dana: glad you got your car back. i was at the dr for my leg infection and it's getting better. i lost another 4 lbs glen

congrats on the 4 pound loss Ken! Wow you have 11 more to go to meet your 3 month goal!
Dana I am glad you got you car back. It is stupid they can charge you for the weekends and you can't get you car back on those days.
I am sorry for not posting but have been fighting a migrain the last few days. It has started again and I have to do some errands now and flea bomb the house. I guess if need be I can come home and get naked in the hot tub and relax till it is safe to go back inside! I will post more when I ge back home today.
Daphne

Hi...I made it!

It's nice to meet you, Glen. I'm 56, 320 lbs. and my mom is sick with lung cancer and a compression fracture in her thorasic region of her back. She's in lots of pain and needs me to be there all the time. So, this is how I define my life! We live in the same apartment building, but in separate apartments. We each have a cat and mine hates hers (he's an "only" cat!). I would consider giving up my apartment, but don't know what we'd do about the cats. I tell everyone that, since I stay down at her apartment most of the time, that Ivan (my cat) hates Annette (Mom's cat), so I rent him his own apartment! I also TRY to do a newsletter for our apartment bldg. I didn't get one out last month because we've been so busy going to doctors and I stay at her apartment and the computer is up here in my apartment, so it's hard to work for any amount of time on it. Reading email takes up most of the time I feel comfortable being away from Mom. I'm sure you'll pick up on more of what I'm like as we post, so I won't put you to sleep quite yet!

Dana, I'm sorry about the school stuff. I don't know the details, but can gather the gist of the thing. That principal is a real joke, huh? I hope things get easier for Brett soon. His health problems are enough. This stress can't be good on his diabetes, either. I hope that by this time, you have your 4th "child" back in your possession! I know what's it's like to not have your car! It's awful!

Daphne, this is a good idea and I hope to get on a schedule where I can post more often. My first goal is to cut out the PASTA!!! Since Mom got sick, I have been 'treating' myself with carbs! [SIZE=4]I MUST STOP!!!![/SIZE] That is my first goal...but don't start me till next week! I know, typical non-dieter's plan!

Mom and I went to the navy reunion last week. We didn't do anything but stay in the room most of the time and she worried that I was unhappy about that! I told her that it was a vacation to just not have to do the cleaning and cooking for 5 days! I'm happy to rest and do word puzzles. She was able to go to visit people in the hospitality room several times and we went on the dinner cruise on the Ohio River last Thursday night. It was perfect weather and the food was outstanding (not always the case on those river cruises). It was only in Cincinnati, OH, so it was only a 5.5 - 6 hour drive. She tolerated it pretty well on the way down, but at that time she was on Vicodan. During the last couple of weeks, she as been developing hives. We thought they were from the pain meds. On Tuesday while we were in Cinci, they got worse and her upper lip began to swell. I talked to the pharmacist and he told me to have her stop taking them immediately. We called the doctor here in Salem on Wed and he phoned in Darvocet and it is doing ok, but not as well as the Vicodan, so the trip home was more painful for her. But we managed.

We had a doctor's appointment yesterday, and he wants us to go to the Cancer Care Center here in Salem for radiation on the fractured place in her back for pain management. We go there next Wednesday (Oct. 13).

I was "layed off" from the office downstairs, so my rent went back up to the normal rate and that hurts, but we'll manage.

My back has been holding up alright with all the extra work down at Mom's. I do all the cleaning and cooking. Therefore, my apartment is suffering! I just don't have the capability to get and keep both apartments clean. I don't know what I'm going to do. I think I am going to try to have someone come in to deep clean Mom's so that it will be easier to keep clean. Maybe that way, I can take 15 minutes here and there to get my own place cleaned up for the holidays. I'm going to try to decorate both apartments. I will let you know how it goes...Dana...if I'd have left up that tree last year, I'd be half done now!!! hehe.

I must go and do errands. I have an apt with my counselor this evening...not that I need it, mind you!!!

I'll try to do better about posting. I may take the laptop down to mom's and pay for another internet provider down there. That would help a great deal!

Love,

Gayle it was a surprise to hear from you but a delightful surprise. I'm glad you and mom were able to get away. That had to be nice. As for the river cruise, me and Brett went on one on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga back in april and it was fun if you recall. So peaceful and relaxing even though we were in the presence of 100 5th graders at the time. I think the radiation for your mom's back would help. It basically warms it all up and deadens some of the nerves. They did that for my deceased grandpa years back when he had cancer to spread all over. It did nothing for that but it helped get rid of all of his pain. I don't expect you to be able to keep up 2 apartments and no one should. I can't keep up with one home myself and there are 2 adults here to keep it going.

Glen that is super on your weight loss. What changes have you made?

