Happy ~ Yeah thats probably what I should of done, Clyde doesnt like bath's anymore, He didnt mind them so much when he was younger though.

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I woke up at 2:30 this morning cause I had to go to the bathroom and then I tried to go back to sleep but I couldnt fall back to sleep so I went ahead and got up for the day. Its now 4:20 a.m. I already ate breakfast and I gave Clyde another bath. As always my plans for today are to do my 40 min. chair exercises at 9 a.m. and then at noon I'll do my 30 min. walk dvd and then at 7 p.m. tonight I'll do my 40 min. char exercise again. Today's the day we clean the house too so we'll also be doing that too. Have a great day everyone.

I have been busy with work, and shopping for Christmas (it is all bought and all delivered and now I need to wrap). I got the presents I needed to ship, to the post office yesterday.

I'm about to clean the kitchen and get a load of laundry out of the dryer. Then the house and laundry are all done and I can warp presents. My plan is everything wrapped by Tuesday. Then do cards Tuesday and Wednesday and in the mail on Thursday.

I don't do a lot of cards but do send to about 15-20 people that I don't see or talk to very often. A lot of them are older people who were friends with my dad and send me a card every year and then I have some people who I used to work with in two previous jobs and I don't connect with them except Christmas time.

I write a short Christmas letter and include it with the cards for those people. They seem to do the same..that way we keep caught up on each other.

I woke up this morning about 2 with the worst upset stomach. I took an acid reducers and chewed gum and sipped gingerale and read a magazie until 3:30 and then went back to bed. We didn't go to church this morning since I didn't have a lot of sleep.

We went to dinner with friends last night and I had cheescake with DH at the resturant and it was late, so I think that is what upset my tummy.

Terra: I see from your post you were up in the night for a little bit too. I feel like I could use a nap!

Annie: Thanks for the laugh about the oven and the drippings.

Happy: I find myself making a lot of lists these days too. I think we are all trying to do to much!

Ceejay: You idea about buying a poinsettia to feel festive when you don't feel like decorating is a good one.

Laura: So, with the jeans fund raiser, can you wear jeans every day? Are you planning on getting in on it?

I will be working 2 days between Christmas and New Years. They told me to work from home if I want to. I know that I will go in one day for sure. I can get a lot of work done when no one is there. The work I am looking to do is purging some files and things..just getting organizaed for next year.

Shad: That plan ride sounds wild! I have never had anything happen like that when I have flown. My DH was on a plan once where a man had a heart attack. They made an emergency landing in Atlanta. There was a nurse and a doctor on the plane and that man survived the heart attack.

My husband said that plane was very, very quiet..he was sure the whole plane was praying...they most likely were on the plane you were on.

What did you find out about the gutters?

Michelle: How are you feeling? Is the energy coming back? I think it is a good thing that you will ease back into work.

Hi Dee!

I hope t be able to keep up with the posts this week and stay in touch more.

I have to be honest with you all..I'm not getting in much exercise. I'm doing what I can and that is usually a 20 min walk at work each day.

Susie
Glad you are feeling better today.

Terra
I hate sleepless nights. Are you going to try and take a nap today? Good for you in making times to exercise.

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I got sick last night around 8 p.m. Don't know if it was related to the diverticulitis or if it was a virus but all the symptoms of diverticulitis is gone today. I'm a little weak from the ordeal but I'll soon recover from that.
Last night I was doing a chair exercise program that I found on you tube which was supposed to be 30 minutes. Got half way through that one before I got sick. This morning I've completed that one again. Saved it to my favorites on the computer. I probably need to find something a bit more strenuous as I don't really feel like I've worked out or maybe I need to add some weights.
I need to make a run to Walmart to get my food for the up coming week, but first a menu is to be made.

Susie ~ Yeah I woke up at 2:30 a.m. Were you able to take a nap today?

Ceejay ~ Yeah I was able to take a nap at noon until 2 p.m today, I'll probably go to sleep for the night at 9 or 10 tonight its almost 8 p.m. right now. Yeah I'm glad I was able to make time for my exercises too.

Morning all,
Short note since I am back at work again. Quiet flight down this morning. I don't have a problem with a bit of bounce in a flight but I'd prefer it not to be everytime I fly. So Thursday night was exciting. This mornings flight I was able to sleep for much of the time. Breakfast certainly wasn't very exciting on board.

So over the weekend, I managed to get some Christmas presents out of the way. I'm not sending out cards so tonight I had better get to and write the Christmas letter. I've escaped it for the past couple of years but I will be losing friends if I don't do it this year.

