Good morning Ladies,

Angie - gotta talk to you first. If you feel the need to take the house off the market, and Monte doesn't mind, then go for it, girlfriend! It is very stressful to be trying to sell your home! And the last thing you need is more stress. I don't know about 2 teen boys, (I only had 1) but 2 teen girls can be brutal! They used to fight and say horrible things to each other which broke my heart. Seriously, I didn't think Katie and Mary would ever be friends, and here they are now, best buddies! Now my heart dances at their closeness. And if you think family counseling is in order, my all means, seek it out. It couldn't hurt, and may help a lot. Come here and vent all you want! In the meantime, maybe your family could all pile in the car and go somewhere restful for a day or two? One last thing - so sorry about your Aunt.

Cristi - thinking of you, friend.

Marti - I know I should know this, but will Jhanai be 10 or 11? Good luck with the job search. Hope you get something close to home, with gas prices what they are.

Sue - if my kids lived in CA, you'd have to eat my dust back here in Indiana, lol. I visited San Diego several years ago, and found it to be one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. So clean and lots to do for free! Hope you hear soon about your US. Thanks for the individuals! There's something so personal about them, isn't there? I usually do them for whomever posted after me, or to people like Susan that I have to holler at, lol.

Susan - are your ears burning, lol? I'm not a bit surprised at your newsletter success. You are a much smarter cookie than you give yourself credit for! Hope you get some rest this weekend. Had to laugh about your candy "high"!!! :D

Well, today is Friday and I have been so OP all week, including my family reunion, so I'm hoping for a good weigh in tomorrow morning. Today I'm going to get in the pool again to try to catch some rays. Have you been reading where the experts now say some sun is Good for you - that we need more Vitamin D! Sheesh, make up your minds already, lol.

TTFN,

Happy Friday! :D I'm so lucky! I took a 4 day weekend, starting today. And I don't even care that it's supposed to rain just about everyday! I have so much to do in the house, it's almost a relief. I don't feel torn between house and yardwork! :?:

My grandmother has asked me to dinner tonight. It should be interesting. She wants to go to a country/farmers restaurant. Of course we all know that farmers are known for their healthy diets! Plus I don't think it's that good. They are known for their fried chicken. Maybe I'll just pull the skin off...

I weighed myself, down 3 lbs in about a week and a half. Not too bad I guess, esp since it's quickly approaching my TOM and I should be holding water. I'm afraid to weigh myself much more for the next week. Regardless of the cause, it's discouraging to see a gain! Last month by this time I had already gained 6.5 lbs in 3 days! But I did take out just about all processed food, so that may be helping.

Jana - Good luck with your weigh in tomorrow. You know, moderation is the key to everything. Too much sun, too little sun. Too much fat, too little fat. Too many carbs, too little carbs. Etc, etc, etc...

Sue - I'm glad to hear your doctor is on the ball. Sorry, that's the nurse coming out again. I'm afraid to say, but some doctors are idiots. "Do you know what they call the guy you graduated last in his medical school class? ...DOCTOR!" I do remember when I was having pretty frequent attacks, I lost 5 lbs in a week. I was afraid to eat because of the pain.

Angie - I am sorry to hear about your aunt. Selling a house is extremely stressful. I went through the whole process last year, sold one and bought another. I was the angriest person for about 2 1/2 months. As far as I'm concerned, realtors are right up there with lawyers! If you need to take a break, do it.

Susan - Congrats on your newsletter success. As far as people not noticing 24 lbs, just tell yourself they are too jealous to say anything. Do your clothes notice? Are they looser, do you fee better?

Marti - Good luck with your job search. That is always fun, NOT! What field are you looking in? Are you done with school, or just on summer break?

Well, like I said, I have a ton of stuff to do today. Especially if I end up going out to dinner tonight...

Jen

Happy Friday!
 

