Morning all.

Shad - Awww, look how cute Sunday is. That's the perfect spot - out of the way and all cozy. Shad, you might have to find another spot for those towels, lol.

Mel - Love that new avatar. You stay strong against those people who want to cut short your recovery!! No telling when bf will go to TJ's today - just be ready, LOL. I know he'll definitely go because he likes those shepherd's pies they sell!

Mary - Hope the check-up goes well. I've got my annual physical coming up in a couple weeks.

Annie - Yeh, sort of frosty this morning in my area too. Wasn't even paying attention to the weather forecast, so I don't know if it's supposed to warm up later or what. It was nice getting a seat to myself on the train this morning. This earlier train I take now is always full and I usually never get a seat to myself. Your dinner sounds delish! Hope you get Curtis in line with the treats program - poor Hella, I'm sure she thought she had it made with a softy in the house. Oh well, she did for a little bit. :D

Hellos to Michelle & Ceejay.
---
Nothing much to report. Back to the grind. I have a meeting w/ my "financial advisor" at the bank today - I told him to stop contributions to an account and now he wants to meet. Need to hold strong about anything else he may be pitching to replace his lost commission. Having had a few meetings with him, I've decided I'm not impressed and will do my own investing. I thought the banks might be closed today, but nope, at least not mine.

No plans tonight. Might try out my new Margaret Richard dvd.

:cheers:

Ceejay snuck in on me!! Sorry about the write-up. Just watch what you say to the boss chickie...

Happy Monday ladies -

Yep. I've officially got a cold. Dang it. My throat feels like I swallowed razor blades, my head is stuffy, and I'm hoping all this gunk doesn't travel down to my bronchials/lungs any more than it already has. I'm debating whether to get to a doc now or to wait. And if I go to a doc...do I go to my regular doc...or my company's Wellness Center. Too many decisions for this stuffy head to make right now.

DH is off work today, so he's resting all day. He's feeling a little better...but still has limited energy and limited time between coughing fits. I really wanted to call in and rest today too...but that's not an option so close to review time.

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

Ceejay - Glad you had a good weekend! And how wonderful that you get to look forward to a vacation in a couple weeks! I can understand about wanting to get out more and being eager for spring. With this warm-ish, sunny weather, I've been wanting to be outside...and I felt missing out on it this weekend due to my cold...so I spent a lot of time in the family room where we have french doors that go out to the backyard. The sun was shining in and I enjoyed soaking it up, even though I was inside. :) Bummer about the write up. I agree with Laura, be careful about what you say to the boss. These are unsure times, my friend. :hug:

Laura - Good for you for hitting the sales, saving money and getting your exercise in. I don't like it when the instructors stand in the same row as the students, especially when she's doing moves you're not familiar with. I ran into my Zumba instructor at the library. She asked how my back was doing, and I told her that most of the time it's better...but there are times when it scolds me for doing something stupid. I told her I'm doing the Wii Fit, and other exercises as my back allows, and I'll be ready to get back to the gym in April. I hope your friend works it out with her sister.

Mary - I hope the doc appointment goes well. :hug:

Shad - I hope things are going well for you in Emerald. Sunday looks so adorable in the towel shelf. I would hate to disturb her too.

Mel - I love the new avatar! So cheery! Why the heck is the boss pressuring you? That's just craziness! You've been so sick for so long, there's no way you should rush back into your crazy schedule. You still need your rest, sista! And NO ONE better dare tell you otherwise unless they have an MD or RN after their name. :nono: I will knock those that try and push/pressure you into next week, I tell ya'. :club:

