Around the World again with the friendly Chicks # 6

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  •   #211  
    Shad's AvatarShad , 05-16-2005 05:38 AM
    There now, I told you she would be back didn't I?? A bit sooner than I realised but hey, I am not complaining. Good to see you back Ms Mel.

    Still eating the left overs from the barbecue. We had a good time but as usual I stuck far too much meat on the weber. I also had the fire a bit hot and the lamb wasn't quite as succulent as usual. The chicken was beaut tho. We had a good laugh and chat and drank some fairly vibrant French red.

    Glad to hear that you enjoyed the Yellow-tail Meadow. Love the shape of the logo on the label. Always gives me a smile. Sometime or other you will get the urge to lose weight again Meadow, just hang in there. I admire your patience. I think I would have administered the cut to the proverbial to the builder and belted the idiot supposed doing the trimmings and probably kissed the tiler - bless the man. What the heck did they think they were doing. No wonder you are feeling a tad stressed. Bet this never happened to AB when he was getting a house built!!! Have a couple of {{{{hug}}}} - sounds like you need them.

    Holly - hugs to you as well. You've taken enough cr*p from the family. Time to let them go stew in their juices. Sounds like a nice quiet time with your Gran. You obviously needed the nap.

    YP - Hope those cravings go away. I always find it best not to keep the bad stuff in the house because I know I will eat it.

    There is some Camembert in my fridge just yelling my name. QUIET YOU! We didn't end up with cheese and crackers yesterday - just as we didn't eat the dip and veg to start with since there was so much food for the main course. What on earth I was thinking about I really don't know.

    Okay, now my job is a bit strange I know and I whinge a fair amount about it, but todays little effort fair took my breath away.
    Last week I worked long hours to get the documentation and movies done for training purposes. This morning I have my boss lady talk to me about my time sheet. Apparently I was supposed to ask permission to work over 42 hours per week. WTF!!! Do they want this bl**dy job done or not!. They've let the time go through but if I don't ask next time they won't pay the extra. Fine by me. I can work 42 hours a week without tears. It just means that they won't get the job finished on time. The man from the ministry can't believe it. He shook his head, and put his hands over his ears and eyes and muttered something that sounds remarkably like WTF is this project coming to! I wonder how they expect me to train for 7.5 hours a day and then organise the data and exercises for the next lessons. Osmosis????

    Back to the gym tonight. Did 50 mins of weights, resistance and cardio. I would much prefer to do this in the mornings however if I did it would mean getting to work late. So I go in the afternoons and put up with the macho male of the species sleeping on the machines that I want to use. Well not exactly sleeping but you know what I mean. I have to admit that most of them are fairly okay, just a bit thoughtless. I really need a shower right now, but will finish here first and then go sort out the list of jobs for the week. I'm getting a bit slack on the household jobs at the moment and there just isn't enough time in the weekends to get everything done.

    Have we lost Nae?? I know Tig reads and only comments once or twice a week - Hi Tig but it's ages since we heard from Nae. I hate missing good friends.

