Okay lovely ladies....

There are days I'd rather telephone than e-mail oh well...
Sorry I have again been the MIA banshee. I hate it but it's that time of year.

It's NOVEMBER -that's crazy. I am actually home for a couple weeks then I have to Birmingham, AL for a couple days then Thanksgiving! My sister is bringing a new boy home (please note: my sister has brought quite a few guys home before so it is not as big of a deal) but he is a student/Carpenter/Abercrombie&Fitch model who is well tattooed and pierced. I can't wait to see how my very straight laced evangelical dad will react? I wonder how the new boy will react to dad? and I get entertained for FREE!

Travelling is almost done. I go to the Doctor tomorrow. I am getting tested for diabetes....I just want some resolution on how I am feeling (lightheaded, always thirsty, have to pee so many times a day it's scary (especially when running through an airport) and a dry mouth all the time) so say a little prayer for me please.

Angie I am glad to hear you are feeling better and to comiserate a little - it is snowing here today.Not that it will last long - but the thought is BRRRRR~! I am excited for your FL trip for you.

Julie I am so sorry for your loss. If I lost Fenway I would go crazy . I am rooting for Mary too on the Bachelor.

Kempy I like the costume pics - you're my kind of nun! Good luck with getting clients - Where are you - I have relatives out that way and if I know the name of your place I will pass it along! I gotta big mouth when needed!

Noelle I could eat sushi all day and still be happy. I love the pics of the kittens - it ALMOST makes me want one. How is Michael? Thank God that 10lb bar of dark chocolate is there and not here - I would of found 101 uses for it in the first hour.

Cherie keep up the amazing work on the treadmill. A plateau of over a week isn't too long but I am sure something will happen for the better with all the hard work you are doing. Your little girls sound amazing and bright.

Well I must be going - work is calling me, again. Hi to Cal and Holly

Quote:

Life is a long lesson in humility. - James M. Barrie

be well.

Summer

Julie, I would also like it if we all could meet up together. It just wouldnt be the same if we were missing someone as important as Noelle. wink wink. I still want to meet you all in person too.

I tried so hard to find ways to send you guys lobster for Christmas but the shipping alone to Hawaii was $70.00 So I hope I found you all something equally as good but a little less harmful to the wallet. I found a couple more Maine Made things that we enjoy so I probably will add some to your packages. It is just a couple of cheap products but you may like them. I know one of them we couldnt find when we went to Florida last year and I was so mad.

Summer, You travel alot. I hope you get a chance to rest up. Good Luck with your entertainment for the holidays. I am sending good thoughts your way for your diabetes test. My nana had diabetes and I am built just like her and deathly afraid of needles so I am scared to get it.



Kempy,Is the salon a really busy one? Maybe you could take out a small ad in your towns newspaper to help drum up business and let people know you are there. I just saw an ad in ours for a lady doing that at the medical clinic in another town.

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My computer is being a pain in the you know what again. It's still not 100%--in fact, this is my 3rd attempt at posting today. I am so long-winded today you would not believe , errr, I'm sure you would believe ...

Anyway, this is a test post. Here's a pic my mom took when me and Cal met up at Disneyland. FUN TIMES I tell you!

I am going to run home where my 'puter is not so schizoid and have lunch then I will try and post there. See you in a little while!

I love the picture. You guys must have had so much fun!!!

Hey girls, I finally got a moments peace to sit at the computer at home. Between homework and laundry and refereeing little spats between those rotten kids... I am kinda bummed. Four of my sisters are traveling to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand again on Thursday, they're staying for 2 weeks and returning on Thanksgiving day. Man what I would give to go shopping there again right now. Oh well, I had that awesome trip to Disneyland and that was my fun for the year. I WILL go to Bangkok next year though. It will time for a new bag by then. Whew, I'm sweating sitting here. It's so darn muggy. I would love to send some heat up to all of you freezing your butts off

Angie you are so sweet (and organized) about getting your Xmas stuff done now. I think local specialties are a cool gift idea. I was thinking of sending you guys some fresh pineapple--I have no idea of the availability of it to you guys on the mainland. You probably get some from Mexico which is closer to ship. There's nothing like fresh Hawaiian pineapple. If you guys would like some, I'd love to ship it to you. PM me your addresses if you want a small case of pina! Don't be shy. I will try to think of other uniquely Hawaiian gifts I can send to you all.