Today is my ADO - alternate day off. I work 9 hour days Mon-Thurs so I will get every other Friday off. And Mondays are mandatory overtime, so I'm usually there 10 hours +, but having every other Friday off sure is worth it, no matter how long the days are. :D

OK, I just learned something important. At the bottom of this page where I am typing this reply, there is a lonnnnnnnnnnnng list of "topic review" which has the last 12 or so posts. DOH! Do I feel silly -- every time I post here I've opened a second window and flipped back and forth to try to make sure I was writing to the right person about the right thing. And it's all here on THIS PAGE! Sheesh :o :dizzy:

Angie - Sorry to hear about your aunt, hon. If Monte's ok with it, take your house off the market for now if it's just too stressful and too much right now. No, your BP doesn't sound great -- that's about what mine was when I went to the dentist this week, and they almost wouldn't work on me, worried about giving me anaesthetic. I told the girl, if that's gonna stop you, you will never be able to do anything on me, because just being at the dentist stresses me out, and that's probably why it's so high! :yikes: I think it's the lower number (diastolic, when your heart rests between beats) that's the biggest concern, and 90 and above is not good -- according to the American Heart Association, below 120/80 is considered normal (there's good info on their website). And about those boys...my oldest is almost 21, and in the Air Force, and the other two miss him, but they still fight a bit when he comes home (he has some growing up to do). The 18 year old and the 13 year old fight quite a bit, but the youngest is saying he's really going to miss his older brother when he moves out this summer. But it will get better, this too shall pass -- they just all need to get past the horror and melodrama of the teen years :lol:

Cristi, if you get a chance to read this at all, know you are in our prayers and our thoughts, and we hope to see you back very soon :grouphug:

Marti, good luck with your job search :crossed: Hoping you find a job you really like, close to home, that lets you show off all the shiny new skills you learned in school!

Suetalks, it's usually hitting 100 by Memorial Day here, but we've been blessed with milder weather for the last week or so...supposed to be warming up to the low to mid 90's. Bleah. I hate it when it's over 90. I live in the Sacramento area, and it can be a blast-furnace here in the summer. Last July we had...I think...17 days of 100 or higher temps. :flame: :fr: :sunny: Haven't been to San Diego since I was a little kid, but love the Bay Area and the Coast. One of our favorite weekend getaway spots is Fort Bragg/Mendocino and we recently discovered further down the coast Monterey/Carmel. Hope the dr. finds out the problem for you without having to do any more tests, so you can start feeling better very soon.

Jana, thanks for explaining about "washerboards". I was picturing the guys in your family playing washboards, you know like in a jug band with a fiddle and a one-string washtub bass? :lol: Mike's graduation was awesome. Well, the ceremony was long and boring, and since probably 25% or more of the students are Hispanic and a lot of their parents don't speak English, many of the speeches were translated into Spanish too. I have absolutely no problem with that, but if I knew that after I read my speech, someone else was going to re-read the whole thing in another language, I think I would try to make sure that my speech wasn't very lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggg :lol3: Especially if I was a teacher or administrator just yakking about the obvious. :blah: One vice-principal lady actually gave a 10 minute speech (that was then translated) about that she certified that all the students behind her had passed all their tests, finished their Senior projects, and were all qualified to graduate. Well, DUH!!! If not, lady, I don't think they'd be sitting on those bleachers in caps and gowns, now, now would they?!? :rofl: Ah but then they finally got their diplomas, and there were fireworks, and I finally got to hug Mike and he looked so proud...and so TALL! I am 5'10" and I only come up to his shoulder now...

Susan...hope you hear something soon on that job :crossed:

Rosiekate...do you have any special plans for things to do with your kids this summer? Be careful...I started hanging out with some homeschooling friends in the summer, tagging along on the activities for something to do with the boys, and ended up homeschooling my kids for 7 years! :eek: :lol:

Alright, I've yakked long enough. Hello to everyone else, and I guess I'd better make the most of my day off and start cleaning!

Have a great day, ladies...

Hugs,
Katie

quick PS...
 

Hi Jen! We must have been posting at the same time. Good morning :wave: I was just thinking, if it's a farmer's restaurant, maybe they will have nice salads, or a good selection of steamed veggies...but having dinner with your grandma will be a good thing no matter what :cofdate: If I am having problems with retaining water (like if I had Chinese food that was too salty) I find that drinking lots of water and plain tea, iced or hot, really helps get all that excess salt out of my system. Seems funny, drink lots of extra water so you won't retain water... :lol: Being a nurse, you probably understand that a lot better than I do :dizzy:

Wow!
 