There is apparently a siege going on in Sydney today. Some crazy jihadist has decided to take over a coffee shop in the middle of Sydneys main commercial area. There are about 20 people being held hostage.

Susie - hope you are now feeling much better
Ceejay - you too. Hope you are better
Terra - what time do you go to bed if you are awake in the early hours of the morning?

Forgot to mention that when I went up to buy the chain, I also bought some clothing for little miss S and the 2 great nieces. Will probably never see her wearing it but I liked it anyway. The 2 great neices will get plenty of use out of them and I will see photos.

Better go sort out my cr*p and get some work done.

Hi all,

Quick post for me now as I have to get up early to get to the gym and get registered and take in my training session.

I got some things done around here but it sure does seem like things are slow going. Too many things to distract me from what I should be doing I am working on an exercise routine - got a good book the other day that explains the machines and what to expect at the gym. I can't possibly remember all that I am supposed to do on the machines and I don't want to keep paying for individual training, especially if I'm not going to get one on one time.

Shad - I saw that scuffle at Sydney - always a nutter about, no? I actually am happy to be in the woods up here - getting more uncomfortable being in crowds in the city. Paranoid? I hear you about the clothes for Miss S and if they will ever get used. The youngest of the great nieces and nephews mum was like that. Fancy stuff all around - too bad my budget can't support that. It's frustrating, isn't it? Don't worry about posting - you have so much to cram into a weekend I'm surprised you post at all but don't stay away too long lest we start worrying. Right now I cannot afford the plane ticket to come looking for you!

Ceejay - sorry you aren't feeling well. If I may suggest, don't worry about feeling that you are not getting a good enough workout from the video, rather concentrate on making it a habit first and after two weeks or so, then look at adding more intensity to it. I am doing the same. I am starting a walking and biking program - at first it looks too easy but I know if I push too hard I'll get tired and give it up. Better to stick with something and work off of it. Brrr on the BFF keeping her place so cold. One of my coworkers is like that - she complains it's too warm at the shop at 72 degrees but she is the only one like that - take off the sweater and come in with a t-shirt then - all the rest of us are cold in winter. I could not stay at someone's house if it was that chilly - it's one thing to sleep when you have warm covers but to sit around... brr.

Susie - I'm glad that you are still sending out a few cards. If I might say, there are people like my Mom who REALLY look forward to getting a card in the mail. It's the highlight of a sometimes very boring day. I sent my Mom some "footies" foot socks and she was so thrilled to get a package. I forget that lonely people need a little stimulation. So good for you for keeping in touch with folks. And keep up with that 20 minute walk - even if that's the only thing you do. I say better 20 minutes of something than 20 minutes of nothing.

Hello to the rest of the chicks. I am off to bed. Will check back in tomorrow.

Hello Lovely Ladies...

HAPPY...had to laugh and you made me think of happy thoughts of my momma about decorating for Christmas. In her latter years she would bring out this ceramic lighted Christmas tree that she made in ceramics class. Put in on the kitchen table and say "there, it's Christmas" I so remember her voice say that. So if you don't feel like it, don't do it. One less mess to clean up after the holidays. Did you get all signed up and get your first training session in, how did it go, how was the trainer but mostly how is your body doing? Heck, I would need a numbered check list on how to run the machines and also on what I was supposed to do. I blame it on the younger years and all that second hand smoke growing up. lol

SHADDIE...I don't know how you can keep sane and keep track if you are coiming or going. Then the work you have to do around the homestead to keep it in order. I do think you need to hire me to keep things running smoothly while you travel.

TERRA...most places take anything back if you still have the receipt. It is at least worth a try on the shoes.

CEEG...hope you are feeling better and your strength has come back. Bleh on getting sick during the night, then not only do you feel crummy but you are also tired from not sleeping. Hugs and feel better. Poo on your friend expecting you to do all the work. A friend or using you??

SUSIE...I have gotten all my cards out and most all of my shopping done. I have to buy something for my great nephew who is 2 and that is about it. I have put back the money for the my kids and Cs kids, and spouses for the envelopes. That is 6 adult kiddos. All the stockings are hung, 14 in all. Have most of the stuffers ready to go in, I mean Santa called and said he has all the stuffers. lol. I still have wrapping to do that I will probably do this next weekend. I have to be in the mood for that. Bleh.

CHELLE...how was your weekend, are you still recovering ok?

LAURA...how was your weekend?

Hi DEE!

Saturday was spend running around and doing errands. Left the house at 8:30, stopped in around noon to let Sassy out to potty, left again and didn't get home until 4:30. Got most of the gift cards and presents bought. Relaxed in the evening with C watching Hallmark/MELLIE channel.