Julie, please don't feel you guys have to postpone the trip in March just because I can't come. I just need to check Michael's school schedule to make sure he's taken care of, I may be able to swing it. I would love to meet up in Vegas anytime. I especially like the saying 'what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas'

Summer, I will think only good thoughts for your check up tomorrow. Can I share a funny story w/ya? About 6 years ago, I thought I was diabetic. I was having similar symptoms like you're having--thirsty all the time, have to pee alot... turns out I was pregnant! Well, hoping all the best for you. Your sister's boy friend sound very interesting. Will you be bringing a video camera?

Cherie, you are the workout queen I have a weird white hair growing on my left eyelid that I have to pluck out about once a month too....stranggggggeeeee!

Kempy, I looked online for local salons offering electrolysis--couldn't find any except for laser hair removal (that is different isn't it?) and waxing. I will send new customer vibes : for you to get busy.

Cal, I will work on emailing you some pics tomorrow if my computer doesn't go too cuckoo.

Is anyone done with most of their xmas shopping? or egads, their xmas cards? Enquiring minds want to know...

Good Morning Girls.. I don't have time to catch up yet...(BUT I WILL) however, I just wanted to say HI! I've got to finish up my payroll... and get it out of the door by noon. I'll be back this afternoon!!

Talk to you all later!

Good morning guys. I am home today so I plan on splitting a few plants. I need to hurry b4 it gets too cold. Do any of you guys read the Famers Almanac? I know people down here believe that thing. Well, it says that we are going to have a very cold year and it might even snow. Now that is what I call cold down here.

Summer I am in southern LA. What town are your relatives in? I can tell you how close they are then. That would be cool though if I was working on your family. Who knows maybe then I would end up meeting you if you came to vist them.

Noelle I have most of my shopping done. I did most of it through catalog. I have a few small things that I need to get but I think I will wait to get those while we are in CA. I usually wait to buy the family out there things once we get there. It is sheaper than trying to ship it over early. Yeah, Laser is different. It is permanat hair reduction, I am perm. hair removal. Most people want removal not reduction.

Angie I hope eveyone gets to come out in March. If not that is ok too. I can't beleive your FL trip is almost here again. It just seems like yesterday that you were over there. I have to find some LA items for you guys this year. They really don't have LA stores in my town. I have to go to New Orleans to find the cool stuff. I might just have to get myself down there and shop!!!

Julie have you looked into getting away locally? I am trying to plan a trip for Joe and I to go to Vicksburg, MS. It is only a few hours away and the Civil War field is there. We have always talked about riding our bikes through it. I thought it would be nice to stay in a B&B. I am telling ya, you don't have to spend much $ to have a good time. Hear what you way about him I think you two need to re-connect. I would hate to see you seperate. I just love Joe so much I hate to see that other people aren't the same way as us.

Alright, I need to get my but going. I will be back later today.

OK.. I am back and ready to post! I got my payroll off and now everyone will be paid on Monday...

Today, I weighed in for my official 3rd week weigh in.. and I have lost a pound from last week. So, total of 5 pounds in the past three weeks, 7 in the past month and ahalf. Not what I want, but I'll take, and keep working. I did walk/jog 7 miles last night on the treadmill. I started when that show, the Biggest Loser came on. I didn't realize it was an hour and a half long... so I stayed on that treadmill during the whole time and all I had left to do after that was 10 more minutes to finish out my 7 miles.

Kempy I am impressed you have most of your Xmas shopping done. WOW... I haven't even started. My reason has been lack of money more than anything else. I have set back about 200 to go shopping for the girls, so I hope that is enough, and they will be happy and excited. That cold front is starting to move through here right now... You will have it in the next couple of days.... Hope you stay warm!

