Annie
I like NCIS. Could watch those guys all day long.

Been downstairs cleaning for a bit but it's already getting hot. Anything I do that makes me reach up over my head makes the arthritis in my neck flare. I'll do some more later. Besides the phone was ringing but by the time I got back up stairs the answering machine caught it and they decided not to leave a message.
I'm like Laura and sleep on my shoulder. I'm trying different things and have found that putting a pillow over that shoulder is helping a lot. Laura I just reread your post to find out that it was a test.

Good morning ladies,

Work has been incredibly busy since I've been back. And I've had a freelance website project for a non-profit (as in not very well paying, but that's ok) that has kept my "off-work" hours fairly busy. I'm managing to carve out enough time for exercise, working out with my trainer 3x per week and walks and hikes with friends and Santa.

While I was in San Diego, my CPAP machine died, so I've gone roughly 10 days without it. Due to switching insurances, doctors and even moving to a new state since I was diagnosed, I have to be rediagnosed all over again, so last night I used the at home sensor kit that monitors my breathing, etc. And today I'll get the results and hopefully a new CPAP machine. Last night, I slept worse than I have in the previous 10 nights...so I'm really looking forward to getting a new CPAP machine.

Happy - From what D said when he had his cataract surgery, the two weeks between getting one eye and then the other eye done are difficult to adjust to, but at least it gets better. He had no idea how bad his eyesight was with the cataracts until he saw how clearly he could see after surgery.

Annie - I'm sending prayers for your family and for you. I had a restless night last night as well. Here's to coffee for helping us get through the day.

Shad - Your son is quite handsome and the doggie is adorable!!

Susie - My ex-husband and I went on a hot air balloon ride for his birthday in 1990. What fun!! Congrats on the 10 lb weight loss. That's a lot more than I've lost in the past 6 weeks.

Ceejay - I'm a side sleeper too, and I have to be very careful to have a pillow high enough so that I don't roll my shoulder forward/under while I sleep (which my shoulders are prone to do as I'm on the computer all day). When I roll my shoulder forward/under, it bothers my neck by morning.

Laura - Has your mom decided where she will move to when she sells her home? Or is she already out of her home? My step-mom still lives in the house she and my dad bought back in the early 1970s, but she knows that someday she will find it's too big a house for her to maintain living on her own.

Got to get offline now...I have a work conference call.

Much love and big hugs to all,

Morning all. Had a post done and just when I was about to post it, IT pushed through the computer updates they told us would be pushed through yesterday. So my post was lost. Boo on that.

Ceejay – Yeh, the EMG test is supposed to see how the neurons interact with the muscles to determine if there’s any problems. My doc told me they use needles to do the test. Sounds fun, huh? It’ll be nice for you to see your cousin this weekend.

Annie – You’re right, now much on TV in the wee hours. I woke up at 4 am on Saturday and had to wait until 5 for anything other than infomercials. I like the old Law and Order shows myself.

Michelle – I hope you get a new CPAP machine. My friend has had one for almost 5 years now and she said it’s made all the difference in her energy levels. Re my mom, she’s still in her house, and has been getting it ready to sell. My sister & BIL were out helping her about a month ago, and I hope to get out there by next week. She’ll be moving back to Illinois and will be looking for something in the area of me/my sister. Not necessarily assisted living, but senior housing that offers transportation services since she will not be driving once she moves back here.
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Went to Walmart for a few things last night.

I’m down to the last three days of my ab/squat challenge. Yesterday was supposed to be a rest day, but I swapped it with today so I wasn’t faced with three solid days of high reps. So today’s a rest day and then two more days.

Since my commuter bike’s crankshaft is going goofy and is a hard-to-find oddball part, we’ve been looking for a new commuter bike for me. Bf found one on craigslist yesterday, but when he went to check it out this morning, the frame was way too small for me.

Allow me to go off on a brief tangent… Bf and I see soooo many people who ride bikes with their seats way too low, and by doing that they are putting undue strain on their knees and denying themselves of the full power and efficiency they get from having the entire length & strength of their legs when they are pedaling. (Seat height should be such that one’s legs at the lowest point of pedaling are just *slightly* bent.) For whatever reason, these people are either afraid of or just too lazy to get out of their bike seat when they come to a stop. Instead, they want to put both their feet flat on the ground without rising out of the saddle.