    Well gotta go. Will be back tomorrow. Seeya
    Reply
  •   #212  
    Roseblush's AvatarRoseblush , 05-16-2005 07:46 AM
    Hi Friends
    I am so sorry for being MIA for so long, it has been quite a month for me. Miss Mel, it is soooo good to see you here again and hope that you are gaining some strength and getting some relief. Welcome to the newbies here this is a great spot to rest and laugh and gain inspiration from when needed.
    Shad, your thoughts and concern for the gals here is always so great...thanks for being our best cheerleading and encourager...you are the best. Wish I could come and sit in your beautiful garden and drink a bottle of good French Red too!!!!!!!!!!!
    LInus, you are so patient and have gone through so much I do hope the move is terrific for you and your family....how are you feeling and how is our little bump doing?
    Since I returned from my trip I had been planning a surprise wedding reception for my mom and Andy.... my sister and Andy's daughter did lots of preplanning and we held it the first weekend in May. It turned out great we served over 90 people and my mom was so happy and surprised. It was a lot of work and I think I am still on the recovering end. Makes it more difficult when I have to travel. Anyway, mom and Andy came this weekend to Salmon to be with me and we had a good time. I am so happy for both of them.
    So now I am back and trying to get organized and into my routine again. I need to get back to some good eating patterns and I had my old old bike redone to ride so I am going to try to ride at least 4 days a week.
    Meadow hope the house turns out and you can relax a bit and look forward to the move...change is always a challenge!
    Holly you sound good and the issues with families never goes away we just learn how to cope in different ways.... just remember changing others is not ever going to happen but being able to love sometimes the unlovable is a valuable gift we can give to ourself.
    Happy you new place sounds so nice and the garden must be exciting to see what is going to bloom next. I am sorry you suffered so with you cold hope you can enjoy the coming summer without and discomfort.
    Tig what is on the race curcuit for the summer for you and your hubby?
    Teel, you sound so busy and it great to be looking forward to a trip soon. I think the planning and dreaming about a vacation is enjoyable. I can hardly believe I just got back from one with all the events in my life since my return.
    If I have missed someone please forgive me.... I am going to be around now since I am hoping my life slows to a slower pace for a few weeks.
    Losing weight and facing the difficulties that come with it .... is much more bearable when friends like all of you are there to understand. I take such comfort just knowing when I got back....... here there all of you would be!
    Thanks for being great inspiring woman the help encourage each other!
    Many Blessings,
    Peace,
    Nae
    Reply
  •   #213  
    Hollyhock's AvatarHollyhock , 05-16-2005 08:40 AM
    Thank you for sharing your wisdom dear friends!!!!
    A new day, fresh start and a clear head!!!!!!!
    I had a short deep sleep last night. Woke up with a huge realization.
    If my aunt and parents have a problem with me from when I was a child and are still holding a grudge they really need to look to themselves. They obviously did not handle it effectively and certainly did not bring my failings to my attention or discipline me or teach me a better way to be. I have raised myself since I was 10 years old and I learned mostly through trial and error.I did okay as far as I am concerned.

    My weight is way down,228 again. I am feeling great and in control. Food has been good, easy actually. No snacking, no sweets.

    I do have a bit of an emotional hangover.
    Storytime today. A full house of kids(8). It is very tidy.Good place to start from.
    I did get the 2nd coat of paint on the stairs!!!! Feeling good about that.

    Love to you chicks!!
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  •   #214  
    MELODY525's AvatarMELODY525 , 05-16-2005 09:54 AM
    Holly~ I have only one aunt left now but even SHE has never recognized me as the adult I am. they always judged me by my youth and Gram spoiling me. so I was outspoken in some ways then that they didn't like. Well too bad.....that was then and this is NOW! ((((((HUGS)))))) sending you hugs for the woman you have become!

    Meadow~ Oreos of all things!!!When I crave things I like bakery stuff and cakes and candy. Bread and pasta. etc Hope the stress with these idiot builders lessens and then you can concentrate on yourself better. Trying to keep your mouth shut while injustices are going on is a tough thing. Especially when it's your family"s money!!! Hope it's all over soon. Remember that YOU are worth taking the time to get healthy and eat right!

    Happy~ You sound like you've been through the mill! Glad the visit with Mom was good and how did she like the house and area?! You and the DH were very nice to help her out but I agree with you about the kid. He needs a cuff along side HIS head!
    Hope you are feeling much better now too. good luck with getting a "re-start"! Hang in there and think Healthy Heart!!!

    YP~ Hope the cravings calm down and you didn't go down to the shop!! Hang in there.

    Shad~ did they not realize that there would have been no deadline if you didn't work the 50?!?!? WTF maybe they have no conception of the length of time things take......they just issue orders! I did come back earlier than expected but I missed you and the others after we got off the phone. just can't seem to stay away

    Nae~ Was wondering yesterday where all your posts were!!!
    Very nice idea of you to give that party. Mom and Andy must have been so pleased. Hope you find time now to get yourself going and a routine of sorts. That's what I'm trying to do now! Good to see you back!

    Teel~ I am soooooo jealous even more now cause you get to see the new house up close and personal too! Also glad to hear about the shelves and such so you can get full use of the cupboard now. I could use an airing cupboard too! Have fun with the decorating.

