My Cuties!!
 

Shad~ it is like a mexican salsa with tomatoes,pepper, jalapenos, onion, garlic, I can it in sealer jars. I like to cook in down for the flavours to meld and to reduce the liquid. My house smells devine right now.

I have the cutest pic of DD( age 5) and DS (age 6 3/4) and me from the Princess Bday party last Sunday for DD.

Challenge is off to a good start 2 out of 2 days. We walked in the woods yesterday at my uncles and today when I got home I climbed on the exercise bike and did 45 minutes. My aunt has been fixing food that I can eat so that makes it easier. Today there were a few more carbs than I wanted to eat, but they are both diabetic so I knew it was healthy. This is the aunt who is a dietician. Maybe I've been to hard on myself. Church was goodthis morning. Wish I could go there Sunday and Wednesday evenings.

LindaT. Hello hope you will stay. I just didn't have enough time to journal, besides I wasn't for sure who was reading it. And I talked about work alot. Your kitten is so cute.

Happy--That's nice to know about the email. That may have been the reason they kept returning. Those are the pictures!!!!!!!!

Painter Woman--I agree with the others about not being so hard on yourself. Do what you can.

Mel--Was that you making gobble (turkey) noises in the woods yesterday? :rofl:

Shad-- Would you come here and do the flylady thing for me? Those 2 extra working days have me behind. Guess I should at least turn on the diswasher.

Holly--Glad you enjoyed the fair. There is to many things at our fair that would set off my allergies.

Hello to Roseblush, Meadow, Teel and Linus (if you are lurking) :wave:

Recipe for Tomato Salsa
1. Ingredients:
7 quarts peeled, cored, chopped tomatoes
4 cups seeded, chopped long green chiles
5 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped, seeded, jalapeños
3 tablespoons oregano leaves*
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro*
2 cups bottled lemon juice
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons ground cumin*

Directions:
Combine all ingredients (*except cumin, oregano, and cilantro) in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
Add spices and simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Ladle hot salsa into pint jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
Adjust lids and process in a boiling water canner: 15 minutes at 0-1,000 feet altitude; 20 minutes at 1,001-6,000 feet, 25 minutes above 6,000 feet.

Little CJ
 

From Linus - via Mel.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...JStewart3a.jpg

and

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...JStewart2a.jpg

Back later with the other two.

CJ x 2
 

Oh poop, do it now before lunch.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...JStewart1a.jpg

Little CJ
 

And


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...CJStewarta.jpg

Is he adorable or what????

Thank you so much Linus via Mel via Shad for the pictures. What a cutie patootie! :bb:

Holly, can you do a bigger size pic of your bunch? That one's too small - can't see it very well.

Day 3 done for the challenge. Walked all over shopping and delivering newletters. Got more than my water in - will be a restless night - too much water but I was thirsty.

Good thing my challenge wasn't related to food. I remembered at 8pm I was supposed to make cookies for one of the girls at work tomorrow. It's her 30th birthday - a milestone birthday and she's a contractor and this is her last week so a celebration is in order. DH wanted oatmeal raisin cookies and I owed him a favor so I cooked up a batch. Smelled sooo good. The smell of cinnamon is divine! And I made the dreaded :cookie: too. I did well, only ate the equivalent of 2 cookies worth of raw dough. Samonella you say, hey toss caution to the wind foolish girl! :nono: Every bit worth it though. :T

Otherwise eating was good. We went out to dinner, I had roast beef, veggie salad and a bit of mashed potatoes. Oh wait, we did have a burger for lunch :o Good thing this current challenge is not about food. As you can see I would have a devil of a time doing South Beach unless I employed lots of :tape: and a liquid diet.

Well past my bedtime and I have to get up early with the chickens tomorrow. Night all, don't work too hard Shad...

Chance would be a fine thing - work hard :rofl: :rofl: And here I was thinking I was here to have fun.

Nearly home time for me. 55mins and counting.

EEE! I want to hold him and smell him! I have a huge grin on my face and tears in my eyes, how precious is he? Sniff, he looks so good and healthy and wonderful. Thanks to the picture fairies ;)

I did my WATP today, drank lots of water and the kids drove me crazy. Having two little ones doing your routine with you is stressful, did you know that? All the "look at me" and arguing about space. :yikes: I mowed the lawn yesterday, got 3/4 of the way through and it started to rain. I didn't stop, just mowed the last bit and got soaking wet. I suspect myself of being stubborn :p I wasn't going to let some old weather pattern make me have to get out there another day! :devil:

Happy-thanks for the moisturizer advice, I will look at the drugstore

Holly-I don't have an Avon rep here so can't explore your moisturizer option but thanks. I guess you are busy cleaning for the cleaner you have coming to your house tomorrow :p You pic of the family looks great! You all look like you just stepped out of a film.

Rose-aw, fawns in the dewy grass I can picture it :) Good luck taking your vitamins, remember "with" food now ;)

Mel-so you are in the office? how is it going? Breathe. Deligate. Back away from the cookies :lol3: Don't allow there to be any stress, if you feel it sneaking across your shoulders, go outside and take a break. Five minutes away will give you renewed energy :^: Don't allow the regulars to lurk too long in the office, with there, "could you just..." too much of that and you will be down for the count.

Shad-yeah, isn't gardening like painting? Such a joy to get dirty and plant stuff and nurture the little seedlings. My garden would be gravel and pavers and urns too if I had the money, I love those places where there are little hidden corners of beauty everywhere.