Hey chickies! Everyone's been busy....it's so great to read what everyone is up to....

Well, we are on Day Two of summer vacation and the first words out of James' mouth today were, " What's on the agenda for today?" Well, I just looked him in the eye and said, I don't have an agenda, what's on YOUR agenda? ...and it can't cost money!" so, he's chewing on that one. I took the kids to the craft store yesterday morning and bought a few crafts for them to do. Now DS wants to go everyday - nipping THAT in the bud right now! We have lots of options that don't cost a thing ( library, parks, good ol' backyard) He's 7.5 and has always been quite high energy and precocious. He's always wanting to go somewhere and do something, hard for him to just slow down and smell the roses. He's been reading alot, so that helps. My DD(2) is much more laid back. She has enjoyed having the house to herself while big brother has been in school, so now she's alternately elated that he's around all the time, then pi**ed that she can't just hang out with her toys and be left alone. What a life. And I 'm here to referee it all :lol:

Jana - I must admit that when you mentioned washerboards, I envisioned Emmett otter's Jug Band Christmas _ I'm glad you cleared that one up! Enjoy that sun - I hope we start getting some sun, Portland has been rather dreary for the last week. Figures, it's Rose Festival time

Marti - The waterfront village looks like a big muddy mess, so hope James was able to enjoy his visit to the Rose Festival. My hubby plays tenor sax in the One More Time Around Again Marching Band, so he is in the big parade. He also teaches at a Portland high school and every year voting for the rose court is a very big deal in the area high schools. I usually skip the Grand Floral - too many people, the weather is kind of iffy, but I've done a post-parade volkswalk ( www.ava.org - find events in Oregon and you'll see it) the last few years that is lots of fun. that way I get to see the things I want to see, and I get exercise to boot!

Angie - So sorry about your aunt. If your gut is telling you to wait on the house, then listen to it. Your BP is telling you something, too. Your life sounds very hectic right now, so take care of yourself and the rest will take care of itself. We are all rooting for you....Congrats on the graduation - that's a great accomplishment :)

Susan Wouldn't it be fun for our two girls to be in the same school? That teacher is Cass Lang, she's teaching full day kindy. Last year James was in her p.m. kindergarten and she is fabulous! both of her kids went through Maplewood and her DH teaches at Jackson. Before teaching she was a preschool teacher at Vermont Hills Co-op so it seems like everyone knows her. Remember, in PPS, your kids can go to any neighborhood school as long as they have room. the drag is getting them there... Hopefully, you'll be back in the neighborhood by then so it's closer. So glad you are checking in, i'm still keeping my fingers crossed foryou on the promotion. Hope you hear soon

Sue - hope your results come back soon and you get some good news
Christi- thinking about you, hope you are ok

Katiecat - My son is going to to VBS and fencing camp. He's also going to attend a few camps at the community center while I have jury duty in July. Both kids will have swimming lessons in August. We have a couple family trips lined up - so the summer filled up pretty quickly. I try pretty hard not to overschedule them in the summer, but sometimes it just happens. I think we have good balance. To be honest, I've thought of homeschooling as I am a certified teacher turned SAHM and our schools here seem to always be hanging by a thread financially. but my son loves his school and the teachers there are really great. very professional and experienced - I would be doing him a disservice to pull him out of there. My kids is TK (teachers' kid) poor thing :D so he can't escape! We emphasize that we are always learning, so I like to think he is schooled at home and at school. I like talking to HSers, as their stories and experiences are so varied. Sounds like you really enjoyed it, that's great!
I just know I forgot someone - so much to chat about today! So, to all - have a fabulous day! Maybe James has come up with our "agenda" by now!
Rosie Kate

Boy--Do I feel behind!! When did you all decide to get up and post??? :D I'm still needing my coffee!! :coffee:

Better do individuals first before I yap.... :) (I'll go down the line here)

Angie--I am in agreement with the others. You should let the stress ease up a little rather than trying to sell while you're feeling all wound up! Your BP sounds like it's borderline. But if I were you, I would find ways to lower it a little. 90 is the borderline high.....you don't want to go up higher than that. When they finally decided to put me on medication (I'm off of them now) my BP was 148/104....and it didn't budge forever. Some come here, vent, let it all out and sit them boys down and have a long talk with them!!
About your aunt....I'm so sorry!!

