Afternoon all. Oops, the day got away from me (though it’s dragging now). Happy Friday/weekend to all and payday for me, so yay for that. :carrot:

Ceejay – It got cooler here too, ahhh. Too bad about the watermelon. Wishing your aunt and uncle speedy recoveries!!

Annie – Yay for a weekend with some “me time”. Enjoy! (Though I must say that S’s canoe trip sounds fun too!) Bf learned his mom was moved to rehab yesterday. But we better check – she’s been moved about a half dozen times (no joke) since she entered the hospital on the 5th. :yikes:

Happy – Glad you’re having a good visit w/ your mom & SIL. I saw the video you posted on FB about the flooding – awful. Hope it didn’t cause any damage or keep you from anything fun!

Hellos to the rest of you!

==

Yesterday wasn’t a great start to the challenge for me – business lunch, and then bf wanted to go out for half-price burger night. Bleh. No night time snacks though, so there’s that.

Did a BE workout this morning and got out for a short walk at lunch.

The boss will be out at least 3 days next week, and I believe the other manager will be as well. That’ll be nice.

Plenty to do around the house, but tomorrow afternoon we have a party to attend. My HS friend B and her hub moved earlier this year and this is the first time we’ll be seeing the new house. Need to pick up a hostess/housewarming gift.

Meeting a former co-worker Sunday morning for breakfast, and then there’s a Foreigner concert in a neighboring 'burb on Sunday evening. Scattered thunderstorms forecast (40% chance of precip), but I hope the weather cooperates. And since it might be a late night, I’m thinking of taking a vacation day on Monday.

That’s about it for me. Have a great weekend everyone. :)

Hello Everyone. I am so excited it is the weekend, although I have a ton of things in this house to do and I need to spend about 2 hours today and 2 hours tomorrow on work.

I am trying to limit myself to the time I "work over" in order to get used to balance in my life.

Guess what I did yesterday? I used my OT from the week as flex hours and left at noon with 3 other ladies that I sit with. One of those ladies has a pool and we planned a "pool party" on Thursday for Friday. It was so fun!! She has a beautiful in ground pool. She had margaritas for us, (I had one) we ordered pizza and we swam, lounged on in-pool rafts....great day!

I let my managers know on Thursday when I left work that I was going to work until noon and then use flex time for the time I was taking off that afternoon. I never let them know things at the last minute and I was very vague about it. The AD that I am currently supporting until we get someone hired said to me before I left, "I hope you are doing something fun" and I knew she was just trying to figure out what was going on as we all have been very quiet about it. My response was, "yes, I think it will be...have a great weekend yourself" and I left.

I logged my food on Thursday but didn't yesterday. I will do it today. I feel I still did pretty good with it yesterday even if I didn't log it and when I got on the scales this morning, I am down 2.8 lbs from what I weighed on Thursday morning. I also weight myself in the morning on Thursday and then when I get home from TOPS Thursday evening to get a gage of how close my home scales are to the TOPS scales.

Shad: I hope your time in Adelaide is going well. Did you end up finding a suitcase for your granddaughter?

Happy: I'm glad to hear you had a nice visit with your Mom and SIL.

Ceejay: Sorry to hear that the Aunts and Uncles are dealing with medical issues. Good for you for getting on the bike. I was thinking that in the past when you get on the bike daily or every other day, for even 10 min, you seemed to show a loss and would post that you were feeling pretty good.

Annie: A weekend alone! I know you will enjoy it and yes, you will miss everyone but I think you need this downtime. Enjoy it! I put your surgery date on my calendar so I dont' forget. These days I always have to write everything down.

Laura: Your ticker is so you! Good for you for getting the short workout in and a walk at lunch. I need to get moving myself this weekend and next week. I didn't get in much exercise this past week going back to work.

Have fun with all your weekend activities. If you get to the Foreigner concert enjoy it and when they play "Juke Box Hero" rock out to it for me! It is my favorite song of theirs, although I love them all!

It will be nice for you to go back to work on Monday and have 3 days without bosses!