LindaT-oh, you use paintshop? Me too. I usually am working on Antonio Banderas stuff myself, even put a kitty into a pic with him once :p Welcome, I hope you enjoy the company:) My latest example of Antonio messing ;) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ca/ab-fall.jpg

Ceejay-45 minutes on the bike! your poor tushie! Way to go though:)

Painterwoman-we all keep stumbling towards success. I have been here since last January trying to get the connection and balance right. Hang in there :)

Teel-thinking about you, thanks for sending the pic to Mel, who sent it to Shad, who posted it here of our new little world nephew :D Be well!

:wave: hello out there in the world, you are looking marvelous!

Day 3 is finished.

And so am I for the time being.
Food :D
Water :D
Exercise :D
Portions :D
lo carb :)

Later, gator

G'morning chickies :coffee:
As predicted I had a terrible sleep last night. Woke up every hour. I also hurt like the dickens too. Must have been the sugar in those cookies I ate. Going to be a long day :yawn: :yawn: :yawn:

Meadow, I understand the feeling of "I'm not giving up" - many a time I was chasing the sun mowing and finished up the yard work with it being rather dark. :lol: At least your hair should be nice & soft - what is it about rain water that makes your hair nice and soft when you get doused yet makes your sheets stiff as a board if you leave them outside in a rain storm? :?: Does anyone hang clothes outside anymore? DH won't let me but when mom came last week she insisted on hanging her bras outside to flap in the wind - the very day I had the girls from work over for lunch. Fixed her tho, ran around with the bra on my head - chin strap, head protector, ear warmers :rofl: Good thing my yard is very secluded :crazy:

Today is my sister's birthday. Happy birthday little sister :woo:

I am off to the showers. Day 4 in progress. I WILL get to the office a little early today. I will NOT eat any more cookies. Well maybe 1 but that's it. I will deliver the newsletters for the elderly lady's route just around the corner and I do so hope the lady who has 43 to deliver calls me back (she not only lives on a long stretch but a hilly one too and we are getting a last blast of hot weather right now :stress: ) Bad enough I have to write the things, I'm not delivering 170 of them too.

Sleep well Shad. :coffee2: WAKE UP to the rest of you - except little CJ of course. :sssh:

Bless his wee heart and all the other parts of him/. There is nothing better ever than a new baby. I am weeping right beside Meadow.
I can even smell him. Welcome little CJ!

Howl the @#$% did it get to be 1 pm? I was up at 6, made non sugar/low fat mocha mix for DH to take to work, then did 15 min of stationery bike... then sat down to listen to news about WOMAN supreme court nominee and promptly fell asleep until about 20 minutes ago. :o :faint:

Good grief.
Wrote down food
Water OK
Exercise done (even if the exercise was half-a**ed, I'm not!!)
So, Days 2 and 3 OK.

DD want's to plan on the 3day 60 mile walk NEXT September. I might say yes. Perhaps I am officially deranged.

I'm trying to get through emails relatively fast... so my apologies for not replying individually to y'all... but thanks for your good wishes, and please know that I did read every word. I need to make a list of who belongs to which situations. I LOVED the baby pictures. All boy that one!

Hugs and Kisses to all.

I HAVEN'T READ ANY POSTS. THE WEEK GOT OFF TO A BAD START IN THE OFFICE BUT I KEPT TO MY PLAN AND EARNED MYSELF ANOTHER DAY OF THE 21!!! THAT MAKES 3!!!!
JOHN LEFT A LOT OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND IT NEEDED BEING DONE AND I ALSO GOT MY NEW STOVE AND MY SHELVES SCREWED BACK ON! SO ALL WAS NOT LOST. THE MEN WERE TIRED AND PROBABLY GLAD WHEN 4 O'CLOCK CAME SO THEY COULD RUN OUT THE DOOR! LOL IF THE WHOLE WEEK IS LIKE THIS, I WILL SEE YOU ON THE WEEKEND. THERE IS NO WAY I CAN DO IT ALL.
SENDING LOVE :love:TO YOU ALL AND SEE YOU THEN.

PS LINUS AND CJ SEND THEIR LOVE AND SHE GOT MY PARCEL. EVERYTHING IS GOING OK OVER THE OTHER SIDE OF THE POND BUT SHE IS JUST GETTING USED TO A NEW ROUTINE WITH CJ. :bb:

ok one last post.
SHAD~ I TRIED TO GET THEM TO DO YOUR BATHROOM BUT WE RAN OUT OF TIME TODAY! LOL THE PICS ARE GORGEOUS AND THANKS SO MUCH. I JUST COULD NOT GET THEM HERE!!! LOL NICE GARDEN IDEAS BUT THE COST!!! YIKES!!!

HOLLY YOU SALSA MAKING FOOL. GUESS THE HOUSE IS OK CAUSE I GOT THE PICTURE!!! HOW CUT MYOU ALL ARE! THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING!

CEEJAY YOU DID SOME NICE EXERCISING AND YES IT WAS ME....GOBBLE! GOBBLE!!!

HAPPY PLEASE SEND ME THE SAMONELLA RECIPE CAUSE I CAN THINK OF A FEW PEOPLE I COULD MAKE THOSE COOKIES FOR :rofl:

PAINTER~ SENDING YOU HUGS AND KISSES BACK!!! GOOD FOR YOU WITH THE OP DAYS!!

MEADOW I CRIED HERE TOO WHEN I GOT THEM. COULD HARDLY SEE TO TYPE AND ASK SHAD FOR THE FAVOR AND SEND THEM TO HER! LOL NICE MOWING JOB! :rain:

LINDA YOU BET YOUR BUTT THAT I'LL COME AND RUN YOU DOWN. I'M WORKING ON HOTCUPOJAVA FOR A LONG TIME NOW. MAYBE I SHOULD THREATEN TO RUN HER BUTT DOWN TOO!!!:moped:

MEADOW THANKS FOR THE ADVICE AND I WAS OUTSIDE FROM TIME TO TIME BUT DIDN'T THINK TO MAKE IT PART OF THE DAY, EVERY DAY. GREAT IDEA CAUSE I WAS CALMER THERE! LOL
I FORGOT MTO SAY THAT ABOVE! LOL
OK THIS TIME I AM REALLY OUT OF HERE. SHOWER AND BED ARE CALLING TO ME :scooter:

You are adorable little CJ. Linus get some rest.