    Tig~ Are you chasing Slim down the beach?? I loved the fort idea and hope the Thugs enjoy themselves thoroughly. I always wanted one with my brother. Ever the Tomboy was I. always trying to prove friends, relatives and doctors wrong! Have a wonderful visit. And a new DIL to boot!! Good luck! Give her some marmalade to take home! l3:

    Linus and Bump~ Please take good care of yourself whilst moving!!! We all know how you can throw yourself into a task!!!
    aunt Fannie will be watching and clucking over you!

    Today I am cooking but simple stuff. Going to get back on plan and pre-package my meals again. Also makes it easier during the week.
    I start the back medicine on Wednesday. Hope there are no side effects! There is a list a mile long of them and also Do's and Don't's. This chronic backpain is going to take some getting used to. I said in my journal that "no wonder senior citizens get cranky"!!! Walking around like the Hunchback of Notre Dame all day.
    HEIGH HO IT'S OFF TO THE KITCHEN I GO!
    Have a wonderful day!
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  •   #215  
    Hollyhock's AvatarHollyhock , 05-16-2005 10:17 AM
    Mel~ it is soooo wonderful to have you posting!!! Thank you for your kind words. Actually thanks to ALL of you. I love and appreciate you very much.

    I just recieved an email from my sister. About once a week I email family to let them know what we all up too.None of them ever reply. I did email about being sad about the anniversary of Ben’s death.
    I am on a low dose anti depressant.
    This is just crazy to me...maybe I am crazy.
    Here it is!

    Hi,
    How’s it going? I have received some interesting information that struck close to home. I felt I needed to share it with you. I hope you use it to better educate yourself and don’t dismiss it.

    Someone had just recently been dignosed with having anxiety and being borderline clinically depressed. They were put on antidepressents. Unfortunatlly they were the wrong meds or they were miss diagnosed. The person ended up in the hospital on life support after trying to commit suicide.

    With doing further reseach I have discovered that this is a serious side effect of most antidepressents( mine being probally the highest ) I couldn’t remember the name of your medication so I couldn’t check it out. I hope you are still working in close contact with your doctor and trust his diagnose.

    I would being lying to you if I didn’t let you that a few of your group emails you have sent out have worried me.
    They sometimes are a little manic and I am concerned about your well being. I’m here to help and support you anyway that I can even if its just listening.

    Talk to you soon, have a good week with all the little monsters. Are you planning to come to the cottage at all this weekend?

    Tata for now
    B
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  •   #216  
    teel's Avatarteel , 05-16-2005 12:27 PM
    MEL its so good to see you back amongst us again!!! Take things easy and don't sit still for too long at any one time!!! Do post little and not too often!! We don't expect long epistles from you my dear!! I am pleased that you have managed to get out and about shopping again with Willy..he must be mightily relieved that you have put your trust in him again...poor chap!Good luck with the doctors whilst they are prodding and poking..hope they work out a good concoction of brilliant working meds for you very soon...

    Welcome to YP and congratulations to you on your brilliant loss so far...awesome!! Its so good to see someone else from the UK posting on this thread! I know we have Linus from Scotland but apart from that there was only me from the UK in the middle of a truly international group of posters...

    Hollyhock I am sorry to see from your post that you are struggling with life at this moment. It is very hard (from someone who truly knows!) to get out of the rut and the darkness when you are feeling just so miserable you cannot see any way out of the black pit you are finding yourself in. It needs time and patience from professional helpers and friends and relations too. Off-load all you need to on this thread...I am sure I speak for us all when I say that we are all behind you and will do all we can to help you in your time of need. I live with a chronic depression which boils up and over every so often and yes, I have spent time in a private psychiatric hospital...it took a lot of getting used to, with me being a qualified Mental Health Nurse and working for 10 years in psychiatry, to even admit that I was severely depressed and needed to be admitted, the first time I was in hospital for 18 weeks and then the next time for 4 weeks. I take anti-depressants even now and see my psychiatrist every 3 months.
    Well done on the weightloss, btw!!
    Please don't be scared to admit where you find yourself at the moment. Get all the help you need! There are some things a person needs help with and this illness is one of those times....

    Its 6 weeks 2 days till Scotland!!Hee hee can you tell I am excited yet?! It will be great to see Linus's new abode and to actually be able to sit IN her garden!!