I have some news on the "book" issue at school. I had emailed the district office again after school yesterday. Brett had gotten his second over due notice. They said they would call me today and did. They told me they thought it was all "put to bed" and that the school had called me. I told them I hadn't heard anything from the school other than the principal had been giving my son "the eye". Brett calls it "the people's eye" which is a term from wrestling but I don't watch that stuff! Anyway, I told the man I had bought the book that was in question. He told me he appreciated that but it wasn't necessary. (well I've already got the book). Anyway, he said he would resolve it for me today. He was headed to the school to talk to the man himself. Will let you know if I hear anymore.

School has been going on here for 8 weeks now. They only have 1 week left before changing to their next quarter classes. For brett, only 2 classes will change and the 2 he will lose are his A's. He had 2 F's on his mid term and only a week to pull them up. They were in science and Math. He's staying after school today with science teacher to re-do a test. I think most of the problem is they aren't allowing him to check his sugar and make sure it's in range. He can correct the test and get half credit for each right answer and he can use his book. The teacher is going to work on some "test taking skills" with him today. I had her for science in 6th as well and she's a pretty good teacher. I think brett is just like me though, hates science.

Well I need to post this before i lose it. By the way, daphne, I did re-apply for SSI on laken today. I did an online form plus sign some medical release papers and they are in the mail. They are suppose to call me but it may take 120 days for approval. Anyway, i will keep you updated.

By the way, daphne and gayle, have you guys heard from deb??

Hi guys. I did hear more from school yesterday. The actual principal called me in the evening. "she" went to school with my mom and I went to school with her daughter so I knew who I was dealing with. She had told me that on that friday that the 6th grade principal (mr.dixon) "confronted" Brett, she had talked to Mr Dixon herself and told him that if they only had the computer tell them that brett checked out a book and no other hard evidence then the book would be marked as "lost or missing" and brett's priviledges would be restored in the library. I told her I didn't know anything had been resolved and brett was still getting over due notices from the library. She said she would fix that and if I had any other problems please call her directly. Evidently they got "chewed" out by the district office for not being able to handle their school but everyone I spoke to said that mr. dixon should not have upset brett in that way with no proof.

Well we get one car back only to lose the blazer. Not literally but something is bad wrong with it. It makes a bad sound like something is locked down when you crank it and smells real hot like it's going to blow up or something. We still owe $760 which technically is over due but until the tax refund time gets here, we won't have any money to fix it.

Well thought i would update on those situations. What's up with everyone else?

welcome gayle.
dana: i've eating better and not having as many beer. i've also been taking my b.p. pills.
glen

I am glad the school issue was resolved Dana but you still have a book now that you don't need. Can you exchange it or return it? Isn't tax time not until Jan? I am so sorry what are you going to do now? I am at least thankful that it waited to get the first baby back before being a bad child!
I am off to Megans IEP so willpost laters.
Daphne

Well daphne, I can send the book back minus shipping. I have it ready to send back today. As for the blazer, we just take it a day at a time. I take Kevin to work and pick him up. He works 12 hour shifts so we had to do that yesterday and today but next week it's only for tuesday and wednesday. It's never more than 2 days in a row. As long as he stays on this shift, it works for me.

I have a lady who bought a tote bag from me on ebay. She emailed me today to tell me she's unhappy with it and wants a refund. She said it was coming apart. The only way that happens is if she put something heavy in it or the post office mashed it. It's a tote bag made from the caprisun juice pouches. I have sold many of them and everyone has been happy so far. I emailed her back and explained to her the same thing. I bet she will still be hateful. She mailed me a check for $6.75 which was $2.00 shipping and I had told her in the auction that it was for Paypal payments only so she broke the rule there as well.

Anyway, for some happy news. Brett had an F in science on his midterm report a few weeks back. His teacher emailed me yesterday to tell me it is a 85 now (B).

Hi all.

Things here are about the same. Yesterday I worked in the kitchen from 9 till noon getting supper started (spag and meatballs and a dessert Mom's been wanting). I was exhausted but then had to go to the chiropractor. He said I was in horrible shape and when he put the heat on to loosen me up, he said, "TRY to relax, Gayle." Well, that was easier said than done! He had a hard time putting me back into place, but did pretty well. When he was done, he was asking about Mom and he made the mistake of sympathizing with me and I fell apart crying! I was not worth much the rest of the day. I try so hard not to show how sad I am in front of Mom, but it's so hard. I think I'm just exhausted.

Thanks for the welcome, Glen. I hope you keep up the successes! Is autumn settling in up there? It sure is here. Many of the trees are in full color. I love it best when there is still a background of green.

No, Dana, I have heard nothing from or about Deborah. I'm worried, too. I wonder about work, the kids, and the apartment. Maybe Daph has talked to her...hope so! I'd hate to loose touch. I love all you guys and consider you all my friends.

I'm glad that book thing got straightened out! That school surely has given you some grief! Sorry also about the car situation! I hate being without a car. Hope the SSI goes through for Laken. I don't see how they could deny you! If so, follow up and don't let them off the hook.

I'm going to get off and finish the emails. Between not having much time and the computer bogging down, I haven't finished emails since before we went away.