Doing good on the challenge so far this is day 3. I'm usually good for a 7 day challenge so maybe I can break this one down into 3 7 days.

Happy--Your story about your mom and her bra still has me laughing.

PainterWoman looks like you are getting into the swing of this challenge. Keep going.

Mel don't work those men so hard. Did you borrow Linda's cattle prod when you went back to work.

Hello to Shad, Linda, Holly Rose, Meadow. :wave:

Day 4 - get it Shad??? Now you don't have to go looking, looking, looking!!!
 

Day 4 has bitten the dust. Between the other challenge and this one, I'm getting confused!.

Didn't get onto the forum this morning. Lots of other things to do. Thought I better work hard since I was leaving early to go pick up some Yen and then get an International Drivers licence. Seems you can't drive in Japan without one. I have driven in the States, Aus, NZ, England, Ireland North and South, Scotland and in Samoa, and no one has ever asked for an international drivers licence. So I am now $29.95 lighter in the pocket and to top it off, I have to take my regular licence with me as well. Hmmmmmmm okay. I'll be good. Then picked up the puss cats special biscuits and drove home, did a couple of loads of washing (where does it come from?) and made dinner. In this case only a couple of eggs. I wasn't all that hungry and couldn't be bothered cooking or defrosting. I now need to get to the dishes and make tomorrows lunch. No early morning tomorrow, I have weights to do and I do those after work. It's the cardio stuff I find I have to get out of the way first thing or it doesn't always get done. Painter - don't ever worry about half a**ed exercise. Exercise is exercise and somedays are just not as good as others. This morning for example I couldn't get past level 8 on the stepper. Normally I am at 10 or 11. But today, the breathing was bad, thanks sinus', and I just barely got through it as it was. The Elliptical and the treadmill on the other hand were a breeze. The cycle as always remains my bete noir.

Plenty of action on the thread today by the look of it.

Ceejay - keep it going on the exercise and stuff. 3 x 7 days for the challenge is fine. Whatever floats your boat as long as you just keep on keeping on.

Mel the magnificent - those poor men. You have probably made them work harder than they have in the last year. Hope they all come back tomorrow. Keep on trucking sis, but don't overdo it. You can yell from the living room you know.

Painter - 3 days 60 miles - ye gods. You better keep up the exercise because you are going to need to be reasonably fit to walk those distances. It takes me 10 minutes to walk a kilometre at a good speed, that would be 15 mins per mile walking at 6.6kph on the treadmill. That will work up a sweat within the ten minutes. Therefore count on at least 5 hours per day of fast walking. Deranged - well maybe :crazy: :crazy: anyway.

Oh come on Holly and Meadow. Tears!!!! Okay, you too must be the MOST maternal people I have ever met - well you know what I mean.

Happy, 170 newsletters. Hope there is plenty of help to be had. Is it a scintillating scandal ridden gossip mongering tabloid??? Sorry about the bad sleep, but those salmonella cookies will do that to you.

Gotta go. It's time for the lunch, the dishes and a bit of mindless tv.

Good morning ladies.

Day 4 completed. Barely. The challenge brings it right into my face that I must be diligently mindful of even the most minimal of efforts. Yesterday I did get a load of wash done, hemmed 2 pairs of pants while watching TV, dropped off most of the remaining newsletters to other volunteers to distribute (I only have 21 to deliver myself now), went to the chiropractor and tidied up the kitchen. So all was not lost. The days and mostly nights fly by quickly. I need to get back into turning off the TV and making lists to get things done.

Shad, sounds like Japan has found a way to garner more money from tourists with the license thing. Bah. With all those people can you even drive out there? Can't recall seeing cars, just crowded city streets tho I guess there is a country area somewhere out there. I need to respond to your note, it was good hearing about some things in greater detail.

Ceejay I agree with Shad, 7 day challenges or 21, whatever keeps one foot in front of the other, just keep doing it!

Mel, while you're whipping those people into shape down in maintenance, remember that the slave driver does not work as hard as the slaves :rofl: Don't burn yourself out now, hear? Are your leaves turning yet? Never been to a New England autumn, need to do that one day. And we will someday show Shad the Manhattan skyline from your park.

Painter, WALKING 60 miles? :yikes: I can't even fathom. Sounds like a good and aggresive goal to get to. Good luck, I would be in awe of you. Of course that's one of those things you think at the onset you could NEVER do and then what a mighty accomplishment when you find out you can...

Time to pop in the shower. I did not get to work as early as planned - where does the time go? :dizzy: Another opportunity to try again today as I need to leave early for doctors appointments. Have a great day everyone, I'll try to catch up with those I missed later on...

Good morning!
I KNOW this will sound weird but I think I am lazy. I went to bed last night feeling lazy and unaccomplished. ( sounds like Happy is in the same mode)
For a reality check I started telling myself everything I did yesterday. The list is HUGE.
This is why I post. To keep perspective.I was only thinking of what didn’t get done. I watched TV from 9-10 and then read til 10:30 and went to sleep.I felt guilty about spending an hour online here yesterday morning.