Sunday was church, lunch at Olive Garden, and oh man had the best baked Tilpia and shrimp ever, broccoli and salad. No bread stix for me. Yeah me! THen home. Sis, Chris and kids came over for cookie making. We made peanut butter with chocolate kisses on top, orange flavored rock candy, peppermint bard, white covered pretzels, and cut out sugar cookies with all the decor. Also had the Colts game on so C and Chris watched that and corralled Royce. What a great day. Fun was had by all. I took the plastic table cloth out and shook it then left it on the table. I forgot to bring it in last night, it blew down onto the porch. Needless to say when C got up to let Sassy out potty during the night, she was out there like 10 minutes so C opens the door and yells for Sassy, no Sassy. Yells again, no Sassy. Just as he is about to go a b*tching thinking she got out, she pops her head out from under the tablecloth on the porch. Of course when C stomps back into the bedroom and tells me, of course wakes me up to tell me, I just laughed at him. He didn't think it was funny. Made my night. I love it that Sassy ALWAYS gets him up to go potty. Not sure why, but I like that idea.

Best get this posted, have a new employee starting under my manager at the Milwaukee site on the 22nd. I need to get all her on-boarding started. What an ordeal.

Make it a great Monday/evening!

Hugs.

Afternoon all,
Getting this done now since I am going out to dinner with an old friend tonight and I have no idea when I will get home or if even. I might get lost in Melbourne and have no idea how to find myself again. Relying on maps here.

Annie - depends on whether I am pointing south or north as to whether I am coming or going. That bit doesn't worry me too much. Its the whether or not I remember all the thinks I have to do when I get there that is the concern. Some days, like today, I wonder where I have left my brain. If you want to look after my house, come on down. Next job is roofing the pergola and laying some blocks in the garden. Take you pick as to which one you want to do first! I remember offering Mellie the same deal and she said that she would think it over and probably do neither.

Happy - how did the gym go. Did you have fun on all the machines??? I keep thinking I must go back, but I never do. I'm doing a plank challenge at the moment. I'm up to 45secs and have to get to 300sec by the end of the month. 5 mins of plank!!!!

Not much going on here except for meetings, meetings and more meetings. How the heck they expect me to work as well is not apparent. Guess I will have to clone myself and use my toes as well. Rough calculation yesterday, I have 10 weeks of work in front of me creating simulations on a program which does not seem to work well yet. No doubt I will have to bash that into shape as well.
Thats something in the region of 400 simulations taking 2.5 hours. Should be fun NOT.

Okay, better get on with it. See you later.

Hi all,

Quick check in for me - have my stint at the thrift shop tomorrow morning. Afterwards we might go looking at the 2 furniture stores in town. I would like to get a nice reading chair, stand up reading lamp - for better light, a bookcase and perhaps a nice side table. Our weather for the last 5 days or so has been just above freezing - we have had the most horrible fog. We did not have any sun so we have the worst scenario - water on top of packed down ice. As we were pulling in today one of the turkeys slipped on the ice - just like a human - didn't fall down but went skidding along. The temperatures have dropped, snow is in the area - it will be rather slippery no doubt tomorrow.

I went and officially joined the gym for 3 months today. They were less than keen on seeing my discounted certificate and the lady was more concerned about me paying for the 3 extra training sessions as I agreed to earlier. We had a bit of a push-me pull-you as I said that I was not happy with the last training session given his time over mine with run over clients and the phone call. Today was going to be my free orientation session. Then I had to show her how to run my credit card through the machine to pay for the extra sessions. It took her a while and I said that I would pick up my access card when I was done. She said my trainer was teaching a class and they'd have to pull him out. My immediate reaction was oh no, here we go again - why would you book a 9am training session when you are teaching a class at 9am? So I went to warm up on the treadmill. At first I tried the bike but I could not figure out how to adjust it so I gave up. In rummaging through some stored documents on my computer earlier I found 2 documents for an 8 week training course for biking and walking. My goals are to get strong enough to be able to ride my bike outside again and to do a 5k walk in the late spring here. So I had the beginning of my workout already set. I was just finishing up on the treadmill when M walked in. He showed me how to set the bike up and gave me a few tips. Then we set to work on the machines. I was VERY happy with my session. He took the time to explain things, we made some modifications and I felt I had a very good session. We went for an hour. At one point he was fretting about fitting it all in but I said that I had another session booked for next Monday and let's do lower body today and upper body next week. He looked relieved and said that would work out much better. It was a good workout and I will no doubt be sore tomorrow. Trying to drink more water today and stretching. There was one machine that was a killer for abs. It's awkward to sit on because I am so short but you sit on a bench and there is a padded board in front of you. You press your chest against the weighted board and lean forward to work your abs. I did it the first time and my darn boobs (which sadly are way more droopy than perky) got severely pinched. The second motion I really pinched them and I almost yelled out. I did suffer through the pain for the entire set and he asked how it was. I said it was really painful on the boobs and he got all red and said he will show me a chair variation as many women often have problems with that machine. This is one of those things where the machines are made for someone around 5 foot 8 and not all of them universally can be fitted even with levers and such. But that one was a BIG SURPRISE. I guess I need nipple cups.

