Angie

Good Saturday morning!

Katy - the jogging stroller sounds like a good investment to me, and as you said, a lot cheaper than a gym membership. Maybe you can use the JLs as a topic on brain disfunction, lol.

Cristi - glad your DS is leaving that job! He has been taken advantage of! DS and DD met yesterday and picked out the ring. Mary tried to describe it, and says it is BEE-U-TI-FUL! Yellow gold, with a square diamond, and small diamonds cascading down somehow. Can't wait to see it!!

Ellen - glad at least one of us got snow, even if it was fleeting. So happy about your DD findind Mr. Right. Don't give up, sweetie, there is a partner out there for you, too.

Marti - Terry and Gina have been living together since April, but have been seeing each other for a couple of years. They have known each other since high school, but he never dated her then. She clipped all of his football pictures from the paper and saved them.. and has always cared about him. He will propose privately, he said. Mary and I both agree we wish we could be a couple of flies on the wall for that. Gina will be stunned. Btw, I am 3 hours ahead of you until March, or whenever the time changes back again.

Julie - hope you had a relaxing evening. Katy has a good idea about the fertility monitor thingy - look at her 2 adorable kids!!

Susan - thanks for starting the new thread! No, my finger isn't really in a splint, that's a joke between Ellen and me, lol. (You had to be there.) I agree with the others that you need to speak up about your troubles to Rocky. And no, as Cristi said, I wouldn't say a word about how much he spends on his son. That's his prerogative, and even when you get married, unless his doing so would take food off your table, I'd be very careful about criticizing him for that. Cristi explained it well. I'm sure he will keep it even with what your kids get, too. Btw, yay for your continued weight loss/maintenance. You have always been an inspiration to me.

Mindee - good to see you again! Cajun chicken alfredo sounds good!

Angie - I guess when the aliens returned Katy, they must have taken you?? We miss you!

Hi also to Sue, Kathy, Katiecat and anyone else reading this.

I'm down another pound today, and feeling good about that. Neal and I are meeting Gina and Terry tonight at the Eagles. (the club, not the group, lol) We're going to play Blitz - a fun card game. And maybe some pool. I'm having Lean Cuisine for dinner so I can use a few points on a couple of lite beers.

Have a great day!

drinking lots o' this don't look at the time....waay too early!

Jane - WTG girl! you are the energizer bunny of weight loss!. I was reading an interview with Geroge Clooney in this week's Entertainment Weekly, where he was talking about gaining and losing 30 lbs for a movie. Apparently he lost the weight very quickly. When asked how he said, "You stop eating and work out twice a day" He needs a Jaded Lady smack-upside-the-head! A metabolism being destroyed.... slow and steady wins the race, right Jane?
BTW - I think it was Mindee who mentioned the fertility monitor, but her comment did spark a memory of our experience worth sharing.....

Julie - our infertility sounds kind of like what you and DF are experiencing. Every test we took came out great, and there really was no reason to pinpoint why were having problems. Later, I had a laparascopy which determined I had a little endometriosis which was dealt with as soon as they found it. It wasn't serious, but enough to make it very difficult to tell when I was ovulating. We used a fertility awareness method that proved successful for us. Didn't involve any monitors - basal thermometers didn't work too well for me as I didn't have much in the way of temp spikes. The FAM involves checking your cervix for changes... won't get into the gory details, but I read about it on an ivillage infertility website - so maybe checking that out will help you two.

Susan - Rocky is such a great guy and I know you two can talk through this. I guess my advice might be a little different in that I think these issues should be discussed before getting married. I don't get the feeling it's so much that he's spoiling his son, it's more than you sense that you two might have different values toward consumption and materials possessions or maybe just even some differences on the role of the holidays in your lives. I think they can be discussed openly..... I read a great book called Unplug the Christmas Machine.. all about trying to focus on the traditions that bring us the most pleasure and minimizing the stress of trying to create the perfect holiday. BTW... $300 is my entire Christmas budget and we are all happy campers.... I guess it's all relative, but I kind of with you on your feelings that it's a tad much. Buit like I said, it's just the starting point, the real discussion is about how you two are going to be partners, and that includes money as well as in love. Glad you got the response filed - hope your change of venue goes through and you can move on - love all that legal jargon

Ellen - you crack me up - I have two words for you, missy - Match.com! Now that you are up and running on the information superhighway, you can find Mr. Right out there, hee hee! I have a friend who met her most recent DH, and the subsequent BF, and, well, maybe she's not the best example, I kid her about how she "keeps finding the love of her life" on Match.com! That being said, I do know several people (some of them on this board, even ) who have found lasting love with someone they met on the internet.....you know- you just never know when your life is gonna change!