    The builder is still here...I keep finding him things to do!! He is going to paint the garage door..I'm not sure what colour yet...and I have decided to get him to knock a hole in the back porch wall so it makes a new place for keeping my scooter. It will be so much easier to move it in and out and I will get far more use out of it. He will then decorate the whole new cupboard and re-fix the coat hooks and all will be nice and tidy. He is also going to lay new floor-tiles in the back porch and we will move the freezer so that will be a great opportunity to defrost it at long last!!! I have had the freezer 2 years and I haven't defrosted it yet!!!Ummmmm!!!!

    Shad I am sorry the job is being a pain in the proverbial...sometimes you must wonder why you bother slogging your guts out at all! The barbeque sounds absolutely scrumptious...give me enough warning when you plan the next one and I may just have to gatecrash!!! I'm not suprised the Camembert is still lurking in the fridge, now calling your name!! I do hope you get your insurance documents sorted out without too much fuss. Then as you say, you can get round to replacing the stolen goods and getting things back to normal..enjoying being in your garden amongst the roses and the veggies...

    Happy my friend Alan has just got a new job as a headmaster of a secondary school. He is a deputy head at the moment. I think he is excited but terrified as well! He starts in September. I don't know how many pupils the school has but I do know the swimming pool is being refurbished at the moment, along with the athletics field and the football pitch...(how do you refurbish a football pitch??) I'm not sure what you call the position in the States! Senior master??

    Roseblush lovely to see your post!! Take care untill we see you again!!

    Hellos to everyone else whether lurking or posting!!
    Reply
  •   #217  
    Hollyhock's AvatarHollyhock , 05-16-2005 02:39 PM
    Teel, Thank you so much for sharing your story. It touches my heart. I am well through the worst of it at this time but part of my healing has been about standing up for myself and others do not like it. I have done what I can to reach out ,there is nothing more. I am sad but okay with it. My husband and children and I are doing great!!!! My families I babysit for truly love me ,I love them. I have true and wonderful friends here and a few in "real life" . I am blessed and I know it!!! The journalling and threads have been a great gift to me. I cherish them.
    Reply
  •   #218  
    Tig's AvatarTig , 05-16-2005 10:20 PM
    We had a wonderful visit and the newest DDIL is wonderful. Lots of fun. The four of us went to DisneyWorld and rode all the rollercoasters and other fun and water rides. We also did a couple of days at the beach with only a teensy pinkish on the Maine relatives who returned home this morning.

    Rather than go to the race on Saturday, Slim and I ran in the neighborhood. I ran just shy of a 5K, but got the time in and worked on my technique. I'm trying to improve my pace. Our next race is May 28.

    The thugs come back again this coming weekend.

    I've been reading and lurking almost every day. Hugs to all who are struggling right now. And extra hugs to those who are overcoming the struggles!
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  •   #219  
    happy2bme's Avatarhappy2bme , 05-16-2005 11:59 PM
    Welcome back Nae and Teel and Mel -- Tig the lurker too! Thanks for the explanation about your friend Teel, I never would have figured it out without help, dumb as I am. Good to hear your plans for your mom's reception came out well Nae. Now just ease on down. Mel - are you getting your rest? Good thoughts to you? And Holly ... well all I can say is that sometimes people who care sure can't express themselves very well. I wouldn't put much into your sister's email. Thank her for her concern and respect the memory of your dear friend Ben. Sometimes we lose people in our lives and no amount of time or antidepressants can ease our tears. You are not crazy, if you are than I am too and ... well... geez sometimes that just makes me and you more fun, eh? Maybe that's why the little kids like us

    Shad, I ALMOST can't believe that about the time sheet. Almost but I do. When did the working world get so crazy? I am very frustrated with my job too. How do they even expect that one person could handle so much? What happened to the "we believe in the importance of life balance... - just a bunch of hogwash". I tell you, it just brings down the whole attitude.

    Ok, I'm going to bed. 5 deep breaths and maybe I can sleep through the night and face another route of seismic challenges in the morning... Night chickies...
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  •   #220  
    mooz49's Avatarmooz49 , 05-17-2005 04:11 AM

    Hi chicks ....... just dropping by quickly as I sometimes do to check on what you gals are getting up to! Sending to all who need them …….. it seems we all need them at sometime or other ……….


