEND HER FUNDS. GOOD FOR YOU STICKING TO YOUR GUNS!!! YAY!!! GLAD YOU GOT THE CHECK BUT SO EARLY?!?!? HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Howdy chicks,

Watching the weather channel and hoping the best for you Mel. Sent you a PM with my phone number. Call me and let me know how you are doing and I will call you back so you don't have a long distance bill. I'm sure you are in the middle of everything there. Did they give you a hard hat and official sash? Make sure the hard hat has a strap on it, I hear it will be windy. I'm glad they are going gung ho on the preparations. Was talking to my cubemate who's brother is in Manhattan. Said that while the storm might only last 12 hours, it could knock things out for days. Don't see how NY can function without a subway. I am praying that all will be well with you, Jen and your building. I looked you up on Google Maps and you are quite close to the water

Annie I'm so sorry about your poor finger. Did you break anything? It's almost painless until you see the blood, then the wave hits you and knocks you off your feet. Can't even put an ice pack on it as that makes it throb worse. I am thrilled that you and Curtis like the simple life. It's great that he likes to walk. It's a wonderful way to gently get to know each other as you pass the time together. Sending you some healing love girl. and some tolerance for the crazy drivers on the road. I told DH they were driving the Friday crazies and it was only Wednesday! Can't imagine how bad it would be if we had to evacuate... And we haven't buried St. Joseph yet - I have my Dad's statue. We will bury him when the For Sale sign goes up.

Ceejay - happy birthday eve I hope you have a fun filled weekend and that those around you make you feel special. At least you won't have to battle monsoon rains and high winds to get around I can't believe your neighbor the mooch. Goes to show you, no good deed goes unpunished. Tell her the bank is CLOSED. Geez

Laura - as I told the nurse vigorous exercise will have to count as in packing boxes, vacumning and continuously cleaning up. I have no time to exercise. Work, pack, sleep. Wake up, rinse, repeat. Yikes on the BF's mom's car. And I hear that VW people are very loyal because of the good rep on the cars. But I guess you can get a not so great dealership for service. Hope it won't be too costly for her. I have never been out to McHenry in all the years I took the train. Crystal Lake was as far as I ever got. Is it pretty and still country or is it all built up now? The not so happy kids going to school reminds me of one of the best TV commercials ever for Staples as the Dad shops for school supplies with Andy Williams singing "It's the Most WONDERFUL time of the year" in the background and the kids have the most awful scowls. I was sitting in the doctors office on Monday talking to a 3rd grade teacher who was correcting spelling tests. She said that it's really hard teaching - kids only want something that is fast, easy, fun and the outcome is determined. Said they don't want to think the ending for themselves. I felt sorry for her, even tho she said she didn't have it so bad - high school was far worse. Hope you enjoy your night to yourself.

Michelle - now that you mentioned migraines I remembered how you used to get them so badly. Have they eased up for you somewhat? Sorry the antibiotics made you ill - some of this stuff is just super strong I think. And then you are like... well on top of everything else what can I take to settle my stomach??? Hope you are doing better today. No, I am not going with DH. I felt badly about it but I am almost out of vacation time and we still have a fair amount of the year to go yet. I would be up the creek if something came up and I was out of time. So we talked it over, while DH would appreciate the company, he is being very understanding. He will run the load up there and fly back. It saves us almost 1,000 dollars on airfare for me as well as boarding the cat for a week. I hope you and DH are feeling good enough to tackle the lawn this weekend. It's a hassle and yet you can't let it go too long. Just take your time - I'm sure fatigue will let you know when you need to take a breather.

Shad - are you getting a little r&r in before you have to take off next week? Your post about your breakfast had me drooling for some sun warmed tomatoes fresh from the garden. Yum! Hope you have a good trip. Do you have to drive far from the airport? I assume you are flying to the mines.

It looks like we might have another very expensive repair on our hands. I am sick over it and so is DH. He is ready to give the house away and say heck with it. I think I am going to take one of my happy pills in the morning. Was going to take it tonight but figured I'd waste it sleeping. I finally got over the bad dreams that were interrupting my sleep only to trade them in for sinus drip. I JUST fall asleep and wake up with the choking cough that wakes us both up. It lasts for at least 20 minutes, I keep drinking water and all that does is wake me up an hour later to go to the bathroom.

We have to come up with some other theme for the thread - this awesome, wonderful, joyful trotting, etc just ain't working for us!!!!! We have a week and a half to come up with September's theme. I'll think on it as I'm drifting off to sleep. Have a good weekend ladies. Hold the fort down Mel