I need to get another load of laundry going and start cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. DH and I are still deciding what we might do tonight.

Hi to Dee and Michelle! We miss you when you don't post!

I want to add a ticker to my signature but can't seem to remember how. Can someone guide me?

From my phone. I'm at work. The storm yesterday made the power go out in some areas. Mine dimmed but came back on. I still can't get the cb radio to come back on.guess I need to call some one. I think the night shift has to many excuses. I went to do my lab analysis and the machines didn't come back on when the lights did. Silly people. Turn them on.

Morning all,

I'm stranded at the airport due to fog and bad weather in other parts of the country as well as in Sydney. Still it is a nice bit of downtime in a busy week schedule. I forgot to bring my moisturiser back from Adelaide so my skin is feeling somewhat dry at the moment. I went to L'Occitane at the airport to see if I could buy something to keep me going but they wanted an arm and a leg as well as a substantial mortgage for this little pot of goo. I declined and will go looking for something else shortly. I have a couple of hours to kill so might as well look at the shops.

Adelaide went well. Little Miss S is growing like a weed and is (at last) eating better and mealtimes are more relaxed and not tearful situations anymore. Still can't help feeling that there will be fireworks later on - the helicopter mother versus a strong willed daughter. Should be interesting. The birthday party went off well and all the kids were well behaved believe it or not. Not one screaming match or tantrum, I nearly fell over with surprise. That child has so many toys. Personally I would be putting a lot of them away - particularly the ones that she hasn't played with in forever and is too old for now, however the aforementioned mother can't abide not to have EVERYTHING on show. No wonder they need a bigger house!


I have a new phone - still trying to put it together and download stuff off the old one, but I'm getting the hang of this one a lot quicker than the other one. DS1 set it all up for me and put in the networks etc. So I have text and phone and a contact list and some apps that I can use. Since I am stuck here in the airport, I might just try to get to grips with loading photos on to it.

Susie - you work so hard! It's such a shame that you have to do overtime so much and then still be working Saturdays and Sundays. I hope they find someone to help out shortly. To put a ticker on your posts, you need to go to the User CP and............hmm that's interesting, can't see it there anymore. I know they had some problems with it being too big and I can see that mine has disappeared. I can't see it in the FAQ or in any of the Edit options in there.

Happy - glad to here that you are having a great time with the folks. Hope Mum behaved and the DH didn't feel obliged to go out and bury some bodies.

Annie - Hope you are doing okay. Must be a bit of a strain having all those people in the house - especially when you are used to peace and quiet with just you and C and Sassy. How's your challenge going? Mine is stalled because I am not in the right frame of mind at the moment to do anything about it.

Dee - hope all is going well for a move for you and the DH. You will miss the quiet life and the size of the house. Downgrading to a smaller place has to be awful - what to chuck and what to keep.

Laura - How is Coal going at the moment? Was thinking of him the other day when I saw a dog limping down the street with arthritis - poor old thing. He got an extra pat from me.




Feels like coffee time. And the coffee machine is now working. So I will waddle over there and get me some of that. Might feel more awake after that.

Just not really in the mood to post, but will...

THe weekend was a whirlwind of meetings and errands. Didn't really get much down time as I thought I would. Well crud will come back in a bit.

Good morning,

Currently sitting on "ignore" trying to get through to the doctor's office. The MRI results are - moderate arthritis in both knees, and for the right one I also have tears in the kneecap and a sprain. My right leg and foot have been swollen for about a week and a half also. My doctor made an appt with an orthopedic guy for tomorrow but as I was talking to people, 2 different folks said NOT to use the 2 guys in that specific practice. They know people they have operated on and they have all had residual problems. So I had to research over 100 doctors and health professionals to find someone else. I have been sitting on ignore for over 20 minutes trying to get through to appointments. Finally got in, cancelled my appointment for tomorrow and was told the person could cancel for the doctor tomorrow but could not set me up with an appointment for the new doctor so back into the hold queue I go :mad: :rollpin: :rolleyes: This is so maddening... and this is a huge conglomerate medical group! My leg hurts constantly from ankle to upper thigh. I was rather limited visiting with my family which was ok because my mother is also not able to get around much.