Cristi - Your post had such great advice - you and your family have had such a journey and are so strong....I have such admiration for you. Your DS is leaving that awful job? That's great news! Maybe now he'll file something with OSHA - oooh the boss of his got me worked up, I tell you! I hate it when people get away with unethical behavior What's your weekend like? I am working out ( overindulged a little last night ), delivering a wreath to my MIL, working out some more maybe take the kids to Borders. DS got a gift cert. for his bday, so it's burning a hole in his pocket, you know. Just wanted to let you know that I went out and bought some Tylenol arthritis after reading your post. I have been on naproxen for this dang shoulder, but nothing's really working becaue I can't effectively stop using my left arm. The only time I feel there's improvement is when I do absolutely nothing, and that means drive, knit, read a book, anything that involves lifting my arm. The Tylenol has helped tke the edge off. Think I'm off to a chiropractor next... would just love to be pain free at some point.

Mindee - so glad to see you checked in... and it sound like thinks are looking up! The new year will brings lots of good things to your life, I bet.
I need to get over to your site and check out the new pics. I remember when my kids discovered their vocal chords, each at around 5 months, yikes! Now, of course, they won't shut up. So prepare yourself......



so.. the weekend is off and running, even at 5am. I kind of blew out my points last night, so I have no flex and I need to get some extra exercise in today and tomorrow. Wish I could just be like George, but I keep reminding myself that it took a long time to put this weight on, so it's gonna take a long time to take it off. My past experience with losing ( b4 I got pregnant w/ Leigh) I found that when I lost slowly, it was easy to keep it off. So I just remind myself that slow and steady is going to win this race!

Hope all of you have a great weekend!

K

PS _ I did take a pic of my mantel, just need to get the roll developed, I dont have a digital, so it takes me longer...will get it posted soon

Cristi~ I have to agree….the duck one is my favorite as well! We are waiting right now for my sister and her family, we are all going to venture out and walk the mall for a couple of hours.

Jane~ Surprisingly the Cajun chicken alfredo was really good. I am not one for spicy things, but that was really good! Good job on the WL. I am holding steady right where I am, but I have finally gotten back on the wagon for not eating after 9pm, and I am going to really be hard on myself about the pop issue again. I have slipped on it again!

Katy~ We have already prepared ourselves for a little talker. He talks all the time, even when he is suppose to be sleeping!

Good Morning Ladies, or should I say good afternoon as it will probably be by the time I finish this post.

Ellen~no girly, I didn't mean you are goofy. I get goofy when I get tired or hungry, really goofy. Still feeling a little goofy this morning.

Jane~ on yet another loss! You are getting so close to goal, WTG. Ooooo, the ring does sound beautiful! Hope you guys have a great time tonight at the Eagles (the club , not the band)

Katy~DS boss is so horrible! She has actually had death threats and has had to change her phone number about 20 times. The woman is hard because it doesn't even phase her. The deal now is he was supposed to get a bonus in Oct. and she is playing her little games. he is getting all his paper work together and taking it to someone else because he is also due one when he quits, both about $500. My weekend is going to be pretty easy. Today I have laundry to do and that is about it. Tomorrow Mass and take a bunch of pics. DH will have the day off so we are going to set the camera up and start clicking. Want to get that taken care of so I can send a pic with the Christmas cards. I too am off to the chiro (next week), man I tell ya it definitely makes a difference for me, as does the tylenol arthritis. That is some good advice to Susan you gave there. And I agree that anything can be worked through.

Mindee~good luck at the mall today. You are a brave woman to venture to the mall on a Saturday.

Marti~hope you guys have a fun decorating weekend together.

Hi to everyone else, Shanna, Kathy, Sue, Susan, Katie, Julie and Angie! Yes Angie where are you girly?

