Morning ladies~

Well, thought I was getting better...guess I spoke too soon. Spent half the night tossing and turning, just can't breathe. At least it is not as bad as Saturday and Sunday though.

Susan~so sorry about the mediation and that Mike is a being a jerk. Surely he is not serious about sole custody?? Given his past and him not paying child support and such. Man he really is in lala land isn't he. Anyway, glad you have your mom by your side and we too are here for ya.

Marti~hope you're feeling fine.

Jane~I am picturing the girls with their gadening tools.

Katie(cat)~5 days at Disneyland woohoo! I know you and DH will have so much fun! What a great way to spend your anniversary.

Katy~you got me interested in the book Life of Pi so went to Barnes and Noble to see what it is about. Sounds like an interesting book, may have to get it. We are off to the bookstore tomorrow. Theres one I haven't been to before, a New/Used bookstore-DD wants to check it out and spend her BD money on books. Shes really into poetry and religion lately.

Hi to everyone else, Katy, Pam, Ellen, Julie, Mindee, Angie and Kathy. Hope all is well with you ladies.

Not much on the agenda today. Going to straighten the house a bit. Sick or not I can't stand a dirty house. I watched How Clean is Your House on Lifetime last night and everytime I see that show I cannot believe the filth people live in and how they do it! It is really nasty. Anyway, then I have a cake to bake. I always like to buy BD cakes but DD always wants me to make her a strawberry heart shaped cake so I oblige.

Have a great day ladies!

Edited: to say HI to Pam Love your idea of a voodoo doll of Mike.

Hello everyone! Just got back from preschool and have a few minutes before Leigh and I go for a walk. Leigh looks pretty tired so maybe she'll take a nap.

Susan - (((((hugs)))))) what a pain in the you-know-where. The small consolation is that the more he keeps pushing, the more his lifestyle is going to be examined.....I mean, mediation is probably going to lead to psych evals and visits from social workers....think he's got a chance for sole custody after that? He'll be lucky if his rights don't get terminated... have you asked your attorney if that can happen due to abandonment and drug use? Just keep thinking....one year from now you'll be holding hands with your sweetie somewhere on a beach in Hawaii, drinking mai-tais and telling his kid to stop whining and go read a book

Jane and Cristi- Life of Pi is a somewhat challenging read as it has a lot of symbolism and allegory, but it deals with faith and how that sustains and changes a person irrespective of their particular religion. It really got me thinking about faith as something separate from organized religion....I truly think it will become a classic in due time. The tip I have is to stick with it... many folks I've talked with about this book get a little muddled at the beginning, but then it really catches on and it has an absolutely amazing ending. I hope you do read it.. would love to know what you think about it.

Katiecat - Disneyland! - Envy envy envy

Pam - yoo hoo right back at ya

Hi to everyone else...hope your days are going well

Afternoon ladies--

I was so tired when I got home this morning....I did check in but I didn't post. Sorry!

I actually JUST woke up!! How terrible my sleeping patterns are getting!!!!

I have a few things I need to get done at the moment...but wanted to check in first. If I have more time, I will be back.

Until then,

Evening Girls!!!

Well Im on the computer doing some homework and figured I'd take a break to pop in and see what everyone was up too!!!

JANE: Thanks for the outlook on the weight gain...Im hoping it was water weight, Im trying to be especially good this week so that it goes back down..I know, it does eat you alive when you know you didnt cheat!!!

SUSAN: Sorry to hear about the whole ordeal with Mike, maybe one of these days he'll just get tired of fighting and throw in the towel.Hes really something else!!! Keep your head up though!!!