Annie - Good for you for starting your healthy eating plan! Day 3 is farther than I get lately. :lol: Actually, I am doing a lot better on my healthy eating and portion control. I'll talk to DH about when would be the best time for you and Curtis to come visit...in terms of weather, fishing success, DMIL's visit. We have 1 guest room with a twin bed...but we do have a queen size air bed. And if I start now, I should be able to get the house presentable for company by the time you visit. :rofl: DH and I don't eat fish (except for Haddock, which isn't found in WI), so we catch and release, but if you want to catch, clean and cook some fish for the two of you, that's cool. We also like fishing for Northern Pike and know of a lake where we usually have success. Warming up to the 50s this week for you? I'm so jealous! I can tell you're so looking forward to vacation - visiting Curtis' parents and then a haunted B&B in Cedar Keys! Sounds like fun! I'm so very happy for you, sista! Curtis shouldn't feel too bad about Hella B being able to control him. I know where I rank in terms of the pack order in our house...somewhere below squeaky toy. I am the dispenser of treats and the ear scratcher/petter, and that's pretty much all I'm good for - oh and a warm body to snuggle with when they get cold. Our doggies get small treats when we leave in the morning...or if we leave to go out somewhere. We used to do it to lure them away from the door so they wouldn't try and follow us out...and it's just sort of stuck. Have fun learning your new program today.

I'm outta here for now. Talk to you later, chicas!

Hi Michelle - I'm so sorry you caught a cold! :hug: I sure hope this doesn't go into your lungs - you've had more than enough lung issues in your house, and amongst the Worldlies to boot!! Bet you're looking forward to some Zumba in April! :)

I was mulling over my exercise/class options for the next session yesterday, and bf said we could start going to his gym together, but he's never been the most consistent exerciser... I dunno if this is the time for me to become a nagger and make him take me to the gym as his guest, or just continue on my own path. I'm pretty sure I'm going to take the Monday & Wed. Pilates classes - it's the passport part I'm undecided on. Frankly, I'm always sort of ticked that class options in the evening seem so limited, but I admit my personal "window" of ideal class times is very narrow. But still, are there really that many working people who can make those 5:45 or even 6:00 pm classes? Okay, excluding people like you and Annie who have those early work hours... You can tell I'm not overly thrilled with the passport right now and that I'm perhaps in a rut and maybe I just need to shake things up. So maybe I will force bf's hand about working out together at his gym. And once daylight savings time begins (3/11), I'll also be able to walk the dog after work once again. :)

Decided to stay away from the computer for awhile. will be back in a couple of weeks. To much going on.

Laura - I have a small window of time that's ideal for working out too. Good luck with trying to find classes that fit your schedule. I forget, does bf's gym have unlimited guest passes, and the only downside is that he would have to take you? That would make things difficult if he didn't want to be consistent in his exercising.

Ceejay - I do understand about needing a break from the 'puter, but I hope you're not gone too long. We'll miss you!! :hug:

Just a note to let you know that my boss/friend calmed me down this afternoon. I do feel much about about the ordeal.

I promise I want stay away to long.

Ceejay - take the time you need to sort yourself out.

Whoops we are having a thunder storm so I will be back either when it has finished or tomorrow. See ya.

Quick post for now...hopefully I'll get to post more later. Suffice to say that the team I turned over the report duties to, lost track of time, and some reports that HAVE to be completed by tomorrow don't even have the data available. So I'm scrambling to get the data in the systems, and get these reports done so we can meet the deadlines.

BTW, I saw the doc yesterday, and I have the early stages of bronchitis. I'm on antibiotics and prednisone and hopefully I caught this before it gets too entrenched in my lungs/airways.

Sending :hug: :hug: :hug: to all!

Love,

http://fineartamerica.com/images-sma...waterfield.jpg



THE EMAILS AND PRESSURE WERE ACTUALLY COMING FROM THE BOARDS
THROUGH MY BOSS BUT SHE IS ALSO PULLING HER HAIR OUT!!!:rofl:
SHE'S BARELY CALLED ME BUT IS FRANTIC FOR HELP.
SOMETIMES IT'S NECESSARY TO PICK MY BRAIN FOR INFO SHE DOESN'T HAVE. ESPECIALLY WITH JOHN GONE AND NOT ANSWERING HIS PRIVATE PHONE:lol3: HE'S NO FOOL!