When I was ready to leave I called DH to come get me and went to go pick up my access card at the front. The lady who took my money was gone and didn't bother to enter me into the computer or make me up a card. The lady who was there now could not find the certificate I turned in which showed I PAID MONEY for this membership certificate. At one point she asked me if I knew where the other lady put it? Seriously??? I filled papers out yet again (had filled them out when I was there last week) and then she disappeared for almost 10 minutes. I couldn't find her and DH was waiting for me. I almost walked out when she came back and said she was looking for that certificate. Oh well - call the other lady. Then she asked if I could wait for my card and I figured this would be another 30 minutes so I said I'll just pick it up when I come for yoga on Wednesday. Felt like I was in a 3 Stooges show.

Came home and did some stuff for the thrift shop, DH and I took naps because neither of us slept well the night before. I made pork chops for dinner, the farm lady called me - the half pig I ordered will be going to slaughter this week and she had me call the butcher and make arrangements for how things were to be cut up. I wish I didn't feel so badly about causing this animal's death. I also can't bring myself to kill one of the trees out back by cutting it down for Christmas either. Called and talked to my Mom until she blew me off when the neighbor showed up and that was about my evening. Oh and I did give some thought to Christmas decorations but did a load of laundry instead.

Will catch up with you when I get back in the afternoon.

WOW DEE...of course you can come back and post. Just because xdh did that doesn't mean everyone else is like that. We all have a past, we try not to dwell on that and live for today and move on. No more nonsense talk. So glad you had a great time at the party. Sounds like your friend is very miserable with her life and tries to drag others into it. Good for you for changing the subject and having some fun.

SHADDIE...um, me like our MELLIE, I will pass on that type of manual work. I was thinking more of cleaning and house/Sunday sitting. Beside C would just crap if I left to put a roof on someone else's house when both mine and his need roofs.

HAPPY....yes, it sounds like that gym is run by the 3 stooges and the Mickey Mouse club cubbettes. Gotta think that any exercising or movement is better than none, even if it is hit and miss. Just sound extremely unorganized. They could use some of you volunteer time to get it straightened out. Turkey sliding on ice sounds funny as I picture it in my head.

Hi's to LAURA, CHELLE, TERRA, CEEG, SUSIE....

Last evening was pretty uneventful. C had leftovers from Olive Garden and I had broccoli. Did some laundry and went to bed. The end.

Make it a great Tuesday/nite!

I'm babysitting the light office phone so they can have their Christmas lunch. When the customers call I tell them to call back in about an hour. ugh. It hasn't been to bad.
I'm feeling a lot better but still having to take the purple pill.
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Dee
We all have our rants so don't feel like we don't want you around. We do.

Happy
Glad you had a better time with the trainer today.

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My co-worker is back from lunch. I'll finish this later.

Afternoon all.

Still trying to catch up on your posts, but I can at least fill you in on my weekend before my lunchtime is over.

Saturday was my morning Jazzercise class. We had a sub instructor, but I got a good sweaty workout and that’s what counts. I was sore starting in the evening and into Sunday. During the day we put out our outdoor Christmas decorations. It looks nice. I took photos, so maybe I’ll post one when I get a chance. After that was lunch, errands, and our block’s holiday party. It was nice. The hosts had re-done their kitchen and it’s beautiful. Bf and I both enjoyed ourselves. No one ate much, so we gave our hosts a bunch of the meatballs and brought some home. I did come to the decision that the two scarves I bought last month – same scarf in different colors – aren’t working for me. Saturday night was about the third time I’d worn one of them and because they’re 100% polyester, my neck gets too warm wearing them. In the donation pile they go. Glad I’d bought them on sale and didn’t spend a lot on them.

Sunday was lazy, and I did a load of laundry and can’t remember what else.

