Hey chicklets... Sounds like it's been a rough year for a lot of folks.

Happy, I'm so sorry. How is your husband handling it? It sounds like you've had one thing after another, and frankly, I'm amazed you're even still remotely thinking about what you eat or exercise. I had wondered what happened to you. I'm sorry it was such a rotten course of events. Please feel free to just pop in and say hi, I know sometimes I don't post because I feel like I have to respond to every post made by other folks since the last time I posted, and I just can't focus that well sometimes. But I promise I won't be offended if all you do is come in, tell us how you're doing, and give us a wave. :) I've missed your posts.

Chachee - Yes, the stress of this trip is getting to me, no doubt about that. You're right, the unknown is a huge and intimidating factor. I keep trying to remember to just breathe, to calm down. This morning on the way in to work for no apparent reason I had an anxiety attack. I don't remember ever feeling this completely stressed about something like this. I'm sure that a lot of it has to do with the fact that I am completely out of control of the situation, and me being just slightly a control freak, it's really causing havoc. I will be ok, I will get through this. That is my mantra. I may not get through it gracefully, but I will get through it. Plus I know I'm going to have to be there for my kids, too, because seeing grampa like this is going to be very hard for them, plus their Dad is off in wherever land (understandably) because of his sister's suicide and his very recent divorce, losing his house, and every other thing lately. The kids are feeling a little disjointed because of their Dad not having his own place (he's staying with a co-worker right now), and of course my father's place has been completely renovated by my brother, so it won't look the same either.... I feel like I need a good stiff shot of ace promazine. I told my boyfriend that the two things that have been keeping me sane these last couple months - him and my horse - are the two things I won't have with me in AK. I said at least I could call him, and he promised to keep the phone near because he knows I'm going to need him. Then he joked and said he could get a cell phone and velcro it to Arashi's halter. Then all we'd need to do is teach him how to click it on. ;) Ok, that was so silly sweet it made me cry. Ok, so nearly anything makes me cry right about now. Yeah, I'm stable. I feel like the minute I see my brother I'm going to start crying and I won't be able to stop.

Oops .. need to relog, I'll finish this in a minute... :o

Ok where was I?

Jolly - Lessons the other night went really well. I need to learn to sit up straight while trotting and get my heels down, and Arashi didn't do his hop thing during transitions. Nickie was still stiff and tense, but she'll get over that in time. Machine - that was another story altogether. For whatever reason, the saddle Rosa used kept sliding sideways on Strawberry. It wasn't the girth, but perhaps the saddle itself was just too big... I don't know - she'd used that one before. Of course, the first time, Machine insisted the girth was tight enough and he ended up going sideways on the pony. ;) He has now learned why you tighten up that girth. Why do I not have a video camera!?!? Anyway, the saddle was giving him fits pretty much the entire night, but even still, he's trying to learn to post, and learn to keep his posture at a trot. I think we're all doing well, and we're having fun, which is the big issue. Nickie has fallen madly in love with Ichaboch, the new arabian. I'll have to post pics of Copper and Ichaboch. Might be after I get back from AK, though. Both of them need to eat, badly. Copper has more in reserve - he has that slower QH metabolism, but poor Ichaboch is sunken in everywhere. Nickie is addicted. I told her if she can earn $150 a month, we can lease him for her too, but then she'd have TWO horses to care for! Addict, addict, addict. I think we'll keep the two we've got and wait a while. ;) How is Chance? Is he feeling any better? Should use some Tiger Balm on his shoulder. ;)

Ok, I'm so rambling here. I am SO off plan with food and everything else I'm not even going to bother going into that. :o I'll be ok once I get back to GA and back on track. *runs around in a circle barking and chasing her tail*

Right.. ok .. off to do some of the 14,000 things on my work to do list. Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Afternoon laides

Not been doing so great..hope you undersatn about my post.

chachee..glad to hear soe o the pain is les..how long before you are pain free>.Jeez a dental appointment too...hang in there!!