JEN DID A GREAT JOB WITH ANOTHER SET OF REPAIRMEN.
ONLY CALLED ME ONCE. SUCH A HUNT FOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS ALWAYS!

NURSE WAS HERE. GOOD REPORT. STEADY PROGRESS NOW.
JUST WISH THE NAUSEA WOULD GO AWAY.
I THINK I KNOW THE PROB THOUGH.
IF I COULD JUST GO ONE OR TWO WEEKS WITH NO MEDS..INCLUDING SINUS STUFF....THEN I THINK MY STOMACH WOULD BE ON THE MEND AS WELL. (BRONCHIAL AREA IS STILL WHEEZY TOO}
BUT SPRING IS SPRINGING IN NJ AND MY HEAD KNOWS IT!

TODAY I NEED TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY ON THE PHONE. I MISSED MY RECERT WHEN I WAS SICK. THEY ARE CHECKING ALL PEEPS THAT "WORK" EVERY 6 MONTHS NOW. WHAT A RIP!

GOT MY RED SHOES ON & I AM OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD NOW....
HAVE A SUPER DAY :moped:






ANNIE....THINKING I WILL PUT MY WHOLE BOCY IN GOD'S INBOX NEXT MONTH AND LET HIM TAKE CARE OF IT :hug: MISSED YOU TOO SISTA. THE DINNER SOUNDED NICE AND THE COUPON EVEN BETTER :hun: I REMEMBER WHEN JEN & I HAD HOSTESS FOR BREAKFAST LUNCH & DINNER!! I WAS RAISED ON HOSTESS! :rofl:



CEEJAY....SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF JOBS IF NOT ALL OF THEM ARE USING ANY EXCUSE IN THE BOOK TO WRITE THINGS UP. MY FRIEND JUST TOLD ME THAT FOR SURE SHE IS LEAVING IN 3 YEARS WHEN SHE HITS THE 25 MARK. IN THE MEANTIME....THINK VACATION! :beach: STAY CALM AND MEDITATE. LATELY I HAVE BEEN TOO QUICK TO REACT TO THINGS. MAYBE WE'RE BOTH SICK OF WINTER. AS MY GRAM WOULD SAY..."LEAST SAID, SOONEST MENDED". LAURA IS RIGHT. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY. SENDING YOU A HUG:hug:



MARY....OUR OWN TURTLE DOVE:hug: HOPE THE DR APPT WENT WELL AND YOU GOT A GOOD REPORT. STAY WELL MISS JAVA.





LAURA....HOPE THE MEETING WAS A SUCCESS. I'D HIRE A FINANCIAL ADVISOR BUT WHEN HE WOULD SEE THE NUMBERS HE MIGHT FAINT:faint: OMG!! TELL THE BF THAT THE SHEPHERD'S PIES ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAVE!!! EVEN JEN & RICHIE LOVE THEM. THEIR CHICKEN POT PIE SOLD FRESH IN THE PRODUCE SECTION IS DELISH. BUT I THINK I TOLD YOU THAT ALREADY! :hun:




MICHELLE....SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE BRONCHITIS COMING ON. TELL DH TO WEAR A MASK!! LOL HOPE YOU FEEL MUCH BETTER SOON:getwell: WISH YOU COULD FIND TIME TO REST AND JUST SHAKE THIS THING. TAKE GOOD CARE. GOOD KLUCK WITH THE WORK. SORRY ALSO TO HEAR THEY DROPPED THE BALL!!:tantrum:




SHAD....I THOUGHT I HEAR THUNDER LAST NIGHT. WOKE ME UP WHATEVER IT WAS. HOW GOES THE WEEK??? :hug: SHOWED JEN THE BIRDS AND SHE OF COURSE WAS THRILLED. CANNOT IMAGINE ACTUALLY SEEING ALL THIS IN PERSON AND NOT IN A PER SHOP!!

https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/im...EvxrnSRyTU5XUL


I AM THE ONE ON THE FAR RIGHT!! ROFLMAOFF

Looks more like me MELLIE..lol

Will be back to post later.