    Give your attention

    Is there something in your life that you would like to make stronger? Then give more of your attention to it.
    Have you come across a tiny shred of goodness in a situation that is otherwise filled with despair? Give your attention to that small goodness, and it will grow more influential.

    Continue giving your attention to what is positive, and it will grow even more positive. Give your attention to what works, to what creates real value, and the value that is produced will increase.

    Those who fail have usually given too much attention to the negative aspects of their efforts. All that attention has given those negative influences more and more power, to the point where they can be completely overwhelming.

    Those who succeed, on the other hand, have given the bulk of their attention to the positive possibilities. And that attention has brought those possibilities to life.

    Become aware of, and choose carefully, the things to which you give your attention. For where you place your attention is where your life will grow.

    -- Ralph Marston



    Posting a photograph of bluebells that Paul took on Saturday at Glenariffe Forest (remember it Shad?) which I think are very pretty ..........

    Have a great day all.


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  •   #221  
    Shad's AvatarShad , 05-17-2005 06:49 AM
    Anne, great to see you. I was wondering where you had got to around the site, haven't seen much of you for ages. Actually I was thinking about sending you an e-mail just to keep in touch. May still do so. Thanks for the bluebells in Glenariffe - yes I really remember that place. Time to come back for another walk down and up all those steps I think. Maybe next year.

    Happy, so many people frustrated and unhappy people in the workplace. My man from the ministry has been quizzing me on Technical writing over the past couple of days. He is thinking ahead and has found that he doesn't want to go back to the days of old and is thinking of the next thing. Good for him, he is around late thirties I guess and coming to the conclusion that the project work is getting him out of a rut and into some other way of life. Mind you he will get a bit of a fright out in the wide, wide world away from the cushioning the Government gives.

    Tig - sounds like a great time was had by all. Glad you got on well with the DIL. The thugs sound perfectly normal to me.

    Hugs for Holly - hope you come to peace you deserve soon. Teel's story is an unusual one. You have to admire her for having the courage to tell it. I know she was very down to it a while back. It's good to have her back and smiling.

    Nae - so good to have you back and chatting again. Sounds like you have been a busy little bee. How nice to put on a reception for your Mum. What a lovely person you are.

    YP - where did you get to today? Did the cravings get the better of you and have run away with you?

    Mel, hello friend. It's so good to see you back.

    Nothing much happening today. DS2 is getting all the bits and pieces ready for the wee man who is coming to service my car over the weekend and I have had to find the paperwork for him. I've cleaned the bath and loo since I got home but thats about my day.

    My bedtime cuppa is ready so off I go and will soon be in the land of nod.
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  •   #222  
    happy2bme's Avatarhappy2bme , 05-17-2005 07:25 AM
    Hi Mooz thanks for the quote and the lovely pic. Will try to focus on the positive today...

    Am going on a facility tour tomorrow. Have to be at the meeting point at 7am - from there another 2 hours by car to the box plant. I'll be keeping Shad's hours - up way before the sun and the birds. Not too easy for a night owl like me. I'd snooze in the car on the way up if I didn't snore so loud and scare my coworkers So it's going to be a very early to bed night tonight.

    Hope you all have a good day!
    Reply
  •   #223  
    Roseblush's AvatarRoseblush , 05-17-2005 08:25 AM
    morning
    Hello, hope everyone is fine to day. The rain has been so great the last few days maybe we can avoid some fire damage this year with the moisture. I finally got around to getting my tomato starts in pots on the deck but I have tons of other seeds to get going..... I am more of a container gardener here in the wilderness and sage brush country I live in.
    My big effort is to try to drink more water during the day at work...so I have a nice bottle not too big at my desk. I am constantly trying to get my patients to drink more. The old pratice what you preach theory going into action. I have my bike fixed now and am going to take it with me to work in my van so that I can find some flat roads after work for a little spin when the rain stops..... my hill is tooooooo steep for me at this age but there are nice country roads around the office. So more water and more exercise for this week.
    I need to also concentrate on the time right after work...not just come straight home ..... do some decompressing ...... it is the danger time for eating stupid stuff and not really thinking about it......
    Loved the pics that mooz posted....oh my heart was like you need to walk that forest someday! So many places I want to see and hills to hike.
    Hope everyone has a great day and lets work toward the goals we set before us....but just simple things......
    Take care everyone....
    Blessings,
    nae
    Reply
  •   #224  
    teel's Avatarteel , 05-17-2005 09:18 AM
    Good afternoon all...
    Its cold here today and not like the warm spring weather we have been having over the past few days...