Jana--You have pool weather?!! I'm trying to stare those rain clouds away!! :lol: No fun wanting to do things outside and then all of sudden we have downpours. But it is suppose to ease up this weekend. I hope so, my lawn is growing much to fast! Also, like the others, I had envisioned the same thing with the washboards. And I was thinking "how fun is that?"

Jen--I would love to go to a farmers restaurant. Some have good food....some have not so good. I guess that's the way with any restaurant. Pulling off the skin on the chicken is a good idea if you choose to get it. And Steamed veggies is another good idea. Congratulations on the 3pounds!! Wow! That's fantastic! I'm not looking forward to weigh in tomorrow....TOM is here and I ALWAYS gain. Never a fun thing! As for school. I updated my skills, I already have a certificate in Office assistance. So I'm looking for a sit down job. It would be my first one ever! (been in production for over 10yrs.)

Katie--I had to laugh when you mentioned the flipping back and forth... :lol3:
It had taken me awhile also when I first started posting. I had just recently realized that at the very bottom, is a "click here" button if I wanted to view the WHOLE thread rather than just the last 12 post. I think we learn something new everday!

RosieKate--James said it wasn't raining at the time that he went...maybe sprinkling a little. But he did say that it was a lot smaller than he had thought it would be. I think I may be a whiney person because I wouldn't want to walk around mud while I'm trying to enjoy the festival. Can you just hear me??? "Ahhh, my shoooes are weeettt!! Maaannn, now they're Mudyyyyy!"
Did you hear the whine in that tone?? :lol:

Today I am retyping my resume and mailing out two of them. (I should have done that yesterday but I got sidetracked.) I found some errors in my cover letter and I can't have that!! So hopefully this will help.

I have some house cleaning to do too. Will it ever end?? I have sugar ants crawling all over and that just BOTHERS me!! I feel unclean!

Do any of you have an idea for fleas? Both our dogs and cats get treatments for it, but the neighborhood cats don't seem to want to leave us alone! And I'm getting bit like crazy!! Hate it.

Ok I better get going.

Take Care

Marti

Good evening ladies.

Jen - Hope you have fun with your grandmother this evening. Not all of us farmers live on fried chicken, lol. It's been so long since I fried one, I'm not sure I could get it to turn out crispy anymore. Like you, I cut out most (not all!) processed food and am losing better because of it, I think. Hope you enjoy your 4 day weekend off!

Katiecat - if you click on "post reply" instead of using the "quick reply" all you have to do is scroll down, and all the posts for the thread are there. Glad graduation is a memory! Funny about the speeches, though, lol!! My son also towers over me, and sometimes I think of the days when I rocked him...

RosieKate - I always loved my kids' vacations from school, once I was a SAHM, and just hated to see them go back. But my very favorite was snow days! We would romp in the snow and then warm up with hot chocolate and a game of Monolpoly. Wow, lots of fuzzy memories tonight, lol!

Marti - the temps here are in the high 90's with the heat index way over 100 so the pool feels pretty good! About the fleas, Neal puts some liquid stuff on our dogs' neck, not sure what it is, but that takes care of fleas and other cooties, lol. For your yard, maybe you could get some flea powder?

All of the winter wheat (planted in the winter) is being harvested, and it sure is pretty to watch! Also, the high school kids are busy turning watermelon vines and will soon be detassling corn.

I am home alone tonight - Neal and Katie went to the Disney Store in Greenwood to pick up some Disney Dollars for the twins' birthday party tomorrow. They will turn 2 on Wednesday, but the party is early so Dale's mom and dad can attend. So while the house is nice and quiet, I'm headed off for a bubble bath and soft music....

Hi.......