Good morning ladies,

DH finally worked on the internet connection last night. It was asking me a setting on my pc that I wasn't sure of after he had gone to bed but we fixed that this morning and things seem better. :crossed: Someone's prayers must be answered because it started snowing last night and we got about 2 inches so far and it's supposed to snow lightly all day. Our town is hosting the Birkenbiner - the largest cross country ski race in North America this weekend. And with over 9,000 entrants, I'm sure the city fathers were panicking at our warmer bright sunny weather and lack of snow. We have suddenly turned again to looking like winter should this time of year. DH is disappointed because he (like me) has cabin fever and can't wait to get out in the yard and start doing some work. Yesterday I just hit the wall with boredom. Don't get me wrong, I am eternally grateful that I don't have to commute with a bunch of idiots on the road, work in a dirty office or have to deal with the idocracy that has become the normal corporate life. But being home I do feel compelled to work around the house and that's the part I'm so bored with. I'm sure it's just a period of adjustment and will be better when the weather gets nicer and we can move about more. The other day I put out my bedsheets on the patio furniture for lack of an outdoor clothes line. They smell so wonderful of fresh air. :cloud9: Yesterday I watched a couple of hours of a reality show just because the central character reminds me of a person I hope to never see again - just to remind me of how good I have it ;) I made a chili con carne yesterday but it was too spicy for me to eat. DH enjoyed it. Got the fixings for a nice pot of beef vegetable soup today that I will start after I'm done with this.

On to personals:
Ceejay - I'm sorry that you got written up at work. That does not sound right at all. I hope they won't be trying to push you out and can understand your desire to take a break from the computer for a bit. Don't stay away too long and we will miss you while you are gone :hug:

Welcome back Mel - I am loving all your pictures - especially your new avatar. Are you taking your medication with food in your tummy? Sounds like you have that icky tummy feeling you get when you are sick and are taking alot of stuff to relieve the symptoms - just makes something else hurt. Feel better. How do those red shoes fit? Did you kick some sense into the wizard? :rofl: That's interesting about John - seems like he was a gruff old codger on the outside but underneath it had a soft spot. He reminds me of someone who acted out but really just wanted someone to notice and appreciate him. I'm sorry the office ladies are ignorant but as you say, you know who your friends are. I think I have to copy your tulip picture just to bring some spring into a snowy day. :D

Michelle - OMG not bronchitis again. That's so hard to fight off. I do hope that you can get enough rest on your busy, busy schedule to keep it at bay. So sorry to hear about scurrying for the reports. So typical of the other team but that's what happens when someone else's work gets turned over. I hope this is the last time you have to scramble. I heard that no one even looks at the reports I used to make at work since I left (my coworker is running them now). Doesn't surprise me - you do your best to make a nice castle in the sand on the beach and then the waves wash over it and it's like you never existed. But the important thing is for you to take care of yourself and DH - wish there was a magic cure but good rest seems to be the best route to take. :hug:

Shad - I am loving your pictures - especially of Sunday the cat - she is such a pretty cat. Is there nothing cuter than a sleeping cat? Well I'm sure Annie will say a sleeping baby. Anyway - keep them coming please and thank you. :D I think we should devote next month to "Shad's Scratchy Sayings on Everyday Life" - would certainly give us girls on this side of the pond a good laugh. I am still trying to explain to my cousin some of your phrases and words. I told him that you are a Kiwi, not an Aussie and he said "but a kiwi is a bird". I told him in England girls are called "birds" but that just confused him even more. Gotta keep stuff simple with him :lol: In explaining to him, I do realize how much you have to change your way of speaking so that we Americans can understand you ;) As for retirement, I think it's like having a baby - you think you can't afford it and then sometimes things change and you just have to figure out a way to make it happen. The one thing that would be bad for you is that you would probably not be able to afford to travel as you like if the income sinks down to what can fit in one small pocket. But you will figure a way to handle it one day. Loved the idea of a turkey and cranberry sandwich - yum!!!