Had a good visit. Just about every night I went into the hot tub with my sister in law and we had some very good talks. It was good to see my Mom although I am not sure if she is just getting feisty or is drifting into advanced old age. There were times she was rather temperamental - at one point she was using some very inappropriate language and I asked her to stop and she got made at me and sat there and stared out the window and would not talk to me for over 30 minutes. Then we went to dinner and she sat and stared at her lap for a good part of the meal. But when you would fawn over her she suddenly sprung back to life as if she hadn't a care in the world. I can understand how my sister gets frustrated at times. The weather was iffy - we got a really bad rainstorm on Monday night which essentially caused washouts and flooding all through the area. The weather was iffy with clouds that came and went and gusty winds so we were not able to go on the boat at all. We did take a ride to a casino about an hour from here. DH wanted to go to a nearby park with waterfalls. I was unable to walk so he dropped off me and the SIL and headed out but didn't get far before the road was closed due to washouts.

Ok, I am in the clown car cluster of transfers on the phone with the doctors and clinics... will be back later on.

Morning all. Happy Monday.

Susie – Your Friday afternoon pool party sounded so fun! You work so hard and so much overtime that you deserve breaks like that! Re the ticker – there’s a 3fc sticky on the help forum I believe that’s all about tickers. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me (didn’t automatically open another window in which to create the ticker), so all I did was go to ticker factory (dot) com and created it, and then I think I either copied and pasted the code, or there was a choice of html or something else to use to copy/paste and whatever I chose, it worked. Clear as mud, right? :D ;)

Ceejay – I hope the rain has moved out of your area by now and everything’s okay with the power, etc. :rain:

Shad – Again, everything at the airport is priced sky high (no pun intended), and when I read that brand, I knew it would be expensive. I’m strictly a drugstore brand person myself. Even if I wanted to go to a department store cosmetic counter now, I probably wouldn’t for fear of the fragrances setting off my asthma. Anyway, I hope your delay didn’t go too long. :) === Happy to hear that S’s party was civil and your visit was somewhat calm. === I’m glad the new phone is working out so far. I’m afraid we’ll have a new phone in the house before too long – bf’s having issues with the video function on his. I’ll either keep hearing grumbling about that problem, or I’ll have to hear all about the frustrations of learning about a new phone. Sigh. === Coal is doing well at the moment, thanks for asking. We're all being very careful about not making sudden moves that could startle him and cause him to lose his footing and go down and hurt his hip/leg. When that happens it's a repeating cycle. :(

Annie – Sorry the weekend wasn’t as relaxing as you thought it would be. Now for the Monday blahs. :shrug:

Happy – Oh gosh, trying to get through to anyone first thing on a Monday morning is a real bear! :mad: Hope you find the right doctor to help you with your knees. Life’s too short to suffer through that pain. :( == I’m glad you had a nice visit with your mom & SIL. Too bad the weather didn’t cooperate with a boat ride or other activities.

Hellos to the rest of you! Hope you all had a nice weekend. Dee, how did the garage sale go?

==

My weekend was pretty nice. Saturday morning I did a bit of yard work in the front. Three small shrubs – can’t recall what type they are - had a bunch of dead areas on them that I pruned away. Of course now they look funny, so I’ll probably just trim them way back and hope they grow back nice and healthy.

Saturday afternoon was a party at a friend’s house - the first time we saw their new place. I love the neighborhood they’re in, and they have a nice backyard/covered patio. And what a nice day to be outdoors! Sunny, cool and breezy. Several of my HS friends were there, so that was fun. Later in the day, we ran a couple errands and went to our village’s cruise night. I’ll attach a couple photos...