Nothing really new with me , supposed to get another 2-4 inches of snow between tonight and tomorrow.....wonderful.....NOT!! Im learning to really hate the winter!! They said our area ended up with about 30inches of snow this past weekend, I hope it starts melting....... Anybody know of any cheap online sites to get workout videos? I checked on ebay, but I just basically found old tapes and by the time you buy em and pay shipping you might as well just go to Walmart!!! Im looking to get some new ones to add to the collection!!
MARTI: Let me know if you see results with the Gazelle, I was gonna buy that and then decided to buy an elliptical machine instead, I cant tell if its making a difference on me yet or not???

hello to Cristi, Pam, Ellen, Mary Kate, Katy, Angie,and anyone else I didnt see pop in,
Im off to bed shortly
Julie

We were hit with a brick this afternoon. My son got a call telling him the father he hasn't seen most of his life is in the hospital in a coma. After all these years he finally desided to quit drinking cold turkey. He fainted in his front yard and hit his head.No one found him for 4 hours. Apparently his blood sugar pulmited. There is pressure on his brain and they don't know what kind of damage has been done or if he'll ever recover. The man was a huge SOB while we were married and I spent years being angry and resentful. Recently his father had passed and he had started calling. We had talked and he had said he was sorry ,that I'd been a good wife. I'm more upset then my son is. I'm furious that he waited so long to quit.That he tossed his life away . So many opportunities lost.

Coming up for air!!! Almost done with these reviews , been buried at work , trying to play catch up.
My boss was nice though tonight. He sat and we went through every one , so am caught up!

Yep- Mike is a ding bat. He really thinks he is a stand up guy. He has been shiftless for his whole life. The only time he is somewhat stable is when he has a lady to leach on to.....lol

I called his ex and she is headed to Mexico for 2 months with her 3 children in the morning.The oldest is 11 and the half sister to Gaby. Anyway, I guess he already asked her to testify for him that he is a good father. As he owes 30,000 in back child support.....for the daughter.

I took the girl and Gaby to McDonalds and they played today. My mother would have a fit if she knew that.......she thinks I spread myself toooo thin but I thought I should and I am glad I did. It was nice to see the sisters play. it had been 5 months , at least.

I guess that is it. I better get back to work.........

(((((HUGS))))) to you and your DS Pam. I am so sorry to hear about your ex. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Nothing new with me, just wanted to drop in and say hi.

Prayers to your son's father Pam.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARTI!!! YAY...... I am always so late .......so sorry.

I just finished up my taxes! Should get a good refund - enough to take over the lawyer fee's if need be. Maybe even splurge for Rocky to come over for a visit.... miss him so much.

Gaby had her pictures taken last week at JC Penny's.......she was a terror. Did not sit still at all......what a pill. lol.....love her so........the thought of her living with Mike makes me shudder........she would be so lost.......the jerk.....

I hope to read 40 Day's of Purpose when I get some money to buy the book -
I guess that is it. Sorry I am always so far behind. Disneyland sounds great Katie........woooo hooo .......

Where is Ellen??? Miss you....

chat later....

Poppin in before bed. Wanted to say hi!

So tired....so I will catch up in the afternoon....

Night girls.

Happy Hump Day!

Marti - hope you get rested. Are you doing the Gazelle too much, or just need some extra sleep? I think we all go through periods where our bodies just need some extra rest, don't you? You're expending all those extra calories, too, so that could be making you more tired.

Cristi - hope you're felling better today. Are the women from How Clean is Your Home the 2 British ladies that was on Oprah? They are hilarious! Happy Birthday to your DD!!

Katiecat - yes, it WAS you I was thinking of in regards to Disneyland, lol. Silly me! I'm ready to go back to Walt Disney World, but that won't happen for awhile. Too many other places to see first. My DF's DD and family are going to WDW soon, and I'm mailing extra park maps to her today. The only place you can get them are at the parks or the WDW hotels, so she's excited about seeing them. I've heard that people sell them on eBay, can you believe it??

Pam - so sorry about the DXH! What's the prognosis? When/if you need to vent, please know that you can come here and we'll all do our best to get you through, ok? About our travels, well, Neal and I will probably visit family first. Then there are some places we want to see. When he was single, he traveled a lot, and has some places in mind that he wants to show me. One place I've always wanted to see was Independence, Missouri where all the wagon trains started out to head west. For some reason, that fascinates me. How about Candy Apple Red for your car? That's what color my van is, but it loses something on a mini-van, lol.