Laura - good luck on the exercise decision. I think you probably already know the answer about tagging with the BF - if he's not enthusiastic about it (like my DH) but doesn't want to say it out loud, he might peter out quickly and since you are dedicated to moving, it might get frustrating. I completely agree with you about gyms and the lack of variety in the classes offered to people who work. Especially having to take the train home - you almost have to leave by 4pm to make a 6pm class. It's turned me off to joining some clubs on more than one occasion. And it's kind of hard to keep motivated at home. I just got a dvd of a masala bangra dance video. She doesn't give alot of step by step instruction but I guess it's like Zumba where they tell you precision is not the goal - moving and having fun it. Supposed to be a good cardio workout. I have to find a place to do it - can't do it in the basement - with all the high static down there - jumping on the rug would probably electrocute me :yikes: It will be nicer when it gets light enough to take Coal for a walk - good luck finding something that will work for you. They do those continuing ed things up by you - do they have any short term groups you can get into? Sometimes those aren't very expensive. Or maybe you can get a pass for a specific class at the Y. And finally - I have to say after having 3 financial advisors in the end, no one cares about your money as much as you do. We have done better on our own I hate to say. Even the people at Fidelity turned out to be disappointing. We - or I should say DH - dabble in stocks and he watches them closely and sets limits for buying and selling. Spends maybe 30 minutes each day to review and some days an hour or so. We are not making a fortune but not losing either as we sometimes did with advised investments. Just my 2 cents. I think an initial consult is good - they can set you on a good path but getting there is up to you. Good luck.

Annie - I would invite you up for fishing but we are still trying to figure that out and need some time. My cousin did way better in Minnesota then the nearby lakes. DH does not have any fishing equipment yet. My cousin talked about renting a pontoon boat in the summer and going out to fish. That sounds like fun. I asked if it comes with an onboard potty :rofl: I made pan fried steak the day ahead of you so we are getting off kilter :lol: We are having baked walleye tomorrow - courtesy of my cousin's last fishing trip. Can't wait. Yum. I hope your good eating is continuing along nicely. I second your vote on the marinara sauce. :hungry: I'm thinking stuffed shells this week for me while DH eats the spicy chili con carne. So - is Hela snappy at Curtis or only now that he's cutting down on the treats? :lol3: How nice to have your March vacation to look forward to. That will be a nice warm break - yippee!

Hi Java - hope you are on the mend!

Well ladies I am sure I have a foot long post by now. I need to get a shower in, go put a big pot of beef vegetable soup on to cook and put that fish in the refrigerator to defrost. 2 loads of laundry, a little dusting and vacuming and then I can sit down guilt free to finish my book off. Oh and I should head to the library to pick up my other book on hold.

Have a good one!

Morning all - still morning here!! Let the good times roll - sorry I don't have the French version, but don't they say that during Mardi Gras?? :)

Just a quick pop-in to say hello. Be back later. Maybe. Will see how the day goes.

Just a quick check in...I really should be getting more work done...even though I've had quite a productive morning.

Laura - The Mardi Gras phrase you're looking for is: "Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulet" (thank you, Google). Let the good times roll!

Mel - Glad to hear the reports are getting better. I hope the nausea goes away soon. Oh and btw, the one on the right is me too. :rofl:

Happy - Glad to hear that your internet is getting better, and I'm glad you got snow for the ski race. I hope you can get out to the library before the roads get bad. It snowed here this morning, but it's going to rain later and melt it away...which I'm glad about because DH and I are both breathing impaired and not able to shovel/snowblow. Keep the snow up there, will ya'? You and DH don't have to commute anymore. You can build snow people and snow forts. :)