Happy dear Happy..i am so sorry for your loss. How is your hubby doing..and you sewer..woah...plumbing to me is moe important THAN anything..so I am so sorry for you!!

Raven..when is your trip??are you going to where you ex lives?? I bet the kids are gonna be a bit disjointed by it. Plus I know Dad is in a fragile state. I know you will be going thru wihtdrawlas from the horse..sigh..poor thing..

Jolly where are you how are you what are you doing

I have my sucky real estate class tonight..

sigh

Chat ya all soon!!

Tracy - I read your journal. It sounds like you're having a heck of a week. I'm leaving this Saturday. The ex lives up there, and he'll be picking us up at the airport. I just talked to him a few minutes ago, and he's in rough shape right now. I hope the reading went well for the class, maybe tonight's will be more interesting for you! :crossed:

Hey everybody!!!

Raven, sounds like you are having a very stressful time, I'm sorry, I hope things get better for you soon! Your boyfriend might have had a wonderful idea about putting the cell phone on your horse! Made me think of Mr. Ed calling people on the phone!!

Chachee, what kind of puppies? All moved in and settled?

Jolly, Tracy, Happy, Hope things are going well for you.

I'm exercising everyday. I can't get over the energy I have for the whole day! I truck right on through the 1 mile so I will be going to give the 2 mile a try tomorrow.

I got up yesterday morning and turned on the kitchen light to make coffee and on the counter my hubby had a half dozen roses with a I Love You note waiting for me! I was so excited...I cried! It had been a long time since he has done something like that. Later in the day he suggested we go to lunch. I don't know what happened but flowers, great sex and lunch all in one day!!!!! I feel good!!

Eee gads, except for Hippy, sounds like the rest of us could use the drive up Margarita station!

That's nice Hippy to get a random surprise like that. Sometimes guys stumble upon by accident (I don't think they ever think enough to really GET IT) - that all we're looking for is a little love and affection once in a while, and it pays off sooooooo very big time to them. Glad you had a great day.

Tracy, thanks for your note. You are the sweetest person ever. Would you please move next door to me??? I missed a few posts. Why does your real estate class suck?

Raven, I am sending you some good thoughts and lots of inner strength for your upcoming visit. Breathe deep, remember the good things in your life that you will be returning home to. Hope things go well with your family visit and that you can come to terms with things. And it's ok to cry, good even because it releases toxins from your body.

My FIL was not a good dad to his children and they lived for years with all kinds of issues. Though we are sad he died, it also is a new chapter in the book as they put it and for the first time, the kids are trying to mend fences and become the family they wanted but didn't have. It's really sad to see all the people who have family issues and how they struggle with them. I hope you find some peace yourself.

Chachee, hope your new puppies are taking your mind off your pain at the moment. So you managed to get 2 of them at once. How cool... I feel for you with the sciatica - take care, rest up and don't go making the situation worse. Geez that's the worst pain I can think of. Even beats out an abscessed tooth.

Jolly, I hope things work out with the new guy but remember, you have to make yourself happy first. They have some wierd concept that we are there to make THEM happy. Duh. Hope things get better on the stress side with you in your life. And if you joined a women's gym instead of co-ed, maybe you could have worked out without your pants :lol: Just kidding... tho I leave you an opening for one of your witty remarks that we haven't heard in a while.

DH and I are off to a quick get away weekend which we both need. Time for a bit of relaxing though I will probably be toting my schoolbooks with me. Why couldn't I have picked a career where you learn what you need to once and then you just ride along on your experience? ;)

Have a good weekend folks, stop to enjoy the lovely weather before it rains and snows on us.

Hi Ladies,

Real quick note here. The puppies got in and they are adorable. So full of life! The female, Peanut, is so small. She's maybe six inches long and about three inches high. She doesn't take any of Buster's rough-housing lying down, though. She can fend for herself and is actually a bit of a bully. She sounds so tuff when she's yapping at him. Poor man, hasn't learned women rule the world yet, but he's figuring it out every time she nips him on the ear. Oh, Hippy, they are beagles. 10 weeks old today.