I get to go home early! YAY- Exhausted......I need a day just staying home and relaxing.

The job went to a man named Erik!! YAY- that is over with. He is in another area of HAP - he sounds youngish and perhapes unmarried. So, thinking while I didin't get a promo I might get a boyfriend....lol
jk
geesh.........He starts the 22nd. I sent him an email saying congrats.Maybe he can write me a blurb for the July newsletter?? Need to get that out by the 25th........lol

Angie- pull the house. I know you say it is small. Remember my lil blue house?? Was it not the cutest?? You can always sell later- get those boys in counseling in the meantime. Your health and peace of mind is what is important.
:)

OMG-- I should do a Dear Susan column-- ala Dear Abby..........lol

Gaby's dad and I just started counseling. It is through a church and I feel good about it. We had our first session Thursday.

Hey Katie & Jen & Sue!!!

Hi SHANNA :)

You are a sweety Jana........

I better go. Hope you all have a great weekend. Not meaning to leave any one out-- just super tired.

ttfn :)

Monte has said he wants to try to hold out till the end of the month...hmmm well that wouldn't be so bad if the house stayed clean all the time. I have decided if the boys are so bored they want to fight then can spend time cleaning...I will start a list of jobs they can do...scrubbing toilets it up at the top of that list...dusting,,,my home will look like Norman Rockwell...
Jana,,,I feel sad about my aunt but boy did she live a life! Shes traveled the world and enjoyed every bit of her short years with us. She found out she had cancer about 3-4 months ago. She didnt' linger for months and months or years..she didn't suffer for long so what a way to go right? She had time to get her stuff in order make peace with whom ever needed peace, and say her goodbyes...what more could any person ask for? I think a good weekend relaxing will do wonders.
Susan,,,ok you are too sweet,,,Im not and will say...that sux that you didn't get the job!
Tanner has a school trip,,,end of school fun. We get to go see Shrek 2! Yes thats right I get to go,,,they need volunteer moms, and hey I can volunteer and hey Im a mom!
I went to see Laws of Attraction tonight with Becky...what a good show,,,4.5 egg whites on the 3FC scale
RosieKate, I used to make lunches and go down to the beach when the kids were out of school. Spend hours hanging out,,,come home for a bit,,,clean up, nap and go back after dinner...for the sunset. Best time to take more pictures!
Katie, a could do a Friday off to have a long weekend thing.... I had Thursdays off and I cleaned,,,and cleaned,,,so far I have thrown out 9 huge bags of garbage/junk.
And I made the most yummiest soup last night for dinner,,,with toasted sub buns with garlic butter.
Well going to finish reading Envy with Sandra Brown
Angie

Since I was on for a minute to post on the challenge thread...I thought I would post here and say...

Good night!! :wave:

Wow! Looks like I'm the early bird today. That doesn't happen often! I'm trying to get in my daily allotment of coffee before I get into cleaning, and grocery shopping. I have already started laundry though! And I probably should do some mowing, before it gets too hot. All of this needs to be done before dear BF comes over later.

Well, I went out to dinner with Grandma. It was nice to spend time with her, but I don't think this restaurant knows what a vegetable is. Seriously, very meat and potatoes. They do have a "salad bar" which consists of iceberg lettuce and regular dressing, potato salad, pasta salad, baked beans, carrot/raisin salad, and cottage cheese. Then your meal is just a hunk of meat and a potato. No veggies. I did the best I could, went with baked whitefish florentine (at least there were a couple spinach leaves in there) and a baked sweet potato (better than a regular potato or fries). Not to mention, I don't think their food is all that good, it's alright, but I've had alot better. And then, Grandma gives me homemade cookies and coffee cake. She loves to bake, and is doing alot of it since Grandpa died last November. I usually take them to work, but tell her that they were just delicious.

Yesterday I did get quite a bit done. I did finally get the spare room cleaned out. There isn't much in there, so there is plenty of room to work out! I also cleaned the stove, the kitchen cabinets, the bathroom, and put pledge oil on the steps and woodwork.

Well, I suppose I should get busy. It's not like I've got nothing to do!

Jen