Sunday I met a former co-worker for breakfast. He’s going to have surgery (deviated septum) and is nervous about it. Can’t blame him, but I had to laugh when he said (not without some seriousness) that he hoped he would see me in 3 months (i.e., that he made it through surgery). :lol:

Sunday evening we went to see the band Foreigner play at a local festival. What a great show! (Susie, yes I was out to “Jukebox Hero” – enough for both of us, lol). And it was followed up by a great fireworks show too. I was a bit annoyed that people kept passing in front of us in our row – were we the only row they could use? It was more annoying listening to bf complain about it. I don’t know when he became such a complainer. Sigh. But I had a nice time in spite of that, as well as the heat and humidity. Summer in Chicago – that’s what we get.

It wasn’t a super late night, though it was a late bedtime by the time we got home, I showered, and ate something. I decided I wouldn’t take today off. Maybe on Friday... though by then it’ll be even more hot and humid and I don’t think I’ll want to do anything more than stay indoors in the AC, so why waste it on that?

Okay, nothing more, so I’ll get this posted. TTFN.

P.S. Photos attached from the cruise night are of two giant dogs and their owner who all manage to fit into this little 2-seater. The brown one is only 7 months old and is half English Mastiff, half St. Bernard (I think) and the other is a 7-year old St. Bernard. They were both getting so much attention, but the puppy was just snoozing away on the trunk of the car! Adorable. :love:

Afternoon
A quiet day at work. I've been letting the trainee do most of the work.
I called today to see about getting my utilities turned on but didn't have access to a fax machine.This adds another chore to my list for this week end.
I'm getting driving directions in case my sister can't take off on Friday afternoon.

Well, I may be walking into problems when I move to Missouri. My sister told me that my nephew is hooked on prescriptions drugs. He has back injuries due to football in his high school years and a hip replacement with in the last five years. I can understand how he would be in pain.
He checked himself in to rehab. My other nephew and his live in for 10 + years have an on again off again relationship that's off right now. Do I still want to move, Yes.

Not sure why I'm see this red line.

More later

Morning all,

I am about to get ready to head off to Duluth for my ortho appointment. We are in for some unstable and hot weather. Get ready folks, summer is upon us. Thank goodness it only lasts a week :rofl:

Laura - my ... those are some BIG dogs! Thank you for the Ticker Factory suggestion. That's how you do it. Like Shad, I went to User CP and scratched my head - how did I get it before. Oh... Ticker Factory :D

Ceejay - lesson number one - just because they are "family" doesn't mean you need to be a part of the drama. And there is always drama.

Annie - hope you are feeling better my friend :hug: Choose life - that's all I can say. :hug:

DH is NAGGING ME to hurry up. :mad: I will try and get back later.

Happy,
I agree I'm not getting involved. It's a good thing that I will have my own space. Did you contact the doctor of choice.

---
I'm looking forward to my trip this weekend. Moving forward is what I'm doing now.
Adding a new challenge and that's not to eat a heavy meal after I get off work. This is where I'm gaining my weight.

Good Morning All....

Was a peaceful evening. Made mushroom burgers in mushroom sauce. Yum. Sis made cream cheese mashed potatos. YUM!. I had just one TB. Also had cauliflower. Went to bed and read for the most part of the evening. Sis cleaned up dinner dishes. I wasn't feeling my best yesterday and had a non-poo day which makes me feel awful, like I am bloated and gassy. Today things are moving better and I am feeling better.

My boss wants me to change the Wednesday headache report completely after getting input from other regions. I can say I am dragging my feet. I have no interest or desire to do such a thing. I am sure it is teeing him off that I have not done anything about it yet. Hoping it goes away. Please go away. Other than that work is peaceful.

Gearing up to go to Shiloh, IL on the 30th for my great-nieces birthday. She will be 6. Sis, the boys and I are going. Along with my oldest brother and sil. This is the daughter of my 2nd oldest brother's child. Anyway, it should be fun. We are staying at a hotel. Shiloh is about 20 minutes from St. Louis. My St. Louis BFF is coming over in the evening to the hotel to visit. I am excited for all of this. Hope it goes well.

LAURA...did you find your MIL? Wow on all the moves for her.