Good news on the sciatica. Almost all the pain is gone from the right side. The numbness on the left is turning more into a tingly feeling. I think the inflammation is going down and I have been taking it easy.

Raven: Call me when you get a chance once you get in up here. If you get stranded at the airport, let me know and I can come pick you guys up and take you where you need to go. What time are you getting in?? Remember, you have a shoulder to cry on once you get up here in Alaska!

Hippy: Muchas Jealous!!! Roses, lunch and THE BIG ONE? Wow! That's a stellar day in my books. Congrats and hope things continue to go well for you guys.

Happy: I understand about FIL. My dad's mom was the same way. It does turn out she was evil and most of the family on that side were also, but once she was gone the lines of communication opened up and the family started doing more together. Weird how those things happen, huh?

Jolly: We decided to have them come in late because it was on a direct flight from Portland to Anchorage. If there were layovers, it would have been an additional two-three hours in the kennel and I didn't want to put them through that. As I posted, I have to get pictures of these two kiddos! I think they might be more than I can handle, but my son is having a wonderful time with them!!!

Tracy: "Sucky" class? Too much reading, huh? I heard real estate is a killer. Hope that you can overcome it. I am on the steroids/muscle relaxers/Vicodin until another two weeks. The a revisit with the doc and then possibly PT. Looks like it's going to take awhile to get it fixed, but hopefully it will help. I am getting better, I think.

Okay, ladies, I'm outta here. Take care and have a good day!

Chach

Good morning all you wonderful ladies. Hippee, what a wonderful surprise! I am so glad for you, you needed and deserved it. I am glad exercising is going well. Chachee, I am glad the puppies got there safe, and that you are starting to feel better. Hurray for you :cb: Oh wait, you probably don't want to try the dance quite yet. Happy, thanks for the words of encouragement. Unfortunately, the pants I forgot were my work pants. That would have been a little hard to explain to the boss;) I would have really been in trouble if I forgot my workout pants, as I put those on when I get up in the morning to walk the dogs. If I made it that far into the day without them . . . . well, I would have more issues then I thought. As for the guy, it is just nice to have someone to talk to. We will see what happens. I am taking it very slow, and am being very careful. I even made sure to not call him until I was sure I wasn't an emotional time bomb waiting to happen.:bomb: Tracy, I don't always have time to check the journals. Don't forget to post in here how you are doing and what you are up to. I miss you. Raven, I love your boyfriend's answer about Arashi. How sweet and cool! You are strong, you are compassionate, you WILL BE FINE! We love you.

Have a great day all. I did make it to the gym this morning, and had everything I needed. I am making a commitment to journal, get my *** off the couch (not miss the gym or riding because I am sitting and eating), and to pick up either Bob Greene or Dr. Phil's book. I need some new motivation.

Good morning all. Well, I made it to the gym again today. Two days in a row. Woo hoo. I am starting to feel more on track with life. Which is a good thing.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Good luck with everything.

Morning!!

Jolly i see you posted. girl you are great!! Keep up the exercise..and go after that man. From you picture..youa re so AWESOME llokin and you are funny smart and a super person. Now believe it girl..do you her me. Believe and go get WHAT you want..do you hear me!!

Raven..i hope I didn not ,iss you..I love the cell phone idea too. I know this trip wil be emotionally hard...i think almost all realtionships are..family. lovers, freinds..anything that ..well is in our life..right. But you are a super strong super motivated person..that younwill do and achieve the best!! I will be thinking of you, your kids and your ex...and lovely BF!!