Well, as I told Katy, today is being lazy somewhat and getting laundry done. I may try and get some much needed reading done. Never did finish the book (Four Blind Mice) I was reading and then went to the library and got more. Those two are on Arthritis and what works so need to see if there is anything good in them as they are due back Tuesday. Tomorrow, since we will be getting a little dressed up for Mass once we get back V will set up his camera (has a timer on it and is a little better than my little one) and get a bunch of pics taken. Walgreens does have the overnight on the picture/Christmas cards so will get them back in plenty of time to stuff one in the Christmas cards. And yes Jane you will get one. I forgot to answer you on that when you mentioned it. I start typing and going back and forth to the different posts and sometimes miss a few things so sorry ladies if I miss a question or something, it is not intentional. That's about all I have for now ladies.

Hope everyone has a nice day and weekend!

Good Afternoon Ladies
And it is a a good afternoon , it is very cold outside ,but the sun is shining and its windy as the wind. I got up early ,or maybe I never went to bed,not sure ,took my medication before I went to bed last night and it made me so sick , so I won't do that again ,until I see my doctor, I thinks its time for a change ,anyway to make a long story longer I did find myself out of bed at some point and I got all my housework done, so I think I will wash my bedding and make some soup and then I think I will lay down tummy's still unhappy.Did you notice how late some of us were up chatting back and forth, we are mighty gaby.
Hi Jane a square diamond oh that sounds absolutely gorgeous,take a picture of her hand with the ring on and let us see pleaaaaaaaaase.How exciting for her and all of you ,You didn't spill the beans to anyone have you Mom??? This is going to be an extra special holiday for you all, I am so happy for your family.Wow down another pound ,so proud of you congratulations,it is exciting when you see them coming off,Yeah more new clothes. Sounds like you have a fun evening planned ,I love pool although its been years since I have had a chance to play.Well you all enjoy yourselves tonight and have a great day

Hi Cristi.
I really did enjoy your song , Your fun when your goofy ,not that your not fun when your not goofy ,your fun all the time goofy or not. did that make sense ??? I figure I would rather laugh than cry I've certainley done enough of that ,so laugh I will try. Have you seen Susan today ?Wow did you see what Katy said to Susan that was darn good advise I think she's a smart lady must be all those brain classes shes taking , I think I should get me some of those, do you think Susan's mad at us both, nah!!!!!!! she can't be we gave her good advise didn't we. Hey maybe she's on a beach in Hawaii soaking up the sun ,probably not, but we can wish and hope. So your doing some laundry today ,me to, I really want to lay down, I don't feel so good, maybe the laundry can wait a while not like its going anywhere without me.Yes I think I have to go now,Have a Great day Cristi

I am not leaving anyone out,I will be back later girls , just a tad under the weather right now'

Posting real quick while I have a little time. I sent James & Jhanai off to get a tree. We like the Nobel Firs so, we'll see what they come home with. I usually go so I can give the ok....but I needed to clear some furniture out of the way and get all the stuff out of the closet to decorate.......should have went w/them, tiring job!

Went over to grandpa's this afternoon. Spent a couple hours over there getting stuff out of the attic. I guess that's my job today, retrieving all the stuff from their hiding spots! Then realized it was getting late and said I had to go do my house.

Anyway, that is what I'm doing right now. Who remembered that this decorating was so much work?!

Didn't WI today, TOM is here so I hate to WI. But I did start drinking Green Tea, NOT a big tea drinker but it's suppose to be good for you and I thought I would try it. Anyone have thoughs on that?

Better get going. More cleaning and rearranging to do.

Talk to you all later!

Hiya Ladies

Just checking in for a few to see how everyone is. Everyone must have a busy weekend.

Marti~glad you guys made it to grandpas and hope you have fun with the tree tonight. Know what ya mean about decorating being a job. So glad I finished, and it only took me about a week. I jumped in all gung ho and grew tired of it real fast so would do a little, take a break, do a little, take a break...anyway a week later it is finally done and I can sit back and enjoy. I heard the green tea is good for you also. Off hand can't remember what it is supposed to do but when I did the Herbalife we drank a lot of the tea. I love tea, hot and cold so it wasn't a problem for me, except a little too much caffeine.