Anyway, back to the bike bf looked at - apparently this is how this seller’s wife must have ridden the bike, because even though the husband/seller said his wife was 5’4”, the seat was in the lowest position and with that small bike frame, bf said it looked like it was set up for someone 5’0”. He’d even had the seller measure it before bf drove out there, but apparently he didn’t do it very accurately. Too bad, it would have been a nice bike. Back to searching.

I’ll probably go to the spin class tonight instead of movie night.

Speaking of movie night…the other night when I was preparing to watch my dvd from the library on Saturday, I was going to make popcorn. We were out of popcorn salt, but I didn’t let that stop me. I got the pot going with some oil, butter and 2 kernels of popcorn. While it heated, I saw I had no cans of soda in the fridge. I got a few and put 2 in the fridge and then went to put one can in the freezer to chill. But… I dropped the can as I put it in the freezer and it exploded all over the kitchen! What a mess! Coal started lapping up Diet Dr. Pepper as I cleaned it up (floor, wall, cabinets, stove, garbage can, etc.), LOL. During this, I heard one of the kernels pop. I stopped cleaning and looked at the pan and the butter had burnt even though I had it in with the oil. Okay, since I’d ignored the first sign I shouldn't make it – no popcorn salt – I took heed of these additional two signs and gave up on homemade popcorn. We had one packet of microwave popcorn left from a gift basket someone had given us a while back (was it for Christmas?), and I made that without any trouble. Oy.

Okay, back to work. Have a great day everyone.

Laura - I loved my CPAP machine. I was diagnosed 10 or 11 years ago, and I never knew how lousy I was sleeping before my diagnosis until I started sleeping with my CPAP. Wowzer...what a difference it made in my energy levels. I thought a constant state of fatigue was "normal". My CPAP machine also helped my then husband sleep better because he didn't feel he had to stay aware of my breathing. He would often nudge me when I stopped breathing so that I'd wake up and start breathing again. I had to laugh at your "signs" to not have popcorn. I got a similar sign on Sunday. Der Weinerschnitzel (a fast food hot dog chain) has a special discount on their sundaes on Sundays. So I did some extra exercising and ate "light" on calories so that I could treat myself to a sundae. After I took Santa to the dog park, I went to get a sundae and their soft serve ice cream machine was broken. So I took that as a sign to NOT drive the few miles out of the way and instead went home and had a Greek yogurt and a no sugar added Outshine popsicle which are delicious and a lot fewer calories. Nice that your mom will be moving into senior housing with transportion services. My mom lived in senior housing before she passed and really enjoyed all the activities. My friend's mom lives in a senior housing complex that also has assisted living units, which she will probably transition to when she can't care for herself. Good for you for going to the spin class tonight and for doing the abs/squat challenge. Bummer that the bike didn't work out, but thanks for the tip on placement of the bike seat. I will check it the next time I try to ride my bike. I really need to get my tires inflated and gears and chain tuned up. I had an EMG test several years ago to test my nerves and muscles in relation to my lumbar back pain.

I made it back. Brewed me a decaf K-cup in the break room and thought I would take a moment and type a few lines to you good ladies.

CHELLE...I truly believe C would benefit from a CPAP machine as he quits breathing a lot and I, like your x, keep smacking him to start breathing. Me thinks I will talk with him to see about getting a sleep study or whatever it takes to find out if/should he be using a CPAP. He will probably fight me on doing it. It really is nerve wracking for me as I don't sleep well myself and EVERYTHING wakes me up, even his not breathing. Glad you forewent the ice cream, don't want to start that binge up again. You have come to far to let food rule you again. Heck call me, I keep my phone by my bed and on my desk at work.

LAURA....IF I should ever get a bike again, I will try to keep the seat information at the front part of my brain. Since Sissy has had my bike for the last 4 years now, I don't foresee me getting it back anytime soon. Oh well. Bikes fall into that exercise category and you know I don't do ANY exercising. I will die a big fat blob. I take heed to signs when on everything when something goes wrong that I am trying to achieve.

HAPPY...how is the eye doing today? Getting any better? Loving the flower pix on FB that DH is posting. Very nice. Do you walk wobbly with only one eye? lol.

CEEG...I have been having lazy days myself. Hope I get a swift kick in the booty to get myself in gear. I will pay it forward if I get one. lol

SUSIE...your balloon pictures are great. You look beautiful and like you had a good time.

Hello to all.

Hugs

Hello. About 10 min left for work today and I'm out the door.

Thank you all for your comments on my balloon pictures. I'm glad you enjoyed them.