Katy - oh dear, the book sounds a little deep for me. I have to admit that I almost always read for pleasure anymore. The last thing I read that was upsetting and true, both, was the Frank McCourt books, Angela's Ashes and 'Tis. Did you read those? I thought they were just great, and the first one made me feel guilty for my lack of respect for food and shelter. But wait, you didn't say it was upsetting, did you? Hmmm... maybe I should give it a try.

Julie - maybe you could get some exercise DVDs from the library and try them out before you actually buy one?

Susan - hey, about about you try this: do like the other ex and tell Mike you're only gonna be gone for 2 months, lol. Then let him just try to get Gaby back from Hawaii, lol. Glad you and the three girls all had fun. Maybe you can get the book you mentioned from the library? Jeez, I feel like a spokesperson for them today, lol.

Hi to everyone else.

Had so much fun last night! Went with Dale to a basketball game of the country kids at Katie's school vs. the town kids (my alma mater!) Of course, I was rooting for the country kids, but as usual, the townies creamed us. 75 to 46! They weren't very gracious, though, and were poking fun at our guys, calling them farmers and such. (which they are, lol, but still...) Katie went with us, too, but hooked up with her friends as soon as she got there, lol. The place was packed, and I had a ball! The reason I took Dale is because Neal didn't want to go, and Mary's always taking off leave Dale home with the kids. He was really surprised when I asked him, lol. I'm a little hoarse today from hollering so much, lol.

Another lunch out at Applebee's today! My good friend from church is having a BD, and she was so kind to me on my bd, that I sure want to return the favor, and she picked the restaurant. I don't get to spend enough time with her, and am really looking forward to this.

What's on your agenda today?

Hi and a very good morning to you all

Not much time to post, getting ready to head out the door in a few minutes-busy day today. Didn't bake DD's cake yesterday. After thinking about it decided it would be fresher if I waited till today and would keep peoples fingers out of it. LOL Was up early this a.m. and already went and bought groceries so that is out of the way. I know by the time we are done and back home I will be ready for a nap. Of course now DS#1 has the cold. I figured V would get it before him but luckily he hasn't yet. Anyway...hope everyone has a wonderful day. See ya later...

Hi Girls.

Jane, ya, there is something sad about a mini van painted candy apple red. It's like it's wishing to be something eles. OMG, you read "Angela's Ashes". So did I . Pitiful! Had some funny parts but even they were pitifull funny.

Cristi, I've seen that clean your house show. These are upscale,educated people for the most part. They seem to have more money then sence as they spend their money on junk and clutter.Just shows you can be book smart and living skills dumb. I once knew a woman who was a genius but couldn't sweep her own floor.

Ellen, I feel an ecard coming on. Where the heck are you? Thought you were feeling better. Getting a wee bit concerned here.

My son, Eddie, is going to have to take a leave from work to go out and see about his Dad and what affairs need to be put in order. Don't know how long it'll take. He resents a little about having to do this and I can't blame him. This man was always to drunk to be any kind of a father when we were together. Once ,when we first got divorced, I allowed Eddie to go back there and visit on the condition he'd be staying with the Grandparents and come back in time to start school in the fall. I hated it but Eddie wanted so bad to go and I believed the Grandparents would do what was right. What they did was hand him over to his father who never intended to give him back. Six months later he was forced to send him back because the state of SC was hunting them down to take Eddie away because of child neglect and indangerment charges.

Well girls, thats all for now. Gots lots to do to help Eddie get ready to go.

Good morning ladies,
I am just amazed about the stupidity of Mike...its like hes listening to the lil voices in his head. Hopefully the evaluation shows the true Mike. Susan,,,do what Jane said,,,say you will only be going for a couple of months....and if it really matters to him then he can come and get her if he wants....
Jane, that is so sweet of you to take Dale,,,hes got a great MIL.

Sorry this is so short, gotta run, I finished Steel Magnolia's that was good, was pretty tired. Have been sleeping alot,,,9-10 hours a night...lol
Nothing much happening here,,,the play Im working on now is Iolanthe.
Doing some volunteering at the school.
Watched King Author the other day,,,and thats pretty much it.
Gotta get to work now...
later

Hello girls--

I'm up before noon.....surprising!! The reason I'm so tired is because I stay up in the WEE hours of the night once I get home. I used to just head straight to bed and get up by 10:30 at the latest.....now, I'm going to be at 5:30-6:00 and getting up at 1-2!! It just has me thrown off a bit. So I'm trying to adjust myself back to the way it should be! Went to bed at 4:30 this morning.....