Thing is. I dont have any close friends in real life. I dont have a social life. I dont have a girl friend.My best friends are here. The people who seem to really like me and know me are here.
I need to have something in my life besides kids and housework.
There is just so much to do and I run out of time. When I take time for myself I feel bad about what doesn’t get done.
It makes me sad that I had to hire cleaners to fall clean my kitchen. Yes, I used Avon bonus $$.
Why is life so expensive that we need to work so much. Then it comes back to choices. I could have a “career” job and probably earn $60K a year. Then I wouldn’t be here for my family.Hubby is a carpenter. The $$ is not great. He works fulltime. He does help a bit around the house.He works a 11 hour day of hard labour. He thinks I am nuts for doing housework at 10pm. Thing is, who is going to do it?
AND it is never done.
I have filing and paperwork to do too.For both sitting and Avon.
I still need to can the salsa.
I need to eat mindfuly and exercise more.
I need to call the media guy.
I need to nurture myself.
I need to be tougher on my 5 YO boys here. They were wild and destructive yesterday. It takes a LOT of energy to keep them under wraps.

Kidshave arrived. DS needs to get ready for school. OH, he will have hockey practise every freakin Monday from 4:30-6. WHAT!!!!! Stupid. His coach picked him up from school. 2 mom’s were late getting their kids here. I took 1 with me and raced to the rink at 6. DS was starving and exhausted.

6 kids today. NO PLANS tonight but delivering Avon books. the kids will help. They LOVE to help. They will each pick 1 thing from the catologue at Christmas for helping.


HUGS!!

Good Morning
 

Well I have lasted so far on the challenge too. Little goals but success! Oh my gosh CJ is the cutest...and I two was dewey eyed and just wanting smell him and cuddle androck away an afternoon..... It dawned on me that my dad was a CJ also.... OH Linus take good care of yourself and let us know about the wee one when you are able.
My little lost dog came back but this time the owners actually came to the door and saw him just so happy and contented sitting on my porch. They breed the little oneeyed homey guy so no getting him fixed any time soon.
I took back 3 of the goldfish that have grown too big to the pet store and exchanged for a male guppy to keep my female happy. I left one goldfish the smaller one in there so the turtles would know they still have food if desparate times should arrive. The new batch of guppies have survived to the 5th day so far.....they really have a challenge going on!!!!!!!
Mel, hope you are giving orders with a smile and your cheery dispostition..... heaven help them!
Shad soon to be the world traveller I am so jealous!
We are a busy busy bunch these days and if I don't get that **** newsletter done I am going to lose what is left of my mind......urgh!
Take care everyone!
Blessings,
Nae

Holly you are the master of everyday improvisation ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ng-dervish.jpg

I certainly don't feel lazy and unaccomplished. I am gone 10 hours a day at a very intense and demanding job. I wish there were fairies who would come in the night and take care of things or that I could wriggle my nose and things would be done snap, snap but it hasn't happened yet. :lol: DH does help around the house and I am grateful for what he does but we have a general agreement that he does the outside and I do the inside and he has plenty to keep him busy on his side. Not sure I'd want to swap with him if I could.

My comment was more related to the fact that I realize that with diet and exercise it is too easy to just make all kinds of excuses. They are legitimate things that take up my time but they are in brutal reality, excuses. And excuses don't reduce the dress size any. Excuses don't get you healthy. I'm as busy as the next person and they find time in their day so there's no reason I shouldn't either. Unless of course I'm content to always be what I always am, just whining, never changing. And quite frankly, I'm tired of listening to myself whine, tired of seeing the seasons change and I'm in the same place as I was last week, last month, last year.

And with that I bagged up the last of the cookies to give to a friend I'm meeting for lunch tomorrow. Had lunch with the girls at work - great turkey meatloaf one of my buddies made, I brought the salad and veggies. I'm just about to finish my 2nd bottle of water and it's still early in the day. Will be walking the neighborhood delivering the last of the newletters after work and might just get in some work with the stretchy rubber bands tonight as I watch the Biggest Loser show.

Happy~ I didn't intend to imply you were feeling lazy and unaccomplished. I meant about the list and everything there is to do in a day with work and home and our health,diet and exercise.I was commiserating about what you wrote in your post.

I dont really think I am that way either but that is how how felt at the end of the day yesterday. I realize it was not realistic.

Anyhow, wishing you the change and fulfilment you are seeking.

Meadow~thanks! LOVE the pic!!

Holly guess I'm just saying that you have to rethink how you look at things. Maybe you should go by yourself to deliver Avon books to get a little quiet time for yourself. Heaven knows after a long day with kids you could probably understand the pleasure of 10 minutes of solitude. That way you work in some exercise and get a bit of quiet time.

And let go of the guilt of not getting everything done. That's a hard one to let go - almost as hard as giving up carbs (I know that one too well from both sides). I'm sure it's tough to schedule time for DH to help out when he works a sometimes erratic schedule. You have to decide what's priorities and those are the things that get done first. If there's left over time, they get done and if they don't well there's always tomorrow and if they don't get done 3 days later and no one is dead and the lights and heat are still on, well maybe it wasn't worth fretting about in the first place, you know?

Morning all,

Holly, the vast majority of us are awfully busy these days. It just feels like there isn't enough hours in a day. :crazy: :crazy: Happy has learnt to appreciate what she has done, and grieves that she hasn't done enough - well me too. And I can remember the days when I felt as you do, that it doesn't matter how much I did, nothing seems to be done! That's life at home with kids. In addition I had a DH who used to 'wonder' out loud what I did with my day! So one day I didn't do any of it! It was all still there looking at me the next day. The wondering also abated somewhat. It's a horrible couple of words but routine and organisation is what did it for me. Certain jobs on certain days and guess what? I learned the art of it from my MIL. Bless her cotton socks. I'm sure you are not completely friendless, however there are days when that sometimes seems true and it is fairly obvious you are looking for and need adult company - all those kids must wear one out somewhat. Chin up - it doesn't last forever, and if you keep on with the Avon stuff and work at it as you seem to, you may be able to bring in cleaning help once a month or so to do all the hard stuff. It's worth thinking about. I'm sure Happy hasn't taken offence - she's not like that, but she does ensure her point of view is expressed and good on her for that. We all know where we stand when people let us know how they feel.
One of the interesting things about writing and 'talking' to people from all over the world is the variety of expressions and meanings and how many different people can take things different ways. Sometimes I shake my head in wonderment. What one person may say can have a completely different meaning to others. Take the Kiwis and the Aussies for example. If a thing is Mickey Mouse in NZ - it is viewed with suspicion, not quite kosher or genuine - a bit of a worry. In Australia, Mickey Mouse is taken to mean all things happy and bright - I was going to say gay there but not any more - it's a good happening. So you can imagine that we can get ourselves into some odd arguments and conversations going nowhere just by talking among ourselves. I venture to bet there will be like comparisions between the States and Canada. Probably even from province to province and state to state.