Happy...being a parent is so hard...my dad is one..um not so good one either...he bashed my head against a all at one time. I never will forget it..and I hope one day I will forgive..but as I get older...I have somewhat salvaged the bond..but mostly for my mom. Your words about peace..are so profound...so dag gum profound..and so wise

chachee..i want those pups!! I love ehat you wrote about the gir...grr..grrr..i bet she makes the SWEETEST sounds ever..lol..i want to see them. How are things in the new house??Be the pups love it!!! OO i want to see them.lol see i am vcoveting your dogs..lol

Hippy..oh mna..is he the bomb or what??I do not think I have ever gotten all three..in one..day..lol I love it..I could be jealous..but you are such a great person i am like go ON with your bad self!!lol I love it!! Keep exercising and writing what you are doing!!!

well off to do the yuvky stuff..lol.


byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Good Morning!!!!!

Jolly, you inspire me to exercise!! I know you are busy and seem to fit it in so there is absolutely no reason why I can't fit it in when I'm home most days. Lazy days are over!!

I tried the 2 mile walk this morning! I did the first mile but couldn't do the second. I am not upset because I discovered the 2 mile walk is brisker than the 1 mile tape so I actually worked up a sweat and got a little winded!! I feel like I had a good workout so I am pleased. I will add to the 2 mile as I can.

Tracy, you are so funny!You give me the big head by saying such nice things!!! I thought I might write that day on the calendar because It may never happen again!!! Hope all is great with you!

Raven, Happy, Chach... Hope you all have a great weekend!

Off to the grocery and Wal-Mart!!

Good Morning again!!!

Today is my weigh in day and I lost nothing. I was so upset at first because I have been working my butt off. I thought exercising all week would show me a loss. Anyway, I'm finished whinning now! I'm not about to get discouraged and give up now. I will work harder next week and watch what I eat carb wise.

Jordan is gone with Gary today so I'm going to spend the day with my friend, Laurie. She too is trying to lose weight. We are going to the park to walk the walkers path that they have there, going shopping and to eat lunch. She just can't believe that I make wise choices when I eat out, because she always gives in to temptation, so I am to order for her too! Too Funny! I can see me trying to tell her what not to eat!

Hope all of you are well and have a great Saturday!

Wonderful ladies...

Today is the day. I've been training in my temp for the last two days and running around like the proverbial chicken with its head removed.

I vacilate between a strange surreal calm, and nearly full blown anxiety attacks. I will be ok, and I'm glad it's finally here.

Thank you all for your kind words, you have no idea how much your presence and caring and kindness has helped me over these last couple months, and especially weeks.

Jolly, Tracy, Hippy, Chach, Happy... I wish I could give you all a huge hug. Well, Chach, I guess I can soon, eh? :D

I'm just going to close my eyes, take a few deep breaths, and I'll be on my way. If I can post from up there, I will, but I'm not sure if I'll have access or not.

Thank you, you wonderful women!

o i missed hippy and Raven..dag gum it!!

Please be safe Raven

Hippy I wnt to walmart too..

chache..have fun wiht Raven

Jolly check in soon!!

am having another identity crisis..what this is 100 in my life??

chat ya soon!!

Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a good weekend. MIne was a bit crazy, as I was on call, but oh well. Unfortunately, I may have to let a few staff go, due to weekend issues. And they aren't necessarily the staff I would like to let go. Well, these things happen, and staffing is always up and down in this field. I did get almost everything done I wanted to over the weekend, except get to the gym yesterday and today. YEsterday I was playing groom at an open horse show, so ran off some calories. Today, I just am feeling really bad, so slept in too long. I don't know what I did. My right ankle has been bad for awhile. I injured it a few years ago, and it may be the beginning of arthritis. But now my left foot is hurting. It feels like I was barefoot, and stepped on something hard with the arch of my foot. And because of the pain of that, I am walking funny and now my ankle and calf hurt :) I am trying to be as careful as possible with it. I did buy Bob Greene's book, and hope to start on that soon. OH yeah, the show. I didn't take my horse, too much going on, and I didn't need the extra stress. But I did do a walk-trot "groom's" class at the end of the day. Took 3rd out of 5, but it was fun. I didn't hear from the guy, but that is just his loss.

Here's to a good week, everyone. Take care, all you wonderful people.