Oh crud. My Indiana sales guy just popped in, I will be back in a but to finish personals.

Morning all.

Annie – Boo on the reporting headaches. I’m glad you’re feeling better today. Sounds like you have a fun weekend coming up next weekend. Nice to have something like that to look forward to. :) Yes, we found MIL. She’s now in the rehab building across from the hospital. She must be feeling better – when we saw her Sunday, she was a bit out of sorts and wanting to get all this over with. Hope that “motivation” stays with her for all her PT sessions!!

Ceejay – Good for you to let the trainee do the work and get the experience! You’ll have enough to keep you busy when you move, definitely smart to steer clear of any family drama.

Happy – Hope the ortho appointment goes well.

Hellos to the rest of you! :wave:

==

Nothing much to report. Yesterday was an okay day for food, for a change. Will try for another one today.

Didn’t do a workout video today, but I did a mini-workout (maybe micro is more accurate) with some pushups, squats and crunches/leg raises.

That’s it for me, so I’ll get this posted. :comp:

Here we go!! Hump day. Oh Yippee!

Here is where I am at today:

I have no desire to do anything. I am exhausted all the time and have no motivation. Age, health, life, depression??? Who knows. Blah. I was so tired this morning, I brushed my teeth and went potty with my eyes closed. I have NEVER done that in my life, except maybe when I was drunk back in the day. lol. Even showered for the most part with my eyes closed. Plus I don't think any of us can get over Mike's death. My family posts all the time about it. Even my extended fam and friends. What the heck.

We watched "Miracles from Heaven" with Jennifer Garner. What an excellent movie. Of course the end made me think of Mike, Momma and Dad so I sit there and bawled. It is really not a cry movie just very touching. You all should rent it.

I am thinking of getting off FB for a while. Leave my page up, just not access FB for a while. Just to get away from drama and politics. I am sick of seeing all the negativity going on. I feel badly for our police departments, all the BS about candidates and their SOs. There are so many killings here in Indy EVERY night, it is pathetic. There were 8 shootings Tuesday evening, and I think half of them died. Everyone needs to play nice in all aspects of life. LOVE people, learn to LOVE. ok, rant over.

LAURA...I love your tracker. I am going to go on line and do one. As they say at AA, one day at a time. Good for you on your "ok" food day. Shoot for another OK day. The doggies are soooo cute from the cruise. I have such a soft spot for doggies, well all animals for that matter. I had a dream last night about a bunny that I was trying to keep alive and in the end he died. How sad is that.

CEEG...unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way to stay out of family drama. Took me most of my life to do that. I just don't comment on anything controversial. That is also something we learn in AA, keeps you in a better state of mind if you can stay out of drama of any sort. Family, politics, religion. All of it. Let your higher power resolve it. Not preaching, just blurting. lol.

HAPPY...curious to know how the ortho appointment went? There you go, on with your busy self. Girl, I am grounding you to your house/commune for the next week. UnGodly hot, humid weather is plaguing us also. C comes home ringing wet. Has to take a cool shower even before he sits down to dinner, which is ready when he walks in the door, thank you very much!! lol. Glad you got the MRI results to find out you had arthritis in your knees. WOW, you didn't know that? lol. Also very glad they didn't find any more than they did. Amen. Hugs and Healing sweet sister.

SHADDIE...lil S is growing up. Did you get any pics you can post of the wee one? Would love to see her. Glad the party went so well and all was calm. How is the new phone working out? Getting acclimated to it? As always, safe travels sister.

SUSIE...your pool day with the girls sounded like a blast. You, HAPPY and LAURA are always doing something fun. I need more fun in life. Congrats on the 2.8 down. You are rocking it sister, very proud of you!! I have to write everything down also, used to be able to remember everything, not so much anymore. Brain overload.

Hello to DEE and CHELLE...Post please.

OK, on with this day. It is WICKED WEDNESDAY for me. :) Make it a great day all!

My best Grandkid...
 

This is Bruno being afraid of the storm that was passing through. Look at that little face. He is so sweet and such a BIG baby..