Meadow - wonderful graphics. Holly the Avon lady floating about her business. Lovely colours. Thank you.

Rose - good to hear from you. Challenge is going well - atta girl. Keep it up. Are you into newsletters too?? Maybe you and Happy should pound the pavements together delivering the mail - a bell and a shout and you could be the town cryers just like in the old country. Hear ye, hear ye. Or in local parlance - hear youse this!
That wee guy obviously likes it at your place. He feels at home there. Poor little chap is obviously not getting what he needs at home. Maybe he doesn't like the feeling of only kept around for stud purposes!!!! (A new twist on you only want me for my body!!!!)

Happy - being minimal - this is a real chore for me - those portions. I just can not look at it and say that is about right. My eyes obviously do not measure weight well at all. I can look at a line and say it is straight or not, I can measure distances by eye and be pretty spot on, but weight no way. Portion control is my hardest trial.

No Mel this morning - aahh well she did say that she was wearing out fast and warned us she wouldn't be back till the weekend.

The international drivers licence is not Japanese. I was reading through the book last night and there are several countries which require one of these things. All they really are is a 3 fold brochure, which contains your photo, explains the limitations of your drivers licence in about 10 different languages and is an extension of your own licence. It comes with a little booklet which explains which countries embrace international signs and what they are, what side of the road they drive on, where the Automobile clubs that participate in the international driving scene are. Quite handy. It also warns of some bizarre rules - such as in some parts of rural Asia, if you run over someone!!!! make sure they are dead!!! Hello?? apparently some folk are so poor they send out the old folk to get run over and claim compensation for their injuries. They don't want them dead, they only want them injured. Remind me not to drive in 3rd world countries. Approximately 2/5ths of the countries of the world drive on the left and the 3/5 on the right. Japan drives on the left and so does India - that was a surprise. Not Japan I knew that, but India. Must be the influence of the British Raj. Most other countries in that area drive on the right!! Africa is left, Europe is right. There you go, trivia for the day. Picked up my money too. Now all I need is the ticket (Thursday night) and I am ready to roll. Chris tells me we are going to explore Nagoya and surrounds, do a tour of the Toyota factory (you get to see the cars being made mostly by robot and then get to see all the fancy models in the showroom and sit in them etc.), make some pottery and decorate it, maybe a tour of the Noritake factory (we did Wedgewood and Waterford in Ireland). We are going to a shrine, castle and garden as well. Oh yes and we have to go to a speech competition because one of the students from the school is participating. While she is at school, I can take the car and go looking for autumn colour. It all depends on how well she is and how much she can do. Only 22 days left to wait.

Gotta go and strike a blow for the working person.

:chin: hmmm for some reason I can't see Meadow's pic, just the box with the big ole red x.

What a chatty bunch this morning? I like it. I've had a busy day at work and it's still not finished. Maybe tomorrow it will be. Don't know why but sometimes I think Tim thinks I have more than 2 hands. On top of all the paper work that Tim has piled on me I've done some major cleaning today. I had to have a break from this computer.

Training Lisa is a little slow. She can't grasp the full potential of what she is doing. Still a bunch of mistakes is being made. This is what Tim wants this is what Tim gets. He thought it could be learned in a day's time. Maybe it's me and not showing her correctly. She's going to be in for a big surprise tonight. There is the end of the month filing that has to be done. At least it's keeping her busy and out of Tim's hair. She thought she was ready for another report, but she isn't. If this one get's her I'm not sure what she would do with the soil conservation. I'm beginning to see a slight change in her attitude so maybe she will buckle down and get her confidence. I feel like a teacher grading papers.

Hello to every one and have a good day.

Actually I dont really have any close friends. I have former friends i used to be close to but dont have anything in common with now, we talk once a year. I have newer acquaintances whom I really like but we are not close. I do not have a close girlfriend except for the friends I have online at 3fc, my SIL and an old workmate, all online.
I dont feel bad about it I made these choices. What I felt bad about was spending a whole hour online yesterday ,with many other things to do. But it is what I needed and wanted on a personal level. So, I did choose what was right for me but it meant going to bed with mess all around me.
I do have a routine and i am very organized. It is never ending because I work at home. I am looking forward to next Sept,LOL. A whole year from now, when 4 of these kids will be in school fulltime. My load will lighten up radically. i never thought the Avon would take off like it did but I am not foolish enough not to ride this wave and do the necessary work to give myself more freedom in the future.

I take the kids with me because I deliver books on rural routes. They sit in the passenger side and stuff mailboxes. i drive. i also think it is important for them to "work" and give their time to the business that enables them to do extra things.

I volunteer because it matters to me to do what I can in my own small way to improve or maintain the quality and goodness in the world around me.I am very blessed to live where and when I do really. I dont ever want to take it for granted. If no one cares or helps out where would I/we all end up.I start with myself , help guide my children, give time to the school and church...it is what feels right to me.