I'm trying to get a better schedule going so I can post more regularly.

Love,

Gayle maybe it was a good thing to cry you know?? It helps to relieve a lot. Is there anyone you know that has lost someone that you can team up with for support in person? I'm sure the chiropractor didn't mind you getting upset. I'm that way too. I don't take "being petted" very well at all. I'm one that likes to be alone some to vent it out for the most part but I have never been through exactly what you're going through. I have walked a thin line with all of my kids being in intensive care and nearly dead at one time or the other but to have someone as long as you have your mom and to get cancer news has to be horrific. We're hear for you and if you feel more comfortable emailing, please do so.

We went to DH's work today for their fall festival. It's the 3rd annual "thing" they've had. If you guys remember, back in 2002 they had a christmas event and DH won the grand prize of $100 walmart gift card? well this year his dad won that (it wasn't grand prize this year) and the grandprize was a 20 inch flat screen TV and Kevin won it! He's disappointed that he didn't get the tool type stuff but it wasn't worth as much. He's won something all 3 years and I bet some of those employees never won a thing. Also, we had BBQ plates and the kids had hamburgers and/or hotdogs. Then we had funnel cakes (yes I shared one with laken) and snow cones (had one on the way home ) and lemonade and such. It was fun I guess. Free food so no complaints. The kids also got $10 gift cards to walmart and they had 3 of those giant "blown up" things to bounce in like you see at state fairs and such.

Well Kevin knows what is wrong with the blazer. It's like the air compressor and if he can get one from a junk yard it would be $80 or about $300 new. I don't know if he could get it on himself or not though. Well I need to go fix a sandwich or something for supper. Everyone is sort of "on their own" tonight.

where is everyone?
dana: i hope you get the blazer fixed soon
glen

Bad weekend. Busy day yesterday. I'm trying to get some of the crud cleaned out of the corners here, so to speak. I got the sweeper out and swept and re-swept for 45 minutes in the living room. Then I took Karen and her cat to the vet. After supper, Debby called and asked me if I could come over to watch "Big Fish" with her and Tom. I took the opportunity to get out (with Mom's approval) and had a nice 'get-away' and loved the movie. It's fantasy and I love that stuff.

I'm taking it easy today. I'm doing computer stuff now and spending time with Ivan (my can, Glen...he has to stay in my apartment by himself now that I'm staying most of the time at Mom's). We are having a 'pizza party' in the community room for supper tonight. Therefore, I don't have to cook today! horray!

Dana, I hope Kevin can fix the Blazer. That Autumn thing at his work sounds like fun. He surely has good luck. Free food? I'M THERE!

Daphne, what's up? Have you talked to Deborah? I hope things are ok for her.

Must go and get some recipes entered for this cookbook.

Love,

Hello Everyone!!!
I made it!!!

I am sorry that I have been MIA and that can't address each of you right now...I am at work and running crazy and my computer is still not online at home...You are all in my thoughts and prayers

Hello Glen...I am Deborah...Single parent--(DS 11 and DD 12 at home) 1 married DD and 2 grand dd.

Well Ladies and Gentleman....I Finally have Moved into my new APARTMENT

The move had to happen quickly because the manager told me Thursday night I only had 3 days to move and clean up the old place It was H*ll!! Joseph (DS 11) came down with the croup and Darcie (DD 12) had the stomach Flu and was vomitting on Saturday...but they still had to help...BJ (DD 28) was already booked for the weekend so she tried to help me on Weds and Fri evening....I bust my Butt and got it done...but I still can't find my shoes for work..lol (I had been wearing sandles and sneakers all weekend during the move) or my can opener (can you believe it...lol) I still have garbage bags all over the house. (That is how the Sisters and Brothers from church helped me move on Saturday....they threw everything into garbage bags and took it to my new place) What a mess but I am so happy and so exhausted. Work is as always...I am really considering working as the Senior Admin...all the seniors love me and it would let me be home at 3pm for the kids...but it is a $7000 cut in pay...so I am not sure how we are going to eat or live if I do take the job...there is so much going on...I am still fighting with Darcie (she is a snotty teen) and Joseph is still struggling in School (ADHD and Dislexic) I feel bad that I am not home for them in the afternoon. It is a real hard decission I need to make and soon.

Well got to get back to work.
take care...LOVE YOU ALL
DRINK THAT WATER
Deborah

Thank God you're here, Deborah! I missed you so much. I'm so happy for you in your new apartment! Now you can just put things away at your leisure. I'll pray for God to help you make the right decision about the job. I know you will. Sometimes a paycut is ok if you are happier in the end. And it sounds like you definitely would be.

I'm buried under a mountain of dirty clothes. Debby is coming over today and we are going to take them to a big laundromat and just get them all done at once. We have a laundry here, but only 3 washers and 4 dryers. I'd be there all week.

Love,

where is everyone? this is getting like the old one. welcome back deborah.
glen