Noelle.. those places sound so exotic!!! I have only been to Canada and Mexico.. so any other place sounds just great. I hope your family has a great time, and I hope you get to go back next year! That picture of you and Cal looks great.... You guys did have a great time!

Summer.. good luck on the testing. I hope it comes out negative. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Angie.. do you always go somewhere during the Xmas holidays? That would be a great tradition. Florida would be perfect too... that is where my sister is.. and I am hoping to take the girls there next summer. They want to see the ocean so bad.. and go to Disney World.

Julie.. sorry hubby is being a pain. Maybe he will wake up and realize that a relationship is worth more to work on than the money you would spend doing it. I am open to meeting everyone next year... just let me know the plans and I will see if I can swing it. Right now its hard for me to plan anything, being a single mom, and not knowing if my ex will get better and start working again. But I would love to meet you all!

Holly and Cal hey you two!!!! Come on back!

OK... I guess I better get back to work... talk to you all soon!!!!

Good afternoon!!! I had to go to Bangor to buy the second part of your gifts today. It is such a cute idea, I hope you like it.

I am so embarrassed but I outgrew my fat coat. I have my skinny coat that was snug after Florida last year so I went and bought another and that is too tight now so I had to cave and go buy another one in a plus size today. Talk about depressing. I told Jay that my closet looks like a department store because I have clothes ranging from size 6 to 1X.

Kempy, Did you get your plants split? When do you and Joe go to California?

Cherie, Last year was the first time we went to Florida. It works out perfectly for us to take a 2 week vaca during Christmas so the kids dont miss school and the accounts are slow. We dont get to do anything during the summer because we are busy with the tourists so we just do it during the winter. Yep, We will do it every year until the kids grow up and then I am selling the house and travelling full time with Jay. We can get jobs in state parks for free lot spots and some pay. It sounds like so much fun, My Mimmie did it for the last 7 years or so.

Julie, I agree with Kempy, I think you and hubby need to reconnect with each other. You should have your Mom or his take the kids for a night and have a romantic dinner and just talk about the two of you and remember the fun days. I know it is hard when you have little ones to get special alone time but it is necessary.


Whatcha all been up to today?

Noelle, I just looked up airfares to Las Vegas from my house and they are about the same as to La. If everyone wants to meet up there I am game. Maybe we could all plan it and rent a 2 room suite together and party for a weekend or something. It is up to all of you but I am in if we can all plan to do it.

I had to rake Candi's fur tonight. I hate to do it because she screams and shakes and has bad breathe, etc. It is miserable to do and her fur sucks because it isnt hair it is fur and it matts like sheeps wool. She hates it so bad that I put it off until she looks like **** and then I have to spend a whole night doing it. I am not done yet I just did her head and back. I still have the *** to do(which is the worst) she screams so loud when I touch her butt, even though I am not doing it hard. I am going to get her cleaned up and start to pay someone to do it for me regularly. I just dont want to take her in right now until I demat some and have her come home shaved.



Noelle, I loved the apron you gave me for my birthday. I use it everyday in the bakery. If the bag had a zipper I would be using it as my everyday purse. It is so pretty.

Where is everyone tonight? I hope you are all having fun. The kids dont have school tomorrow and than they go next week and have the whole week of Thanksgiving off.

Noelle there is one thing I know - I am not pregnant I had mild heart palpitations when I read that in your post. Disneyland sounds fun (okay so does Bangkok) but mini vacation may be in order around the holidays. As strange as this will sound - I don't like muggy - I'd rather do cold if I had to choose. crazy, I know.

Kempy my family is in Mandeville, LA - is that close? I hope business starts picking up for you soon.

Cherie I love your motivation and positive attitude. on the one pound loss!

Angie you were sick for a while and are just getting back - don't beat yourself up about it. Soon you will be in warm weather and enjoying the family with no work sounds like a slice of heaven to me!

Julie I will echo what all have said about the DH. Do something without the kids whether it is for 1 evening or a weekend. I think it is imortant. : sending them your way!

I get results next Friday. We'll see. I had to do a weigh in at the Dr.s though. 158 I just have to get over it and do smething.