I have considered that I may hire the cleaners once a month for a big clean to the new year. DH will start to miss work then because of weather and be home more.His days will be 12 hour ones til then.

I do let things go.And I say no to lots too.

I do wonder about the busyness of our world because I know it is not just me or because I am home with kids.

Anyhow, tomorrow will be a lighter day with the afternoon off from kids.I am baking pumpkin pies for a fundraiser for ye olde town hall in the morning. I accomplished many things from todays list and feel on top it all.
I am very looking forward to this weekend home for 2 days and no outings for me.

HUGS ladies. I do appreciate your words, thoughts and time you give.

Hello this fine morning ladies,
It's the last of the hot days for a while, 90 degrees today, high of 67 on Friday. Can you hear the sound of me rushing to open all the windows? They must have had some good sales this past weekend, noticed that there were a number of people wearing fall clothes and colors even though it was a baking summer 95 degrees on Monday. I have some new things I'm itching to wear myself but am holding off. Was laughing with a girl in the elevator who had a smart 3 piece chocolate brown pantsuit on. She said she knew it was hot but darn it she had new fall clothes and she was going to wear them :D

Day 5 is done on the challenge. I'm going to try and kick it up a bit for day 6 here.

Ceejay, is the new girl specially trained (as in some education degree) or is it just someone they hired off the street hoping being the master trainer that you are that you can turn Lisa into a water plant wizard? I would imagine in your field it's something that you get much better with given time and experience. Some day you must educate us on the workings of a water plant. Probably far more interesting than computer programming :comp: If Rose and I are the town criers for the news, than Meadow and Shad are the master trainers :D Service with a smile.

Noritake, oooh I like their stuff. I thought you were going to visit with Chris Shad, should have known that you'd have a much more busy schedule than just sitting around yakking and drinking tea. :cofdate: Perhaps it gives Chris a sense of normalcy to be cramming an activity into every minute. In any event we look forward to pictures.

Holly I applaud your committment to volunteering. Far too many people are into themselves for many reasons. We have lost a sense of belonging and community. Too many times it falls upon a select few to do everything and that gives those of us who do a sense of why bother sometimes :dunno: but as long as people like you try, it gives the rest of us some hope.

Meadow, I did get a short glimpse at your latest art design. Very pretty but now it's gone again :(

Mel, how did you send the parcel to Linus? She still hasn't received mine and I sent it over a month ago. How did you send it? I probably should have used FedEx and not the US Postal Service :mad: Now that you've been on maintenance duty for the week I'm sure everything is fixed and up to snuff so you can rest NOW. Did you get the leg things fixed on your chair?

Painter did you get out and pick up groceries and get some walking in? Don't make us sign you up for Linda T's 5am aerobics class :tired: : :dancer:

Time for me to run into the shower. I have an early morning meeting today, MUST get my butt out of here soon. (The clock moves extra fast in the morning - that is UNTIL I get to the office :lol: )

Hello to the other chicks and a good day to everybody...

Happy-Must be your computer settings protecting you from excessive use of colour :lol3: here is the link, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ng-dervish.jpg It has been cold up here for two weeks. I took the tomato plants down and have half a counter of little green tomatoes to think up something to do with.

Holly-what are you doing today? How was the cleaning lady/team, did they do everything according to your expectations? Drink a Horton's large coffee for me ;)

Shad-oh, your trip to Japan sounds like it is going to be a hoot! I hope your friend Chris has her energy and will be able to keep up. Will you be going to any of the gardens? The Toyota plant should be a real eye opener, my husband swears by their quality, doesn't think much of any other automaker.

Mel-How goes it? You breathing deep? Deligating like a sergeant major? I hope you are enjoying being back in the saddle again, just remember to enjoy the view;)

Ceejay-is this new trainee taking notes? It is so important to have a reference to flip back to. It always takes people a week or so to start a new routine, have faith that what you are showing her will create the glowing light bulb soon:D

I'm doing well on my challenge. Making sure I have a glass of water here by the computer everytime I'm on is getting the fluids into me. Exercise is progressing. I have done the WATP 4mile and 2miles so far this week, will do another 4mile either today or tomorrow and who knows?! maybe I'll pop this pilates tape I got in the cereal box into the computer and see what that stuff is all about.

:wave: Hello Teel, Linus, CJ, Rose are you having a lovely day? Plant some spring bulbs, a little gift to yourself for the future :)

I was going to say good morning but it is 12:36. SO, Afternoon Ladies!
DH and I both woke with colds. That could explain feeling down the other day. Yesterday was good.
I baked the pies this morning and scooted them to the rec centre and met with the minister to do some business. Just 2 little guys all morning.I am going to bed at 1 with a good highland novel. mmmmmmm
I have a big school council meeting tonight.
Shad~ you must be getting excited./ Hubby was in Japan 25 years ago and still talks about it. We have good friends in Tokyo.
CJ~ how goes the training today?
Happy~ are ya lovin' the cooler temps??

PW, Mel, Nae, Tig, Teel ,Linus and crew...HI!!!

Originally Posted by Meadow:
Happy-Must be your computer settings protecting you from excessive use of colour :lol3:

THAT's a good one Meadow - yeah, that's got to be it :idea: :chin: :D

I will join hubby in the Toyota loyalty department. We're on our 7th 4Runner - can you tell which is my favorite model :s: . Hubby has an Avalon. We're pretty much had Toyota's exclusively since the 80's (sorry Chevy and Ford, we gave you a chance and you disappointed us big time). When it comes to both quality of manufacture and service, it's Toyota hands down. I did love my Firebird but it's no good to drive in the snow, :( they don't make them anymore :( :( and I've gotten too old and stiff to be able to get out of one without rolling out of the car on to the pavement and using the door handle to pick myself up - just not cool anymore - kinda like when I went to get off DH's Harley, swung my leg in too much of an arc and flew right off the bike on to my butt on the driveway :( :( :( :rofl: :rofl:

Meadow there's nothing better than Pilates to work the abs. It doesn't seem like it's that hard but it's a great workout. Takes about 3 weeks of 3 times a week sessions to start to see results but it does make a difference. Helps with the posture too. Hope you like it.