    The builder has finished laying the floor tiles in the "new room!" They look very good and I think Holly approves as she has walked over them a few times now, although I think they are a bit slippery for her especially if she is running...she tends to skid the last few feet and come to an abrupt halt at the wall at the end!!! He will be back on Monday to start knocking a big hole through the interior wall...I'll take some photos when all is finished so you know what I'm going on about!

    I'm going to see the parents tomorrow to take them their overdue birthday presents...well, dad's birthday was on Friday and mum's is on Sunday. My good neighbour is driving me over for the day...dad knows but I've told him to keep it a secret from mum so it SHOULD be a nice suprise for her!!

    Mooz, lovely to see you visiting our madcap home! Thats a beautiful photo of the bluebells.

    Hollyhock how are you today, sweets?

    YP, have you gone into hiding? Have we scared you off with us being too crazy on this thread? I hope you post soon and let us know how things are going up in your kneck of the woods.

    Roseblush thank you for my p.m. It was lovely of you to say such nice things!

    Happy I hope the tour goes alright tomorrow. Thats an awfully early hour you have to start off.

    Mel how are you? Are you coping and not doing too much? I knw what you are like!!!

    Hello to Linus when ever you manage to lurk in. Hope you are feeeling much better than of late and are excited by the impending house move...I cannot wait to see it!!!

    Roseblush, my favourite bottled water is Evian...I hate the taste of the tap water so if I am on a water-drinking challenge I have to buy bottles of Evian and make sure I keep it in the fridge! Warm water is an absolute no-no as far as I am concerned!!

    My friend Edwina should be discharged from the orthopaedic ward either today or tomorrow following her total knee replacement last Friday. I have visited her ever day or evening as she is rather short on visitors visiting!! And I know how boring it can be sitting in a hospital watching everyone else's friends and family arriving with the statutory grapes and flowers.....I took her flowers and a packet of peanuts....

    Shad, have you finished the left-overs from the barbeque yet or are you still finding 101 things to do with lamb?

    Hellos to anyone I have missed...quite unintentionally, I do assure yo!!
    Bye for now...take care...be back soon I hope
    Reply
  •   #225  
    Hollyhock's AvatarHollyhock , 05-17-2005 09:24 AM
    Well, that spoke to me Mooz! Thanks!
    Life goes on.......
    I had a meeting at the school at 7 last night with our new principal about the handbook and then scooted to the church for a congregational meeting. We are sorting out some communication issues. Setting up a person to connect with who will connect with the minister.It might end up being me with a team.
    Out of the blue after the meeting my co SS person, started talking about what a loving and patient parent I am and how lucky my son is to have me for a parent.She said it bring tears to her eyes to see how much work I put into keeping him grounded and connected and happy. She went on to tell me how much my home reflects how much I love my husband and children and how it is like walking into a warm hug when you come in the door, it is an oasis of love.
    My heart needed that!

    My daughter was up sick to her tummy from 1am on. I am tired. Lots of thinking time. DH and I were up late talking too. He said all the right things.He “gets” me. That’s a good thing, lol, cause he is stuck with me. We really connected.
    I wrote my Grandma a card and mailed it,telling her how much she means to me and how much I love her. I put her pic on my desktop on the computer to remind me of what matters.
    I blocked the other’s email and IM.
    There is a layer of sadness but not pain.
    4 kids today, including DD( should be in school). She just woke up and is laying on the couch.
    I really didn’t eat yesterday. Some fruit and crackers, lots of water and tea( chamomile). Unusual because I eat a lot when I am sorting through big emotions. Maybe it is really shifting.

    My love to you glorious women.
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