Ellen~who wouldn't want to be on the beach in Hawaii right now? Or at least Southern CA. Just would love some of their warm weather. Although it has been nice today. Got my laundry done for the day, thank goodness. Sometimes I just hate doing it. Hope you get to feeling better.

Been watching the family channel and Hallmark channel, all the Christmas specials on. Don't think I ever saw the one where Frosty the Snowman got married. Anyway, taking a break from it to look up a few things online and thought I would check in here to see if anyone had posted since I last posted. Probably won't be on tomorrow at all so hoping everyone has a great Sunday if I don't. Take care ladies

Sorry ladies, had to work on that same case I worked on this past summer.

Jane, Congrats! I can just imagine if we all could be there when Terry asks her...us all leaning in...not obvious at all...lol
Susan, its not necessarily that Kris is spoiled,,,its just that hes an only child and Rocky is able to afford to give him big presents. When Monte and I were first together we couldnt' afford anything,,,,so we never bought presents for christmas or birthdays.
Ellen, you are wonderfully funny, and you warm the hearts of the Jaded Ladies....(hows that?) if you call you goofy or funny we do it with a smile of gratitude for your humour.
Kathy, did you ever make it to Calgary? I hope that if you ever come down south by all means email be first and we can get a coffee.

Cristi, I want to be as organized as you. My house is not decorated yet, I did get the cards out,,,but I had great plans of a letter in each. Half way through the cards I was thinking of a stamp of my signature...arghhh

I worked early early Friday, came home slept for a bit. Went over to Angelika's for her birthday,,,bought her a fondue pot and a blow up instant husband...she really appreciates my thoughtfulness...lol We watched Along Came Polly,,,oh how funny that was. Then off to work I went. It was a boring night, the guy didn't go out so I sat outside and watched it snow till 2:15 am, when the signal light went out. Roads were/are icy. Got up and went to help Becky out with her van, she needed new tires and was stranded for a few hours. Came home slept a bit more, had a bad headache,,,must be the weather change or TOM coming. Tanner Monte and I went and saw Friday Night Lights,,,I cried. hmmm must be TOM coming soon...lol Came home to icy icy roads so Im home for the night and plan to snuggle under my blankets with my book.
I will start decorating soon,,,,Just so many boxes to lug up and down,,,have to take all the ornaments that I have now and put away,,,Going to put the tree up this year,,,Skittles and I had a talk. I have to go get my pictures done tomorrow for the newest play...at least they are giving me notice to look my best.
Hello to everyone else,,,Katy, Marti, Mindee, Julie,

Hello once again ladies...

Popping in for a bit.

Angie--Glad to "see" you. You must have had a busy case to work on! I didn't realize you were still working on the same one from over the summer. Sounds like you had a great time celebrating your friends Birthday, love your gifts to her!

Cristi--I should do the same...picture wise that is. I really want to get photos taken of James, me & Jhanai...then some of me and James and some of just me and Jhanai....someday. I hope you have a great day tomorrow.

Ellen--I so enjoy reading your post. Always perks up my day BEFORE the cup of coffee!! I hope you're feeling better now, never good to feel miserable when you need rest.

Jane--I would love to see the ring too! Sounds very pretty. I bet your son is just nervous about the proposal....has he said anything about how he plans on doing it? Something unique and romantic? Ahhhhh......love! Congratulations on another pound down!


Hello to the rest....sorry for cutting this short, I will get the rest of you girls tomorrow. Gotta run!

Take care

Good Sunday morning!

Katy - yep, George Clooney needs a smack, lol. I'll volunteer for that job, lol. Have you noticed just how good he looks with the gray intermingled with the dark hair? It just isn't fair, lol. Remember when he was on Facts of Life, and then later, Roseanne? What a hottie!! Can't wait to see your mantel photo - I know it will be just beautiful.

Mindee - well, at least you're holding steady with your weight! A few years ago, my sister gave up pop and lost about 12 pounds pretty quick. I hope you do get the weight off that you want off while you are still young, and then you won't have the saggy face (and other body parts, lol) issues that I have now.

Cristi - I just finished reading The Five People You Meet in Heaven. It was really good, and there is a movie on about it tonight. Since Neal wants to read the book, too, we're going to record the movie and watch it after he finishes the book. So glad you'll be doing a Christmas photo - can't wait to see it! I wish we had done that! Have a good Sunday.