Hope you feel better Holly, enjoy your book and rest up.

I was supposed to have lunch with a friend today. He got stuck in a meeting. I don't have anything here except THE COOKIES I BROUGHT FOR HIM I will not eat them, I will NOT eat them. I have to remember to leave some canned soup here for emergencies. I don't trust myself to run out and make decent choices on the fast food front. Maybe just some :corn:

Well, it isn't morning... but I took my walk and DH went with me.
Yesterday, however was a big bust. Water, yes, no food writing and no walk. Blech. On the other hand I made it to the office for clients, paid bills, met a friend for dinner and went to the local knitter's guild meeting. I can't remember the last time I was awake that long!!

So I'm back on the wagon. And thinking about how to ressurect my business, professional website/newsletter, etc. etc. but don't want to get overwhelmed.

Apparently you can get a "coach" for the 60 mile, 3 day cancer walk. I bicycled 35 miles in one day , um, 24 years ago.... They give you a 27 week plan... which allegedly allows me almost that long to get in shape for the shaping up. DD and I are thinking about doing it in Philadelphia or San Diego... anybody want to join us?

How far do you think waitresses walk during a day? If they're doing double shifts? Maybe I'll go get a pedometer.

Shad: your trip sounds wonderful. At first I thought the advice about making sure somebody was dead when you ran over them was one of those bizarre translation problems. I hope nobody in my neighbor hood thinks I the best one to send out to get run over.

Y'all... DON'T tell Linda I back slid... don't want a 5 am aerobics class and don't want her cattle prod, either. (Though, come to think of it, I'd like her results.

Happy2: Thanks for sharing the thigh flinging image with the Harley. ExH had a Kawasaki and I was worried my toe would get caught and I'd fall on my face. I was lucky, I guess. Do try to get to New England for fall colors sometime. You can go as early as August, I think, if you go to Nova Scotia and as late as mid October if you hit the longitudes even with Indiana....

Hollyhock.. you have the kinds of days that used to make me crazy. Interrupted at every turn but with tons of appointments. Bless you for keeping your mind in one piece. There were years when I think we mostly ate fruits/vegs and sandwiches in the car on the way to or from someplace. I guess the fact that my son only had hockey practice once a week is why HE wasn't the 18 yr old draft pick for Pittsburgh!! (Can't wait to see highlights.) People don't understand, but this Texan fell in love with hockey...)

Roseblush... if you want profitable pets you might consider alpacas or llamas. I don't think there's any cash in koi or guppies.

Ceejay: good luck training your worker. I think training is more of an art than a science... and that there has to be excellent understanding between the parties. Maybe Shad has a differeing point of view.

We're supposed to have a cold front in 5 hours. I'm waiting.

Things are nutty here..
 

FY end and reorg time. I'm getting some added duties so makes things more complicated.

Rumor has it that several of you wish to join the AM aerobics class, which starts at 4:45 so you lazy butts had better not be late. :lol: Painter.. Happy.. I have space on the floor for you.

Holly, yes you guys are scary. I am imagining all of us without makeup first thing in the morning and that, at least for me is terrifying!!

Ceejay.. yes I missed you on the journals too. Just so many are leaving.. :-(

Hi Meadow.. oh Antonio. Nice choice. I am partial to latinos as well.. Jimmy Smits can warm my tootsies any night. :devil:

Mel, you need to grab Turtlebutt and get here here. She is having a tough time and needs some good buds to get her aligned again.

Shad is going to Japan? How completely cool! I'd like something lucious in silk please.. a bathrobe. Yeah!

I am sitting here with a portable heater blasting on my feet, legs and butt. Living in California you would think I'd be warm? Nopers. :lol: My weather whines are beginning early this year. Tonight I have to work in a cold warehouse so I have no idea how this is going to go. I am volunteering at the local Food Bank tonight from like 5:30-8. Last time I was there it was rather nippy insides, but it was nice because it was hot outside. Oh well.. long sleeves for me tonight!!

Good news: Going to a lobster festival this weekend. YUM!

Gotta go nag the bossman.. Toodles!!

I have to start off with something that I think is funny. Last night I had some shopping to do at Wal-Mart. I was making a turn between some card board boxes and their was one corner that was torn just enough to hit the buggie. Yep it made a horrible sound--as that of a fart. When I round the corner of the boxes I heard someone say who did that the other person had this big grin on his face and said a woman in the isle. Yep that would have been me, but trouble of it is that I didnt physically do anything.

About the trainee--No she is not taking notes. I'm having to do that for her, which I don't think is fair, but how can I train someone who is on another shift. She's been here almost 9 years

Happy--I love Toyota's. I have a Rav4.

Painter Woman--like the motto--If I can't be slender by 55 maybe I'll be hot by 60.

This is short, and I still have lot's to do before I can go home. Most of the cleaning I did yesterday. I also need to type my notes for the trainee. Sigh!!!!!