Tonight I must get on the bike when I get home. Last night I was at work until 7 as I hadn't seen my Director in 2 weeks (his trip to China) and then yesterday he was in an all day meeting until 4.

I really needed to talk with him about some things affecting his calendar and a trip he has for NYC in two weeks. He is out today-Friday. So yesterday was it, and so I stayed late so we can catch up and go over things.

Because it was so late I didn't get my workout in.


Annie: How nice that we were able to "join" your coffee break. It is Tuesday..are you skipping Taco Tuesday's?

Happy: I hope the fund raiser goes well. I can't believe it was 49 in our area. Do people there every wear shorts and tank tops?

Michelle: I hope you will get your CPAP machine. My DH has one. His doctor said he will have to use it the rest of his life because of the way his throat is constructive. He doesn't stop breathing but he breathes very shallow when he is laying down so the machine helps him. He said it really makes him feel more rested and have more energy. He has been on it for a year now.

Laura: I hope you find a new bike soon. I didn't know that information about the seats and what height it should be.

Good for you for finishing (or about to) finish this challenge. Won't it feel great when you finish? You were committed and saw it through!

You asked about the sound of the fuel for the hot air balloon and it being noisy. It would be for a brief moment but they use it in short bursts so it was ok.

Ceejay: How nice that you will get to visit your cousin this weekend. I love spending time with my cousins. We were together so often when we were little, they feel like brothers and sisters.

Hi to Terra & Shad

I'm heading home. See you all tomorrow.

Good morning all,

Going to try and get a post in here today. I am really tired of my eyes at this point. Can't wait for the other surgery next week. My eyes are starting to get dry, the medications / drops are super itchy and I swear my new eye is getting weaker although perhaps it is just trying to align in sympathy with my bad eye. Plus there is that constant headache all day and night.

Our Monday fundraiser went well - we took in a bit more than last year which was remarkable considering we had 9 open spots we could not fill with volunteers. I'm glad that is done with - it sure was a lot of work. I hope someone else steps forward next year to run it

I am thinking of ripping out my garden. It really didn't do well this year. The sugar snap peas wilted at the root and never grew very well. The arugula and spinach are long gone even though it's been cool enough for them to continue growing. I was looking at the tomatoes which is kind of hard for me to see right now and it looks like several of the plants of beefsteak style tomatoes have hard blemish/holes in them. Doesn't look like bugs, more like some sort of blight. It's turned cool here - in the 70's which is perfect but as soon as it gets low 70s it seems to dip into the 40's at night which is not good for warmth loving tomatoes. I have a fair amount of green tomatoes, not sure how well they will do. My cucumbers which started off looking bad have sprung back to life - the only thing doing well. I cannot bend down or over to get at the weeding which has overtaken the garden. And I also cannot be bending and dragging the heavy garden hose (we have 3 hoses linked together to make it across the yard both front and back). I am not willing to potentially sacrifice my eyesight by yanking this heavy hose around and mother nature is not willing to offer any rain our way. I think DH was a bit miffed when I said I'd pull the garden out - miffed because we spent a fair amount of money on plants but I had no idea when I put the garden in that I was going to have surgery and not be able to bend down for the 6 weeks of prime garden maintenance time. Oh wait - no eye rolling either

I am mildly frustrated not being able to see straight and I am a terrible patient so I am getting a bit bummed and somewhat cranky at the moment.

Susie - I loved all your balloon pictures. It looks like a wonderful adventure. I was wondering if you got nervous looking out over the basket or are you just distracted by the gorgeous view and you forget it's you. a basket, a balloon and open sky It was good of you to rearrange your schedule to meet with the director. I guess they expect that. To your question, yes, people wear shorts and summer tops up this way. It's quite nice in the sun shine and what is warm or cool is relative. This time of year it's chilly in the early morning so if I went fishing I'd need a jacket but once the sun comes out for a few hours, it's gorgeous. It's also a little cooler if you hit a breeze on the boat on the water but a light sweater is fine and often not needed in the direct sun. I don't wear shorts - lots of varicose veins (thanks Mom and Grandma) but I do wear capris sometimes. Because of ticks we also tend to wear longer pants up this way although I do see lots of ladies in summer capri pants. Lots of sandals too!