Jane--What a wonderful MIL you are!! How sweet that you took him to a basketball game. Gives you two more bonding time too!

Pam--Sorry to hear about XH....my brother is an alcoholic...and the times that he trys to quit drinking he ends up having a seizure. It's all so sad. I'm not sure why he gave up on his life! He's only 32 but physically 92 from all his drinking.

Cristi--Good idea to not bake the cake until today.....my fingers would have DEFINATELY been in it!!

Susan--What a pain in the booty that Mike is!! I'm w/the others....say you're going to Hawaii for a few weeks.......... (thanks for the B-day wishes)

Julie--How nice to have the ellipitcal!! I would love to have one of those. But since it's so much money......The gazelle works great. I can feel the muscles in the backs of my legs and in my thighs....but I'm sure that it will take some time before I "SEE" results. This weekend I plan on taking measurements.....then I can get a better idea.

Hello to Angie, Katy, and Katie and Ellen and John Boy........

I need to take a shower. But I want to work out first. But before I can do that I need to eat some kind of breakfast. Boy! Just a list of things to do!!

I watched Amazing Race after work and I was so disappointed in who was eliminated......now, who do I want to win?? I have American Idol recorded to watch I'm on the gazelle......such a reality show junkie I am!!

OK.....off for a cup of coffe!!

I'm baaaack.......

Didn't take as long as I thought it would. DD wanted to go to the used bookstore and check it out. Boy...what a mess! We got tired of trying to find what we were looking for-too disorganized. Maybe when we have a few hours to spare we will go back. So ended up going to Barnes and Noble and we found what we wanted. Then off to the music store and she still has money left. For the kids birthdays we give them cash so they can go buy what they want. Started that a few years ago because I never seemed to get them what they really wanted. Then we went to Applebees for lunch-she wanted some of their ribs. Now I have got to get a couple loads of clothes done and her cake baked. I can't believe she is 21! Makes me feel old!

Jane~don't know if it is the same British ladies that was on Oprah. Haven't seen Oprah in a long time. But they are British ladies, Kim and Aggie and they are funny. They crack me up how the house is a filthy mess and knowing that and that it stinks they get on their hands and knees and smell things anyway.

Katy~I found the book Life of Pi. After you talking about it and reading about it I felt it was something I would like to read so bought it. I'm hoping it is as good as it sounds.

Marti~I bet it is weird getting on any kind of schedule with the hours you have. I would probably stay up also if I got home that late or early depending on how ya look at it.

Angie~I think with all you do and have been doing you definitely deserve to sleep 9-10 hours. Did you like King Author?

Pam~yeah, the majority of peoples houses they have cleaned are intelligent people and seem to have money. So...if you don't want to clean your house but you want a clean house wouldn't you at least hire someone to do it for you? I know I would. I can understand your sons resentment for sure. I hope he handles it fine. Does his dad not have someone else to take care of things?

Susan~so did they actually get Gaby's pic took? Hope so, I would love to see a recent one of her. She is such a cutie pie! Love the kids at that age. So how are you and Rocky doing? Just think tho...it will all be over before ya know and you and Rocky will be enjoying the sunsets at the beach. So are you guys still going with April? Can't remember...thought there was some talk of July.

Ellen~oh Ellen...come out, come out wherever you are. Hope everything is fine with you and DD had a wonderful birthday yesterday.

Julie~hope you are not buried under another 2-4 inches of snow. I know you definitely don't want more. I know when we had that ice storm that was more than enough for me so I can only imagine how you guys are doing. I'm hoping that was/is all we get for the winter. Yesterday it was 62 and I am loving that. Of course today it is 49.

Hi to everyone else

Need to get going...that laundry and cake are not going to get done on their own. I think I will take a short nap also. Take care ladies and have a wonderful day!