I WILL HAVE SOOO MUCH TO READ SATRUYRDAY MOIRNING....BETTER COME HERE WITH A CUP OF COFFEE AND SETTLE IN FIRST THING SAT. MORNING :cofdate:
JUST WANTED TO SAY ALL IS WELL. STILL CRACKJING THE WHIP. GOD HELP THEM. THEY WILL BE SO GLAD TO SEE JOHN ON MONDAY MAND ME INCLUDED. THE PARTS FOR THE CHAIRS ARE NOT IN YER!!! :tantrum: I HAVE TRIED TO MAKE MORE TIME FOR MYSELF BUT THINGS ARE ALL BREAKING DOWN EVERY FIVE MINUTES!! :yikes: BEEN TRYING TO SQUEEZE IN SOME TOME FOR THE OUTDOORS AT LEAST. THE PLUMBER IS HERE AND I NEED A SHOWER BUT HE DID NOT OFFER TO WASH MY BACK. SO I BEST GET ON WITH IT MYSELF BEFORE HE CALLS ME TO LOCK UP WHEN HE'S DONE. :wave: A HAND TO EACH OF YOU AND TAKE CARE. LOVE YA:moped:

PS~ I HAVE COMPLETED 5 DAYS!! AND YA KNOW WHAT?.....I THINK I HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB WITH EVERYTHING CAUSE I AM DOING THIS CHALLENGE. I EVEN HAVE TIME FOR BREAKFAST EVERY DAY BEFORE I LEAVE THE HOUSE! IT'S ORGANIZATION THAT'S BEEN HOLDING ME BACK or the lack there of!!! :rofl:

Day 6 of our challenge.
 

Morning all,
It's going to be a stinking hot day here today - they are predicting 35C which is around the 100F mark. Hot gusty winds as well. It will not be pleasant out there. Seems we've bypassed most of spring and gone for the hot stuff already. I can only hope that there will be some rain during the rainy season as well. We are desperately dry now. Garden sprinklers are banned, gardens can only be watered by hand held hosing on certain days of the week, and from 7pm to 7am. Yeah right like I am going to stand there holding a hose for 12 hours of a night. It would actually be more beneficial for the garden to allow us one deep water a week. But there you go. More gardens will die I suspect.

Only 21 days to my trip. Can you tell I am looking forward to this??

Ceejay - What I would be inclined to do is to turn the notes into individual lessons and stick them on the network for all to access as required. You could plonk in a screen dump and then explain what happens and the process behind it under the picture. Then it is available and instead of you having to explain over and over again, refer the user to the notes on the computer. All the processes should be documented anyway and business processes plus how to actually do the job is always a bonus when new on the job. You can also get quite reasonably priced programs which create a sort of macro on how to do the job. The user opens the program, selects the job and watches the movie. The movie can be paused so you can go back to the real life stuff and do the things shown on the macro. Camtasia is one such program. Check it out on the 'net. I've used it alot for microsoft stuff and lotus notes (which I hate).
Aha, now we know what you do when you are out shopping. Does it clear the checkouts as well so you can go straight through?

Linda - does the cattle prod attend these sessions? :rofl: :rofl: Nah we're not scary - a little :crazy: perhaps but not scary. I hate to tell you this but I don't wear makeup most of the time. I'm a horrible reminder - from the laws of happy!!! I left the journals mainly because I don't have the time really to sit there and stress. Most of them are very nice people - there are a few I would really like to beat up and tell them to get a life. I wish I had a $ for every time I have shouted at the computer when I read about the attitudes of friends, family and kids and themselves. These times I am so delighted that I live alone. I still read some of the entries. I make comments from time to time to try to encourage and compliment. But I am tired of those who are not able to lose weight EVEN when they EAT MCDONALDS LO FAT SALADS - WTF.
Ummmm I'll look for something in silk for you, but I don't think latinos come wrapped in silk, bathrobe or not, even in Japan.

Painter - are you taking a pause day for the bust yesterday or have you started over? Enquiring minds must know these things. The words in the book are completely English or rather Australian in this case. They don't exactly read as I put it, but the gist is there. Be careful of old folk in the middle of the road (perhaps they don't know which side of the road to lie on?). At first I thought it was a joke since there was something about the Italian Autostrada and Autopista coupled with Italian drivers that made me smile. But when I went back to check, it was fairly plain. It may still be a joke and I am not getting it as such. Don't worry it won't be me that runs you over, I'll be the one on the wrong side of the road driving very slowly and causing chaos. Call me Agent 99 if you will.
Oh training is very scientific with me - it is also an art form. Size up the audience and decide on what size timber with what size nails in the end fits the majority of the heads. Belt with stick where necessary. I still have people coming to me stating that they haven't shaken their heads since I came on the scene but it is a close run thing! I tell all my students that they can only nod. No shaking heads allowed. This is followed up by a practical demonstration in how to nod. But at least they remember who I am and what I do!

Happy - your methods of alighting from vehicles and bikes leaves a bit to be desired. I'll take some pics of the Toyota vehicles I see (if I am allowed) I want to have a go at one of the top of the line Supras or whatever they call them in Japan. Probably something like Parsley!!!
No I am not cramming stuff into every minute. We have about five things planned and 13 days to do them in. If they don't all get done, they don't get done. I shan't get excited about it. After all, we can just get in the car and drive off into the mountains. That way she doesn't have to walk too far. Anyway she is used to me going off hiking up stairs like at St Pauls or at the Temple in Ireland while she does brass rubbing or takes a quiet tour of the building or sits and talks to some other tourist who has done enough for the day. She knows I need to get in exercise and I take her up a whole lot of books for the English library - practically all contributions from Shad - so she can sit and read while I climb trees or whatever. We get on well.
OH AND LEAVE THOSE COOKIES ALONE.

Mel - I'm proud of you, but keep on relaxing. You are doing well. Hop out and see the world for a few minutes too.

Okay - hugs to Holly and Meadow, Tig and Linus and Teel. I can't stop any longer or I'd be writing a novel. And I have work to do. And it is Thursday. And if I have another day like yesterday, I'll be able to post all day because I won't have to come to work. I won't have work. I will have resigned in a huff.