Annie - as much as C would benefit from a CPAP - I hope that would not interfere with your sleep in a different way. DH does not like walking around with strap marks for several hours so he doesn't wear the mask as tight as it should be. Therefore if he moves, it slides on his face and it sounds like I am sleeping with Darth Vader.... it sometimes makes as much noise as the snoring! DH said he does not notice that much of a difference using the CPAP but since he has sleep apnea, he does use it. I can't tell you how much amusement I get from your off the cuff and dry sense of humor regarding your efforts to avoid exercise It's just a casual remark but I always get the giggles when you talk about it. I'm sorry to hear about your brother's numbers, he is on my nightly prayer list. Keep the hope alive. And yes, sometimes I do walk wobbly and thanks for the comments on DH's pictures. Is Sissy getting excited about the wedding? Did you find time to find shoes yet?

Michelle - probably a good thing you avoided the sundae although I'm sure it took major willpower (and a bit of divine intervention ) I guess when we have a weakness for something, all we can do is avoid it. One is too many and 1,000 is never enough. I remember that from the smoking days. It sounds like you found some tasty substitutes though - good for you Still waiting on them making broccoli as good as ice cream Did you get your new CPAP?

Shad - loved the pic of son and doggy. Both are cuties in their own ways of course! Did you get any relaxing in this weekend?

Laura - thanks for the bike advice. I can never seem to get a bike seat at the right adjustment. Always seems like I need a half bit more to really be comfortable. Even at the gym. Bummer on the exploding soda! I can only imagine the mess everywhere and Dr. Pepper is especially sticky. Yikes.

Hi Dee, Ceejay, Terra

DH wants to go and take some flower pictures. He just announced he wants to leave in 30 minutes so I'd better get hopping and get dressed. Have a good hump day peeps.

Hi ladies,

I got my new CPAP machine last night. OMG! What a difference!! I slept so well! Santa had to go outside at 1 am, and I was surprised that it was only 1 am because it felt like I had slept all night. That being said, I was still grumbling about getting up at 4:45 so that I could drop Santa off at day care before my 6 am "bootcamp" training session with my personal trainer. It was an excellent workout. I absolutely HATE getting up so early to workout...but after it's done I'm really glad I got it out of the way.

Yesterday being my day off from the gym, Santa and I walked with a friend for about an hour, and then Santa and I got together with some friends for doggie playtime. Then after we got home, I took Santa for a 1/2 hour walk because he hadn't done #2 yet. Now I know that 8:30 pm is too early for his last "business" of the night. I was trying to get to bed by 9 though because I was so excited to try out my new CPAP machine and get a better night's sleep.

Today, I'm meeting with my OA sponsor and then I'm going to take Santa for playtime and an extra long walk.

Work is going well, but crazy busy. My boss is NOT pleased that the team has fallen behind on the development of the new website due to content management system upgrades and file system changes. I am hopeful/confident that we shouldn't hit any more snags/delays.

Gotta run. Much love to all,

Afternoon all.

Michelle – I’m glad you got your new CPAP machine and you had a good night’s sleep (up until the cruel 4:45 am wakeup!!). Good for you not going out of your way to have that sundae! Not worth it! Yes, check your bike for the proper seat adjustment, and get it all tuned us – you might just decide to go out for a spin on the spur of the moment and it will be nice to have it ready to go. Hope you can make up some time on the website project…

Annie – I hope you get C to get a sleep study to see how significant his apnea is – it might be eye-opening for him to learn how often he stops breathing during the night. LOL re the bike being exercise, so it’s a no-go. Watch out, you just might do something that you really enjoy that’s also exercise!! Wink, wink... But I suppose you’re more of the “functional” exerciser – you get it from all the house and yard work you do – mowing, shoveling, mopping, etc.

Susie – It’s good you got together with your director before he went off again. That’s the way it is sometimes. Did you do the bike last night? Yes, I’ll be glad to finish the challenge – they sure get tough by the time the last few days roll around! Nice to know the balloon ride isn’t all noise – that might take away from the experience.

Happy – Sorry you’re eye is driving you nuts. I bet next week’s surgery can’t get here quickly enough. Hang in there girl! Bummer about your garden. That must be how the farmers must feel, being vulnerable to the whims of Mother Nature. It doesn’t sound like more tending to your garden will help the plants that aren’t happy with the temps…and you couldn’t help having the surgery come up. Your eyes are more important than the veggies!!! And what does it matter if you tear out the stuff now that’s clearly not going to do well/give you a harvest? Why wait until later when you’ll have other things to do? Wow, can’t imagine trying to move around three connected hoses!! I think diet soda isn’t quite as sticky as the non-diet, thank goodness. I did an okay job of cleaning the mess up, but if it were regular soda, I’d have really gone to town on the cleanup because of the possibility of ants!