Yesterday I had some lazy time before my appointments. Nice. Before I left home, the village’s contractors came by to grind the stump of the tree they removed a few months ago from the parkway in front of our house. They really tore up the lawn in the immediate surrounding area in order to also grind up the big surface roots of the tree. By the time I got home, all that was left was a nice, neat, level patch of soil. Hopefully we get a new tree planted there in the spring.

Both appointments went well. I’ll ease off the Dulera inhaler with what’s left of the sample I’d been given, and I go back in 6 months. It’s been 10 years since I had a skin test for my allergies, so I’ll do that then. Oh fun. At the dentist, he said since there was no decay to remove, he only had a tiny bit of drilling to do and not in the nerve area so I let him do it without any numbing. He was right – it was minimal and no pain. The filling is done and I’m good for another 6 months at the dentist as well.

Between appointments I had a little bit of time and stopped at a produce store enroute. It’s a fabulous place, but what a crowd! I thought Monday morning wouldn’t be as bad, and surely it wasn’t as bad as a weekend, but it was still busy as heck in there. I got some good stuff, including a few boxes of tea bags they had on sale.

On the way home, I stopped and shopped and bought one gift and something I needed for decorating.

After lunch was shopping for our new Christmas tree. By the time we add up the tree itself, the new stand (it revolves), a storage bag for the tree, and a couple strings of tiny battery-operated lights for our wreath, the credit card was smoking. What I don’t like is that there’s only a 5-year warranty on the tree and only 2 years on the lights. Heck, if the one tree I found on Craigslist had multi-colored lights instead of clear, I would’ve bought that one for a fraction of the cost. Oh well. At least we have the means, though it would be nice if our old tree were to sell – bf’s got an ad out on Craigslist. We were also right near a Williams-Sonoma store and used part of a gift card (from last Christmas) to buy a couple things for the kitchen.

Back at home I took doggy for his walk – in the rain. It was easier for me to do it than to listen to bf whine about doing it.

In the evening, I baked a batch of cookies with dried cranberries, chocolate chips and pecans. The recipe was from an Ocean Spray Craisins ad and I was disappointed – they’re not very flavorful. I should have been more careful choosing the recipe. On the positive side, they’re not overly sweet.

One of the things I bought at the produce store was two bags of fresh cranberries. In putting them in the freezer, I found I had at least two other bags in there! I found a recipe for cranberry muffins that I will make to use some of them up, but I also plan to use them for some other holiday baking I’m doing.

Okay, I was expecting someone for a 1:00 meeting, but I guess he’s going to be late. Let me get this posted while I can.

Good Tuesday/Wednesday ladies.

Sorry I went AWOL again. Between getting packages sent out and Christmas cards done and mailed and visiting Bob in the hospital...I've been running. But it's all good, it's all enjoyable, and tomorrow I go back to work for 2-3 days before two more weeks off.

I met with my trainer today and she kicked my butt working legs (squats) and triceps. And she had me do three 45 second planks...which didn't hurt my tummy. I could feel it in my core muscles, but not in the stomach pouch area if that makes sense.

Got to stop at the grocery store on the way to work tomorrow to get some Greek yogurt and a couple other things to eat for breakfast/lunch this week.

I'm logging into my work email since I have over 1,400 emails to go through. I'm sure most are spam, thank goodness.

Shad, I was so saddened to hear about the hostage situation and resulting deaths in Sydney. And of course further saddened to hear of the school children in Pakistan killed today.

Dee - We wouldn't ever kick you out...so keep right on posting.

After I do my work email, I'll get back here with personals.

Much love and many hugs,

I didn't think we had a kick out policy here. If so I should have been gone years ago.

Michelle - every country has its kooks. The thing I wonder about is how he got the firearm. That's the thing that worries me. No gun shop (and we don't have too many of those) would have sold him any considering he is in the database as being an accessory to the murder of his wife and being up on charges of rape with violence, gbh, inciting riots etc. If you stop and think about it, he must have got this thing from an underground source. Now that bothers me. Where do they find another kook to strike next? It won't be hard I shouldn't think.

I've read all the posts, but I'm sorry I don't have time for personals today. I need to get on with some work. Back to back meetings most of the day mean that I haven't achieved a single thing.

Shad ~ I got to bed anywhere between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. most nights. I very rarely go to bed at 11 p.m. or midnight or any later then mid night.

Annie ~ Thats good to know that most places will take back the item or items you bought but sadly I cant find the receipt, Oh well I guess, Next time I will do a better job at saving my receipt.

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Today I went to my weekly therapy appt and thats it. I lost two bus passes on Monday at a doctor's appt. Next time I will take one bus pass with me and I'll leave my other one at home so I'm not completing out of them. I hope everyone had a nice day today.