I just came home from dinner with Michael and my in-laws (whom I love - crazy...I know) and had a Philly Cheese steak and that is not doing something! but the beat goes on....

Quotes:
Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all. -Sam Ewing

be well.

Summer

Good afternoon/evening ladies. I am back at work in my wonderfully air conditioned office. Our sky looks like Los Angeles smog right now, except that it's "vog" from the volcano (ya know, volcanic fog?). Anyway, we're still supposed to get more rain later in the week so it's hot and sticky. Michael is done with school for this week as well and I made him do all of his homework right when he came home so we don't have to worry about it over the weekend.

Angie, I'm glad you like the apron and the bag. I tried to think of things that would be useful to you. I would love to travel to LA just so we can enjoy the Big Easy but Vegas is always fun. I'm not a gambler, but I do like to hop in the car and find all the shopping malls and outlets to spend my money at. And let's not forget all those crazy themed hotels they have, gotta love it. I'm sure you'd love it there especially if you've never been. My closet is just like yours, except I've got my different sizes in trash bags. I don't think I have many 6's anymore since I haven't been that size in so long. The smallest thing I have right now is a 12--and I can probably get my one leg into it I am so mortified to think how big I am again, compared to how I was last year while on my BKK trip . Well, it's no one's fault but my own.

Cherie, you are doing great. 5 lbs in 3 weeks is super. I'm awed by your ability to stay on that treadmill while watching TV, that is a great thing.

Kempy, yeah, hair reduction vs. complete removal? That's strange....unless maybe it's a gorilla-hairy guy who wants some back hair removed, but not all of it . Sorry for the visual. I am betting you will come across some pretty scary/freaky/hairy clientele . Be strong girl and always remember to wear gloves I've got a tiny bit of my Xmas shopping done, mostly for Michael since he's easy to shop for (toys toys toys).

Summer, any word from your doctor? Hope all is well!!! ***Oops, I see I was typing this out while you were posting. Sorry for the heart palpitations. I guess a 'negative' test is good for you, eh? I am still thinking good healthy thoughts for you though. --I'm not "doing" something either, I ate the same thing you did at lunch.

Julie, how's your day going? Any plans to take the kiddos to see the Polar Express? I may take Michael this weekend. It'll cost me an arm and a leg though...and they wonder why people sneak snack food in instead of buying it from the concession

Hi Cal I haven't gotten around to the pics yet...but I will!

Going to try and post again! Darn computer keeps eating my posts, my appetite must be rubbing off on it ! Julie

Good evening ladies.. thanks to you all for giving me such nice comments about my motivation.. believe it or not, that helps to keep me going. I need to hurry and post this because I am going to be on the treadmill while the Bachelor is on. If I have something to concentrate on, then it seems easier to walk/jog than if nothing interesting is on.

Let me know if you decide on Vegas... I can help. My sister works for a resort company and I can get some pretty good rates on a condo. They have two properties there in Las Vegas... so if I can get it booked in time.. then we would have a nice place to hang out in!

My ex wants me and him to take the girls to see the Polar Express together. I feel kinda weird, but I said I would go. Not sure when he has this planned... wondering if he plans on me paying his way? Hmmmmmm

I bought Bridget Jone's Diary last night.. I'm going to watch it and then go find a time when I can go see the new one. She is my hero. However, I saw an article about her in the Star.. (first time I've bought a trash mag in a LONG time) and she is looking downright sick. They said she is now 100 pounds. Wish I had a trainer, and a cook, and all that extra time to work it off. I would never want to get that low.. but it would be nice to be able to afford to just have the time and resources to work it off.

Summer... Let us know about the results... my heart did a flip too when Noelle mentioned the pregnancy thing too!! hahahaha.... We must be about the same size... I am only 5'2" and I think I saw somewhere you are short like me too... we can do this.. :-)

Julie... I hope you and hubby can find some time soon. :-) It would be so worth it!

Well, I need to get off here.. and go get the girls in bed so I can walk!

Talk to you ladies tomorrow!

Cherie