Hellos to the rest of you!
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Went to spin class last night. Same “triple play” class, but a different instructor – more enthusiastic and motivating. Which meant I pushed myself a bit more last night and was really whooped by the end of class. My legs are tired today and pedaling to the train station this morningy was a chore. And I’m sure Day 29 of my challenge tonight will not be fun either…

Forgot my phone at home today and it's kind of driving me nuts.

Okay, gonna post now. Meeting a buddy for lunch shortly.

Good Lord, I got that crappy report done and emailed. 30 minutes has gone by and no complaints, keeping fingers crossed. You know, I cannot change what goes into the report, if you don't like the numbers your region gets then do something about it, work harder. Just sayin'. The regions don't want the report going out cause it lets everyone know how bad their sales referrals are getting. Makes them look bad. Hey, don't shoot the messenger. Ok End Rant.

Hopefully smooth sailing the rest of the week. We shall see.

C ate leftovers for dinner last night so I suppose I have to cook tonight. I did get 3 loads of laundry done from start to finish. Basket is empty for a minute.

HAPPY...I am with you on the garden thing. We MAY end up with about 10 tomatos and that is it. Everything else is almost dead or dead. My cherry tomato plants in the pot out in the front has produced about 15. Should be more by now. Won't be any salsa making this year. We still have much to do for the wedding so it is hard for any of us to get excited yet. That is what happens when you try to cut corners and do things ourselves. Yes, exercise, I am beginning to think mopping my kitchen floor sounds very much like exercise not sure it is going to happen. lol.

CHELLE....good that you are busy with YOU things and not other's things. 4:45 does come way too early as I have formed this dang habit of waking up between 3-3:30 and not going back to sleep. I guess I should get up and exercise<----nope, rather watch CSI Miami. Not going to trick me. Nope.

SUSIE...yes sirree, skipping Taco Tuesdays. If I could just not eat the chips and salsa while waiting on our food, I would be ok. Who can resist that? Not me. Cause I only get one crunchy taco. Sounds like you are getting in more OT. Wish I could get OT. Sure would help with the wedding. You are one dedicated woman, me not so much. Do my job and go home, forget about it.

Hellos to all. Hugs

OH well poop, you posted over my head LAURA....I hate it when I forget my phone. I take a couple of breaks a day with it for a few minutes. Hope you day is going great!

Still beavering away. Still arguing with the so called Training team lead. Still behind the 8 ball.

Have a meeting with the above this morning. That should be interesting! NOT. My faults will come out again. Don't care much anymore.
7 weeks to end of contract.

Annie
Hugs, I know this s a very trying time. Sending you love and good vibes.

Happy
Are you doing to much after your eye surgery? My aunt and uncle laid around most of their healing time.

Michelle
Glad you got the cpap machine.

Hello's to Laura, Terra, Shad and Susie.

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We had a beauty of a thunderstorm to come through this afternoon. Think we are getting the storm that Happy had the other day. Lightening struck a utility pole and knocked down some lines. I had power at the plant but the well pumps didn't have any power. The tanks were getting very low on water. I'm learning to be patient--not. At least the phone did not ring off the hook. Here comes the second round.
I've been using FitBit dot com for logging my food and exercise. I logged 8600 steps today plus 1.91 miles. My feet are sore. I've taken two 14 minute walks today and yesterday. Going to try to walk outside tomorrow.

Laura ~ Yes I have cooking class today, We are making Pigs in a blanket with sausage

Susie, Annie , Happy ~ Hi Ladies

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Hello Guys and Gals,

Sorry I havent posted in a couple of days but I'm back now. I have cooking class and computer class today I'll be there any time between 9 and 10 a.m. and I wont leave until 3 or 3:30 this afternoon. Tomorrow my friend and I are going to lunch and then we're gonna meet up with our other friend at the theater to go watch a movie. I wont leave the house again until Sunday. I hope everyone has an awesome day.

I was able to sleep in until 5:45 this morning which was nice, but I'm still tired...still not as tired as without the CPAP machine. I should be fine after another cup of coffee.

Yesterday after working late, I met with my OA sponsor and then took Santa to a play date and got home a bit after 8 pm.

Work is super busy, but that's a very good thing. At least the content management system and our development environments seem to finally be stable, so I was able to make good progress yesterday. Still lots more to get done before my boss presents it to people tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll continue to make good progress.