Ellen - nope, I haven't said a word about the ring to anyone, other than Katie and Neal. I'm about to burst, too, lol!! Hope your tummy is better today, and I'm glad you're going to the doctor soon about this. Maybe she/he can prescibe something more gentle. Glad you got your house cleaned. I did too, yesterday, except for the floors. Mary did them for me, for $$. That works out well for us both. I'd rather do anything than sweep floors.

Marti - oh, I bet your house is looking festive now. Did they do a good job picking out a tree? Hope you share a picture with us! Glad you got to see your Grandpa, too, and that you were able to get out of there before the aunts started in, lol.

Angie - there you are!! I'm sure my son would welcome all the Jaded Ladies and me to be right there while he pops the question, lol. We could take pics, and start a new thread with them, lol. Do you have another one of those Instant Husbands? If so, send it to Ellen! Hear that, Ellen? The guy wouldn't give her any trouble - wouldn't leave the seat up, no dirty socks on the floor, low maintenance, lol. Wouldn't leave his stuff in her basement for 4 years, lol...... Btw, what is Friday Night Lights? A movie or a drive around to see all the Christmas decorations?

Hi to everyone else reading this.

Thank you all for your congrats on my weight loss. Every little pound counts, right? Neal and I had fun at the Eagles last night. One of my nephews showed up, with his wife, and we all played Blitz and had a good time. Katie made it home before we did, lol, which seemed weird!

Not much planned for today. Gotta go get bread and fruit at some point.

BBL,

Good Morning Ladies--

Oh I'm not wanting to be awake at the moment...still sleepy! But I promised Jhanai that we'd be up early so we could get up and go shopping today.

Oh, I also forgot to mention, that I won't be able to get to chat this week. I have three days of training on the early shift (8:30-4:00) and then Thursday night it's back to nights......Plus, Jhanai has her Choir program on Thursday.....

My house is semi-decorated I suppose. It seems like it's missing something, like greenery, which I don't have, may have to pick some up today. I will take a picture of the tree later on. My house is NO WHERE compared to the what I have envisioned Ellens house to be!

Ok, I need to grab a cup of green tea (more likely I'll have a cup of coffee) and then hit the showers and then go shopping....and to think, I'm more in the mood for laying around today!!!!

I'll check in later on,

Morning

I ain't mad Ellen!! lol.

Gaby was sick yesterday and I spent 3 hours at Kaiser. Most of that time was just to get checked in...

She has an ear infection and a sore in her mouth.

Came into the office to do some work.

Personally , I think Kris is spoiled and I agree it is mainly to do with trying to ease the pain of not having a mother.

Nana is going to be like an ex wife........lol...When I was there Rocky bought him a new rod. ....like $60.
He had reels at home (( to go with the new rod))but Kris wanted a new one.

Rocky said no....

So, Kris had a fit and stormed to Nana's ......next thing you know she is buying him a new reel.

Personally, Rocky admits he is spoiled..........but what can he do with Nana always offering to buy him things??

I think the problem is between Nana and Rocky. I don't think he has had a say in how his own son has been raised. Also, I don't blame Kris- this is what he has learned. I think Rocky and Nana are the responsible adults.......

To me you get things for helping around the house, for good grades and for minding.......not because you are throwing a fit long enough.

Rocky and I have discussed this before. I am not moving Gaby over there for her to be listening to Kris complain all the time - he basically rules that house.
If he wants a mother - I will be a mother. It will start with boundries and some respect on who is the parent.

I am not going over there to completely change his life- but he will show respect to his father and me.......if nana wants to continue buying him everything - fine......but I have to feel that it is my home & Gaby's too.

blah- blah......and I do think you should be talking about this stuff before a marriage......because I ain't going to be miserable with no say in how my home is run.....lol......ugh- been there- done that.....

best get!!

Hiya ladies and happy Sunday

Susan~I think you should invest in some step-parenting books. One reason I never got involved with someone who had kids because I figured it would be hard enough with mine and then throw some more in the mix, ummm no. My friend said I was selfish...I really didn't see it as being selfish but knowing what I wanted and didn't want. I didn't want the hassle of an ex-wife or step-kids. I do love kids, don't get me wrong. I have just seen all the crap that goes along with it and it wasn't for me. The friend that actually told me I was selfish is now divorced and involved with a guy that has a teenage DD and a 10 year-old DD and now she knows exactly what I meant. he doesn't like her kids either. It can work though I'm not saying it can't because I know a lot of blended families who are thriving it. Now if I had actually met someone that I liked a lot I wouldn't have let it get in the way-I would have dealt with it. Too I always heard that the step-parent should never discipline the step-child that the actual parent should do it. I know there was a book out not to long ago about blended families that was really good, you might want to try it, Rocky too. A lot of good things on what to do and what not to do as a step-parent and I believe it was written by a DR. That's good that you and Rocky are discussing all these issues before marriage because you both need to know where the other stands on these sort of issues. I agree that it will also be you and Gabys home and you should feel like it is. Sounds like Rocky also needs to put his foot down and have a good long talk with Nana. I guess we are all different too because I do give my kids things just because, you know for no special reason. When they were younger they got allowance for doing chores but I never paid them for good grades. Always felt like they should do good in school because they want to and because they can, not for things or money if they get an A. I did praise them-ALWAYS. Anyway...no more from me on this. Hope Gaby is feeling better-3 hours in Kaiser?! Almost as bad as the emergency room. I have to say though I loved Kaiser when we were in CA. I loved how everything was under one roof.

Jane~glad you and Neal had a nice time at the Eagle. I saw that bookand was tempted to get it and did see that the movie is on tonight. I will be watching and will probably get the book later. It seems the book is always better than the movie.

Marti~when will your training be over, or is it a continuous thing? You know like teachers, trying to stay on top of all the changes and such. Well, have fun shopping today with Jhanai. Don't the weekends pass by too fast?

Angie~I too am curious, what is Friday Night Lights??? Oh please, I am not organized girly. There was a time I would have had the house decorated in one day, on December 1. The cards would have been mailed with pictures and the shopping done by the end of November. Now I am lucky to get anything done early. It took me a week to decorate the inside and believe me it isn't that much. The only thing we did early were the lights outside because if Vince and Josh wouldn't have done them Thanksgiving day it who knows when it would have been done. He was actually off this weekend but it is raining today and after I just got my car all clean. So how does Becky like her blow up man??? I have seen those and they are cute!

Mindee~how was shopping at the mall yesterday?

Mass was nice this morning. They are in between Fathers as the old one was assigned somewhere else and we met the new guy today. I like him. Okay...so we didn't get to the picture taking and probably won't today. I am rethinking and instead of doing them for Christmas, since I always send New Years cards doing a 2005 picture card. I really am liking that idea better. Don't fret ladies, you will get one before the first of January, that I promise. I know, like that is what you all really want! Anywhoo...catch ya later chickies.

lol

Thanks Cristi!!! You can open your mouth anytime!!

It would seem simple. Man meets woman and they fall in love and all is well.

Until you meet the kids.......lol. Naw- jk.

Though we were having this romantic thing in Kona. We were watching the sunset and Kris was yelling from the pool.,........" so don't pay attention to me!!! ".....lol.

He had a fit because he wanted to go to the arcade and I didn't mind but Rocky said no.....

Though after the "fit" from Kris - Rocky asked me........" did I lose points with what just happened??" and he looked so sweet and my heart melted.......

I said no.....I loved him no matter what.

That is why I wrote the being a safe harbor in the storm......cause it isn't going to be easy meshing 2 families.....
Anyway- his 2 lady friends that were trying to have a relationship with him didn't like Kris's behavior either.......

Sometimes I think it might be a behavioral thing....lol....I mean beyond a spoiled child thing....where something is quite not right.....lol.....being kind of mean but in all seriousness. I have seen a child wanting their way with my own and this is different.

Loving him is one thing and showing a united front with our kids is a must I just also want some peace in my life. lol

geez.........what happened to Brady Bunch


No, I agree. ..... I give my children things too for nor reason. Though if they aren't minding I don't -

Though I will say about Kris,...........he can be really very sweet and you just want to hug him when you don't wanna strangle him....lol. He made me coffee without asking and served me - that was sweet.

1 hour JUST to get to the front of the line!! Kaiser..........gotta hate it...lol

back to my newsletter- 2 more pages!!!